Tag Archives: God’s purposes

Faith trumps worry!

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Good day!  I hope you are finding the time today to celebrate and remember all the dedicated men and women who have sacrificed their lives, their time, their bodies, and their hearts for the purpose of maintaining our freedom.  I appreciate them!

One particular soldier I would like to mention is our first grandson, Josh, who is currently training for the Navy SEALS.  He’s only 19, but his passion to serve God and his country is strong.

Thus far, it has been a grueling experience, unimaginable to most, but it seems the worst of his training is behind him!

It’s interesting what is behind our decisions and choices in life.

Living in Brooklyn and walking back and forth to school, Josh was once robbed at knife-point.  The perpetrator wanted the laptop Josh was carrying home.  He was about 8 or 9.  Thankfully he was not hurt… at least not physically.

Around that same time, the twin towers were struck.  Josh’s church, pastored by his other grandfather, was in Manhattan and so, he witnessed the devastation weekly.

The effects and fear of terrorism was very real for this little guy.

A few years later his family moved to England where is father secured a pastorate position. By then, however, the sentiment toward Americans had turned negative and Josh experienced hardship far too often in school BECAUSE of it.

All these things affected Josh’s faith in God, too.  For a few years, he seemed unreachable.  We worried at times about where all this would lead for him.

We worried because we couldn’t see the future.  We worried because our faith that our God is faithful and loving was not as strong as our fear.  We worried because we were afraid Josh’s wounds would dictate his choices negatively, as it did for us in our younger years.

Somewhere along the line, though, God quieted our hearts as we sought Him.  We didn’t know how all this was going to turn out … only that Josh had God’s favor, as did we, and thus we could count on the outcome to be a favorable one.

No one would have guessed that Josh would desire to try out for the SEALS.  When Josh announced his decision, the opportunity to shriek, “NO!!” rose large.  But we saw how determined he was, and even before enlisting, he trained hard.

When he was accepted into the program, straight from civilian life, we knew he would not need our worrying.  He would need our faith.

That’s what all our men and women need.

Thankfully we are persuaded that faith is a much greater force than worry.

And in what do we have faith? 

In our God who loves us, redeems us, and restores us from all brokenness, and even more, grants us the freedom for which we all long.

Remember the soldiers, today, and remember your God.

Holding God and you in brilliant remembrance!
Maryann

Got Purpose or Too Busy Surviving?

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In my last blog post, I presented the opening line in Paul’s letter to his spiritual son, Timothy.

“I, Paul, am on special assignment for Christ, carrying out God’s plan laid out in the Message of Life by Jesus.” (2 Tim 1:2  The Message)

Paul knew his individual assignment, but also how he fit into the bigger plan.  Having had my own purpose clarified, I can’t tell you the difference it makes!!I encourage you to seek the Lord about yours!

I am aware though, that many of you are in survival mode. Purpose seems too far out there.  Paying your bills, struggling with health issues, healing a broken heart all seem lots more pressing and urgent.

Clarity seems impossible with all the anxious, colliding thoughts.  But I propose that purpose changes the daily grind into daily gold, so press on. It’s so worth it!

Psalm 23:2 says the Lord leads us beside still waters.  He does this!!

Each morning, even for a few minutes,  I HAVE to sit with the Lord, my still water, and get renewed, refreshed, and restored.

Clarity for purpose has come during these times.  But something came before that…. clarity of who I am.

Recently we saw the movie, “The Karate Kid.”  There is a scene where the karate kid’s trainer has the boy look into a large font of water.  When he stirred the water, the boy’s reflection was distorted and unrecognizable.
Then when the water became still, the boy looked at his reflection again, and of course, it was an accurate representation of his face.

This has been my experience when I sit with the Lord.  He has taught me how to look into His face, gain a quiet stillness in my spirit, and position me to hear and see Him, myself, and my circumstances clearly.

Clarity of purpose comes frequently during those times. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t come while driving to work, doing dishes, or taking a shower!

However, the practice of sitting still with Him, seeking Him, and loving on Him brings a great reward.

Clarity of purpose will take you from trying to survive the day to giving your daily activities meaning.  It brings a hope and perspective.

You need to see yourself as more than a conqueror.  You have been given power and the authority to use it.  Your life is favored and full of good things.  His divine power has already given you EVERYTHING for life and godliness.

Ask God to teach you, to train your mind to see your special purpose and the opportunities to fulfill it.  It is within reach.  It’s how you are made.
Have a great day!
Always in YOUR corner,
Maryann

YOU Matter!

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Praise God!  Another new week to see His mercies, favor, and power displayed in and through YOU!

Whatever your environment or your circumstances, you are positioned for a special purpose.  In fact, your very existence has a special purpose.

Some of you may recall that when I was 18, I discovered a family secret:  As a baby, I had an deadly, incurable infantile disease. The doctors projected that I would die before I was 18 months.


As you can see, I was cured and I’m not dead!

The only way to explain the disappearance of the disease, even by most doctors, was — it was a miracle!

The threat of death has a way of putting things into perspective.  Even as a late teen, consumed by college courses and partying, I was struck that day with the realization that I was spared for a reason.


My life had purpose!  I was alive for a reason!

I’d like to say that that revelation catapulted me into my divine purpose, but it wasn’t long before I forgot all about purpose.

Little did I know that NOT considering and discovering what my purpose was would cause a lot of turmoil, ineffectiveness, and frustration in my life.

That does not mean that God had not been leading and steering me in my purpose anyway… He does that!  However, we get to participate!  
The current of the river will take a boat wherever it will, but a person skilled with a sail can effectively use the mighty wind to stay on course.

One of the most fruitful leaders in our history was the apostle Paul.  I believe one reason is seen in Colossians 1:1

(The Message)


“I, Paul, have been sent on special assignment by Christ as part of God’s master plan.”

Paul knew he had a special assignment by Christ.  He knew he was part of God’s master plan.


Do you know that YOU are a part of God’s master plan? Do you know what that part is? Are you aware of YOUR assignment?

If you are experiencing frustration in your life, maybe not having clarity contributes.

In considering this with the Lord, remember, His plans and purposes for you are always good.  He says so.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11

Believe this very familiar, oft-quoted verse and then seek God.  Ask Him to teach you, to begin the discovery process.  I’d love to hear what He says!!

Always in YOUR corner,
Maryann