Unbroken

They say nobody goes through life unbroken. We all have our scars and storms weathered.  Some more than others but none of us leave unscathed.

There have been points in my life when I have been both physically and emotionally broken.    Moments that brought me to my knees.  I've had seasons of spiritual brokenness, where I questioned my faith or was betrayed by those entrusted with the gospel.  And we've certainly had our share of financial breaks, where we faced unemployment, income shifts and unsurmountable medical debt.

But despite what life and evil has brought our way, we are still standing.  The constant through it all is that God never left us.  Even in the seasons of doubt, anger, or deep grief.  

This week, leading up to Easter, one of my devotions spoke on unbroken bones.  (Ps 34:20)  

When you think about all the injuries and pain Christ endured on the cross, it is unbelievable that none of his bones were broken.  God spoke of this before it ever came to be.  

As we sit in the midst of Holy week, instead of focusing on the One who is ultimately in control -Whose hand holds the past, present and future...the world dwells on doom.  With the solar eclipse approaching, conspiracy theories and claims of destruction abound.  People are anxious and filled with worry with what may come. 

I've had periods of worry, some points of time that it nearly overtook me.  My husband sometimes jokes that he never has to worry because I do enough for both of us.  Being a planner, I like to think of it more as an assessment.  Working out all the details and possible outcomes with solutions.  But I've learned that worrying adds nothing good to the problem.  As I've grown older and longer in my faith, I've given more of my worries to God and found unexplainable peace in knowing He is ultimately in control.

Jesus suffered greatly this week.  Unimaginable torture and affliction.  But he was not fully broken.  

God promises that for us too.  No matter the trials and suffering of this life, He is with you.  This world cannot break us because it is not our home.  Whatever we face is temporary.  Hope and Heaven cannot be broken.

Faithful Friday: Blessed Assurance

Oh, how I have missed you all...

It's been a busy, topsy-turvy, two weeks.  Many joyful moments, of which I've failed to share.  And a few scary, uncertain ones as well.

My birthday was spent at the ER with Tim, complications with his injuries.  He's had a tough patch since being hurt at a house fire on Christmas.  How timely it was that I've been reading, "Praying for your Husband from Head to Toe," although I didn't know I'd be so focused on this foot!  And although it has been an ordeal, we were overjoyed to have him finally get to see a specialist today.  He still has a bit more healing to do but, step by step, he's making it through.

I've survived week two of my new job and it has been filled with blessings.  One of the most positive changes, no surprise, has been the Christian influence that surrounds me.  There is nothing quite like having weekly prayer requests come across my inbox.  This past week's ended so beautifully, I've shared it with many and wanted to post it here as well:

"Loving God, be merciful to those who are suffering
and also those you have called to eternal life. 
Give refreshment, rest, and peace to all whose faith is known to you alone. 

 Grant a peaceful waiting to those who have entered a period of healing. Amen."

This morning, I awoke to a 5 am text, knowing that meant school was closed due to snow.  After checking the weather and news though, I realized my own campus would remain open.  Anxiety quickly settled in, thinking of my hour commute. 

I despise driving in snow. Or even walking in it. It scares me.  And, coming from a career where the majority of the time I could work from home on snowy days, I have little practice doing so.

Nervous, I entered the shower, hoping the hot water would wash away my worries.  Tim, knowing my fears, offered to ride over with me as I was getting ready.  Both planning to drive over today anyway, he thought it'd be good practice for me.  Yet another ray of sunshine in the midst of the storm.

Before we headed out, I paused to read my devotion. 
And it had just the God-wink I needed to ease my concerns...

 "I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears.

If you honor the Lord, his angel will protect you."  Psalm 34:4

 

 

Remember my "one word for 2014?" - ASSURANCE!

Having Tim in the passenger seat to calm me helped too.  As did the fact that, for the most part, the roads were relatively clear.  But here's hoping for an early spring!

It's good to be back, friends.  Have a JOY-filled weekend!!

Faithful Friday: God Nudge

God never ceases to amaze me.  Each time he leads me to scripture - at just the perfect moment and exactly the words needed - I am in awe.  It reminds me of his loving ways and his desire to have a personal, meaningful relationship with us. 

Words are powerful to me.  They are what speaks to my heart.  And last night's words were nothing short of Heaven-sent.

It was a later than normal night when we finally made it to bed.  Part of it was due to the knowledge that we'd be off today and didn't need our typical shut-eye quota.  The other was due to some personal turmoil we're experiencing.  Because it's personal and doesn't just, or even really at all, involve me, I'm not sharing.  Thanks in advance for the concern I know many of you will have.  Nothing to worry your pretty little heads about, just a season of struggle.  This too shall pass...

But as we crawled into bed, the weight and emotions from disappointment and drama hovered like a fog cloud.  I didn't want to enter dreamland with the darkness and felt the need to turn to God's word.  Tim went to get our devotional but returned with the longer, more involved book.  I began reading and instantly we realized there was no understanding.  Having to repeat the first paragraph three times, I frustratingly closed the book and set it on my bedside table.  Reaching between us for the Bible, to place it on top, it fell open to the 34 Psalm. 

This particular Bible is a worn favorite, it's pages dog-eared and ink-filled with thoughts, sermon quotes, moments and milestones.  It's a devotional Bible, having short passages within the scripture for each day of the week.  Something whispered, nudging me to read aloud.  I began with Psalm 34, the passage for this particular day.  Lines jumped out, highlighting themselves and speaking to us for the current issue at hand. 
Comfort nestled among us, peace settled and our spirits were lifted. 


Such an honor when God speaks.  Or when he whispers.  Or gently nudges.  However he sends the message, I'm blessed and thankful to hear it.

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17