Greater Love
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God…”
1 John 4:7 (NIV)

Vesta Burgess was a mother. She gave birth to eight children and loved them each deeply. The seventh child was born severely physically and mentally disabled. This child never talked, never crawled, never walked. Each day of this child’s 14 years, Vesta fed her, cleaned her, spoke to her, and prayed for her. While many only saw this child as a burden, and in fact, pushed Vesta to institutionalize her daughter, Vesta saw only a gift from God that she was to nurture. What great love!

Mr. McKay was an elderly man who believed in helping impoverished students to achieve their college dreams. A man of means, he would allow young men to live in his home near campus rent-free in exchange for household chores. Even upon his death, his will stipulated that first his assets were to be used to help any students currently living with him to obtain student housing for the balance of the school year. What great love!

Mike’s* wife is leaving him. Oh, she’s still in the house, but she has been diagnosed with dementia. Daily he sees changes in the woman he loves. Her physical prognosis is good, but her mind is wasting away. He is determined to care for her, despite the emotional and financial challenges facing them for many years to come. What great love!

Jesus commanded us to love sacrificially. We may not have to face dying in the place of someone else, as He did for us, but each of us is charged to lay down our lives…put others first…make another person’s needs a priority. You may not have a loved one that needs physical care. You may not be able to spend a lot of money. Sacrificial love doesn’t have to be extreme. It can be listening, encouraging, or lending a hand.

By the way, my father was the last student who stayed with Mr. McKay. Without the free room, Dad could not have gone to college. Vesta Burgess was my grandmother and I was blessed to have been loved by her, too.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a way today to show someone a little love beyond what you might normally do. And then do it! Some ideas: sending a note, giving a caretaker or young mom a break, or calling a friend with whom you’ve lost touch.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 5:8; John 15:12-13

*Name changed for privacy

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader and a High School home group leader.

Just the Right Ingredient
By Jen Wollner

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith than can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV, emphasis added)

“Oh, no! Why isn’t this working?” I said with irritation as I was preparing my dessert. I looked back to the recipe, reading it several times over, looking for my mistake. “I’ve followed it exactly. What’s the problem?” Again, I recounted my steps and couldn’t figure out what I had missed. Then it hit me. I frantically looked through the garbage for the package of one of the ingredients. Yep. That was it. You need to use instant pudding when making a trifle, not cook-and-serve pudding! Such a small thing, but it made all the difference. Without this one ingredient right, the whole thing was a flop. None of the other perfectly good ingredients could make up for the one that was missing.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that love is kind of like that, too. It’s the ingredient in our lives that brings everything else together. We can have any number of wonderful spiritual gifts, but without love, we have nothing, are nothing and gain nothing. Love is the character trait that makes all of our gifts and talents work the way they are supposed to, according to God’s design. If we are lacking in love, we are missing the very thing that makes the biggest impact in our lives and the lives of others.

Friends, as we seek to develop the unique gifts the Lord has given to us, let’s not forget, first and foremost, to be characterized by our love. A love that is patient and kind. A love that doesn’t envy or boast. A love that isn’t proud, rude, self-seeking or easily angered. A love that keeps no record of the wrongs of others. A love that doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. A love that always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.

Let’s make an intentional decision to daily demonstrate the greatest gift of God…love.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you characterized by your love? What would others around you say?
2. To whom and in what way could you show godly love today?

FURTHER READING:
1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 1 John 3:16-18

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three elementary-aged children. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

What is His Name?
By Peggy Kleckner

“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth - - the LORD God Almighty is His name.”
Amos 4:13 (NIV)

"Oh what is his name?" How often have we uttered that phrase followed by "you know the one that did such and such or played so and so in that movie." We say what we know about a person to help describe them, so that someone will fill in the name that is lost on the tip of our tongue. Imagine the conversation: " You know the One who forms the mountains and creates the wind." "The One who turns dawn to darkness." Would your friend's face become clouded over? Who doesn't know God?

Truthfully, there are days I remember His name, but I forget what I should know about Him! When I am being overwhelmed by the "stuff" of life, when life isn't looking "fair," when it looks like the darkness is winning...those are the times I struggle. Does He care? Where is He? Does He really have a plan for me? This morning, God used the dawn. It came quietly, no great noise. Gradually, it overcame the darkness. Suddenly I could see out the window, where before all was black and my vision was of no use. In my thoughts, I dared to question further, "What about when the darkness returns?" But then I recalled that the darkness does not overtake the light, the light leaves. Darkness is powerless when we hold on to the light...our hope.

God is sovereign. He orchestrates our lives. Look for Him in all of your situations. If you are in darkness, look up, reach out and grab the hand that knows the way. Open His Word and allow Him again to remind you of who He is and all that He is capable of. Stand fast; our Creator-Redeemer lives.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you have a harder time recognizing God in the darkness or in the light?
2. What have you learned about Him in both places?

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 1:3-5; Exodus 10:21-23; Exodus 20:20-21 

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield.

Waiting for the Master's Return

by Kelley Kuphall

“Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

Matthew 25:13 (KJV)

My son and I were waiting in the car while my husband made a quick run into the store. Knowing there would be a delay in getting home, I was already getting antsy. My son’s repeating the same knock-knock joke for the 12^th time wasn't funny anymore either! 

As I rolled my eyes and looked out the window, I saw something that gave me a happy distraction. There was a truck that pulled up next to us with this beautiful dog in the backseat. I've always loved dogs and while I was impatiently waiting for our hot ham & rolls, I enjoyed watching this glorious pup.

It’s a common picture…perhaps you’ve seen the same: He barked once when his owner got out and walked into the store, but then he was silent. As much noise as my seven-year-old was making, that dog was not distracted. He was watching and waiting for his Master's return. He never took his eyes off those doors where his owner disappeared, except to move his head to get a better view when something blocked his way.  He knew his Master would come back, and he was committed to waiting.

Oh, for us to be like that loyal friend. To be faithful, waiting for our Lord's return. To not let the chaos of the world distract us from being prepared or doing what we can to lead others to be prepared. It's easy to plan the next week or month, and I find myself thinking about the next big years: my son's birthdays, graduation, traveling, etc. But what am I doing to plan for the King's return?

I've been humming this old hymn lately, but I could only remember certain parts.  Looking up the words, I found it more meaningful than just the chorus that I was remembering.

“Faithful and true would He find us here, If He should come today?

Watching in gladness and not in fear, If He should come today?

Signs of His coming multiply, morning light breaks in eastern sky;

Watch, for the time is drawing nigh, What if it were today?

Glory, glory! Joy to my heart ‘twill bring,

Glory, glory! When we shall crown Him King;

Glory, glory! Haste to prepare the way;

Glory, glory! Jesus will come someday.”

                                                 -Leila Morris, What If It Were Today  [1]

                                  

GOING DEEPER:

1.      How will He find you waiting?

2.      What would it look like if we were "watching in gladness and not in fear"?

FURTHER READING:

2 Peter 3:10-18; Matthew 24:36; Matthew 25:13

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjyklzQeBQY

Kelley’s a wife and mom who works part-time at a Christian counseling clinic and has a personal direct sales business. Kelley serves with Oakwood’s worship team and is the coordinator for the HeartLove Place Birthday Cake ministry.

Trusting God With “Whatever!”

By Karen D’Amore

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart...”

Proverbs 3:5a (NIV)

As an extreme “creature of habit,” I’m most comfortable with the routine and familiar elements in my daily life. My daily regimen is etched with repetition, including servicing the same familiar clients, week after week. A proverbial struggle is when my flesh resists those periodic disruptions to my routine (comfort zone). A recent season, in which God has been unlocking doors to the new and unfamiliar, has translated into a litany of new, unfamiliar clients on my appointment books.

Jane (not her real name) was a most recent new, pedicure client. When I learned from the receptionist of Jane’s oddly disturbing behavior and numerous phone calls while booking her appointment, I had perplexing concerns about servicing this new client. On the morning of Jane’s appointment, I was overcome by a wave of anxiety as I anticipated her evening pedicure. Stressing to the point of nausea, the salon bathroom became my temporary prayer closet. While I was praying over the appointment, God impressed upon my heart the word…whatever.

 I was reminded to practice what I’ve been preaching for many years! I believe that as Christ-followers we can trust that “whatever” passes through our life…was first sifted through the hands of God. So as I anticipated this unfamiliar client, who had already displayed warning signs of a potential nightmare, I felt God asking me, “Will you trust me with this...whatever ?!” Trusting and believing that God was allowing this “whatever” for His express purpose, I chose faith over fear and embraced the “disruption” as a potential ministry opportunity.

Jane’s sixty-plus minute appointment turned into an adventure resembling Disneyland’s’ Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride! I quickly learned that Jane, who suffers with severe OCD, is a patient in a local treatment facility. Unfamiliar with this condition, I followed the Holy Spirit’s leading, in my dialoging with Jane. While her condition made our interaction frustrating and at times annoying to me, God faithfully infused my heart with supernatural patience and compassion. And as God gradually peeled back the complex layers of this troubled young lady, I soon learned that her condition has derailed her (once strong) faith in God - -  leading her down a path of perceived hopelessness.

Like a divinely-scripted scenario from an inspirational stage show, God appointed this opportunity to encourage Jane and steer her back into a relationship with Him. As we exchanged hugs, Jane professed her hunger to re-unite with God and trust Him with her disorder. Confident that this appointment was a divine disruption and definitely a God-allowed whatever,  the experience served to deepen my trust and readiness to trust God with those future…whatevers.

Are you willing to cup-open your hands and trustingly pray: Whatever…Lord?

GOING DEEPER:

1. How’s your trust?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 17:7; Psalm 37:3

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon. She serves on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.

Empty Baskets
By Elin Henderson

“And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, 

as much as they wanted.” 
John 6:11 (NKJV)

This is such a familiar story to so many of us, the feeding of the 5,000 (plus). Far beyond being a simple story, it is such a beautiful picture of our relationship with our Savior and our need to go to Him for our own needs and the needs of others. The disciples were given a task beyond their capabilities. To feed a crowd of 5,000 plus is no small job! They brought their meager provisions before the Master realizing the insufficiency of them and He supplied above and beyond that which they could ask or think. It was the hands and feet of the disciples that got the bread to the needy people. Jesus was there as the provider.

Now, perhaps I am taking some spiritual and scriptural license here, but I wonder how the disciples carried the food to the people! Obviously, 12 men could not carry enough bread and fish to feed over 5,000 hungry people. Because baskets are mentioned, I am going to assume they used those. They took what they could, went to as many people as they could and then did what? When the supply they had ran out and their baskets were empty, did they try to start fabricating more bread and fish on their own? No, I’m imagining they went back to the Master for more provisions! They knew where the source was!

Many times our Master gives us the provision to reach out to a hungry and needy world around us. Our sufficiency just isn’t enough! We can’t come up with a plan, let alone the provision to meet the need. He gives us all we need, equips and provides for us, and asks us to be His hands and feet to go and meet the needs of others. But, like the Israelites in the wilderness gathering just enough manna for that day (any more would have just gone bad), our Master gives us just what we need for that day and asks us to come to Him when that runs out. Like the disciples, may we take our empty baskets to the Master and ask Him to fill them and equip us for reaching out to the lost world in which we live and work. And, when our manna runs out, may we immediately return to the source, stock up and set out again!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What task has the Lord laid on your heart? In what ways has He asked you to be His hands and feet? Where are you going for the provision for that task?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 4:19; Colossians 1:29

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to fourteen-year-old Callie and twelve-year-old Elias.

Danger in Safety

By Brita Crouse

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”

Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

I am learning that sometimes in life, it feels easier to “play it safe” than to take risks. However, as our verse above tells us, as Christians, we should have a very different mindset about how to live. As easy as it seems to live comfortably, we are called to follow Christ, which doesn’t necessarily mean living in safety.

The book Crazy Love  addresses this idea of “safe living” with these words:

“People who are obsessed with Jesus aren’t consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God’s kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress.” [1]

The Bible gives us numerous examples of Christ-followers who lived for Christ, not for comfort. David hid in caves as he was pursued by Saul because of his appointment as ruler over Israel. Moses led an exodus while warding off Egyptians, fielding complaints, and acting as mediator between God and His people. Paul was imprisoned for doing the Lord’s work and Peter was crucified for being a follower of Jesus. These people, by any standard, were not living comfortably, but they were being obedient to Christ.

My brother has been on a two-month journey working as an intern with orphanages in Latvia. He has many excuses and reasons not do to this, (namely, it’s far away and the unstable political climate in Eastern Europe), but in faith, he has chosen to be obedient. My parents have received many questions and concerns about his safety also, but they have taken on the attitude of, “Who are we as parents to tell him to disobey his Father?”

We have all sorts of things that lull us into feeling secure, like seatbelts and helmets and financial stability. It is very important to be wise, but there is danger in “playing it safe.” It is when we feel comfortable that we forget our true purpose in this life: to be a follower of Christ.

Let us not exclusively and excessively concern ourselves with safety, but rather leave the protecting to God. Instead, let us pray that we, as well as others, would be used by God to further His kingdom. Let’s take a risk and practice obedience.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Listen to “The Cost” by Rend Collective Experiment. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2TxahqbSbU)
2. Is there a situation in your life where God is calling you out of comfort?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 28:18b, 19; Joshua 1:9

Brita recently graduated with her Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past eighteen years.

[1] Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God (Elgin, IL: David C. Cook, 2008), 133.  

The Journey
By Lisa Boyer

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Sometimes during life’s journey we find ourselves on routes we didn’t expect….

In Genesis 37, we read of the young man Joseph who had dreams, dreams from God of his brothers bowing down to him. But in Genesis 39 and 40, we find that he’s not being revered by his brothers, he’s been sold into slavery by them and is in an Egyptian prison. Prison: not where Joseph expected to be.

1 Samuel 16 tells us of the young shepherd boy David who is anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel. But in I Samuel 19 through 26, instead of ruling a kingdom, David’s hiding in caves, hunted like an animal by King Saul who’s trying to kill him. Hiding: not where David expected to be.

Those unexpected routes in life can surely shake one’s faith, but Joseph and David remained faithful. Now, we Bible readers may be tempted to take their faith for granted because we can turn forward a few pages and see how their life’s journeys unfold: Joseph is made a ruler in Egypt and his brothers do bow down before him; David becomes the king and rules for 40 years. But Joseph and David were in the middle of their journeys without the Book to tell them how things turn out. All they knew was that God made a promise and they believed He was going to keep it. They kept the faith in spite of years of waiting…yes, years. The two chapters describing the events of Joseph’s slavery and imprisonment covered 13 years of his life’s journey. From the time David is anointed as king to when he actually becomes king is over 15years.

The middle of life’s journey can be difficult and long, but we must not lose sight of the fact that we are in the midst of a journey. It’s not over yet. We may not be able to see where our journey leads, but we KNOW that God is always up to something in our lives and it’s always a good something, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you become discouraged with your life’s journey? Today, will you reaffirm your commitment to follow and trust God no matter what route your life’s journey takes?
2. Have you intentionally left the path God had you on? Right now, will you go to God in prayer and get back on the route He has planned for you?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 16:11; I John 3:2a; Jeremiah 29:11

Lisa has been married to Ted for 24 years and they have two sons in college. Lisa serves in Quest 56 on Sunday mornings at Oakwood.

Life-lesson From a Chipmunk
By Susan Klein

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, 

the new has come!"
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

One thing that tickles my fancy is watching the birds feed at my feeders. One thing that does not tickle me, however, is watching the chipmunks and squirrels devour all of my bird food. How dare they eat what is not meant for them! Do they know that they are not birds?!!

As I sat contentedly watching the Grosbeaks this morning, their breakfast was suddenly interrupted when a chipmunk flung his little body onto the feeder and actually crawled inside of it for a greedy little feeding frenzy. My contentment soon turned to resentment! Frustrated by this intrusion, I opened the door and went out to chase him away. My usual shouts didn’t make him flee! Blinded by his focus on the prize, I had to physically pound on the feeder to scare him out! Knowing he’d return as soon as I left, I took the feeder down and hauled it back in with me. “That’ll teach him,” I muttered.

As I returned my gaze to the shepherds crook... sure enough! There he was! He climbed to the top, looked down, and didn’t see the feeder. Turning his head side to side, he climbed half-way down and then back up again. Still no feeder. This went on for about a dozen more repetitions. His mind was so trained that there was food at the end of the crook that he had a hard time processing that it was not there. It had become automatic.

We can be like that chipmunk sometimes. We can get caught in a pattern of behavior that becomes automatic. It may not even be a desirable behavior, but it is so ingrained in our brains that we keep repeating it over and over. Perhaps it’s using a harsh response to things that irritate us, repeatedly watching a bad television show, or a self-indulgence of some sort. We keep going blindly back to it without even thinking. God tries to speak to us, but we cannot hear His voice since we are not focused on hearing Him, only on what is in front of us. Sometimes He has to rattle our cages to get our attention! Or, He may even go so far as to remove the object that has kept us from hearing Him.

As new creatures in Christ, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and focus our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)! For He is our true prize!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What indulgences or habits might you need to stop? Are you willing to ask God for help in breaking the pattern?

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 4:22-24

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood and also co-leads an on-site small group.

The Next Step

by Becci Terrill

 

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

 

 

Whoosh!

 

In a split second, my feet went out from under me, and I lay motionless on the ground. As I gathered my thoughts, I realized that my right foot was not where it ought to be - -  tucked neatly under my body. Instead, it had gone a different direction. I reached down, picked it up and placed it back where I thought it should be, then lay still in the snow.

 

What now?

 

After an ambulance ride and emergency room visit, I lay at home with my ankle set and bandaged, facing surgery and months of recovery. This was not part of "the plan." This was not "supposed" to happen. I had prayed about being in that place at that time. God had directed. I had followed. I was supposed to be speaking the next morning, sharing with a group of women what God had given to me for them. Surely He wanted me to finish the work He had called me to do?

 

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps,"   read the verse written in a card from a friend (Proverbs 16:9).  Does that mean thisstep too, Lord?

As I lay with elevated foot, the Holy Spirit reminded me what God's Word said...

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take."  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 

"I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  (Isaiah 29:11)

 

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purposes for them."  (Romans 8:28)

 

God's Word is constant and true in every situation - - even the unexpected "steps" that take us down a new path to a new destination. Does this mean that we shouldn't make plans?

 

It certainly does not; however, it does  mean that our "expected destination" may be different than the destination God has planned. Scripture is filled with examples of this happening in the lives of those who loved God.

 

Psalm 37:23 says, "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."  

 

Yes, even the unexpected ones.

 

 

GOING DEEPER:

1. Has there been a time when God re-directed your steps? How did He use this re-direction for good?
2. What "next step" are you considering? Have you taken it to the Lord?

 

FURTHER READING:

Read the stories of Joseph (Genesis 37, 39-47), Esther, Ruth and Daniel in the Old Testament (the last three are found in books by the same name). See how God took seemingly "bad" circumstances and worked them out for good.

 

Becci Terrill is a wife and mom to two adult daughters. She is the Children's Ministry Director at Oakwood Church.

Wrestling With God

By Brita Crouse

           

"Yes, [Jacob] wrestled with the angel and won. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him. There at Bethel he met God face to face, and God spoke to him - - the LORD God Almighty, the LORD is His name!"

Hosea 12:4,5 (NLT)

 

It is amazing how much happens in a year. For me, a specific year recently was full of joy and struggle and changes. Here is what I wrote:

 

Now I find myself preparing to make another big transition. Of course, there is excitement in this because it means new people, places and experiences. But, it also means that many doors, which opened up a year ago, are now beginning to close.

 

Over the past year, I've had opportunities to teach, lead, minister, learn, grow, witness and deepen relationships through work, volunteer positions and interactions with loved ones. Now that I am approaching this new stage of life - - one that I have anticipated and praying about for years - - I find myself on a roller coaster of emotion.

 

Lately, I have felt like I'm in a wrestling match with God. I have so much to look forward to, but it's hard for me to see past my disappointment in giving up things I have come to love doing. God has led me to and through some amazing places this past year, so I keep reminding myself that I will embrace where He leads me in the future.

 

In Genesis 32, we read about Jacob, who is feeling the pressure of an impending meeting with his estranged brother. A "Man" sees Jacob, who is alone, and wrestles him. Jacob is at a point in his life where he needs to submit to God. He has a lot riding on this meeting with his brother Esau but he needs to trust God with it. That is what the Man is there to help him realize. Jacob didn't wrestle with God, God initiated and wrestled with him to bring him to a point of true surrender. (1)

 

Much like Jacob, I am also learning this lesson of submission and trust. God has blessed me immensely this past year and now He is calling me to move on to something else. Instead of resisting His great plan for me, I am learning to embrace it.

 

God's plan for our lives is so much greater than we could ever hope or imagine. Our response?  Submit to and trust in Him.

 

GOING DEEPER:

 How can God be shining through your weakness today?

Listen to "You Make Everything Beautiful" by Rebecca St. James (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRyDhDXMaog).

 

 

FURTHER READING:

Genesis 32:24-29; Ephesians 3:20, 21

 

(1) Perkins, Daniel. "The Cost of Wrestling with God." Relevant Magazine. Web. 25 June 2014. Read it here:  http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/practical-faith/cost-wrestling-god

 

Brita recently graduated with her Master's in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past eighteen years.

Reconciliation and Restoration-Lessons Learned

By Jeannine Sawall

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”

2 Corinthians 5:18 (NIV)

Almost six years have passed since I received the letter from my bio-dad, Larry, and the five-year anniversary of my mom’s passing is quickly approaching. As I reflect back, God has taught me many things:

1)     God’s timing is always perfect. Larry’s letter was sent at a time I would be open to his becoming a part of my life, and he was eager to become a part of my and my family’s lives.

2)     God is always working to perfect us and have us reflect His Son’s image. The Lord knew my mom was going home 16 days after she and Larry reconnected. He allowed her to work through the conflicting, painful emotions that Larry’s re-entry into our lives had brought to the surface. He gave her peace on THIS side of heaven before she entered into eternal peace. That was a gift for her, for Larry and for me.

3)     God is never done writing our story and it’s never what we think it’s going to be. After 41 years, I never expected to hear from my bio-dad, let alone form a loving relationship with him. Yet, he has become part of my extended family. What a blessing to “feel at home” with my father.

4)     God’s ultimate story is shared when we allow ourselves to be used by Him. Larry often brings up faith. He says he “sees” the difference that was in my mom and is in me and wants faith like that, but he felt he let us down and struggled with unconditional acceptance. How could we just let him into our lives, “no strings attached”? It has opened up many opportunities to share the gospel with him and let him know the only way we were able to offer unconditional love and acceptance was because of the unconditional love and acceptance given to us through Christ’s death and resurrection.

God grieves brokenness. However, our God is a God of healing!! Out of the pain and heartache of a broken relationship, an unplanned pregnancy and an absentee father, God has brought beauty from ashes. He has reconciled relationships and restored hearts. While my mother/daughter story is complete, He continues to write my father/daughter story. It’s not what I would have planned or expected, but God is faithful and good and He is the source of all blessings…even unexpected ones that show up as a letter in God’s perfect timing. 

GOING DEEPER:

1.      Where in your life do you need to acknowledge lessons God has taught you?

2.      With whom do you need to share the gospel today?

FURTHER READING:

Colossians 1:20, Jeremiah 33:6-7

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several behind-the-scenes ministries at Oakwood and has a heart for those who are grieving.

Reconciliation and Restoration-Peace!

By Jeannine Sawall

“ 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.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Seeing the two of them sitting next to each other, smiling and chatting brought tears to my eyes. For the first time in my 41 years, my mom and bio-dad were in the same room with each other sitting and talking like old friends. I felt compelled to take of a picture of the two of them but hesitated to do so. I didn’t want to make their first meeting feel awkward.

I sat down with them and began talking with both  my parents! I pulled out pictures of my family’s recent vacation and shared them with Larry while my mom looked on. Later in the evening, my mom, stepdad and a couple of friends were sitting in the family room with Larry…still talking! I asked if they were going to join us for the fireworks. My mom smiled and said, “We’ll be down in a minute. We’re working on getting Larry saved!”

The next day, I told my mom how proud I was of her. She seemed so at ease with Larry after all these years, despite the initial emotional struggle after he contacted me. She said it was good to see him after all that time. I asked her if she had found “closure,” and she said she hadn’t, but God had given her a peace that she hadn’t had before. She shared how good it was to see Larry and me together. “He really does love you, Bean. I’m so glad I had a chance to see that.” Sixteen days later, my mom died in a car accident.

As I look back at that time, I see the hand of God so very clearly in every detail. He brought Larry into my life in His timing, not to replace my mom but to offer me the opportunity to develop a father/daughter relationship I didn’t even know I was missing at a time I would desperately need it. While my mom had experienced healing in many areas of her life, Larry was the one “loose end” she struggled with. God, in His goodness, allowed her to experience peace with Larry before she was called home, and God allowed me to witness that process. God’s plans and timing may not always be clear to us or easy to walk. But we can be sure His plans are for our good, for hope and for a future, if we trust Him and allow Him to work in our lives.

GOING DEEPER:

1. With whom does God desire you to reconcile?
2. Where do you need to trust God with your future?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 8:28, Psalm 118:8

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several behind-the-scenes ministries at Oakwood and has a heart for those who are grieving.