Fallible
By Sarah Walker

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Acts 17:10-11 (ESV)

Every single person is fallible. Every single one. Even the people whose opinions we respect and value the most. Even the most well-intentioned person can lead us astray.

You see, no one is above reproach at all times. No one gets it right 100% of the time. I don’t. You don’t. My mentors, parents, in-laws, spouse, children, friends, pastor…none of them are infallible. To treat any human being as infallible is to erect an idol. Yes, we still might have God in first position, but when that one other person whom we deeply respect provides us with a direction different than the one we know God has led us to, which way do we go? Whose voice do we listen to more?

Yes, it is hard to walk away from the advice of a trusted friend or mentor, but if, after prayer and the study of the Word, the Holy Spirit draws us down a different path and another focus than that of the person speaking into our life, whom do we follow?

God is and always will be the only infallible one. We are, like the Bereans, to test everything we hear with God’s Word…even if it comes to us from respected sources, like Paul and Silas were to the Bereans. And if the word we received from that person does not agree with God’s Word or with the Holy Spirit’s leading in our life, then we are to graciously discard it, no matter who said it, and no matter how much we desire for it to be true. God’s Word is true. Jesus is the truth. There is no truth higher than that, no matter how reputable our other source may be.

There have been times in my own life where my desire was to follow the advice of a trusted friend, but I knew God was leading me in a different direction. Looking back, it has been incredible to see how God has proven Himself faithful.

Therefore, let us not put others on pedestals and expect them to be perfect, no matter how much we value them and their perspectives. Let us allow grace for others and for ourselves to be wrong…to be fallible…trusting in God alone to be the only infallible one.

GOING DEEPER:
Whose voice are you following in your life: the voice of God, or that of another person? Remove any idols in your life and put God back in first position.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 3:23; Matthew 22:37-38

Sarah is married to Scott and is a full-time mom to their two young sons. She and Scott are involved in a small group focused on prayer.

The Challenge of Nearness

By Elin Henderson

“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him – though he is not far from any one of us.”

Acts 17:27 (NLT)

One of the most unique characteristics of God is His nearness. A pure, holy and righteous God drawing near to a created man. Wow! We see it through history...starting with Adam and Eve in the garden and culminating in the New Heaven and the New Earth when He will live near and among us. However, there is no greater example of “nearness” than Christ Himself. He gave up the comforts and safety of heaven to come to this fallen and dirty Earth and live among us for a time to rescue and save us.  

And what do we do? We hide. We run. We shake our fists at Him, but still He draws near. He’s never far away. It is this fact that woos and draws us closer. When everyone else backs away, He draws even closer. Whether we are hiding ashamedly in a garden, have fallen into a pit, or are running away in a ship…He finds us and draws close. [1]

Without nearness, there is no relationship. Nearness is essential for discipleship to occur. God clearly shows us this in His example with mankind. For those of us seeking to “make disciples” wherever God has placed us, the challenge of nearness is a real thing. Those whom we want to minister to and disciple - - are oftentimes the most resistant. We draw near, and they draw back. If not for the example of our Lord, we would not be able to maintain nearness.

Nearness isn’t clean and neat. It often means being uncomfortable, being challenged, being rejected. It requires consistency, courage and tenacity. On our own, we will fail miserably. But with The God Who Draws Near as our example and leader, we will find a way!

May the nearness that we experience in Him be reflected in our discipleship each day. May it spur us on to lay aside our personal comforts, and be willing to enter into a nearer relationship in our ministry to others.

           

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Who would you say are the people God is calling you to draw near right now? Is this easy or challenging? In what ways are they resisting this nearness?

2.  What are some creative ways that you can bridge the gap and draw near even when people draw away?                       

FURTHER READING:

Psalms 34:18; Psalm 73:28; Hebrews 13:5b

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with Ethnos 360 in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to seventeen-year-old Callie and fifteen-year-old Elias.

             

[1] Genesis 3:6-7; Psalms 40:2; Jonah 1

Refusing to Confront
By Lexi Cole Ellis

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)

I recently watched a documentary on Hitler’s inner circle - - where blind loyalty was valued. In 1945, the end of the war was fast-approaching; Hitler’s defeat was inevitable. Now, when he needed reality most, Hitler’s remaining advisors refused to confront him. Instead, they encouraged Hitler’s disillusions that victory was still possible. 

I was struck by what multiple historians said. The inner circle refused to confront the man they claimed to love. It made me wonder, maybe “refusing to confront” is not exclusive to evil masterminds?

We often claim we want peace. But how often do we use that as an excuse to avoid lovingly and appropriately confronting someone? How often do we ignore the messy work that is necessary for reconciliation because we’d rather not deal with it…often with the very people we claim to love?

Scripture is clear in guiding believers in how to address conflict with those we love. In the Old Testament Law, the Israelites had an extensive judicial system to address conflicts. In the New Testament, Matthew 18 is often the “conflict passage.” Jesus’ words ring true; we are to confront conflict in love and humility, rather than running away or allowing bitterness to build. Apostles, similarly, countlessly implore the early churches to confront conflict and forgive.

And beyond that, God often uses our obedience to rightly confront conflict as a growing and sanctifying opportunity. In Colossians and Ephesians, Paul reminds believers to forgive because of the incredible forgiveness we’ve experienced from God. [1] As I look back on my own life, I see how much I’ve learned through seasons of conflict… despite how uncomfortable it may have been. Ken Sande echoes this in his peacemaking book, “Conflict is one of the many tools that God will use to help you develop a more Christ-like character.” [2]

Of course, there are multiple, notable differences between Hitler’s inner circle and believers. But in the realm of confronting conflict, may there be no similarities. Instead, may we forego the temptation of blind loyalty to those closest to us, recognizing that confronting conflict in godly ways allows reconciliation and forgiveness to occur.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Take time to reflect on and pray about how you confront conflict.

2. Need a quick refresh on how to biblically handle conflict? Start with reading Chris Adam’s article “9 Ways to Handle Conflict Biblically” or learn more about Oakwood’s Peace Team.

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 18:15-20 Galatians 6:1-5

Lexi and Andrew have a dog named Calvin and a baby coming in June. Lexi teaches 6^th grade Reading and Writing, serves with Children’s Ministries and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

[1] Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32

[2] Sande, Ken. Peacemaking for Families, (Colorado Springs: Focus on the Family Publishing, 2002)

Faithful Servant

By Karen D’Amore

His Lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant…”

Matthew 25:23a (NKJV)

On February 21, 2018, news and social media venues flooded the airways with headlines announcing the death of evangelist Billy Graham. In a recent interview with the Gaston Gazette,  Billy had pre-approved his final “My Answer” column for publication after his passing. In that interview, when asked how he wanted to be remembered, he responded:

“I hope I will be remembered as someone who was faithful - - faithful to God, faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ and faithful to the calling God gave me, not only as an evangelist…but as a husband, a father and friend.” [1]

After leaving this Earth for his new heavenly home, Billy’s legacy continues to reverberate throughout the nation…and quite possibly the entire world. It is evident by the outpouring of testimonials from the multitudes he touched. Remembered as one of the most inspirational spiritual leaders in the 20^th century, both his reputation and his message have always deeply affected me. And in company with the millions he touched, I too was profoundly impacted by the news of his death.

In 1934, Billy Graham’s father allowed a group of Charlotte businessmen to use a portion of the family’s dairy farm to gather for a day of prayer. Those men prayed that, out of Charlotte, the Lord would raise up someone to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth. Proclaiming that he was chosen by God to be an evangelist, Billy responded by telling God, “I’ll be what you want me to be and do what you want me to do.” [2]

Billy spent seven decades preaching the Good News, traveling to 185 countries and reaching over 200 million people worldwide. His greatest accomplishment was the millions of people who responded to his message of the cross and accepted Christ. His impact on the world cannot be measured!

A biblical definition of servant is “…one who is distinguished as obedient and faithful to God.” [3] True servants are committed, trustworthy, dependable, promisekeepers, task finishers, responsibility-fulfillers…and faithful to their ministry. Billy Graham embodied the attributes of a faithful servant. He was called by God to preach the gospel and he never tired or retired from living that call!

Now, I picture Billy shouting from heaven, “Make a decision for Christ!”

And he is accompanied by a heavenly choir singing, “Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me…O Lamb of God, I come…I come.”

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10)!

GOING DEEPER:

1. How are you living faithfully to God’s call?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 20:6; 2 Chronicles 16:9

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and as an instructor in the Cosmetology Department at WCTC. Karen also serves on the Welcoming Team at Oakwood.

[1] www.gastongazette.com

[2[ www.billygraham.org

[3] www.biblestudytools.org

Note to Self
By Lisa Boyer

“…but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise.”
2 Corinthians 10:12b (KJV)

Dear Self,

When your loving heavenly Father gently points out some area in your life that He wants you to work on, it’s because He knows you are ready to deal with it, change it and move on. The other day when God tapped you on the shoulder and pointed out something that needed attention, you took it and ran with it. But you ran in the wrong direction!

You immediately began beating yourself up for how you’d been handling it and then you proceeded to make a list of everything that you don’t do right in that area of your life. The result wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was downright ugly. You became completely defeated…before you could even begin to take the journey God wanted you to take.

What happened? The area God pointed out wasn’t that major. It was such a simple thing; not a sin issue, a self-improvement issue. And when it comes to self-improvement, nothing can make you spiral out of control like…oh yes, others. Is that where your mind went? Is that how your list became so long? God showed you one thing He wanted you to improve and your problem-solving mind looked around to see how others do that one thing. But instead of finding solutions, you compared yourself with them and saw more and more problems; things others handle better than you do. The Bible makes it very clear that isn’t the route to take. Comparing yourself with others is not wise, and look where it landed you!

Can we please start over? Whatever area God wanted you to begin to work on, He knows you’re ready to deal with it, or He wouldn’t have brought it up. He wants to gently lead you down a better path. Trust Him.

Love,
Me

PS: One more thing: Get rid of the list. The list didn’t come from God…you made up that list. While it is true that there will always be someone who does “it” better than you, that same someone will always be able to find someone who does “it” better than she. Comparing never helps.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you tend to spiral down the wrong path when God shows you an area to work on? Next time will you sit quietly before Him and let Him show you His solution?
2. Are you in the habit of comparing yourself to others? Today, will you begin to measure yourself by God’s standard?

FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 10:18; Proverbs 3:5

Lisa is married to Ted and they have two sons in college. Lisa serves as an event photographer at Oakwood and wherever else she is needed. 

The Struggle is Real

By Jeannine Sawall

But he said to me,  “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will

boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong…

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

Our family is affected with a smorgasbord of afflictions including anxiety, attention deficient disorder, fear, eating disorder and social phobias. While no one suffers to the point of debilitation and oftentimes we can joke about our “quirks," the struggle is real.

So why doesn't God just reach down and heal our family?  Why does He allow us to continue in our sufferings and struggles? It would be so much easier for all of us if we didn't agonize about talking on the phone, an upcoming test, being home alone, having to keep several sizes of clothes depending on if I'm losing or finding weight, or trying to be/feel relevant in a crowd of people. Why won't God just "fix" us?

It is because through our struggles we come to know the character of God. Through our weakness, the power of Christ rests upon us. It is through our anxieties we learn He is our peace.  It is through our fears we learn He is our reassurance. It is through weight struggles we learn He alone satisfies. It is when we feel alone in the middle of a crowd, we learn He is always with us.

By taking up our cross each day, in spite of the struggle, we learn to be faithful because He is faithful. We learn dependence on our God rather than independence, or just trying to muscle through. Because the struggle is real, we have credibility and our witness becomes real. The lessons and treasures we learn through our sufferings and struggles give us opportunities to share our stories with other people, offering them hope, comfort and understanding in their own struggles. 

Maybe you are struggling today. Beloved, we understand the struggle is real. But believe that the God who made you IS beside you and gives you His strength to get through. It's not easy and oftentimes we have to go back again and again...ask Him to help you in your weakness. He will not forsake you!! Call out to Him in the midst of your struggle and allow His grace and power to be made perfect in your weakness. He will meet you in your struggle!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How do you think knowing Christ and trusting in Him can help you through your struggle?

2.  In what areas in your life could you partner with God to share your story with others?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 5:3, James 1:2-4

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.

Six Months in the Pit

By Elin Henderson

“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.”

Psalm 40:2 (NLT)

I am laden with a host of personal issues and weaknesses, but as a general rule, insecurity is not one of them. So, when I took a sudden fall deep into the pit of insecurity and remained there for almost six months, no one was more surprised than I. 

I’m not sure what triggered it, but the Enemy used a series of personal interactions to lead me to a tailspin of negative thoughts and self-doubt. It was a dark and challenging time. From there on, I questioned the motive behind every word that was spoken to me; the slightest negative comment sent me spiraling into such darkness that I could not pull out. I began dreading any interaction with people and started closing up inside. 

But, in the darkness, the doubt, deep  in the PIT, God met me. He spoke gently to me, taught me, and refined my heart in deeper ways than I could have imagined. He gave me a glimpse into the lives and hearts of those who suffer from ongoing insecurity. He opened the eyes of my heart to see the negativity within, the ever-present sin of comparison, and my desperate seeking for the approval of people.

The Enemy’s goal was to use the pit to ruin me, but instead, God used the pit to change and mold me. He didn’t abandon me; He sat with me and when the lessons for that time were over, He climbed out, reached down and pulled me out, setting me feet on solid ground!

Today, if I venture to the edge and peer in, I will see that the “claw marks” are still there in the mud to remind me of my self-attempts to climb out on my own. But, if I look down at the edge, I will see the strong, secure footprints of the Lord also forever etched in the mire and mud to remind me of how He reached down and pulled me out. Yes, I left that pit behind a few months ago, but I have erected a permanent marker there in my soul, so I will never forget.

           

GOING DEEPER:                                                       

1.    Have you ever fallen into the pit of insecurity? What are some ways that God has  pulled you out?  What are some of the things that He taught you?

2.    Why do you think that it is only when we have fallen into a pit like this that we can appreciate solid ground again? 

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 23:4; Hebrews 13:5b; Psalm 42:5

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with Ethnos 360 in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to seventeen-year-old Callie and fifteen-year-old Elias.

Age of Loneliness

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“…but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another…”

1 John 1:7a (NIV)

I read an intriguing article about addiction yesterday. It was thought-provoking, and I found myself wrestling with my own perceived notions and presumptions. But the point the article made was aligned with Scripture beautifully.

The article talked about how we approach addiction in our society, particularly in how we choose to address it based on our understanding of it. The article claims that addiction is not just the result of an exclusive need for a particular substance or a chemical hook, though that can be a factor. Instead, it noted that the lack of, or the perceived lack of, human connection  is also a factor that feeds and fuels addiction…and this may have even more of an impact than the chemical composition of the substance. Johann Hari writes:

“Human beings are bonding animals. We need to connect and love. The wisest sentence of the twentieth century was E.M. Forster’s  - - ‘only connect.’  But we have created an environment and a culture that cut us off from connection, or offer only the parody of it offered by the Internet. The rise of addiction is a symptom of a deeper sickness in the way we live - - constantly directing our gaze towards the next shiny object we should buy, rather than the human beings all around us. The writer George Monbiot has called this ‘the age of loneliness.' We have created human societies where it is easier for people to become cut off from all human connections than ever before.” [1]

We see this in story after story in Scripture. God created Adam for relationship with Him, and then additionally created another human because it was not good for Adam to “be alone.” David and Jonathan were friends who sacrificed for each other and cared deeply for one another. We see Paul’s deep relationships with each of the churches he wrote to as he greeted them in his letters and wrote that he missed them.

While on earth, Jesus built relationships with His disciples and followers, and He continually commanded us to love each other. We are called to enter the vulnerability and messiness that comes with intentional community. Loving is hard and certainly not always glamorous or conflict-free. There is a cost.

But there is incredible joy that comes with coming alongside each other and “doing life together.” It allows us to experience and to be the tangible work of the Church. It also taps into our specific design that God created. Today and every day, let’s be people that reject the appeal of this “age of loneliness.”

GOING DEEPER: 

1.    Take some time to reflect on your “community.” Is your fellowship loving, healthy and life-giving? What needs to change?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 4:2-3; 1 Corinthians 10:24

[1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johann-hari/the-real-cause-of-addicti_b_6506936.html

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, have an adorable dog named Calvin and are expecting their first child in June 2018. She teaches sixth grade Reading & Writing, serves with Children’s Ministries, and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

Going the Extra Mile

By Karen D’Amore

“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”

Matthew 5:41 (NKJV)

Over the past two years, I’ve used the same training regimen to prepare for multiple half-marathons. As each race grows closer, I steadily increase my mileage by running three to five miles, four days a week, and completing a longer run one day a week. Each week, I increase the distance of the long run by one extra mile. The purpose is to gradually condition myself to push beyond my comfort zone and build the endurance to run 13.1 miles. That weekly extra mile becomes a physical and mental challenge, as everything inside of me wants to stop and quit at the point where I still feel comfortable.

Recently, while trudging reluctantly through that extra mile on my scheduled long-run day, I thought of the concept of going the extra mile, which means “to exceed others’ expectations”! I was challenged to consider how “going the extra mile” would/could impact various aspects of daily life. What would going the extra mile  look like in our neighborhoods, our marriages, schools, our jobs, our relationships with family and friends…and our relationships with the unsaved?!

Within the context of our key verse (Matthew 5:41), we find an exhortation to be others-focused versus our natural (flesh-driven) tendency to be self-focused. As believers living in a world that is self-centric, being others-focused sets us apart and becomes a pivotal platform to reflect the love of Jesus. Jesus expounds on this concept in John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” When honoring Jesus becomes our primary purpose, exercising sacrificial love is a vibrant strategy for pointing others to Him.

We’re instructed in Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” When we adopt this mindset, we recognize that everything we do becomes an act of service for Jesus. We glorify Him by loving the unlovable, giving of our time and talents even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable, and doing those things that benefit others rather than ourselves.

God’s plan of salvation included Jesus’ going the “extra mile” throughout His entire ministry…all the way to the cross. His sacrificial death on that cross provided forgiveness from sin and eternal life for those who believe in Him. Let’s strive to follow His example by dying to self…going the extra mile...living/loving sacrificially…so others might come to follow Jesus, as well.

GOING DEEPER:

1. In what ways can you exceed others’ expectations as you shine for Jesus?

FURTHER READING:
James 2:15-16; Luke 6:38

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and as an instructor in the Cosmetology Department at WCTC. Karen also serves on the Welcoming Team at Oakwood.

Kyrie Eleison

By Tracy Smith

“What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go…”

Genesis 28:15a (NLT)

As a teen, I really liked the song, “Kyrie Eleison” by Mr. Mister. At the time, I did not know what “Kyrie Eleison meant (and I didn’t have Google to look it up!) but I knew I liked the rest of the lyrics to the song. I especially liked the chorus and this verse:

“When I was young and thought of growing old

Of what my life would mean to me

Would I have followed down my chosen road

Or only wished what I could be” [1]

As a young teen, these words made me think - - where am I headed? Will my life in 20 years be what I imagine now it will be? Will I end up taking a road I cannot even imagine?

A few years ago, I heard the song on a radio station featuring, “80’s Songs.” I had two thoughts: I’m old; they are featuring songs of my teenage years as a “theme” on the radio and, secondly, now I can find out what “kyrie eleison” means!  It means, “Lord, have mercy.” [2]

Now, the song takes on a whole new meaning! Here is the chorus:

“Kyrie eleison, down the road that I must travel.

Kyrie eleison, through the darkness of the night.

Kyrie eleison, where I’m going, will you follow?

Kyrie eleison, on a highway in the light.”  [1]

Lord, have mercy down the road that I must travel. Lord, have mercy through the darkness of the night. Lord have mercy, where I’m going, will you follow? Lord, have mercy on the highway in the light. The song just comes alive with knowing what all the words of the song mean.

The phrase, “where I’m going, will you follow?” really resonates with me. The Bible is very clear that the Lord is with us always, wherever we go. Genesis 28:15 (NLT) tells us, “…I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go…” Joshua 1:9 (NLT) says, “This is my command - - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

As we travel our road, we only need to remember that the Lord is with us wherever we go and He will have mercy on us. [3]

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Do you sometimes forget that God is traveling your journey with you, even when you are struggling? 2. If so, what can you do to remind yourself He is always with you?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 28:20, Deuteronomy 31:6

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage sons, Tracy is a ministry assistant at Oakwood and works with a great group of Junior High girls.

[1] http://www.metrolyrics.com/kyrie-eleison-lyrics-mr-mister.html

[2] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/kyrie+eleison

[3] Want to listen to this song? Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NDjt4FzFWY

Expect the Unexpected

By Susan Klein

“I do believe; help my unbelief!”

Mark 9:24b (NASB)

Lately I’ve been struggling with my mustard-seed faith. When life is going well, I have no trouble recalling all of God’s provision and His answers to prayer. But when the road gets rocky, and I struggle to hear Him, all I can focus on is (what I perceive to be) His absence. Why does our faith seem to fail us when we need it most?

When the Israelites were fleeing Egypt, enemies in hot pursuit, their faith began to wane as they feared for their lives. God unexpectedly parted the sea for them to walk through, unharmed. When they were without sustenance in a barren land, they unexpectedly awoke to find manna on the ground. More than they could eat.

I wonder if Mary (mother of Jesus) struggled with her faith, especially early on in her pregnancy. Did she trust that Joseph would come around to fully believe her story and support her as his wife? God unexpectedly appeared to Joseph in a dream to speak truth to his heart.

Mary and Martha must have wrestled with doubt when their brother Lazarus died. I can imagine their despair over Jesus’ absence, wondering why He hadn’t answered their pleas to heal him. Even those in attendance questioned why Jesus hadn’t arrived to help His friend. After all, He had recently opened the eyes of a blind man, a total stranger. If He truly loved Lazarus and his sisters, how could this be? Jesus unexpectedly arrived four days after the death and instead, chose to bring Lazarus back to life.

Doubting disciples unexpectedly find Jesus providing enough food to feed five thousand hungry people sitting on a hillside.

Fishermen, distraught from a worthless night of catching nothing, unexpectedly find Jesus showing them where to put their nets down. They fill to overflowing. The crowds standing by the water watch with astonishment.

All throughout Scripture, we read story after story of the Triune God showing up at unexpected times to do the most unexpected things. Yet in our own times of trouble, our fragile faith often wavers. We forget the stories. We lessen our expectations. At times, we even lose our hope. We focus on the trial instead of the One who has faithfully and repeatedly shown up for His children.

Perhaps it’s time to revisit the stories, recall the miracles, restrengthen our faith. Perhaps it’s time we start expecting the unexpected!

GOING DEEPER:

1. In what ways have you personally experienced God doing something unexpected?

2. Make a list or journal these times for future reference when trials cause your faith to weaken.

FURTHER READING:

Deuteronomy 7:9; Proverbs 3:5; Matthew 17:18-21

To revisit the biblical stories listed: Exodus 14; Exodus 16; Matthew 1; John 11; Luke 9; Luke 5

Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.