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.

Reconciliation and Restoration-Beauty for Ashes

By Jeannine Sawall

“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness; a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

Isaiah 61:3b (NIV)

“He better not think he’s going to come into your life now after I’ve done all the hard work. You’re MY daughter! He CAN’T have you!” The response from my mom shocked me. I thought she would be glad to hear my bio-dad Larry was interested in a relationship after all these years. The Lord had worked healing in mighty ways in my mom’s life and she was a ministry leader offering hope of restoration and reconciliation to women who had experienced brokenness. Did she not see maybe this was God working to restore and reconcile THIS broken relationship?

“Mom, we don’t even know how this relationship will play out. Maybe we’ll keep in touch through Christmas cards, or maybe we’ll have another guest at the boys’ birthday parties.” “Well, if Larry is there. I won’t be there!” My mom was struggling with unresolved feelings of abandonment, rejection and heartbreak. She had become pregnant while she and Larry had been dating and while they had become engaged and planned a future together, life didn’t quite work out that way. She felt left with ashes.

Several weeks later, after a promising meeting with Larry, I asked my mom how she was doing with the whole “Larry thing.” She responded by saying, “I’m good.” She explained she and God had wrestled and He showed her exactly where He wanted her to be. I asked her what “being good” looked like if Larry came to my son’s birthday party. She responded she’d happily be there.

God had done His restoring work in my mom. She had made an about-face. God had shown her while her path had a few more twists and turns, her response to His love and healing had brought her to a place of spiritual prosperity. He had exchanged beauty for ashes and the splendor of God’s divine work in her life was now bringing glory to Him. Despite poor choices, when we respond in obedience to the Lord, He works to restore us and turns our mourning into joy.

Only our God could be at work like that and I’m thankful my mom chose to be teachable to His will. But He wasn’t done teaching me about reconciliation and redemption. Tomorrow, the story continues.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Where in your life can you be teachable to God’s plan and allow Him to exchange ashes for beauty?
2. Who can you share your restoration story with?

FURTHER READING:

Joel 2:25-26, 1 John 5:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17

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 Redemption-The Letter

By Jeannine Sawall

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)

It had started out as an ordinary day. My husband and children were gone, and so I had a small window of time to be alone. As I pieced through the mail, there was a letter addressed to me. So preoccupied with what should be for dinner, I didn’t really look at the sender’s name. I opened up the letter and began to read:

“Dear Jeannine,

You should probably sit down as you read this…”

Oh great! My first thought was it was one of those “send a dollar to the first name on this list and in six months you’ll be a millionaire” letters. I read on:

“I want you to know I have never stopped thinking of you. This is Larry and I am your_____________.”

I stopped reading as my heart began to pound. This letter was from my biological father with whom I had had almost no contact during my life. The letter said he had always wanted to have a relationship with me, but things in his life had made it difficult. As the years went on, he felt he had lost the right to even ask for one. He wanted to meet me and then let me decide how I’d like to proceed, if at all, with a relationship.

I started to cry. I had no idea hearing from him would cause such strong emotions within me.  Why now? Why not before? I was challenged to be available to God to work in me and through me. As I considered what God might be orchestrating, I also had fears, “What if he doesn’t like me?” “What if I don’t like him?” But there was one fear that stopped me in my tracks.  “Lord, if you are sending Larry now because you are planning on taking my mom, then I DON’T want him.” I wasn’t sure what the Lord was doing and I wasn’t sure I was ready to go where He was leading. But I also knew His ways are not my ways and so I knew I had to trust Him.

This letter was unexpected but I now had a choice with how I would respond, and if I would trust God’s leading. Tomorrow, we’ll see the next part of this incredible story where God chose to teach me about reconciliation and redemption.

GOING DEEPER:

1. When something out of the ordinary happens, how do you recognize God’s hand in it?
2. What do you do when fear makes you question the path God is taking you down?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 147:5

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.

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 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. 

In-dependence

by Becci J. Terrill

For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5b (NIV)

Independence. As Americans, we are proud of our independence. We remember what it cost and celebrate it every summer. We send troops around the world to defend and protect it.

As parents, we raise our children to be independent. From an early age, we do what we can to help them learn skills and make wise choices in the hope that they will become independent adults. We celebrate each victory and achievement.

But, is “independence” what God wants for His children?

I have been experiencing a prolonged season - - not of my choosing - - of living “in dependence” on others. Unable to do all but the simplest things, I have had to depend on the help of family and friends.

As an “independent” woman, living in dependence on others does not come easy for me. Independence brings pride. Dependence requires humility. I have experienced many humbling and humiliating circumstances on this journey. It has not been fun. It has taught me much.

Throughout Scripture, God makes it very clear that as His children, He wants us to live “in dependence” on Him. In John 15, Jesus says He is the vine, we are the branches. A vine is dependent on the branch for life. Jesus further tells us to “abide in Him.” Just like the example of the vine and branch, we are to “dwell” in Jesus or take up our residence with and be dependent on Him.

Psalm 91:1-2 says, “”Those who live in shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”  As a child, I loved these verses. The visual picture that accompanied this Scripture was of a giant saguaro cactus standing in the middle of the dessert. Tucked in one of the mighty branches was a small owl. The saguaro provided safety, protection, shelter and rest for the tiny bird.

As an adult in a season of dependence, these verses have taken on new meaning. I see a beautiful picture of “abiding in” Jesus, and being dependent on Him. When I do this, I will experience shelter and rest as in Psalm 91. Living in dependence on Jesus also brings safety, protection and peace (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). Like the tiny owl, I want and need this.

My body will heal and my “independence” will return, but I will always have the scars from my season of living “in dependence.” May God use these to keep me depending on Him.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Listen to the song, “Christ in Me” by Jeremy Camp. May we, like the song says, empty ourselves so Christ is the source of our life…the One by whom we live and breathe.

FURTHER READING:

John 15, Psalm 91, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

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

Freedom: Sacrifice & Work
By Lexi Cole Ellis

“He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”

Titus 2:14 (NLT)

Three patriotic days: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veterans Day. The flags go up, parades, furniture sale, the call to pause. And yet, each day has a specific purpose. Memorial Day is to remember those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom. The Fourth of July is to celebrate our freedom and the birthday of our country. Veterans Day is to honor those who are or have served to defend and maintain those freedoms.

Different days of remembrance, different purposes. But recently, I was drawn to two significant similarities in which all three of these holidays parallel our faith.

Each holiday asks us to acknowledge that sacrifice comes with freedom. We’ve heard the phrase “freedom is not free” because there is a cost. In the same way, Jesus Christ gave up His right to live and suffered immensely in order to reconcile a relationship with His People. And before His death, Jesus commanded us to love because “…greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [1] Just as we pause to be thankful for our patriotic freedoms, may we recognize the ultimate sacrifice Christ gave as He laid down His life.

Each holiday also acknowledges that freedom requires ongoing work. It wasn’t granted in 1776 and, while there’s certainly been progress, there’s still a long way to go. The ideas are there but the battle continues. In the same way, the war for our eternal salvation has been won but the battle against spiritual warfare continues… And that takes ongoing work. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” [2]

Moreover, as we fight against spiritual battles, we are also called into the active work of loving others in the midst of a messy world. Just as we pause to recognize the fight for freedom isn’t over, may we accept the challenge of engaging in spiritual battle and the call to actively love others in the name of Jesus.

This Fourth of July - - as we enjoy the flags, the parades, the moments to be grateful - - may we take the opportunity to recognize the sacrifice that our Heavenly Father made for us. And may we answer the call to actively continue the work of freedom to a broken world until He returns.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Take time in prayer to thank God for His sacrifice and the tools He gives us for spiritual battle and loving others.

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2:6-8; Ephesians 6:10-14; 1 John 4:7-12

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, are blessed with their daughter and a dog. She teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

[1] John 15:13, ESV
[2] Ephesians 6:12, ESV

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 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 and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. 

The Attraction

By Susan Klein

“…the Almighty will be your gold, the choicest silver for you.”

Job 22:25 (NIV)

Oh, oh. Here comes trouble! Two rambunctious boys with a haggard looking grandma in tow were plowing up my drive. It was early morning the second day of my garage sale. The brothers engaged in rough horseplay and loud noises as they approached. The younger one ran straight toward me to shove a fistful of pretzels in my face. And then, just as abruptly, ran off to take a luggage cart with wheels for a test drive through my flower beds.

The older boy was immediately drawn to something on one of the tables while the grandma perused the clothing rack.

“Nana, can I buy this?” he called across to her. I had to adjust in my chair to see what could possibly have attracted this disheveled 8-ish year old with the mismatched socks, mohawk haircut and a bushel of dirt on his clothes. Of all the items in my garage, his eyes were glued to a cut glass covered candy dish.

“What would you do with something like that?” questioned Nana, incredulously.

“Use it for decoration!” he replied, proudly. So entranced with its sparkling beauty, he handled it ever so gently. After a few seconds, he pleaded again. Nana assured him it would never bode well in his chaotic home and, if inquired, “Mom would surely say no.” He persisted (even I offered up an encouraging plea) only to meet with adamant refusal. He held his ground, not moving from his spot, until Nana paid for her items and started heading for the car. Realizing the prized item would not be his, the boy shuffled out of my garage with his pouty face. My mommy heart broke for him!

Perhaps he had never seen anything like it before. What if he just wanted to bring a little bit of beauty into his (maybe turbulent) home? Why deny him the joy of a $2.00 item that he viewed as valuable?

His fixation on the object spoke a thousand words to my heart. What do I prize? What thing of beauty can capture my heart in such a mesmerizing way? These lyrics came to mind.

Lord, You are more precious than silver.
Lord, You are more costly than gold. 
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds, and
Nothing I desire compares with You. [1]

What if every day, these words were my thoughts? What if every day, I was as entranced with my Lord as this boy was with the garage sale treasure?

GOING DEEPER:

1. What earthly gems might be distracting you from the brilliance of your Savior?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 6:21; Psalm 119:36-37

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.

[1] More Precious Than Silver, Lynn DeShazo, Copyright © 1982 Integrity's Hosanna! Music.

How Will We Be Remembered?

By Susan Klein

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Philippians 1:3 (NIV)

 A couple of years ago, I attended the funeral of a beloved childhood pastor of mine. I remember him as a big burly man with a booming voice. I also remember he had the all-encompassing hug of a huge teddy bear. He was my pastor when I went though my most turbulent teen years, and I will always be thankful for the unconditional love he displayed for me.

One of his greatest legacies in my life was teaching me about “faith.” He took a small group of us teens to a college for a week during the summer just to teach us what faith really looked like through impactful examples and exercises. I had never heard or seen such teachings, and they had a profound effect on my life.

Fast-forward to the funeral, now 40 years later. I was anticipating hearing many glorious stories about how he impacted others in their faith walks. This, sadly, was not the case. While some spoke of his generous service to the community, and others spoke of his great “motivational speeches” and his “optimism,” not one person spoke of the things I remembered: his great love and bold faith. It was like going to a funeral service for the Apostle Paul and hearing about what a good tent maker he was. Disheartened, I wanted to jump up from my seat and yell, “You’re all missing the true picture!” I wanted to share my own life-impacting memories with everyone, about how I would never know the Lord as my Savior if it were not for this man’s investing in my life.

It caused me to wonder what might have happened over the past 40 years that I hadn’t seen him. Had his faith waned? Did he become less bold in his proclamation of his Lord? Did worldly matters choke out his spiritual fervor? Or, were people possibly just oblivious to these qualities of his life? Were their hearts hardened to his teachings, only hearing the things they wanted to hear? I may never know the answers to these questions this side of heaven.

One question it has given me pause to consider, “How will I be remembered?” Will people comment on my faith or my clean house? Will they have seen the love of Christ lived out in my life or remember me as someone who lived for self?

How will you be remembered?

GOING DEEPER:

1. Which character traits of yours are most evident to others?

2. Are there areas where your light has dimmed, and needs refueling?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:12; Deuteronomy 6:6-9

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.

A Blip on the Radar
By Lexi Cole Ellis

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Recently, I was listening to the radio and the hosts asked listeners to call in with their “Five Word Commencement Speech.” Essentially, they were asking for the best piece of advice for new graduates in five words or under. One caller’s intriguing response was: “A blip on the radar.” She went on to explain that often things feel like a big deal at the moment.  But in reality, when you look back, they were only a “blip.”

What Biblical advice this is also! As I look back, there are moments that were certainly challenging; but in hindsight, they were blips. Blips aren’t life-altering, gut-wrenching trials that take up a large amount of screen on the radar. Blips are moments that maybe once caused stress and worry, but don’t matter all that much now because they weren’t chronic or long-lasting.

I can think of plenty of blips in my life, but I struggled to think of “blips on the radar” situations in Scripture.  So many of the stories we read are life-altering trials, while also being beautiful examples of God’s faithfulness in the midst of those trials. One example came to mind.

The prophet, Jeremiah, experienced a blip. As God’s messenger, Jeremiah was deeply grieved when the nation of Israel refused to heed God’s warning. Jeremiah also laments, “I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.” However, his response to this blip is telling. He goes on to say, “But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will tumble and not prevail.” Regardless of his situation, Jeremiah’s perspective remained firm that God is in control. Also, Jeremiah responds to this blip in his life by turning to prayer. He praises God: “Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.”  [1]

I’m thankful for the caller on the radio that reminded me to look back at situations in my life that really did end up being just a blip on the radar. When we are experiencing a “blip”, may we remember to keep the perspective that God is always with us. And may we also be reminded to turn to prayer and praising of God in the midst of our blip.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Take time to look at the “blips on the radar” moments in your life. Where have you seen God at work?

2.    Is someone you know going through a blip right now? How can you be the tangible hands and feet of Christ to that person?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:28; Joshua 1:9-10; 1 Peter 5:8-9

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, recently became new parents and have an adorable dog. Lexi teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.

[1] Jeremiah 20:7b-13 NIV

An Answered Prayer
By Sarah Walker

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (ESV)

My husband was traveling out of town for business, so I had scheduled a play date at a park with a dear friend and her son. To my knowledge, she did not have a close personal relationship with Jesus. Therefore, I prayed for God to guide me if I should share anything about my faith with her. And if so, I asked the Holy Spirit to show me how and when I should speak.

Little did I know how God would answer that prayer!

On my way to the park, a low tire pressure sensor turned on in my car. I stopped at the dealership to have it looked at, which happened to be less than a mile away from my destination. It turned out that I had a flat tire! Needless to say, this was not exactly the outcome I had in mind when I said that prayer.

As much of a hassle as it was to have a flat tire, I later discovered that I had been given the perfect opportunity to share with my friend how good God is. And how He provided for every seemingly mundane detail in this situation. There were several “coincidences” involved in this fiasco that could only be from God:

1. I “just so happened” to find the flat tire when I was right by the dealership.

2. The new tire was “luckily” under warranty.

3. A woman in the dealership “unexpectedly” had a car seat in another car that my son could use, so we were able to get to the nearby park while the tire was fixed.

In the end, I discovered I had been given the perfect opportunity to boast about God’s goodness and provision! Sometimes God does that. Sometimes He answers our prayers in ways that we can’t predict or anticipate. If we aren’t paying attention we might miss the answers…especially if that answer is given in a manner that a person would interpret as a hassle or an inconvenience.

When I prayed that God would give me an opportunity to share about Him with my friend, I never once thought He would use a flat tire to do so. Though unanticipated, it was without a doubt an answer to my prayer. It became clear that I could view an “inconvenience” like a flat tire as an outcome that only our God would use for His purposes.

GOING DEEPER:

1.    Might God be answering your prayers through unexpected means as well?

2.    Are you facing any unfortunate circumstances that God could use for his glory?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:31, Ephesians 3:20-21, 1 Peter 3:15

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.

Fair, Not Equal

By Lexi Cole Ellis

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Philippians 4:19-20 (NIV)

I learned this phrase when I was student teaching and have used it quite a bit in my classroom. Whether it’s a first grade room or fourth graders, there seems three little words I hear about six times a day.  “That’s not fair!”  To which, I calmly reply, “I will always be fair; I will not always be equal.” There’s a big thing in education called differentiation: It means we assess individual needs and address them. But my six-year-olds struggle with it. So to reinforce it, we do a skit. A doctor is visiting three sick patients. The first patient has a headache. The doctor says, “Go to bed early tonight.  It will be better.” Next patient has a broken arm. The doctor says, “Go to bed early tonight.  It will be better.” Third patient fell on the playground. The doctor says…you get the idea. We explain that the teacher is the doctor. Every student has different academic needs for learning. We need to “treat” his or her specific needs, not do the exact same thing for everyone.

For as much as I say my phrase and do my skit, I realized how often I am the six-year-old complaining, “That’s not fair!” It’s often not out loud, but in my thoughts. And yet, our God - - the great Doctor and Teacher - - looks on us with love and says gently, “I will treat your specific needs...it won’t be equal and, fortunately for you, I’ll give you far more than what’s fair!” He reminds us that He is the Giver and Supplier; that He is a God who knows exactly what we need, when we need it, even when we do not.

For me, it’s hard enough being aware of what slips out of my mouth…being responsible for what I think is tricky! But the reality is, our God is all-knowing…and my “it’s not fair” thoughts are a direct result of an ungrateful heart condition. Judging “fairness” is not my job and, left unchecked, these thoughts can become desires to “have something which we don’t have, but think we should”…which happens to be the exact definition of coveting, an identified sin in Scripture.

No matter the age, my kids love the “It’s not fair!” line. But the reality is, I often do, too. What things am I complainingly claiming are “unfair”? And, if I’m honest with myself, what does that reveal about my heart? I still say “I will always be fair; I will not always be equal” about six times a day…and it serves as a constant reminder for myself every time.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What things are you claiming as “unfair” in your thoughts or to God?

2. Identify what you need to do to address this.

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 20:1-16

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, recently became new parents and have an adorable dog. Lexi teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.