Study with Friends Blog

Do you ever have times or seasons of your life when you think back over choices or decisions you made or didn’t make, that have changed the entire course of your life?  I’m sure anyone who is reading this can relate.  Our life is a process filled with the ebb and flow of choices–many that created failure, which may affect you this very moment.   And many choices you and I have made have come and gone which brought great blessing to you and others–choices that have proved a catalyst of positive influence to other people.

I’ve read this before, and any kid who grew up going to Sunday school or Vacation Bible School has doubtless heard the story of how David slew the giant Goliath. But as a writer, I like to imagine that David’s speech was loud and mighty and that he resounded with his audience just like William Wallace or Aragorn. But whether he shouted or spoke quietly, David went out with confidence because he knew that the fight belonged to the Lord.

When I found out I was pregnant the first time, I was heartbroken. I took a pregnancy test on Mother’s Day (I know, ironic) of 2010 and found myself devastated and overwhelmed. I was terrified. My mind was racing, scared of all that I was going to have to give up. All the things I loved and enjoyed were going to change:  my job, my education, my marriage, my body, my mental sanity, my sleep, my freedom, my relationships, my pride, my selfishness. How could I possibly do this?  I was horrified of all I was going to have to sacrifice. It all seemed daunting, impossible, and I didn’t want to do it.

I’m learning to stop obsessing over the mistakes of my past, trusting the One who has already covered them.

She learned she needed to let go and trust God with her daughter’s life. 

Every single story of redemption, restoration, and resurrection in the name of Jesus Christ is worth telling.  I would like to suggest that you tell as many people as you can.

The chaos of parenthood, which many of you know all too well, reminds me of the well-known story of Mary and Martha.

Isn’t it nice when someone is happy to see you?  Every time I turn my key in the lock I know as soon as I open my front door, I will be greeted with tail-wagging excitement by our family dog, Tucker. 

“Really?” was my husband’s comment. The Oxford Dictionary defines deserve as “do something or have or show qualities worthy of (reward or punishment).”  What qualities do we possess that make us worthy of a sunny weekend?  What great act have we done to merit such a reward? “I’m glad God doesn’t give us what we really deserve,” my husband continued. 

John Lennon said, “Everything will be ok in the end. If it’s not ok, it’s not the end.” I’ve often thought about that quote because I think it’s true. I said it once to a friend. She looked at me thoughtfully and then said, “I don’t believe that.” I haven’t been challenged on many things in my life so when she disagreed with me, I really had to step back and consider it. Life throws us challenges and hardships but I truly believe that everything always works out in the end. Maybe not in the way we intend, but if we’re Christians, certainly in the way God intends. So I thought about that through the lens of not being a Christian and I can see why my friend disagrees. If you’re not a believer and life deals you tough stuff, you have no hope. You try to muscle your way through things in your own strength. That is a heavy load to bear. No wonder Jesus said in Matthew 11:30, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (NIV) He will gladly take on our burdens if we let Him. In Proverbs 3:5 it says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” If we take our worries and difficult circumstances to God, He will carry us through. Matthew 11:29 says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”