For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is revealed to us, Romans 8:18.
Have you ever had those days where life feels like the ocean tide is permanently in and may never go out to sea again. Wave after wave of sorrow, disappointment, and suffering come crashing in with such force you fear the tide will pull you under. If we are honest with ourselves we would admit that we do have waves like this hitting us.
If there is anything I have learned in the difficult times, when I feel hemmed in, God has not left me alone. He is completely trustworthy. In fact, He is working in and through the very difficulties I face to grow me deeper and more dependent on Him. He makes the Son shine through the billowing waves, calming the raging torrent of my soul causing the tide to go out to sea. I need not lose heart, for there is hope!
"You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me!" Psalm 139:5-6
August 7, 1942 is a date, for most people, that has little to no meaning. For the Tabbut family it has everything to do with the sovereignty of God and life.
Sgt. Perry Tyler Tabbut was part of one of the battalions that were the first to land on Guadalcanal in what would become the beginning of the offensive assault in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
For two months the Marines waged war on the Japanese before they took the high ground which became known as Bloody Ridge. They were shelled nightly by Japanese ships that were off shore.
Not long after the ridge was secure they received orders to move operations to the low lying area around Henderson Airfield to keep it secure from the enemy. They were, now, more exposed to direct hits from the enemy
Foxholes! The shovels flew as they dug holes in the dirt up to three feet wide and more than 6 ft deep. Fortunately, the dirt was softer so the digging went fast. They needed to get the job done quickly because they knew the enemy was relentless. The ships in the harbor and the planes that flew overhead regularly were a constant threat to their very lives.
Perry was a simple, quiet man. He grew up on the farm in Northern Minnesota. He spent a lot of his youth cutting down trees and digging out stumps. He knew the value of hard work. The night before he set sail for Guadalcanal, he spent his free time quietly making two purchases, a watch and a map, before he went back on ship. He wanted to get an idea of where he was going and understood the value of keeping time. In time, both purchases would become extremely useful.
As Perry stood on the beach that warm October day, scanning the terrain, he noticed the number of downed coconut trees from previous skirmishes. Thinking back to his tree cutting days on the farm, he said to the boys," If I only had an axe I could chop those trees to use for a roof over the foxholes making them safer." He had not seen an axe since he had left Minnesota. Looking down at the ground one of his buddies immediately replied,"Look, over there, in the grass, its an axe." Little did he know, it would become an axe that changed the course of Tabbut family history. He never saw an axe again for the remainder of the war.
If we don't stop, look carefully and reflect, we miss the evidence of God's sovereign care in our lives. For Perry, that day, the sovereign axe meant protection of life. Though their foxhole took on shrapnel, if they had not put the coconut tree roof over their heads Perry would have not made it out of the hole alive. The Japanese planes flew low dropping bombs through a partly cloudy sky with good visibility.
That was 1942. Perry continued as a Marine through the remainder of the war. He nearly died of Malaria, but recovered, and went on to fight in more bloody battles in the South Pacific. He returned home in December of 1945 to his waiting bride to be.
Perry and Margaret raised a family of three children, Mary, Susan and Byron. His health was never the same. Frequent bouts of Malaria would change the course of his life and work. Perry died in February 1981 at the age of 66. He has been long remembered as a wise, but simple soft spoken man.
On this Father's Day may we thank God for our fathers and the legacy they leave. A sovereign axe laying in the grass nearly 70 years ago meant that Mary, Susan, and Byron would be given life and families of their own, who have gone on to have families of their own. There are no chance encounters with God!
I love Hymns. They really
speak to my soul. So many of them were inspired through great difficulties and
losses, not unlike the Psalmists of the Bible. Their poetic words rooted in biblical truth offer hope
and encouragement to the weary soul.
O Love that Will No Let Me Go is one of my favorites. George Matheson wrote it on
the eve of his sister’s wedding as he sadly remembered his own loss. Years
before he had been engaged, but when it was discovered that he was going blind
his fiancée broke the engagement. She could not bear to go through life married
to a blind man.
The next time you pick up a
hymnal, spend some time reading the hymns. You will be amazed at the rich
truths mined from God’s Word that have been borne through great sorrow. Your
evening will turn to morning and your sorrows will turn to joy!
Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so that you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Colossians 2:7
I have been on a quest for some time to beautify my gardens. I have enlisted the help of a friend who is a very creative gardener. We have split plants, rearranged plants, added new plants, and pruned plants. My gardens have never been so beautiful!
Spring has been slow in coming to our region. Consequently, the spring bloom has been behind. In the past week the weather has warmed significantly and everything is bursting forth - including the weeds.
The lovely beds of a few weeks ago have turned into a nightmare of thistles and dandelions. The, once, daily tending and care of the garden has slipped in it frequency at a cost. Beauty has been overrun.
Tap roots go deep and if not dug out the weeds come back stronger. Popping the tops of the weed is only a superficial solution. They must be rooted out.
My heart is a lot like a garden that requires constant tending. It needs the hand of the Master Gardener pruning, watering, amending soil and weeding out the bad roots. The tender care of the gardeners hand causes the plants to be healthier, stronger and more full of blooms because the roots have more room to grow.
God has not left us to ourselves. He has given us His Son, His Word, the power of the Holy Spirit and the body of Christ to help us see the weeds and root out the thistles and dandelions of our hearts. We need to let him do His work. His Word can daily nourish us so that we may find joy in the journey as each thistle and dandelion is dug out. I need thee every hour!
Today as I drove home from my exercise class I
couldn't help but think about what a difference a year can make. The wind is
quieter today, but the temperatures are still frigid. It seems like we had
March weather in January and are now having January weather in March. I stopped
at the end of my driveway and snapped a photo of the same place I took a
picture exactly one year ago.
Last year, during the Easter season we basked
in the beauty and warmth that an early spring brings. The daffodils were in
full bloom and the tulips on their way. It was such a vivid picture of death
coming to life and almost made the reality of Christ's death and resurrection
more evident, and perhaps, more worshipful in my foolish heart. Why would the
sun's warmth and the beautiful palette of color splashing everywhere painting
an amazing picture of brightness seem to make the resurrection more real?
Wind the clock ahead a year. It is once again
the Easter season. Instead of the warmer southwestern breezes that mark the
beginning of spring, we are experiencing subzero Alberta Clippers. There is not
a trace of life bursting forth from the death of winter. But, the reality of
the resurrection is nonetheless evident. Christ rose from the dead whether or
not we see the visual picture of death bursting forth to life in the things
that God made around us. Christ's death and resurrection served an entirely
different purpose. His suffering had to happen so that those who are being saved
could be freed from the old self's bondage to sin and be given new life found
in the Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. John Piper says it so well:
"The resurrection of Jesus is God's gift
and proof that his death was completely successful in blotting out the sins of
his people and removing the wrath of God.[1]
True worship and reveling in the wonder of
Christ’s death and resurrection is not about what is happening in my external
world that matters, but rather what is going on internally in my heart. Today as the cold winds blow and patches of
snow are still present I wonder and marvel at the beauty and horror that met at
the cross. Sorrow and love flowed from a bloody crown of thorns yet burst forth
in the brilliant light of the resurrection whether or not it is warm and beautiful or cold and cruel feeling. Speechless, I think to myself, “He
would do that for me?”
Christ
also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might
bring us to God, (1 Peter 3:18).
[1]
Piper, John, The Passion of Christ
(Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books), 100.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various
kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces
steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may
be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Blessed
is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the
test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those
who love him. James 1:12
Trials, afflictions, and
suffering are no strangers to the one whose identity is found in Christ.
Scripture is clear. We will experience them. They should not catch us
off guard. When our faith is deeply rooted in Christ and the truth of
scripture, we have great hope and assurance even in the gravest of
situations.
There is an undeniable realness to grief.
But, in our sorrow and grief, God is there to carry us through. We must
choose to believe that He is working all things together for good even
in our darkest moments. He knows our grief more intimately than we can
imagine.
Thatcher
and Amy know well the meaning of "counting it all joy when you meet
trials of various kinds." They have a story to tell. As their hearts
were breaking, knowing that upon the birth of their son James Daniel,
God was mending James' broken heart that could not beat this side of
heaven. Thatcher and Amy's hearts will be forever changed because they
know that joy comes in the morning. As the sun rose over the horizon
that morning God took James to glory where his heart is beating. Meet my
niece and nephew-in-law Amy and Thatcher. You will be blessed.
My First Christmas in
Heaven
It’s my first Christmas up in heaven, I’m right by Jesus’ side
My heart has been made whole and with the Lord I now abide.
For He who holds the world, also holds my tiny hand
I’m safe in Jesus’ presence and it’s gloriously grand!
Perhaps you’ve heard my story, perhaps you’ve even prayed
God formed me in my mother’s womb and by Him I was made.
Then shortly after I was born, God gently called me home
My heart was meant to beat for Him – for God and God alone.
Though my time on earth was brief, my family cuddled me in love
We made some special memories that are gifts from God above.
Even Joy sweetly held me as I opened up my eyes
And I told her that I loved her in between my little cries.
My “journey of the heart” was written long ago
God knew before I was conceived to Him I soon would go.
He had a different plan – a different purpose all along
I fulfilled my mission on the earth – with Jesus I belong.
Things look different up in heaven, the perspective is more clear
I can see what’s really real, so don’t shed for me a tear.
There is more to this life than what you see with your two eyes
God has made a home for us beyond the big blue skies.
His ways are truly awesome – I can see His plan unfold
Eternity is real – so be steadfast, brave, and bold!
There is no better way to live your life on earth
Than to spend it all for Jesus – which has eternal worth.
For when He comes again or you meet Him face to face
You’ll kneel in rapt attention at His holiness and grace.
Having touched the earth and left it – I can truly testify
There is a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy.
While I wish that I could hug you and tell you that I care
Please accept a Christmas blessing through a simple little prayer,
“Lord, use my ‘broken’ heart as a vessel Your light shines through
I want to tell the world down there that ‘God loves you!’”
Love from heaven,
James Daniel
"Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You." "Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere." Psalm 84:4, 10a
How we handle the trials of our lives tells people where we place our faith hope and trust. Tested faith is proven in the furnace where joy and sorrow are mingled. Meet my friend Gerty. Her testimony to the grace, goodness and faithfulness of God is evident as she has journeyed through the last years and days of her beloved Bob's life. For Bob, the best is no longer yet to come. It has come, and hope springs eternal.
Here's Gerty...
For the last 1 1/2 years of his life our family knew that Bob had
cancer. Each day I asked God for grace and wisdom to face the challenges
that lay ahead as we began the journey of saying good-bye. God is good. He
did give me His grace, His peace and His wisdom, as well as a feeling of
contentment that though hard it was going to be okay.
Fifty-eight years ago, when Bob and I were married we chose Psalm 34:3 for
our wedding ceremony and life verse. "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name
together".
As time and life circumstances
passed, Psalm 34:4 also became meaningful. "I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all
my fears".
Through the years I have written various dates next to this verse.
The first date was in 1961 when my daughter Linda was thought to have leukemia. Thankfully,
she didn’t. In l969, my then 3 year-old son had difficulty walking because of a
growth on his hip. With aggressive care and no walking for 3 months, he was
healed. (A 3 year old on crutches, yikes!). When Linda was in high
school, she developed myocarditis (who knows how or why). A few years
later Sharon developed hepatitis and had to drop out of college for a
time. In 2005, Bob had peritonitis and needed a bowel resection (no
cancer at that time). Last year we almost lost our daughter Kristen.
Surgery and 16 units of blood saved her. Each time God brought Psalm 34:4
to my mind.
Several weeks before his death, Bob was lying on the sofa. He called for me
to sit by him. He took my hand and started praying, first praising God’s many
blessings over his whole life. Next, he thanked God for many things
individually. Then he prayed for each of our children and for me.
After that, he wanted to go to bed. He went downhill from that point on.
"I sought the
Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears". Psalm 34:4
The night before he died our entire family gathered around his hospital
bed. We prayed that God would answer our prayer and take him home.
The next morning Bob went to GLORY
at 10:30 a.m. Our prayers were answered and I have no fear.
Over my life, God has always been there. I am at peace and I know in
the days and months ahead He will sustain me and grant His grace and wisdom
because He has given me the assurance of Psalm 34:3-4.
"O magnify the Lord with me, and
let us exalt His name together! I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and
delivered me from all my fears".
Life brings its share of storms. Recently, we have watched the billowing waves of hurricane Sandy hit the mid-Atlantic shore and have seen the destruction left in its wake. As Christians, God is our watchman guiding our path to safe harbor as the billows of life crash in on us. Meet my friend Connie. She is an example of one who has trusted God when waves have come crashing.
Some days just shake the very foundation of our being. Though distant now,
the memories of that day still linger in my mind. It was the day my son left to
join the army. It was a time our country was involved in war. Inevitability
loomed!
As my children were growing up I frequently prayed that the Lord would grow
them into godly men and women. Whatever it takes, I would say! This?? It was
not what I had in mind, but it was to be God’s chosen path for Josh.
Trust!!!!! Why is one word so difficult to comprehend? Could I honestly say
that Josh was safer at home than where he was to be? After all, the God of the
universe was with him.
God moves in ways that sometimes are a mystery to us. Having a son go to
war was not part of my plan. I am the mother! Why was I not consulted?
Pause!!!! It’s God’s design, not mine! He had something different in mind!
Could I trust God when things don’t look like I think they should? I was beginning to see - not only was God
working in Josh’s life, He was working in my heart. He was answering the cry of
a mother to grow her son’s heart Godward. Trust!!!!
I am thankful that the responsibility of my son’s life will never rest on
my shoulders. I am so grateful I don’t have to carry this burden. Although
many days were tearful I was learning not to be fearful. The same God who was
watching over my son was watching over me. God added such peace to my days.
What could be better than that?I was
learning to trust that one way or another Josh would be coming ‘home’- either into
my arms or into the arms of Jesus.
Sometimes life’s best lessons are learned in the school of hard knocks. If
you could have asked Josh, he would have said, "I am glad God brought me
to this place, because He is teaching me things here that I would not have learned
elsewhere." Josh reminded me of the truth found in Psalms 37:23, "The steps of a man are established by the
Lord; and he delights in his way."
Retrospective, perspective!!!!!! Looking back I see so many positive things
this experience has produced. Growth in character, maturity, and
responsibility has been priceless. These years were not wasted; they were
growing years, not only for my son, but also for his mother. Though God’s ways
do not always parallel mine, I have learned to trust Him. He has proven
Himself.He has intimately ministered to
my heart so I could withstand a situation that was just too hard for any
mother to deal with alone. This is where peace is found (Isaiah
26:3-4).
I remember the first time I saw Josh. He wasn’t my little boy anymore. He
was wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army. Now, he was their man. But his
greatest call will always be a soldier of the Lord. After all, he’s already in
His army. Now that’s perspective!!
Music has an uncanny way of reaching deep into our souls. It can have a powerful sway over the mind and gives reason for choosing it wisely. In ancient times the Psalms, by their poetic style were set to song as a way to help people remember who God is, what He is doing and how much He cares, provides, and protects.
One song that will reach into your soul in a way that brings refreshment and helps remember God's love and grace is "Will you Hide Me," (Healing Streams) by Kelly Minter. It is a playlist must have!
When I have had one of those stumbling, lose perspective kind of weeks I really need a jolt. I need to REMEMBER, God is nearest when it seems like He is the farthest away. Trust!! In the valley, I must choose to trust that God's grace is sufficient and that in my weakest moments He is my strength. He knows my fears, He comforts! He keeps my tears in a bottle, He hears my cries! He feels my pain, He knows my frame!
Why then, do I wallow in the mire? Once again, I have forgotten the power of the cross. I have lost sight of the power of the Word. I have lost perspective... But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:7-14.
Connect that with: Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13.
Dear Reader, whenever you hit bumps in the road or face hairpin turns, remember the hope you have in Christ. He gives grace and does so in great abundance. As you face trials and hardships press into Jesus and find joy in your journey! Remember, when He seems the farthest away He is right beside ready to take your hand and walk the road with you! In fact, he walked it before you!!!!!!!!
