A Timely Reminder

Dear Ones -

The following was posted on my old blog site and spoke to my spirit today.  I feel like it is a timely reminder to share once more.

~ W

Reflections: Life’s Winding Road

October 02, 2009

I’m in a reflective mood today – probably as a result of this being October and the start of fall. I enjoy the feeling I get at this time of year. Can’t explain it – could be that October means that my favorite holiday isn’t too far away. No, it isn’t Halloween! My favorite holiday is Christmas. I’ve always gotten excited from October to December as far as I can recall. My fondest memories are from my childhood in Long Island, NY when we’d have snow and it really could have been a picture from Currier & Ives.

Another reason is that, including the first part of spring; this is a time where I find myself seriously reflecting on my life. Part of that comes from the fact that I do yearly newsletters to send with my Christmas cards to family and dear friends and I have literally 12 months of memories, achievements and so much more to share.

You could say that this time of year finds me looking at where the winding road of life as brought me from and where I am headed. I don’t look back so much to chastise myself, though I do have plenty of regrets and dreams that I didn’t fulfill. I think many of us find ourselves in this place. It’s not so much the looking at where I’ve been, but the looking forward – like the picture above – to see what lies ahead, within the view. There are still unknowns and bumps along the way; however, there is just something exciting about the journey. Like this quote I found, it eloquently says what I feel about this faith journey I am currently on:

“Faith isn’t the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It’s simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.” ~ Joni Erickson Tada

His Word says that He has plans for us to give us a hope and a future. What it doesn’t say is how long that future is. Our days are not ours; He has already set aside the number of days for each of us. When our number is called, that is it. Several years ago, I wouldn’t have cared about this fact. Since being saved by grace in 2000, all I desire is to know Him, to live my life in a manner that is pleasing in His sight (not the sight of man), to be a living testimony. The one hurdle I have had is growing in the faith.

It’s so much like when you are a child and you have growth spurts – you get growing pains. Your joints hurt, your bones feel like they are going to pop right through the skin. With faith, at least my experiences, I have felt like my heart was going to explode from the pain. See, my journey has taken some major turns that I couldn’t have foreseen at the time I was saved – starting with the demise of my marriage. I knew my marriage wasn’t stellar; but I still knew that running away wouldn’t solve any of the issues. I knew I was being abused; but I thought it was what I deserved. It was only after I knew that God didn’t design that for me that I realized a supernatural, spiritual change would have to occur to save my marriage. So I began praying for my husband, began steadfastly living my life in Christ around my husband hoping he’d be so hungry for the same and want to come to Christ too. The problem was/is – he doesn’t believe in God. I was unequally yoked. I had to step aside and let God take over. When decision to divorce was made, I did have a peace about it. So, I don’t regret the decision; I regret all the pain we both inflicted to each other during the marriage. Some things just can’t be taken back after they are said.

But then, there are the turns in the road that bring joy and blessing. If you’ve kept up, you have seen some really good stuff about Kimberly. There was a time when I was told that she’d never walk and that she would be delayed in ability to learn (I am now sure that the doc we had then in TX was not trustworthy or qualified to make those statements), so to have her physically growing into this beautiful young lady, who is WAY capable of learning and excelling, is truly a blessing. I love my baby girl very much and daily tell her this because I don’t want her to ever doubt that or think that I don’t. It goes back to earlier when I said we don’t know the number of our days – so I do my best to tell those I love how I feel and do at least one thing each day that gives God glory.

I am looking forward to the turns in the road that lie ahead. I am hopeful that on this journey – both life and faith – there will be happy surprises and realized goals. Oh, I know that I’ll still have the bumps and even big, gaping potholes from time to time; but I am equipped with the Master Navigator as my GPS and know that I can trust Him at all times. I don’t have to be anxious when sidelined on the side of the road or at those times when I am forced to stop. I know that these times of tribulation (also promised in the Word to occur) are only temporary and serve to grow me that much more. It has taken me a long time to accept that statement, and I am a little surprised that I even said it (much less shared with you!). You know what? Joy always comes in the morning!

I’m going to leave you now with another quote I found when searching for inspirational quotes on faith. I do hope your winding road and journey, whatever it is, is blessed and you find a way to be a blessing – no matter how little you may seem to think it may be, it counts largely.

“Faith is no irresponsible shot in the dark. It is a responsible trust in God, Who knows the desires of your hearts, the dreams you are given, and the goals you have set. He will guide your paths right.” ~ Unknown

Times of Uncertainty...or are they?

Social media is buzzing with posts about these current events in Israel being the start of the Rapture or even the return of Christ Jesus, which based on what I have been able to research are two different events altogether.  Both, however, are just the start of the Tribulation period and, for me, the true indication that God has completed the work He began at the start of Creation.  I have also found that there have been several other times in history where Christians were convinced that the End Times were in their lifetime - so far six different wars in or over Israel in the last century.  Uh-oh...this means this current conflict is the seventh (seven meaning completion).  However, I go back to God's Word and find many times where there is mention of the destruction or end of this world and yet a promise at the same time that we are not to fear these things.  God promises a future and a hope; He promises to be our strength and protection; He promises to restore and bless; and His love never ends.  He even promises a new Heaven and new Earth - what that means I have not yet learned, but I am open to discovering as God chooses to reveal it.  

Does all this mean that I have "rapture anxiety"?  I don't know, honestly.  I am not fearful of leaving this corrupt and sinful place that was once created to be a place of great beauty and peace - at least that is how I see Eden at the very start being.  Furthermore, I am not fearful of standing before God in Heaven because my confidence is in Christ Jesus, now and forevermore.  Perhaps the only lingering feelings of remorse are from the past - which I have to daily shed because they no longer have any power over me in Christ; they are filthy rags that I have taken off.  I am now clothed in grace and mercy that my Father adorns me in.  And yet I do hold onto faith the size of a mustard seed and the promises of hope and a future because I desire to witness my own daughter married and starting her own family so that I can see the fruit of His work in and through Kimmie and Dustin.  These two young adults are passionate about living righteously before God and men, sowing seeds of salvation for the harvest yet to come, proclaiming the redemptive work only accomplished by Christ Jesus.  Maybe it is foolish of me to have such hope, but I do not believe that God would answer prayers for a spouse, child, provision, healing, or other desire of the heart just to wipe it out as if it was of no value.  Everything created by God has purpose and worth - and He says nothing from Him returns void.  

I do believe that a revival and awakening started in 2022 and is only gaining momentum, though it appears the noise of it has quieted.  Not sure exactly why, but just because the noise is less robust does not mean the work is done.  The events happening now in Israel are definitely a wake up call for all of mankind - not just Christians - to recognize the great evil that permeates through every weakness of ours: greed, selfishness, pride, hatred, prejudice, jealousy, and lack of compassion.  Yes, my dear Christian friends, we are also not immune to these venomous traits despite our conscious efforts to ward them off.  There are times when I still find myself swallowed up by one or more and then being convicted by the Holy Spirit to seek forgiveness from God and those who I harmed with these traits.  Be assured, none of us wakes up determined to harm another person and yet, when we are not careful of our sinful nature, we can do great harm without realizing it is happening.  

Personally, it grieves me to watch those I love and admire be on opposite ends of what they believe - whether that is spiritual or political or moral.  I have come to a point when I meet with others to use the disclaimer "let us agree to disagree in this area" and then continue to fellowship and love on them.  There will be a day when we all will be in one accord when we are bowing before His Throne.  Following are scriptures that support what I have stated here - whether you agree or not is not the issue:

Romans 6:6-7 Holman Christian Standard Bible

6 For we know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that sin’s dominion over the body may be abolished, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, 7 since a person who has died is freed from sin’s claims.

2 Corinthians 5:17, 20-21 Holman Christian Standard Bible

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come….20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 21 He made the One who did not know sin to be sin[a] for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Jeremiah 29:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

11 For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Proverbs 23:18 Holman Christian Standard Bible

18 For then you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.

Proverbs 24:14 Holman Christian Standard Bible

14 realize that wisdom is the same for you. If you find it, you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.

Galatians 2:19-20 Holman Christian Standard Bible

19 For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ, 20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 6:14 Holman Christian Standard Bible

14 But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world.

Ephesians 2:10 Holman Christian Standard Bible

10 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

Acts 24:15 Holman Christian Standard Bible

15 And I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.

2 Peter 3:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible

13 But based on His promise, we wait for the new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell.

Mark 13:4-27 Holman Christian Standard Bible

4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to take place?” 5 Then Jesus began by telling them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and they will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be alarmed; these things must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

Persecutions Predicted

9 “But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to sanhedrins, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of Me, as a witness to them. 10 And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say. On the contrary, whatever is given to you in that hour—say it. For it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Then brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against parents and put them to death. 13 And you will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.

The Great Tribulation

14 “When you see the abomination that causes desolation[e] standing where it should not” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains! 15 A man on the housetop must not come down or go in to get anything out of his house. 16 And a man in the field must not go back to get his clothes. 17 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days! 18 Pray it won’t happen in winter. 19 For those will be days of tribulation, the kind that hasn’t been from the beginning of the world, which God created, until now and never will be again! 20 Unless the Lord limited those days, no one would survive. But He limited those days because of the elect, whom He chose. 21 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah! Look—there!’ do not believe it! 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and will perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 And you must watch! I have told you everything in advance.

The Coming of the Son of Man

24 “But in those days, after that tribulation:

The sun will be darkened,

and the moon will not shed its light;

25 the stars will be falling from the sky,

and the celestial powers will be shaken.

26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 He will send out the angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

 

Mark 13:32-35 Holman Christian Standard Bible

No One Knows the Day or Hour

32 “Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son—except the Father. 33 Watch! Be alert![a] For you don’t know when the time is coming. 34 It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his slaves, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. 35 Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning.

Matthew 25:1-13 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Parable of the 10 Virgins

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take olive oil with them. 4 But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5 Since the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 “Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “The sensible ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.’ 10 “When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Then those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. 11 “Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘I assure you: I do not know you!’ 13 “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.

Isaiah 55:10-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven

and do not return there

without saturating the earth

and making it germinate and sprout,

and providing seed to sow

and food to eat,

11 so My word that comes from My mouth

will not return to Me empty,

but it will accomplish what I please

and will prosper in what I send it to do.”

 

Isaiah 65:17 Holman Christian Standard Bible

A New Creation

17 “For I will create a new heaven and a new earth; the past events will not be remembered or come to mind.

Revelation 21:1-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible

The New Creation

21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea no longer existed. 2 I also saw the Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

3 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne:

Look! God’s dwelling is with humanity,

and He will live with them.

They will be His people,

and God Himself will be with them

and be their God.

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Death will no longer exist;

grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer,

because the previous things have passed away.

Revelation 3:10 Holman Christian Standard Bible

10 Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

So, my friends, let us not be fearful or anxious about what we see because I do believe there is much more work to be done.  The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  We must continue to proclaim the gospel in words and action while we have breath in our lungs and blood in our veins.  I refuse to be a porch chair Christian watching the skies when I can be actively sharing Christ with those He brings me in contact with.  While doing so, I will cling to the hope He has put inside my soul and live.  Only He knows the number of my days and hairs on my head.  

Be Blessed and be a blessing ~

W