Is It Enough?

“It’s not enough” (Genies’s voice) … In the movie “Aladdin” the street boy, Aladdin wanted to be a prince.  The genie began to create all types of “prince like” things.  For each idea, he wanted it bigger and better.  It was never enough.  And when Aladdin finally rode into the kingdom on an elephant, accompanied by all the extras befitting a prince, Princess Jasmine was not the least bit impressed.
Discontentment in our lives is often the same way.  Instead of knowing who we already are, who we are created to be, we try to become someone by searching for external trappings.  The child of God has been created with royal blood in his or her veins.  We are royalty.  We are children of the  King of kings.  Yet why do we spend so much of our lives seeking to matter?  Why do we spend so much time searching for things that will make us feel important?  What will it take to show us that God has created us because He wants to love us?  Dad wants to love you.  He wants to love me too.  It’s not what we do or what we have.  It’s just because we are us.
The book of Proverbs speaks of this “not enough” syndrome. “The leech has two daughters, crying, Give, give! There are three things that are never satisfied, yes, four that do not say, It is enough: Sheol (the place of the dead), the barren womb, the earth that is not satisfied with water, and the fire that says not, It is enough.” (Proverbs 30:15-16)  The two daughters seem to be continually trying to be better than each other.  We often want to have and do better things than another.  If not competing with someone else, we often push ourselves.  It’s hard to just accept that the house is clean enough…the job has been done well (at work or home)…there is enough food…and so on. 
Do we cry “give, give!”  Give me recognition! Give me love!  Give me hope!  All these things have already been given to us by the Father through Jesus Christ.  God recognizes when we’ve done a good job, even if no one else does.  Jesus spoke of this in the Sermon on the Mount, “ But when you give to charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your deeds of charity may be in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:4)  No one else needs to even see.  The Bible is full of verses about God’s love for us.  The most well known being, “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” (John 3:16) And God is the source of hope.  “Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)  He gives us everything we need.
Four things are listed that are never satisfied: death, a barren womb, thirst and fire. 
Death is far more than the obvious.  Death can be wrong expectations, criticism or any negatives that cause us to doubt our dreams and value.  Be encouraged, Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated all death.  “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1Corinthians 15:55)  His word brings life.  His resurrection puts an end to the death of any God given dreams and calls on your life.  We are to die to this world, but anything of God will remain.  If a God given dream has seemingly died, resurrection day is coming.  But, remember, Jesus looked different after His resurrection.  Your dreams may look a little different than you had imagined.
A barren womb is very painful.  I’ve had friends who have longed for a child, but month after month they have not conceived.  I cannot begin to understand this pain, but I know it is intense.  The barren womb can also be a place of unfulfilled and dashed hopes.  There are many things that are “supposed to work out” according to our plans.  But they don’t, or at least haven’t yet.  This pain can also be very real and intense. When faced with a feeling of barrenness, whether longing for a child or a dream, consider Abraham and Sarah, whose bodies were “as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah’s [deadened] womb.” (Romans4:19b)  God’s promises and calls have no expiration dates.   Though the wait may be difficult and faith hard to find, God’s plan will come to pass.  Contentment comes from holding on to hope and faith during the waiting time.  We have a great promise, “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.” (Galatians 6:9)  Some promises may go well beyond their expected due date.  Wait expectantly.
Thirst can be alleviated for a time, but is never truly quenched.  We can be thirsty for what we think we need or want.  Jesus spoke directly to thirst when he said “He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.”  (John 7:38)  For many years, Diet soda was my drink of choice.  Along with the water I needed, were many chemicals and additives that actually contributed to health problems I was experiencing. Drinking water with little or no additives is the best thirst quencher. Do you thirst for anything besides God’s plan for you? Do you seek anything over trusting Jesus?  These add-ons can bring sickness to your soul.  You will not quench your thirst, but always crave more.  Drink from the living water of clinging to Jesus and drink often. 
Fire, that burning passion, will destroy everything in its path.  Passion for the wrong things can burn others and it can burn us at the same time.  We can be singed by running ahead of God or toward other things.    Fire will always burn, so make sure it is the fire of a burning passion for God in our lives.  We will be purified by God’s holy fire. “So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed.” (1Peter 1:7)  This increases our value as God’s servant. “Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth [the material for] a vessel for the silversmith [to work up].” (Proverbs 25:4)
At the end of the movie, Aladdin found his value in what he truly was inside.  He left behind his “street rat” image of himself and became the man and prince he meant to be. Things in life may come against us.  We must know who we are and how faithful God is. This comes from knowing and believing what the Word says.  God has said, “And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)

Let the external trappings of this world fall away.  Study and speak to God regularly. Seek to be the person God uniquely created you to be.  When it appears there is not enough, remember, He is more than enough.

Growing In Confidence and Wisdom

Over the past year both of our dogs have grown and experienced changes in their personalities. Our dog Kari used to be very nervous around strange dogs. Walks became tense because she would growl whenever we encountered another dog. Beamer, on the other hand, had never met a stranger he didn’t want turn into a friend. Regardless of size or breed, he just knew that this would be his next best buddy.

Recently we took the dogs to a nearby pet store. There were many other dogs there at the time. I noticed differences in the responses our dogs had during this trip. Although I was still quite apprehensive, Kari wanted to befriend every dog she came upon. I had to struggle to restrain her when other dogs were a bit skittish and shy. She just wanted to sniff and lick.  There was not a trace of the defensiveness and growling that had been evident the year before. Beamer was his usual friendly self to most dogs, but he became protective of Kari and he was also somewhat territorial with select dogs. There were even a few dogs to which he growled before they even came near.

Considering this odd turn of events, I thought about the past year. We have now had Kari for nearly two years. During that time she has become more comfortable and secure in many ways. She has also had more contact with other dogs and realizes that they can be fun to play with.

Beamer has been with us nearly four years and has always been pretty comfortable and easy going. He has become a bit more territorial since we adopted his sister and new dogs have moved into the neighboring houses and yards. He still enjoys playing with other dogs, but seems a bit more cautious and selective than before.

Similar changes in character can be seen in our spiritual lives. Someone who is newer to the family of God can still be very apprehensive of trusting people. Past experiences can greatly hinder trust. As this relationship with the Lord deepens, a new trust in God will be developed. “But I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, You are my God.” (Psalm 31:14 AMP)  It may take a while for this trust to be extended to others around us. Trusting the Almighty God who has limitless, unconditional love can be easier than extending that trust and vulnerability to people who can, and occasionally will, let you down. Barriers and walls require time to crumble. But as healing takes place in the heart, and Christian brothers and sisters show a faithful concern and love, those barriers will eventually crack open. The cautious believer will begin to see the advantage and joy of sharing life with others. “Two are better than one, because they have a good [more satisfying] reward for their labor; For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10AMP)

As we continue to grow in the Lord, we also grow in wisdom and understanding. We learn to hear the voice of the Lord more accurately as we spend more time in His word. “Hear instruction and be wise, and do not refuse or neglect it.” (Proverbs 8:33 AMP)  We become more aware of true love and acceptance, while at the same time being able to identify counterfeits that could easily lead us astray. Jesus instructed His disciples as he sent them out, “Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; be wary and wise as serpents, and be innocent (harmless, guileless, and without falsity) as doves. Be on guard against men [whose way or nature is to act in opposition to God]; ” (Matthew 10:16-17a AMP)  We may even take younger Christians under our wings to provide safety and guidance as they begin their walk with the Lord. This will cause our protectiveness to increase. Although we will still look for opportunities to serve and fellowship with others, we will also be ready to defend against harmful intruders.  Jesus referred to this in a prayer to His Father. “While I was with them, I kept and preserved them in Your Name [in the knowledge and worship of You]. Those You have given Me I guarded and protected, and not one of them has perished or is lost...” (John 17:12 a AMP)  

Both Kari, in becoming more trusting and Beamer, in becoming more protective and watchful, have shown growth in finding their place in our family.  As you walk in the family of God, may you also find growth and change in your life.  Trust and discernment are both valuable.  May you increase in both as you increase in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Tilling the Heart

It is springtime again, and soon it will be time to begin preparing the garden for planting. Often we think that the work of the garden begins with planting seeds. But the time of preparation before the seeds can be planted is crucial to the growing and harvesting seasons. 

Preparation of the ground is essential to any successful garden. We have several beds in our backyard that produced wonderful vegetables last year. We covered these beds with dried leaves in the fall so that the nutrients would enrich the soil. Now it is time to bring out the tiller and begin breaking up the ground once again. We could just complain that we did all this work last year and the garden grew just fine. So why do we have to redo the work? Why can’t we just start with planting once again? In order for the garden to be vibrant and productive this year, we must again break up what has hardened over the long winter months.

Planning to expand the garden by adding another bed involves even more work. First, the sod covering that piece of ground must be removed. After this top layer has been taken off, the ground beneath must also be tilled and broken up. Nutrients that will promote vegetable growth must be added. We are changing the purpose of this piece of our property. No longer desiring the beauty of a green lawn, we are seeking nutritious, life-giving fruits and vegetables. It takes great work to change. But the benefits during harvest season will be worth it.

Jesus spoke about planting season in the parable of the “Sower and the Seed”. (See Matthew 14, Mark 4 and Luke 8)  In this parable He describes four types of soil that represent the conditions of our hearts. The roadside has received no preparation and there is no comprehension when the word of God comes. The rocky soil of the heart is still full of rock hardness and does not have enough prepared soil to receive and understand the word with any depth. Challenges quickly cause the word to wither and die because of this lack of deep commitment. The thorny soil has so many distractions of life that prevent the word of God from growing, but take over instead. But the good soil has been prepared. It is rich and ready to receive the seed of the word of God. In this environment the word can grow strong and provide food for many.

Are there areas of our hearts that again need tilling? They may be areas of our lives that we have served God faithfully in. As things again become mixed up and sifted through, we may question just what God is doing. We have been obedient to this point. Now it appears that God is no longer willing to allow ‘business as usual’.   A question may arise when changes occur in an area that has been productive in the past. Why is what we have been doing no longer acceptable? Why do we have to be broken up once again? But as each new season begins, the old must be broken and remixed so that the new crop can be even better than the old. “For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem: Break up your ground left uncultivated for a season, so that you may not sow among thorns.”  (Jeremiah 4:3 AMP)  Even a winter of rest can allow things into our lives that may choke out the fruit God is nurturing within us. 

When God is preparing to use us in a new area, the work is even greater. We may have been happy being useful as that plot of luscious, green grass. But mere beauty is no longer what God seeks. He is looking to plant fruit that will grow in the good soil of our heart and nourish others. Just as work is required to prepare the ground to receive the new plants, work is required in our hearts to receive a new direction and ministry God has for us. We must allow Him to make whatever changes are necessary in our hearts. This may not be comfortable but will be worth it. “Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you.“ (Hosea 10:12b AMP)  ‘His righteous gift of salvation” will be food to the souls of many we meet. 

It is springtime again. Spring is a time for new life and new growth. Allow the Father with His rich love and mercy to prepare your heart for the life-giving crop He wishes to develop in you. His tender care will enrich the soil of your heart and fill you with life-giving food for those you encounter in your daily life. 

Watch Your Tone.

The same words or statements can be used to convey significantly different meanings. “Yeah, right!” is a good example of this. Stated with a compliant and cheerful attitude, these words convey cooperation and agreement. Throw in some sarcasm in the meaning is reversed. “Yeah, right!” now means that there is no way that is happening. Somewhere in the middle of these two statements would be adding a question mark. “Yeah, right?” implies hesitation and possible apprehension. There is a sense that the speaker desires to comply but is unsure of the outcome or his ability. The same two words are spoken each time. But three drastically different meanings are attached to each statement.

Do we sometimes approach the word of God in these ways? The Scriptures are full of promises the Father has for His children. Do we take these at face value and believe they mean exactly what is stated? What attitude do we have as we approach God’s word?

Like our example above, are we compliant and cheerful? Like young children do we take God’s word at face value, receiving it with joy? Jesus commands us to come as little children. “And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].” (Matthew 18:3 AMP)  We are to believe the promises of God simply because they come from our Father who loves us and never lies. ^“God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 AMP)

Or have we learned the fine art of sarcasm like so many of today’s teens? Are we skeptical of His promises? Is our willingness to believe dependent on what we see or hear from others? When we quit listening and wholeheartedly believing the words of our Father, we can truly become skeptical. The voice of the enemy and the circumstances of our lives are more than willing to convince us that God’s word is not true for us. The prodigal son left home full of arrogance and wrong ideas.  He had to come to a point of realizing that his father was a loving man before he was willing to return and receive that love. He returned home and found his father willing to give him more than he could imagine. (See Luke chapter 15)

Or do we find ourselves approaching God’s word with a questioning attitude. We want to believe that every promise is true for us. We are the adult who knows in his mind that the word is reliable. Yet past experiences and the logic of this world cause us to question. We may hesitate and even find ourselves apprehensive about stepping out into what God calls us. The apostle Peter walked on water until he saw the waves and considered the laws of physics that said men cannot walk on water. (See Matthew chapter 14) 

I have experienced all of these attitudes at different times during my 36 year walk with God. I went through a time when I was listening to the lies of the enemy and became like those Jesus spoke of. “But He said to them, Excellently and truly [so that there will be no room for blame] did Isaiah prophesy of you, the pretenders and hypocrites, as it stands written: These people [constantly]honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far distant from Me.” (Mark 7:6 AMP) During this time I did not totally walk away from God, but I became very sarcastic of the words I did not see as true in my life. Because of the tone of my attitude, I became depressed and farther from God. I have also been the adult who truly wants to believe, but struggles with unbelief because of my past difficulties. 

The only sure solution to either of these is to follow Jesus advice and become like that little child. When doubt and unbelief crowd in and circumstances loom large, become that trusting child and run to your big Father who can do anything for you. He will take care of you and bring about your best. With a cheerful, trusting heart you can willingly say “Yeah! Right!” Dad has it covered.

Open the Blinds

Have you ever stayed a hotel with the curtains that blackout all of the light? I have taken the mid-afternoon nap and awoke to believe it was the middle of the night. Unless I looked at the very edge of the curtains, there was no evidence as to condition of the outside world. It was actually bright and sunny.

At home the curtains and blinds do not as intensely block out the light. Yet the amount of light in the room is far reduced from that which is outside the window. With each layer that is opened the light increases. Opening the curtains and then the blinds is required to allow in the maximum amount of light.

In Scripture we are told, “The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 AMP)  Just as the sunlight is outside the window during the day, the light of the word of God; Jesus, is always shining in the spiritual realm. We need to get whatever is blocking that light from entering our minds and hearts. We want to take away, layer by layer, everything that is blocking the light.

When someone is not open to a relationship with Jesus, blockage to the light is as intense as the hotel blackout curtain. The heart cannot receive understanding and does not comprehend the wisdom of God. It will take a desire to see what is beyond the curtain of this life. It may take the assistance of a Jesus follower to allow the hurt heart to know that the light is truly available.

Once we come into a relationship with Jesus, the light is never truly blocked out. It is more like the window coverings at my home. Things of this life can limit the amount of understanding, discernment and comprehension we received from the truth of God’s word. Busyness anger, unbelief, selfishness… the list of things that can block the entrance of God’s word is lengthy.  Each one must be overcome to allow the most light in.

As we begin to give each area of our life over to the Lord, is like turning the rod that controls the blinds. They open a little wider with each turn and allow more light to stream through. As more word and light enter our hearts, more of our true nature can be revealed; strengths and weaknesses. Each change causes us to reflect more of the image of Jesus. We will also see more of God’s call on our life and receive direction in the path we should go.

The longer we live as true students of the word, reading and studying it regularly, we will begin to see more clearly. As we see the things that God wants change, we must be obedient. As time goes by, the blinds on the windows of our lives can be totally opened and actually pulled up by the attached rope. This provides the most open access to our hearts. But there does not come a time that we can coast feeling as though we’re receiving all of the light that God has for us. For even the window without coverings will constantly get fingerprints (or paw prints as in our house). And it will need constant attention just as we need to constantly take in the word of God.

 Interestingly, Jesus is both the word and the light. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14a ESV)  “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 ESV)  As we allow Jesus to become more part of our lives, we live hearing His words and seeing by the true light of life.

So pull back the curtains today begin opening the blinds of your life. Spend time in the word of God and let Him brighten everything that you do.

GOOD Friday!

This week is often referred to by Christian churches as Holy Week. It starts with Palm Sunday that commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and moves on to Holy Thursday, celebrating Jesus last meal with his disciples and his prayer and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Good Friday is the time to remember the punishment and crucifixion of Jesus. Holy Saturday considers the time He spent in the tomb. And this Holy Week culminates with the celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday. People from everywhere who neither generally attend church nor know much about Jesus are familiar with the events of this week.

Today is the celebration of Good Friday. I have heard it asked, “How can all be horrible events of that day be described as good?” On the surface that question may seem plausible. But as we look deeper into the events of that day, we will see that the word “good” not only fits but may actually be an understatement.

When did the miracle of salvation actually occur? From the cross, after enduring rejection, humiliation and great physical pain, Jesus spoke the words, “It is finished.” The entire verse goes on to say “… He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:13 AMP)  In that moment, at the pinnacle of pain and the hearts of His followers, the work of Jesus on earth was completed. When everything looked blackest and most hopeless, the law was being fulfilled and salvation was being made available to all who would receive it from the Father.

When do the miracles truly happen in our own lives? Is it when the breakthrough shows up and all the circumstances work out? Or does the real miracle occur as we settle in our hearts to give God all He is asking of us and trust Him with our future? We perform that act of obedience that may seem crazy at the moment and trust God with the outcome. Things may look darkest at that time. No light of the coming answer may be anywhere in sight. The time of waiting may still be to come. But the real miracle has already occurred.

There is an account in the Old Testament when Angel arrives in response to Daniel’s prayer for understanding. The messenger arrived with these words.  ^“Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.  But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.” (Daniel 10:12–13 NLT)  The answer and the miracle were sent on that very first day. Yet the evidence did not appear for three entire weeks. Has our answer already been sent?

Please don’t get me wrong. Good Friday and the death of Jesus would not have been complete without the resurrection that we celebrate on Easter Sunday. The power of God was present and released Jesus from the grave at just the right moment. Nothing could stop that power or the effect that the resurrection of Jesus Christ has had on mankind.

In our lives, the power of God always accompanies the answer to our prayers. There may be a waiting time similar to the time Jesus lay, seemingly lifeless, in the tomb. Our waiting period may seem silent, but there is no reason for it to be somber. Just as we are not totally sure what the spirit of Jesus Christ did during the hours His body lay in the tomb, we are never aware of exactly what God is doing during this time in our lives. At just the right moment, God will send a breakthrough and the earthly evidence of our miracle will burst forth with that unstoppable power of Almighty God.

Many years ago, a songwriter Carmen wrote a story/song entitled, ‘Sunday's On the Way.’ It is still one of my favorite songs to pull out this time of year. When you are having a rough time and don’t see any evidence of the answers to your prayer. Think of the final lines of this song, “When problems try to bury you, and make it hard to pray, It may seem like Friday night, but Sunday's on the way!”

Packing on Paper

Whenever we go on a trip, I begin to pack several days to a week prior to the trip.  I do not crack open my suitcase.  I grab a pen and piece of paper or open Word document. Over the next several days, I jot down everything that comes to mind that will be needed for the trip. When packing day arrives, generally the day before I leave, it takes less than an hour to pack my suitcase. I walk to everything that I need and have placed on my list, bring it to the suitcase and put it in.

I developed this method many years ago after forgetting some of my insulin pump supplies on a trip. These items are not easily found at the pharmacy and posed a significant problem. I was finally able to have what I needed shipped to me. The search and several phone calls took considerable time and effort. This cut into the plans we had had for our vacation. There had been no choice, these supplies literally were necessary to my life.  So I do not want this to ever recur.

This life is a journey and we are on a trip. There are essentials that must accompany us every day of our lives. Many of these are from the word of God.  Some, like my pump supplies, should never be left behind.  Among these, I include verses on my identity in Jesus Christ, the armor God has provided for us (Ephesians 6) and most importantly, the necessity and examples of how to continually thank and praise God.  These areas are crucial to every single day of our journey with God.  We learn more about these areas by studying the Word daily and reviewing what we have already learned.  “Oh, how love I Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97 AMP)  This daily meditation leads to the Word becoming a part of how we perceive and react to the events of my day. “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel: After those days, says the Lord, I will put My law within them, and on their hearts will I write it; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” (Jeremiah 31:33 AMP)  This is again referred to by Paul in the New Testament.   ^“You show and make obvious that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, not written with ink but with [the] Spirit of [the] living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the reliance and confidence that we have through Christ toward and with reference to God.”  (2 Corinthians 3:3-4 AMP)

As you can imagine, my insulin supplies are among the very first things put on my list for each trip. Clothing is next in importance.  Following these items are the things that are specific to each trip.  Depending on where I am headed and the mode of transportation, many articles may be either appropriate or unnecessary.  Travelling by car facilitates a cooler and food for the trip.  An airplane ride requires medical documentation for my insulin and supplies.  Either would be foolish to take if the mode of travel was reversed.  A hotel with a pool would invite a swimsuit whereas a mid-winter trip to a friend’s home in Wisconsin would not make this practical.  Each trip has its unique needs, 

God has plans for our long term call, and He has plans for each day.  In addition to the necessities of every day of our spiritual lives, there are the daily aspects of our journey.  God already knows who and what we will encounter for each day.  These verses and the actual items we may need will be brought to mind as we seek Him for each day. “I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me.” (Proverbs 8:17 AMP) As we seek and find His heart for each day, He will add to our packing lists.  Then we can quickly put it all together and be on our way on this exciting journey of a life following Jesus.

I make a list on paper and God writes His lists on our hearts.  Both are added to over time and both make preparing for the journey so much easier.  I am so glad we do not have to run franticly looking for what we need at the last minute.  We can be ready in advance.

What is God instructing you to pack for this life’s journey?  Study to get prepared and you can be ready to put it all together and take off with Him at a moment’s notice.  Enjoy the trip, knowing that you are packed and prepared for each day!

Pre-Shrunk?

I recently completed a project for a tray table cover. My husband uses this tray for his computer. I was really happy with how it turned out. It fits snugly over the tray and has the pockets he requested on one side. I do not sew very much, so this was quite an accomplishment for me.

Until… this thought crossed my mind. What happens if the material shrinks? The tray cover will inevitably need washing at some point. At that point my cover will become too tight to get over the tray. Any seasoned seamstress would have thoroughly washed and dried the material before beginning a project. The material would have shrunk in this process.  Then later there is no fear of shrinkage ruining the project.

Sometimes we may feel a call of God on our life. It may be a burning desire to do something for Him. We just want to get on with things and begin the work. But God’s plan seems to say “wait” far longer than we would like. It may even seem that we are going backwards. These are times when God is working on our character. He has something beautiful to create in our lives. But He is very aware of how character flaws can destroy ministries and relationships.

Many great men of the Bible received promises and visions from God. There was a long time and many trials between this initial vision and the receipt of the promise. Joseph dreamed of his future position where even his family would bow down to him. In the years before this would come about, Joseph was thrown into a pit to die, sold to slave traders, worked himself up to a position in a wealthy person’s home only to be lied about an thrown in prison. He was forgotten in prison by two men whom he interpreted dreams for, until Pharaoh experienced a recurring, distressing dream. It was not until this time, when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, that he became second-in-command in the entire land of Egypt. (See Genesis 37–42)  From the arrogant youth sharing his dreams of lording it over his family, Joseph became a man of resolve and compassion. He had the wisdom to watch over Pharaoh’s affairs and the love to forgive his family for the wrongs they had done to him.

King David’s life showed a similar pattern. He was anointed king when still a young man. But before that came to pass, he served King Saul and later fled as Saul’s armies sought to kill him. He eventually became king and ruled for some years. Yet again he fled from the armies of a son. During his times in the caves, hiding from his enemy, David learned much of the ways and laws of Almighty God. His love for God grew immensely as did his character. He was even called a man to God’s own heart. “And when He had deposed him, He raised up David to be their king; of him He bore witness and said, I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who will do all My will and carry out My program fully.” (Acts 13:22 AMP) (see Psalms written by David) 

And the apostle Paul, after his dramatic transformation and great ability to preach from his Pharisee training, went away for a time before beginning his great ministry.  ^“Nor did I [even] go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles (special messengers of Christ) before I was, but I went away and retired into Arabia, and afterward I came back again to Damascus.” (Galatians 1:17 AMP) God had much to teach him about the message and the people he would bring that message to. 

Like these men, we may go through uncomfortable times being made ready for work that God has planned for us. God has great concern for all of his children. When we are working for Him, we can bring the healing He longs to give to many broken lives. Or operating out of the selfish character or erroneous idea, we can cause great hurts that will also be credited to His name. 

This principle is also true about relationships. I look at the years of my life that I thought I should have already been married. (I was married at age 29) But looking back, I see that there were insecurities and other issues in my heart.  If God had not had the time and my attention to work some of these out, I may have destroyed my husband. I may have been demanding from him what only God could give me. 

So at whatever point you are right now, remember my little project. Allow God the opportunity to pre-shrink your character. Then at the right time He will place you where He can use you. You will have already been through the trials that will make you strong and enduring for His kingdom.

See the Miracle Happen?

(For the back story to this post see "Note to my readers", "He knows Where You Are!" and “Do Not Be Led By What You Feel and See” April 6,7&9, 2014)

In many ways, this time in my life reminds me of the Israelites leaving Egypt; starting with the plague of death and going on through the Red Sea and into the desert. I shared just how close to death I was and awaking with a ‘knowing’ that I chose to live. I believe that when I chose to go on living here on earth, God spoke to death and said, “Let her go!” I sense it was the same tone of voice with which Moses related God’s message to Pharaoh when he said, “Let my people go!” The miraculous recovery over the next few days was like the joyous exit of the Israelites. My homecoming was full of excitement and amazement at God’s goodness. I was on a new journey. Then I arrived at an obstacle similar to the wall of the Red Sea. All of the unexplained symptoms and baffled doctors seem to be impassable. Connected to these were financial problems resulting not only from medical costs, but from losing my business as well. (I had operated a small business that provided enough income for me to live on, but could not pay someone to run day-to-day operations while I recuperated.) When I looked at that wall of opposition, it appeared pretty impassable. It seemed that daily, more difficulties were attempting to take me. I felt like death was still reaching out to me.I was reading the portion of Scripture that describes the Israelites arriving at the Red Sea. (see Exodus 14) I contemplated all the mounting problems as the Israelites contemplated the chariots coming up behind them. At this point I received a message directly to my heart. This message carried me through the rest of my struggles and has carried me through many struggles since.God spoke to my heart that all the Israelites walked through the parted Red Sea. But the Israelites that were grumbling and complaining with their neighbors did not see it part. Only those who looked with hopeful expectation saw the miracle of the parting. Like the Israelites, God had a plan for my deliverance. I would walk through his plan, but my attitude would choose whether I saw his miraculous hand move or not. At that point, I got joyful real quick. As the surmounting bad news came from the medical professionals, I was able to choose to look for God’s miracle that was surely coming. This did not prevent all the sad or discouraging times. It gave me the strength to pull back and choose hope over despair, praise over complaint and most of all, trust.There are great examples from Scripture of people who rejoiced in the midst of devastating times. King Jehoshaphat sent out the singers for one of the greatest battles he would face.  Instead of fighting they sang praise to God, and God confused their enemies. (See second Chronicles 20) Saul and Barnabas sat chained in a prison singing praises to Almighty God, and the doors broke open and their chains fell off. (See Acts 16)  And the greatest example of a man who praised God through hard times is King David. He wrote many of the Psalms while he was hiding in caves as men attempted to take his life. The entire book of Psalms is a great place to be encouraged just how big and good God is.  The cry of David’s heart through both hard times and good can be summed up with, ^“ will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1AMP)We go through situations throughout our lives. We may know deep in our heart that God has planned for all and that His plan is for good. “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 Amp)  This had been a verse people quoted when something went wrong. Now it was a real assurance of the good to come out of the trial. Even in these tough times I can pick up and sing out some of the next few lines of David’s hearts cry, “My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34 2-3 AMP)As I look back on this time in my life, it is easy to focus on the miraculous outcome of full restoration of my face and all sensations.  There’s a ‘wow’ to how bad things got, yet left no ill effects.  It reminds me, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.”  (Isaiah 43:2 AMP)  Also in the story of the 3 Hebrews thrown into the furnace, it is said, “—that the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed; neither were their garments scorched or changed in color or condition, nor had even the smell of smoke clung to them.” (Daniel 3:27 AMP)   People who have met me in the years since have no idea anything like this has happened to me.  If I do share the events of this time, the response is always amazement.                                                                                                                                   So please, whatever circumstance you may walk through, keep your eyes ahead looking for God’s provision. Keep your mouth focused on praise and truth. Look up and see the miracle of your deliverance.

Do Not Be Led By What You Feel and See!

(For the back story to this post see "Note to my readers" and "He knows Where You Are!" April 6&7, 2014)

My recovery in the hospital was miraculous. On Tuesday, the doctor told me it would be a minimum of a one week stay. On Thursday, to everyone’s amazement, he signed my release papers and sent me home. It was during the last hour in the hospital that I noticed some oddities. I mentioned them to my nurse, but she did not perceive any significance to them. They were little things. My diet soda tasted off and the mattress, where the sheet had slipped off, felt very strange against my back. Neither of these slowed my release.

On the way home from the hospital we stopped at a grocery store. When I reached to grab a frozen item, the air in the freezer felt hot. (I even told the store manager his freezer was broken, but that it must’ve just happened because the food was still frozen hard.) When I arrived home and put the food in my freezer, it was blowing ‘hot’ air too. Jan put her and in the freezer and said the air was perfectly cold. The oddities were increasing. I attempted to read but everything was blurry. Looking out the window I could see clearly far into the distance. My normal vision is perfect up close, but I need glasses for distance. Things were becoming quite confusing.

Over the next several days I noticed that sweet tasted bitter and that sounds were amplified. I began getting sudden sharp pains for which there were no apparent cause. Pain relievers did not seem to help, nor did massaging the area where the pain originated. The pain never stayed long in one area, but would pop up from another area. Mostly these came from the lower legs or outer arms. And then the greatest symptom became apparent. My face had totally paralyzed. The jaw still worked and I could open and close my eyes, but nothing more. With all my strength and concentration, I could not cause the corner of my mouth to rise into a smile. Nor could I produce any movement from an eyebrow or my forehead. What had started as oddities were now a cause of great concern.

The following weeks contained many doctor’s appointments with several different specialists. These brought varying diagnoses for which the symptoms didn’t really fit. The symptoms all stayed the same or actually were getting worse. That ‘yet another’ appointment that I didn’t even want to keep, finally gave me the right answers. An ear nose and throat doctor put needles all over my face and ran some electrical currents. After this test, he called me into his office and told me I had “bilateral facial paralysis.” He stated that the cause of all the other symptoms in my body where the same. My blood sugar had risen so high, so fast. This had caused the nerves to swell and bruise. When the swelling went down, the bruises remained and were mixing up the signals my body was trying to send my brain and vice versa. The sense of cold on the fingertip crossed a bruise where turned to warm. It was this crossed signal that reached my brain. The nerves that feed the face are at the base of the skull. Here the bruising was the worst and the signals from my brain were stopping completely, causing the appearance of paralysis.

If the symptoms had started earlier and been diagnosed while I was still in the hospital, and aggressive drug treatment would’ve been indicated. Too much time had transpired for this to have any effect. The other treatment for this condition was simply time. The percentages I was given of everything returning and complete normalcy were very slim. I knew deep within that regardless of how small the percentages were, I was in that group and would get everything back. I was right. It took months, but that strong faith that God placed in my heart on day one proved true. (This unwavering faith surprised me more than anyone else.)

I learned so many lessons about the faithfulness of God during this time. I struggled to even walk up and down the stairs that led to my apartment, but I knew the presence of God with every shaky step. When all is going crazy around us, we can still experience and trust God with everything. I had a realistic view of all that was happening, but I had a confidence beyond my own strength. My doctor even shook his head after questioning me several weeks into this process. He said, “You really don’t need to see a psychiatrist, do you?” I told him that I cried when I needed to and that I had people who would listen, encourage and guide me through this. With God’s constant presence, I really was okay.

The greatest lesson that I learned comes from a much quoted Scripture.“For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 AMP)  For months I took showers by knowing where the temperature dial was to be set. Not doing so could have caused my skin to be scalded. I had to ignore pains because there was no actual cause. The sweeter I tried to make something taste, the worse it became. I learned to pay attention to simply what I knew was real. I could not be swayed by what my senses our perceptions where experiencing. To do so could actually result in pain and death.

In all circumstances we are to live by this principle. God’s word is true even when it seems like everything around us this contradicting it. We set our lives to live by believing the truth, found only in Scripture. We cannot let what we see around us become more real than God’s promises. Neither circumstances, nor what anyone believes can negate God’s word.“Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.” (Romans 3:4 NIV)

Prior to this experience, the above verses were truths that I was trying to believe. Now they are just a part of me. When I keep my focus on God, it is harder to believe anything that opposes His promises. Many storms have come in my life since this time. But God’s word stands true through them all.

If the world is screaming fear and doom at you, remember my hand in the freezer.  Whatever it feels like, it cannot negate the promise of God.  Face today remembering, “…If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]” (Romans 8:31b AMP) and “Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.” (Romans 8:37 AMP)

He Knows Where You Are!

On that Sunday morning in April 1986, I awoke with symptoms of a stomach virus. At the time, I was an active member in a large church and I led worship at a small church that met in a hotel.  I contacted the pastor of the hotel church to inform him that I would not be there.  He assured me that they would pray for me during the service. I went back to sleep and a little while later, a friend came by. I had canceled plans we had for that afternoon and she wanted to check on me. After I assured her it was just a stomach virus, she went on without me. And then things quickly changed. I had actually been heading towards full-blown Ketoacidosis. Had I been left alone for another day, that friend may have been the last person to see me alive.

Later that afternoon I received a call from the hotel pastor to check on me. He requested directions to my apartment so that he and his wife could come over. I later found out that they had been sitting in their living room when Jim said, “We need to call and check on Kathi.”  Peggy replied, “No, we need to go and check on Kathi.” When I got out of bed to be ready to unlock the door for them, I began to realize just how sick I had become. I maintained the strength to stand long enough to open the front door at their knock. At this point I rounded the kitchen door and sat down on the floor. I remained there until the ambulance came. Noticing how bad I was, Jim requested my brother, Dave’s phone number. I knew from prior episodes that my words could become turned around. I listened to be sure that I had given Jim the correct number. The last thing I remember was hearing Jim say, “Dave, this is Jim. We are at Kathi’s…”

When I moved into an apartment by myself, because of losing roommate, I had bemoaned that working out of my home I could have serious, diabetic problems and no one would know until my customers began complaining that I didn’t answer the phone. That concept was forever squashed that day. God knows exactly where I am, what is happening and how to get the help I need to me when I need it.  “Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7 AMP)  There is no situation in my life that God does not see and He will make provision for, as he did with Jim and Peggy that day.

The clock read 5:30 and hung on the wall of an ICU.  A nurse, excited to see me finally awake and coherent, informed me that it was Tuesday morning.  When I awoke, I had no memories of the nearly two days that had passed since I had sat on my kitchen floor. Somehow, deep inside, I knew four things. First, my pastor (from the large church) had visited. Second, a man named Al, who I had not seen in several years, had prayed for me. The third was that people had been praying for me all over the country. Finally, God had given me the choice to continue living or to come home to glory. I had actually chosen to come back to fulfill what He had planned for me.

When Pastor Harold visited again on Tuesday, he confirmed that yes he had been they are the day before. It was a large church with a large staff, and I would’ve been happy with the visit from any of these godly men. But God had chosen to send the senior pastor to me in my need. Although I had shown no signs of awareness when he had been there, I had known Pastor Harold had come.

Confirmation that our old friend Al had indeed prayed for me came in a more surprisingly way. Al and his wife had left our church several years earlier to begin a new church about 40 miles west. I had only seen him a handful of times during those years. I had reasoned that possibly God had spoken to him and he had prayed from home. But when I mentioned this ‘knowing’ to my sister-in-law, her eyes became huge and her jaw dropped. Al had actually been there in the hospital emergency department. A member from his church had been in a motorcycle accident and was in the same ER. Dave and Jan snuck him into my room where he had laid hands on my shoulders and prayed. Jan went on to tell me that at the end of his prayer, during which there had been no signs of consciousness, Al looked them in the eye and confidently stated that I had received the prayer.

Conversations with friends told me of phone calls and prayer chains that had been initiated in and maintained in at least half the states in the union. I truly believe that God placed in my heart that once I decided to live, the prayers of the saints took over and all powers of death and hell could not interfere with my return. I’m so grateful for all of the people who cared to pray for a young woman they would never meet, during her desperate time. When I woke up on Tuesday morning I had an overwhelming sense of what King David felt when he wrote, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him?” (Psalm 8:4 AMP)  Who was I, that God loved me so much?

So as you face a dark and difficult time, remember that God sees where you are. He not only sees you but He has people He will send to you in your time of need. Take courage.  Also, be ever looking to God and listening for His voice. You may be a Jim, Peggy, Al or a prayer warrior that God desires to send to someone at just the right moment.

(Note:  For some of the basic details of the events referred to in this post see 'Note to My Readers 4/6/2014.)

Note: To My Readers and Friends

It is been 38 years now since I was first diagnosed with diabetes. For more than the first decade there was little technology for testing the sugar levels in my blood. I could only tell if my sugar level was somewhat low, reasonably normal or higher than it should be. Whether ‘just a little’ high or ‘get to the hospital’ high, the test strip showed the same color.  Because I was not someone who maintained a stable level, I frequently had no idea how high my sugar was. All my test strip could tell me was ‘high’.  (Home blood testing became available later and I had one of the first monitors sold to the public.)

During this time I experienced what is commonly termed a ‘diabetic coma’ on three occasions. The first two resulted in a few days in the hospital getting re-regulated. I was then sent on my way to continue daily life for the next couple of years until another recurrence of extremely high blood sugar. The third episode was far different. Due to a stomach virus, my blood sugar had risen extremely high and extremely fast. The complications I experienced were rare and severe.  God’s provision and presence were evident in all three events, however, the occurrences of this third event taught me so much about His amazing love and care for me and how I am to trust Him.

Due to the grace and strength with which he is walking me through some current circumstances in my life, (not health-related) I will be sharing some of the lessons I have learned during this time in this week’s posts. This is a time in my life that is very dear to me. I endured a great trial and obtained a greater victory. Please hear my heart and know that there is no melodrama involved in the events I relay. Instead see the mighty hand of God and the power that death hell and the grave are no match for.

I will be posting several stories this week on different aspects of this time in my life. I believe this has shaped much of my belief in God and my ability to trust Him in all things. Here I want to give a brief recount of the actual, physical occurrences of that time.

On a Sunday morning in April 1986, I awoke with symptoms of a stomach virus. By mid afternoon I was in full-blown ketoacidosis. Friends who would come to check on me called 911 and I was taken to the hospital. A close friend of mine, who was a nurse, had been around for the prior two episodes. She immediately knew something was much worse this time. Informing my doctor (who she knew and worked with) that I was her daughters’ “Aunt Kathi,” she asked if she needed go home to prepare her daughters for death. His response, “Give it 24 hours. I have seen worse pull out, but I have seen a lot less not make it. You may want to start planning what you’ll say to your girls.” Although I never actually died, there were points during that night when staff thought it inevitable.

At 5:30 AM on Tuesday morning I awoke in the ICU. I knew it was 5:30 from the clock on the wall, but I had no idea if it was a.m. or p.m. and what day it was. From that point, my recovery was miraculous. Initially given a minimum of one week in the hospital, I was released by an amazed doctor on Thursday. Unbeknownst to anyone, that’s when the major issues were just beginning.

Over the next several days, all of my senses went haywire and my face totally paralyzed. Not one of my senses was exempt. Although the muscles in my face worked, the nerves did not cooperate. I could not change expression, raise an eyebrow or wiggle my nose. Many doctor’s appointments and lab tests led to conflicting diagnoses that didn’t truly fit the symptoms. After weeks of appointments with different specialists, one doctor finally came up with an accurate diagnosis. Because so much time had passed, the treatment plan now was simply time. The percentages that I would receive total restoration were very small. Now we had to wait and see how much would return.

That in a nutshell is what physically happened. I will go into a little more detail in the next posts. I wanted to put the basics here, so that I did not need to spend too much of each post describing the situation. My prayer for you, my friends, is that you can be encouraged that no matter what occurs in your life, God knows where you are and has what you need. Trust Him! Trust Him! Trust Him!

Are You Ready?

I teach first aid CPR AED to certify officers from the contract company I work for. I have been teaching the class approximately once a month for the past eight months. Yet the day before each class I still spend time reviewing my notes, going through the entire class in my head. I also arrive at the building one hour prior to class time. This provides ample time to set up and be completely ready. As my students begin to arrive, I can converse with them. To the best of my ability, I am prepared for each new class.

This past week, I went to my regular routine as I approached my ninth class. As I drove to the facility I was feeling good about the day. When I arrived at the front door I met with an interruption to my plan. I could not get the door to the building unlocked. (See my last post.) Twenty minutes later the problem was rectified and I walked into the classroom.  Now I had to quickly set up and prepare for my class. While I was still setting up and preparing the equipment, my students began coming in. For this class, all my students arrived on time, leaving me no reason to delay the start of class.

A little rattled by the door episode and some minor technical malfunctions, I began and led the class. Able to laugh these things off, we proceeded and the class ran fine. My early preparation allowed me to flow with the interruptions and perform as I was intended. Each class is a bit different, containing different challenges. By being prepared I’m able to adapt and continue with relative ease.

Do I always prepare as well in the spirit for my day ahead? I have studied the Word of God for over 30 years. There is much of it ‘hidden in my heart.’ (See Psalm 119:11)   With all this knowledge comes a danger of relying on what I already know or have done in the past. This can cause a pattern of going through the motions without a fresh word from God. That is never good.  Paul taught “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12AMP)  

The word of God is alive. Living things require attention; water, nutrients, and time. Any gardener will tell you that you don’t just put the seed in the ground and expect a great crop. Likewise we must nurture the word that has been placed in our heart over the years. The word is also full of power. Muscles will atrophy from lack of use. Regardless of the power that resides within, exercise is required to remain toned and sharp. Again, we must daily exercise the word by studying and living it out. This verse also states that the word is sharper than a two edge sword. To remain sharp, whether an actual blade or a skill set, constant honing is required. This verse not only encourages us to learn the word, but also live in it and let it change me. 

Jesus, who is the Word come to earth, (see John 1: 14) told us “I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).” (John 6:35 AMP)  Who enjoys stale bread? Bread that nourishes is fresh. The aroma of baking bread will fill the area around you and cause you to impart life to others as well. This aroma will only come from spending time with Jesus in prayer, worship and the word. 

While writing this post, I encountered one of those unexpected interruptions to life.  The situation is fairly serious. God used recently read Scriptures and recently listen to teachings to carry me through the situation with relatively no stress. Although things are uncertain and decisions will need to be made, I have peace and joy. I have full confidence in my Father’s guidance and provision. Even today I found a note I have written myself more than a year ago from the heart of the Father. It contained and encouragement and a verse that so perfectly fit the occurrences of the last two days.

Walking with God is a daily, active endeavor. Putting in the effort meet with Him is always worth the peace and joy that a living relationship brings.

His Key Will Work

On a recent Saturday morning, I taught a class at our contract company’s office. The office shares space in a building with several other companies. As class time approached I arrived at the building. Since my other classes have all been midweek, I had never had to unlock the building’s outer door before. The key had been on my ring, but I had never had to use it. When I placed the key in the lock it did not budge. I attempted several times to wiggle and gently pull out the key with no success. 

To compound matters, there are three keys on my ring that are identical in appearance. The center key is to the office door. I use it each time I teach.  For easy recognition, I have that key turned opposite the other two.  The third key is to a store room that I occasionally open.  Since all look identical, I was trying both outer keys.   I even attempted to get in using the office door key, which I knew was to a different door. I then circled the building and attempted to open the back door.  My keys would not even go in that lock. 

Returning to the front door, I wiggled and jiggled and pulled and pushed with no success. Finally, after considerable time, I got the door opened, but only after calling my manager and waking her up.  She was on her way with her keys to assist. Embarrassed and sorry for waking the boss on her day off, I now had to quickly get into the room and prepare for my class. 

I sometimes see this occur in my personal journey with the Lord.  After 35 years of having a personal daily relationship, there are areas of my life that I feel fairly confident in.  I know how to pray and seek God for daily direction in these areas of my life.  He may switch things up some, but overall I can (barring self-will) confidently follow Him through His word and prayer.  When something is new or different, I am not always as sure of how to proceed.  Much like with those keys, I must keep up the attempt to enter into His plan in these areas of my life. 

There are several reasons that I was unsure of myself on that Saturday morning.  The first was that I had never opened that door before.  This was new territory.  I had expected to put the key in, and turn it and open the door.  It had never occurred to me that anything else might occur.  We are to be prepared at all times for any occurrence in our lives.  I’ve long remembered a term from the King James Version of the Bible.  Paul encouraged Timothy in his preaching by telling him to “be instant and in season,” (2 Timothy 4:2 KJV)   In modern day terminology this means ready for whatever comes.  Trying the key on a prior visit to this building would have alerted me to the problem.  Since I had not, I now needed to move forward, not regretting having not been more ready. 

When the first key I tried had not worked, I attempted to use the other one.  Going back and forth between the two keys increased frustration and I began to question my situation.  Continuing to wiggle and move one key, would probably lead to a much quicker success.  Responding to a new situation in ways that work for different situations will also bring frustration.  We can begin questioning direction of the Lord or our methods.  

I was also unaware that the key was temperamental and often required subtle movement to fit properly.  This would have been avoided if I had thought to have a conversation with my manager prior to that morning.  Reaching out to a brother or sister who knows the Lord well is often wise.  Although your experience with God will not be the same, someone who is already in an area of service may have helpful insights.  A mentor can also be reassuring.  

Jesus holds the keys to heaven.  Isaiah spoke this prophecy.  And the key of the house of David I will lay upon his shoulder; he shall open and no one shall shut, he shall shut and no one shall open. (Isaiah 22:22 AMP)  When we are walking with Jesus, He will open the doors that He chooses.  Therefore we will have access to walk through them.  Jesus is the Word and we can follow the Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit as we travel new territory.  I was also unsure if I would have been notified had the building been re-keyed.   But God does not change.  If He has called us, He will equip us with the right keys.. “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).” (2 Peter 1:3 AMP)  He will not re-key the future. 

As you venture out in new areas of your life, prepare yourself as much as possible with the Word and prayer.   Then follow the direction He gives. Listen to and trust God to open doors before you.  You may have to jiggle and wiggle, but you will walk in the path God has planned