Unknown Territory

I'm sensing God gently calling me to a higher level of self-discipline and a deeper surrender that I've previously known. It's an invitation to walk a road I've never been on before, one I feel compelled to take in spite of the uncertainty of where it leads.

Practically, this means I've given up something that I've adored, enjoyed, and look forward to daily. Something I honestly thought I could never live without.

Intrinsically, I understand this road will somehow lead me nearer to Jesus, closer to His heart. And though I don't understand it all at this point, nor do I know how long this surrender will last, I'm willing to trust and obey.

I hope to write more about this journey into unknown territory next week. But for now, tell me--is God asking you to surrender anything? Are you willing to walk a road that may not be easy, but will surely take you nearer to Him?

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise, sensible, intelligent people; Making the very most of the time--buying up each opportunity--because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Photo taken in my neighborhood, by me.

Dare to Believe

You must do the thing you think you cannot do - Eleanor Roosevelt

I wonder how many great things have never been accomplished because fear, insecurity, or a lack of confidence prevented someone from even trying?

I believe that every one of us has a God-sized dream tucked deep within our hearts. But when that strong yearning cries out to be fulfilled, are we willing to consider it? Do we dare to think and dream we could actually do the very thing that is seemingly impossible? Or do we sigh, shrink back, and say "I could never..."

As I continue working on my book on prayer for women, I frequently feel astonished at all God has accomplished. I'm doing the very thing I thought I couldn't do. But it all started with a dream--a dream that a broken woman with no formal education dared to believe.

Yes, I've had moments of doubt. And yes, I've been scared. But ultimately, when I considered God's ability, my feeble fears and insecurities didn't stand a chance. Job 42:2 says it well, and I agree completely: I know that You can do all things, and that no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained or thwarted.

If you've got a dream bursting at the seams of your heart, I dare you to believe that with God, nothing is impossible.

Consider that God used a mere boy (the future King David) to slay a giant twice his size. (See 1 Samuel 17:4)

Consider that God's power burst down from heaven and supernaturally changed Saul's murderous heart in a moment. (See Acts 9)

Consider that God enabled a donkey to speak (See Numbers 22:28), used Gideon, the least in his father's house, to destroy an army (See Judges 6), and enabled Peter to walk on water (See Matthew 14:22-23).

Sweet friends, God is waiting for you to believe Him and believe in your dream! I encourage you to link arms with the One through whom all things are possible, and do the thing you think you cannot do. Then share it with me here. What "impossible" thing are you working on or do you long to attempt?

A Holy Pause

Deadlines. Commitments. Obligations. Appointments. Issues. Sometimes life comes at us so fast we barely have time to catch our breath.

But this week, I'm making time. I'm indulging in a holy pause. I'm creating space and time to calibrate my heart, breathe deep, bask in God's word, and listen. Would you like to join me?

The beautiful thing is, when we choose to make time for Jesus, He becomes a divine oasis in the middle of the steamy, harried, over-crowded freeway of our lives.

This passage from the book of Psalms invites us to dwell within the oasis of His presence daily...

THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place. (Psalm 23)

Father,

This moment, we choose to take a holy pause. We turn our hearts and minds toward You, and we allow time for the swirling busyness in our hearts to settle. We breathe deep and ask You to touch, refresh, and renew our hearts. We bask in Your word and in Your presence, and we ask You to create a holy oasis of Your presence in our hearts. Amen.

Breathe

Are you going through it? Hurts come, disappointments happen, and life isn't always rosy.

So inhale deeply, eyes closed, and whisper Jesus.

Breathe in His unspeakable joy.

And exhale your disappointments and hurts.

Inhale comfort and understanding from the One who knows your thoughts afar off.

And exhale tears, releasing your expectations.

Breathe in Truth--sharp, clear, and penetrating.

And exhale every false thought bombarding your mind.

Inhale the love of God, which never fails.

And exhale loneliness and stress.

Breathe in God's hope, allowing its sparkliness to expand in your lungs.

And exhale hopelessness.

Inhale His Spirit and allow His soothing comfort to wrap around your soul.

And know it is enough.

In this moment, Jesus is enough.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and over burdened, and I will cause you to rest--I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. (Matthew 11:28)