I didn’t get married until I was 35 years old. Because I was single and independent for so long, I needed to make some adjustments in my life once I got married.  For instance, when my husband Billy and I were speaking, I would always refer to “my” bedroom versus “our” bedroom. For all my life, it was “my” bedroom…so now I needed to make a change when referencing our bedroom.

Another adjustment for me was Billy taking over the finances. I had managed my finances for many years and now I needed to surrender control to him. I have since taken over the finances again but only because of my husband’s busy schedule working 2 jobs!

Sometimes letting go of control is not a trust issue but just a getting used to someone else in charge issue… like Billy taking over our finances. I just needed to get used to him taking them over.

But sometimes…well many times… letting go of control is a trust issue. For example, an area of trust I struggle with has been when my husband and I are out and he is driving.

You see, Billy isn’t a bad driver…it’s just that I am a “not so good passenger!” I have driven a car on my own for over 25 years, so letting Billy drive has been a challenge. From my perspective as the passenger, he doesn’t apply the brakes soon enough…I mean I see a lot of red tail lights ahead, so if I were driving I would begin to apply the brakes. Billy waits…not to the point of putting us in danger…but to the point that makes me nervous. It puts me so on edge when he is driving! Believe it or not, I still have issues with this.  He isn’t a bad a driver…I am just a “not so good passenger!” Being a “not so good passenger,” I want to be in control and I lack trust in my driver! As you can see I am a mess! You can be praying for me!

Maybe you have experienced this and are a “not so good passenger” too…Maybe as the passenger you don’t feel your driver applies the brakes at what you consider the right time or maybe as the passenger you have wanted to grab the steering wheel and just take control!

Maybe you are a “not so good passenger” when it comes to driving your car…but what about when it comes to driving your life???

First and foremost, is God in the driver’s seat of your life? …Which as Christians is one of the first steps after accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Lord means “master”…the one who calls the shots …the one in control…the one in charge. Many people accept Jesus as their Savior (kind of like fire insurance) but not as the Lord of their life. Romans10:9 says “Jesus is Lord” meaning right now…present tense. Not “I think I will put him control when I am ready or I think I will put him in control over some things in my life, but not everything.” If He isn’t Lord over all…He isn’t Lord at all!

Jesus is referred to as “Savior” 24 times and as “Lord” 747 times in the New Testament! It is very clear that the biblical emphasis is …Jesus as our Lord! …Not just our Savior.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life… 1 Peter 3:15NLT

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him… Colossians 2:6 NIV

Now don’t get me wrong…I am not saying surrendering all control over to Jesus is easy…frankly it’s hard! But as you grow in your relationship with Jesus, your trust should grow and consequently it should be easier to surrender all to Him.

So, let’s say Jesus is in your driver’s seat…are you letting him drive…His Way??? You see he doesn’t need you pulling out your I-phone and giving him directions…He doesn’t need your AAA road map (do people still use those? Seriously, I really don’t know) to help Him take you where He wants to take you…He doesn’t need you punching in the address of your desired destination in your car’s navigational system. He doesn’t need you! If anything we get in the way of His map for our lives…His destiny for our lives…His purpose for our lives…when we decide to take control.

What is it for you? Is it a just getting used to someone else in charge issue or is it a trust issue? Or is it both?

Letting go is sometimes a getting used to someone else in charge issue. As a new or young believer in Christ, this may be you. It may take a little time for you to put Jesus in your driver’s seat because for all your life you were in control. As you grow in your relationship with him, your trust in Him will grow. It is just like in any relationship you have with someone …when you get to know the other person better you begin to trust them more. And so this is the same with your relationship with Jesus…as you read God’s word, as you learn more about his nature and who He is, as you surround yourself with other Christians, you will trust him more…and thus let him have control.

Letting go, however, is many times a trust issue. As a Christian who has had a relationship with Jesus for awhile, this may be you. You have placed God in your driver’s seat but you are that “not so good passenger.” You still want control over your life…you want control over the steering wheel and the brakes of your life…You are the one sitting in the passenger seat holding a map giving Him instructions for your life.

Is Jesus in control…driving and steering your life today? Or are you a “not so good passenger?”

Have you surrendered control to him…but not in every area of your life? Are there certain areas that you still want to control?

Do you trust him completely to take you through the roads of life? Do you want to grab the steering wheel sometimes or just slam on the brakes because you are just not sure where He is taking you? Or maybe you want to head down a different road than the one He is taking you down?

When Jesus is in the driver’s seat and controlling the steering wheel, the ride is much smoother! He doesn’t need an I-phone, AAA street map, or a navigational system…He is the navigational system!!!

He knows exactly where He is going, where He is taking you, why He is taking you there and how He is going to do it. He knows the exact speed to hit all the green lights and the exact red light stops to make. He knows when to slow down and when to speed up…He knows every turn to make and every road to take…. He knows which speed bumps he will carry you over, every bridge you will cross with Him, and every dark tunnel He will take you through… to take you from point A to point B…to take you to the purpose and destiny he has for you!

If Jesus isn’t in your driver’s seat today, it’s not too late for Him to take the wheel. If you are a “not so good passenger” always trying to take control, it’s not too late to trade in your map for his map for your life.

After all, don’t you think he can handle you and you life better than you can?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11NIV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Reflection Points:

1)      Is God in your driver’s seat? Is he driving and steering your life?

2)      If he is in your driver’s seat, are you a good passenger or a “not so good passenger?”

3)      Are you trying to grab the steering wheel or brakes of your life?

4)      As the passenger, are you giving him directions for your life?

5)      What keeps you from giving him your driver’s seat or from having complete control over your life? What keeps you from making him the Lord of your life?

6)      What areas in your life do you need to surrender to Him today?

Action Points:

1)      Begin today putting Jesus in your driver’s seat. It is our choice whether we want to drive or we want Him to drive. Accept Him not just as your Savior but also your Lord…You can’t have Him as just your Savior! See Romans 10:9

2)      If you struggle with surrendering completely to Him, pray that He would help you release control over to Him.

3)      Read God’s word daily to get your priorities straight by putting Him first. Matt 6:33

4)      Read God’s word and get to know Him better so your trust and faith will grow.

Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1 ESV

One of the most rewarding and challenging times of my life is right now… being a mother of 2 little boys! I certainly have a much greater appreciation for my own mother as well as all the mommies out there! And if you are a single mom, oh my goodness! Seriously, you are truly my heroes!

Each day I pray and hope that I am raising my children with Godly principles. I am certainly not perfect and have made my share of mistakes in just my 4 years of being a mommy. I will be the first to admit that I don’t always know what to do or how to handle certain situations. I try my best to use Godly principles but the hardest part with having such young boys is not knowing if they are really getting it!

I can tell them something over and over and over again…I can discipline them for their disobedience…I can share principles with them about lying, listening to authority, being respectful, sharing, being generous and loving, praying for one another….and the list goes on!

I can read them Bible stories, have them watch children’s Christian videos, and take them to church …but only time will tell if they truly understand these Godly principles that my husband and I are instilling in them. Only time will tell if they will be followers of Christ! Most child- rearing books will explain the importance of consistency. So I try my best to stay consistent…but the reality? …I still have moments of failure.

Have you ever felt this way?

Being a mother is not easy…and one thing it takes a lot of…is faith! And how many of you know…faith takes courage…a lot of courage! It’s not in our human nature to believe in things we can’t see.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV

This courageous faith is the faith that keeps you going when you aren’t quite sure if everything you are doing is right. This courageous faith keeps you going when you raise your children with Godly principles and even though you don’t necessarily see the results right away…you trust God. This courageous faith encourages you when your children grow up and you can’t have them live in your home forever. This courageous faith is in a God who knows what’s on the other side of your faith…a God who will reward and bless you for trusting in Him when you just can’t see the other side.

One scripture that has recently encouraged me to have courageous faith and keep doing what I am doing even though I don’t necessarily see results right away is…

Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1 ESV

Now, this is a principle that alludes to the agricultural practice of throwing seed upon water or soggy ground and then waiting for it to produce a harvest. Some interpreters understand that “bread” is the seed from the produce of which bread is made. (Barnes Notes)

We may cast a lot of bread into the mouths and lives of our children…which may seem like a bottomless pit sometimes! The bread we cast may be in the form of giving food, time, money and love. And according this scripture…when we give this kind of bread there will be a return and reward!

When I think of a mommy of remarkable and courageous faith, I think of Jochebed. This is one woman who can easily be overlooked in the Bible… and if you blink you just might miss how remarkable she truly is!

Jochebed was Moses’ mother. We first hear about this amazing woman in Exodus 2:1 as an Israelite and member of the tribe of Levi. Members of this tribe included the priests and those who would carry out the duties of the Tabernacle and later of the Temple. As members of the tribe of Levi, Jochebed and her husband Amram were evidently very dedicated people of God.

At the end of Exodus 1 in verse 22, we see that the Pharoah of Egypt has ordered that every son that is born of the Jews must be thrown into the Nile River and drowned. As the mother of a newborn baby boy, Jochebed was faced with a difficult and frightening circumstance. How could she let her little baby die? How could she send her precious baby Moses down the Nile? I mean can you even imagine being faced with this dilemma?

What dilemma in your life are you facing right now?

Jochebed, motivated by her love for her son and her remarkable faith in God, hid her son for 3 months. Talk about 3 months of trusting God and believing that her baby Moses would not be found! She was clearly forced to put her faith into action.

Soon after Jochebed put her faith into action by hiding Moses, she had to take another risk of faith.  Do you ever feel this way? Just when you finally bolster up the courage to take a step of faith you find yourself having to take another step faith!

Jochebed was forced to take another very challenging risk with her seed…her seed baby Moses. Because Jochebed could no longer hide a growing baby, she made a basket, laid him in it, and placed it along the bank of the Nile.

But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Exodus 2:3 NIV

Jochebed was casting her bread…her beloved seed…her precious son Moses….upon the waters! Talk about courageous faith!!!

Now the story gets real exciting! Pharoah’s own daughter finds the basket on the riverbank and has compassion for the baby. Needing a nursemaid for the baby, she then finds Jochebed! Of all people! …Jochebed is reunited with her baby and has been asked to nurse him. If that isn’t God’s sovereign providence, I don’t what is!

She had placed her baby in the hands of God when she placed him in the river. She took a courageous step of faith and trusted God. Jochebed literally cast her seed upon the waters…and it came back to her! Her courageous faith was rewarded.

At times, we too must step out with courageous faith before we can receive God’s blessing…just like Jochebed.

What challenge in your life requires a courageous risk of faith from you? What is holding you back from taking this step of courageous faith?

For the mommy’s out there…Are you sending your child off to school or college, off to a job in another city or state, off to married life, off to serve God in the mission field or in the military? Do you feel like you are losing him or her?

How about a mommy of school aged children? Do you feel that you are losing some of the time you used to spend with them because they are now growing up and wanting to hang out with their friends more?

Maybe you aren’t a mommy but you are facing a challenging situation in your life…Do you need courage to take a step of faith?

Whether you are a mother or not, we all face challenges in our lives that may frighten us and challenge us. We too must have faith like Jochebed…the courageous faith that casts our bread upon the water! And trust God that we will eventually reap benefits and blessings because of our courageous step of faith!

Trust God with your children…trust God with your challenging situation because he knows the other side of your courageous faith!

Reflection Points:

1)      Are you faced with a challenging situation in your life right now?

2)      Does it require you to take a courageous step of faith?

3)      What is holding you back from “casting your bread in the waters?”

4)      Do you trust God enough that he will reward your faith?

 Action Points:

1)      Pray that God would give you the courage to take a step of faith and face your challenging situation.

2)      Find some key faith scriptures in God’s word to encourage you and your faith.

3)      Share your challenging situation with other Christians so they can be supporting you and praying for you as you step out courageously.

4)      Remind yourself that faith pleases God and that he will reward you.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:4 NIV

When my first son Connor was born, he slept in a bassinette right next to my bed where I could keep a good eye on him. As a new mommy, it took me awhile to actually have him sleep in the crib alone in his room. When I finally got the courage to have him sleep in his crib, I had the video baby monitor on right next to me. I just love the baby monitors we have these days! What did mommies do without them back in the day! (I could say that about a lot of things!)

Not only could I hear Connor through the monitor but I could also see him…I so loved my video monitor! Ok, present tense, I so love my video monitor! Yes…I still use the monitor…and yes my boys are no longer babies…My justification? …The boys’ room is on the other side of the house… and frankly it just makes me feel a whole lot better that I can see them!

I know at some point I will need to give up using my “baby” monitor but for now it gives not only me greater comfort when I sleep at night but also the boys. What comfort it brings them that mommy and daddy can see them and they have nothing to be afraid of!

As God’s children, we too are under the watch of our heavenly father’s eye…not through a confined screen of a video monitor…but by his omnipresence…his presence everywhere.

Are you afraid, worried, or troubled today? Do you believe that God sees you right now? …in whatever circumstance you face, whatever difficulty burdens you, whatever struggles you bear?

In Genesis, we find the story of a woman named Hagar.  A woman, who was not respected…not valued…tormented…mistreated…and alone. A woman we can all be encouraged by when we think God doesn’t see us…doesn’t see our suffering…doesn’t see our pain…doesn’t see our difficult circumstances…

Hagar was the maidservant to Sarah, Abraham’s wife. To give you a brief background summary beginning in Genesis 15…

Abraham and Sarah remained childless and in those days it was custom that if Abraham died without having a son, then his eldest servant would be the heir. But the Lord said to Abraham…

“This man [referring to Eliezer, Abraham’s trusted servant] will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Genesis 15:4-5 NIV

So God promises Abraham and Sarah descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky by having a son of their own who will carry on the family line.

However in Genesis 16, after 10 years of waiting and still childless, Sarah decides to give her maidservant Hagar as a substitute wife to Abraham. Sarah takes matters in her own hands thus showing her and Abraham’s lack of faith.

So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. Genesis 16:3-4 NIV

Notice here that Hagar is described as an Egyptian slave. So basically, she was an outsider…a piece of property…and not valued much.

When she [Hagar] knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my servant in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the LORD judge between you and me.”

“Your servant is in your hands,” Abram said. “Do with her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her. Genesis 16:4-6 NIV

Think about it…Hagar was just a servant. It was not her decision to sleep with Abraham and fall pregnant. It was not her idea…but now she was being blamed for it and mistreated because of it. Life wasn’t fair and she couldn’t take any more. So she fled and headed in the direction of Egypt…she wanted to go back home.

What are you facing today? What difficult circumstances do you face today that you wish you could run away from? Is life just not fair? Are you being disrespected, mistreated, not valued…like Hagar?

As we go on to read Genesis 16:7-14, we see that the angel of the Lord finds Hagar all alone…

⁷ The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. ⁸ And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

“I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered.

⁹ Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” ¹⁰ The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.”

¹¹ The angel of the Lord also said to her:

“You are now pregnant
    and you will give birth to a son.
You shall name him Ishmael,^[a]
    for the Lord has heard of your misery.
¹² He will be a wild donkey of a man;
    his hand will be against everyone
    and everyone’s hand against him,
and he will live in hostility
    toward^[b] all his brothers.”

¹³ She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen^[c] the One who sees me.” ¹⁴ That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi^[d]; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. Genesis 16:7-14 NIV

Hagar didn’t have it easy at all, but in the midst of her suffering, God met her in an amazing way and revealed himself to her as El Roi…the God who sees!

 “El”… means “Mighty Strength” or “the Strong One”

 “Roi”… means “to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider.”

Therefore, El Roi can be translated as “The Strong One who sees”! Love this!

Hagar discovers that she really wasn’t alone…God had seen her predicament with perfect clarity. He knew about the abuse in her past…He pinpointed her exact position in the present…and he saw what the future held for her…descendants too numerous to count from her son named Ishmael which interestingly means “God Hears”.

No matter where you are in life – no matter what is happening in your little world – even if you think that you are totally isolated and think that no one knows what you are facing – you can be assured that God is concerned with what happens to you…you can be assured that you serve El Roi…the God who sees…what comfort that brings!

This is the God who watches over you today…El Roi…whether or not you recognize his presence. Being aware that you may sometimes find yourself in desolate places…He is always near…helping you find a path though your troubles…working out his plans for your future. He knows the beginning, the end, and everything in between! He will never leave you or forsake you!

He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; Psalm 34:15

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. Proverbs 15:3  

Reflection Points:

1)      Do you face difficult circumstances today? Do you face struggles so difficult to bear?

2)      Do you believe that God sees you exactly where you are at this present moment?

3)      Do you trust that God will never leave you or abandon you?

Action Points:

1)      Be encouraged today by Hagar’s story that God sees you.

2)      Pray for greater trust and assurance in knowing that our God is El Roi…the God who sees. Believe that God loves you and cares for you. Believe Jeremiah 29:11.

3)      Read God’s word to build your faith, encourage you and comfort you during your difficult circumstances. And be encouraged that God will see you through…He sees it all!

Growing up, I remember playing a game at school called “Red Rover.” Do you remember playing this game too? For those of you who may not remember, the game is played between two lines of players, usually around thirty feet apart. The game starts when the 1^st team…say team Blue… calls out to the 2^nd team…say team Green, “Red rover, red rover, send [name of player on opposite team] right over.”

The immediate goal for the person called is to run to the other line and break the Blue team’s chain (formed by the linking of hands). If the person called fails to break the chain, this player joins the Blue team. However, if the player successfully breaks the chain, this player may select either of the two “links” broken by the successful run, and take them to join the Green team. The Green team then calls out “Red rover” for a player on the Blue team, and play continues.

When only one player is left on a team, they also must try and break through a link. If they do not succeed, the opposing team wins. Otherwise, they are able to get a player back for their team.

I love sports and was very competitive growing up so I was all about this game! When I was called over by the opposing team, I would examine the row of kids linked together and determine the weakest link in the chain. That is where I would attempt to run and break through the chain.

This strategy of determining your opposing team’s weaknesses is certainly not a new one as it is used in many sports today such as football, baseball, basketball and also as military strategy in many battles and wars.  If you can figure out the other team’s/enemy’s weakness then that is the very area you pursue and attack to achieve your win or victory.

Well, as Christians we too have battles and an enemy to fight…Satan…an enemy who is very skilled in deceiving, manipulating, and lying.  

…he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 NIV

An enemy who will wait for an opportune time to attack us….especially in our weakness.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. Luke 4:13NIV

As Christians, we face a very powerful enemy whose goal is to defeat us.

Jesus said…The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT

Satan can attack us in many ways and one way is in our weakness.

Have you ever experienced this? I know I have! …especially when I have my guard down…when I least expect it…when my faith isn’t strong…when I am tired …when I am flat out weak.

The Bible talks about our fight not being against flesh and blood but against the powers of this dark world.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 NIV

And it goes on to shows us that we can fight and stand these struggles by putting on the full armor of God!

I absolutely love this passage Ephesians 6:10-18! It discusses each piece of armor we are to put on or carry to fight against the enemy…and his schemes. What is interesting is that twice it says to put on the “full” armor or “whole” armor of God…indicating the importance of each piece of armor. Each piece has a purpose…the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted and ready by the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.

The one piece of equipment I want to focus on today is our shield…our Shield of Faith!

Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16 KJV

I find it very interesting that Ephesians 6:16 begins with the words “Above all”….Why is the Shield of Faith the piece of armor that is “above all” the other pieces? Is it more important than all the other pieces of armor?

In order to grasp the significance of these 2 words “Above all”, I would like to first describe the shield…the shield used by soldiers and mighty warriors in battle.

It was a big shield that measures 1.6m high and 80cm wide. It was made of 3 layers of wood, with linen sandwiched between each layer and also had an outer layer of leather or animal hide. To hold it all together, there was a bronze strip wrapped around the whole edge.

If it was hit by a flaming arrow, this shield would still burn. So, before they went into battle, the soldiers would soak the shields in water. The wet linen and leather would stop the shield from igniting, even when there was a flaming arrow embedded into it. Pretty cool, huh?!

Secondly, I want you to see the true meaning of “Above all”.

The phrase “Above all” is taken from the Greek phrase epi pasin. The word epi means “over.” The word pasin “all” or can be translated “everything.”

So instead of saying that the Shield of Faith is more important than other pieces of the armor, we can see that the phrase epi pasin (“above all”) describes a position over the other pieces of armor…it can be described, as being “out in front” of all…or “covering everything.” This tells us that our Faith should be “out in front” and “covering all.”

So the Shield of Faith is actually the armor’s armor! And if a soldier drops his shield, the other pieces of his armor are much more vulnerable! (Certainly an area of weakness for the enemy to attack with his flaming arrows!)

Therefore, we cannot drop our Shield of Faith! Just as the shield is to cover and protect the rest of the soldier’s armor, so it is with our faith! The Shield of Faith is meant to completely cover and protect us from harm. It is a defensive weapon that is “out in front” of all the other armor and…“above all” thus describing position…not importance.

Are you holding on to your Shield of Faith? Or have you dropped it leaving you exposed to the enemy’s attack…his flaming arrows?

We cannot drop our Shield of Faith! …we just can’t afford to! Faith was never meant to be held at our side or to be timidly held behind our backs. Faith is meant to be “out in front” where it can cover us as Christians.

We must continually have faith and trust God when the enemy attacks with his flaming arrows…We need to pray faith, speak faith, walk faith, live faith…hold up our Shield of Faith!

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2Cor 5:7 NASB

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2Cor 5:7 NIV

No matter how big our enemy looks to us….no matter how big our struggle seems to us…no matter how big our weakness is…put up your Shield of Faith and “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Ephesians 6:16 KJV

Reflection Points:

1)      How are you fighting the enemy? Have you put on the “full” armor of God in preparation to fight?

2)      What about your Shield of Faith? Have you dropped your Shield of Faith allowing yourself to be more vulnerable to Satan’s attacks?

Action Points:

1)      Put on the full armor of God when fighting against the enemy and his schemes and above all, don’t drop your shield of faith!

2)      Build your faith with God’s word.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 5:17 KJV

3)      Pray and speak faith scriptures out loud to encourage and keep your Shield of Faith raised up!

Years ago, when I surrendered my life to Christ, I pursued God with everything I had. I had just come out of an ungodly relationship with a man that ended in betrayal, disappointments, and very deep hurts. I was so determined to follow Christ…I was so done doing things my way……my way did not work…especially in the area of relationships!

About a year into my relationship with God, a young man appeared at my church who showed a great hunger for God. He caught my attention for a minute because of his passion and excitement for Jesus. I was determined to keep my focus on the Lord and would not allow him or anything else to become a distraction in my life…especially since I had struggled so much with relationships in my past.

 As I continued to grow spiritually, I didn’t know at that particular time that this man believed I was his wife. To make a long story short, mutual feelings began to develop between him and me, we began a relationship, and I had the expectation that we were going to be married soon.

As things progressed, we had to maintain a long distance relationship due to his job out of state. During this time we were apart, I felt that something just didn’t seem right. I began to see some things and began to question and wonder, “Lord, is this the man you have for me? I am not being treated like a gem or more precious than jewels and rubies…” (Proverbs 3:15, 31:10)

I expressed my concern to my Christian friends and church leaders. Their advice?…I didn’t have to stay in the relationship. My immediate thoughts were…“But no…he’s my husband!…he thinks I am his wife! This doesn’t make sense. I went through so many bad relationships while not living for God, and now I am living right and in a God honoring relationship with a Godly man. How can I walk away?”

Well, it happened to turn out that we had to end our relationship…it was just not working out. I had to lay the relationship down…lay it down at Jesus’ feet. I remember how hard it was to surrender it and lay it down! I believed I was going to marry this man! I was so hurt and disappointed. 

Is there something in your life right now that God wants you to surrender and lay down at his feet?

A relationship that isn’t Godly or just isn’t working out? ( I am not talking about marriage here.)

A death of a child or loved one that keeps you kneeling at the altar with an inability to get up and move forward? (I am not talking about the natural grieving process of losing a loved one.)

A great disappointment in your life that keeps you from living out the purpose and destiny that God has for you?

A career that you love so much but is affecting your marriage or family negatively?

An addiction or area of sin that keeps you from the blessings that God wants to give you?

A tragedy or painful experience from your past that continues to keep you paralyzed?

What do you do when God wants you to lay down something that means so much to you?

In Genesis 22:1-19, is the perfect example of laying down something in your life that means so much…it’s the story of Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac. Can you even imagine? I mean God asking you to surrender your child?…sacrifice him on the altar! This is exactly what God asked Abraham to do…surrender his son Isaac.

“Take your son, your only son–yes, Isaac, whom you love so much–and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”  Genesis 22:2 NLT

Ok…I want to give you a little more perspective here…It would have been enough if God had simply said, “Take your son.”  But He qualified this phrase in three ways…

1)      “your only son”…not forgetting Ishmael who was also his son, but meaning that Isaac was the promised son.

2)      “Isaac”…the son for whom Abraham and Sarah had waited for 25 years! 

3)      “whom you love so much”…which might seem as if God were mocking Abraham, but these words were meant to reassure him that God knew what he was asking.  By saying it this way, Abraham would know that God understood what it would cost him to obey and to trust him. 

How exactly do you do that? How do you lay down something you love or care about so much?

By surrendering 3 things…Abraham needed to surrender 3 things…his mind, emotions, and will.

Side note…it’s important to remember that Abraham is not a supernatural person or being…he was human…flesh and blood, no different than us…just like us with our thoughts, feelings, and desires.

 Mind

Abraham had to surrender his mind…his intellect…his thoughts. He had to surrender what made sense or in this case what didn’t make sense to him. I would venture to say that Abraham probably thought in his mind something like… “This makes absolutely no sense! …God promised us for years that we would have a son and now I am supposed to offer him as a sacrifice? How am I to be a father of many nations without a son to carry on? I don’t understand this at all!”

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5

 Emotions

Abraham had to surrender his emotions…his feelings…his affections. When Abraham was walking up the mountain to build an altar with his son Isaac, I would think that as any parent loving their child, he was holding back the tears. Of course, his heart was crushed and burdened with this task that God had asked him to do. He loved Isaac so much!

 Will

Abraham had to surrender his will…what he really wanted to do. Like any of us parents, I am sure Abraham really wanted to grab Isaac and head back home, spend many more years with him and watch him grow up! But he surrendered his will for God’s will.  Abraham had to will to do the will of God in preference to his own will.

Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. Luke 22:42b ESV

This was truly a test for Abraham…surrendering his mind, emotions, and will…surrendering his son Isaac. And is a test for us as well having to surrender and lay down something we care about so much…surrendering our thoughts, feelings, and desires.

As we continue to read on, we see that Abraham passed this test because God spared Isaac’s life and provided a ram to be sacrificed in his place. And we see that Abraham is blessed for his obedience…

I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me. Genesis 22:17-18

The first step in laying something down is surrendering our mind, emotions, and will just as Abraham did. I am going to take this story of Abraham laying down Isaac just a little further…

What in your life is God asking you to not just lay down today…but let go…and walk away?

You see …even though I laid my relationship down, it took me years to truly get passed the hurt. It was as if I climbed the mountain…laid down the relationship at the altar…but didn’t let go… and walk away! I was still kneeling at the altar…for 2 years!… with all the heartbreak and disappointments.

When you lay down something that you love and care about your faith and trust is tested…whether it’s laying down a relationship…the feelings of deep sorrow for losing a loved one…a great disappointment…a job/career you have worked so hard for…an area of sin that has enslaved you for many years…or past hurts and painful experiences.

Do you trust God enough that he will work all things out for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose? Romans 8:28

Do you trust God enough that he will heal your broken heart and restore you? Psalm 147:3

Do you trust God enough that he will provide for you? Philippians 4:19

Do you trust God enough that he will strengthen you and make you a slave to righteousness? Romans 6:18

Laying down something at Jesus’ feet is surrendering…giving up…handing over…something you may love and care about greatly. Laying down something you love and care about at the altar is not easy and even though there may be a time to mourn and grieve and feel sorrow, God also wants us to move forward. Don’t get me wrong, even this grieving process takes time and is different for everyone but there also needs to be a moment that you lay it down, let go, get up from kneeling at the altar and walk back down the mountain.

Some of us today need to lay down our Isaacs… some of us need to let go…and some of us need to walk away…back down that mountain, right to Jesus and His trusting arms. You will never know what’s on the other side if you don’t give it to him. It’s never easy but He is right there waiting for you…

As I look into my children’s eyes, I would have never known years ago that God had plans to bless me with raising 2 beautiful boys with a Godly husband who loves and treats me like I am more precious than any jewel…

 Reflection Points:

1)      Is there something you need to lay down at the altar?

2)      Are you still kneeling at the altar? Do you still need to let go? Or walk away?

3)      What is holding you back from surrendering what God wants you to lay down? Fear? Lack of trust? Lack of control?

 Actions Points:

1)      If you feel God is prompting you to lay something down at his feet, pray for the Lord to give you the strength, courage and trust to lay it down.

2)      Ask the Lord to give you Christian family/friends for support to move forward.

3)      Continue to read God’s word to encourage your faith and to keep you focused on Him and not the very thing you laid down.

Each week, my 4 year old son Connor is quite consumed and entertained by the garbage truck. I am so amazed at how a little boy is so obsessed with trash and seeing it picked up each week! He literally wakes up on trash pick-up days with his first words asking when the garbage truck is coming!

He doesn’t yet fully understand the concept of time, so each week I explain to him that the garbage truck does not come early in the morning. He usually comes around noon or in the afternoon sometime.

On one particular trash pick-up day, it was around noon and the garbage truck had not yet come.  Connor just couldn’t understand where the garbage truck was. So for the next 2 hours I had this 4 year old asking me…Can we go outside yet?…  What time is the garbage truck coming? …Can we go outside yet? …Do you hear it yet? …Is he going to come today? …Can we go outside yet? …Is he in the neighborhood yet? …Did he forget us today? …Can we go outside yet? …Is his truck too full? …Did he have to go to the dump to empty his truck? …Can we go outside yet?  

Over and over and over again he asked me these questions and wanted to wait outside for the garbage truck! Now mind you, I did answer him…repeatedly…, however, frustration began to emerge in my tone. I really did not want to go outside and wait for the truck not knowing when he was going to show up. Connor was so persistent that I finally gave in to his request to go outside and wait for the garbage truck. Shortly after we went outside, we heard the truck going down the next block. Thank you Jesus for not having us…really me! …wait out here for hours all afternoon!

What continually blows my mind about my children is their persistence!!!  Connor was so persistent and would not give up in wanting to see the garbage truck! And, we too need this child-like persistence with God! We too need to pray with persistence and not give up especially when God doesn’t give us an answer right away!

There are several definitions in the dictionary for the word “persistence”. It is defined as

1. the state of continuing steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, especially in spite of opposition
2. The state of lasting or enduring tenaciously; perseverance
3. being insistent in a request, question, etc.; boldness

What is so cool to me is the Greek word translation!

The Greek word is the noun anaideia translated as “persistence, impudence” which literally means “shamelessness” and it also comes from the verb anaideuomai translated “to be unabashed, bold, literally meaning “shameless”.

Shameless!!! This suggests boldness…this suggests freedom from the bashfulness that would stop us from asking God a second time or a third time or a fourth time, etc! Like Connor…he had no shame…no bashfulness…but boldness in coming to me over and over and over again with his questions and requests to see the garbage truck.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8 may be a very familiar parable to you. This is a perfect example of Jesus showing us that we need to always pray and not give up. He tells us in verse 1 that he actually wants us to pray with persistence! He actually wants us to come to Him over and over and over again with our requests.

            18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. ² He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. ³ And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

                ⁴ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

                ⁶ And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God bring about   justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

I believe this parable illustrates 3 points about our persistent prayers.

Persistent Prayers are…

1)      Insistent

2)      Consistent

3)      Expectant

I. Persistent Prayers are Insistent

The widow was insistent with her request. In verse 3, it says that the she kept coming to the judge with this plea, “Grant me justice against my adversary.” The widow was so insistent and persistent that the judge granted her plea!

We must keep our prayers going up to God with this same determination. God rejoices in our insistence. He wants us to pray and not to give up. This is one of His ways of releasing His power in our lives.

How insistent are you with your prayers?

II. Persistent Prayers are Consistent
The widow kept coming every day—repeatedly, consistently coming. Verse 5 says “this widow keeps bothering me. “ The judge’s apparent unwillingness to hear her spurred the widow on even more. Finally, the judge relented, only because the widow had become an unbearable nuisance.

Now it is very important for us to see that God does not feel the same way about us coming to him with our persistence… He does not see us as a bother or a nuisance. Jesus’ purpose with this parable is clearly stated in verse 1 that he wants us to always pray and not give up. He wants us to come to him consistently and repeatedly with our prayers like the widow going to the judge.

His point is further proven in verses 6-8 when he explains that if an unjust judge actually brings justice, then how much more would He who is just and faithful bring us justice? If an unjust judge grants the widow her plea, would not our God of justice grant us our pleas?

How consistent are you with your prayers?

III. Persistent Prayers are Expectant

Why would the widow go to the unjust judge insistently and consistently? Because she expected that he would grant her plea!

Expectancy drives us to pray persistently! Have you ever heard the phrase…“Prayer is the key to heaven but faith unlocks the door!”? We must have faith and expect that God is going to show up and answer when we reach out to him persistently. If we don’t expect it, then why should he do it?

God often answers us after long and persevering requests. He hears prayers and grants blessings long after they appear to be unanswered or withheld. He does not promise to give blessings immediately. He promises only that He will do it according to His will and plan.

Although He promises to answer the prayer of the faithful, often He requires us to wait a long time to try our faith. He may allow us to persevere for months or years, until we are completely dependent on Him, until we see that there is no other way to receive the blessing, and until we are prepared to receive it.

Sometimes, we are not ready to receive a blessing when we first ask. We may be too proud, or we may not comprehend our dependence upon Him. Maybe we would not value it, or the timing for it may simply be wrong. If what we ask for is good and accords with God’s will, He will give it at the best time possible.

Are you praying expectantly?

God wants us to pray persistently so that we focus on who He is…powerful…realize who we are…powerless… and see what is really important.

Whatever it is that you are praying for today…don’t give up! Pray persistently…Pray insistently… Pray consistently…And Pray expectantly!

Persistence…insistence, consistence, and expectancy certainly worked for my son Connor, didn’t it?!

Reflection Points:

1)      How persistent are you in your prayers?

2)      Do you give up when you don’t get an answer right away?

3)      Do you pray with expectation and have faith that God will answer your prayers?

Action Points:

1)      Keep praying…pray persistently and don’t give up in believing God will answer your prayers.

2)      Believe that the God you are praying to is a God of love, grace, mercy, and justice…a God who wants the very best for you and that his timing is perfect!

3)      If your faith in God waivers, continue to ask him to strengthen your faith. Keep focused on Him and who He is. Read and study the word so you can continue to grow in your knowledge in who is so that your faith will grow.

Spring Training just ended and I am very excited to see my husband a little more often these days! My husband Billy is a rookie ball hitting coach for the San Francisco Giants and so when spring training rolls around each year, he is out of the house at 4:45am and he pretty much puts in 12 hour days for a month straight!

Now don’t get me wrong…I am far from complaining about his job which is an unbelievably amazing blessing to our family. This coaching job was given to us by the Lord over a year ago and to hear the incredible story of just how the Lord gave us this job…you need to check out my husband’s book “7 Day Fast” at sevendayfast.com.

During spring training this year, Billy began to struggle in the very area that is one of his greatest strengths…throwing batting practice to the baseball players. We couldn’t figure out what changed all of sudden! He wasn’t hurt but somehow mentally he was in a rut.

We began to pray because throwing batting practice is a very important part of his job. We couldn’t figure out how his mechanics and performance changed so suddenly. This pattern continued all through spring until last week when I decided to fast and seek the Lord for a breakthrough. I fasted for 24 hours…I basically had dinner Monday night and broke the fast with dinner Tuesday night.

And praise God! His throwing improved that very day and his performance returned as usual by the last day of spring training! It was truly an answered prayer and really had nothing to do with me but everything to do with God and his sovereign grace and mercy!

You see… truly amazing things can happen when you fast and I have personally experienced the power of fasting in my life! But please don’t misunderstand me…fasting isn’t some quick magic way of getting God to answer prayers and having Him do what you want Him to do in your life. What I do hope is to help you get a better understanding of fasting especially if you have never done a biblical fast before.

Fasting is one of the spiritual disciplines of Christianity. Spiritual disciplines are practices which we, as Christians, use to draw ourselves into a stronger relationship with Christ. Other spiritual disciplines include prayer, studying God’s word, worship, among others.

The biblical definition of “fasting” is the voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes.

The noun translated “fast” or “a fasting” is tsom in the Hebrew and nesteia in the Greek language. It means going without food. The literal Hebrew translation would be “not to eat.” The literal Greek means “no food.”

I know that some people may go without television, movies, or other things and they call it “fasting”. I’m not necessarily opposed to that definition of fasting…fasting does imply that we are giving up one thing in order to replace it with something else, and spiritually speaking, we specifically replace it with prayer and time in God’s word.

When you fast, you are denying yourself something that you believe you must have… and therefore, to stay consistent with the biblical definition and for the purposes of this blog, I will say fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food.

I recently heard a pastor preach that biblical fasting is a discipline of voluntarily denying oneself of food in order to increase time with God…not only the amount of time spent, but the quality of time. It isn’t a diet…it is time with God…it is a God encounter!

Even though there are physical benefits to fasting, this is not the purpose of biblical fasting. The goal of fasting is to have a personal encounter with the living God, to draw closer to Him, and to regain spiritual focus.

Have you ever done a biblical fast?

I am certainly not an expert on fasting but I have had some amazing and powerful fasting experiences in the last 12 years. I have been a part of a number of fasts since becoming a Christian…some corporately with my church and with others…and many alone by myself.

I have fasted for my family, myself, friends and for others behalf. I have fasted personally for breakthroughs, answered prayers, wisdom and revelation, guidance and direction, and thankfulness. I have fasted one meal to all meals….24 hours to 7 days. I actually know a few people who have done a 40 day fast too!!! (I wouldn’t expect anyone to do that unless the Lord has put that on your heart…and so far He hasn’t for me!)

The greatest thing I have learned through fasting is that I go into it with a certain purpose and come out with a greater revelation, understanding, and hunger for God.

You see it isn’t wrong to go in with a specific purpose like for instance, a breakthrough, but I realized through my fasting experiences the importance of seeking God’s face and not just His hand. What I mean by that is seeking God for who he is…developing a greater hunger and desire to know him intimately…and not just for what he can give me ie. a breakthrough.

Our motives are very important with spiritual disciplines such as fasting. The Lord knows truly what is in our hearts and therefore, we shouldn’t look at fasting in a legalistic manner. We shouldn’t be prideful and shouldn’t brag or boast about our fast. We shouldn’t tell everyone and portray that we are a victim suffering.

And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. Matthew 6:16 NLT

Side note…I also find it interesting that Jesus said in this scripture “when” you fast not “if” you fast.  Hmmmm….

I believe that as Christians, Jesus would like us to participate in this spiritual discipline of fasting. In the Old Testament, the Jews were commanded by Law to fast on certain occasions, but today fasting should be seen as a privilege and not a law…there is no command given to how often or how long we should fast …like prayer, it should not be done legalistically, but should be seen as a privilege.

So, what does the bible say about fasting and how does it benefit us? According to Isaiah 58, the following is a list of benefits…

1)      Revelation

2)      Healing and Wholeness

3)      Righteousness

4)      The presence of God’s glory

5)      Answered Prayers

6)      Continual guidance

7)      Contentment

8)      Refreshing

9)      Strength

10)  Work that endures

11)  Raising up future generations

12)  Restoration

There are many reasons and examples of people fasting in the bible as well. I have included just some of them here…

1)      David-fasted for his unborn son(1 Samuel 12:15-20)

2)      Ezra- fasted for safety and protection (Ezra 8:21-23)

3)      Daniel- fasted for God’s wisdom and guidance (Daniel 1:12)

4)      Esther- fasted for courage and wisdom (Esther 4:3,15-16)

5)      King Jehoshaphat- fasted for deliverance from opposing armies(2Chronicles 20:1-5)

6)      Elijah- fasted 40 days for spiritual recuperation and preparation (1 Kings 19:1-9)

7)      Moses- fasted 40 days for spiritual revelation (Exodus 34:27-28)

8)      Jesus- fasted 40 days for ministry preparation (Matthew 4:2)

9)      Paul & Barnabas- fasted for God’s guidance with the appointment of elders (Acts 14:23)

A biblical fast is not…

about our comfort.

about shedding a few lbs. (like many of us women think in the back of our minds!).

a diet or a toxic cleanse (although there are health benefits.)

about not eating food and going about our day…business as usual.

a means for comparison/ competition with another person.

about being legalistic.

A biblical fast is…

a sacrifice.

a discipline

about our motives.

having a greater a hunger for God.

seeking God’s face, not His hand.

a privilege.

There many different types of fasts…different reasons to fast….different ways to fast…different lengths of time to fast.

So practically, what do we need to do to prepare for a fast? It is very important to establish your goals and guidelines before you fast. Pray, seek the Lord, and see what he puts on your heart.

Why are you fasting?

Are you abstaining from all food or certain types of food?

Are you fasting from one meal or all meals, etc?

How many days will you fast? One day, 2 days etc.

Do you have a set time and place to meet God to pray and read the bible?

Before you embark on any fast or extended fast, it important to consult your physician. Also, if you have certain medical conditions that don’t allow you to abstain from food, you can fast from other things that you believe you must have in your life.

If you have never fasted before it is important that you start small…fasting is a bit like physical exercise, you want to train yourself…don’t jump into a 40 day fast and even a 7 Day fast with no training…you wouldn’t try to run a marathon with no training. Start by fasting one meal, then two, then do a 24hr fast.

One of my heart’s greatest desire is that you would draw closer in intimacy with God. And to see the power and amazing blessings of fasting! I guarantee you that fasting…and a lifestyle of regularly fasting…will change you! Because really…how can you encounter our living God, our sovereign almighty God,  and not be changed?

Reflection Points:

1)      Do you need to draw closer to God? Or regain your focus on Him?

2)      Do you need to strengthen your relationship with God?

3)      Do you want a greater hunger for God?

4)      Have you ever done a biblical fast?

Actions Points:

1)      Establish your spiritual goals and guidelines for your fast. Pray and see what the Lord puts on your heart.

2)      Determine the nature of the fast. Abstaining from solid food, specific foods, etc.

3)      Determine the length of the fast. One day? 2 or 3 meals? Longer?

4)      Establish a time and place to meet with God in prayer and reading the bible.

My two little boys are at the age where listening and obeying my wishes are a daily challenge. For example, just the other day, the boys were jumping on my bed and I asked them to stop…Yes, I know they are boys and I am that mommy spoiling their fun, but my biggest concern was them crashing into our hard wood footboard and consequently a trip to the ER!

So, when I asked them to stop, they actually did stop! And just as I was walking away I thought with a smile on my face, “Wow, I have such obedient little boys!”

However, my thoughts quickly changed…because as soon as I left the room they began jumping again! Seriously? So I went back to my bedroom and this time with a little more sternness, I asked them again to stop jumping. They stopped…but again only until I left the room. This was one of those “Lord, help me!” moments because I was about to lose some self-control! I was certainly not happy that they didn’t obey my commands.  In my opinion, my boys were showing me compliance…for a moment… but not obedience.

As a parent, I want obedience more than compliance from my children. And I believe that the Lord wants the same from us as well…as his children…obedience not just compliance.

I attended a bible study recently where the difference between compliance and obedience was briefly mentioned. I found this rather interesting and decided to look deeper into these 2 terms.

Most of us, myself included, would say that compliance and obedience pretty much mean the same thing. Even if you were to look these 2 words up in the dictionary, one word is included in the other’s definition.

Obedience-the act or practice of complying with or following the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of

Compliance-the act of being in accordance or cooperating with wishes, requests, demands, requirements, or conditions (sometimes followed by with)

Pretty similar, wouldn’t you agree? So then how exactly are they different?

I believe that compliance is doing something even though you may not want to. You can comply…do as you are asked… but in your heart you may not respect or trust the person you are complying with. Just like my boys jumping on the bed…they stopped jumping but they didn’t really want to…which became apparent by them continuing to jump when I left the room!

I also believe that compliance can be forced upon a person. I want my children to obey, but sometimes out my frustration, I can force them to comply with my wishes. (For example, I can get my children off the bed thus preventing them from jumping. However, I would be forcing them to comply versus them wanting to obey.)

Obedience, on the other hand, is doing what is being asked because you truly want to in your heart. Obedience is a choice and cannot be forced. (Even though I wish I could force obedience with my children sometimes!!!) But again, it is a choice whether you obey or not. And this is the same in our relationship with God…we have a choice whether we obey or not obey His instructions and commands for us.

I really love character studies in the bible…basically taking an individual, studying their life and seeing what God has done in them and through them in their experiences.

One great example for us all to follow and truly a remarkable woman is Mary, Jesus’ mother! I absolutely love Mary! What kind of woman is worthy enough to be chosen by God to be the mother of His one and only precious son, Jesus? The answer is in her response.

So exactly how did Mary respond to this life changing request from God? How did she respond when God’s messenger told her that she was chosen to give birth to the Messiah named Jesus? (Hmmmm…if you were a virgin like Mary and received this news, you would probably be thinking… “You’ve got to be kidding God!” right?

Well, Mary’s response?…She called herself the handmaiden of the Lord!

Then Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said. And the angel left her. Luke 1:38 AMP

This statement from Mary can so easily be overlooked but it exemplifies something about Mary that is so profound that it cannot be overlooked!

In the Bible, a handmaiden (also called a maidservant) refers to a female slave whose will was not her own. Instead she was obligated to perform her master’s will without question or delay. A handmaiden would sit silently, watching for hand signals from her mistress which she would obey without question or hesitation.

We keep looking to the LORD our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal. Psalm 123:2

Mary had the heart of a handmaiden! She responded without any hesitation “let it be done according to what you have said.” Whatever God wanted, Mary as a humble handmaiden was willing to do…even if her obedience meant her life would be changed forever.

There are so many great things I can share about Mary. To name a few, she demonstrated a heart of devotion, commitment, and passion for the Lord. She demonstrated a heart of faith, complete surrender, and praise.

Oh my goodness! Have you ever read Mary’s song of praise called the Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55? …Truly a woman who loved and worshipped her Lord and whose heart was saturated with the word of God. But the one thing that really stands out to me about Mary is…her love and obedience for the Lord…she had the heart of a handmaiden.

Do you have the heart of a handmaiden like Mary? Do you respond to God’s instructions and commands without question or hesitation…like Mary? With heartfelt obedience…a submissive heart of love, trust and immeasurable respect for the God who created you and this universe?

Or are you just complying with God? …Doing what he asks but without a heart that truly trusts and honors him? Grudgingly doing what the Lord wants you to do? Or doing it with a hesitant, critical or complaining heart?

As we can see, the difference between compliance and obedience is a matter of our heart. And love is the most important component in heartfelt obedience to God.

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. John 14:21 NLT

If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15 NLT

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 2 John 1:6 NIV

Obedience flows out of love for God and leads to greater intimacy with him. The more we know God, the more we can trust him. The more we trust him, the more we love him. The more we love him, the more we will obey him. The more we obey him, the more we will learn about the trustworthiness of God.

I am sure we all have complied with God’s commands. But I pray that we would all follow Mary’s example, a handmaiden for the Lord…that we would continue to grow in our love for God and grow in the attitude of heartfelt love and submission to his authority.

My boys? Well, they are growing and learning as well. Their hearts have not yet grasped the essence of true love…Godly love… but as they continue to grow in their understanding of authority, respect, and trust, I believe their compliance will be replaced with a heart of loving obedience. Oh and I can’t wait!

Reflection Points:

1)      Do you find yourself just complying with God and his commands? Or obeying him wholeheartedly?

2)      What can you change in your relationship with God in order to obey and submit to him with all your heart? Spend more time with him…praying and reading his word?

Action Points:

1)      If you are complying with God, pray to the Lord to change your heart. Consequently, your attitude towards his commands will change as well as your outward behavior.

With my whole heart have I sought You, inquiring for and of You and yearning for You; Oh, let me not wander or step aside [either in ignorance or willfully] from Your commandments. Psalm 119:10 AMP

2)      Spend more time with God reading his word…then your love for him and trust in him will grow.

Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 NIV

I was driving on the freeway. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with fear and anxiousness. My breathing began to change. I was overcome with emotion but only a few tears fell down my cheeks. I took smaller quicker breaths.  And then…I began to hyperventilate. At the same instance, a tingling and numbness formed on the right side of my face and my arm started to go numb. 

I had to get off the freeway quick! I got off at the next off ramp and pulled to safety on the side of the road. My breathing continued as well as the tingling in my body. I remember crying out, “Lord please help me! I don’t know what to do!” After a few moments, the numbness subsided and my breathing returned to normal. I had just had an anxiety/panic attack.

This was the experience I had approximately 14 years ago. I used to suffer from periodic panic attacks.  I had just begun a right relationship with Jesus and couldn’t believe I was experiencing another attack! I remember thinking… that was something from my old life …it wasn’t supposed to follow me into my new life with Christ! Right?

Doesn’t 2 Corinthians 5:17 say…This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Why did I have these attacks? What triggered them?  I was determined to overcome them and sought the Lord for answers.

I first came to realize that once this process of having a panic attack began with my altered breathing and numbness, it was too late. The neurotransmitters in my body had already released and all I could do was just wait it out until it was over.

So how could I stop this process from even beginning? I came to understand that these anxiety/panic attacks were triggered by my thoughts. A thought…a thought that I dwelled on just a little too long…a concerning thought that turned into a stressful/anxious thought that turned into a fearful thought.

Have you or anyone you know ever suffered from anxiety/ panic attacks?

Well, maybe you haven’t, but maybe you have struggled with your thoughts at some point or another.

You may have struggled with negative thoughts, doubtful thoughts, irrational thoughts, condemning thoughts, fearful thoughts, sinful thoughts. Consuming thoughts of your past…stressful thoughts of your present… or worrying thoughts of your future.

Have you ever allowed your mind to travel down roads…all kinds of roads…that have nothing good but a miserable end? Or have you ever been so consumed by your thoughts that they have consumed your entire day?

You may have felt like you were losing your mind and had no control!

Unfortunately, I have come across many Christian women who struggle and can’t seem to control their thoughts… they are overwhelmed and consumed by them. I was one of them.

Thoughts are very powerful. Because thoughts are so powerful, we must better understand where these unproductive, negative thoughts come from…and take control over them! Yes! Believe it or not, we, as children of Christ, can and are able to take control of our thoughts!

It is so important for us to control our thoughts because Romans 8:5 tells us that our thoughts are related to our actions.

For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit. NET

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ESV

Jesus didn’t die on the cross for us so that we can continue to have our old way of negative thinking.  We can have freedom and peace and walk in victory over our thoughts! Yes this means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Now, Romans 12:2 also says…Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Our minds must be renewed. We can’t expect our old way of thinking to just change immediately when we become a Christian. It is a process. It is a transformation. And it may take time. But we can do it!

Why do we as women struggle so much with our thoughts? 

The bible doesn’t give us a clear answer about women specifically struggling but it does show that woman’s struggle with thoughts began with Eve in the Garden of Eden. This is where Satan planted seeds of doubt in Eve’s mind.

In Genesis 3:1, Satan says to Eve, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” By Satan saying “Did God really say…” he planted seeds of doubt in Eve’s mind. She doubted and began to question God’s goodness, love and motives.

We can see from this example that one way we can have wrong or negative thoughts is by Satan planting them in our minds.

Another way we can have wrong or negative thoughts is…by us. Plain old us! As Christians, we constantly battle between our flesh and the spirit.

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Gal 5:17NIV

Lining up our thoughts with God’s thoughts is vital to overcoming negative thoughts whether they are from Satan or from us.

So, how can we line our thoughts with God’s thoughts to control our minds?

1)      First it is important to determine immediately where the thought is coming from. Before you dwell on it too long…Is it something you thought yourself or is it a thought planted from the enemy? Would God want you to have this thought?

2)      If it is your own thought or a thought planted from the enemy, you must compare it to God’s word. Therefore, you must know God’s word well enough to be able to compare what is in your mind with what is in the mind of God.

3)      What does the bible say about your thought? For example, if it is a fearful thought, the bible says that God does not give us fear.

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJ

4)      So once you have determined that it isn’t a Godly thought, you need to apply  2Corinthians 10:5 and take that thought captive.

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB

That wrong thought pretty much needs to bow down in obedience to Christ. It cannot be placed above the knowledge of God.

5)      Find specific scriptures that apply to your specific thought struggle. Memorize or carry those scriptures around with you especially if your thoughts have triggered anxiety/panic attacks.

6)      Renewing our minds must happen on a daily basis and therefore we should always be filling our minds with God’s word.

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Ephesians 4:23 NLT

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

7)      Praise God…Praising Him will take the focus off your negative thought and on to our positive God! And this will bring you peace!

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3NIV

The battle we fight in our minds is not an easy fight and it requires us to renew our minds daily…but take it from me and my experiences…it can be done! We can have freedom and victory in our minds!

Reflection Points:

1)      Do you struggle with anxiety/panic attacks? If so, what thought triggers it?

2)      Do you struggle regularly with your thoughts? What thoughts do you specifically struggle with? Negative, sinful, fearful thoughts, etc?

3)      Do you feel like you can’t control your thoughts?

Action Points:

1)      If you have suffered from anxiety/panic attacks, you need to determine what thoughts trigger it.

2)      If you struggle with controlling your thoughts, refer to the practical steps above to gain control over your mind.

3)      Surrender your mind to Christ and pray for the Lord’s help in this battle of your mind. Rely on the power of his word to overcome and have the freedom and peace he wants you to have.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37NIV

Each day, most of my time is spent taking care of my 2 precious little boys. Connor is 4 and Bryce is 2 and they keep me quite busy…pretty much the entire day! There are some wonderful moments that I cherish, but there are plenty of not so wonderful moments too! My boys are at the age where they may play nicely together or all hell breaks loose when one child takes a toy from the other. I find myself often times officiating these outbreaks to try and keep the peace!

These daily disagreements don’t just occur between my boys but between me and the boys as well. This is where I have learned to pick and choose my battles! I may battle when Bryce hits Connor but I may not battle when Connor doesn’t want to wear what I have set out for him. I may battle when one child is in danger but I may not battle when one dumps his toys across the room that I have just picked up. I may battle when Connor says “No” to me when I have asked him to do something, but I may not battle when Bryce runs away from me when I am trying to change his diaper!

If I battle every little thing with my kids during my day, I would not be writing this blog and would guarantee that you wouldn’t want to be around me. That’s for sure!

The bible also shares with us that we are not to fight all the battles that come before us. God says in 2 Chronicles 2:15: Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

Oh yes! The battles will come! Some for the Lord to fight on our behalf and some for us to fight!

So what about the battles that we have to fight?

We may have big battles to fight or small battles to fight. They may be quick short battles or long and draining battles.

We may battle fear, anxiety, insecurity, pressures, addictions, sin, and relational dysfunction. We may battle with our spouses, our children, our families, our friends and many times battle with ourselves. It may be a battle of our own mind, will, and emotions.

So once we have determined we have a battle to fight, what does the bible say?

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors [we overwhelming conquer NASB] through him who loved us. Romans 8:37NIV

In the book of Romans, when Paul said that we are more than conquerors, he was writing to people who had lost friends, property, and family because of Christ. Eventually, some were tortured and some were put to death.

Our circumstances may not be as harsh as theirs, but they are harsh enough to where we sometimes feel defeated. We sometimes feel like we have been conquered. We sometimes want to just give up and surrender. We may feel tired, worn out, flat out exhausted.  We just may not want to fight anymore because we feel emotionally, physically, mentally, and even spiritually defeated! But even in our own circumstances, we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus!

I absolutely love this scripture! When I don’t feel that I can get through a battle in my life, I remind myself of these encouraging words. To capture a greater understanding of this scripture, I am going to break it down for you and for me!

No, in all these things…this is an answer to the scriptures that precede Romans 8:37.  Therefore we must see what question is being asked in Romans 8:35-36.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: For your sake we face death all day long;we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.  Romans 8:35-36 NIV

Who shall ever separate us from Christ’s love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. Romans 8:35-36 AMP

By examining these scriptures in 2 different versions of the bible, we can see that “…in all these things” means the difficulties and battles we may face in life. One commentary says “we are more than conquerors; not only over sin and Satan, but the world, the reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions of it.” [Commentary-Gill’s Exposition]

“In all these things” also means…in the very midst of them; while we are enduring them. Therefore, we are more than conquerors while we are going through these difficulties/ battles…not just at the end when we have overcome them.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:57

We are more than conquerors…First note that it says “we are” present tense. That means we are…like right now “more than a conqueror” not “we will be” or “we are going to be” once we get through our battle.

Also, we aren’t just conquerors… “we are more than conquerors.” We don’t just conquer…“we overwhelmingly conquer.” What does this mean?

The word “to conquer” comes from the Greek base word “nikao” which can also be translated as “to overcome, to prevail, or to be victorious.” But in Romans 8:37, there is a prefix which deepens and strengthens the meaning of the word. The prefix is huper which means “over.” That is to say, literally, “we over conquer.” That is why the NASB says “we overwhelmingly conquer”, and also why many other translations say that “we are more than conquerors.”

Through him … This means through Christ’s strength and power, not our own.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 KJ (2000)

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Cor 12:9 NIV

Who loved us…This demonstrates Christ’s love for us…“who has loved us, still loves us, and whose love engages his power to stand by us and protect us against all our enemies.” [Commentary- Gill’s Exposition]

Ok, so what does this scripture mean for us? Conquering is one thing but what does it mean to be more than a conqueror?

I believe being more than a conqueror is not just fighting the battle and having victory but also keeping your victory…Continuing to live victoriously!

How do we continue to live victoriously?

1)      Believe that you are victorious…The enemy will try to bring doubt immediately after your victory. He will make you think that you really didn’t win the battle and that you will not continue to be victorious. Push these doubts out of your mind and KNOW that you have the victory!

2)      Read and use God’s word as your sword to fight.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11NIV

3)      Remind yourself that you have Jesus living inside of you which is far more powerful than Satan in the world.

You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.1 John 4:4 HCSB

4)      Accountability- Rely on other Christians to encourage you and help you stay strong in keeping your victory.

5)      Being prepared… Have specific scriptures ready just in case you face the same battle. That way you won’t have to battle through it again or at least you will be prepared because you are ready with God’s word.

Be encouraged! We may have battles to fight while we are here on this earth but the war has already been won…by our Lord Jesus Christ!

Reflection Points:

1)      Are you battling right now? Are you tired and worn out from fighting this battle?

2)      Is the battle yours to fight or the Lord’s?

3)      If the battle is yours, how are you focusing and leaning on God and being “more than a conqueror?”

 Action Points:

1)      Determine if your battle is yours or the Lord’s to fight.  If you aren’t sure then pray and ask the Lord to give you clarity and direction.

2)      If the battle is yours to fight, then make sure the Lord is in your battle with you. Keep praying and leaning on him for His power and strength to get through.

3)      Don’t let previous unsuccessful battles discourage you from receiving victory over your present battle.

4)      Keep your victory!…See list above on how to continue to live victoriously!