Faithful (Brooke Fraser, 2008)

I'm currently doing a Bible study by Priscilla Shirer about the book of Jonah. She asks us to examine how our lives has been interrupted...how life isn't what we though it would be. It led me to reflect on how different people in the Bible lived through the same thing. Can you imagine a twelve year life interruption?

That's what the woman with the issue of blood experienced. For years she lived with the pain and isolation of her condition. It seemed like every attempt to help her had created more suffering. She probably felt forgotten, insignificant, and hopeless. Yet, when she heard Jesus was passing by, she went after him. She pressed through every emotion, experience, and even a huge crowd, to get to Jesus. You see, she needed a miracle. She needed to touch the Savior and receive healing...and nothing was going to stand in her way.

In our hopeless places, we need that kind of faith. Sometimes, it's difficult to see the light or believe that after all this time, God will heal our broken places and situations. But, if we move past our emotions and experiences, if we push through all the chaos and press into the Savior, He has healing just for us! (Matt. 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-47)

I Know Who I Am?? (Israel Houghton, 2008)

I can tell you all about who Jesus is and who I am "in" Him. I know and can explain to others that I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10), a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), a child of light (1 Thess. 5:5), a joint heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17), chosen, holy, beloved (Col. 3:12)...the list goes on and on. But, recently, instead of living in who Christ has said I am, I've tried to fit a self-created identity and failed miserably.

Demanding excellence, I've always been very critical of what I do, how I look, and the things I accomplish. It is not necessarily for God's glory, but for my desire to be the best, that I care about these things. As such, lately, I've fallen into the trap of living to fit a mold to which I told myself I must conform. It's no wonder I've failed. After all, I am trying to be someone I am not. The Lord never required me to be Mrs. Perfect Super Woman/Mom/Wife/Servant. He simply called me to listen to and obey Him--to be His child...His servant...His friend.

Maybe you can relate. Have you ever found yourself trying to 'be' someone that your pride told you to be? Instead of walking in all the grace, peace, and power that comes with your Christ-identity, you settled--like I did--for a lesser identity you imposed on yourself?

If you've been there, then join me today, in allowing the Lord to completely liberate us from the idol of 'image' and transform us by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). Pray with me asking Him to increase as we decrease (John 3:30). For it's by His grace alone that we are who we are (1 Cor. 15:10).

I Need The Every Hour (Selah, 2004)

Since having my second child, I'm faced more and more each day with the reality of how inadequate I am as a parent. Without God's grace and guidance, these poor kids would probably be in a world of trouble. Some days I'm sleep deprived, anxious, irritable, and fatigued. Saying I'm not my best would be an understatement.

When I think about how often I call on the name of the Lord throughout each day, it makes me smile. Part of me is amused at how I must sound to God like my two year old sounds to me sometimes. Another part of me smiles because I know the Lord is using this time to show me how much I need him...and I surely need him!!

Proverbs 3:5-8 reminds me to trust in the LORD with all my heart and do not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways acknowledge Him, and He will make my paths straight. I must not be wise in my own eyes but must fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to my body and refreshment to my bones. I used to think of this scripture only in regards to fleeing sin. But, today, it speaks to me of my need to rely on the Lord's guidance in everyday living--even things like parenting and mundane monotonous housework.

I've learned to not think my schedule and plans for the day are written in stone. Been there, done that, and it often ends in my having a meltdown when things don't go my way. But, as I seek the Lord and ask His direction for each day, He makes my path straight and leads me to what He ordained for me. Learning to rely on Him has been so freeing. It's truly been healing to my body and refreshment to my bones!! It takes the pressure off me and puts it in the hands of the ONLY one who can handle it: My Lord. He knows what's best for me and these precious babies entrusted into my care. So, I am trusting His direction instead of my own!