Surrender

Some of us need this promise today

Heart’s door locked within

Holding the key to freedom…

Will I insert it?

The prison cell is locked.  You stand holding the key- trying to decide if you’ll insert it.  You know it’s the key to freedom but…. Freedom is risky.  Maybe it would be better to stay in the cell, at least you know what to expect, even though you are miserable.

God stands outside, longing for you to open the door, to invite Him in, to make space for Him.  He won’t force it but He invites you to trust Him.  He understands how hard that is.  BUT IT IS YOUR CHOICE.

Yes, opening that door is risky.  But will you join me in choosing to believe that inserting the key will bring a life  we’ve only dreamed of…. that it will bring a love we have  craved?

I can almost see it.  The word spreads quickly through the city.  Her world is being shaken by an unforeseen storm.  What will she do?

Quietly, as though not to disturb the holy moment, everyone hurries to their feet and peers over the cloudy edge… watching…holding their breath… waiting to see what she will do.

Slowly, as with one voice, under their breath, they start to implore, “Come on, you can do it.  Come on, you CAN do it” repeatedly.  As the storm lashes on, the chant becomes louder until it becomes very audible… wanting her to hold on… to trust the Son who has been holding her in His hands.

She doesn’t see it; she doesn’t feel it; she doesn’t hear it.  She must just trust …. as heaven stands…… waiting….

The following was inspired by Your Hands by JJ Heller

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-F6DGGF4Qs)

 The Lord is My Shepherd

To be called a sheep is not exactly flattering, but knowing that I have a Shepherd makes it more palatable :)

Having a Shepherd means that I will be well cared for and vigilantly watched over; never alone. It means that my name is known; I am not just some faceless sheep amidst the flock.  It assures me that should I be injured, my wounds will be carefully dressed.  Even during the night I will be surrounded by His protection. 

The Shepherd will lead me from pasture to pasture in search of the best food for me.  He will provide nourishment, making sure I always have enough.  He knows when I need to have some quiet rest time beside a stream of water, where He can restore and refresh me.  I may have to navigate some rough places with Him.  I may even have to climb some rocky mountain trails or pass through some dark valleys but I can be confident that He will be leading the whole time.  He promised never to leave me.  There probably will be times when He actually needs to carry me.  The times I stray off on my own, thinking I know best, He will patiently come searching for me.

So maybe being called a sheep isn’t so bad after all.  The hardest decision I have to make is: will I trust Him? Allow Him to be my Shepherd? To lead me even when it doesn’t make sense?  He stands waiting for my answer… and yours.

Scripture:  Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34:31

The corn was flat; other tender plants in a tangle.  Quite a few storms (with wind etc.) had just passed through the area that Wednesday afternoon, leaving the garden soggy and muddy.

As we stood there viewing it, we felt helpless.  I tried to encourage my gardener hubby that at least our house was dry with no internal flooding.

The weekend was hot and sunny.  We were gone for the weekend; when we returned, the majority of the corn was standing.  Maybe there is a scientific explanation, but to us, and one little guy praying, a miracle!

It got me thinking.  The storms of life can be tough, even brutal.  At times they can even lay us out flat, seemingly hopeless of ever recovering from the damage.

But time in the presence of Jesus, the Divine “Sun”, will slowly but surely bring you back up to standing position.  You will be OK.

 About 2 weeks later!  Amazing... I think!