From Retreat to Go Forth

 

"Those who live in the SHELTER of the Most High will find REST in the shadow of the Almighty.  This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my REFUGE, my place of SAFETY, he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he will RESCUE you from every trap and PROTECT you from the fatal plague. He will SHIELD you with his wings. He will SHELTER you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your ARMOR and PROTECTION."  Psalm 91:1-4.  

Refuge, fortress, rescue, protection – Where would I be without the assurance of God’s care as seen in Bible verses with this theme? For many years these verses have been my consolation when faced with depression, anxiety, and uncertainty.  I love the comfort I receive from God through these verses that calm me, refocus me, and remind me of the Powerful One. I truly treasure these moments with my Lord. 

Something happened today!  While in a workshop learning about leadership, the Holy Spirit broke my attention from the speaker with a Divine Message:

“Hey, Barb, you know those favourite Bible verses you cling to for comfort in times of trouble? Well, certainly, I am there with you even when you don’t notice. Now, I want you to leave my fortress and go forward confidently, still in my presence. Yes, retreat and refuge are necessary sometimes, but now you are ready to go forth into the world in my name and with my plan. You will speak my words, feel my heart, and tread my steps to share my message of hope, love, and salvation. I will show you scripture that strengthens your resolve, explains my plan, and assures you of my presence. I am with you in the fortress AND out in the open field.”

“When you pray, I will answer you – wherever you are – and place boldness and strength in your soul.” Psalm 183:3. 

“I will go before you and behind you. With my hand I place a blessing upon your head.” Psalm 139:5. 

Jesus spoke to me:
“You will wear my armor; you will survive and thrive in any situation! 
My Belt of Truth strengthens your core values.
My Body Armor of Righteousness protects your heart, mind and soul. 
My Shoes of Peace keep you grounded in my Gospel; your steps bring MY Shalom to all you meet. 
My Shield of Faith repels attackers; keeps evil forces from touching you.
My Helmet of Salvation focuses your mind on my grace and forgiveness which is for you and others.
My Sword of My Spirit you wield will cut down evil forces. 
Your Words of Prayer will be answered with right words, bold actions, and great wisdom."  Ephesians 6:13-19. 

Yes, Lord, you embolden me!  I step out in faith because your protection, guidance and joy are with me wherever I go.  I share your Good News and show your kind compassion.  You are with me and I am with you.  Amazing!!  Thank you! 

What Part Do I Play?

     I always wanted to be important. That status in our society is usually given to those who speak wisely, achieve great things, or make decisions that affect many lives. Since I did none of these, I never felt important. My struggle for this status was further thwarted during my ‘stay-at-home-to-raise-the-kids’ years, as society in the 1980s did not think this was a worthy activity. I did manage, though, a few moments of importance when I took on executive volunteer positions within local community groups. Now, with my children grown and still not holding a prestigious title, where do I find importance?   

   At a recent community event, I excitedly donned a vest that identified me as a member of the local Photo Club.  Now, I was surely important!  Our Club had agreed to take photos of the event and give them to the organizers in return for a financial donation to the club. As one of the club volunteers, I had authority to take photos – I was important! Well, for four hours anyway! What about other days?

   Over many years of wholeheartedly serving God, I struggled with the misconception of elevating some ministry roles over others. I viewed ‘support’ roles as less ‘important’. However, I learned that this thinking comes from society’s secular point of view, not God’s. He spoke through Isaiah saying, “My thoughts are completely different from yours. My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine” (Isaiah 55:8). 

   Then, much more recently, the Apostle Paul explained this reality, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do . . . and each of us needs all the others” (Romans 12: 4,5 NLT).   

   As I continued to seek God’s direction and watch His ways unfold, I finally understood Paul’s explanation - that God has a very special role for me to play, and only me. Furthermore, I learned that it is vital that I excitedly embrace this privilege instead of the desire for a so-called important role! 

   While I have taken on many positions within the church family, I recognize that my particular God-given passion is to inspire others to deepen their relationship with God. By leading small group Bible studies or engaging in one-on-one conversations, I am an active agent of and with the Holy Spirit providing opportunities for others to consider God’s truths, realize areas of compromise, and commit to a closer walk with Him. Joyously, at the same time, God speaks to my faith and encourages me in the same ways!  

   Lord, now that I know I am important and significant in your eyes, I am content to serve others in your name and release the needs of my ego. Guide my footsteps on the special path you have chosen for me. Thank you for the honor of impacting others in your Kingdom.  I pray that my readers will also embrace their God-given uniqueness and serve you to their fullest. Amen. 

(originally published 2009)

The Significance of an Ordinary One: Rahab!

 

“For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” Joshua 2:11 NLT After escaping from the clutches of the Egyptian Pharaoh forty years earlier, the Israelites had ended their desert wandering and were preparing for their next step. Camped on the east side of the Jordan River eyeing the Promised Land on the other side, they listened carefully to the instructions of their new leader, Joshua. In this story of the taking of Jericho, several characters play important roles. Among them, one ordinary woman stood out from the crowd, making a significant impact on her family for generations. 

The Ordinary One: Before crossing the Jordan, Joshua sent two spies to reconnoiter in and around Jericho. Arriving at the house of Rahab, a local prostitute, they discreetly obtained the information Joshua needed. However, someone overheard their conversation and notified the King of Jericho who promptly had Rahab questioned. She, knowing that “the Israelite God was the supreme God of the heavens and earth,” lied, sending the King’s men away to look for the Israelites elsewhere. Then, hurrying back to the spies, she made them promise, because of her help, to save her whole family from destruction when their army came to capture Jericho. Upon promising to do so, Rahab showed them a secret exit from the city so that they could return safely to Joshua with their report. (Joshua 2) 

The Significance: One week later, on the day that God would hand over Jericho to the Israelites for destruction, Joshua included in his instructions for the assault, “Only Rahab the prostitute and the others in her house will be spared, for she protected our spies.” As a result of recognizing the one true God, she, “her father, mother, brothers, and all the other relatives . . . were moved to a safe place near the camp of Israel” (6:17, 22, 23). Rahab’s beliefs and actions saved all the members of her family. 

My Reflection: Amazing! Rahab’s convictions saved dozens of people. Further, not only did Rahab’s family survive the Israelite onslaught, she is listed in the genealogy of Jesus! One ordinary, yet brave, woman made a significant difference! Thinking about this story, I am in awe of her courage to stand alone in her convictions. I wonder if any decision I have made has had such a similar impact on my family. Perhaps only time will tell. Although my family has not been under threat from an invading army, we are under daily spiritual attacks by the evil one who “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Knowing this, I must “take a firm stand against him, and be strong in [my] faith” (5:9). Without doubt, even though I am also an ordinary one, committing my life to Jesus, praying for the salvation of my family members, and standing firm in my faith are significant actions in God’s eyes. Lord, I pray that in all situations I will make decisions that honour you, thereby allowing your blessings to flow upon my family and the generations that follow!

(originally published Nov 2008)