Light and Momentary?

For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17 NASB

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 ESV

You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good. Genesis 50:20a ESV

We all need a “Linda” in our life. Let me explain. In what now seems a lifetime ago, I walked through several simultaneous and horrific, as well as long lasting trials. Though I didn’t know “Linda” very well, I was desperate to share my struggles, so I asked her to pray for me. That began a lifetime of friendship that often included the above scene repeated over and over. She could have very easily felt sorry for me (she may have) and thus invited me to a pity party, or help me put on a badge of victimhood. She did neither. She may have reasoned, “This is a complete mess, how could I possibly help her?” Looking back, I’m sure I secretly wanted pity more than a Scripture reference. But true friends will not offer pity or haphazardly slap a Scripture band-aide on an open wound.

What my “Linda” did do was listen. Maybe she was really thinking about her shopping list, I don’t know, but she offered me a listening ear, rather than advice. She also purposefully found ways to encourage and offer practical help. The most important thing, the thing I found most difficult to hear is where I want to land. She spoke hard truth to me. Knowing that real answers to life’s hard questions are only found in God’s Word, that’s where she carefully, and stealthily pointed me. In fact, I have her name scrawled in my Bible next to the verses she so often spoke. One found in Romans and the other, in 2 Corinthians.

For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

With no magic wands in her back pocket, and unwilling to offer bumper sticker answers, she simply spoke His truth to me. Truth that reminded me that in His hands, there is purpose to my pain, and there is an end that will far outweigh the suffering. Admittedly, I would not have described my challenges as light or momentary. But that Biblical description helped me put pain in perspective. God’s perspective. And the knowledge that He was indeed using the pain to produce something in me, gave purpose to what seemed purposeless.

And so, I offer the same to you… no magic wands, just the Truth of His Word. Stand on it, trust in it and lean on Him as He walks with you through to the other side of whatever trial you’re facing. I am sorry for your pain, but I also know first-hand that He is able to make all things new and use the vilest circumstance for our good and His glory.

“The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer, but why some do not.”

C.S. Lewis

Father, help me have Your perspective on all that comes my way. I praise You Lord for Your great faithfulness, regardless of what circumstances bring. I know You are at work. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

P.S. Thank you Linda.

Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

Who Do You Say He is?

He (Jesus) says to them, “But whom do you pronounce Me to be?”  And Simon Peter answering said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15-16 Berean Literal Bible

He (Jesus) said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15 NKJV

God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 ESV

“Who do you say that I am?” Recently, as I’ve thought through this pointed question Jesus posed to His disciples, the word, “say,” seemed to lift off the page. Holding that specific word up to the light and allowing the question to penetrate my own heart, I wondered how I would answer the Lord Jesus and, what do I say to those around me, about who Jesus is?

Of course, I agree with Peter, but beyond that, who do I say Jesus is? With my lips, I often speak of His goodness and great faithfulness and His sovereign control over all things.  I speak of His ability to walk us through the jagged valleys of real life, and the comforting truth of His ability to cause all things to work together for our good and His glory. I boldly sing (admittedly, off-key) that He is the Way Maker, our Solid Rock and Mighty Fortress. Confessing that He is our Provider and Sustainer.

The probing question the Lord brings to my heart (and now yours) is this; does my life reflect who I say Jesus is? What happens when I bump up against no paycheck, illnesses, the grip of anxiety, or betrayal or deep disappointment? Can others see His great faithfulness displayed in my life, despite tragedy or loss? Is my profession backed up by my life’s actions and reactions? I must admit, not always. But I want it to be.

Does my life reflect who I say Jesus is?

Back to the beginning. I say that Jesus Christ is God made flesh, who came to die for my sin debt. He my Redeemer, my Lord and my God. I have experienced Him as my Comforter, my Rock and High Tower and my Strength in times of trouble.

What about you? Who do you say Jesus is? Do you need to start where Peter did, acknowledging that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God? Do you know Jesus as the Comforter because He’s comforted you in a crisis? Do you know Him as Sustainer because He’s sustained you through years-long trials? Do you know Him as Healer, as He’s healed your heart, your marriage, your soul or your body?

Who do you say Jesus is?

Let’s pray…

Lord Jesus, You are Lord of Lords and King of Kings, and You are my Savior. My sustainer, my Provider and my God. Cause my words to match my life, in honor to You and for Your glory. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Audio Only – Isaiah 45:2

Trials and God’s Provision

Though it’s totally unscripted and not at all polished, I pray you hear real life thoughts on God’s Word and how to authentically apply it to our lives.

In His service, Becky White

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Redeemed

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is there anything too difficult for Me?”

– Jeremiah 32:27

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.

Psalm 107:2

Several years ago, I had the honor of speaking at the Westerville Area Resource Ministry’s (W.A.R.M.) annual Prayer breakfast. I was asked to simply, “Share your story.” The room was brimming with pastors and ministry leaders, as well as the mayor of Westerville. I was keenly aware that my only qualification to speak to the crowd before me was the Lord Jesus Christ and what He had so graciously accomplished in my life. No diplomas on the wall or letters after my name. So, with knees shaking but a heart bursting with gratitude, I stepped up and shared with authenticity, my story of His redemption, for a wretch like me.

My prayer was to do that in such a way that those much more “qualified” than I would be moved to worship the One who gave His life for each of us. To recognize that the ground is level at the foot of the Cross (to borrow from Billy Graham). That included those whose story is nothing like mine or those whose story paralleled my own. We are all in need of The Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am sharing this 20 min video with you today, because today, May 14th, marks the day I gave my life to Christ, 45 years ago.

It’s my continued prayer that the Holy Spirit uses it to to encourage those who are praying for someone who is far from Christ (can you say, hot-impossible-mess?) or if you yourself are that hot-impossible-mess. He is more than able to redeem and restore. Anyone. Never stop praying.

20 minute video of my story (It begins at apprx the 37 min mark.)

In His service and for His glory… Becky White

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When the Sea Doesn’t Part

[Urged on] by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as [though] on dry land…

Because of faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encompassed for seven days [by the Israelites].

Others had to suffer the trial of mocking and scourging and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death; they were lured with tempting offers [to renounce their faith].

And all of these…won divine approval by [means of] their faith…

Hebrews 11:29a-30, 36-37,39a AMPC

Sometimes, our faith in the Lord and His Word parts the Red Sea of impossible situations. Sometimes our faith in Him causes the Stone Wall of adversity to crumble at our feet. Talk about mountain-top, arms lifted in praise and worship outcomes! I like that kind of faith outcome, don’t you? And if I’m honest, that’s what I expect as an outcome of faith. Isn’t that the point of faith? To change our circumstances? Maybe.

Recently, while reading the New Testament book of Hebrews, I stopped in my mental tracks as I read and reread chapter eleven.  My eyes lingered on the almost too-familiar verses in this “hall of fame” chapter on Biblical faith giants. I could almost hear the STOP, and REWIND sound effects in my mind as my fingers traced the words. Tucked into this list of faith-walkers were others, whose faith outcome included words like “suffer” and “trials” and “imprisonment.” Holding those verses up to the light and talking to the Author of those words, I asked how this could be. Is it possible that authentic, Biblical faith can produce such an outcome?

Yes. It seems that sometimes, faith in God and His Word don’t necessarily lead to miraculous intervention. But instead to an ever-deepening trust (faith) in Him, regardless of the outcome. A level of trust that looks the vilest circumstance directly in the eye and still says, “Lord, I trust You. I have no idea how this will end, but I know You are faithful and worthy of my trust. You have promised to cause all things to work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.”  

Over the years, I have faced seas that did not part, and walls that did not miraculously come down. I bet you have too. Yet, it was during those bitter-sweet times that I experienced the presence of God unlike any other. Rather than my circumstances changing, He chose to change me, and draw me into a closer relationship with Him out of sheer necessity. Have you found that true in your life?

It’s in those dark moments that we have a choice to make – will we hold Him tight, even as the tears fall, and choose to trust Him? The famed preacher, C.H. Spurgeon once said, “To trust God in the light is nothing – to trust Him in the dark, that is faith.” Is there is a circumstance casting a shadow of darkness over you, or someone you love? Even if through tears, will you choose to trust Him? Whatever the outcome? No matter what it looks like, He has a plan and purpose for all He allows to graze your life.

To trust God in the light is nothing – to trust Him in the dark, that is faith.

C.H. Spurgeon

Father, though my heart longs for a miracle, I love You more than any desired outcome. Help me rest in Your faithful goodness, even as I continue to pray in simple faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.

Audio Only – Comforting Others

Using our pain for His glory

1 Corinthians 1:3-5

Though it’s totally unscripted and not at all polished, I pray you hear real life thoughts on God’s Word and how to authentically apply it to our lives.

In His service, Becky White

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Bowed Down by the Load of Life

The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down.

The LORD helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.

Psalm 146:7-8 NIV    Psalm 146:8b NLT   Psalm 145:14 NLT

The first thing I notice in these verses is that it is THE LORD who does the work. He is the One active on our behalf. The Lord sets free. The Lord opens blind eyes and The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. Verse 8 wraps it up with this beautiful sidenote – the Lord loves the righteous. (Of course, the only righteous ones are those who are cloaked in the righteousness of Christ.)

Though you may, or may not be, behind the steel bars of a physical cell, each of us can be prisoners of our past, or regret, or addiction or bitterness, or loneliness.

While we may not be physically blind, are there not moments (or years?) when we are blinded by grief or unforgiveness or emotional ache, or blinded to our own need for the Savior?

And who among us has not been, at some point, bowed down by the trials of life? Or as one translation puts it, “weighed down” beneath the load of real life? This is the snippet that caught my attention as I read and reread it this morning. In my mind’s eye, imagining a heavy load, literally bowing the back of a person struggling to simply put one foot in front of the other. And it is to you I want to speak.

Probably because I have walked many miles with heavy loads, I am most drawn to those bowed down by the weight of life. Some loads I have needlessly put on my own back; other loads have been placed there by someone else’s choices. Regardless of how the load came to be, the answer is the same. I must. You must. Look to the Lord God to enable us to *carry it. He Himself will bear the weight, as we walk in trusting obedience to Him. Not that He will remove the burdens of life, but that He Himself will carry us… and our burdens. Lifting the weight of it from our tired shoulders. Because He loves us. Simply astounding.

The sweetest prayers God ever hears are the groans and sighs of those who have no hope in anything but his love.” – Charles Spurgeon

Father, I confess there are times when the weight of the load of life seems more than I can bear. It’s then that You remind me that, apart from You, it is more than I can bear. Cause me to quickly release the weight and rest in Your sovereign care. Come what may. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

*There are some weights that He intends us to throw off, rather than carry. We need to seek His wisdom, through His Word and prayer, to know the difference.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

“Upholds”

סוֹמֵ֣ךְ (sō·w·mêḵ) Verb      Strong’s 5564: To prop, to lean upon, take hold of

Black Saturday

Below is a link to a short video from the Eyewitness Bible series regarding the Saturday after Jesus was crucified. It brings to life what we’ve read in the pages of our Bibles.

God’s blessings on you as we contemplate what the Lord Jesus Christ endured on our behalf.

“Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”   – Hebrews 12:2

https://media.reallifenetwork.com/watch/channel/6467b9ba3049ed359ff2f2bc/series/140-kwtk7svyoxea-eyewitness-bible-easter/episode/140-acxyt5xhgpzl-eyewitness-bible-easter-ep7-black-saturday-the-last-day

And,

https://media.reallifenetwork.com/watch/channel/WATCH-EASTER-SPECIALS/series/140-6vfg1udhntag-real-life-network-presents-passion-week/episode/140-jcqsq9u9fv8j-passion-week-pastor-jack-hibbs

Directions

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

While the following true story is now a distant memory for me, its probing question is just as valid. Will I trust God and His Word more than my own insight and understanding? Will I allow my “feelings” or “felt experiences” to trump God’s inerrant Word (the Bible)?

Will you?

Not being very familiar with the freeway and how to navigate from one part of our city to the other, I asked my husband for directions on how to get from a friend’s home to our church.  Hanging up the phone and assured that I understood his directions, I confidently merged onto the freeway. However, it only took a few moments before my heart began racing as I thought, “This doesn’t look right,  I think I’m going the wrong way!”  Quickly and with a bit of panic, I tried to recall his exact words.  I was sure  I heard him right,  my question now became,  did he speak correctly!?  I reminded myself that if I needed to, I could just turn around (which I definitely considered!).   But, knowing that my husband is literally a living, breathing  GPS, I trusted that although I appeared to be going in the wrong direction, he knew what he was talking about.  I could trust his directions, even when it appeared wrong.  Minutes later, I could see the outline of familiar buildings and knew I was headed in the right direction.  Whew!

There will be times when we must make the same, step-out-in-faith, choice to trust the Lord and the Truth of His Word, even though our senses are screaming otherwise. (Reminder, His instructions will never contradict His written Word). He who declares the end from the beginning, is the same One who Has promised to lead us and guide us with His eye upon us.  Sitting enthroned above all, His perspective is without flaw.

Let’s trust Him, take Him at His word and relax in His everlasting arms. He will guide us safely to the destination He has chosen for us. We can trust His “directions.”

 God’s Word is truer than anything you think, feel or see. – Linda Dillow

My Lord Jesus, enable me to not only listen for Your still-small-voice-directions, but also to trust what I hear! As I read Your Word and listen to Your Spirit, grant me the ability to trust You rather than my fickle feelings or human reasoning. You are worthy of my trust. I love You Lord! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

If you have never acknowledged that you are lost in your sins, now is the time. Today is the day. Tell the Lord that you admit you are a sinner and by the power only He can provide, you are willing to turn from them to Him. Accept His offer of payment for your sins and receive Him as your Savior today. He loves you so… If you prayed this prayer, or would like to talk to someone, please click here for more info or call 1-888-Need-Him.

Somebody Knows…

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. PSALM 139:2-4 NASB

Are you old enough to remember the ol’ song… “Noooobody knoooows the trouble I’ve seen…” Not exactly a pick-me-upper is it? Worse than being a depressingly, feel-sorry-for-me tune, it’s a lie from the enemy of our soul.

The Bible tells us that the Lord God knows exactly how we feel. In fact, the original Hebrew word used for understand includes the word feel. So we could read the above verse this way, “You feel my thoughts.” Digest that for a moment, beloved. He feels your thoughts. I need a Kleenex just thinking about that truth.

The enemy wants us to sink in the emotional pit of despair and isolation as he whispers the vicious lie, “No one cares about you, no one understands or knows how you feel. You are all alone in this.” Que the violin. He has us right where he wants us. But wait just a minute. Before we nod our heads in agreement and give in to despair – What does God’s Word say? Though we walk through valleys, He promises to walk with us. Though we walk through fires, He promises they will not destroy us. And whatever our pain, He feels it with us.

I wish I could promise that He removes all our difficulties or keeps adversity from ever grazing our life, but we both know that’s not true. What I can promise is this – whatever your circumstance, whatever your pain, you are not alone. Someone does know how you feel. Someone is feeling the pain right along with you. And that Someone is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Beloved, He knows your path. (Job 23:10) He knows your unspoken pain. He is with you every step of the way.

If you’ll let Me, I’ll use your trials to make you into someone I can use in the lives of others to show them that no matter where they’ve been, no matter how deep the hole, no matter how painful the trial, there’s hope.

– Kay Arthur

Father, You know exactly how I feel, even when I can’t articulate my thoughts, You feel them with me. Teach me to rest in the Truth of Your Word,  more than my feelings. Thank you, precious Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus