Real Questions

Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” 

Judges 6:13 NKJV

If you’re not familiar with the Old Testament story of the life of Gideon, or it’s been a while, grab your sweet tea, relax and prepare for real-life, real-world questions. When you have 10 minutes read all of Gideon’s story in Judges 6 and 7.  It’s astounding.

We first meet Gideon in the middle of his work day, as he’s “beating wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites.” Needless to say, a winepress is not where one usually threshes wheat! He’s had to alter his normal way of life and normal way of earning a living to accommodate the presence of his enemies. He’s also had to face the overwhelming fear that’s gripped him in the process. And then, smack in the middle of his routine and difficulty, the Angel of the Lord shows up and speaks to him. Reminding him that the Lord is with him.

His first response to the heavenly interruption is stunningly authentic and real-world. Gideon asks the questions each of us have wrestled with at some point in life.  Questions that so permeated his thoughts that as an angel stood in his very presence, rather than fall to the ground in shock, he blurted out loud what was loudest in his thinking.  “Why?”

“If the Lord really is with us…with me… why then has all this difficulty happened to us? Where are all His miracles I have heard about?”  Can you hear the accusation or possibly anger dripping from his line of questioning? Can you hear the disappointment mingled with despair in his tone as he wrongly assumes that his current trials mean God has abandoned him? Or his assumption that lack of trials is a sign of God’s presence.

“If God is with us then why?… Why our child’s death? Why divorce? Why a challenging childhood, why a still-born child? Why abuse or neglect or unemployment or a wayward child… or no child? Why a broken relationship or a painful, lonely relationship …I could go on…

I don’t know why, I wish I did. I wish I could hand you the answer to the “why” of your circumstance – I can’t. But what I can assure you of is this – according to God’s word, trials do not indicate the abandonment of God. In fact, they might just indicate His nearness in away we cannot imagine. The Psalmist reminds us, “He is near the brokenhearted.” We are assured of His presence with us, whether or not He miraculously delivers from our trials or walks us through them – either way, He is with us.  He is with you. He will not forsake you. Share your heart and questions with the Sovereign One… and then rest in Him.

Now grab your glass of sweet tea and open your Bible to Judges 6, see what He will speak to your heart dear one.

Trials do not indicate the abandonment of God. In fact, they might just indicate His nearness in away we cannot imagine.

Becky White

Father, I am so thankful for Your abiding presence, Your great faithfulness and Your peace. As I walk through the inevitable challenges of life, enable me to be more aware of Your Presence and find my rest in You…not in anything else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus.

When the Extraordinary becomes Ordinary

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7 Berean Study Bible   Psalm 55:22 NASB

Because He cares for you.…

Familiarity breeds contempt. The extraordinary becoming ordinary. In the era of social media, the Truth of Scripture can be lost on us as we scroll past another artfully crafted meme with a feel-good phrase. Even when that phrase is God’s Word.

That nearly happened to me recently as I read my “verse for the day” pocket calendar and quickly recognized this often-quoted and meme enhanced Scripture. Mindlessly thinking, “Oh, I know that verse…” yawn… (I’m being totally authentic with you here.) But this time, as I read the verse, the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks as the words Because He cares for you leapt off the page and washed over my heart.  I read and reread those words… Holding them up to take in each facet of meaning.

He could have ended the prayer directive with, “because I said so.”  … He is God, afterall. But He didn’t.

It struck me so strongly and so emotionally. What a tender phrase added to the instruction of casting all our anxieties on Him.

On Him to carry.

On Him to handle.

On Him to work out the myriad of beyond-our-ability-details.

Yet He wasn’t just academically providing direction on what we ought to do with a religious, legalistic pattern to follow.  He wants us to know the why… Because He cares for us. Such love and tender compassion embodied in that phrase. The Amplified Bible reads, He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Whatever burdens our heart, burdens His.

Becky white

Whatever burdens our heart, burdens His. He longs for us to bring our every need, our every concern, our every question, our every fear, our every what-if and even our every “why?” and cast them onto the One who cares for us.

Oh Father, It is face-to-the-floor astounding how You tenderly care for what concerns my heart. I lay my anxieties and burdens in Your strong hands and rest in Your sovereign care and control over all that grazes my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Help!

(Rise Up, O God!)

The following is a devotion (though it reads more like a desperate prayer) written almost two decades ago. The ache is palatable. The desperation evident. The emotion raw. The faith, shaky but resolute.

Much has happened over the weeks and months and years since the devo was originally penned. The Lord did indeed arise mightily on my behalf, not to remove my challenges, but to walk me through them. And I know He will do the same for you. For the person you’re praying for. For that hopeless situation you’re facing. Whatever your circumstance, whatever trial may be staring you in the face, rest under the shadow of the Almighty. He will not fail you.

Let me encourage you today, no matter what you’re facing, He sees you, He is aware. He has not dropped the ball. In the mean time, as you wait, lean hard into Him. A great place to start is reading/rereading and meditating on Psalm 91.

Rise Up O, God!

I am exceedingly afflicted… PSALM 119: 107a

Your God has commanded your strength; Show Thyself strong, O God, who has acted on my behalf.   PSALM 69:28 NASB

For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord,

Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield.

 PSALM 5:12 NASB

“Oh, no! Here she comes again.” That’s what I hoped the assistant pastor was not thinking as I approached him, yet again, for prayer this past Sunday morning. Apologetically, I whispered, “I’m sorry to come up so often…” Before I could finish the thought the pastor waved his hand and assured me it was fine. He graciously listened as I shared my story in all its’ no-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel monotonous torture. After listening to me unburden my heart, rather than offering me his human solution to my problem, he wisely laid it all at the Savior’s feet through prayer. Honest, “This really stinks but You have the answer, God “ kind of praying.

Later that evening, I tried to recall the words spoken over me in prayer along with the message given during the worship service. An overwhelming desperation for God to show Himself – to move on my behalf stirred in my soul. I grabbed my prayer journal and poured out my heart to God with the following written prayer:

Father, Help! I call on You, Almighty God, Sovereign Ruler of all, King of the universe. You Who are enthroned on high. I know You are full of compassion and abound in mercy. Your judgments are righteous and true, Your ways are beyond my comprehension. I call on You to remember Your Word to Your servant, Becky (insert your name here).

You said You would perfect that which concerns me. You would deliver the one for whom I intercede, You told me to remember that this was not my battle to fight, but Yours O God. Yours. You said for me to call on You in my times of trouble and You would answer, promising to deliver me from the oppressor. You said that no weapon formed against me would prosper. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord – and I am Your servant.

O God, my Father, You Who cannot lie, please intervene on my behalf. Deliver me, deliver my children, deliver my family. Rise up, O God! Rise up! Come to my aid! Rescue me by Your strong arm. Be Thou a shield unto me, O Lord. May Your favor be my shield of protection. I praise You, Lord! For my deliverance is as sure as the setting sun. You are worthy of praise, O God, my Father. Worthy of my praise!

In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen and amen.

The sovereignty of God is the pillow on which I lay my head.  – C.H. Spurgeon

    Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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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.

    “Where is this God of Yours?”

    Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is this God of yours?”

    Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! … Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you—

    Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God.

    Psalm 42:3, 5a,c NLT   Psalm 42:11 ESV

    Recently, while at a funeral – My eyes scanned the small, crowded room, filled with photos and flowers and chatter. And crying. The tears were mingled whispers of “Why?” and “Before his time.” We took our seats and prepared to listen with the soberness required in such settings, my heart breaking for the hurting family around me.  

    Real pain. Real tragedy.

    Depression and pain and sadness are all around us. Added to this layer of heart ache, the enemy often whispers in our ear, “Where is this God of yours?” Just as in Psalm 42, listed above. The trial in front of you may not be literal death, maybe it’s the death of a relationship or the death of a longed-for outcome or death of your health or the devastating death of hope itself. Sinking you to the depths of despair. The enemy hopes to push us to despair, and in the end, hopelessness. 

    Though you’d hate for others to know, do you relate to the Psalmist when he says, “My tears have been my food day and night”? Is the emotional ache buried deep, rearing its head only when life gets still, so you try to stay busy or distracted? Have the enemy’s taunts of, “Where is this God of yours?” invaded your thoughts?

    I’ve been there. If we’re honest, most of us have a time or two. And just like the Psalmist, I talk to myself (Hey, no laughing!); I speak the truth to myself. I ask myself questions. I encourage myself with His Word. And in the end, I remind myself to hope in God. Not in hoped-for outcomes or good health or pleasant circumstances (as if those can be relied upon!). Hope. In. God. Read aloud His word, and talk to yourself. Why not start with all of Psalm 42? It’s not that long. Take in each word. In the end, you will find He is faithful, not to always remove our difficulties, but to walk us through them.   

    Where’s God? Beside me. In front of me. Behind me. Inside me. He has laid His hand upon me. I am never alone. And neither are you. (See Psalm 139 and John 14).

    In the end, you will find He is faithful, not to always remove our difficulties, but to walk us through them.   

    One last take-away. Look around. Ask questions. Listen to the pain stories of those around you. And take the risk of being real about your own struggles. Let’s direct each other to the only real hope there is – Jesus Christ Himself.

    Father God, I ask that You would push away hopelessness and despair, replacing it with the Truth that You promised never to leave or forsake us. We are never alone. Never without hope. You are at work, no matter what our eyes see. We love You, in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

    Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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    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.

    Poke the Pain

    “Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.”  Hosea 6:1 ESV

    For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal. Job 5:18 BSB

    For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:3 NLT

    As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result. The saving of many lives.  Genesis 50:20 NASB

    Seated at a rectangular plastic table adorned with a sugar jar and plenty of creamer, I begin probing.  “So …  tell me, what’s your story?” This purposefully penetrating and open-ended question is one I usually ask in the course of urban ministry. Many of the folks seated across from me, have no home, no bed, no anything.  And often, feel without hope. As other volunteers serve breakfast with all the “fixins”, along with a bottomless cup of hot coffee, I listen intently. My goal is to gently poke until I find the pain. Some share decades-old hurt or regret. Others, eye me suspiciously for possible motives, as they lift their fork for another bite of a dripping-with-syrup waffle. It’s then that I begin sharing a few of my own pain stories as well. I have come to understand that no matter the socioeconomic background, regardless of ethnicity or educational level, pain is our commonality. Some more than others, that’s true, but always, something.

    Why do I ask this? Because I know that pain can either be used as a weapon in the hands of the enemy, or a tool in the hands of our Almighty, and sovereign God. As the Old Testament account of Joseph puts it, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” The words didn’t ignore his years-long pain of unjust imprisonment or suffering, but it did put it in perspective. Yea, You meant to jack-up my life.  But hold on. God meant for that pain to bring about something good in my life. And very often, the enemy has used their pain to convince them of God’s “neglect” or even lack of existence.

    Pain can either be used as a weapon in the hands of the enemy, or a tool in the sovereign hands of Almighty God.

    Becky White

    How about you? What’s your story? Is your pain point one of deep regret or childhood trauma? Is it dashed expectations that linger in your heart or widowhood or illness or a prison cell? Is your pain caused by watching the ache of someone you love? Pain is always a pivot point. Do we allow it to drive us to our knees and to greater dependence on the Lord, or allow the hurt to push us away? Away, in anger or depression or bitter unforgiveness?

    As I share with the folks at The Bridge Ministry or The Columbus Dream Center, I freely admit that I don’t have answers to all the questions of “why.” But this I know, If God willingly gave the life of His Son for us, surely we can trust Him with what we do not understand. Trust Him with our pain.

    The question we all must answer is, will we let our pain draw us to Him or repel us from Him?

    In whose hands is your pain?

    Father God, Yes, there are times when my heart is pained and raw from the realities of life. But I choose to trust You with all that comes my way. For my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

    Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus  

    Shattered Snow-globe

    Please forgive the rerun – this devo keeps bubbling up in my heart, so I decided to send it out again. Just a reminder, as followers of Christ, we will walk through the same tragedies, the same pain and the same every-day struggles as other folks. And yet … we are not walking alone. We have no less than God Himself living in us and working through us.  When we suffer, God uses that suffering to bring glory to His name to a watching world. They will see that although we face the same challenges as they, we are more than conquers through Christ who strengthens us, and we have within us, His peace that passes all understanding. Not because we have no difficulties to face, but because He’s with us in the difficulties. – Becky White

    The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. Psalm 34:18 GNT

    The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 ESV

    You are near, O Lord [nearer to me than my foes] Psalm 119:51a AMPC

    Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62: 8 NASB

    Wiping away coffee stains and donut crumbs from the outdoor serving tables as she mingled with the guests, it was just another day of urban ministry. A team of volunteers had prepared scrambled eggs, biscuits and sausage, for those without a brick-and-mortar address and some who were just in need of a meal and a caring face – all sprinkled with conversation, prayer and a hug or two.

    But on this day… the woman served a guest that she never expected to cross her path in this setting… mingled among the diners who carried all they owned in a knapsack was… Her grown daughter.

    Her heart broke at the sight of her “child.” Engulfing her in a momma bear embrace, she listened as her daughter shared details of the past few months. Her momma’s heart ached at the painful scene confronting her. Yet thankful for the foundational knowledge that her daughter was still alive. For another day.

    After the meal, she watched as her daughter rolled away and toward the busy city street in the worn-from-use wheel chair, her heart aching at the scene before her.  Though the need for a wheelchair was relatively recent, her daughter’s hands now expertly moved the side wheels while her exposed left foot pushed the chair along the concrete sidewalk. The scene pierced the momma’s heart as her eyes were captured by the sight of the bare, calloused and dirt-stained foot, pushing methodically along. Instantly, she was transported back in time. Hot tears welling as she envisioned her daughter’s tiny, sweet smelling, baby-girl feet with pink satin booties and a delicate ribbon carefully tied in a bow. So perfect. So beautiful.

    Lowering her gaze, the momma turned away in emotional ache as the rawness of the scene washed over her…Her daughter… her “baby girl” … now nearing 40, missing a leg, addicted and “contentedly” homeless.

    This true story reminds us that being a follower of Jesus Christ doesn’t exempt us from pain. The momma ached; the daughter struggled with addiction. For some, your reality is the death of a child. For others, depression or despair are threatening to engulf you as one who has “lost all hope.” We do not live the Christian life in a snow-globe – always beautiful and delicately protected from adversity. Though no one has been given an exemption-card from the trials of life, He has promised us His very presence as we walk through them…. even as He asks us to trust Him with what we do not understand.

    Trace again the words of scripture. Put your finger on each word and speak them out loud. “The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. He is near the brokenhearted.” While I have no magic words to wipe away your pain, allow me to lead you to the One Scripture calls “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”. (Isaiah 53:3) Lean into Him as you walk through your own version of a shattered snow-globe situation. He is nearer than all you face.

    “If God sends us on stony paths, He provides strong shoes.”

    Corrie ten Boom

    Father, Your word says that You are the God of all comfort and a Refuge for us. While I admit I would much prefer an exemption-card from difficulty, I realize it’s through trials that I learn to trust You, and Your grace, to carry me. I love You, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

    Sausage Scenarios

    Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

    1 Corinthians 15:58

    Some of the challenges we face in life can be compared to making sausage. A plump, grilled bratwurst tastes delicious, but you definitely don’t want to watch the creation process! Just trust that the maker knows what He’s doing as you wait for the end result.

    But if you’re anything like me, when I’m faced with difficulties, I often make the mistake of “watching the process” a bit too close. I notice all the ingredients, all the prep work, all the grinding, and the pressing into the casing sleeve…and then the heat of the fire… And I begin to lose heart. Lose focus. Lose hope.

    Recently, as my mind lingered long on a particular sausage-making trial, I said a quick prayer of, “O Father…You know what they need, please help.”  Looking down,  my eye caught a worn and stained post-it note taped to my desk with these words, “Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  And “Do not grow weary in doing good…”

    O, Father! How I needed to be reminded of that Truth! Help me trust You and not give up.

    That little post-it note Scripture enabled me to snap back to a Christ-centered, God-is-bigger-than anything-we-face reality. A reality that doesn’t ignore life’s trials but rather, puts them in perspective. The truth is, we all have trials to walk through, but if we stare too long at the “process”, we will lose heart. Lose focus. Lose hope.

    What is your sausage scenario? Have you stared long at…

    Your pain

    Your health

    Your loneliness

    Your children, or your lack of children

    Your spouse, or your lack of a spouse

    Your career challenges

    Your disappointment

    Your list of what if’s

    Your loss

    Your grief…?

    It’s okay. Admit it. But don’t stay there. Look up from your sausage-trial and back to your God. Ask Him to help you refocus, to snap back to a Christ-centered reality rather than staring at your sausage scenario.     He is at work. He is faithful. His Word is true.

    “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.”

    Corrie ten Boom

    Father, Please help me to refocus onto You rather than the impossibility in front of me. Even as I do all I can – praying and serving, enable me to rest and trust You and Your word more than what I see and feel.  Thank you Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

    Written by Becky White for my Lord Jesus

    Family Dinner

    Meatballs by Rebecca A.

    You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

    When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

     Psalm 23: 5a    Psalm 145:16 NLT

    Our monthly family dinner is a time of beautifully controlled chaos. Bursting with good food and loud conversation and chattering grandkids and craziness and drama and laughter and spilled drinks … and family. Talk of the latest ball game or promotions or inevitable life challenges can be heard mingled with the sounds of forks mindlessly hitting the plate to entwine bites of homemade spaghetti and meatballs. Family dinner in all it’s beautiful chaos. We love it.

    As I read Psalm 23, I was struck that God prepares a table for us, but unlike the family dinner table, this table is prepared for us in the presence of our enemies. Right there, smack in the middle of enemies, our Lord is able to treat us to a meal. Enabling us to relax and sit at His table that’s overflowing with His peace, His presence, His provision. Not by removing the “enemies” but right there in their presence. In spite of them.

    What “enemy” is in your presence today?

    What “enemy” is in your presence today?

    Grief. Loss. Rejection. Illness. Financial collapse. Fear. Despair. “What if” or “Why” questions… The Lord has prepared a table for you, for me…right there. Right smack in the middle of real-life.

    Yet whether or not we sit and enjoy His offerings is our choice. We can be so distracted by the enemy that we miss His table all together. Or perhaps we’re waiting for the enemies of life to go away before sitting down to the table of His peace and presence and provision.

    During family dinner, I can easily get so focused on the meal and spills and serving, that I neglect the gift of family right in front of me. As we encounter the enemies of life, we too can become so focused on coping or “doing” that we neglect the table He has prepared for us right there in the middle of our enemies.

    Practically speaking, what does “sitting at His table” look like? A simple prayer of “Help” (no need to get theological, just cry out to Him) then opening His Word to read aloud a Psalm (23 or 37 or 46 are great places to begin). Together, let’s stop. Pull out a chair and sit at the table of His presence. Though there’s probably no Italian meatballs on the menu, what our Father God offers is beyond any culinary delight. He opens His hand and offers us His very peace and provision to fully satisfy the longing soul.

    I do not shield you from hardship. I give you victory while in the throes of adversity.

    – Francis J. Roberts

    Father, Thank You for Your provision – for Your table in the very presence of my enemies. Grow in me a depth of faith that is able to relax at Your table regardless of what swirls around.  You are entirely faithful! How I love You! In Jesus’. Amen.

    Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus.