No Sugar-Coatings

Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 2 Corinthians 1:7-10

“…but this happened so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:9b AMP

I wince every time I hear the phrase or read a meme that says, “God won’t give us more than we can handle.” Because if you’ve been alive longer than ten minutes, you probably know experientially that there are indeed circumstances that are beyond us. Circumstances that send us reeling or that bring us to our literal knees with their gut-punch of ache and pain. If you’ve never experienced it, I bet you know someone who has.

I appreciate how authentic God’s Word is when dealing with real-life issues. No sugar-coating reality. In today’s scripture, the apostle Paul admits that the trial he’s just come out of was “utterly burdened beyond his own strength to endure” in fact, he “despaired of life,” it was so difficult. He wanted his fellow Believers to know that he understood their trials because he had walked through many himself. And In fact, they were so bad he felt like dying. He knew that such intense pain can cause God’s people to question all they know about Him and His promises.

Then we read this crucial point; “But this happened so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.” Wait. Full stop. This whole trial was allowed, and then used by Almighty God, to reveal and uproot any trust/reliance that was not in God Himself. Used to literally teach/train the apostle to stop trusting in himself, but instead, “In God, who raises the dead.” If He can give life to dead bodies … He can give life to dead circumstances, dreams, marriages, hopes, heart-aches.… He wanted the reader to know this too.

When I overlay that truth onto my own life, I clearly see that such “shadow of death” trials have drawn me to my knees in dependance on the Lord. But first, the trial did its (very painful) work of causing all my other life-lines to fail. Teaching and training in the discipline of trusting Him, no matter the circumstance. Now, I wish I could tell you that this is a one-time, deep-trial event. It isn’t. This learning to trust when we have no strength to endure or when all hope is lost, or when we can’t see our way clear, is something we learn layer by layer, event by event. Until, one day we realize that our natural reaction has become, trust in God and not ourselves. Trust in God and not our ability, or our bank account, or our spouse, or good health, or _____________.  (And even then, refresher courses are needed!)

“The Psalms wrap nouns and verbs around our pain better than any other book.”

– Joni Eareckson Tada

I don’t know what trial is overwhelming you today, but He does. And He has promised to be with you, as He walks you through it. As He does, look for opportunities to purposefully trust Him along the way. Not for a picture-perfect, magazine-cover outcome, but to simply trust Him, whatever the outcome. He is good and He is entirely faithful. As always, let me encourage you to get out your Bible and read the Psalms or listen on a Bible app. Be proactive in your relationship with Him.

Don’t forget, there is more than one team on this field of life. The enemy would like nothing better than to discourage you and bring you to despair. Your Father God would like nothing better than to give you hope. Authentic hope. Found only in Him.

“True wisdom is found in trusting God when you can’t figure things out.”

– Joni Eareckson Tada

Father God, we sometimes walk through trials that feel more than we can bear. At those times, please remind us to trust in You and Your ability. To find our footing in You and not our own ability to endure. We love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

* Though well-meaning and usually used in an effort to encourage a person walking through a trial, it can have the opposite effect. Users often inadvertently misquote or misunderstand Scripture to make the point. It’s true that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to endure, that’s because in the midst of the temptation He has promised to provide a way of escape. Even then, He is the One providing a way for us. However, we must take the offered escape hatch or it will become more than we can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Click here to purchase a hard copy or get a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths

Before We Call

It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.  Isaiah 65:24 NASB

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 NIV

Many years ago, as I walked through a particularly challenging trial, all of life’s stressors seemed to converge into one moment of time, causing me to literally bend over by the heavy weight and physically gasp in emotional pain. “Where are You, Lord? Do You see what’s happening?” was my subconscious plea.

Leaning against the kitchen counter to steady myself, heavy thoughts swirled in my mind, “Will life always be this hard? Where are all these trials taking me? Why is this so hard? Where will I land?” As if on cue, I turned my head only to have my eyes land onto a homemade Scripture plaque hanging on the wall, that I’d made several months earlier. The words leaped off the hanging, “I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, Becky, says the Lord. Thoughts and plans for your welfare and for peace, not for evil. To give you hope in your final outcome.” Jeremiah 29:11.

“Oh, Father, thank You. I needed so badly to be reminded of that today. Help me to remember that You have a good plan for my life …even when life doesn’t make sense. and I cannot feel You…Thank You.”

To my fellow sufferer, those in need of an authentic word of encouragement, as I was that day; He hears YOU when YOU call. You and your circumstance are not the one exception to His great promises.

Even when we call through tears or a whispered, inarticulate ache.  He doesn’t withhold His answer until we can craft the “right” prayer. He sees our needs and makes provision for us, before we are even aware of our need and before we even cry out. As in my circumstance, though He may not remove the trial, He will enable us to stand strong through it.

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

– Charles H. Spurgeon

Though my trial continued on for a time, in the midst of all He walked me through, I was continually aware that He held my future in His hands. And that if He allows great difficulty, He has a great purpose. I can trust the One who died for me. And so can you Beloved.

Let’s pray…

My Father, Thank You, for meeting my need before I even realized I had one. Enable me to trust in Your perfect timing and sovereign control, as I live out my love for You in obedient service to You, my Savior and my God. In Jesus precious name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or get a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths

Has God said?

Did God really say…?   Genesis 3:1  

Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

How does one know where to land their feet on the solid foundation of what Truth actually is? In our culture and world, we are daily saturated with “my truth” and “their truth” and “relative” truth. All the while our senses are bombarded with evil portrayed as good, and good described as evil.

Today’s “devotional” is born from my own wrestling with the enemy of our soul, as I daily make the deliberate choice to speak out the Truth to counteract the enemy’s lies and half-truths. It’s up to me. Up to you. What we do with those lies dropping like pigeon poo into our minds. The enemy has not changed his tactics from that first garden conversation as he questioned the clarity/certainty, and then legitimacy, of God’s clear word. “Did God really say…?”

So let’s remind ourselves of what God has indeed said…

Has God not said that He will never leave or forsake us? Yes, He has. Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5

Has God not said that He is near the brokenhearted?  Yes, He has. Psalm 34:18

Has God not said that He who began a good work in us will complete it? Yes, He has. Philippians 1:6

Has God not said that He will cause all things to work together, and are fitting into a plan for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose?  Yes, He has. Romans 8:28

Has God not said that He sits as King over all that floods our lives? Yes, He has. Psalm 29:10

Has God not said that He is a Father to the fatherless? Yes, He has.  Psalm 68:5

Has God not said, “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest”? Yes, He has. Matthew 11:28

Has God not said that although we walked through the darkest valleys, we have nothing to fear because He is with us? Yes, He has.  Psalm 23:4 NIV

Has God not said that we are to take up the full armor of God? Yes, He has. Ephesians 6:11-18

Has God not said that He hears us when we call? Yes, He has.  Psalm 34:17

Has God not said, “He who formed the ear, does He not hear? And He who formed the eye, does He not see?” Yes, He has. Psalm 94:9

Did God not say that He made them male and female? Yes, He has. Genesis 5:2

Has God not said that though the enemy comes in like a flood He will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight?  Yes, He has. Isaiah 59:19

Has God not said that there is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus? Yes, He has. Romans 8:1

Has God not said that though we walk through deep waters we will not drown? Yes, He has.  Isaiah 43:2

Has God not said that when we walk through fiery trials that we will not be burned? Yes, He has.  Isaiah 43:2

Has God not said, “fear not”?  Yes, He has. Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 44:8 and MANY other instances!

Has God not said, “be anxious for nothing but pray about everything”? Yes, He has.  Philippians 4:6

Has God not said that His Word is tested and tried?  Yes, He has. Psalm 18:30

Has God not said that what the enemy meant for evil that He means for good?  Yes, He has. Genesis 50:20

Has God not said that My servant shall live by faith in every Word of God? Yes, He has. Habakkuk 2:4, Hebrews 10:38, Romans 1:17

Has God not said that if He is for us who, or what can be against us?  Yes, He has. Romans 8:31,

Has God not said that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, but every tongue that rises against us in judgement we shall show to be wrong? Yes, He has. Isaiah 54:17

Has God not said that it is impossible for Him ever to prove false or deceive us? Yes, He has.  Hebrews 6:18 AMPC

Has God not said that the devil is a liar and the father of lies? Yes, He has. John 8:44

Has God not said that our enemy prowls about like a roaring lion looking for someone to seize upon and devour? Yes, He has. 1 Peter 5:8

Has God not said that if we to submit to Him and resist the devil, that he will flee from us? Yes, He has.  James 4:7

Has God not said that our own hearts are desperately wicked? Yes, He has. Jeremiah 17:9

Now comes the question, who/what are we going to trust?  Are we going to take God at His Word? Or are we going to believe (or dangerously entertain) the lies and half-truths of the enemy, the father of lies? Are we going to trust our own flawed perceptions rather than His Word?

Let’s take our stand. Speak The Truth. Resist the enemy by putting on the hard-hat of His word and keep those pigeon-droppings of lies from our mind!

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Deliverance Through the Storm

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.  ISAIAH 43:2 NLT

Yea, though I walk through the valley…   PSALM 23:4

Sometimes God delivers us “out of” our trials, as in the Old Testament account of Lot (See Genesis 19). God removed Lot out of the city entirely, so that He could carry out Divine judgment. Total change in circumstances. Picked up by the scruff of the neck and removed. That’s my kind of deliverance!

Other times, maybe even most times, God delivers us in our trials, rather than out of. Think Noah and a big boat (See Genesis 6-9). Noah went through the flood, through the 40 days and 40 nights and maybe some what-if filled nights. He endured the torrential downpour along with the eerie blackness of an “instant” ocean with zero land, for even the possibility of a safe-spot. Yet, God brought Noah safely through the flood.

Is the LORD delivering you right there in the midst of a “storm” rather than removing you from it? Has He provided His supernatural strength and grace to cope with an impossible or hopeless appearing circumstance, rather than altering your circumstance? Is He offering you His peace and divine protection, enabling you to walk through the fire rather than quenching the fire?

I know it’s hard. I believe the Greek word I’m looking for is “stinketh.” It just really stinks to walk through storms. But it’s also an opportunity.

An opportunity to learn first-hand, the reality of God’s faithfulness and His ability to provide all we need, in every circumstance. Not to necessarily remove our difficulties, but to walk us through them. Though we may have read of His power and faithfulness in the pages of Scripture, or heard about it in a sermon podcast, now we know it by experience. Priceless treasure that cannot be taken from us.

Allow me to encourage you … in the midst of your questions, and your storm … trust Him. Hold on to what you know to be true of Him. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will make a roadway in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. His deliverance may very well be through your storm rather than out of it.

There is no circumstance, no trouble, no testing, that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose.  

Alan Redpath

Father God,   Open our eyes to Your deliverance. We know You are faithful, regardless of what we see with our eyes or feel with fickle emotions. No storm is more than we can bear, through Your grace, strength and power. Your grace is sufficient, your strength is perfect. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or get a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths

Shattered Snow-globe

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 threating 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

Dealt Cards

I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord, I said You are my God, my times are in Your hands.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy and the God of all comfort,  Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.

Psalm 31:14b-15a & 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMPC

 “That’s just the hand I was dealt” says the person that endured a crummy childhood or was born into poverty or family disfunction. Or when life throws a few curve balls such as a spouse walking out or a child rebelling or coping with the pain of infertility or dealing with a prolonged illness. That’s when we would love the chance to say, “Re-deal”, I have a crappy hand!”

Recently, over lunch with a friend, we talked about some of our own “dealt cards” such as childhood trauma, relationship betrayal, death of children, life-threatening illnesses, financial difficulties and some cards that are too sensitive to bring out into the light. On the drive home, after our lunch discussion of dealt cards, I mentally opened my hand, fanning out my life’s cards. I was stunned at the Lord’s perfect wisdom and providence in His dealings (no pun intended) with me. Though I would have passed on several of the cards or traded if I had been given a choice, I clearly see that each has its purpose. Through “the hand I was dealt”, The Lord has provided me a platform authenticated by suffering – to minister to others in a way that would have been impossible without those cards of difficulty.

You see, I can pull out my card of betrayal and share authentically with someone going through divorce or desertion. I can pull out my card of grief at having buried two children as I listen (and hug) the one burying a spouse or child. I can pull from the deck my card of illness after walking through a near-death sudden illness, as I listen to their fears or “what ifs.” The Lord has graciously given me the opportunity to say with authenticity, “I’ve been there, I know what that feels like… and He has faithfully walked me through it… come, let me show you.”

If we are to be good comforters, we must first need comforted.

Anonymous

Alright dear one, what cards have you been dealt? Fan out your hand, look clearly at the cards you’re holding and ask yourself…How can I leverage this “card” for His glory and another’s good?

Precious Lord, God of all comfort – thank You for showing Yourself strong on my behalf as You simultaneously comfort me and enable me to comfort others with the comfort I’ve received from You. I stand amazed at Your faithfulness and goodness toward me! In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Second Chances and Fish-belly praying

In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears. Psalm 18:6 NASB

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly, “I cried out of my distress to the Lord, and He heard me.”  Jonah 2:1-2a AMPC

“And the Word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time.” Jonah 3:1

Have you ever needed a second (or 3rd or 4th or 20th) chance? I admit I have (a few times).

Come with me, let’s peek behind the curtain of Jonah’s second-chance story. Or should we say, this God-of-second-chances story. Second chances for the dirty-rotten, down right evil, folks of Nineveh. And second chances for this prophet of God, who wanted no part in warning Nineveh, who as far as he was concerned, deserved a divine smackdown.

God told Jonah to warn the Ninevites of His impending judgment. But Jonah didn’t think the Ninevites deserved a warning. So, although God said go east to Nineveh, Jonah boarded a ship heading west to the city of Tarshish. Not exactly prophet-of-the-year in the making. Once on the ship, God sent a life-threatening storm that eventually turned Jonah into fish food. Chapter two tells us, “Now the Lord prepared and appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah and he was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:17 AMPC. Don’t miss that fact that God prepared and appointed the fish. This was no man-over-board accident that randomly resulted in a big fish that just happened to be swimming by! Though Jonah rebelled, God faithfully arranged a unique time-out space for him to think through his choices.

I am astounded at this picture of God’s mercy and grace.

Has God ever prepared and appointed a “big fish” for you? A sort of divine time out that has allowed you time to think through life, or bad choices or simply sift through priorities? Maybe it’s a season of learning that God is faithful even in the darkness of the fish’s belly. I love how C.H. Spurgeon puts it, “Anything is a blessing which makes us pray.” Anything. My belly-of -the-fish moments have included everything from the death of two of my children to financial reversal.

Sometimes we are thrown over-board by our own sin and rebellion, other times, life throws us into the “depths of the sea” by virtue of simply being alive. And sometimes, other people’s choices throw us overboard. Regardless of how we arrive in our “fish-belly” state, I want us to see that God is present. Seaweed baggage and all. He is attentive to our cries for help and we can be assured that nothing happens to a child of God by happenstance.

After Jonah’s divine timeout, we read these words in chapter three; “And the Word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time.”  God didn’t have to offer Jonah a second chance to do the right thing. But He did. And Jonah took it. This time the prophet of God did as directed and warned the folks of impending doom.  God offered the Ninevites a second chance, spoken of by a man who had just experienced one.

We may need a second chance to do the right thing or a second chance to handle a trial the right way or maybe our second chance has come in the form of a second season of life. Whatever the reason we are in need of a second chance, listen to His voice as He speaks to you … “The Word of the Lord came to (fill in your name) a second time.”

“It’s God’s mercy that provides the belly of the beast.”

Jeff Schreve

Father God, there are no words that could adequately express my thankfulness for Your gift of the fish’s belly that led to my second chance at life. I worship You in the beauty of Your holiness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here for info on my devo Stony Paths or for a FREE pdf of Stony Paths.

“Why?” 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 a cup of coffee, relax and prepare for real-life, real-world questions. When you have the time, read all of Gideon’s story in Judges 6 and 7, it’s overflowing with deep truth and God stories. Right now, we’ll do a thumbnail version and pull just a few threads of his story and see how it applies to our lives today.

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. Telling him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of courage.”

After looking around to see who in the world the Angel of the Lord is talking to, Gideon’s 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.

Maybe you haven’t lived long enough for life to smack you between the eyes, or maybe you consider yourself too spiritual to ask “why?” or just maybe, you can relate to Gideon’s question… “If God is with us then why?

 Why did my child die?

Why did my marriage end?

Why aren’t I married?

Why do I have cancer?

Why was I abused?

Why am I alone?

Why did He allow me to (or someone else to) screw up my life so badly??

Why ….. (fill in your own blank)

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 a way we cannot imagine.

His Word promises, “He is near the brokenhearted.” We are assured of His presence with us, whether or not He miraculously delivers us from our trials or chooses to walk us through them – either way, He is with us.  He is with you.

Now grab your coffee, and open your Bible to Judges 6, and see what He will speak to you regarding your why questions.  

Trials do not indicate the abandonment of God. In fact, they might just indicate His nearness in a way 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 the perfect outcome. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus.

Free Devotional – Stony Paths

Learning to Trust Him as we walk along STONY PATHS – 09.24.2021Download

Stony Paths – Learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

Recently, a friend asked what drew me to write a book on the topic of trusting God. The answer came immediately….

Let me share with you what I told him that day … I was confronted with emergency open heart surgery with no time to think through the seriousness of the situation. The doctors explained that with a near total blockage in what is often referred to as the “widow maker”, I had no time to spare … this was life and death … surgery was needed immediately. While I am no spring chicken and would never be confused for an athlete, I am in decent physical condition, try to eat healthy and exercise, so this news came as a complete shock to my husband and I. Understanding what must be done, we held hands and prayed together, thanking our heavenly Father for His flawless timing and protection on my behalf (and asking Him to help the surgeons of course!).

Days later, as I became fully aware of what had actually happened and how close I came to dying, I was overcome with thankfulness and gratitude to the Lord. So excited to share with nurses, friends, housekeeping staff … anyone who would listen, about how the Lord spared my life. Of how good God is. How loving and faithful. But then it hit me … like being smacked across the face. What if He had said “no” to our prayers of healing? What if God had not caused the blockage to become known and I had died suddenly? What if my husband was planning my funeral rather than planning my home therapy sessions? And what about the people who heard me gush about my near-fatal experience? What if they had a family member who faced the same scenario but their mother or wife or friend had died instead of the miraculous intervention I had experienced?

This question reverberated in my heart – Is God still good and is He still worthy of trust, even when the answer is No? Is my trust in Him total and complete or is it only for particular outcomes?

We trust Him for finances or safety. We trust Him for basic necessities. We trust Him for healing. And we should. But there is a still deeper level of trust that our Father God is calling us to. A trust that stands alone – separate from our hoped-for outcome. To simply trust Him, no matter the outcome. A trust in the goodness of God based on His word that tells us that if He was willing to give the life of His Son for us, is there anything He will withhold? You see, if we look at the Cross of Christ as our backdrop, then we can look the rawest reality in the face with the knowledge that if He has allowed it, I can trust that He has a plan, a purpose and that He knows what is ultimately best for me.

“If God Sends Us On Stony Paths He Provides Strong Shoes.”

Corrie ten Boom


I still share with anyone willing to listen to what the Lord did for me … but I always bring it around to this point: Even if He had called me home that day, He is still good, He is still faithful and I trust Him.

Even when we don’t understand. He is worthy of our trust.

Though I must admit that I have cheated a bit on this whole trusting the Lord thing, you see, He’s given me lots of practice. Maybe He’s done the same for you too. I’ve buried two children; I’ve walked through betrayal as well as financial collapse and as with many folks, childhood brought its own set of challenges. And if that weren’t enough, I made plenty of messes that caused great distress for me and others. Through it all, I have learned by experience that our Father God can be trusted – no matter the outcome and no matter the reason for our mess.

As you read through the devotions in this book, it is my prayer that the Lord will enable you to look your darkest challenge in the face and know with certainty that He loves you. That your Father God is trustworthy. No matter the outcome. He will walk you through this. You are not alone. He loved you enough to send His Son to die for you. With that as your life’s backdrop, be intentional about viewing all you walk through as filtered through His fingers. He’s got this. Let’s trust Him as we walk the stony paths of life.

To purchase a hard copy of Stony Paths, visit the products page or visit Lulu Publishing. It may also be purchased on Amazon.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Hot Mess in a Dress?

While it’s been nearly 20 years, the memory of that evening is fresh in my mind. Smugly, (though completely blind to my own heart of spiritual arrogance and conveniently forgetting my own, “hot mess in a dress story”) I sat back in the theater seat to watch on the big screen the movie, The Passion of The Christ, praying those around me would see their need for the Savior. As I type those words, I choke at my own spiritual better-than-you attitude that permeated me then.

Settling into my seat, it was then that I “heard” the Lord speak to my heart… “I don’t want you to think about what I did for them … I want you to think what I have done for you.” So, it was with that unexpected mindset I took in, moment by painful moment, the price my Lord paid for ME. For MY sin.

As the movie came to an end, I sat in stunned silence. Making my way out of the theater, the words of Isaiah the prophet played like a mental loop in my mind…“He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, He bore our shame…” My iniquities. My lying, my lust and my idolatry. My hatred. My shame. My. Sin. Paid for in full.

Arriving home, I nearly ran to the kitchen, where I grabbed my Bible that had been lying on the counter, and began reading out loud, Isaiah 53. As tears streamed, and in barely a whisper, I choked out the words … Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, O that I could express to You the depth of my gratitude … the gift You bought with Your life’s blood I could never repay…

That prayer became the Easter poem you see below. Recall again the price He paid, the love He showed and the mercy He has granted. To YOU. To ME. O praise Him!

With fresh eyes and heart, I am deeply thankful for what He has done for me, and continually aware of my own brokenness and need for the Savior. Of my own, hot-mess-in-a-dress and tore-up-from-the-floor-up status. I am a sinner saved by His amazing grace and mercy. Are you?

I’m just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread

D. T. Niles

As I recently shared with a friend, it’s not enough to simply believe that exists God in some nebulous way or believe that Jesus lived at some point in history. We must believe that His sacrifice on the cross paid the penalty for our sins, and then apply that payment to our life. He is our only hope, and He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6, Matthew 20:28).

My Lord Jesus, we are in awe that You would give Your life for us. Simply astounding. Face to the floor astounding. Please use our lives of transformation, to bring glory to Your great 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.