This is the confidence we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. And if He hears us, we have as our present possession, those things we’ve asked of Him.

You have need of endurance that after you have done the will of God, you may receive what has been promised.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul.

Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.

 1 John 5:15 (NASB and AMP), Hebrews 10:36 , Hebrews 11:1 AMP,  Hebrews 6:19a NASB Psalm 27:14 AMP

Mindlessly running a soapy sponge across the dinner plate, I looked out our kitchen window admiring the view of our backyard. My eyes turned to the lawn and I noticed it would soon need cut. As quickly as the thought entered my mind it evaporated because I know my husband.  “He’ll take care of that”, I reminded myself as I picked up another dish.  Even if days go by and the grass gets taller than usual, I am confident that it hasn’t escaped his notice. He’ll do it. So, assured that it’s not something I have to be concerned about – I don’t give it a second thought.

The following morning, as I sat alone with the Lord and read His word, I felt a wave of anxiousness come over me as my mind lingered on a particular trial that I had already prayed about….already placed into His care. Was my Father God less reliable than my husband? Could I take my husband at his word and not trust my Lord to honor His? Praying, I confessed, “Oh, Father. I know You see my need and have heard my prayers…I trust You. Even when I can’t see how or understand the why or it seems to be taking longer than I had hoped. Help me remember, just like my husband and the lawn… Each time this need comes to my mind – “It’s alright, my Father is taking care of it.”

Dear one, I realize I am making this sound so very simple and your needs may be so very complicated and perhaps even impossible – yet this I know – we serve a God who delights in doing the impossible for His children; He watches over His Word to perform it and He acts on behalf of those whose hearts are completely His. He will either change your circumstance or walk you through your circumstance.

He will either change your circumstance

or walk you through your circumstance.

Look at your difficulty in all its facets and then remind yourself, “It’s alright, my Father is taking care of it and has it all under control.”

My Lord,

Enable me to present my needs, laying down my heavy burdens and then rest in You. Cause me to remember that You haven’t forgotten me even if the days turn into months or years…You are working out Your perfect will. Cause me to rest in You. Thank You Father!

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

This is the confidence we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. And if He hears us, we have as our present possession, those things we’ve asked of Him.

You have need of endurance that after you have done the will of God, you may receive what has been promised.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul.

Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.

 1 John 5:15 (NASB and AMP), Hebrews 10:36 , Hebrews 11:1 AMP,  Hebrews 6:19a NASB Psalm 27:14 AMP

Mindlessly running a soapy sponge across the dinner plate, I looked out our kitchen window admiring the view of our backyard. My eyes turned to the lawn and I noticed it would soon need cut. As quickly as the thought entered my mind it evaporated because I know my husband.  “He’ll take care of that”, I reminded myself as I picked up another dish.  Even if days go by and the grass gets taller than usual, I am confident that it hasn’t escaped his notice. He’ll do it. So, assured that it’s not something I have to be concerned about – I don’t give it a second thought.

The following morning, as I sat alone with the Lord and read His word, I felt a wave of anxiousness come over me as my mind lingered on a particular trial that I had already prayed about….already placed into His care. Was my Father God less reliable than my husband? Could I take my husband at his word and not trust my Lord to honor His? Praying, I confessed, “Oh, Father. I know You see my need and have heard my prayers…I trust You. Even when I can’t see how or understand the why or it seems to be taking longer than I had hoped. Help me remember, just like my husband and the lawn… Each time this need comes to my mind – “It’s alright, my Father is taking care of it.”

Dear one, I realize I am making this sound so very simple and your needs may be so very complicated and perhaps even impossible – yet this I know – we serve a God who delights in doing the impossible for His children; He watches over His Word to perform it and He acts on behalf of those whose hearts are completely His. He will either change your circumstance or walk you through your circumstance.

Look at your difficulty in all its facets and then remind yourself, “It’s alright, my Father is taking care of it and has it all under control.”

He will either change your circumstance

or walk you through your circumstance.

My Lord,

Enable me to present my needs, laying down my heavy burdens and then rest in You. Cause me to remember that You haven’t forgotten me even if the days turn into months or years…You are working out Your perfect will. Cause me to rest in You. Thank You Father!

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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

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.”

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?

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

Anonymous

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

Consider it wholly joyful, my brothers, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various trials and temptations.

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you… But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ…

James 1:2-3   AMPC  and  1 Peter 4:12-13a  NLT, Berean Study Bible

As I read, reread and held to the light the above scriptures, I couldn’t help but think of a Christmas-time routine. Making Buckeye candy is part of my yearly Christmas cookie-making ritual. I Roll the peanut butter, powdered sugar and butter into 1-inch balls and then with a toothpick, very carefully dip it in melted chocolate. Because it’s supposed to look like a real Buckeye, I take extra effort to keep a small part of the peanut butter goodness uncovered. Try as I might, every now and then a rogue ball falls off the toothpick, becoming completely covered in a bath of melted chocolate. Totally enveloped. No spot left untouched by the hot glaze.

In the above verses the Holy Spirit speaks of trials that we encounter and others that literally envelop us. Like my rogue Buckeye candy…. there is no spot left untouched by the heat of adversity.

Some challenges we encounter are a steady drip of difficulty that can create cavernous channels of resentment, bitterness, frustration or a sense of hopelessness and despair even as it slowly wears away our inner peace. Enveloping trials hardly need an explanation – you know if you’re in one by the sheer all-encompassing take-your-breath-away magnitude…from the gut-punch pain. Jolted by searing heat of the trial that envelops us.

Nowhere in Scripture are we told to put on a “spiritual mask” and pretend we enjoy pain.  But… we are told to shift our focus and choose to consider, or “count it” as joyful because of what our Father God will accomplish in us and then through us – because of our trials. Instead, we offer an honest prayer of, “Father this hurts like crazy, but I trust You. I don’t understand and I don’t like it.  But because You are entirely faithful and trustworthy….I will count this as “joyful” while You work out Your purposes in me through it. Enable me to walk through this fire.”

“He has trusted you with this difficulty.”

– Jeanne Liston

Father, there is so much pain. So much despair in our world right now. Please envelop Your people with the Peace that only You can provide and enable us to “count it all joy” as we walk through our times of testing and fiery trials. Produce in us the reflection of Your Son.   In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:6 NASB

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 

Ephesians 2:8-9  NLT

During a recent and sudden illness, I was confronted with my own utter helplessness. Brought to the end of myself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually… profoundly aware of my own cavernous lack.  It was then that I whispered to the Lord, “I have nothing to offer You, Father…I can barely pray right now…I feel so helpless.”

As the words fell from my lips I could “hear” the Holy Spirit say to my heart, “Daughter, I have never loved you for what you can offer Me. I just love you…”

I was stunned.  Stunned at the reminder of what I had so easily forgotten. Truth that I first came to know 41 years ago when I surrendered my life to Christ and asked Him to be my Lord. The Holy One, the only begotten Son of God paid the penalty I could never pay. The Righteous for the unrighteous. Through this trial, He has kneaded that Truth deeper into my heart …

I add nothing to His amazing grace. And neither do you, dear one.

All He asks of me…and you is that we acknowledge our brokenness apart from Him and by the power of His Holy Spirit, turn from the sin that made our salvation necessary. Even our ability to cry out in desperation is a gift from Him. Such love. Such mercy. Such grace. Face to the floor astounding.

“You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.”

Johnathon Edwards

 As we prepare to celebrate Good Friday (The day Christ was crucified and died) and then Easter (The day He physically rose from the grave) what better time to reflect on what Jesus Christ did for you…for me. While we were still helpless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Join with me as we sit in stunned silence at His mercy.

Father God, my Lord and my Savior,

There are no words to adequately speak of Your mercy and grace for one such as I. You love me when I have nothing to offer You…nothing but my own helplessness and brokenness. I bow before You in adoration for Your goodness toward me. How I love You! In Jesus’ name, Amen

By Becky White for the Lord Jesus

For confidential spiritual help, call 1(888) NEED-HIM or click this link

Peace With God

• 

Though it’s been nearly 18 years, the memory is fresh in my mind. Smugly (though not realizing my own heart of spiritual yucko at the time) 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.

As I settled 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.

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. I pray that you reflect on what Jesus Christ has done for YOU. Whether this is your 1st or 50^th Easter as His child…recall again the price He paid, the love He showed and the mercy He has granted. To YOU. To ME. And praise Him!

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…

Becky White

My Jesus

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…

O, that I could express to You the depth of my gratitude. 

The gift You gave bought with Your life’s blood, I could never repay.

Your flesh ripped…

Your face slapped…

Your body pierced…

You willingly suffered such torment,

For me… how can that be?

It was my sin… not Yours,

My guilt and shame… not Yours.

Yet You traded,

Giving me Your righteousness

And taking on Yourself the guilt of my sin.

O, Jesus… Jesus….Jesus

I surrender my life to You as an offering.

A token so small…

For the One Who gave me His all.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

O, that I could express to You

The depth of my gratitude….

 My Lord, my God and my King….

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

He leads us beside quiet waters, He restores our soul. Psalm 23:2b, 3a

He who has compassion on them, will lead them and guide them to springs of water. Isaiah 49:10b

My sheep hear my voice and another they will not follow. John 10:27

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

Each morning, just before I pour coffee into my disposable paper coffee cup, I hold it up to read the note left by my husband. Every day he faithfully leaves a new note of encouragement/tender love/Bible verse. Okay – you may begin the collective awwwwwwws 😊 I know I am blessed.

Recently, the note read, “Good morning beautiful – REST in Jesus.”

Allow me to admit that my first thought was, “What do you mean? I’m resting in Jesus. Can’t you tell how at peace I am??” My husband could clearly see what I was oblivious to.  Rather than resting in Jesus through my present physical crisis, I was white-knuckling my way through. Later, I had a brief phone call from our oldest son, who unknowingly echoed his step-dads words. Once again, the Lord brought to mind the idea of white-knuckling rather than resting.

Feeling driven to do just a bit more rather than listening to the Lord’s still small voice calling me to rest. Rest in the midst of the emotional and physical pain. Rest in the midst of the disappointment (and dare I say, grief?) at the reality of my current challenge. Rest in the knowledge that He holds my life and my future in His hands. And what He does with the life I’ve given Him is His business.

My circumstances haven’t changed but the weight of it has shifted from my shoulders to the Lord’s as I purposefully cast the whole of my care and anxiety onto Him. I am purposefully listening for His voice to lead me and refusing to allow my thoughts to drive me.

Though a personal antidote, I pray the Lord will speak to you through my (embarrassing) honesty. Is there an area of your life that you’re white-knuckling your way through rather than resting in the One who died for you? Rather than allowing Him to lead you beside still waters, are you allowing your thoughts to drive you to emotional/mental/physical exhaustion? It could be a marriage (or lack of one) or a job situation or loneliness or a health crisis or children “in the far country.” Whatever the challenge, it’s His cue to take His yoke and drop our self-made yoke of oppression.

There comes a crisis hour to each of us – when we face either ruin or something higher than we ever dreamed. God knows how to lead us up to this crisis and He knows how to lead us through.

Streams in the Desert 08/20

Father God, Enable us to rest in You. To allow Your Holy Spirit to have His way…As we release the death-grip of our own efforts that drive us to exhaustion. Thank You for your patience Father. You are so good! We love You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things? Romans 8:32 AMPC

Even though….

Even if….

Even when….  

Learning to trust God no matter the circumstance, not for a particular outcome but to simply trust Him, no matter the outcome.  He Who gave the life of His Son for us deserves no less.

Over the decades, through my writing I’ve held this topic up to the light, gazing intently at each angle and crevice through the lens of His Word. Almost always utilizing a real-life example the Lord has allowed into my life or a circumstance I’ve witnessed first-hand. As I often say, He is good at providing me with material!

A little over a year ago, I faced a near fatal health emergency. In His faithfulness and flawless timing, the Lord revealed the problem days before it may have cost me my life. He tenderly protected my physical heart as He had cared for and protected my emotional heart over the decades. I am in awe of His goodness toward me and my husband and family.

Yet, in the midst of sharing with others God’s goodness toward me, I felt a twinge as I spoke. What if God had allowed me to die? Would He be any less good? What if the person I’m sharing my good news with has tragically lost someone? Also, I realize there are those who believe that if God were truly good, He would prevent all perceived tragedy from happening in the first place.

As I shared in the opening paragraph, He who gave the life of His Son for me, for you, deserves our trust. Though nearly blasphemous to say, He has earned our trust as a first response. Yes, there are times we do not understand the why of a tragedy or heartache, but when those times occur, we must turn our eyes to Him who loved us so thoroughly and choose to trust. Trust in His goodness. Trust that He is faithful. Trust that He is in complete control. Trust that every tragedy allowed into the life of a follower of Christ is sent/allowed with/for great purpose.

This doesn’t mean we don’t acknowledge our pain and heartache and questions. It does mean that with the help of His Holy Spirit, we come full circle – bowing the knee and heart as we acknowledge along with Job, “I’m not God. I’m not even God jr. You know what You’re doing.” (Becky’s paraphrase).

“Unbelief sees God through circumstances – faith puts God between itself and circumstances.”

Unknown

So, whether the Lord has miraculously moved on your behalf or allowed great tragedy (or somewhere in between), join me in worshipping the Lord God and shouting from the rooftops, “I trust You Lord! I trust You.”

Father God, I am in awe of Your goodness and of Your sovereign control over all things. Use all I face to bring You glory and encourage others to trust You no matter the circumstance. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus.

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