God’s Faithfulness on Display

She stepped forward, pausing momentarily to set aside the music stand before flawlessly performing her entire flute solo from memory. With the air of a seasoned professional, she brought the mouthpiece to her lips. The audience watched silently, eyes glued on the teen whose body flowed in harmony with the melody she performed. Few among them knew her backstory, which is a profound testimony of God’s faithfulness.

More than a decade ago, her grandmother adopted her from parents who were heavily addicted to drugs. Taking custody cost every financial resource her single, working grandmother could muster, including her retirement savings. Moreover, with health issues stemming from prenatal exposure to drugs, this girl endured years of physical and emotional disorders. At times, it seemed an impossible task. Her grandmother consistently demonstrated that trusting in the Lord is the answer to overcoming every obstacle.

This pair have faced more than the average share of trials. Her grandmother had to find a way to work full time while managing her granddaughter’s homeschool education. They took on side jobs that allowed them to work together as a way to make ends meet. True, many friends came alongside them throughout the years to provide childcare, help with occasional meals, and run errands. But, as the grandmother attests, it is the prayers that God has faithfully answered with outcomes that awed and thrilled all who have participated in this journey.

There is much to learn here about God’s faithfulness:

Pray – Make prayer a priority. Often, people call on the Lord as a last resort. This story is an example of what can happen when we call on God first, and trust him to provide the best, if not always the easiest, answer to our requests. It serves as a reminder to make your needs known to the Father, who gives generously to all who ask.
Persevere – I doubt anyone would have faulted this grandmother had she held back on providing the best possible education and musical instruction for her granddaughter. Her choices required countless personal sacrifices that she willingly made. This is a reminder that whatever is happening in life right now, “don’t quit” doing what is right.
Participate – It takes a lot of humility to admit a need in a culture that praises successful individuals. But, God calls Christians to live in community and to share our ongoing needs with trustworthy friends. We all need help at some time along life’s journey. Your willingness to run an errand, bring a meal, or babysit for a few hours might seem insignificant. In reality, you may be doing the exact thing that is needed in the moment. Better yet, step up and offer to help before a request is made.

Many friends who stood by this young lady and her grandmother through the years were present to watch her recital, blessed to experience the joy that resulted from God’s answer to their prayers and support. It’s a reminder to this writer that our Father rewards those who persevere under trials and to be thankful for all he has given. Gratitude is the word.

When we pray, remember to begin with worship to God for who he is and thank him for all he has done for us. Trust that he understands our needs better than we do ourselves. The Lord will reveal his plans for our lives at the perfect time. That’s when we see his faithfulness on display.

“Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9

Showers of April Blessings

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

One of the most popular verses in the Bible, found on coffee mugs, wall hangings, or bookmarks is Proverbs 3:5.

I suspect this is because we find comfort in knowing God looks out for us. When life is going according to our plan, it is a lighthearted reminder. And, when we face the inevitable difficulties of life, this verse becomes a spiritual lifesaver, especially when it is accompanied by the next verse, Proverbs 3:6, that reads “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”.

God never fails to deliver on his promises.

When my grandson was less than one week old, I asked him to give me the opportunity to teach him about Jesus. God’s faithful response throughout the decade that followed made it clear that he wants me to follow up on my commitment. Whenever my path seemed to be heading to a dead end, an opportunity opened up to continue with biblical training.

What the Lord has done for me, he can do for you. Your testimony is uniquely your own, however, the command to bring your faith to light with grandchildren is common to all believers. It begins with your request for favor over your grandchild, and your unique style of sharing your faith in God.

You can always count on God. I know God will care for you. Trust Him when…

Faithful Endurance

I was raised in the USA by two parents who shared a goal to usher me into adulthood before they passed away. That objective most likely stemmed from the fact that both of them endured the stinging loss of a parent early in their lives.

At the age of six, dad lost his mom along with a two-year-old brother; his first stepmother died the following year. His second stepmother, along with his father, raised him to adulthood. My mother lost her father when she was four years old and was unable to attend his funeral because she had no shoes. Her mother, who did not speak English, relocated with four children under the age of six to a different state where a cousin helped her find employment.

Both of my parents were children of immigrants who left Europe for America as events leading up to World War I were building toward that global disaster. I am grateful for their sacrifices. Because of their courage and tenacity, I live in a country that, so far, is built on a foundation of freedom.

Unlike many others, I was blessed to be raised in a family that valued high ethical standards and worked to instill them in their children. The stories from my parents’ youth permeated my childhood, along with lessons about standing strong in the face of adversity, respecting civil laws along with those in authority, and facing life’s challenges with courage and perseverance. It is a testimony to my parents that when they passed away, my siblings and I were more concerned about one another’s emotional needs than anything of monetary value we might obtain from their estate.

We do not get to choose our time or place of birth; God does. It is no accident that I was born into a family such as mine at a time such as this. I am exactly where my Heavenly Father intended me to be, gifted with the exact abilities I need to fulfill His purpose through me. With this awareness, I come before the Lord asking for His continued blessing over our nation. He remains faithful even though we as a nation have turned our back to Him. It is time to repent.

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves,
and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven
and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14