Through It All

December 10th, 2012 dsisler

Life has a way of turning sour. Illness creeps in. Financial burdens mount. Hopelessness overwhelms. Turmoil swirls. Death invades. Heartache envelopes.

 

Life has been tough for so many these past few years. I’ve been searching for work nearly 2 ½ years myself. It hasn’t been easy.

 

I’m so blessed to have a husband with a wonderful, secure job. It’s allowed me to work on my writing and bless others by volunteering my time more than I ever could if were working. Of course, I’ve continued to search for that elusive job…but to date, still have found nothing.

 

I know you’ve heard this phrase before. “God will not give you more than you can handle.” It’s the catch-all phrase folks love to use for whatever situation they find themselves in. They’ll share this if they encounter someone with a burden or hardship. Perhaps for someone going through the grief process. Or even in searching for a job.

 

But I’d like to share a passage from 2 Corinthians that contradicts this phrase. I believe this passage points us in the direction God would have us go and it gives us a better understanding of how we should deal with any struggle.

 

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:8-11 – NIV)

 

Did you catch it? Paul said that what he had encountered was far beyond his ability to endure. Doesn’t sound like the phrase above, does it?

 

But the great part of this passage is that Paul learned a great lesson through it all. That he was to depend upon God, not himself. It is a lesson that we need to learn as well.

 

And Paul would never underestimate the power of prayer from his group of prayer warriors. When their prayers were answered, praise could be given to God for His gracious favor. What a great example for us to follow.

 

Perhaps the phrase, “God will not give you more than you can handle” comes from the passage of Scripture about temptation.

 

We find this passage in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:11 – NIV)

 

There it is…“beyond what you can bear.” And if you’ll notice, God shows up in this area of our lives too. He is willing to help us as we are dependent upon Him instead of ourselves.

 

Perhaps this is a hard lesson for us to learn because some of you reading this blog have been through some horrible experiences. Some are dealing with pain as you read this and wonder how you’ll ever survive it. It really is beyond what you are able to handle.

 

God is your answer.

 

I’m not writing this to discourage you. I’m sharing this important message to encourage you. Encourage you to run to Jesus and let Him take it. All of it.

 

God’s grace is all-sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

 

We find strength in Jesus when we are weak (2 Corinthians 12:10).

 

In the midst of my situation, I’ve learned to lean upon God more. I’ve learned to be less dependent upon myself. I’ve learned to run to God with my troubles. It’s been a rewarding 2 ½ years and I’ve grown spiritually because of my experience.

 

I’m reminded of an old song from the 70’s, “Through It All.”[i] Maybe you’ll find some comfort in knowing that you’re not alone through it all. God is beside you.

 

I’ve had many tears and sorrows,
I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
there’s been times I didn’t know right from wrong.
But in every situation,
God gave me blessed consolation,
that my trials come to only make me strong.

I’ve been to lots of places,
I’ve seen a lot of faces,
there’s been times I felt so all alone.
But in my lonely hours,
yes, those precious lonely hours,
Jesus lets me know that I was His own.

I thank God for the mountains,
and I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.
For if I’d never had a problem,
I wouldn’t know God could solve them,
I’d never know what faith in God could do.

 Chorus:
Through it all, through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

 

Perhaps it’s time for you to come to the same conclusion.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Through it All, Words and Music by Andrae Crouch, copyright 1971, Manna Music, Inc.

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Something Terrible!

December 9th, 2012 dsisler

I returned from SE Asia on a Friday evening in October. My husband was working the night shift, so my oldest daughter, Candace, picked me up from the airport. We grabbed a quick bite to eat, stopped by to see my husband, and then headed home.

 

We chatted about my journey and then randomly, she stopped me and exclaimed, “Mom, something terrible happened while you were away!”

 

I was a little concerned to say the least. I figured if something had happened to anyone in my family, I would have heard about it before this point. My husband had already told me about a driver change in NASCAR that I wouldn’t be particularly happy with.

 

What news would possibly cause this type of reaction from her? So I asked. “What happened?”

 

“Andy Williams died!”

 

My eyes filled with tears. I was speechless. She probably shouldn’t have shared this news with me while I was driving.

 

I had the opportunity to see Andy Williams in concert while I was in college…okay so here’s that story.

 

I was a music major and was required to attend a certain amount of concerts throughout the year. My brother-in-law was the night manager for a parking garage near a downtown theater. Tickets were available to my brother-in-law, so I was able to go to concerts that I normally would not have.

 

I enjoyed the Andy Williams concert and grew to appreciate his music throughout my life. And of course, Andy Williams was linked with Christmas, so that made him much more appealing to me.

 

I always thought I would see Andy Williams in concert again, but it never happened. And now, it never will.

 

I missed it. The opportunity to see my favorite vocalist.

 

I wonder how many other opportunities I’ve missed. Opportunities that really mattered. Times when I could and should have shared the Gospel with someone. Times when I could have made a difference in someone’s life. Times when my words or actions may have brought someone to a different conclusion.

 

We learn from Scripture that we are to be ready for such opportunities. Paul shared words of encouragement to a fellow believer named Titus.  Paul showed Titus that we are to be ready to do something good when the opportunity arises. We find these words in this small book.

 

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3:1-2 – NIV)

 

Paul shared this same idea with others as well. Take a look at these three passages.

 

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10 – NIV)

 

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 – NIV)

 

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6 – NIV)

 

We cannot allow any opportunity to become missed opportunities. We are called to “make the most of every opportunity.”

 

If we have an opening to share God’s message, we must be ready. If we have an occasion for doing a good thing for someone, we must be ready. If the time arises for us to be anything for God, we must be ready.

 

So what do you say? No more missed opportunities?

 

And, according to Andy Williams, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year”[i] to begin sharing with others. If your community is like mine, there are Christmas trees in your church lobby, your local mall, or other businesses covered with names on tags.

 

Perhaps they are names of young children whose parents are unemployed. Maybe they are single parents who struggle month-to-month with regular bills. Or they could even be elderly folk in a nursing home.

 

Each of these tags represent someone who may not have a wonderful Christmas this year. Who may be lonely. Who just might need a little boost to get through this season.

 

Well here it is…your opportunity. Are you ready to do something? To make the most of every opportunity placed before you? Why not join in to make a difference in someone’s life?

 

I believe it’s time for us to be more observant. More alert to the situations around us. Let’s be mindful of the opportunities God is placing before. Then let’s be ready to spring into action.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” 1963, Edward Pola and George Wyle, Recorded and released Andy Williams, 1963.

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Good Morning, Lord!

December 8th, 2012 dsisler

If you’ve been reading my blog or if you know me just a little, you know I am an early riser. Sometimes it’s because my husband has to get up to go to work, but most times it’s because I have some of my best thoughts from 4-7 a.m.

 

Perhaps King David was an early riser as well. There are several verses that lead me to this conclusion.

 

He mentions his morning routine in Psalm 5:3 (NIV). “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

 

King David mentions singing in the morning in Psalm 59:16 (NIV). “I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”

 

King David speaks of satisfaction in the morning in Psalm 90:14 (NIV) “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

 

King David can’t wait to hear of God’s unfailing love in the morning in Psalm 143:8 (NIV) “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul.”

 

Although King David enjoyed his mornings with God, he had his fair share of sleepless nights. Some were filled with despair (Psalm 6:6; Psalm 77:2; Psalm 90:6), but others were filled with glorious thoughts of God.

 

“I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.” (Psalm 16:7 – NIV)

 

“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” (Psalm 63:6 – NIV)

 

“In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law.” (Psalm 119:55 – NIV)

 

“My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.” (Psalm 119:148 – NIV)

 

I know sleepless nights because of distress. I know exactly how King David felt in the passages above. I’m sure you’ve been there as well.

 

Nights filled with worry, fear, distress, anxiousness, grief, pain, and doubt. During the day, these feelings can be masked or even pushed aside. But at night, oh my they can seem to overwhelm us.

 

I much prefer morning!

 

However, unless we’ve known such sleepless nights, we’d never appreciate the wonder and glory we experience as we offer these emotions to God. As we offer our troubles to God, He is willing to give us something in return. His peace (John 14:27).

 

By accepting His peace, we then can awaken as King David did and we will be able to sing, rejoice, and praise God for what He has done! We can awaken and say, “Good morning, Lord!”

 

What are we to do with sleepless nights then? Let’s remember what King David did in those circumstances. He praised God. He accepted counsel and instruction. He remembered God and His Name. He meditated on God’s promises.

 

These are much better things to think of instead of the worries of our lives!

 

I know there are some reading this today who are struggling. For you, I can only share Jesus’ words. “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 – NIV)

 

Another passage that shows how much you are cared for can be found in 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

 

Isn’t it time for you to get some rest?

 

I don’t fight my sleeplessness any more. I’ve learned to embrace it. Instead of worrying about not getting enough sleep, I spend that time remembering God and all that He’s done in my life. I prepare for my day with prayer time. I think of all the promises God has given. I listen to His counsel and instruction.

 

Good morning, Lord!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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A What?

December 7th, 2012 dsisler

My six-year-old granddaughter created her Christmas wish list several weeks ago. She started it several times because she wasn’t sure how to spell the first thing she wanted. A trampoline.

 

Finally, believing she had done her best to let everyone know what she wanted most for Christmas, she handed the list to me. In large letters, she had written, A CHRAPALEN. She then asked if I would finish the list.

 

Christmas through the eyes of a six-year-old is always amazing and amusing.

 

But as we grow older, what we fix our eyes upon shows what we hold most important in our lives. God’s Word will help us to understand where our eyes should be fixed and how our eyes can lead us astray.

 

Jesus used the example of our eyes in His message on treasure in Matthew 6. These are the words He shared with the crowd. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness?” (Matthew 6:22-23 – NIV)

 

The illumination that comes through the eye, or our understanding, shows whether we live in the light or in darkness. Jesus was specifically speaking of wealth in this passage, but we can see the importance of our understanding in another passage.

 

Paul spoke of enlightenment in Ephesians 1:18-19a (NIV). “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

 

There are so many things that we need to learn. Paul lists just a few here. But these alone are worth the time and effort it takes to gain such enlightenment.

 

We are also warned that our eyes can draw us away from God. The Israelites were told in Numbers 15:39 (NIV) to beware of such temptations. “You will have these tassels to look at so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.”

 

As our eyes move away from God and His commands, we will fall. Our spiritually weak hearts and eyes will always take us into the realm of temptation and when we give into temptation we sin and when we sin, according to James 1:14-15, we die.

 

So where should our eyes be? On God! Read through some of these verses to see how our fellow followers of God relied on God to assist them.

 

“My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” (Psalm 25:15 – NIV)

 

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18 – NIV)

 

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2 – NIV)

 

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 – NIV)

 

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 – NIV)

 

Some wonderful news to tie this all together is that God is searching for us. I love 2 Chronicles 16:9. It gives me hope that when I need God the most, He will seek and find me. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9a – NIV)

 

God’s desire is for us to gain understanding through our spiritual eyes, keep our eyes pure to keep us from sinning, fix our eyes upon Him at all times, and in return, He will search for us.

 

Watching a child entwined with Christmas wonder is such fun. But if we lose sight of what is important during this season or if we don’t teach our children and grandchildren the true meaning of Christmas, it really is just another day. All the wonder disappears.

 

Why not spend that extra time with the children in your life to share with them what you believe about Jesus? What He means to you? Why you are a Christ-follower? It will make Christmas so much better for you and for them.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The Mullberry Trees

December 6th, 2012 dsisler

At one point in my life I lived in a rural area of Ohio. The years I spent there were special and I enjoyed the quiet life of small town living.

 

We lived in the parsonage behind the church building. There was a long driveway that led to our house and the driveway was lined with mulberry trees. I decided to collect some and freeze them for future use.

 

I had a men’s event at church to prepare for, so to save time, I placed a sheet under each tree to catch the falling mulberries. It had worked at least one other time, so I figured it wouldn’t be an issue.

 

As the men began to arrive, one of them pulled me aside and said, “The raccoons are enjoying your mulberries. Good thing you laid a sheet out there for them to eat them on.”

 

We both laughed.

 

I have entertained, hosted, and prepared events for many people through the years, but that was the first time (and only time) I’d prepared a meal for raccoons!

 

This story reminds me of a section of Scripture that speaks to several issues, but also speaks about entertaining angels unaware.

 

The author of Hebrews begins chapter 13 with an exhortation to love one another. “Keep on loving each other as brothers.” (Hebrews 13:1 – NIV) Then he goes on to tell how to show that love. This is what he said.

 

To Strangers

He begins with entertaining strangers. Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”

 

I believe this verse speaks to us as much today as it did then. We must show our love by sharing with others. Whatever it might be.

 

If you have opportunity, why not pick up an extra Christmas gift for someone in need? How about a fruit basket for your local firefighters? Something. Anything to show your love to another. It’s what God wants to do.

 

To Prisoners and the Mistreated

Perhaps those in prison are not on our minds as often as they should be. “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3 – NIV)

 

This is a reminder that we should be praying for prisoners. It might be easier to remember those who have been mistreated, but this verse tells us that we should pray for them equally.

 

Remember, God sent Jesus to save everyone. It is His desire that no one person perish. No one.

 

To Our Spouses

Hebrews 13:4 is another reminder of how God honors marriage. We should honor marriage as much and He does.

 

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexual immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4 – NIV)

 

In Our Attitude Toward Money

This passage (Hebrews 13:5-6) assures us that as we become dependent upon God for all we need, He will be there and He will provide. What we do have belongs to God and should be used for His glory and honor.

 

This passage also speaks to contentment. Content with what we have. Love of money will never show love to God or to others.

 

To Our Leaders

The exhortation in this section (Hebrews 13:7-8; 17) is to honor our leaders by living lives that show we belong to Jesus. Remember all they have taught. Imitate their faith. Obey their leadership. Do not be a burden to them. Allow them to experience joy.

 

All of this so that Jesus is praised for who He is!

 

To Ourselves

This may sound strange, but as our faith becomes deeper and we have a better understanding of God’s grace, our ability to love ourselves in our faith improves. We see in Hebrews 13:9 (NIV), “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial food, which are of no value to those who eat them.”

 

The writer then goes on with a historical lesson of the high priest and then of Jesus’ suffering. As we know and remember what Jesus has done for us, we are able to love ourselves as He loves us.

 

Studying God’s Word will bring us to an understanding of His great love for us and because of His love, we should not be carried away by strange teachings. (Hebrews 13:9-14)

 

To God

Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.” Our message is to be God’s message. Our lives are to be living sacrifices of praise. Our lips are to confess His name. These acts will show our love to God.

 

In Prayer

The Hebrew writer asked for continued prayer in Hebrews 13:18-19. Not only for himself, but for others who had chosen a life of serving God.  He asked this group to pray for restoration.

 

How often to do you pray for those who serve you? If it hasn’t been for a while, why don’t you take the time now to pray? They would certainly appreciate it.

 

Just Do It

We see in these verses (Hebrews 13:16; 20-21 – NIV), that we should “not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

 

As we continue to do good, we are also equipped by Jesus and He will work through us to bring glory to God.

 

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21 – NIV)

 

What great examples of how we can show love to others and to God. Maybe you’re feeling a bit disengaged with God or others. Perhaps you could choose one of these areas to work on during the remaining month of December. You will be rewarded with great joy and a greater desire to praise God through service. You’ll never know until you try it.

 

Well, after a good laugh about the raccoons, I came to a realization. The raccoons were eating the mulberries whether there was a sheet there or not. They had been enjoying mulberries for years from that tree. It was the tree farthest from the house or the church.

 

We enjoyed mulberry cobbler and pie throughout the winter that year. And I showed a little bit of compassion to that raccoon family.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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    "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19


    I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. I lived in the beautiful state of Colorado for 20 years where I found great inspiration for my novels and devotional writings. Currently living in southwest Ohio.

    I am passionate about helping women find their way to Jesus through Bible study, teaching, speaking, inspirational writing and creative Bible journaling.

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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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