obedience Tag

He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.   If you haven't read the book of Esther, I encourage you to do so.  First, because it's in the Bible and reading the Bible is highly encouraged.  Second, because some cool twists come into play, that makes this story super interesting.  I don't want to give anything away, but I want to mention a noteworthy part. A part that particularly hit home for me. It's kind of a promise tagged in with a slap in the face reality check. Here is goes: God's faithfulness is never in question.  Our obedience is.  See what I mean? GOD. IS. ALWAYS. FAITHFUL. But, how often is my obedience in questions?  How often do I fail to trust God?  How often am I unwilling to step out of my own agenda to fulfill His purpose?  -- more than I care to admit. But, this is where Esther excelled!  God placed her in a position for a purpose, and she had...

I am a "cut to the chase" kind of girl.  I like to take the shortest route and find the end as quickly and efficiently as possible. If I can skip a step or two and come to a viable conclusion—perfect! Done. But, a few years ago, at a writer's conference, I was challenged with these words by Lysa TerKeurst, "The process is the point."  These are the kind of words that echo in my mind for days, weeks, or even years.  "The process is the point." We can also say:  The trials are relevant. There is a purpose for this season. Circumstances don't define us. That last one is tough but so true. Circumstances aren't meant to define us-- They are meant to refine us, but the refining comes through defining decisions.   Abraham knows about defining decisions. At 75 years old, Abram, and his wife Sarai were childless. God made a huge God-sized promise to him....