Tag: faith journey

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Faith Journey-Day 15

Day 15- The Call

On Day 14, we met Hannah. I know some of you were, already, familiar with Hannah’s amazing story of faith and sacrifice. Each of us need reminders from scripture of ordinary people who were able to do extraordinary things because they had the faith to.

In my own Faith Journey, I shared that we had just found out I was prego with baby number two. I had such a mixture of emotions. I was excited but scared at the same time. The Lord had carried me so far in my relationship with Him. If He called me to be mom to two special needs children, I knew He would equip me. But…I did not want to.

Ryan gave us so much joy. But, I have to be honest, I didn’t really get to “enjoy” him as an infant. I was always so worried about him. My days were filled running to and from specialist appointments. I didn’t get to just “be” with him. I longed for that.

On January 18th, 2000, Landon Garrett Smith bellowed into our lives. He was so loud.. and fat… and healthy. Ron and I had a silent sigh of relief when he passed his hearing test. I truly got to lavish on Landon all the mommy moments I wish I had gotten with Ryan. But, God in His loving kindness allowed me to have Landon at a time where Ryan was doing really well. He was communicating through Sign Language; putting sentences together and beginning to read. He had, also,  started walking on his own…Praise The Lord. I loved being a mom to these two boys.

Ryan was now a big brother (age 4) and took his responsibility very seriously…for a while. I have to chuckle because Landon’s “loudness” was quite irritating to our Deaf son. There were many times over the years that Ryan tried to sell his little brother or get others to adopt him.

During this time Ron had begun teaching a college and career Sunday School class. He was loving it. I had started teaching a single ladies Bible study. We were both growing in our faith walk individually and together.

About a year later, Ron sat me down for a serious talk. He said, “I feel like God is calling me out of corporate life and into full-time ministry. I’m not sure exactly what that looks like but I felt that you and I should pray about that together.” My response…” what took you so long? God’s been telling me that about you for a while now. I just thought it was best to let the Holy Spirit nag you and not me.”

After meeting with our pastor and sharing with our families, we were presented before the church for prayer as we started this journey into preparing for full-time ministry. The hardest decision had been made. We said “Yes” to His calling …where ever, whenever, however. But, I discovered, it’s the little stuff that was bogging me down and stressing me out…

  • Read Matthew 6:25-34

 

What is Jesus teaching against in these verses?

 

Write verse 27:

 

That’s truth! What good is worrying?! Not one little bit! Easier said than done…

Where would we live? How would we make it financially? Where was Ryan going to attend school? Will our house sell? AND etc…my list was very long! Without fail, Jesus worked out every last detail and eased any worry that I allowed to enter my thought life.

We have to learn to leave the details up to Jesus. He is a detailed God who has ordained every second of everyday…if we allow. Worry and anxiety can be crippling. That’s why Jesus addressed it. That’s why I felt The Lord calling me to write about it in various ways.

My motto became, “You called us…You take care of us.” I wrote that at the top of many journal entries during our time at seminary.

Pray about the people or situations that are causing worry and anxiety in your life. Remember, if Jesus takes care of the lilies, grass of the field,  and the birds…How much more will He care for you, Dear One?

Praying for you. Each day in His Word draws us closer to His side and stronger in our faith.

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey- Day 14

Day 14-  Faith Like Hannah

Throughout my momma journey with Ryan, I had one lady that spoke truth, love, and faith into my life. She would often tell me that God would use the pain for His purposes. She didn’t know how but she was sure He would. I believed her. She was the kind of person that just lived her faith out loud. She knew God’s Word. She was contagious and inspiring. When I grew up, spiritually, I wanted to be just like her.

At age 3 and 1/2, Our Ryan continued to learn sign and was on his way to walking independently without his walker. And…to our excitement and apprehension, I was pregnant with our second child. I began to pray differently over child number 2. I begged The Lord for strength and courage if our second child was born with health issues. I prayed this baby would be born healthy, but if not…I would choose to trust Him.

In the coming days we will meet two Old Testament women. Both extremely conflicted by their circumstances. Both with strong internal resolve to trust God with the kind of faith that is awe-inspiring. The kind of faith we should all aspire to and pray for.

Today, let’s meet Hannah. Hannah’s story is seen in 1 Samuel Chapters 1 and 2.  Please take time today to read her story in full. For our time together, please read Chapter 1 verses 11-12 and 19-27.

Elkanah had two wives; Hannah and Peninnah. Hannah was barren and Peninnah had many children. This greatly distressed Hannah. What made it worse was that Peninnah was a bully. She teased and provoked Hannah relentlessly about her inability to have her own children. You can be sure Peninnah was an EGR (Extra Grace Required) in Hannah’s life.

In verses 11 and 12, Hannah is in the temple praying and begging God to give her a son. She made two promises to The Lord in return.

Write down Hannah’s promises to The Lord:

1.

2.

The Lord heard Hannah’s cry and she became pregnant. When she had weaned Samuel, she gave him back to The Lord.

Now, in my mind, giving our children “back to The Lord,” means dedicating them. Promising to teach them about God and His Word. Nope, not Hannah! She literally gave her son to the priest, Eli, to raise in the temple.

That’s indomitable faith! My word-smith hubby shared this word with me and I love it! ( Indomitable adj.-impossible to subdue or defeat)

Who has been a godly inspiration in your life? Why?

 

Read Hannah’s Prayer 1 Samuel 2:1-10:

This is a beautiful prayer of praise acknowledging God’s sovereignty and omniscience. Hannah had no idea how her indomitable faith would impact the kingdom of God. Her son, Samuel, was God’s chosen prophet to Israel. He would later anoint David as king…Jesus is from the lineage of David. Impressive!

Here’s the cool blessings, six fold, that came from Hannah’s faith—Eli, the priest, had two sons of his own that were horrible and didn’t want anything to do with God. Bad parenting or willful rebellion, scripture doesn’t really say. Anyway…by Hannah giving Samuel back to The Lord, Eli got the blessing of raising a child who loved and honored Yahweh. Hannah visited Samuel every year at the temple. Eli blessed Hannah and asked God to bless her with more children. He did…she had 5 more.

On our Faith Journey, we have been learning to trust God’s sovereignty and character one-step-at-a-time. We may have no idea this side of eternity how our faith walk influenced others. But, God does. He takes our feeble attempts at faith and makes them awe-inspiring acts that honor his name and impact others in ways we cannot fathom.

We all need to be reminded that our lives matter to our Creator God. He did not forget Hannah and he will not forget us. He sees us…He knows us…He love us…He has BIG plans for us.

Pray and ask The Lord for faith that moves mountains today. Thank someone who has inspired you throughout your faith walk. Now, go be an inspiration to someone else.

I’m praying for you. Like Hannah, God’s got amazing things in store for you. Dream big and be indomitable in your faith walk today.

“Jesus replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”  Matt. 17:20

 

 

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Faith Journey-Day 13

Day 13- Are You Sure About That?!

Making faith decisions that are unpopular are hard. Yesterday, we learned that our God cannot be confined to cultural or even expert opinions.

But what about our own mental blocks on our Faith Journey? What about the times we were so certain that our way was right, we convinced ourselves that it must be God’s plan?

I shared in Day 9 how we became connected to “The Parent Infant Hearing Impaired Program.” I had built such a strong relationship with the Deaf Education teacher, Kathy, that came to our home 3 times a week to teach Ryan and I Sign Language.

This program is for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children ages birth through three. Well, Ryan was now three years old. That meant we had to begin to navigate the IEP (Individual Education Plan) process. An IEP was for all students that needed specialized learning exceptions within the school system. Kathy prepared me as best she could for our pending IEP meeting and gave me information to read about being your child’s advocate.

I had the option to keep Ryan at home and continue with Kathy or enroll him in a pre-K class especially for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. I was warned by Kathy that the IEP team (who didn’t even know my Ryan) would be giving their expert opinions on why it would be best to enroll Ryan in pre-K early instead of continuing to teach him at home.

WELL…I was having none of that. Expert opinions???!!They were NOT experts about my child. Ryan was too young to go to school. He needed me. He was still using his walker. Yep! I was prepared for this IEP meeting and ready to stand my ground!

The day of the meeting, I took an 8 x 10 picture of Ryan and placed it in the center of the table. I said, “if we are going to be discussing, based on your expert opinions, what’s best for Ryan Caleb Smith; I wanted you to have a visual image of him.” They were taken a back somewhat but continued on with their agenda. I stated my position of continuing education at home until Ryan was older. I stood my ground and they finally relented. Victory! Must be God’s plan, right?!

The teacher of the pre-K and kindergarten Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing class made her way around the table to me as the others were finishing paperwork. Her name was Katie. She said she fully supported my decision and understood completely. She did make an offer for Ryan and I to visit her classroom for summer school. She explained that it would be a great opportunity for Ryan to socialize with other hearing impaired children who signed.

That was a reasonable offer, I thought. It might be good for Ryan to be around other kids that were able to sign with him. A couple of weeks later, I packed Ryan and I lunch and we headed off to summer school together.

I was blown away by Katie, her assistant (Sandy), and these amazing children. Katie was a human, signing “Barney.” She was animated with her signs and facial expressions. She kept the kids attention during story and calendar time. Ryan was mesmerized by her and so was I. We had a wonderful time.

I decided we would go back to summer school the next day…together. I was treating it kind of like a “mommy and me” date. However, Ryan had other plans. We opened the classroom door, Ryan rolled in with his walker, signed “I Love You, Bye-Bye,” and shut the door in my face.

Ms. Sandy quickly opened the door and saw my stunned expression and gave me a hug. “He’ll be fine…why don’t you come back in an hour. If we need you, we’ll call you,”  she chuckled and shut the door. So, still a little stunned and hurt, quite frankly. I left Ryan at school.

When I returned to pick him up, Ryan did not want to leave. He signed, “school, tomorrow…yes.” Well…that was that! Much to my shock and against what I just knew was best…I swallowed my pride, contacted the IEP lead, and enrolled Ryan in school at age 3.

Ron and I had a good laugh about the school incident over dinner that night. We both realized that parenting Ryan was going to be a long string of situations where God was going to have to re-direct us.

Ryan thrived under the teaching of Ms. Katie and Ms. Sandy. I did too. They taught me so much. I am so grateful the Master Dot-Connector was still actively leading us to the right people to accomplish his plan in our lives.

 

  • Read Ephesians 3:14-21

In the midst of trials, what does Paul pray that we will comprehend?

 

  • Write out verse 20 and 21:

 

 

What is The Lord able to do in and through your life?

 

 

“…abundantly beyond what we ask or think according to His power that works within us.”

Be open to His change of direction in your life. Be willing to release what you thought was good in exchange for His best. I would have missed a huge blessing in mine and Ryan’s life if I had continued to be dogmatic with my idea of right.

I wonder how many blessings we miss because of pride…refusal to change or admit we were wrong? Change is inevitable. Let God be the Way-Changer in your life. Don’t get so stuck on your idea of good, that you miss God’s best.

Pray for boldness to set aside pride and humble yourself when needed. Be open to His change of direction. You won’t be disappointed.

Lifting you up before the throne today. Onward, sister!

**If you would like to comment on this post or others (on my website publicly) please use the “Comment” box. If you would like to contact me privately, use the “Message” box. **

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey- Day 11

Day 11- Faith Journey…Detour

On Day 10, I shared how our Ryan was learning to walk with a pint-sized walker. I hope you saw his picture. He was just so determined…and fast! We took a look at Colossians 1:9-13. God’s desire is to “fill us up with the knowledge of His will…so that we may walk worthy of The Lord.” Walking worthy is an active faith.

Today we will take a little detour on our Faith Journey. I had saved room toward the end of this 30 day devotion for this particular entry. However, I felt led to share it real-time.

As a background for today’s entry, I wrote a post about our youngest son, Landon’s senior year of high school.  I shared how God had done amazing things in and through him despite unmet expectations. This writing will help you better understand the amazing young man Landon has become. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to read Landon’s Faith Journey this year: https://christadeann.com/family-helping-our-children-navigate-difficult-decisions/

As a continuation to Landon’s Faith Journey (and mine), this past week we dropped him off at college.

This summer, Landon and I worked together to prepare for his college departure. He and I shopped all summer for the necessary college dorm paraphernalia. We discovered it’s necessary to plan well for creative storage solutions. We talked through what might and might not work, picked out bedding, and shopped for small appliances and school supplies.

Finally, the day we had been preparing for all summer had arrived. We packed the car and head for Valdosta State University. After arrival, we worked hard to get Landon settled and organized in his new digs. When all was done, the 4 of us had a sweet time of prayer over Landon, his new home, his roommate, and his new mission field that God had called him to.

The next day, Ron, Ryan, and I finished up some last-minute shopping in Georgia while Landon was at orientation. That afternoon, we dropped his items off, hugged him, said our “good-byes,”and left without Landon.

In that moment, the daunting realization overcame me, Landon was not coming home with us…He was home. Landon’s new address was VSU, Valdosta, Georgia.

I cried off and on all the way home. I was not emotional because I thought Landon was outside of God’s will for his life. I was emotional because our role of “raising” him was done. I had the sobering realization that our roles now shift from parenting to advising. We have trained Landon up to the best of our ability with The Lord’s grace and guidance. Now it’s his turn, Landon has to be his own man and grow into the spiritual warrior God has designed him to be…apart from us. My head knows this well. However, my heart is having a hard time catching up.

For the past couple of days,  I have instinctively gone into Landon’s room to say good night…he’s not there. I have looked out the window for his truck…it’s not there. I have walked down the hall to ask what he wanted for dinner…he’s not there. It’s harder than I ever imagined. I miss him terribly.

In the blink of an eye, eighteen years of care, nurture, discipline, discipleship, love, prayer, worry, homework help, doctors appointments, orthodontist appointments, school shopping, and football games all while under the safety and security of the Smith home…are done. My role now is to pray for Landon and advise when asked. AND…keep him accountable for his grades since we are paying the bills, of course! 🙂

This is the beginning of a new season for us and for Landon. Ron and I will have to navigate without him under our roof every night. We have to place him before the altar of The Lord and trust that He will meet Landon’s every need. I trust the Only One who can because, “Thus far, The Lord has helped us.”

  • Read Deuteronomy 6:7-9

 

What are we to teach our children?

 

What does this scripture tell us about how we should teach them?

 

  • Read Proverbs 22:6

 

What do you think the phrase “train up a child in the way he should go” means?

 

 

My husband taught on Proverbs 22:6 in a way that was eye opening several years ago. He shared that this Proverb (wisdom or councel ) it is not a promise. We would like to think it is, of course. The truth is that to “train up a child in the way he should go,” means to be a learner of your child’s natural and spiritual giftedness. Understanding this, helps us to lead them toward God’s calling in their lives. When you and I are teaching The Lord’s commands in our home and becoming learners of our children; we are preparing them physically, emotionally, and spiritually for God’s work in their lives…for their callings.

We must be actively involved in the discipleship of our children. Pray with them. Have daily devotions with them. As Deuteronomy 6:7-9 instructs…as you go…teach. Take every opportunity to have conversations to raise them up in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Our kiddos need to see authenticy in our Faith Journey. The truth is, it doesn’t matter what we say about scripture, if we are not living out scripture. That’s faith in action…be authentic.

Sending your children off to college or out into the world to pursue their adult calling causes some serious parenting reflection. But, there comes a point where we have to let go and let God…

Pray over your children and grandchildren today. Beg The Lord, on their behalf, to fill in the gaps of your influence with His grace. Praise Him for the fruit you already see being produced in their lives.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16- 17

I am praying for all you mommas sending your babies off to school. They grow up fast. Treasure every moment. I covet your prayers as I navigate this new season in my life.

 

Landon’s new home at VSU.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey-Day 10

Day 10- Learning to Walk

On Day 9, we focused on the fact that Jesus is faithful even when we are faithless. I find that comforting. When I am struggling with my faith…He’s still faithful. I shared our decision to learn and teach Ryan sign language.

Ron and I decided to take parallel paths in our approach to Ryan’s deafness…sign language AND technology. We were actively learning about different kinds of hearing aids that would help Ryan hear and understand sound. Ryan’s ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist) wanted him to have an MRI to detect any inner ear abnormalities that would possibly be reversible with surgery.

The MRI revealed that Ryan was missing his Semicircular Canals.  Semicircular Canals are basically your balance center.  They are responsible for sending signals to the brain that help you keep your balance. Well, Ryan did not have those. At two  and a half years old Ryan had learned to sit up but was not walking yet. He was in physical therapy twice a week but it had not helped.

Of course our next question to Ryan’s ENT was if he would ever be able to walk. His answer…possibly. He explained that Ryan’s balance would have to be learned. It was not instinctual for him. The ENT felt it would be possible… but it would be difficult.

“Lord, Ryan may or may not walk?! Okay, You and me…we need to talk…spare bedroom!”

Interestingly, this time in the spare bedroom I was not overwhelmed, I was not discouraged, I was not having a faith crisis. I was in warrior mommy mode. “Lord, I will do everything within my power to help Ryan walk. I need you to help me do that, please.” I was determined that if Ryan was unable to walk, it was not for lack of trying.

Ryan was strong-willed and I was sure he was up for the challenge. So, we found him a pint-sized walker and set about teaching him to use it. Simultaneously, we were testing out different hearing aids each month to see if Ryan would benefit from any of them. More on that to come.

 

  • Read Colossians 1:9-13

This is a letter that states how Paul and Timothy were praying over the church at Colossae.

What did Paul ask The Lord to “fill” the followers of Christ with?

 

He asked that they be filled, so that they could accomplish what?

 

It took over two and a half years, but this little girl was growing up spiritually. I had cried before The Lord, vented my anger and frustration, and grieved the loss of normalcy. He faithfully listened and provided guidance, wisdom, and help along my Faith Journey. I was now resolved that He was my wisdom Giver and faithful Provider in every situation. That did not mean I was not overwhelmed at times, but I had come to know and experience His faith affirming presence too often to deny. He was filling me up with His holiness “so that I would bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God.”

How is The Lord “filling you up” in the knowledge of Him? Pray and thank Him for His active work of refining in your life. He has a purpose in the preparation…Hang in there!

 

Ryan and his walker…he was quite the little speedster!

 

 

Going before the Father on your behalf. Stay on the faith path, my friend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey-Day 9

Day 9- To Sign or Not to Sign?

On Day 8, I shared about the cross-road I faced on my own Faith Journey. One path named “bitter” and the other named “better.” I reluctantly chose to travel the “better” path. I chose obedience over my feelings of frustration and anger. I had to recall that “Thus far, The Lord has helped me” and that He would not abandon me now.

Our Ryan was almost 2 years old and Deaf. I was, again, dependent on “The Master Dot-Connector” to help me with every decision. I was completely clueless about deafness and needed The Lord’s guidance.

Through much research and prayer, Ron and I chose to teach Ryan sign language. We were exploring hearing aid options but Ryan was 2-years old with NO language. He was exhibiting extreme frustration and tantrums because we could not communicate with him and vice versa. Thankfully, God connected us to our local school district’s “Parent-Infant Hearing Impaired Program.”

This program provided sign language therapy for infants from birth to 3 years of age. We were assign a Deaf Education teacher named Kathy. She came to our home 3 days a week to teach Ryan, and myself sign language. Then, I would teach my husband what we had learned in the evening.

Kathy was an amazing blessing to my life. I would watch intently as she would teach Ryan different signs. As she was teaching, she would explain to me her methodology and how I would implement this with Ryan through our homework assignments.

Ryan was a quick learner and took to signing like a fish to water. However, he was a very determined and strong-willed little boy. One day while Kathy was there, Ryan decided to have a melt-down. Kathy watched as I tried to, ineptly, discipline him. She could sense my frustration and asked if she could share some insight…I welcomed the help!

Kathy explained that in sign language, facial expressions and body language are just as important as the sign itself. While I was signing, “no, wrong behavior,” my facial expressions were not showing Ryan that I was upset with him. She went on to explain that I was smiling while telling him “no.” I had no idea I was doing that. Ryan was just so darn cute, he made me smile even when he was being cantankerous.

Then, I watched Kathy tell Ryan “no” in sign language with a facial expression that showed she meant business. Ryan immediately settled down.

Oh my GOODNESS…this precious women had just changed my life! She had shared the secret sauce of “signing discipline.”  I felt silly at first, but I started signing with facial expressions that matched the signs and emotion I was trying to convey. Ryan was learning when mommy was happy AND when she was not so happy with his behavior. Life Changing!!!!! Hallelujah! I was beginning to feel like maybe I could do this sign language thing with Ryan.

At first the diagnosis of Ryan being profoundly Deaf and the daunting list of decisions we needed to make were quite overwhelming to say the least. As I shared yesterday,  I almost let it paralyze my Faith Journey. But gently, taking one day at a time, I was heading down my “better” path a little stronger each day…with Jesus guidance.

  • Read 2 Timothy 2:11-13

 

Write verse 13 in your own words:

 

Even when we are faithless He is faithful. That’s his character. He cannot disown Himself (verse 13-in my own words). Jesus is our enduring strength for the journey.

In the New Testament, NIV translation, the word faith is used 458 times. I think that means it’s pretty important, wouldn’t you?!

Maybe you needed a reminder today that He is faithful even when we are faithless, lack faith, or are facing a crisis of faith. We need to understand, Jesus is not impressed with our ability to have faith in our faith…to talk the talk but not walk the walk. That’s false faith. Our faith is not established in our pretending to be faithful. Our actions should be an overflow of genuine faith and trust in the only One who is called Faithful. If you lack faith…ask Him for it.

Pray and seek the Lord today with what’s on your plate. Ask him to continually remind you of His faithfulness…one-day-one-decision-at-a-time. Faith is a journey not a race. Slow and steady…

Thank you to those that have shared your struggles both publicly by comment or privately by email. I am humbled that you would take this Faith Journey and are finding benefit and comfort through His Word and my God-story.

Praying with and for you, sweet one. Keep up the great work!

 Look at that sweet face! Now can you understand why not smiling while disciplining was hard at first? LOL!

 

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Faith Journey-Day 8

Day 8- Bitter or Better?

On Day 8, I shared Ryan’s diagnosis that changed everything about our lives. Our Ryan was Deaf. We had to grieve his hearing loss much like you would grieve a death. The Lord could not bring healing to our hurts until we accepted His will, whatever that may be.

The last stage of the grief process is acceptance. I want to be completely honest with you, friends. The Lord and I had come a long way together on our Faith Journey. He had grown me up spiritually in ways that I would not trade for anything. But, even with the great distance The Lord and I had traveled together…I was struggling to find His goodness in Ryan’s deafness. I was standing at a cross-road on my Faith Journey. I could turn away from my Savior in anger and become bitter OR I could cling to Him with what little strength I had and allow Him to make me better.

So, at this cross-road, do I choose the path named “bitter” or the path named “better?”   If I choose “bitter,” that would mean doing life without the help and guidance of The Lord. I would need to depend on MY wisdom…that’s scary.  If I chose “better,” that would mean complete acceptance of our situation, allowing His healing of our broken hearts, and completely leaning on His guidance and wisdom.

Kicking and screaming…I chose the path named “better.” I let The Lord know I was not happy about it. But, came to a place of acceptance.

In every situation, we have a choice. I chose the path leading to “better.” It was my choice of obedience over my feelings. I was not, at all, feeling happy that my child was Deaf. However, The Lord’s desire was/is not to make me happy. It’s to make me holy. He was asking me to look back at our Faith Journey together and remember who He is and what He has done thus far.

  • Read 1 Samuel 7: 1-12

The Israelites are a fascinating people. One minute they are serving and praising God. The next, they are making and worshipping golden calves. They had experienced the literal presence of God and seen His miracles first hand. And yet, they had a pattern of forgetting all God had done for them when things got tough.

In 1 Samuel 7, Israel was is bad shape. Their cities were in shambles, armies destroyed, and they were being bullied by the Philistines. Why? They were disobedient to God. But, the Israelites had come to a place of desperation and needed God’s help. Verse 2 says that, “all of Israel lamented (mourned) and sought The Lord.” Samuel called them to repent with all their heart and turn back to God. They chose to be obedient to God.

Because of the Israelites obedience, God sent confusion over the Philistines and what was left of the Israelite army defeated them.

Write out 1 Samuel 7: 12

 

What did Samuel “set-up?” Why?

 

An “Ebenezer” or “stone of help,”  was set-up as a remembrance that “thus far The Lord has helped us.”

We should regularly set-up Ebenezers is our own lives. Your Ebenezers do not have to be actual stones. Use prayer journals or your Bible Study workbooks to record your prayers and how The Lord works in your life.

We need to be reminded often that “Thus far, The Lord has helped us.” So that, when we are standing at a cross-road on our Faith Journey, we can look back and remember His faithfulness. Then, confidently and obediently (not necessarily with happiness), choose the path named “better.”

Pray and give thanks, “Thus far, The Lord has helped us.” He’s not gonna stop now. He’s got too many plans for your sweet life!

Choose the faith path named “better” today. I’m praying for you, my friend!

 

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Faith Journey-Day 7

Day 7- Profound Silence

It was the end of summer, 1997, Ryan was 18 months old. My husband and I were waiting for the audiologist to finish Ryan’s sedated hearing test. Because Ryan did not receive a hearing test while he was in NICU after his birth, his pediatrician set the appointment for us. It was routine… Just another doctor’s appointment to add to the growing list.

Finally, after an hour, we were called back to be with Ryan and learn the test results. The audiologist took a deep breath and said, “your son is profoundly deaf. We did the test twice just to be sure. Ryan can not hear anything out of either ear… I’m so very sorry.”

We did not expect that AT ALL. We were in denial and completely ignorant…Ryan seemed so keenly aware of his surroundings and babbled like crazy. In fact, one of Ryan’s specialists rang a bell next to his head and he turned. Deaf, really?! This was just supposed to be an easy, routine appointment for once!!! We were in shock.

The next day, I was playing with Ryan on our living room floor. He was laughing out loud enjoying our playtime together. I looked at him in disbelief. This child could not possible be deaf. I decided to do my own home hearing test. I went around the corner and began to bang pot and pans hoping for a reaction…Nothing. Then, I turned on our stereo full blast…Nothing. I called his name from around the corner just out of his line of sight…Nothing.

Over the next days and weeks, I began to set my mind on finding a solution. The questions swirling around in my head were about hearing aids, sign language, retesting, and about a million other things I was completely clueless about.  I spent hours on the phone talking with doctors, audiologists, and specialists trying to find out how to “fix” Ryan’s deafness.  20 years ago, the web was slow and tedious. So, I began reading books about deafness from the library and tracking down people who could help me better understand what we were facing.

During this time of my “solution seeking expedition” regarding Ryan’s deafness, I decided to take him to “story-time” at our church library. It was a fun time with my friends and their toddlers. The librarian was a skilled story-teller and always made it memorable. This was our first time back since Ryan’s diagnosis.

As the librarian began telling the story, I got a lump in my throat as I held back tears. Ryan could not hear the inflection and excitement in her voice. I watched the other toddlers getting excited with each turn of the page. Ryan… had no reaction at all. Why had I not noticed this before?

Story time ended, I did not stay around for fellowship. I could not get out of there fast enough! I barely got Ryan buckled into his car seat before I burst into tears. My first instinct was to drive directly to my mom’s house…. she was not home. Then, I tried to call my husband, Ron, at work…. he was unavailable.

I had no choice…God was calling me to Himself.

I rushed home, got Ryan settled in for a nap, and headed to my spare bedroom “prayer altar” yet again. My Ryan could hear NOTHING. Sound had no meaning to him what-so-ever. He did not know the sound of mine or his dad’s voice. He never heard the millions of times I said, “I Love You.” I’m Ryan’s mom, how did I miss the signs?! Would he ever hear my voice?! Oh Lord, how could this possibly be your will?!  How can any good come from this at all?!

As I have shared, this was not the first time I have cried out to The Lord over Ryan. But this time was different. I had to completely release my ideas of “normal” in relation to our precious son. I was literally grieving Ryan’s diagnosis of profound deafness much like you would someone’s death. Over the next several weeks, I experienced all 5 stages of grief:

shock…denial…anger…bargaining…depression…testing…acceptance.

Our lives would be forever different. We had a deaf son. What did our “new normal” even look like?

 

  • Read Psalm 146:

 

In verses 6-9, list those that The Lord upholds, helps, sets free, heals, loves, watches over, and sustains:

 

Are you on that list? Yep! You are not forsaken or overlooked, my friend.

Imagine standing in the middle of a valley surrounded by mountains on every side. The only way out is to go up and over a mountain.  Do you think the journey will be easy? Absolutely not! The task seems overwhelming, tiresome, emotionally and spiritually draining.

Even when we fail to understand God’s purpose…we must trust His heart. I can promise that when you reach the mountain peak, you will look back and see The Lord’s guiding in every step of the journey. You may have callous on your feet from the long and tedious trek up that mountain, but guard your heart from becoming calloused toward The Lord. He is for you.

Pray and ask The Lord to sustain you. You are not on this Faith Journey alone. He’s your guide. So, let Him guide…you follow.

I am continually lifting you up before the Father. Until tomorrow…

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Faith Journey-Day 6

Day 6-Holiness

Yesterday’s devotion, was based on Romans 5:1-5. To actively seek The Lord in crisis produces perseverance…perseverance produces hope…our hope in Christ alone brings about holiness through the work of The Holy Spirit in our lives.

Today, Let’s continue the theme of holiness…

As you have traveled this Faith Journey with me, on Days 1-5, I shared how God was beginning to teach me His character and develop that character in me. It was and is an active ongoing process between the two of us.

Let me try to explain it this way…I can describe to you the most gorgeous place on this earth. I can even show you pictures. You might grasp some of what I am trying my best to explain.  But, if I take you there you can truly experience it. You can grasp the beauty, the awe, the smells, the sights, and the sounds for yourself. Then and only then, will you fully understand.

In the same way, we cannot experience the character of God that produces holiness without Him taking us there. Most often we learn who He is down in the valleys of life. The difficulties, hardships, sicknesses, loss, and so on define our walk with Christ like nothing else ever could. I could not experience the peace of God until I desperately NEEDED His all-consuming peace to flood the deepest part of my anguish. I learned perseverance with each new diagnosis. My hope came out of my perseverance. I began to grasp His goodness because of who He is and not just what he does. 

Re-read James 1:1-5 from yesterday’s devotion:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance(patience). Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (emphasis mine)

 Take a look at Galatians 5:22-2:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Here’s the deal—The characteristics of God produced in our lives do not happen overnight. Oh, how I wish they did. Fruit does not grow over-night. It’s a process, right?! Therefore, the work of the Holy Spirit is to make us Christ-like. To become Christ-like (holy) is an ongoing, growing process.

Galatians lays out the 9  “fruit of the Spirit.” Notice it does not say “fruits of the Spirit.” Why? Because they are one unit. To be holy as Christ is holy means to exhibit all 9 “fruit“ simultaneously. In order for that to happen, The Lord will help us work out each of the“fruit” individually before they can be displayed through our lives as one unit.

When (not if)The Lord allows trial in our lives, He is building a foundation of trust and dependence on Him that develop holy characteristics in our lives.

Your homework today is to trace the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Write the circumstance and/or the scripture The Lord used to help produce the “fruit of the Spirit”…His character…his holiness in your life.

(Galatians 5:22-23″)

 

Love—

 

Joy—

 

Peace—

 

Patience (endurance or perseverance)—

 

Kindness–

 

Goodness—

 

Faithfulness—

 

Gentleness—

 

Self-control—

 

It’s okay if your “fruit” is still in the ripening process. Remember, we are all a work in progress. God is refining us…strengthening us…teaching us…sanctifying us…molding us to His likeness.

Pray that The Lord will continue to reveal Himself to you in a powerful way. We are meant to “display” Jesus for others to see. Take care of and cultivate your fruit of the Spirit today.

In the coming days, I will share Ryan’s diagnosis that changed everything…The Lord was building a foundation of faith in my life SO THAT I could accept what He was about to reveal.

Praying for you. Onward, my sister!

 

 

 

 

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Faith Journey- Day 5

Day 5- A Continual Work in Progress

On Day 4 we focused on the goodness of our God. We learned that God’s goodness is not based on His actions alone…it’s who He is. When we try to define God’s goodness from our limited perspective, we will be disappointed. God’s ongoing work in our lives is to produce His holiness. Often, that can be a painful process.

Today, let’s focus on the process of becoming holy. Holiness is not something we will fully achieve this side of glory. Holiness is the ongoing, active work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

I was beginning to learn this process of holiness throughout our Ryan story. At that time, I was completely desperate for The Lord’s presence, comfort, peace, guidance, help, and any other adjectives that can be added to this list. I was desperate…period. My desperation kept drawing me back to Him constantly. I did not know much, but I knew enough to seek the Only One who had answers.

My prayer journal entry from August 1996 (six weeks after our Ryan’s open-heart surgery):

” Lord, I praise You that Ryan is getting stronger every day. I see progress. However, his pediatrician is concerned that he is not sitting up on his own yet. We are starting physical therapy. Please help Ryan to gain strength.

 I am tired. I thought that after his open-heart surgery all would be good. Why is he not meeting benchmarks? Lord, help my unbelief when things get difficult. Help me to rest in Jesus…In the calm assurance of His grace and mercy. Your Word says that you have a plan and purpose for my life (and Ryan’s) and that you are faithful to complete it.

 Once again, I come before you and beg that You, oh Lord, empty this vessel of self and fill it with Your Holy Spirit to be used and poured out for Your glory.

 I love you, Lord, make it my heart’s desire to follow and cling to you even when I don’t “feel” like it, when I’m tired…overwhelmed…discouraged…struggling with unbelief.

 Please give me strength and wisdom to be Ryan’s mom. You have trusted me with this special gift. I don’t want to mess up. I NEED You, I cannot do this on my own.”

 Read Romans 5:1-5

According to verse 3 and 4 what does suffering produce in our lives if we hold steadfast to our faith?

 

 

Answer honestly…would you have these characteristics if not for your difficulties, suffering, or trials?

 

 

I know I would not. Utter and desperate dependence on The Lord Jesus has come as a result of my sufferings. My suffering has produced perseverance. My hope in Christ is the result of my perseverance (patience). My hope and faith established in Jesus Christ alone, brings about the sanctification of holiness.

  • Read James 1:2-5

 

 

What does the testing of our faith bring? What about the work of perseverance or patience?

 

 

The word perseverance or patience (in some translations) is the Greek word humomone.This word does not describe passiveness but an active endurance.

In Tony Evan’s book, “Your Comeback,” he states:

“We often make the mistake of being inactive when we’re facing trials and challenges of life. When the mountain seems too high to climb or too large to move, we sit and leave it all for God to do. But, too often, while we think we are waiting on God, He is actually waiting on us. He is waiting to see if we will take an action of faith, even in the face of the impossible.”

 The impossible is possible with God alone! But, we have to be actively pursuing our faith journey with Him. Sometimes, we become so paralyzed by our circumstances that we do nothing. Our faith is not passive. It’s active. God is working in and through us continually. AND, we must actively pursue Him with our obedience. Our Creator God has so much to teach us. Let’s be actively involved in the process of learning.

Don’t know what to do…tell Him. Feeling overwhelmed…tell Him. Struggling with unbelief…tell Him. Battling discouragement and/or depression…Tell Him. Actively seeking God, in the midst of struggles, will produce godly characteristics, called holiness.

Pray and ask The Lord to bring about His holiness through perseverance as you actively seek Him. He is faithful to do it!

Keep on trucking through our Faith Journey. Jesus is so worth it! I’m praying for you, my sojourning sister!