John 15:1-3
Jesus said to his disciples:
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts away every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit. But he trims clean every branch that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already clean because of what I have said to you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
All of us will have times in our lives when we go through some “stuff!” You may find yourself challenged by school, work, a relationship, illness or injury, the loss of a loved one… or something else equally daunting. You may ask yourself – and God – “Why is this happening to me?” Maybe you feel that you have been a good steward of God’s gifts… a faithful servant… that you and God are “tight!” So you are wondering where you went wrong or failed as His servant… that you are being punished in some manner.
Here’s the deal… Jesus tells us in the first verses of John 15 that even those who are doing what God expects of them will be “pruned”... tested, challenged, given obstacles to overcome. And the reason is so that we will continue to grow in our faith. If we accepted Jesus Christ and began to serve Him based totally on our previous experiences, we would soon become stagnant.
You know the person who lives in the past… the one who tells the same old stories over and over and feeds on them… the person who doesn’t seem to bring anything new to the table. You probably find them pretty boring – if not obnoxious at times – and you may not want to be around them very often. This is exactly what would happen if we were not continually “trimmed” as Christians. I’m not saying God will bring bad things into our lives – or that He will necessarily allow bad things to happen to us. But He may allow us to go through a few things in order to become stronger in our faith – and to be more effective witnesses for His kingdom.
I am convinced that many of the experiences I have had – and will have in the future – can be used for God’s glory. The key question is… “Will I recognize God at work in these situations… and will I allow Him to handle the outcome for His purposes?” When you can go through something difficult and say, “God was in this… and that… and another thing…” you have allowed Him to strengthen you and grow your faith. And this is a huge part of what Christian living is all about.
So the next time you find yourself in a situation that seems difficult – or downright impossible – ask God to show you what He plans to do. Don’t ask, “Why is this happening?” Instead, ask “What are you showing me, LORD?” Because I guarantee you that God has designed an outcome that will bring glory to His name and bless you in the bargain. Your job is to recognize this when it happens. Are you asking the right questions of God? Are you a “branch” ready to be “trimmed” in His name?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label challenges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label challenges. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 11, 2012
James 1:2-4
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, my mother phoned me early to say she was headed onto the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina… a road which she had never traveled. Her husband, Lee, and his son and son-in-law were on a week-long bicycle trip on the Parkway, and Lee had taken ill. He was hospitalized, and Mother was leaving the campground in which she was staying in Asheville… headed to find the three men. She was clearly shaken and said, “Please pray for me… I’m entering unfamiliar territory.”
Some four hours later, Mother phoned to tell me that she had arrived, and Lee was fine. They were loading the bikes and gear and heading back to their motorhome in Asheville. Hopefully, in a couple of days they will be back at home, safe and sound.
I let a few close friends and relatives know this morning what was happening… including Mother and Lee’s pastor… who is my lifelong friend. He replied with a beautiful prayer – for my mother’s husband… for her safety… and for our own fears to be calmed in the mix. I told him, “I’ve never been prayed for via e-mail before… but I like it!”
Instantly, I was calmer. I was reminded of my faith and WHO is in charge at all times. Under pressure, my faith-life came to the forefront as my friend talked to God on our behalf and ministered to us. On Joel Osteen’s Facebook wall, I read the following quote: “God will not allow a challenge to come into our life unless He has a divine purpose for it. Nothing in life happens to us; it happens for us.”
I don’t yet fully know the purpose of this challenge. I’m not sure what God is trying to tell my mom and her husband. But I do know how He used this event for me. God clearly reminded me that, in all that has been happening lately in my little corner of the world, HE is still in charge. I am surrounded by many people who stand in agreement with me for His will to be done.
Whatever challenges you are facing – and I’d bet you are facing a few – they are not wasted. God has a divine purpose for them. Ask Him to show you what is happening for you in these trials… ask God to reveal to you what He has in mind. Don’t ask “Why me?” or even “What next?” Ask Him, “What do you want me to learn from this? What is Your purpose… and how do you want me to proceed?” Then listen for His answers, calm your spirit, and get ready to be amazed at His answers.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, my mother phoned me early to say she was headed onto the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina… a road which she had never traveled. Her husband, Lee, and his son and son-in-law were on a week-long bicycle trip on the Parkway, and Lee had taken ill. He was hospitalized, and Mother was leaving the campground in which she was staying in Asheville… headed to find the three men. She was clearly shaken and said, “Please pray for me… I’m entering unfamiliar territory.”
Some four hours later, Mother phoned to tell me that she had arrived, and Lee was fine. They were loading the bikes and gear and heading back to their motorhome in Asheville. Hopefully, in a couple of days they will be back at home, safe and sound.
I let a few close friends and relatives know this morning what was happening… including Mother and Lee’s pastor… who is my lifelong friend. He replied with a beautiful prayer – for my mother’s husband… for her safety… and for our own fears to be calmed in the mix. I told him, “I’ve never been prayed for via e-mail before… but I like it!”
Instantly, I was calmer. I was reminded of my faith and WHO is in charge at all times. Under pressure, my faith-life came to the forefront as my friend talked to God on our behalf and ministered to us. On Joel Osteen’s Facebook wall, I read the following quote: “God will not allow a challenge to come into our life unless He has a divine purpose for it. Nothing in life happens to us; it happens for us.”
I don’t yet fully know the purpose of this challenge. I’m not sure what God is trying to tell my mom and her husband. But I do know how He used this event for me. God clearly reminded me that, in all that has been happening lately in my little corner of the world, HE is still in charge. I am surrounded by many people who stand in agreement with me for His will to be done.
Whatever challenges you are facing – and I’d bet you are facing a few – they are not wasted. God has a divine purpose for them. Ask Him to show you what is happening for you in these trials… ask God to reveal to you what He has in mind. Don’t ask “Why me?” or even “What next?” Ask Him, “What do you want me to learn from this? What is Your purpose… and how do you want me to proceed?” Then listen for His answers, calm your spirit, and get ready to be amazed at His answers.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 7, 2012
May 7 ~ 2 Corinthians 1:4-7
He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. We suffer in the hope that you will be comforted and saved. And because we are comforted, you will also be comforted, as you patiently endure suffering like ours. You never disappoint us. You suffered as much as we did, and we know that you will be comforted as we were.
James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Anyone who has ever spent time “hospital sitting” will understand me when I say that my faith has been tested, and I we’ve been in trouble more than once this week. Last night, my grandmother muttered, “I’m worried about you.” I reminded her of the scripture from Galatians 6 and Isaiah 41 in yesterday’s devotional… how God has his arms around us – and as long as I am doing what I am supposed to in caring for her and helping her, He will help me. “You believe that, don’t you?” I asked. “Yes,” she nodded.
We wonder why suffering is allowed… why such challenges are given to us… but truly, we just don’t see what God is doing behind the scenes. As I think back to the nurse’s aide who gleaned information from my sister about getting a Health Information Services degree… to the R.N. who shared her concern over rearing her grandson while also taking her mother for a scan today to see if she is cancer-free following surgery and treatment… to the friends we met who also had loved ones hospitalized, I realize that God used us to help others even as others helped us! So many people were blessed by my grandmother’s smile and gentle spirit. Housekeepers stopped by just to hold her hand for a few minutes. Doctors marveled at her long life and how so many people love and care for her.
My grandmother has been blessed with a glorious life. There have been challenges… and times when I’m sure her faith has been tested. She has suffered terribly at times. But she has been comforted, and she has not given up. Now, at nearly 100 years of age, she asks why it is taking so long to get to heaven, and I tell her that maybe God is still working on a mega-mansion for her!
I know that many of you are facing enormous challenges. As nurses and medical staff have passed through my grandmother’s room, I’ve picked up little snippets of information – enough to know that EVERYBODY has issues and struggles… some of them pretty huge! My prayer is that your faith is as big as your challenges… that even when you struggle, you do not give up. Remember Jesus and His sufferings… and that He is with you in your own trials. Hold fast to the promise of better days and the wonderful comfort of One who counts each of your tears and stores them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). Remember to “Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort.” May He give you comfort and renew your faith today… and always.
©2012 Debbie Robus
He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. We suffer in the hope that you will be comforted and saved. And because we are comforted, you will also be comforted, as you patiently endure suffering like ours. You never disappoint us. You suffered as much as we did, and we know that you will be comforted as we were.
James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Anyone who has ever spent time “hospital sitting” will understand me when I say that my faith has been tested, and I we’ve been in trouble more than once this week. Last night, my grandmother muttered, “I’m worried about you.” I reminded her of the scripture from Galatians 6 and Isaiah 41 in yesterday’s devotional… how God has his arms around us – and as long as I am doing what I am supposed to in caring for her and helping her, He will help me. “You believe that, don’t you?” I asked. “Yes,” she nodded.
We wonder why suffering is allowed… why such challenges are given to us… but truly, we just don’t see what God is doing behind the scenes. As I think back to the nurse’s aide who gleaned information from my sister about getting a Health Information Services degree… to the R.N. who shared her concern over rearing her grandson while also taking her mother for a scan today to see if she is cancer-free following surgery and treatment… to the friends we met who also had loved ones hospitalized, I realize that God used us to help others even as others helped us! So many people were blessed by my grandmother’s smile and gentle spirit. Housekeepers stopped by just to hold her hand for a few minutes. Doctors marveled at her long life and how so many people love and care for her.
My grandmother has been blessed with a glorious life. There have been challenges… and times when I’m sure her faith has been tested. She has suffered terribly at times. But she has been comforted, and she has not given up. Now, at nearly 100 years of age, she asks why it is taking so long to get to heaven, and I tell her that maybe God is still working on a mega-mansion for her!
I know that many of you are facing enormous challenges. As nurses and medical staff have passed through my grandmother’s room, I’ve picked up little snippets of information – enough to know that EVERYBODY has issues and struggles… some of them pretty huge! My prayer is that your faith is as big as your challenges… that even when you struggle, you do not give up. Remember Jesus and His sufferings… and that He is with you in your own trials. Hold fast to the promise of better days and the wonderful comfort of One who counts each of your tears and stores them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). Remember to “Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort.” May He give you comfort and renew your faith today… and always.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 20, 2011
John 13:36-38
Simon Peter asked, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "You can't go with me now, but later on you will." Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I go with you now? I would die for you!" "Would you really die for me?" Jesus asked. "I tell you for certain that before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don't even know me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If an emergency arises on an airplane, adult passengers traveling with a child are told to put on their oxygen masks first before they mask their children. This is to ensure that they have the capability to assist their little ones. In other words, they have to save themselves first in order to be able to save anyone else.
Sometimes there is a progression that must be followed in certain situations in order to obtain the desired outcome. Peter had to go through some things to strengthen his faith. Jesus knew this. He knew that Peter would ultimately be an amazing Apostle… and He referred to him as “the rock” in Matthew 16. That’s a pretty strong endorsement in my book! Yet Peter denied Jesus – three times!! - despite his insistence that this would never happen. And we often behave in much the same manner.
Who among us has not affirmed that we were faith-filled Christians who trust God to meet our every need… then whined, cried and wrung our hands over all sorts of issues both great and small? How many of us have claimed that God is our fortress… mighty and strong… then fallen apart and said, “I just can’t take this!”? Someone said to me recently, “I just want to be happy.” My response was that sometimes we have to be unhappy for a while in order to get to “happy!” And I think this is illustrated beautifully in this scripture passage. Jesus knew that Peter was going to have to suffer and go through some things in order to come out strong and truly dependent on Him for His strength and power.
None of us thinks we would blatantly deny Jesus Christ… yet we do this every day in many ways by wavering in our faith and wallowing in fear, self-pity, and impatience. We need to take a deep breath, say a heart-felt prayer, ask God to help us with whatever is challenging us in any way… then thank Him for answering according to His will. The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is still with us when we emerge from our trials and tribulations… He never deserts us… and for this we should be incredibly grateful.
We may never be “rock star” Apostles for Jesus… but we can become the most humble, devoted servants possible and witness for Him in every circumstance. We may have to go through some things and be unhappy or uncomfortable in order to become the Disciple of Christ that God desires. Or, we can continue to deny Jesus… whether we realize we are doing so or not… and wallow in the misery of the pit that Satan has designed for us. The choice is ours… how will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Simon Peter asked, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "You can't go with me now, but later on you will." Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I go with you now? I would die for you!" "Would you really die for me?" Jesus asked. "I tell you for certain that before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don't even know me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If an emergency arises on an airplane, adult passengers traveling with a child are told to put on their oxygen masks first before they mask their children. This is to ensure that they have the capability to assist their little ones. In other words, they have to save themselves first in order to be able to save anyone else.
Sometimes there is a progression that must be followed in certain situations in order to obtain the desired outcome. Peter had to go through some things to strengthen his faith. Jesus knew this. He knew that Peter would ultimately be an amazing Apostle… and He referred to him as “the rock” in Matthew 16. That’s a pretty strong endorsement in my book! Yet Peter denied Jesus – three times!! - despite his insistence that this would never happen. And we often behave in much the same manner.
Who among us has not affirmed that we were faith-filled Christians who trust God to meet our every need… then whined, cried and wrung our hands over all sorts of issues both great and small? How many of us have claimed that God is our fortress… mighty and strong… then fallen apart and said, “I just can’t take this!”? Someone said to me recently, “I just want to be happy.” My response was that sometimes we have to be unhappy for a while in order to get to “happy!” And I think this is illustrated beautifully in this scripture passage. Jesus knew that Peter was going to have to suffer and go through some things in order to come out strong and truly dependent on Him for His strength and power.
None of us thinks we would blatantly deny Jesus Christ… yet we do this every day in many ways by wavering in our faith and wallowing in fear, self-pity, and impatience. We need to take a deep breath, say a heart-felt prayer, ask God to help us with whatever is challenging us in any way… then thank Him for answering according to His will. The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is still with us when we emerge from our trials and tribulations… He never deserts us… and for this we should be incredibly grateful.
We may never be “rock star” Apostles for Jesus… but we can become the most humble, devoted servants possible and witness for Him in every circumstance. We may have to go through some things and be unhappy or uncomfortable in order to become the Disciple of Christ that God desires. Or, we can continue to deny Jesus… whether we realize we are doing so or not… and wallow in the misery of the pit that Satan has designed for us. The choice is ours… how will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 27, 2011
Psalm 115:12-18
O God, remember us and bless us, bless the families of Israel and Aaron. And let God bless all who fear God—bless the small, bless the great. Oh, let God enlarge your families—giving growth to you, growth to your children. May you be blessed by God, by God, who made heaven and earth. The heaven of heavens is for God, but he put us in charge of the earth.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Lately I have found myself torn in a dozen directions… hurrying here and there… spending time with Timothy… checking on my grandmother… taking care of my husband and our household… checking in with friends and other family members… grocery shopping, cleaning, and squeezing in a writing project or two here and there. The days are full… just like yours, perhaps! It’s easy to get caught up in the hectic bustle of daily living and forget to stop and count our blessings. But that is exactly what we need to do!
So today, while I bake banana bread, I will thank God for providing me with plenty to eat – and a beautiful, cozy kitchen in which to prepare our meals. While I drive to my grandmother’s apartment to visit her, I will thank God for blessing me with such faithful, Christian parents and grandparents. When I pick up Timothy at daycare, I will thank God for the loving teachers who care for him and help him grow and learn…and I will thank Him for the joy and laughter of children and how they enrich our lives.
All through the day, I will be thanking God for my wonderful husband and the abundance we share in our lives together. As I look around at the beauty of this glorious fall day, I will thank Him for blessing us with gorgeousautumn weather, bright sunshine, and cool, crisp mornings. I will praise God for blessing us with the gift of His Son – and the promise of eternity in Heaven.
Tomorrow, the world may seem to fall apart. There may be illnesses, death, disappointment, and certainly plenty of “busyness” to fill the day… all a part of life. But even then, I am going to make time to praise God for His blessings… because there will always be more blessings than challenges. What about you? Are you remembering to count your blessings… and to thank God for each of them? Isn’t today a good time to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
O God, remember us and bless us, bless the families of Israel and Aaron. And let God bless all who fear God—bless the small, bless the great. Oh, let God enlarge your families—giving growth to you, growth to your children. May you be blessed by God, by God, who made heaven and earth. The heaven of heavens is for God, but he put us in charge of the earth.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Lately I have found myself torn in a dozen directions… hurrying here and there… spending time with Timothy… checking on my grandmother… taking care of my husband and our household… checking in with friends and other family members… grocery shopping, cleaning, and squeezing in a writing project or two here and there. The days are full… just like yours, perhaps! It’s easy to get caught up in the hectic bustle of daily living and forget to stop and count our blessings. But that is exactly what we need to do!
So today, while I bake banana bread, I will thank God for providing me with plenty to eat – and a beautiful, cozy kitchen in which to prepare our meals. While I drive to my grandmother’s apartment to visit her, I will thank God for blessing me with such faithful, Christian parents and grandparents. When I pick up Timothy at daycare, I will thank God for the loving teachers who care for him and help him grow and learn…and I will thank Him for the joy and laughter of children and how they enrich our lives.
All through the day, I will be thanking God for my wonderful husband and the abundance we share in our lives together. As I look around at the beauty of this glorious fall day, I will thank Him for blessing us with gorgeousautumn weather, bright sunshine, and cool, crisp mornings. I will praise God for blessing us with the gift of His Son – and the promise of eternity in Heaven.
Tomorrow, the world may seem to fall apart. There may be illnesses, death, disappointment, and certainly plenty of “busyness” to fill the day… all a part of life. But even then, I am going to make time to praise God for His blessings… because there will always be more blessings than challenges. What about you? Are you remembering to count your blessings… and to thank God for each of them? Isn’t today a good time to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 7, 2011
John 9:1-11
As Jesus walked along, he saw a man who had been blind since birth. Jesus' disciples asked, "Teacher, why was this man born blind? Was it because he or his parents sinned?" "No, it wasn't!" Jesus answered. "But because of his blindness, you will see God work a miracle for him. As long as it is day, we must do what the one who sent me wants me to do. When night comes, no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light for the world."
After Jesus said this, he spit on the ground. He made some mud and smeared it on the man's eyes. Then he said, "Go and wash off the mud in Siloam Pool." The man went and washed in Siloam, which means "One Who Is Sent." When he had washed off the mud, he could see.
The man's neighbors and the people who had seen him begging wondered if he really could be the same man. Some of them said he was the same beggar, while others said he only looked like him. But he told them, "I am that man."
"Then how can you see?" they asked. He answered, "Someone named Jesus made some mud and smeared it on my eyes. He told me to go and wash it off in Siloam Pool. When I did, I could see."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine having a baby… anticipating the birth… preparing, planning, and counting the days… and then the doctors tell you, “Your child is blind.” Surely you would ask, “What happened?” and wonder if perhaps you (the parents) did something wrong. Even if you knew you did everything perfectly and followed doctors’ orders to the letter during the pregnancy, you might ask, “Is this God’s way of punishing me for something I’ve done?” Clearly, Jesus mandates to all parents here in this passage that this is not God’s intention. In fact, He explains that such things are opportunities for us to witness God’s miracles in action.
This was the case for my friend, MawMac, who recently died. A tragic set of circumstances at birth caused her precious daughter, Mary, to have cerebral palsy. Born nearly 60 years ago, Mary could easily have been tucked away at home or in an institution, as people did with children who suffered such maladies “back then.” But Mary’s parents treated her as normally as possible… and I don’t have time or space to tell you all of the miracles that countless people witnessed through her affliction and how her family handled them.
In much the same manner, we all have challenges and issues that we would love to blame on our childhood, our parents, or even God’s punishment. But we cannot. Remember… God does not make mistakes. Each challenge, blemish, unfortunate circumstance, or deformity is a chance for us to see God’s miraculous power at work. God can use these situations to teach us faith, grace, mercy… to show us His healing power… and to teach us patience and perseverance. God can show us how to grow in our love for Him… and how to have courage when things seem to go awry at every turn.
Every circumstance is an opportunity for God to teach us more about Him… to share His miraculous love and power. What is He teaching you today? What challenges are you facing? Are you allowing Him to help you see them as stumbling blocks… or miracles in the making?
©2011 Debbie Robus
As Jesus walked along, he saw a man who had been blind since birth. Jesus' disciples asked, "Teacher, why was this man born blind? Was it because he or his parents sinned?" "No, it wasn't!" Jesus answered. "But because of his blindness, you will see God work a miracle for him. As long as it is day, we must do what the one who sent me wants me to do. When night comes, no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light for the world."
After Jesus said this, he spit on the ground. He made some mud and smeared it on the man's eyes. Then he said, "Go and wash off the mud in Siloam Pool." The man went and washed in Siloam, which means "One Who Is Sent." When he had washed off the mud, he could see.
The man's neighbors and the people who had seen him begging wondered if he really could be the same man. Some of them said he was the same beggar, while others said he only looked like him. But he told them, "I am that man."
"Then how can you see?" they asked. He answered, "Someone named Jesus made some mud and smeared it on my eyes. He told me to go and wash it off in Siloam Pool. When I did, I could see."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine having a baby… anticipating the birth… preparing, planning, and counting the days… and then the doctors tell you, “Your child is blind.” Surely you would ask, “What happened?” and wonder if perhaps you (the parents) did something wrong. Even if you knew you did everything perfectly and followed doctors’ orders to the letter during the pregnancy, you might ask, “Is this God’s way of punishing me for something I’ve done?” Clearly, Jesus mandates to all parents here in this passage that this is not God’s intention. In fact, He explains that such things are opportunities for us to witness God’s miracles in action.
This was the case for my friend, MawMac, who recently died. A tragic set of circumstances at birth caused her precious daughter, Mary, to have cerebral palsy. Born nearly 60 years ago, Mary could easily have been tucked away at home or in an institution, as people did with children who suffered such maladies “back then.” But Mary’s parents treated her as normally as possible… and I don’t have time or space to tell you all of the miracles that countless people witnessed through her affliction and how her family handled them.
In much the same manner, we all have challenges and issues that we would love to blame on our childhood, our parents, or even God’s punishment. But we cannot. Remember… God does not make mistakes. Each challenge, blemish, unfortunate circumstance, or deformity is a chance for us to see God’s miraculous power at work. God can use these situations to teach us faith, grace, mercy… to show us His healing power… and to teach us patience and perseverance. God can show us how to grow in our love for Him… and how to have courage when things seem to go awry at every turn.
Every circumstance is an opportunity for God to teach us more about Him… to share His miraculous love and power. What is He teaching you today? What challenges are you facing? Are you allowing Him to help you see them as stumbling blocks… or miracles in the making?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 1, 2011
Deuteronomy 8:1-5
Keep and live out the entire commandment that I'm commanding you today so that you'll live and prosper and enter and own the land that GOD promised to your ancestors. Remember every road that GOD led you on for those forty years in the wilderness, pushing you to your limits, testing you so that he would know what you were made of, whether you would keep his commandments or not. He put you through hard times. He made you go hungry. Then he fed you with manna, something neither you nor your parents knew anything about, so you would learn that men and women don't live by bread only; we live by every word that comes from GOD's mouth. Your clothes didn't wear out and your feet didn't blister those forty years. You learned deep in your heart that GOD disciplines you in the same ways a father disciplines his child.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We’re probably at or near mid-term for a lot of students… and that means one thing – tests. Why do we have tests anyway? What purpose do they serve? Tests are a means for the instructor to determine whether or not we have learned the lessons that were given. If your experience is anything like mine, there will be tests that push your limits… times you felt poorly prepared… and maybe some near failures. But hopefully you will muster the courage and determination to keep going… to forge ahead… to try again. And in the end… you will learn many things.
The age old question for many of us is, “Why must God test me?” We wonder… “Why we are allowed to suffer, to falter, and sometimes to fail?” We ask each other – and ourselves – why relationships don’t work out… why plans don’t materialize… why we don’t get this job or that scholarship…why people have to get sick and/or die…and we ask God, “Why did You let this happen?”
The answer is pretty clear. God tests us to strengthen us. He wants to see if we are really walking in faith… or if we are just playing along and giving Him lip service. He wants to ensure that we have what it takes to depend on Him alone… and not our own strength and abilities. If God never tested us, we would never grow in our relationship with Him. If everything ran along smoothly – as God could certainly accomplish – we would become so arrogant and sure of our own capabilities that we would not fully trust in God to give us what we need.
So the tests come… to all of us. Somehow, knowing WHY we are being tested helps me to stay confident and optimistic. Knowing that God is using my challenges to help me grow more in my relationship with Him gives me courage… and a desire to say, “Bring it on, LORD! I know You won’t give me more than I can handle!”
I’m like most people… I’ve never liked tests… and I am sure I won’t like all of the “exams” that God presents to me in my lifetime. If I stay faithful and persevere… if I call on God to help me through each challenge and truly believe in Him to do so… I have no doubt that someday He will reward me with a passing grade. God’s grace is sufficient for all of my needs… and He will meet all of yours as well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Keep and live out the entire commandment that I'm commanding you today so that you'll live and prosper and enter and own the land that GOD promised to your ancestors. Remember every road that GOD led you on for those forty years in the wilderness, pushing you to your limits, testing you so that he would know what you were made of, whether you would keep his commandments or not. He put you through hard times. He made you go hungry. Then he fed you with manna, something neither you nor your parents knew anything about, so you would learn that men and women don't live by bread only; we live by every word that comes from GOD's mouth. Your clothes didn't wear out and your feet didn't blister those forty years. You learned deep in your heart that GOD disciplines you in the same ways a father disciplines his child.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We’re probably at or near mid-term for a lot of students… and that means one thing – tests. Why do we have tests anyway? What purpose do they serve? Tests are a means for the instructor to determine whether or not we have learned the lessons that were given. If your experience is anything like mine, there will be tests that push your limits… times you felt poorly prepared… and maybe some near failures. But hopefully you will muster the courage and determination to keep going… to forge ahead… to try again. And in the end… you will learn many things.
The age old question for many of us is, “Why must God test me?” We wonder… “Why we are allowed to suffer, to falter, and sometimes to fail?” We ask each other – and ourselves – why relationships don’t work out… why plans don’t materialize… why we don’t get this job or that scholarship…why people have to get sick and/or die…and we ask God, “Why did You let this happen?”
The answer is pretty clear. God tests us to strengthen us. He wants to see if we are really walking in faith… or if we are just playing along and giving Him lip service. He wants to ensure that we have what it takes to depend on Him alone… and not our own strength and abilities. If God never tested us, we would never grow in our relationship with Him. If everything ran along smoothly – as God could certainly accomplish – we would become so arrogant and sure of our own capabilities that we would not fully trust in God to give us what we need.
So the tests come… to all of us. Somehow, knowing WHY we are being tested helps me to stay confident and optimistic. Knowing that God is using my challenges to help me grow more in my relationship with Him gives me courage… and a desire to say, “Bring it on, LORD! I know You won’t give me more than I can handle!”
I’m like most people… I’ve never liked tests… and I am sure I won’t like all of the “exams” that God presents to me in my lifetime. If I stay faithful and persevere… if I call on God to help me through each challenge and truly believe in Him to do so… I have no doubt that someday He will reward me with a passing grade. God’s grace is sufficient for all of my needs… and He will meet all of yours as well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 15, 2011
Psalm 51:1-2
You are kind, God! Please have pity on me. You are always merciful! Please wipe away my sins. Wash me clean from all of my sin and guilt.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Every year when I revisit The Purpose Driven Life, I gain new insights. God continues to show me things through His word and individual studies of the Bible and Christian life. These last few days, I’ve been reminded of our importance to God and how forgiving He can be. If you think for one minute that you are not important to God, you are sadly mistaken. And if you think He can’t forgive you for whatever mistakes you have made, you are doubly wrong.
“But I keep being tested,” you may say. “Why would God test me and allow life to be so hard and hurtful if He really loves me?” One of my early studies this week spoke about testing, and Pastor Warren said this… “You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, underserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. A very important test is how you act when you can’t feel God’s presence in your life. God never allows the tests you face to be greater than the grace He gives you to handle them.”
So what does this mean for us? Does this mean God wants us to suffer and make mistakes? First of all, our “suffering” can never come close to the suffering Jesus endured on our behalf… no matter how bad we feel our situation may be. And secondly, God doesn’t make mistakes… and He doesn’t do things on a whim. We can’t begin to understand His purposes… and that is the point. He wants us to trust Him… to consider every single incident in our lives as not only a test, but an opportunity to accomplish His will.
So when you are confronted with illness, an unpleasant boss or co-worker, a really difficult teacher, or even a parent you feel is being unreasonable, you have an opportunity to go one of two ways… you can honor your faith in God and operate in love, grace and mercy, or you can let the devil have control and wallow in anger, self-pity, frustration, and more. When things don’t go like you want – you lose your job and can’t find another – or you don’t get the job you want… when your relationships seem to fall apart… when “life” seems to kick you in the gut… these are not just “tests” – they are opportunities.
Ask God to show you how to serve Him in even the most insignificant events… from school work to cleaning your room/home/car to doing your very best in the workplace and your community. Consider the daily “tests” of life to be opportunities for growth – and understand that when you “fail” them or fall short, God is ready to forgive you and strengthen you for the next time. The key is seeking Him… calling on God to forgive you and help you to grow… and following through in a genuine effort to do better afterward.
Rick Warren says “Life is about letting God use you for HIS purposes – not your using Him for your own.” Are you focusing on God and trusting Him to guide your daily choices? Have you asked Him to forgive you and restore you to a stronger Christian walk? Isn’t today a good time to start?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You are kind, God! Please have pity on me. You are always merciful! Please wipe away my sins. Wash me clean from all of my sin and guilt.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Every year when I revisit The Purpose Driven Life, I gain new insights. God continues to show me things through His word and individual studies of the Bible and Christian life. These last few days, I’ve been reminded of our importance to God and how forgiving He can be. If you think for one minute that you are not important to God, you are sadly mistaken. And if you think He can’t forgive you for whatever mistakes you have made, you are doubly wrong.
“But I keep being tested,” you may say. “Why would God test me and allow life to be so hard and hurtful if He really loves me?” One of my early studies this week spoke about testing, and Pastor Warren said this… “You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, underserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. A very important test is how you act when you can’t feel God’s presence in your life. God never allows the tests you face to be greater than the grace He gives you to handle them.”
So what does this mean for us? Does this mean God wants us to suffer and make mistakes? First of all, our “suffering” can never come close to the suffering Jesus endured on our behalf… no matter how bad we feel our situation may be. And secondly, God doesn’t make mistakes… and He doesn’t do things on a whim. We can’t begin to understand His purposes… and that is the point. He wants us to trust Him… to consider every single incident in our lives as not only a test, but an opportunity to accomplish His will.
So when you are confronted with illness, an unpleasant boss or co-worker, a really difficult teacher, or even a parent you feel is being unreasonable, you have an opportunity to go one of two ways… you can honor your faith in God and operate in love, grace and mercy, or you can let the devil have control and wallow in anger, self-pity, frustration, and more. When things don’t go like you want – you lose your job and can’t find another – or you don’t get the job you want… when your relationships seem to fall apart… when “life” seems to kick you in the gut… these are not just “tests” – they are opportunities.
Ask God to show you how to serve Him in even the most insignificant events… from school work to cleaning your room/home/car to doing your very best in the workplace and your community. Consider the daily “tests” of life to be opportunities for growth – and understand that when you “fail” them or fall short, God is ready to forgive you and strengthen you for the next time. The key is seeking Him… calling on God to forgive you and help you to grow… and following through in a genuine effort to do better afterward.
Rick Warren says “Life is about letting God use you for HIS purposes – not your using Him for your own.” Are you focusing on God and trusting Him to guide your daily choices? Have you asked Him to forgive you and restore you to a stronger Christian walk? Isn’t today a good time to start?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 16, 2010
Isaiah 38:16-19
Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me. Please make me healthy and strong again. It was for my own good that I had such hard times. But your love protected me from doom in the deep pit, and you turned your eyes none of those in the deep pit can hope for you to show them how faithful you are. Only the living can thank you, as I am doing today. Each generation tells the next about your faithfulness...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I started following the story of Job McCully from Bigelow, Arkansas, (his name is pronounced “JOBE” – like the man whose story is recorded in the Bible) in 2006. Job was diagnosed with leukemia and received a bone marrow transplant in 2002, at the age of four. He went into remission until the following year, but then he developed RSV pneumonia and other lung issues, and subsequently, his lungs deteriorated to the point that the only hope was a lung transplant. In 2006, Job was treated in children’s hospitals from Little Rock to Houston to St. Louis, logging more than 365 consecutive days in the hospital.
More than once during this time, doctors told Job’s parents, “He won’t make it. Sign papers to remove life support if needed. This is it.” Every time, Job’s parents walked away. Job’s mother would politely say something to the effect of, “When God tells me to sign, I will… but He has not told me to do so.” Job suffered so much and was so weary and weak… his little body was poked and prodded, and I have to tell you, I began to wonder if it wouldn’t be better to let him go to heaven and be with Jesus. The faith of this child never wavered, unlike mine.
On December 11, 2007, Job received new lungs. Truly, the “eleventh hour” had come, and this was his only hope of survival. Job’s mother Tina kept a journal throughout his ordeal on a website called CaringBridge, and she often wrote such notes as this: Dear Lord, please have mercy and compassion on Job and heal his little body. Restore him to perfect health. In Jesus’ name I ask. AMEN. I have to believe that every person who read Tina’s posts – and those of Job’s grandmother (who was enduring her own battle with breast cancer) – were lifted and given renewed hope and faith in God’s promises. And I know that I was humbled by their steadfast belief that God would heal this little boy.
Since the transplant, Job has survived Histoplasmosis (a lung disease the doctors didn’t know was in his transplanted organs), CMV, Adenovirus… and now he is diabetic. He is taking treatments for bone density… his bones are so weak that a knee gave out as he walked down the hall at school, and his foot broke in three places. The ABC Extreme Home Makeover team built Job’s family a new, safe, mold-free house in 2008.
Job is twelve now and in the seventh grade. His family is recovering from their ordeal, and they continue to be a source of inspiration to others as they share their story – and their faith. I am moved to tears as I read the journal entries and remember all that this family has endured… and how their faith remained steadfast. If you want to read this remarkable story for yourself, go to www.caringbridge.org/ar/job. And the next time you decide that your problems are too big, think of Job. Remember that the God who delivered this precious boy… gave him new lungs and new hopes and dreams… the God who pulled him from the pit of death and despair… can deliver you, too. Nothing is too big for God. Until He says it’s finished, there’s always hope and a fight worth continuing.
Think of Job this December… thank God for using a now-12-year-old boy to show us how to escape the deep pits of our lives…and for continuing to use him as he lives out his faithfulness and shares the message of hope in Jesus for generations to come.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me. Please make me healthy and strong again. It was for my own good that I had such hard times. But your love protected me from doom in the deep pit, and you turned your eyes none of those in the deep pit can hope for you to show them how faithful you are. Only the living can thank you, as I am doing today. Each generation tells the next about your faithfulness...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I started following the story of Job McCully from Bigelow, Arkansas, (his name is pronounced “JOBE” – like the man whose story is recorded in the Bible) in 2006. Job was diagnosed with leukemia and received a bone marrow transplant in 2002, at the age of four. He went into remission until the following year, but then he developed RSV pneumonia and other lung issues, and subsequently, his lungs deteriorated to the point that the only hope was a lung transplant. In 2006, Job was treated in children’s hospitals from Little Rock to Houston to St. Louis, logging more than 365 consecutive days in the hospital.
More than once during this time, doctors told Job’s parents, “He won’t make it. Sign papers to remove life support if needed. This is it.” Every time, Job’s parents walked away. Job’s mother would politely say something to the effect of, “When God tells me to sign, I will… but He has not told me to do so.” Job suffered so much and was so weary and weak… his little body was poked and prodded, and I have to tell you, I began to wonder if it wouldn’t be better to let him go to heaven and be with Jesus. The faith of this child never wavered, unlike mine.
On December 11, 2007, Job received new lungs. Truly, the “eleventh hour” had come, and this was his only hope of survival. Job’s mother Tina kept a journal throughout his ordeal on a website called CaringBridge, and she often wrote such notes as this: Dear Lord, please have mercy and compassion on Job and heal his little body. Restore him to perfect health. In Jesus’ name I ask. AMEN. I have to believe that every person who read Tina’s posts – and those of Job’s grandmother (who was enduring her own battle with breast cancer) – were lifted and given renewed hope and faith in God’s promises. And I know that I was humbled by their steadfast belief that God would heal this little boy.
Since the transplant, Job has survived Histoplasmosis (a lung disease the doctors didn’t know was in his transplanted organs), CMV, Adenovirus… and now he is diabetic. He is taking treatments for bone density… his bones are so weak that a knee gave out as he walked down the hall at school, and his foot broke in three places. The ABC Extreme Home Makeover team built Job’s family a new, safe, mold-free house in 2008.
Job is twelve now and in the seventh grade. His family is recovering from their ordeal, and they continue to be a source of inspiration to others as they share their story – and their faith. I am moved to tears as I read the journal entries and remember all that this family has endured… and how their faith remained steadfast. If you want to read this remarkable story for yourself, go to www.caringbridge.org/ar/job. And the next time you decide that your problems are too big, think of Job. Remember that the God who delivered this precious boy… gave him new lungs and new hopes and dreams… the God who pulled him from the pit of death and despair… can deliver you, too. Nothing is too big for God. Until He says it’s finished, there’s always hope and a fight worth continuing.
Think of Job this December… thank God for using a now-12-year-old boy to show us how to escape the deep pits of our lives…and for continuing to use him as he lives out his faithfulness and shares the message of hope in Jesus for generations to come.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 9, 2010
Psalm 143:8
Listen, LORD, as I pray! You are faithful and honest and will answer my prayer. I am your servant. Don't try me in your court, because no one is innocent by your standards. My enemies are chasing me, crushing me in the ground. I am in total darkness, like someone long dead.
I have given up all hope, and I feel numb all over. I remember to think about the many things you did in years gone by. Then I lift my hands in prayer, because my soul is a desert, thirsty for water from you. Please hurry, LORD, and answer my prayer. I feel hopeless. Don't turn away and leave me here to die.
Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have never felt hopeless or like you were being crushed in the ground, you probably will someday. You’ll get a diagnosis that scares the socks off of you, or you will lose a loved one, or you’ll have to figure out how you are going to make ends meet on a salary cut – or after you lose your job… or you will have to choose a college and figure out how to pay the tuition… or you will grow old and have to face choices about moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Someday, somehow, a challenge is going to knock you to your knees. The question is… what will you do? Who will you call on to help you? Who will you trust? I don’t care what human being you call on… if you don’t call on God, you will miss the mark and fail to have the best outcome or make the best decision! It really is that critical. If you don’t believe me, just ask a few people who faced major challenges and tried to figure things out on their own… or with the help of “mere mortals.”
The only One who can rescue you when you are “numb all over” is God. The only One who can restore your hope, set you upright and give you perfect guidance is our Heavenly Father. And you know what? He will do exactly that, if only we will trust Him! We may not exactly like His answers… or His timing. But if we will wake up each morning and ask, “Okay, Lord… what do you have for me today?”… He will answer… and He will amaze you with His wisdom.
Have you spoken to God today about your challenges? Isn’t it time you did?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Listen, LORD, as I pray! You are faithful and honest and will answer my prayer. I am your servant. Don't try me in your court, because no one is innocent by your standards. My enemies are chasing me, crushing me in the ground. I am in total darkness, like someone long dead.
I have given up all hope, and I feel numb all over. I remember to think about the many things you did in years gone by. Then I lift my hands in prayer, because my soul is a desert, thirsty for water from you. Please hurry, LORD, and answer my prayer. I feel hopeless. Don't turn away and leave me here to die.
Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have never felt hopeless or like you were being crushed in the ground, you probably will someday. You’ll get a diagnosis that scares the socks off of you, or you will lose a loved one, or you’ll have to figure out how you are going to make ends meet on a salary cut – or after you lose your job… or you will have to choose a college and figure out how to pay the tuition… or you will grow old and have to face choices about moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Someday, somehow, a challenge is going to knock you to your knees. The question is… what will you do? Who will you call on to help you? Who will you trust? I don’t care what human being you call on… if you don’t call on God, you will miss the mark and fail to have the best outcome or make the best decision! It really is that critical. If you don’t believe me, just ask a few people who faced major challenges and tried to figure things out on their own… or with the help of “mere mortals.”
The only One who can rescue you when you are “numb all over” is God. The only One who can restore your hope, set you upright and give you perfect guidance is our Heavenly Father. And you know what? He will do exactly that, if only we will trust Him! We may not exactly like His answers… or His timing. But if we will wake up each morning and ask, “Okay, Lord… what do you have for me today?”… He will answer… and He will amaze you with His wisdom.
Have you spoken to God today about your challenges? Isn’t it time you did?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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