Daily Devotional for October 18, 2016

Matthew 5:4
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

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.

Sunday, I took the children to our local fish hatchery.  We went inside and looked at glass displays of mounted fish and a salamander.  These displays once held water and live animals…and the children could not understand why this was not the case now.  They speculated aloud that perhaps if water was put back into the tanks, the animals would rejuvenate and come back to life.  I told them this was not the case…that once the animals were dead, that was final.  Timothy quipped, “Yes…once you’re dead…you’re dead.”  When you stop and consider this statement – and all that it encompasses - this is a sobering thought.

Last night, I sat down and wrote out four sympathy cards.  Three of my friends have just lost their mothers…another lost her father.  I cannot count on both hands the friends who have lost a parent this year…and that does not even take into consideration people I know who have lost a spouse, sibling, grandparent, close friend or relative…or pet.  The number probably seems more palpable because of my own losses – and my age.  Still…it is profound.

When I read this passage, I was truly struck by the first line…”You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you.”  How can this be?  How can we feel blessed when our loved one has left us forever?  How can it be a blessing to know that death is final…that we might have to live for decades without this person or animal we hold so dear?  When we lose a home to natural disaster…or a job we depended on and truly loved…how can we possibly feel blessed?  When our health is taken from us, and we must struggle and suffer with an injury or illness for days/weeks/years, how can this be a good thing?  And yet, this is exactly what Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:4.

We can be blessed in mourning because of Jesus.  When we are emptied out…stripped bare and completely vulnerable…He wraps His arms around us and whispers, “I am here…you are not alone.”  We turn to Jesus and fall into His amazing embrace…and we rest there.  He shields us from more grief and heartache than we can bear at any given minute…and we learn to rely on Him exponentially – for everything.  So yes, when we lose what is most dear, we can be truly blessed.

I have to remind myself of this often…but I know that Jesus spoke truth.  And I cling to this promise…and to Him. I cannot change the losses in my life, but I can change how I handle them…and what I do with my grief.  I choose to rest in Jesus’ arms and allow Him to comfort and guide me…to console me when I am sad - and encourage me every day.  He will do the same thing for anyone else who surrenders to Him.

What about you?  Are you ready to let Jesus embrace you and bless you – even in as you experience profound loss?  Isn’t it time you were?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 16, 2016

Matthew 5:1-3
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.”

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.
         
I don’t even have to ask if you’ve ever been “at the end of your rope.”  We all have “been there – done that”…sometimes more than once!  But how often have you considered this a blessing?  I can assure you, there have been times when I have been out of viable options…when things looked about as bleak as they could be and there was no way to “fix” this…when I had no choice but to concede that “the handwriting was on the wall” – and I could not change anything.

As I look back on these times, I see that God made the difference.  He filled in the gaps and gave me hope.  He equipped me for whatever I was facing…and yes, at times, He shielded me from the devastation and grief over what I was experiencing.  Often, when we are at the end of our rope, God doles out the impact in [relatively] more manageable doses so that we are not overwhelmed…and I am so grateful for this blessing.

I don’t know what your “rope” looks like today – or where your hands are positioned.  But I do know that God has you in HIS grip…and He will never let you go. God is ready, willing, and able to give you more of Him to compensate for less of you.  Your job is to surrender and trust Him to supply your every need – and then some!

My prayer today is that we would all come to the point where we are able to recognize God’s blessings - even in what seems like the worst of circumstances. I pray that when we reach the end of our rope (and we all will at one time or another)…we are able to trust God to tie a knot and sustain us as only He can.  With less of us, there is room for more of God. And that is always a good thing…and a blessing.  Are you ready to let Him bless you in every circumstance?  Will this be the day that you let God control the rope?  

©2016 Debbie Robus 

Daily Devotional for February 3, 2016

Psalm 86:11
Tell me where you want me to go and I will go there. May every fiber of my being unite in reverence to your name.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
       
Sometimes, events or circumstances seem to stop us in our tracks, and we do well to put one foot in front of the other. The first few days after our loved ones passed, Greg and I pretty well went where we were told.  We knew we had to be at this place at this hour…and that place the next.  While my mother was hospitalized and on Hospice care, I got right up each morning and did what had to be done all day…with little thought or question.  Now, there are mornings when I lie in bed and give myself a pep talk to get up and get going.

This is grief and mourning in action…and I know that it will pass.  And you may be going through some of these same things. You may not be grieving the death of a loved one…but you may be dealing with an illness…the loss of a job or a cut in pay…a class load that is difficult – or doesn’t present a challenge (and both can be stressful)…bills that are piling up…relationship problems…aging…and more - the list is endless.  The common denominator is a sense of aimlessness…a deep-seated feeling that you need someone to point you in the right direction – and give you a big shove.

This is what God can do for us.  He can show us where to go – and how to get there.  We don’t have to have all of the answers – at least not now.  We just have to trust Him to get us where we need to be…and to watch and listen for His guidance.

I am so grateful to have God’s leadership.  I begin each day by asking Him to show me what to do…TODAY.  In the movie “Gone With the Wind,” Scarlett O’Hara says, “…tomorrow is another day.”  This may be true…but you and I will not always be promised tomorrow.  So we must trust God to get us through this day…and He will!  We must be willing to say, “LORD…tell me where You want me to go, and I will go there.”  We must revere His authority, respect His plans…and trust His directions.

If you read the 17th verse of Psalm 86 in The Message, it says, “Make a show of how much you love me so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed…as you, God, gently and powerfully put me back on my feet.”  These “bullies” refer to the devil and his attempts to pull you away from God with all of these challenges.  But God is ready and able to put us back on our feet – if only we will trust Him to do so.  Are you ready and willing to do follow His lead?  Don’t you think you should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 28, 2016

Psalm 119:33-40   
God, teach me lessons for living
    so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
    my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
    I love traveling this freeway!
Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
    and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
    invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
    promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
    but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
    preserve my life through your righteous ways!

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.
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This morning, Greg’s mother called and told us about an estate sale in a neighborhood near hers.  She wanted us to drive over and see all of the wonderful “treasures” for sale.  At one time, I would have been “all in!” I love a good estate sale, and when I was reselling items online and at a local antiques store, this would have really gotten me excited.  But today, all I could think of was, “It’s just stuff.”

I know this is in large part because of our present circumstances.  I have been sorting through things with my family that my mother wanted me to have…and the items she wanted my sister, my niece and me to divide amongst us.  I spent two months last winter clearing every closet and drawer in my house of clutter and “stuff” – for our benefit, and to save someone else from having to do it someday.  And now I find myself bringing in more “things.”

We will get through this…it happens to everyone who loses a loved one.  But what I really want to focus on right now is my family…and the faith in God that sustains me…not the “stuff.”  I know what really matters…and it’s not Aunt Susie’s butter dish or Grandma’s diamond ring.  Yes, there are items that hold great memories for us…things that are sentimental and significant.  But they are only representations of the person who owned them – and our relationship with him/her is what truly matters.

This is a good reminder for us not to get caught up in things that don’t aren’t really important.  It’s not about the “stuff” – but rather the person behind those items.  It’s not about the physical things...what matters is our relationship with God and how we are allowing Him to use us. 

And one more thing…it’s also not about what others think.  I will admit that I have been beating myself up a bit because I do not feel emotionally strong enough at this point to attend worship…much less a funeral service or visitation – even for a dear friend.  I have questioned how this reflects my claim to trust in God completely and exercise great faith. I received a card in the mail from my fourth grade teacher, who is also a close friend to my family.  She gently suggested that I give myself a break…that I take time to breathe - and heal…to let God wrap His arms around me and comfort me for a season.  This dependency on God actually IS a demonstration of faith!

This is good advice for a lot of situations where we rush to heal and get better too quickly…where we don’t take time to call on God to help us – and give Him time to do so!  Whatever you are experiencing today, know that God is with you.  He never leaves us.  Give Him space – and the time – to work in your life.  Clean out the clutter and focus on what is truly important.  God will help you to heal…He will help you get back on track when the time is right…and stay the course!  Aren’t you ready to let Him?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 27, 2016

Psalm 119:120
I shiver in awe before you;
    your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.

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.

Yesterday, the gates of Heaven were opened wide for a friend and fellow church member, Patrick Hunt Dudeck, whose two-year battle with kidney cancer came to a close.  He was only midway through his 45th year…the husband to Kerri and father to Lauren, Seth and Rowe. Our pastor announced Sunday during worship that Pat had gone on Hospice care the day before.

As I sent messages of prayer and encouragement to Pat and Kerri and others who loved them, I noted that the waiting was so very hard.  We had accepted that death was eminent…but the question of exactly when and how left us anxious.  I remember this from waiting with my mother only two weeks ago – and sitting with other loved ones whose passing was close at hand.  And I remember the “shiver of awe” that washed over me when it was finished.

I love how The Message translation describes this “fear of the Lord.”  Have you ever felt this “shiver” for yourself?  Maybe for you it wasn’t when a loved one passed.  Perhaps it was the release and relief when a miracle happened in your life…you passed the test…got good news about a health scare…a baby was born…you were reunited with a loved one who had been away for a long time…you got the job – or the promotion…or the “storm” passed and left you unscathed.  Or maybe you felt this “shiver” and leaned on God when you got bad news and didn’t fall apart…you did something you didn’t think you would be able to manage…or life kicked you in the gut in some manner.

In all of these circumstances and many more, God’s decisions often leave us “speechless in reverence” – or they should.  Pat texted me on December 29th…”Got your note this morning…thank you!  I love the encouragement. From the beginning, I wanted this to glorify God and be a part of His bigger plan.  Thank you and Greg for your faith and prayers. God bless!”  THAT is reverence for God’s decisions.  We should all desire that everything about our lives would glorify God and be part of His bigger plan.

On January 12, Pat posted a note on Facebook he titled “Revelation.”  It said…” I've learned that everyday truly is a gift from the Lord above. I have always been told this, and believed it. But to truly grasp the rock solid meaning of that statement is a true gift in itself. My hope and prayer for anyone who hasn't, is to find that truth, and enjoy it. May God bless you!”  Today, this quote, superimposed over a portrait of the Dudeck family, has become the “profile picture” of countless people from our community.  Just as hundreds of people posted comments about my mother and echoed her unending faith a few weeks ago, Pat’s words have become another “rally cry” among many for the “shivering awe” and reverence for God’s plans and promises.

In another of our last message exchanges, I told Pat that I was not sure what God had up His sleeve with all of the things happening to him and my mother, but I had a feeling it was something BIG. I had no idea just how big it would be…or that they would both be with Jesus so soon. I most certainly did not know that Greg’s brother, Bruce, would precede them both. But I can tell you, they all got the better end of this deal!

As you spend time with God today, seek His decisions – all of them – with reverence and awe.  Humble yourself in His sight and truly feel His presence.  Know that every day…every circumstance…every experience is a gift from God.  He will walk through each one of them with you, no matter what is included.  If that doesn’t make you shiver with awe, you should probably check your “relationship status.”  Romans 8:28 reminds us…” And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.”  We have recently celebrated the lives of several servants who loved God and fit into His plans.  Can the same be said of you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 24, 2016

Psalm 103:11, 17
How great is God’s love for all
    who worship him?
    Greater than the distance
    between heaven and earth!

The Lord is always kind
    to those who worship him,
and he keeps his promises
to their descendants

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible, Used by Permission.

These days, heaven seems closer – and farther away – than ever!  So when I read Psalm 103:11, I thought of God’s love as both vast…and all-encompassing.  I envisioned God wrapping His arms around me and holding me closely as I settled in with Him and gave Him gratitude and glory for all that He has done for me.

As I read verse 17, I thought of my mother…the legacy of Christian faith that she left with her children and extended family.  And while it may not seem like the Lord has been very kind to us lately, I can assure you that He has indeed. He has not given us more than we can bear.  Oh, yes…there are moments when our hearts are so heavy and our minds cannot concentrate - and we think that we will surely fall apart completely.  But always…ALWAYS…God rescues us…and we thank Him for His grace and tender mercy.

Today, our respite came in the form of three little children – Timothy, Zola, and Nathan - who were eager to return to church and learn more about Jesus.  After lunch, we went to a local man-made “lake” to look at trumpeter swans that migrate here each winter.  The children fed the birds and ran along the fence that edges the big lake with the wild abandon of 3, 4, and 6-year-olds.  You cannot help but smile and laugh when you are with happy kids…and I know that God gave us that much-needed time of joy as a respite from our grief.

A young father of three elementary school-aged children is on the last leg of his journey with a 2-year cancer battle.  This dear friend is as ready as anyone ever is for God to call him home. It breaks our hearts to think that he will not be around to see his children grow up…to help his wife with all of the milestones and accomplishments…to nurture his family as its spiritual leader.  But as I look at the events of the last two years, I see much of what I observed with my own mother - a testament to God’s promises and glory…a person of tremendous faith and steadfast worship, even in the midst of great tribulation…an example for countless friends and acquaintances who are now surely closer to God because of His witness.

The lesson I have learned from my mother – and my friend – is that God’s love for each of us is vast AND all-encompassing, all at the same time.  We have seen amazing demonstrations of worship of the LORD in even the most trying circumstances…and we have seen the glory of His love rain down on those who were faithful…and their descendants.

This morning, Timothy got in the car and asked, “Why did Granny die?”  I told him that she got sick and could not get well, and God took her to heaven to live with Him.  He said, “She’s with Jesus now!”  “Yes,” I agreed…”and someday we will be with Jesus, too.  If you love Jesus and give Him your heart, you get to go to heaven someday.”  Timothy said, “Oh, I LOVE Jesus…even when I’m naughty and do bad things.”  I told him that Jesus loves HIM, too…even when he’s naughty. In my mother’s stead…I want to perpetuate the legacy of worship – and hope in God’s promises.  And as I get opportunities at church to share God’s love with my friend’s children, I hope to do that, also.

Look around…where can you demonstrate worship – and hope – that glorifies God and demonstrates His amazing love for each of us?  Where can you perpetuate to those around you – particularly future generations – how God’s love never fails?  Who has demonstrated this in your life?  Who has given you great examples for how it’s done?  Aren’t you ready to “carry the torch” and leave your own legacy of faith and love in Christ Jesus?  Isn’t it time you got started?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 23, 2016

Proverbs 3:7-12
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this.

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.

Today would be the 67th birthday of Greg’s brother, Bruce, who died on December 31st, 2015.  This cold, sunny morning, we visited his grave site for the first time…along with Greg’s mother.  We also went to the cemetery where my mother was buried 11 days later. If you had told me even a month ago that we would bury these two loved ones so soon, I would have said you were crazy.  And yet…here we are.

One of these days, I will stop talking about grief and our recent losses…I promise.  But several of you are “in the trenches” along with us right now, and I hope that my insights are helpful – for all of us.  Our emotions are still extremely raw…our grief is still profound.  And try as I might to squelch these feelings, I cannot.

When I turn to scripture, I see that there is every reason to experience grief – and no reason to try to suppress it.  To do so suggests that we have this all figured out on our own…that we don’t need the guidance and comfort of God…that we know it all!  And nothing could be further from the truth.

Psalm 94:19 says, “And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.”(CEV)  Psalm 142:1-3 says “I cry out loudly to God, loudly I plead with God for mercy. I spill out all my complaints before him, and spell out my troubles in detail: “As I sink in despair, my spirit ebbing away, you know how I’m feeling, know the danger I’m in, the traps hidden in my path.”(MSG)  And later in that same Psalm, verse 7 ends with this…“Your people will form a circle around me and you’ll bring me showers of blessing!”

God is showing us things, even in our grief and sadness. He is not punishing us. He is ushering us into more of a dependency on Him…demonstrating His strength and ability to comfort and make sense of our confusion. As we find ourselves wandering aimlessly through the day, God keeps us on track. Several times in the last couple of weeks, I’ve looked back and wondered how on earth I accomplished what I did in the state in which I have been. I know instantly that I did not do these things – God did!

So I am learning not to run from these feelings, weird and uncomfortable though they may be.  I am trusting God to sort it all out – and in HIS timing!  I am believing that He will give me a sense of direction and purpose again…heal my heart and soul – and even make me stronger because of all of this.  I pray that you are allowing God to do the same work in your life.  Whether you are grieving the loss of loved ones or working through something else, God wants to determine your course – and keep you on it.  Will you allow Him to do this?  Shouldn’t you?
   
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 21, 2016

John 16:19-20
Jesus knew they were dying to ask him what he meant, so he said, “Are you trying to figure out among yourselves what I meant when I said, ‘In a day or so you’re not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me’? Then fix this firmly in your minds: You’re going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You’ll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness.

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.

My sister-in-law mailed me a book about grief, Experiencing Grief* by H. Norman Wright, and I began reading it last night.  I thought I had a pretty good understanding of grief…I’ve lost my dad, my brother, my father-in-law, all of my grandparents – including my grandmother who was like a mother - beloved pets, and dear friends.  But none of this prepared me for losing my own mother – particularly when coupled with the sudden death of Greg’s brother a few days earlier. I find that my grief comes in waves…I am sometimes okay for several hours in a row – or even a full day or two.  And then something triggers the release, and I am overwhelmed.  This book is helping me to process my thoughts and feelings.

I tried to get back to my “routine” this week…including my workouts at the local Aquatic Center.  I had to admit that I was not ready to go back to the pool – a place I sometimes saw my mother and even shared a workout.  Both Greg and I find that we are not quite ready to be around people…particularly in group settings, like church, local sporting events - and most certainly funerals.  Two friends of ours also lost their mothers this week.  I sent cards and messages of condolence and encouragement, but that was all that I could muster for now.  We have strategically planned trips to the grocery store and other public places at times when we hope there will not be a lot of people around.

At the same time, we don’t want people to avoid or ignore us.  It’s okay to hug me if you see me…just know that I might cry!  Please don’t hesitate to ask, “How are you doing?” or to say, “I’m so sorry for what you are going through.”  We need to know that others care.  We just need to be able to feel whatever we are feeling in the moment without concern that others will be upset or become uncomfortable.

Why am I sharing this with you in a “devotional?” Grief comes to all of us.  If you have not experienced the loss of a loved one yet, you will at some point.  I want you to know that it is okay to feel your grief.  Even Jesus told His disciples that they would be very sad…but that in time, the sadness would give way to joy.  God understands our grief.  He grieves with us…He is sad when His children are hurting.  But He comforts us and brings us through the grief, if we will allow Him to do so.  And this may involve a season of sadness, crying and dealing with our pain.

I also want to speak to you as a “comforter” of others.  Don’t be afraid to approach those who are grieving…to speak of their departed loved one…to offer a hug and a smile and a kind word.  I remember distinctly thinking when my dad and brother were both ill that the whole world was going on around me, and it was like I was on some carnival ride from which I could not depart.  Don’t isolate others even more because you feel uncomfortable or fear saying/doing the wrong thing.  Be brief, but do acknowledge those who are grieving.  This, too, is part of what Jesus was talking about.  He always encouraged His followers to “love one another”…and comfort in times of grief represents a tremendous expression of the love of Christ.

The GOOD NEWS is that joy does come again for those of us who trust Jesus.  He has promised it is so.  I know that my mother and Greg’s brother now both sit at the Heavenly table…that they bask in the continual glow of Jesus’ presence and haven’t a care in the world.  All of the things that make up the “worries and concerns” of our days hold absolutely no significance for them.  And someday, we will join them.  This is my hope…my prayer…my reason to find joy in these days.

Someday, I will also sit face-to-face with Jesus…alongside all of those I love who are already there.  I have God’s permission to miss them now…for as long as it takes for me to heal. My job is to live for Him every minute I am on this earth…to minister to others who are also grieving and in need…and to remind us all that “sadness will develop into gladness.”  This is your job, too…how well are you doing?

©2016 Debbie Robus

*Experiencing Grief ~ ©2004 by H. Norman Wright ~ B&H Publishing Group

Daily Devotional for January 19, 2016

Proverbs 19:23
Showing respect to the Lord
    brings true life—
    if you do it, you can relax
    without fear of danger.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

One week ago this morning, the angels came for my mother and ushered her into Heaven.  We all knew my mother was battling cancer…a diagnosis she received in late September.  None of us wanted to believe that she would have such a short time left with us. On December 19th, we had no clue that one month later, Greg’s brother and sister-in-law would have been involved in a car crash that left the other driver dead and led to multiple surgeries for Greg’s brother – and his subsequent death ten days afterward.

In both instances, I distinctly felt a sense of fear and dread…not that these precious souls would die and leave us.  I knew that both of them were headed for Heaven – and a glorious Eternity in the presence of Jesus.  What stressed me was what might happen to them in the meantime…here…on earth.

From the day my mother was first diagnosed with cancer, my prayer and profound desire was that she not suffer…that she not become debilitated and emaciated…that she not endure tremendous pain and indignities that often come with this horrendous beast of a disease. I found myself asking God over and again to spare her these things…to protect her at every turn.

When my brother-in-law was scheduled to transfer to a rehab - where he would hopefully strengthen his body and fully recover so that he could go home and resume his daily living – I was concerned for his well-being.  How would he manage the rigid routine in his weakened condition?  How would he cope with the isolation from family members as he spent most hours of each day in exercise and therapy?

In both cases, I literally called out to God and said, “YOU have to fix this!  I cannot!  I surrender these situations completely to YOU, because they are far beyond my control – and I know that you love both of these people and want what is best for them.”  I had prayed a similar prayer when my dad suffered a paralyzing stroke after surgery that left him in danger of having both feet amputated. In his case, I knew that the only “solution” that made sense to me was for God to call him to heaven…and He did.  I don’t know that I truly considered this an “option” with my husband’s brother and my own mother.  But that is exactly what happened for them, as well.

My mother used to say that “Healing sometimes comes in death.” And she was right! While this is a hard pill for those of us left on this earth to swallow, there is a comfort in knowing that this “solution” was the perfect one for these three dear souls who truly loved the LORD. They are safe…they are whole…they are HOME…and they haven’t a care or a worry whatsoever.  As much as is humanly possible, our challenge is to operate in the same manner.  We may not be healthy and whole on this earth, but we can certainly feel safe, fearless, and confident in the care and protection of God Almighty.

I will not lie…our hearts are broken. I miss my brother-in-law and his quick wit.  I will miss his laugh.  Ever the typical “big brother,” I know that there were times that I exasperated him…but he was always in my corner.  And I miss my mother…especially her daily e-mails and our telephone talks.  I didn’t see her that often in the last several years. She traveled a lot and maintained a BUSY daily schedule.  But she would tell me, “I’m only a phone call away.”  Now, that “phone call” is a little beyond the realm of human possibility. I don’t know if/when I will ever adjust to that one!

Still, I find that for large chunks of the day, I am relaxed.  Nothing about these situations gives me fear or suggests danger or unrest.  For most of the time that my mother was ill and Greg’s brother was injured, I was what I described as “eerily calm.”  I knew this was God’s shield, protecting me from a wave of emotions that I could not handle.  When my brother-in-law died…and my mother entered the hospital - and then Hospice care - the “dam” broke.  Tears poured…often at the most inopportune times. But they have been healing and liberating…and God has comforted me even in those times of profound release.

What have I learned from this?  More powerfully than ever, I have learned to “let go and let God.”  There is NOTHING that He cannot handle…and He certainly does not need any input from me!  He is capable of executing all things.  MY JOB is to trust Him to do so…to respect His methods, His timing, and His impeccable attention to every detail.  As Mother’s pastor pointed out, we see a picture of how things are…but God’s picture is so much larger and broader – and far more grand.

Whatever is stressing you today…whatever challenges you face…whatever questions, worries, fears and frustrations you have – give them to God.  Trust that He has a bigger, better plan…that He can do what you cannot – and with complete perfection. “Let go and let God”…serve Him in all things and respect His sovereignty. Bask in the safety of His love and care and banish fear and dread from your life. God wants us to truly LIVE in Him…and we can’t do this if we are fearful and anxious.  How are YOU living these days?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 17, 2016

Proverbs 14:26-27
Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security.

Reverence for the Lord is a fountain of life; its waters keep a man from death.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

We all worried this last week about how our three little ones - Timothy, Zola and Nathan - would handle my mother’s death.  Ever since my grandmother died in March 2013, Timothy has assumed that anyone who was sick or old would die.  It happened to Mam-ma Polly…my mother’s dog, Spot…my sister’s dog, Wrinkles…and our cat, Lucy.  So anytime someone is sick – or we mention that “I’m just old,” - Timothy asks, “Are you going to die?”

Given that reference, we really didn’t know what to expect with the children.  They knew that Granny had been sick for a few months…but they had no clue what cancer was or how seriously ill she had become. My niece brought the children to visit Mother at home when she went on Hospice care, and they were apprehensive at first about approaching her hospital bed.  But one-by-one, they “warmed up” and came around to talk to her.  I think Zola even had someone lift her up to kiss my mother.

But what happened when Mother passed was a beautiful thing.  The children were sad when their mother told them.  But they did not fall apart.  When we viewed Mother’s body, each child readily accepted that Granny was dead.  They didn’t spend a lot of time with her, but they each patted her hand – and again, Zola gave her a kiss.  They were not afraid at all. 

In the days that followed, the children played in my mother's back yard – and at the cemetery - with the abandon of happy children.  At the visitation and celebration service for her life, they sat quietly and respectfully.  Once while we were greeting those in attendance, Timothy stood with me and held my hand.  Several around us were standing arm-in-arm, and all of a sudden, I felt this little arm wrap around my legs, just under my backside.  Timothy was putting HIS arm around me, also.  I cannot count the times that little 6-year-old boy came to comfort me as I greeted people in the visitation line.

As Mother’s service drew to a close, Zola got down from the lap of a cousin and moved to the front pew, where she crawled into the lap of my mother’s husband, Lee.  She snuggled against him, and then she turned, held his face in her hands, and gave him a kiss.  I saw his entire demeanor completely soften and relax in that sweet moment.  It was just what he needed.

My mother would have loved all of this.  She would have readily agreed that we have created a place of refuge and security for these children in our demonstrations of respect and reverence for God.  We have begun to lay a firm foundation for each of them about who God is and how He loves each of us.  They know about heaven…and maybe even better than we grownups, they understand that it is a glorious place where we hope to all end up someday.  There is nothing to fear…about death, heaven, or God.  The children already understand how amazing He is…and we are teaching them to honor Him with admiration and esteem in all things.

Our three little ones are reminders that life goes on…that as much as we miss my mother and others who have received their heavenly reward, we know they wouldn’t come back for all the tea in China…and we wouldn’t want them to!  The “death” that this scripture refers to is not our earthly passing into Eternity with Jesus…but rather that of ending up in the darkest pit of hell as far away from Him as possible.  Our prayer is that this would never happen to anyone!

My mother left a legacy of faith, strength and reverence for God that will hopefully transfer to future generations…a promise of Eternity in the presence of God Almighty forever and ever.  Our job is to live in such a way we perpetuate this legacy and give our children a secure refuge that offers them the hope of Heaven, as well.

My question to you this day is…how are you doing?  What – and WHO – do others see when they look at you?  Are you living in a way that demonstrates the joy and hope of Heaven? Are you showing others that a life in Christ represents a place of refuge and security?   Isn’t it time you were?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 15, 2016

Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

I have not written a devotional in a few days now. On Tuesday morning, January 12th, just before noon, my mother left this earthly home to be with Jesus.  My “sisters” - Suzanne, Janet, and Suzanne - and I, our beloved cousin, Janette, and Mom’s husband, Lee, were all with her. Even though she had been leaving us for several days…when the appointed time came, she soared away rather abruptly - with little warning, and no fanfare.  I noticed her breathing change and said to my stepsister, Suzanne, who is a nurse, “I think she is leaving”…and she nodded in agreement.  Less than two minutes later, the gates of Heaven opened, and the angels ushered my mother into the presence of Jesus Christ – and my dad, brother, and all of her loved ones who were surely there to greet her.

It must have been one heckuva party…and I’m more than a little jealous!  My mother’s words echoed in my head as Timothy told me later, “I wish we could go to heaven, too.”  Mother would say, “You will…when it’s time.  But you still have work to do here!”  Ever the pragmatist, Mother was realistic and practical – almost to a fault.

But in her last days, my mother left me with some parting pearls of wisdom.  As I tearfully held her on the couch one evening, she asked about my mother-in-law, who just buried her middle son 12 days ago.  I told her she was doing well, and Mother said, “She is a strong woman.”  “You are a strong woman, too,” I reminded her…and she replied, “There’s no other way to be.”  Mother also told me that Greg and I have a lot to process…and we do…but she insisted that she knew we would be okay – that we would get through all of this. And thankfully, her last lucid statement to me was…”I love you so much.”  I told her, “I love you, too, Mommy.”  After that, she smiled at me a few times, but she drifted into a semi-conscious state and waited for her ticket to heaven to be punched.

The second my mother left us, her face took on a peaceful appearance.  It was unlike any I have ever encountered in my previous experiences with a death.  She was Home…she was whole…and all was well.  The peace that came over me was inexplicable…that “peace that passes understanding.”  But I knew that all truly was well…that God had once again answered our prayers and fixed the things that we could not…and that He had given my mother the greatest gift of all…a seat at Jesus’ feet for all Eternity.

Countless people have commented to me in recent days about what they perceive as my amazing strength.  I would say to you that none of this is me…and I have had plenty of “moments” where you would not see one ounce of poise and confidence in my demeanor.  But as much as this passage from Philippians was one of my mother’s favorites…it is mine, as well.  In a profound way, I have learned to “let go and let God”…to quit worrying…to fear nothing…to BELIEVE what God has promised, and to let Him meet my needs and comfort me.  And He has…He IS!  As my mother said a few days ago, “There’s no other way to be.”

I also watched my mother comfort and encourage others in her last days.  She smiled at nurses and aides and thanked them genuinely for their care.  She prayed with relatives who came to say “Good-bye” and charged them to accomplish certain goals in their lives moving forward.  Mother ministered to us as a family and brought us closer together in many instances. She served God faithfully until the very last minute. 

My question for all of us today is this…”Will we be able to say the same thing when our ‘ticket’ is punched?”  Is God’s peace keeping your heart and thoughts quiet as you make your way through the day?  When the angels come for you, will you have accomplished all that God set out for you to complete?

Make this the day that you figure out what is really important…and what is just filling your day.  Determine what you need to let go of…and what God is calling you to do with the time you have left - whether it is one day or decades. Release your worries and fears…and operate in His peace.  There truly is “no other way to be.”

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 11, 2016

Psalm 118:5-6
Pushed to the wall, I called to God;
    from the wide open spaces, he answered.
God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid;
    who would dare lay a hand on me?

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.
 
“Pushed to the wall”…I would say that this is a good description of how my family members and I feel right now. When one comes to terms with the fact that a loved one has slipped away – and there is nothing that can be done – it’s a lot like being “pushed to the wall.”  And in that moment, most people do one of two things…they either cry out to God for help…or they cry to Him in frustration, anger and bitterness.

I totally get it.  I understand the frustration and fear of being “pushed to the wall”…the shear panic that sometimes sets in when troubles come.  I know that we all have moments when we want to cry out to God, “How could You allow this to happen?!”  But I also know that to do this flings the doors wide open for the enemy to enter.  If he can get us to doubt God for even a split second, the devil has the opportunity to wedge his foot in the door and start to rock it back and forth.  He will attempt to steal our joy and confidence in the LORD if we give him the opportunity.

Don’t let this happen!  Don’t ask God, “Why me?”  Ask Him, “What are Your plans for this situation?”  Call on God to clear a path for you to be able to step away from the wall…to give you breathing room and stand squarely by your side as a protective shield. 

Particularly in the last 24 hours, I have caught myself wanting to ask God why my mother’s spirit has not already soared away to Him.  Why is she still here, lying in what can at times be a fitful sleep…while she is, for all practical purposes, gone from us already?  I am “pushed to the wall,” and I wait for God to come to my side and shield me - and move me away from this adversity.  Very clearly, I have sensed God reminding me that my surrender to His will and timing over my own is required…that He is not punishing us in this test of our endurance and patience - He is strengthening our complete reliance on Him.

Call to God when you are “pushed to the wall.”  Trust His answers and operate in the confidence that He will protect you from all harm and hardship.  Rely fully on Him and surrender your own will to His.  “God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me?”  My prayer is that this would be your prayer this day – and always.

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 4, 2015

Luke 23:48-55
A crowd had gathered to see the terrible sight. Then after they had seen it, they felt brokenhearted and went home. All of Jesus' close friends and the women who had come with him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched.

There was a man named Joseph, who was from Arimathea in Judea. Joseph was a good and honest man, and he was eager for God’s kingdom to come. He was also a member of the council, but he did not agree with what they had decided.

Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. He took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in fine cloth. Then he put it in a tomb that had been cut out of solid rock and had never been used. It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and watched how Jesus' body was placed in the tomb. Then they went to prepare some sweet-smelling spices for his burial. But on the Sabbath they rested, as the Law of Moses commands.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

After we buried our beloved cat Lucy four weeks ago, we ambled around the house rather aimlessly.  We had done all we could do…there was nothing left except to sit and allow the profundity of what had just happened to soak in.  Those were sad, heartbreaking hours.  Each day has gotten a little easier, although we still look for our precious Tuxedo cat.  I think I hear her sometimes…or that I spot her out of the corner of my eye – lying in her favorite chair in my office.

When my grandmother died two years ago, there was a sense of joy and relief that her struggle had ended…that her longing to be with Jesus in heaven had become her reality.  But the very next morning, we sprung into action…arranging her funeral, writing her obituary, answering phone calls and questions, sorting through pictures for her memorial video.  There was so much to do initially that the time to sit and “soak it all in” didn’t come right away.  In fact, it was about two weeks before it truly hit me that my grandmother was really gone - and I was able to reflect on all that had happened.

Unless you are a pet owner, you may think it in bad taste that I have shared references to the death of my fur baby and my grandmother in the same devotional.  Please stick with me!

I tell you all of this to explain how empty, exhausted, and numb the entourage at the cross must have felt after Jesus’ death.  Momentarily, they must have sat in silence…somewhat dumbfounded and bewildered.  “What do we do now?” they must have wondered.  “Where do we go?  How will we ever be happy again?”  These are normal questions after the loss of any loved one.  And the “busyness” that follow – preparation for burial and the actual interment – are cathartic…healing…a way to do something, which is a real human need.

But I must also tell you that the numbness fades…rest comes...the heart swells with memories and good thoughts…and joy returns.  Jesus rose from the grave.  He lives!  The tomb could not hold Him!  And because of this, we can move forward in confidence and peace.  Because Jesus lives, I know that my grandmother (and yes, my cat Lucy) are safe with Him in heaven.  We have to go through this “numb” day/time to get to the “Resurrection Day”…but it is coming!

So wherever you are today…whatever has caused your “numbness” or grieved you…whatever trials you are enduring…whatever heartaches you are experiencing…know that a better day is coming, because Jesus will make it so.  Sit and weep if you must…take in what is happening and process it.  But call on Jesus to get you past this day and into the light of resurrection in Him!  Believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, and know that joy truly does come in the morning for all who trust in Him.

Because of Jesus, we are a lot stronger than we think!  Sit and talk with Him today…share EVERYTHING…and remember to thank Him for His amazing sacrifices on our behalf.  I often tell people who are grieving…”You just have to get through today.”  Easter is coming…let Jesus help you get through today - and handle all of your tomorrows.

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 24, 2015

Revelation 2:14-16
But our homeland is in heaven, where our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is; and we are looking forward to his return from there. When he comes back, he will take these dying bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to conquer all else everywhere.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

December 11, 2007, is a date I remember vividly.  A few of you who have followed my daily devotionals for many years know that several years ago, I learned of a little boy from Bigelow, Arkansas - Job McCully - who totally stole my heart.  Job was diagnosed in July 2002 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).  He was four.  He underwent chemotherapy…and radiation…in preparation for a bone marrow transplant.

During Job’s hospital stays, his family was incredibly supportive…his parents, Rob and Tina…big sister Nicole, Aunt Tammy – and his maternal grandmother, Glenda, who had lived with Job’s family since he was born.  One night as Glenda lay with Job, he asked her to stay close to him. Then Job said, "Don't cry for me grandma". She wasn't crying or sad at the time and probably did not understand why Job said this.  But over the next several years, there would be plenty of times when tears flowed - for both Job and his grandmother.

Job received a bone marrow transplant in October 2002.  During his hospital stay, Grandma Glenda was often with him as a caregiver…and she was a source of strength for everyone.  In 2003, Job battled RSV pneumonia, the flu, and Broncholitios Obliterans, which caused his lungs to deteriorate…and he was hospitalized many times.  Grandma Glenda was always there with his parents to offer care and support.  Then in 2006, Grandma Glenda was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Her philosophy was [paraphrasing]…”if Job can endure all of these treatments, so can I”.  And she did.

Job was hospitalized pretty much all of the year 2007…first at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, then in Houston…and finally in St. Louis.  By September 2007, it did not look like this little guy – now all of nine years – would make it.  The doctors encouraged Job’s mother to sign a DNR – Do Not Resucitate – order.  They explained how dire Job’s situation was, and that there was not much left for them to do.  Tina McCully wrote in Job’s *CaringBridge journal…”They wanted me to sign it. Anyway, I just stood there and listened to them, smiled and said thank you, and walked away. The only way I'm signing that paper is if God Himself tells me to, and He's not going to do that because He is too busy HEALING JOB.”  And God did heal Job.

On December 11, 2007, Job McCully received a double lung transplant. And on February 21, 2008 – the one-year anniversary of his hospitalization, Job was released.  The family stayed in the St. Louis area for a few days to make sure that all was well.  In early March, the McCully family came home to a “hero’s welcome” in Bigelow, Arkansas - complete with a parade!  In the months and years since then, Job has survived histoplasmosis, CMV, Adenovirus, and diabetes.  For his 16th birthday in May 2014, he received a shiny, new red pickup truck.  Job is now enjoying his junior year of high school life.

Grandma Glenda survived breast cancer…but the beast returned in her kidneys.  And in the last few weeks, she was hospitalized once again.  Doctors gave her six months to live two days ago…and God called her home this morning.  This remarkable woman can now fully attest that “our homeland is Heaven”…because I am sure that she is there! 

If you visit Job’s CaringBridge page and read the posts, you will see that this family walks in some of the most powerful faith I have ever witnessed.  Whatever challenges or devastating news they have been given, their trust in Jesus remains strong.  They never doubted His presence…and they have clung to His promises.  And I know that this will not change now.

There will be times when God heals us on this earth…and times when we are given glorious bodies for all Eternity.  Our job is to never doubt His mighty power and presence in all circumstances.  The McCullys demonstrate this beautifully…and I have been incredibly inspired and encouraged by their faith and discipleship.  I can only hope that I represent Jesus even half as well.

What about you?  Do you trust in the mighty power of God in all situations and circumstances?  Are you able to say, “the only way I’m going to do XYZ is if GOD tells me to”?  Do you confidence in God’s presence in your life…and His ability to manage anything and everything?  Don’t you want to?

Please pray for the McCully family in the days to come…and for others who are sick, suffering, and grieving the passing of loved ones.  Thank God for His amazing power and presence…His compassion, mercy, and healing.  And ask God to give you the ability to recognize His presence in your life on an hourly basis… to walk in His wisdom and care - always and in all ways.

©2015 Debbie Robus

*http://caringbridgeclassic.org/ar/job/index.htm

Daily Devotional for March 7, 2015

Job 12:7-10
If you want to learn,
    then go and ask
the wild animals and the birds,
   the flowers and the fish.
Any of them can tell you
    what the Lord has done.
Every living creature
    is in the hands of God.   

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Yesterday, Greg and I had to say “Goodbye” to our beloved tuxedo cat, Lucy.  We were blessed to be her “humans” for almost 16 years…having acquired her and her litter mate, Mabel – a calico – in April 1999.  Based on papers we received at the local animal shelter, we “counted backward” and declared their birthday to be March 1st. 

We knew that Lucy had been in declining health in recent months.  The once plump cat with the beautiful sleek and shiny coat of LONG black and white hair had become a virtual skeleton covered in a dull blanket of fur.  Yet she ate well, drank lots of water, purred and delighted in our affection – and she even chased a bird that made its way inside our house just two nights before she died.  (She actually caught the bird briefly…but without front claws, she could not contain it in her grip.)

Greg and I had prayed over and over that Lucy would just slip away from us – that we would awaken one morning and find her “sleeping with the angels”.  She and Mabel never really acclimated to humans – other than us – and all of these years, we have kept them completely indoors and fairly isolated.  They have not visited a veterinary clinic since they were spayed as kittens.  We did not want to have to put either of them through the trauma of a final visit to a vet for euthanasia.  So we prayed for God to spare them – and us – this situation.  And in Lucy’s case at least, He did just that.

We sat with our precious “baby” all through the night as she struggled through the stages of death.  We made her a pallet in the floor atop her heating pad (yes, our cats have “pet heating pads”) – and we lay beside her and stroked her as she steadily grew weaker.  We prayed over her…and we thanked God that - in the scheme of things - He allowed her such a peaceful passing.  And shortly after noon yesterday, her breaths slowed…and then the angels came for her.

If you think that God doesn’t care about animals and our beloved pets…read this scripture passage from Job again.  And if you think that a God who cares so much for animals of all sizes and species doesn’t care as much – or more – for you, then hear the words of Matthew 10:29-31…”Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.”

As gut-wrenching as these last few days have been for us, we have felt God’s presence.  We know that there is a place for animals in heaven…and that SOME DAY, we will see our precious tuxedo cat and our other beloved pets once again.  We know that we serve a God who is amazing, almighty, powerful…and compassionate…a God who loves two lowly sparrows – and dearly-loved kitty cats - and cares just as deeply about what happens to them as He does to us.  We know that God will sustain us - that He will fill the empty places in our hearts with His peace…and flood our thoughts with happy memories of the hundreds of days we enjoyed with this furry feline.

Don’t wait for a crisis to happen before you call on God…make Him a part of your life NOW, so that He is “at the ready” for whatever you encounter in life.  We are so glad that God was with us…that He IS with us…and we know that He has safely guided our Lucy over the “Rainbow Bridge” and into His loving care forever and ever.  He is sustaining us and filling us with hope and courage until we see her again.

The God who can comfort us in the loss of our pet can also meet any and all of your needs.  Our God can do ANYTHING!  I cannot imagine surviving without Him.  And I’m so glad that I don’t have to try.  God is with us…today…tomorrow…and always.  Do you feel His presence?  Have you asked Him to come near and be with you?  Isn’t it about time that you did? 
   
©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 23, 2013

Psalm 94:18-19
When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady. And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
Sometimes “life” kicks us in the gut… and for me, the 1990s was a long decade of “gut-checks”.  In July 1992, my father-in-law died suddenly from an aortic aneurysm.  He was not quite 70, and we were shocked and stunned by his unexpected passing.  In October 1997, my dad underwent a “routine” arteriogram to search for coronary blockage.  A few hours later, he was fighting for his life, as “cholesterol showering” had caused shavings and sprinkles of cholesterol plaque to block his kidneys and other body organs.  By November, he was in full-blown renal failure and placed on dialysis.
 
My dad spent much of the next six months in and out of hospitals (mostly in). While we “carried on” with a family Thanksgiving meal, my mom ate her turkey dinner in a hospital cafeteria.  A sudden life-threatening episode sent Daddy back to Little Rock to the hospital in the early morning hours of Christmas Eve… so we celebrated a week later when he returned home.  By February, the doctors had told him that there was no cure… that he could choose to stop dialysis and probably live only a couple of weeks longer.  Daddy chose to keep going.
 
Meanwhile, my 37-year-old brother, Tim, was battling liver failure.  He would have good days, and very bad days… and in September 1998, his body gave out.  Thirteen months later, my dad would undergo a “routine” surgery followed by a massive stroke the next day… and then he suffered a fatal heart attack.  As if this were not all more than enough to bear, Tim’s beloved dog Carmen (who had become Mom’s constant companion) contracted tick fever in the spring of 2000 and died.  AND… my Mam-ma Polly’s dear companion of seven years, Deb, succumbed to bladder cancer. I’d call all of this a “gut-check”… wouldn’t you?
 
Today, I learned that a dear friend – and fellow church member – is getting her own “kick in the gut”.  Her husband died in February.  Just a few weeks ago, her dog became very ill and had to be put down… and now she has learned that her brother’s oncologist is saying things have taken a drastic turn, and he probably only has 2 weeks or less to live.  Sometimes, life is incredibly messy – even for the most faith-filled Christians.  I would imagine that my friend very much feels like her feet are slipping… that she is burdened with worries and insecurities and wondering how on earth she will ever put one foot ahead of the other again.
 
Here’s where Psalm 94:18-19 comes in - and why I shared these personal experiences with you…when our feet begin to slip, the worries and insecurities overcome us and sheer panic sets in. God is there to lift us up and keep us steady.  He will carry us when we cannot walk.  He will comfort us and make us feel secure.  He will do this by sending friends and family members to surround us.  God will allow our own messy “gut-checks” to serve as encouragement for others as we say, “He got us through this… and He’ll get you through, also.”
 
I don’t mean to diminish grief and suffering.  Just writing a note of encouragement to my friend brought back a flood of  thoughts and memories of my own brother and all we shared in his last days.  But at the end of the day, I have tremendous peace.  I have experienced incredible joy and blessings in the last 2+ decades… even in the midst of great sorrow and loss.  And it’s all because God’s love came and kept me steady.  What He has done for me… He will most certainly do for you.
 
Many are worried and burdened today… and you may be among them.  I want you to feel God’s presence.  As your feet begin to slip, feel His hands under your arms…lifting you and steadying your gait.  Recognize the rhythms of God’s steady breathing as He draws you close to Him and says, “I’ve got this!”  Relax and sink deep into His loving arms… rest in His peace… trust Him.  This will most likely not change the outcome of your circumstances… but it will change how you are affected by them.
 
God understands your grief and sadness… your frustration and pain.  These are natural reactions.  But He offers supernatural peace and reassurance.  Take refuge in His nurture and safekeeping.  Know that God is leading others to pray for you… to love you and serve as His hands and feet on this earth.  Don’t let your “gut-check” become a fatal blow.  Feel the steady “grip of grace” that surrounds you… and rest in God’s peace - today and always.
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 23, 2013

Judges 6:12-17
The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, “The Lord is helping you, and you are a strong warrior.”

Gideon answered, “Please don’t take this wrong, but if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened? We’ve heard how the Lord performed miracles and rescued our ancestors from Egypt. But those things happened long ago. Now the Lord has abandoned us to the Midianites.”
 
Then the Lord himself said, “Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.”  Gideon replied, “But how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest one in Manasseh, and everyone else in my family is more important than I am.”
 
“Gideon,” the Lord answered, “you can rescue Israel because I am going to help you! Defeating the Midianites will be as easy as beating up one man.”
 
Gideon said, “It’s hard to believe that I’m actually talking to the Lord. Please do something so I’ll know that you really are the Lord.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
Yesterday, I was informed that Kristina Loveless Davis, one of my former kindergarten students, was killed in a car wreck Sunday evening.  Kristina was a 39-year-old mother of two girls (ages 4 and 7).  Her sister was injured in the accident, as were her daughters – one of whom has undergone surgery and faces a long recovery.  Kristina’s mother reports that little Paige does not understand why her mommy is not visiting her at the hospital.  I thought of our little Timothy – now almost four – and wondered how we would explain to him that a terrible thing happened, and Mommy was not ever coming back.
 
With a backdrop of recent events like Hurricane Sandy, the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, the bombing in Boston, Massachusetts, and the explosion in West, Texas, it’s no wonder many of us are asking, “…if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened?”  We know the answer… most of us know that the LORD really IS the LORD – and that He truly is helping us.  But I would be willing to bet that each of us - in our own way and because of our own circumstances – has cried out to God at one time or another and said, “I am not strong enough for this!”  And the truth of the matter is that none of us really are strong enough for many of the challenges we face… under our own power.  The beauty of our faith is that we don’t have to be!
 
Remember the angel’s words to Gideon… “The Lord is helping you… and you are a strong warrior.”  I believe that God often understands our excuses and weaknesses in these situations.  But we have to realize that God expects us to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, to trust His power over our circumstances, and to move forward.  God may allow us a momentary pity party… He may listen to our justifications for why we cannot do what He asks or accept His will for our lives.  But we dare not linger here!  God expects us to operate in faith… to acknowledge His sovereignty… and to proceed under His power and care!
 
I am as heartbroken as anyone over the inexplicable tragedies that have surrounded us in recent months.  I still see Kristina’s bright, smiling, 5-year-old face, and I cannot fathom that her own little daughters will not have her to nurture them as they grow.  But I know that God has big plans for each of us… that He is already bringing about blessings and knitting together circumstances that we could never even imagine on our own – much less implement.  God is providing each of us with opportunities to serve and to share His message with others… even in the midst of our own trials and uncertainties.  Of this, I am 100% certain!
 
So I will mourn the loss of a little-girl-turned-mother who has left us too soon… as well as the losses of those who have suffered and died in other recent tragedies.  But I will not allow these experiences to defeat me – or to diminish my faith in God to give me power and strength far beyond what I have as a mortal being.  I will believe that I am actually talking to the LORD… that He is always with me… and that with His help, I am a strong warrior.  What about you?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus