October 12 ~ Matthew 4:5-11
Then Satan took him to Jerusalem to the roof of the Temple. “Jump off,”
he said, “and prove you are the Son of God; for the Scriptures declare,
‘God will send his angels to keep you from harm,’ . . . they will
prevent you from smashing on the rocks below.”
Jesus retorted, “It also says not to put the Lord your God to a foolish test!”
Next Satan took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him
the nations of the world and all their glory. “I’ll give it all to you,”
he said, “if you will only kneel and worship me.”
“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “The Scriptures say, ‘Worship only the Lord God. Obey only him.’”
Then Satan went away, and angels came and cared for 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.
Let’s be honest…when you tell a child NOT to touch something, there’s
a 50/50 shot that he/she will do exactly that! I once teasingly asked a
friend, “Does your wife know you are at this party without her?” and he
replied (also in jest), “I’ve learned that it is easier to ask for
forgiveness than permission!” Isn’t this how we often act? We’ll just
tell this one juicy tidbit, and then we will promise God that we will
never gossip again. We’ll just “sow some wild oats now,” and we will be
really sorry for it later and ask God to forgive us. We will look out
for ourselves now - because nobody else is going to…and we will hope
that God sees that our “heart” was in the right place. We’ll just touch
the stove and SEE if it’s really hot!
It’s time to learn that when God essentially tells us that “the stove is
hot”…the STOVE IS HOT! When He shows us how to live and gives us clear
guidelines, and we go right ahead and do our own thing, we must be
prepared to live with the consequences. We cannot assume that God will
always bail us out when we make stupid mistakes – or disobey and
disappoint Him.
We also cannot play fast and loose with our allegiance. I am here to
tell you, not a single one of us knows how long we have on this earth.
We have a LOT to do while we are here, and we had best be busy getting
it done! There is no time to listen to people who tell us that THEY
know better than God. There is not a minute to waste on selfish
agendas. There will be times when we have to sacrifice our own desires
for the greater good of others…and when we do this, God will bless our
efforts.
Here’s an example…my Mam-ma Polly had such a meager income that you
would not believe she could actually make it through each month. Yet she
was always ready to give to others…food from her table…a tithe to her
church…”shoe boxes” for needy children at Christmas…and so much more.
She always had a few dollars in her checking account at the end of the
month. She never missed a meal, and her home was cozy and comfortable.
All of her needs were met…and then some.
GOD made the difference and blessed my grandmother’s faithful obedience.
And He will do this for us, too. There will be times when the road
seems uncomfortable and/or uncertain. But when we keep our focus on
Him…when we worship only God and obey His commands and the teachings of
His only Son, Jesus Christ…nothing the devil offers can compare with
what we have been promised.
The devil is ALWAYS tempting us. Where and how is he tempting you? How
are you reacting and responding? Have you kicked him to the curb and
trusted God to make the difference…or are you hedging your bets that you
have time to show remorse and ask forgiveness later? Will this be the
day that you trust God fully and let His angels attend to your every
need? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label testing our faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label testing our faith. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 8, 2014
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.
A childhood friend of mine named Suzanne decided to become a foster parent a few years ago. I am not certain how many children Suzanne has fostered, but at one point, she was entrusted with the care of a 9½-month-old girl. She fostered this child, as well as the baby’s 3-year-old brother, who subsequently joined them from another foster placement. Ultimately, family members petitioned for custody, and won. These children had been in foster care practically all of their lives, but Suzanne was mandated to drive them to the “meeting point” and leave them with virtual strangers...and return home alone. She kept friends updated throughout this ordeal via e-mail and social media.
I can tell you, Suzanne has grieved mightily over “her” children. Given the green light, she would have adopted them in a heartbeat. She wrote, “The past year has been one of intense grief and pain. I felt betrayed and used, and as if the thousands of prayers I've prayed throughout my life for what it would be - who I would be - fell into nothing; it's as if trying to make this dream of parenthood come true cost me my faith.”
Many people have prayed for Suzanne and encouraged her not to give up...we’ve reminded her that God has a plan for her – we just didn’t know what it was. This week, she sent out a group e-mail asking for prayers as she ventured several hours away from her home in Dallas to an adoption “match” event, where children ages 6-17 who are seeking a “forever home” would be on hand to meet with potential adoptive parents. Suzanne admitted that she was afraid to have her heart broken and her hopes dashed again. She was not sure she even had the courage to make the trip. But she went anyway.
A “post-event” message from Suzanne revealed that she may have very well made a “match”. She attended this event with the idea that she would seek the adoption of boy age 14 or older. She had a long list of reasons for this choice. Instead, she “clicked” with a 16-year-old girl. The caseworker told Suzanne that the girl had asked if any potential parents liked her. The caseworker said she could not discuss this, but she asked the girl if she was interested in any of the adults. There was only one – Suzanne! So she has authorized the go-ahead to get better acquainted with the 16-year-old. Suzanne is cautiously optimistic... she hopes this is a good “fit”...and that God allows her to adopt at least one sibling. There was also a “connection” with a 12-year-old girl who had a “blue mouth” from eating a sno-cone. As Suzanne put it...“I might be on my way to being a mom. And then, we can look into getting her some younger siblings! Maybe a little [12-year-old, blue-mouthed] firecracker!”
I wrote to Suzanne and congratulated her on the successful trip...and the possibilities that lie ahead. I told her...”I am continually amazed at what God can do when we step aside and let Him have control. It sounds like He has a wonderful, exciting, ‘girlie’ plan for you! Best wishes and prayers for the perfect outcome!”
Here’s the thing...many of us undergo some pretty devastating experiences. We endure hardships and challenges that are gut-wrenching...inexplicable...and at times, almost unbearably grieving. Like Suzanne, we are sometimes brought so low that we feel betrayed and used...and we almost lose our faith. But we see in this scripture passage that God uses these times to strengthen us...and He rewards our faithfulness. I don’t know when, where or how...but He does. Of this, I am totally convinced.
I cannot say with certainty that this time next year, Suzanne will have a family that includes a teenager or two. But I know that God is at work...and if she will stay faithful and obedient, whatever He has in store for her will be glorious and perfect. That’s how God rolls...He is merciful and gracious...and generous beyond description. When we trust Him, He delivers...sometimes even sno-cone-blue-mouthed tweenagers!
How will you trust God in your circumstances today? Are you ready for your own share of the “glorious life” that He offers? Will this be the day you surrender control and let Him handle things? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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.
A childhood friend of mine named Suzanne decided to become a foster parent a few years ago. I am not certain how many children Suzanne has fostered, but at one point, she was entrusted with the care of a 9½-month-old girl. She fostered this child, as well as the baby’s 3-year-old brother, who subsequently joined them from another foster placement. Ultimately, family members petitioned for custody, and won. These children had been in foster care practically all of their lives, but Suzanne was mandated to drive them to the “meeting point” and leave them with virtual strangers...and return home alone. She kept friends updated throughout this ordeal via e-mail and social media.
I can tell you, Suzanne has grieved mightily over “her” children. Given the green light, she would have adopted them in a heartbeat. She wrote, “The past year has been one of intense grief and pain. I felt betrayed and used, and as if the thousands of prayers I've prayed throughout my life for what it would be - who I would be - fell into nothing; it's as if trying to make this dream of parenthood come true cost me my faith.”
Many people have prayed for Suzanne and encouraged her not to give up...we’ve reminded her that God has a plan for her – we just didn’t know what it was. This week, she sent out a group e-mail asking for prayers as she ventured several hours away from her home in Dallas to an adoption “match” event, where children ages 6-17 who are seeking a “forever home” would be on hand to meet with potential adoptive parents. Suzanne admitted that she was afraid to have her heart broken and her hopes dashed again. She was not sure she even had the courage to make the trip. But she went anyway.
A “post-event” message from Suzanne revealed that she may have very well made a “match”. She attended this event with the idea that she would seek the adoption of boy age 14 or older. She had a long list of reasons for this choice. Instead, she “clicked” with a 16-year-old girl. The caseworker told Suzanne that the girl had asked if any potential parents liked her. The caseworker said she could not discuss this, but she asked the girl if she was interested in any of the adults. There was only one – Suzanne! So she has authorized the go-ahead to get better acquainted with the 16-year-old. Suzanne is cautiously optimistic... she hopes this is a good “fit”...and that God allows her to adopt at least one sibling. There was also a “connection” with a 12-year-old girl who had a “blue mouth” from eating a sno-cone. As Suzanne put it...“I might be on my way to being a mom. And then, we can look into getting her some younger siblings! Maybe a little [12-year-old, blue-mouthed] firecracker!”
I wrote to Suzanne and congratulated her on the successful trip...and the possibilities that lie ahead. I told her...”I am continually amazed at what God can do when we step aside and let Him have control. It sounds like He has a wonderful, exciting, ‘girlie’ plan for you! Best wishes and prayers for the perfect outcome!”
Here’s the thing...many of us undergo some pretty devastating experiences. We endure hardships and challenges that are gut-wrenching...inexplicable...and at times, almost unbearably grieving. Like Suzanne, we are sometimes brought so low that we feel betrayed and used...and we almost lose our faith. But we see in this scripture passage that God uses these times to strengthen us...and He rewards our faithfulness. I don’t know when, where or how...but He does. Of this, I am totally convinced.
I cannot say with certainty that this time next year, Suzanne will have a family that includes a teenager or two. But I know that God is at work...and if she will stay faithful and obedient, whatever He has in store for her will be glorious and perfect. That’s how God rolls...He is merciful and gracious...and generous beyond description. When we trust Him, He delivers...sometimes even sno-cone-blue-mouthed tweenagers!
How will you trust God in your circumstances today? Are you ready for your own share of the “glorious life” that He offers? Will this be the day you surrender control and let Him handle things? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 5, 2014
James 1:3
You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I didn’t die. I thought I might…but I didn’t. When a high school classmate chased me one day during lunch hour with what turn out to be a dead snake - and I fell to the ground while running and my dress flew over my head – I wanted to die of embarrassment. But I didn’t. When a principal badgered and bullied me during my first year of teaching, and there seemed to be no recourse, I thought I couldn’t handle it. But I did. When my father-in-law died… then my brother and my own dad left us within the span of 13 months…I thought with each passing that I could not bear the grief…that surely it would swallow me. And when Greg and I lost our first beloved pets, I was quite sure that I could not survive without them. But here I am.
During illnesses, surgeries and injuries when the doctor would say, “You cannot do XYZ for a certain length of time…you cannot put any weight on your foot for six weeks or more…you cannot drive until this heals…if you don’t regain your range of motion in the next few weeks, you will lose it forever”…we were, at best, frustrated. We had place to go…things to do…and certainly no time to be sick, crippled or incapacitated. When Greg and I grew frustrated and weary from maintaining two properties and hoping that our "farm" would sell, we prayed that God would either send us a buyer...or show us what we were supposed to do. The property sat on the market for so long that we contemplated selling our "city" home and moving back to the "farm."
But God always healed our hearts and our bodies...and a buyer for our "farm" property came along at just the right time. God answered each and every time we were tested. We survived every challenge, heartache, and frustration. And with each successive “test”, we grew stronger and more faithful.
Do we have it completely figured out? Are we “there” yet? Absolutely not! But I can see that each test has strengthened us. We can see God’s hand in our lives…and we recognize that we are where we are today because of Him. Without our faith, we would have folded a long, long time ago. And I suspect many of you would have, as well.
Let’s be clear…I do not relish the thought of future tests and trials. But I know they are inevitable. More importantly, I know that God will never leave me. He will never give me more than He can equip me to handle. I may feel like I am going to die… or that I would rather die! But I know that I won’t – until God is ready for me to come to Him in heaven. Meanwhile, I can use my “lessons” to encourage others. I can say to them… “I survived this…and you can, too.” I can offer hope, love, compassion and understanding. And in doing so, I can demonstrate God’s love and power…and give Him all the glory.
Whatever you are going through today…however rough and unbearable your life seems…no matter how excruciating the heartache may feel…God is with you. He will lift you up and cradle you in His arms and carry you through the toughest times. Several years ago, I began to mentally picture Jesus stretching out His arms toward me. In this image, I run to Him and snuggle against His chest in the silky-soft folds of His flowing white robe. Jesus wraps His arms around me, and I discharge a heavy sigh of relief. I am safe…I am at home…Jesus has me.
When you are tested, frustrated, grieved and heartbroken, picture yourself in the arms of Jesus. Let His strong - yet gentle - arms engulf you. Nuzzle against His chest and feel the steady rhythm of His breathing. And know that you are safe…that you will survive this…that all is well in the LORD. Share this with others who are experiencing similar difficulties (and we all know someone who is going through something!)…and let them know that all things are possible with God.
I didn’t die…and neither will you…because Someone watches over me and handles my tests and troubles. This is very good news, indeed…news we must share with others. How has your faith been strengthened by trials and challenges? Who needs to hear the “good news” of your “faith story” today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I didn’t die. I thought I might…but I didn’t. When a high school classmate chased me one day during lunch hour with what turn out to be a dead snake - and I fell to the ground while running and my dress flew over my head – I wanted to die of embarrassment. But I didn’t. When a principal badgered and bullied me during my first year of teaching, and there seemed to be no recourse, I thought I couldn’t handle it. But I did. When my father-in-law died… then my brother and my own dad left us within the span of 13 months…I thought with each passing that I could not bear the grief…that surely it would swallow me. And when Greg and I lost our first beloved pets, I was quite sure that I could not survive without them. But here I am.
During illnesses, surgeries and injuries when the doctor would say, “You cannot do XYZ for a certain length of time…you cannot put any weight on your foot for six weeks or more…you cannot drive until this heals…if you don’t regain your range of motion in the next few weeks, you will lose it forever”…we were, at best, frustrated. We had place to go…things to do…and certainly no time to be sick, crippled or incapacitated. When Greg and I grew frustrated and weary from maintaining two properties and hoping that our "farm" would sell, we prayed that God would either send us a buyer...or show us what we were supposed to do. The property sat on the market for so long that we contemplated selling our "city" home and moving back to the "farm."
But God always healed our hearts and our bodies...and a buyer for our "farm" property came along at just the right time. God answered each and every time we were tested. We survived every challenge, heartache, and frustration. And with each successive “test”, we grew stronger and more faithful.
Do we have it completely figured out? Are we “there” yet? Absolutely not! But I can see that each test has strengthened us. We can see God’s hand in our lives…and we recognize that we are where we are today because of Him. Without our faith, we would have folded a long, long time ago. And I suspect many of you would have, as well.
Let’s be clear…I do not relish the thought of future tests and trials. But I know they are inevitable. More importantly, I know that God will never leave me. He will never give me more than He can equip me to handle. I may feel like I am going to die… or that I would rather die! But I know that I won’t – until God is ready for me to come to Him in heaven. Meanwhile, I can use my “lessons” to encourage others. I can say to them… “I survived this…and you can, too.” I can offer hope, love, compassion and understanding. And in doing so, I can demonstrate God’s love and power…and give Him all the glory.
Whatever you are going through today…however rough and unbearable your life seems…no matter how excruciating the heartache may feel…God is with you. He will lift you up and cradle you in His arms and carry you through the toughest times. Several years ago, I began to mentally picture Jesus stretching out His arms toward me. In this image, I run to Him and snuggle against His chest in the silky-soft folds of His flowing white robe. Jesus wraps His arms around me, and I discharge a heavy sigh of relief. I am safe…I am at home…Jesus has me.
When you are tested, frustrated, grieved and heartbroken, picture yourself in the arms of Jesus. Let His strong - yet gentle - arms engulf you. Nuzzle against His chest and feel the steady rhythm of His breathing. And know that you are safe…that you will survive this…that all is well in the LORD. Share this with others who are experiencing similar difficulties (and we all know someone who is going through something!)…and let them know that all things are possible with God.
I didn’t die…and neither will you…because Someone watches over me and handles my tests and troubles. This is very good news, indeed…news we must share with others. How has your faith been strengthened by trials and challenges? Who needs to hear the “good news” of your “faith story” today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 26, 2014
James 1:12
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In the blink of an eye…everything can change. One minute you can be having the best day…eagerly anticipating the future…and then you step off a ledge, break your ankle and seriously damage your foot. That happened to me almost seven years ago. And for the next nine weeks, I was unable to walk without crutches and spent much of that time sitting rather helplessly on the couch or lying in bed. As we sat at our desks one hot summer morning, my mother-in-law called for Greg to come home quickly...his dad had died while sitting in his “easy chair”. An “ordinary” work day that started with picking peaches and gardening suddenly became a day that would change our lives forever.
A relative went to work one day as usual and was told “this is your last day with us.” In essence, she was fired from a job she had held for nine years – apparently over policy differences. Another cousin woke one recent morning with a fiery red rash around her mid-section that was later diagnosed as shingles – a painful, itchy, virus that can make one miserable for weeks and months. We’ve heard news reports more than once of a young athlete who collapsed and died on the football field or basketball court during a scrimmage or actual contest. I’m sure that no one wakes up on any given morning thinking, “Today I will lose my home – or my family or my life – in a tornado, fire, earthquake or flood.”
There are “good” tests, such as marriage, the arrival of a new baby, starting college, or beginning a new job. And we all know there are plenty of tests that appear to be anything but positive or happy. Let’s be honest…we are often left asking God, “Why?” We wonder “Why me?”…”Why now?”...”Why this?”. Why did God immobilize me with a foot injury just as we were building a new house and there were dozens of decisions to make? Why does God call our loved ones to heaven and leave us hurting and bewildered? Why do we experience sudden upheavals - such as a job loss or a debilitating illness - when we have bills to pay, people who are depending on us for a myriad of things, and a ton of things to get done?
Why do some people seem to have “Job-sized” troubles? I am thinking of those who experience multiple losses within the span of a few months…and often endure unexpected personal illness, needed home or vehicle repairs, and more? We truly are left to wonder “why bad things happen to good people”…and why God allows this! And the short answer is: I honestly do not know.
But here’s the thing. Every unpleasant – even devastating – experience in my life has brought blessings, strength, and a deeper dependence on God to meet my daily needs. I can look back at each one of the tests and temptations in my life and enumerate ways that God was caring for me and orchestrating events that bolstered my faith and Christian witness. And I’ve seen the same thing happen in the lives of others. If nothing else, these experiences have given me a more tender heart toward others who encounter similar circumstances. I am able to say with confidence, “You will be just fine.” I don’t offer this observation callously or without sympathy for what this person is enduring. I share this out of a deep love and concern…and firsthand knowledge of its truth.
Perhaps God is testing you as you read this. Perhaps you are in a season where life is pretty great and you are “in the zone”! Whatever lies behind you…and ahead of you…God is with you. He is equipping you to handle the tests and temptations. Just as importantly, God will give you opportunities to share compassion and empathy for these circumstances with others who are equally tested and tempted.
How will you respond? This is the real question…because you do have a choice. You can elect to wallow in self-pity and let the devil drag you down…or you can say, “LORD…I don’t understand, but I trust you completely. Show me how to use this experience for Your purposes. Strengthen me and give me courage, comfort and confidence. Place before me those who need to see how You are helping me through this…the ones who need to be encouraged and ministered to out of my own tests and temptations.”
Will this be easy? Probably not! I do not mean to imply that God will instantly take your heartaches, grief, and difficulties from you. But He will walk through them with you…every step of the way…and create opportunities and blessings you never even saw coming. Will you trust Him to do this? Are you ready for whatever comes your way because of your strength and faith in the LORD? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In the blink of an eye…everything can change. One minute you can be having the best day…eagerly anticipating the future…and then you step off a ledge, break your ankle and seriously damage your foot. That happened to me almost seven years ago. And for the next nine weeks, I was unable to walk without crutches and spent much of that time sitting rather helplessly on the couch or lying in bed. As we sat at our desks one hot summer morning, my mother-in-law called for Greg to come home quickly...his dad had died while sitting in his “easy chair”. An “ordinary” work day that started with picking peaches and gardening suddenly became a day that would change our lives forever.
A relative went to work one day as usual and was told “this is your last day with us.” In essence, she was fired from a job she had held for nine years – apparently over policy differences. Another cousin woke one recent morning with a fiery red rash around her mid-section that was later diagnosed as shingles – a painful, itchy, virus that can make one miserable for weeks and months. We’ve heard news reports more than once of a young athlete who collapsed and died on the football field or basketball court during a scrimmage or actual contest. I’m sure that no one wakes up on any given morning thinking, “Today I will lose my home – or my family or my life – in a tornado, fire, earthquake or flood.”
There are “good” tests, such as marriage, the arrival of a new baby, starting college, or beginning a new job. And we all know there are plenty of tests that appear to be anything but positive or happy. Let’s be honest…we are often left asking God, “Why?” We wonder “Why me?”…”Why now?”...”Why this?”. Why did God immobilize me with a foot injury just as we were building a new house and there were dozens of decisions to make? Why does God call our loved ones to heaven and leave us hurting and bewildered? Why do we experience sudden upheavals - such as a job loss or a debilitating illness - when we have bills to pay, people who are depending on us for a myriad of things, and a ton of things to get done?
Why do some people seem to have “Job-sized” troubles? I am thinking of those who experience multiple losses within the span of a few months…and often endure unexpected personal illness, needed home or vehicle repairs, and more? We truly are left to wonder “why bad things happen to good people”…and why God allows this! And the short answer is: I honestly do not know.
But here’s the thing. Every unpleasant – even devastating – experience in my life has brought blessings, strength, and a deeper dependence on God to meet my daily needs. I can look back at each one of the tests and temptations in my life and enumerate ways that God was caring for me and orchestrating events that bolstered my faith and Christian witness. And I’ve seen the same thing happen in the lives of others. If nothing else, these experiences have given me a more tender heart toward others who encounter similar circumstances. I am able to say with confidence, “You will be just fine.” I don’t offer this observation callously or without sympathy for what this person is enduring. I share this out of a deep love and concern…and firsthand knowledge of its truth.
Perhaps God is testing you as you read this. Perhaps you are in a season where life is pretty great and you are “in the zone”! Whatever lies behind you…and ahead of you…God is with you. He is equipping you to handle the tests and temptations. Just as importantly, God will give you opportunities to share compassion and empathy for these circumstances with others who are equally tested and tempted.
How will you respond? This is the real question…because you do have a choice. You can elect to wallow in self-pity and let the devil drag you down…or you can say, “LORD…I don’t understand, but I trust you completely. Show me how to use this experience for Your purposes. Strengthen me and give me courage, comfort and confidence. Place before me those who need to see how You are helping me through this…the ones who need to be encouraged and ministered to out of my own tests and temptations.”
Will this be easy? Probably not! I do not mean to imply that God will instantly take your heartaches, grief, and difficulties from you. But He will walk through them with you…every step of the way…and create opportunities and blessings you never even saw coming. Will you trust Him to do this? Are you ready for whatever comes your way because of your strength and faith in the LORD? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 10, 2013
2 Peter 1:5-9
Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful. But if you don’t grow, you are like someone who is nearsighted or blind, and you have forgotten that your past sins are forgiven.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent episode of “Duck Dynasty,” the Robertson family discovered that Uncle Si was having vision problems. One of the daughters-in-law set out to drive him to the eye doctor, but Si couldn’t read the road signs to get there. He grew impatient and said, “Let’s just go home.” Jessica Robertson took matters into her own hands and drove Uncle Si to her eye doctor’s clinic, where the doctor declared Si “legally blind.” One new set of corrective lenses later, Si’s vision was restored, and “all was well, Jack!” (This is a show reference, for those of you who don’t watch!)
We all know that there are a lot of things we cannot do – or do well – when our vision is impaired. And like Si Robertson, many of us are impatient and don’t want to work through whatever efforts are necessary to make improvements. We don’t want to take the time to go see an optometrist and get our eyes checked… we don’t want to wait on new eyeglasses to be made… and like Si, we certainly do not want to undergo corrective laser surgery! When we encounter roadblocks or challenges in our Spiritual life, many of us are just like Si… ready to call it a day and go to the house.
If we will practice these exercises to improve our faith… goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love… we will be amazed at how much we grow – and how much more frequently God seems to show up in our lives. It may seem that He is putting obstacles in our way… road signs we cannot read and more – and even a little corrective “surgery” once in a while. God may very well be testing us and tossing challenges our way to see what we are made of – and to show us just how strong we are when we depend completely upon Him! But if we will stay patient and diligent… if we will hang in there and trust Him, we will have victory. God has promised to restore to us anything that is “taken” from us 100 times over (Mark 10:30)… so why are we so afraid and impatient when He brings us “bumps in the road?”
Spiritually speaking, most of us need new glasses! We need to do whatever is necessary to restore our vision – and our faith. We need to exercise more of the qualities outlined in this passage… and to wait on the LORD and trust Him in all things. I know I have a lot of work to do on to grow and improve my faith… what about you? Let’s start working on improving our “Spiritual vision.” Let’s give God room – and His time – to work in our lives. Let’s remember how He has forgiven our sins and sacrificed everything for rotten, blind, impatient, unloving, ungrateful souls such as we often are. Let’s show God - and others - just how useful and meaningful He has made our lives. Are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful. But if you don’t grow, you are like someone who is nearsighted or blind, and you have forgotten that your past sins are forgiven.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent episode of “Duck Dynasty,” the Robertson family discovered that Uncle Si was having vision problems. One of the daughters-in-law set out to drive him to the eye doctor, but Si couldn’t read the road signs to get there. He grew impatient and said, “Let’s just go home.” Jessica Robertson took matters into her own hands and drove Uncle Si to her eye doctor’s clinic, where the doctor declared Si “legally blind.” One new set of corrective lenses later, Si’s vision was restored, and “all was well, Jack!” (This is a show reference, for those of you who don’t watch!)
We all know that there are a lot of things we cannot do – or do well – when our vision is impaired. And like Si Robertson, many of us are impatient and don’t want to work through whatever efforts are necessary to make improvements. We don’t want to take the time to go see an optometrist and get our eyes checked… we don’t want to wait on new eyeglasses to be made… and like Si, we certainly do not want to undergo corrective laser surgery! When we encounter roadblocks or challenges in our Spiritual life, many of us are just like Si… ready to call it a day and go to the house.
If we will practice these exercises to improve our faith… goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love… we will be amazed at how much we grow – and how much more frequently God seems to show up in our lives. It may seem that He is putting obstacles in our way… road signs we cannot read and more – and even a little corrective “surgery” once in a while. God may very well be testing us and tossing challenges our way to see what we are made of – and to show us just how strong we are when we depend completely upon Him! But if we will stay patient and diligent… if we will hang in there and trust Him, we will have victory. God has promised to restore to us anything that is “taken” from us 100 times over (Mark 10:30)… so why are we so afraid and impatient when He brings us “bumps in the road?”
Spiritually speaking, most of us need new glasses! We need to do whatever is necessary to restore our vision – and our faith. We need to exercise more of the qualities outlined in this passage… and to wait on the LORD and trust Him in all things. I know I have a lot of work to do on to grow and improve my faith… what about you? Let’s start working on improving our “Spiritual vision.” Let’s give God room – and His time – to work in our lives. Let’s remember how He has forgiven our sins and sacrificed everything for rotten, blind, impatient, unloving, ungrateful souls such as we often are. Let’s show God - and others - just how useful and meaningful He has made our lives. Are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 9, 2013
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.
This morning, I read a post on Facebook from the mother of two small children, both of whom are very sick. One is in the PICU at Children’s Hospital in Little Rock… the other is at home with his dad, battling pneumonia. These two 4-year-olds have literally fought for their lives since birth. Their sister didn’t make it to her first birthday and spent all 10 months of her life in the hospital. In the last few days, one of these children lost some teeth and had a visit from the tooth fairy. Both siblings now attend “school”… their name for Mother’s Day Out. Life was starting to feel a little “normal” for this family… now things have changed drastically in a matter of days.
As I thought about this family, I was reminded of another mother whose adult son is undergoing radiation treatments following the removal of a cancerous brain tumor. This woman balances daily 60-mile-round-trip shuttles of her son to his radiation treatments with the care of herself, her husband, and her household. I know another woman who is struggling with decisions about the future of her elderly mother… and wrestling with the possibility of placing her in a skilled care facility. I know from personal experience that this is a daunting test of faith.
Just a few days ago, I read about a friend on Facebook whose dog has gone blind and appeared to be in constant pain, so they took him to have his eyes removed. There are all sorts of things that test our faith each and every day. I know that you can probably tell me half a dozen stories of your own. Like those whose situations I have described, I hope the people you call to mind have not given up. On any particular day, our tests can seem more than a little overwhelming.
Perhaps YOU are struggling with a situation in your own life. Maybe your challenge is not of a physical nature… but more a test of character and emotional fortitude. Maybe you are dealing with an overbearing professor or a relationship issue… and your feelings are raw. Perhaps someone has disappointed or betrayed you. Forgiveness may seem like the last thing you want to consider… but to fail to do so would be the same as giving up. And I’ll be honest…some days, this seems like a good option! But we know better… and scripture tells us that we must press on toward the mark…look to Jesus… trust Him to number our steps, and love Him for making a way where we can see none.
Forgiveness takes courage… and often requires a lot of faith. Today may very well bring tests of both for you... how well will you perform?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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.
This morning, I read a post on Facebook from the mother of two small children, both of whom are very sick. One is in the PICU at Children’s Hospital in Little Rock… the other is at home with his dad, battling pneumonia. These two 4-year-olds have literally fought for their lives since birth. Their sister didn’t make it to her first birthday and spent all 10 months of her life in the hospital. In the last few days, one of these children lost some teeth and had a visit from the tooth fairy. Both siblings now attend “school”… their name for Mother’s Day Out. Life was starting to feel a little “normal” for this family… now things have changed drastically in a matter of days.
As I thought about this family, I was reminded of another mother whose adult son is undergoing radiation treatments following the removal of a cancerous brain tumor. This woman balances daily 60-mile-round-trip shuttles of her son to his radiation treatments with the care of herself, her husband, and her household. I know another woman who is struggling with decisions about the future of her elderly mother… and wrestling with the possibility of placing her in a skilled care facility. I know from personal experience that this is a daunting test of faith.
Just a few days ago, I read about a friend on Facebook whose dog has gone blind and appeared to be in constant pain, so they took him to have his eyes removed. There are all sorts of things that test our faith each and every day. I know that you can probably tell me half a dozen stories of your own. Like those whose situations I have described, I hope the people you call to mind have not given up. On any particular day, our tests can seem more than a little overwhelming.
Perhaps YOU are struggling with a situation in your own life. Maybe your challenge is not of a physical nature… but more a test of character and emotional fortitude. Maybe you are dealing with an overbearing professor or a relationship issue… and your feelings are raw. Perhaps someone has disappointed or betrayed you. Forgiveness may seem like the last thing you want to consider… but to fail to do so would be the same as giving up. And I’ll be honest…some days, this seems like a good option! But we know better… and scripture tells us that we must press on toward the mark…look to Jesus… trust Him to number our steps, and love Him for making a way where we can see none.
Forgiveness takes courage… and often requires a lot of faith. Today may very well bring tests of both for you... how well will you perform?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 21, 2012
James 1:1-4
From James, a servant of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Greetings to the twelve tribes scattered all over the world.
My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a new program on TLC called “Big Tiny.” It features a brother and sister in Illinois who are in their early twenties. Bri and Brad Jordan are primordial dwarves. Both are featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s smallest siblings, and Bri is the world’s tiniest living woman. At 23 years of age, Bri stands 28 inches tall. Brad, age 20, has 38 inches of height. The two siblings live with their mom in Sandoval, Illinois.
Bri and Brad want so badly to be “normal” young adults. They attend college… Brad actually attends on a cheerleading scholarship. As you might imagine, he is used to top “pyramids” and the other members of the squad toss him into the air in some of their stunts. Brad is a talented gymnast and can do flips across the basketball court with the best of them. Bri is a “girlie girl” all the way and loves to spend time between classes sharing a snack with a table of girlfriends… all of whom are of “normal” size and stature.
Bri and Brad would really love to live on their own like other young adults their age. They have gotten licenses to drive a car (with special adaptations for little people like them), and they are learning to do chores around the house that would be necessary for independent living… laundry, housekeeping, and cooking. I watched an episode that featured them pushing the vacuum across the floor. At just over 2 feet tall, Bri was admittedly terrified of the vacuum, and she could barely push it. She complained afterward that her arms and hands were hurting, and she explained that someone of her small stature has limited upper body strength. The logistics of maneuvering something tall and heavy (like a vacuum or a pile of clean laundry) are quite different than for someone of standard height.
When I watched the siblings climb a step stool and stand on kitchen counters to put soup and mac ‘n cheese in the microwave for lunch, I held my breath! If our little nephew Timothy (who is 38+” tall at age 3) tried to do this, we would have a fit! Yet this is how Bri and Brad will have to manage, if they hope to live independently. And I know their mom will pray every day that God keeps them safe…if/when this happens.
From all indications, Bri and Brad Jordan are incredibly happy, positive, hopeful individuals. They have enormous challenges… health issues that would stymie a senior citizen… and more obstacles than I would ever want to consider. But they both exude joy. They endure everything. And so does their mother. She made the comment on one program that “’Can’t’ doesn’t live in our house!”
My point is that everybody has problems. You cannot always tell for certain what is happening in another person’s life just by looking at him/her. The person who is bright, cheerful and positive may have ten times the issues and challenges of someone who appears sad and grumpy. The most beautiful, tall fashion model or athlete may have ten times the problems of someone with primordial dwarfism like Bri and Brad. Not everyone wears their difficulties and worries on their sleeve! Does this mean we should never share our burdens? Should we keep our troubles bottled inside and never let anyone know what is happening in our life? The answer is a resounding, “NO!”
At the same time, we should not be defined by our troubles… but rather, how we handle them. If we are allowing God to have control, nothing is unmanageable. When we trust God to help us through anything and everything, we can endure it all. And in doing so, we are completed. GOD makes the difference! He handles what we cannot… and strengthens us for the journey.
When others look at us, do they see a person with the weight of the world on his/her shoulders? Or do they see someone who is operating in joy and hope? The difference could lie in large part with WHO we trust to handle our daily cares. When your faith is tested, who helps you to endure? Do you operate in Spiritual maturity… or are you living in lack? I encourage you to redouble your efforts to grow closer to God… to give EVERYTHING to Him, and trust that He will manage all of your troubles and enable you to live with hope and peace. Wear the joy of a faith-filled life in Christ on your sleeve… not your troubles!
©2012 Debbie Robus
From James, a servant of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Greetings to the twelve tribes scattered all over the world.
My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a new program on TLC called “Big Tiny.” It features a brother and sister in Illinois who are in their early twenties. Bri and Brad Jordan are primordial dwarves. Both are featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s smallest siblings, and Bri is the world’s tiniest living woman. At 23 years of age, Bri stands 28 inches tall. Brad, age 20, has 38 inches of height. The two siblings live with their mom in Sandoval, Illinois.
Bri and Brad want so badly to be “normal” young adults. They attend college… Brad actually attends on a cheerleading scholarship. As you might imagine, he is used to top “pyramids” and the other members of the squad toss him into the air in some of their stunts. Brad is a talented gymnast and can do flips across the basketball court with the best of them. Bri is a “girlie girl” all the way and loves to spend time between classes sharing a snack with a table of girlfriends… all of whom are of “normal” size and stature.
Bri and Brad would really love to live on their own like other young adults their age. They have gotten licenses to drive a car (with special adaptations for little people like them), and they are learning to do chores around the house that would be necessary for independent living… laundry, housekeeping, and cooking. I watched an episode that featured them pushing the vacuum across the floor. At just over 2 feet tall, Bri was admittedly terrified of the vacuum, and she could barely push it. She complained afterward that her arms and hands were hurting, and she explained that someone of her small stature has limited upper body strength. The logistics of maneuvering something tall and heavy (like a vacuum or a pile of clean laundry) are quite different than for someone of standard height.
When I watched the siblings climb a step stool and stand on kitchen counters to put soup and mac ‘n cheese in the microwave for lunch, I held my breath! If our little nephew Timothy (who is 38+” tall at age 3) tried to do this, we would have a fit! Yet this is how Bri and Brad will have to manage, if they hope to live independently. And I know their mom will pray every day that God keeps them safe…if/when this happens.
From all indications, Bri and Brad Jordan are incredibly happy, positive, hopeful individuals. They have enormous challenges… health issues that would stymie a senior citizen… and more obstacles than I would ever want to consider. But they both exude joy. They endure everything. And so does their mother. She made the comment on one program that “’Can’t’ doesn’t live in our house!”
My point is that everybody has problems. You cannot always tell for certain what is happening in another person’s life just by looking at him/her. The person who is bright, cheerful and positive may have ten times the issues and challenges of someone who appears sad and grumpy. The most beautiful, tall fashion model or athlete may have ten times the problems of someone with primordial dwarfism like Bri and Brad. Not everyone wears their difficulties and worries on their sleeve! Does this mean we should never share our burdens? Should we keep our troubles bottled inside and never let anyone know what is happening in our life? The answer is a resounding, “NO!”
At the same time, we should not be defined by our troubles… but rather, how we handle them. If we are allowing God to have control, nothing is unmanageable. When we trust God to help us through anything and everything, we can endure it all. And in doing so, we are completed. GOD makes the difference! He handles what we cannot… and strengthens us for the journey.
When others look at us, do they see a person with the weight of the world on his/her shoulders? Or do they see someone who is operating in joy and hope? The difference could lie in large part with WHO we trust to handle our daily cares. When your faith is tested, who helps you to endure? Do you operate in Spiritual maturity… or are you living in lack? I encourage you to redouble your efforts to grow closer to God… to give EVERYTHING to Him, and trust that He will manage all of your troubles and enable you to live with hope and peace. Wear the joy of a faith-filled life in Christ on your sleeve… not your troubles!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 2, 2012
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.
I sat behind a friend of ours at church yesterday and watched her play with a six-month-old baby she and her family are fostering. I thought about our little nephew, Timothy, and how fun he was at that age… and how sad we were when he moved away with his family. As I watched this baby cling to my friend’s neck while she cuddled him, I could see her efforts to infuse him with as much love as possible. I prayed that she would savor every minute she spends with him – and trust God to multiply the effects of her nurture – and that of other family members.
When you stop and think about the ministry of foster families, remember that most of these situations are temporary. Thank God for the loving families who are willing to welcome children who have no other options into their homes. But also ask Him to comfort these families when the children leave. I can assure you, these families will become attached to the children they nurture. And when they leave, the families will experience sadness – even if this represents a positive step for the child.
My prayer is that these families trust God to give them strength and courage to handle this role – and a glorious life because of it. As their faith is tested - and it surely will be - I pray that He blesses them with confidence and wisdom… and that they savor every minute that God grants them. I pray that they stay awake and alert… and recognize the hand of God at every turn.
My daily quote for today was this joke: “A Sunday school teacher asked her little students as they were on the way to a church service, ‘And why should we be quiet in church?’ A little girl replied, ‘Because people are sleeping.’” This would describe many of us. We are “asleep” to the promises and blessings of God. We don’t recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit and how He is caring for us in even the most difficult circumstances. And as a result, we fail to realize the fullness of a glorious life in Christ. We focus on the test of our faith. We are asleep to the possibilities for God to bless us – especially in times of extreme challenge.
I used the example of foster families today because I am surrounded by friends who are currently opening their hearts and homes to these innocent children. The challenges, pain and heartache that comes with being a foster family is fresh on my mind. But many of us are facing all sorts of “faith tests” – illness, financial difficulties, relationship issues, the challenges of aging… even a need for rain and drought relief. If we can learn to stay awake to the promises and possibilities of God… if we can recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence and trust Him to meet our daily needs… we can live a glorious life each and every day - with the hope of even more to come!
I recently told a friend, “Hang on… keep believing. I don’t know how God is going to work in this… I just know He will.” This is my message to you today. Whatever you are experiencing… however your faith is being tested… stay strong. Believe that God will see you through this. Acknowledge the blessings in your life today… because there are blessings! Live with the confidence of having the Holy Spirit with you at all times… and the promise of something even more glorious yet to come. God is with you. Wake up – and live faithfully!
©2012 Debbie Robus
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.
I sat behind a friend of ours at church yesterday and watched her play with a six-month-old baby she and her family are fostering. I thought about our little nephew, Timothy, and how fun he was at that age… and how sad we were when he moved away with his family. As I watched this baby cling to my friend’s neck while she cuddled him, I could see her efforts to infuse him with as much love as possible. I prayed that she would savor every minute she spends with him – and trust God to multiply the effects of her nurture – and that of other family members.
When you stop and think about the ministry of foster families, remember that most of these situations are temporary. Thank God for the loving families who are willing to welcome children who have no other options into their homes. But also ask Him to comfort these families when the children leave. I can assure you, these families will become attached to the children they nurture. And when they leave, the families will experience sadness – even if this represents a positive step for the child.
My prayer is that these families trust God to give them strength and courage to handle this role – and a glorious life because of it. As their faith is tested - and it surely will be - I pray that He blesses them with confidence and wisdom… and that they savor every minute that God grants them. I pray that they stay awake and alert… and recognize the hand of God at every turn.
My daily quote for today was this joke: “A Sunday school teacher asked her little students as they were on the way to a church service, ‘And why should we be quiet in church?’ A little girl replied, ‘Because people are sleeping.’” This would describe many of us. We are “asleep” to the promises and blessings of God. We don’t recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit and how He is caring for us in even the most difficult circumstances. And as a result, we fail to realize the fullness of a glorious life in Christ. We focus on the test of our faith. We are asleep to the possibilities for God to bless us – especially in times of extreme challenge.
I used the example of foster families today because I am surrounded by friends who are currently opening their hearts and homes to these innocent children. The challenges, pain and heartache that comes with being a foster family is fresh on my mind. But many of us are facing all sorts of “faith tests” – illness, financial difficulties, relationship issues, the challenges of aging… even a need for rain and drought relief. If we can learn to stay awake to the promises and possibilities of God… if we can recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence and trust Him to meet our daily needs… we can live a glorious life each and every day - with the hope of even more to come!
I recently told a friend, “Hang on… keep believing. I don’t know how God is going to work in this… I just know He will.” This is my message to you today. Whatever you are experiencing… however your faith is being tested… stay strong. Believe that God will see you through this. Acknowledge the blessings in your life today… because there are blessings! Live with the confidence of having the Holy Spirit with you at all times… and the promise of something even more glorious yet to come. God is with you. Wake up – and live faithfully!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 29, 2012
1 Corinthians 10:13
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.
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.
In the newspaper today, I saw a photograph of a woman kneeling at a grave site in a military cemetery. She was placing an American flag on one of the graves… and she appeared to be crying. I wondered if this was the grave of her husband… father…mother… or a son or daughter. I imagined how she must be remembering the sad events surrounding this person’s death… and reliving them. I thought of my own loved ones – and how I would feel were I the person in the picture. And I also considered how this woman is one of thousands all over the world who are mourning the loss of a dear loved one lost to one war or another.
Yesterday was Memorial Day in our country, and many of my Facebook “friends” posted photos of their loved ones who served in a branch of our armed forces. Some of these men and women perished during their tour of duty. But as the survivors posted their picture and reminded us of their sacrifice and service, I have to believe they also found comfort in the knowledge that they were not alone. They had to sense that others understood how they felt… and that ALL of them had managed to somehow come through this. More than few credited God with giving them the strength to endure the pain and grief… the heartache and loss. And just as surely as He has done this… He has also steered the paths people in similar situations in the same direction in order to bolster one another with empathy and encouragement.
A friend told me recently, “I sometimes feel like I am all alone on an island.” We all feel this way at times. But look around you. I’m betting you don’t have to look very far to find someone who is going through something very similar to your own experiences… or something far worse. Does this discount or diminish your feelings? Absolutely not! But the same God who is helping the other guy get through his/her test or temptation will help you. And maybe God wants you to help each other!
Let’s be honest… even the youngest among us has been through some “stuff!” And the older we get, the broader our experience base becomes. I don’t believe this is an accident. God doesn’t waste opportunities any more than He gives us more than we can handle. Perhaps instead of asking, “Why me, LORD?” we should be asking “What are You showing me… and how will You use this – and me – for Your glory?” My dear friend Becky, who lost her battle to breast cancer several years ago, always asked, “Why NOT me?” Now that’s FAITH in action!
We need to pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and buckle on the full armor of God. We need to say to ourselves… and to others… “With God, all things are possible. He will never let me down.” We need to leave the devil’s pity party and the negative enabling that is in steady supply and move over to the LORD’s table. We’ll be among friends there... support and encouragement will be the “Daily Special.” We will feast on the profusion of God’s strength and blessings… abundance that enables us to handle anything and everything that comes our way.
The choice is ours. We can decide which “party” to attend – and what kind of “support” we will seek. Whose table are you sitting at these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.
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.
In the newspaper today, I saw a photograph of a woman kneeling at a grave site in a military cemetery. She was placing an American flag on one of the graves… and she appeared to be crying. I wondered if this was the grave of her husband… father…mother… or a son or daughter. I imagined how she must be remembering the sad events surrounding this person’s death… and reliving them. I thought of my own loved ones – and how I would feel were I the person in the picture. And I also considered how this woman is one of thousands all over the world who are mourning the loss of a dear loved one lost to one war or another.
Yesterday was Memorial Day in our country, and many of my Facebook “friends” posted photos of their loved ones who served in a branch of our armed forces. Some of these men and women perished during their tour of duty. But as the survivors posted their picture and reminded us of their sacrifice and service, I have to believe they also found comfort in the knowledge that they were not alone. They had to sense that others understood how they felt… and that ALL of them had managed to somehow come through this. More than few credited God with giving them the strength to endure the pain and grief… the heartache and loss. And just as surely as He has done this… He has also steered the paths people in similar situations in the same direction in order to bolster one another with empathy and encouragement.
A friend told me recently, “I sometimes feel like I am all alone on an island.” We all feel this way at times. But look around you. I’m betting you don’t have to look very far to find someone who is going through something very similar to your own experiences… or something far worse. Does this discount or diminish your feelings? Absolutely not! But the same God who is helping the other guy get through his/her test or temptation will help you. And maybe God wants you to help each other!
Let’s be honest… even the youngest among us has been through some “stuff!” And the older we get, the broader our experience base becomes. I don’t believe this is an accident. God doesn’t waste opportunities any more than He gives us more than we can handle. Perhaps instead of asking, “Why me, LORD?” we should be asking “What are You showing me… and how will You use this – and me – for Your glory?” My dear friend Becky, who lost her battle to breast cancer several years ago, always asked, “Why NOT me?” Now that’s FAITH in action!
We need to pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and buckle on the full armor of God. We need to say to ourselves… and to others… “With God, all things are possible. He will never let me down.” We need to leave the devil’s pity party and the negative enabling that is in steady supply and move over to the LORD’s table. We’ll be among friends there... support and encouragement will be the “Daily Special.” We will feast on the profusion of God’s strength and blessings… abundance that enables us to handle anything and everything that comes our way.
The choice is ours. We can decide which “party” to attend – and what kind of “support” we will seek. Whose table are you sitting at these days?
©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 August 9, 2011
John 6:1-6
Jesus crossed Lake Galilee, which was also known as Lake Tiberias. A large crowd had seen him work miracles to heal the sick, and those people went with him. It was almost time for the Jewish festival of Passover, and Jesus went up on a mountain with his disciples and sat down. When Jesus saw the large crowd coming toward him, he asked Philip, "Where will we get enough food to feed all these people?" He said this to test Philip, since he already knew what he was going to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been in a dilemma, and you prayed, “LORD, what is going to happen?” You asked this question in a state of worry… as in, “How will I ever get out of this mess?” or “How can there possibly be a good outcome in this situation?” Now let me ask you this… later, when you looked back at how well things actually did come together… and how beautifully God orchestrated it all… weren’t you a little embarrassed at your lack of faith? Didn’t you feel a little foolish for wringing your hands and being so doubtful?
I think that God sometimes allows us to behave like this. I think that He often plants these questions in our heads just to see how we will react… and whether our faith is strong. I believe He teaches us in these moments… and yes, embarrasses us a bit, so that the next time around, we’ll remember how generous He is to us. Hopefully, we will remember that God is faithful to keep His promises and meet our every need.
I also find it funny that in this particular instance, God not only fed all of the people… he provided leftovers. That’s how God operates… in abundance. Not only do we look back and see that He met our needs and answered our prayers… in many instances, He exceeded what was promised and expected!
My challenge today is for us to begin to operate more in faith… to be able to answer the “test questions” with confidence that “all will be well - with God in control.” We say we can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us… now it’s time to really prove it. When Jesus asks you a test question, will you give the right answer?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus crossed Lake Galilee, which was also known as Lake Tiberias. A large crowd had seen him work miracles to heal the sick, and those people went with him. It was almost time for the Jewish festival of Passover, and Jesus went up on a mountain with his disciples and sat down. When Jesus saw the large crowd coming toward him, he asked Philip, "Where will we get enough food to feed all these people?" He said this to test Philip, since he already knew what he was going to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been in a dilemma, and you prayed, “LORD, what is going to happen?” You asked this question in a state of worry… as in, “How will I ever get out of this mess?” or “How can there possibly be a good outcome in this situation?” Now let me ask you this… later, when you looked back at how well things actually did come together… and how beautifully God orchestrated it all… weren’t you a little embarrassed at your lack of faith? Didn’t you feel a little foolish for wringing your hands and being so doubtful?
I think that God sometimes allows us to behave like this. I think that He often plants these questions in our heads just to see how we will react… and whether our faith is strong. I believe He teaches us in these moments… and yes, embarrasses us a bit, so that the next time around, we’ll remember how generous He is to us. Hopefully, we will remember that God is faithful to keep His promises and meet our every need.
I also find it funny that in this particular instance, God not only fed all of the people… he provided leftovers. That’s how God operates… in abundance. Not only do we look back and see that He met our needs and answered our prayers… in many instances, He exceeded what was promised and expected!
My challenge today is for us to begin to operate more in faith… to be able to answer the “test questions” with confidence that “all will be well - with God in control.” We say we can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us… now it’s time to really prove it. When Jesus asks you a test question, will you give the right answer?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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