Suffering is frequently linked with the word "why." Why do we suffer? Why does God allow suffering? Why me? Suffering triggers an immediate desire to understand why. When sin entered the world suffering came along for the ride. We have seasons of peace, seasons of prosperity, and seasons of pain. Even in the good seasons,… Continue reading Patience, Even When Suffering Doesn’t Make Sense
When God’s Timing Doesn’t Make Sense
God's timing rarely makes sense to us when we feel stuck in a holding pattern, or while we are waiting on Him to answer our pleas. God's timing rarely makes sense as we gape, open-mouthed at the swift decline of morality in our world. God's timing rarely makes sense to our limited mind, but it always makes sense to the perfect mind of God.
In Memory of the Fallen
In a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they… Continue reading In Memory of the Fallen
If Chaos is Controlling Your Family
Two things never cease to amaze me: 1) How quickly life moves from calm to chaos 2) How God consistently provides—especially in the chaos. The last five days of my life have been like something from a comedy show. If I were watching myself on TV, it would be hilarious. It's one of those segments… Continue reading If Chaos is Controlling Your Family
The Need for Rest
Yesterday, as I reviewed my retirement accounts with my financial advisor, she commented, "Retirement looks much different now than in years past. People used to retire and live a leisure life; these days, people pick up another job just to stay busy." She is right, of course, although I believe there are more factors than… Continue reading The Need for Rest
If You Worry About It, You Can Pray About It
As our car pulled out of the church parking lot on Sunday, all five of us spotted a cloud of smoke billowing on the distant horizon. My oldest daughter’s voice rose in panic from the backseat. “Do you think our house is on fire?!” My husband, in his calm reassuring manner, replied, “No, honey, it’s… Continue reading If You Worry About It, You Can Pray About It
The Trouble With Praying for Patience
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." ~ Galatians 5.22, ESV Have you ever prayed for patience? What happened? In my experience, whenever I have asked the Lord to give me patience, He answered by providing opportunities to develop patience. I wanted the actual… Continue reading The Trouble With Praying for Patience
When You Feel Stuck in Monotonous Duties
God has the power to take what is ordinary and make it truly extraordinary. Give every task---significant or insignificant---to the God who sees in secret.
If You’re Doubting God’s Plan
Elijah sat in a dark cave brooding over the current state of affairs in Israel. He had rejoiced as he watched God's power thunder from heaven onto Mount Carmel, validating the Almighty’s supremacy over man-made Baal. The long-awaited revival of Israel seemed imminent. But that woman... The word of one wicked woman toppled Elijah from… Continue reading If You’re Doubting God’s Plan
Don’t Undervalue Dutiful Service
Picture in your mind a handful of Christians within the last century whom you admire. It could be people you know personally or people you have read about. What makes them admirable? Why do you look upon them as giants in the faith? Is it a quality about them? Their actions? Their teaching? Who did… Continue reading Don’t Undervalue Dutiful Service
Elihu's Corner 