Strand Strong    
If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all (Isaiah 7:9).

Have you ever held a belief or opinion, believing by faith that it was absolutely correct, only to have the opinions of others cause you to self-doubt? There have been many times that I have stood alone on a cause or belief, but under the pressure of opposing opinions around me, I tucked my tail like a puppy and whimpered away into a safe corner. This sometimes happens within Christian circles on spiritual topics or with other moms on parenting issues. One day God caused me to take a second look at this.

It turns out that the Bible is full of people who were singularly, alone in their beliefs and actions for God even while they were surrounded by good people. Had David changed his mind every time those around him second-guessed his decisions, He could not have become a great King. This was a man who, against the advice of his own family and countrymen, went out to face a ridiculously, oppressive giant. He stood alone in his faith – a faith that was crazy, unrealistic, dangerous - and completely in line with God’s will.

It’s worth noting here that King Saul, David’s predecessor, had the kingdom torn from him because he disobeyed God. What was his offense? In his own words; “I was afraid of the people and listened to them.” (1 Samuel 15:24) He was afraid to stand alone.

Then there is Jesus. If you think he was always surrounded by his disciples and had the support of his family when he expressed his out-of-this-world truths, read John, chapter 7. This chapter begins with Jesus’ brothers mocking him, and ends with Jesus preaching in the temple while being ridiculed and even accused of being demon possessed. There were no disciples or family members to stick up for him that day. He was solely alone – and solely right.

I have a message for you dear mom, who needs to ground her child, while all the other kids go out and play; stand up and stand alone if you have to. Let the other parents accuse you of overreacting – but stand your ground. You are the one who is right.

And I have a message for you dear cancer patient who is starting to believe those voices saying that healing just may not be for you; go out and fight the Giant! Let people think you are crazy, unrealistic and dangerous, but find a scripture, stand on it, and throw your stone anyway. Stand alone – even if your family and countrymen tell you you’re crazy. Have a king’s heart!

This is your time to shine. Shine alone? Maybe – but shine anyway. If no one else appreciates it, you can be sure of one thing: You come from a long line of saints who have stood alone and heaven is cheering you on.

 

A few weeks ago, I was driving along and praying out loud when a thought came across my mind.  I told God, "It's been so long since I've laughed hard.  I mean really hard - the kind of laughter that leaves your sides aching and tummy muscles sore.  I guess in a way, I was voicing a prayer request to God...or maybe he just agreed that it's time I start laughing.  Never-the-less, the Bible says, "You don't have because you don't ask."  Even small things like laughing can come along because of prayer.  And boy, did it ever.

A few nights later my sons and I were watching the olympics and my middle child became a comedian and commentator during the women's floor exercises.  I don't remember what all he said, and it's so silly that no-one else would find it funny, but at the moment every thing he said hit my funny bone.  I laughed...and I laughed...and I wiped tears from my eyes...and I held my stomach because the laughing pains had me doubled over.  It was pure bliss!! 

But, our God is a god of plenty....and he wasn't even about to be finished with me.  A few days later, the boys and I were clowning around in the house and I got tickled again.  This time I couldn't catch my breath and my sons were asking if I was alright. Oh how I laughed!  Enough - right?  Not to my heavenly father.  He still had more laughter for me.

A few days later, I met some girlfriends at lunch and one of the girls started with a story that had us literally slamming the table and disrupting the whole restaraunt with wild, crazy laughter.  I held my stomach and pleaded for her to "Please stop."  By the end of the lunch I had wiped "laughter tears" from my face so much that I had little make-up left.  Oh, what a day! 

I don't know if God is finished making me laugh yet....I hope not.  But I have to say, God answers our prayers with MORE than we ever imagine.  All we have to do is ask.

Do things happen by chance?  This is a question many of us have wondered at one time or another.  There are people looking for the perfect job believing that God will direct their steps to that workplace without fail.  Are they right?  Then, there are those that are patiently waiting for God to arrange their meeting to "the one."  These people don't believe in chance.  They believe that God has a will for their lives and their choice of mate is of great importance to God.  Is that correct?  And what about the election?  Can God actually see to it that the right person gets in office?

Well, other than the obvious, God's creation that reveals that not only is he a God of order...he is a God of the most minute details - to the point of making sure that a sparrow has food, let's see what scripture has to say about "chance".

Proverbs 16:33 says, (NIV)  "The lot is cast into the lap, but it's every decision is from the LORD."  In the day that these proverbs were written, casting a lot in a lap was our modern day version of flipping a coin.  How intriguing to know that even the trivial flipping of a coin is still under God's sovereignity.  Of course, we can't take free choice out of the picture, God didn't make us a bunch of robots.  But we can be sure that he is in complete control of all the events that go on in the world and he isn't just casually watching all the chaos going down on earth below.

Further more, Proverbs 16:9 goes a step further.  "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."  Interesting!  So our steps ARE determined by the LORD!  Hmmm...maybe God IS directing us to that perfect job or that right person.  And he is very capable to make sure the right person wins the oval office.  I'm believing so anyway.  What about you?

I am so grieved today. ANOTHER person has come to me in despair because they were told that they must carry the yoke of singleness for the rest of their life. In other words, they were told that they cannot remarry because they are considered the "guilty party" in their divorce. I want to cry every time I see someone who has to carry this burden. It is almost a sentence of death to them. Many people leave the church because of the condemnation they feel from this.

Well I have good news for you. God has seen your misery! He cares for you and his grace is greater than ALL your sin. If you are under grace, then you are no longer under law. Jesus ONLY condemned the pharisees and hippocrits because they chose the law for their righteousness  - not him. He does NOT condemn those under grace. If you are feeling condemned, that is NOT from Jesus. When Jesus was speaking of divorce he was talking to those who wanted to remain under the law. That's why the Pharisee's asked, "Teacher, is it LAWFUL for a man to divorce his wife..." Now, if you choose to remain under the law, then yes, you must not remarry. But we have been set free! The law kills but the Spirit gives life!! By believing that you must perform the "work" of remaining single to maintain your righteousness, you place yourself back under the law and make grace of no effect. The ONLY answer to this is to find your righteousness in Christ alone. His work was completed when he said, "It is finished". Nothing was left undone. That means there is no further work for you to do. Just place your trust in him.

I know this is a very contraversial subject. I ask everyone seeking answers to seek God with your whole heart and I even suggest fasting. You will hear from God. Here are a couple of helpful links for further study:

http://www.sounddoctrine.com/divorce.htm
http://www.divorcehope.com/

Your whole life can change in just one day!  It just takes one phone call from the right person.  One letter of acceptance from the right company.  One answered prayer to turn your whole life around.  Just one!

In the Bible, Joseph was in prison for several years when one night Pharoah had a dream and needed an interpreter...enter Joseph.

Moses was out tending sheep when one day he came across a burning bush...

David was a simple shepard boy when one day a prophet came to town and annointed him king...

The apostle Paul was on his was to Damascus one day when suddenly a bright shining light blinded him...it was Jesus.  His life was never the same.

Can you get excited?  God is so unpredicatable, exciting, and waaay ahead of you!  He already knows the next step for you while you're just waiting around for something to happen.  He's already released the answer to your prayers.  People are already talking about you!  Your name just came across someone's desk.  Someone (a potential mate) is already watching you.  In fact, they've been watching you for some time.  They are just waiting for the right opportunity...the right day...

It just takes one day!

You don't know much about me, so let me tell you a little.  I'm a single mother of three handsome and talented boys and love watching them play sports.   I love sports myself and play competitive volleyball.  I love to workout, love to write and REALLY love my church.  I think my lifestyle would be pretty normal to most people until they asked me if I'm dating anyone.  That's when a conversation gets a little.....sticky. 

I haven't dated for three years now.  I could if I wanted to, but I choose not to.  There are several reasons, but the biggest reason is that I'm waiting on God's leading.  This doesn't make sense to a lot of people.  They are the ones that say things like, "You've got to put yourself out there", or, "God helps those that help themselves".  While those statements may be partially true, there is a greater truth that I'm relying on.  God gave me a vision and a faith to believe that if I will just wait for him, he will give me the RIGHT person without me having to go through a series of hurtful or unfruitful relationships. 

See, I tried the other way.  I dated a lot!  The only problem with that is that I lost a little bit of myself which each fruitless relationship.  Not only that, I really hate when someone gets hurt,  even if it's the other person.  I hate being hurt and I hate hurting people. Those men are my brothers in Christ and I don't want to hurt or mislead anyone.   That means I wouldn't date anyone unless I got the "go ahead" from God.

I know the God who knows EVERYTHING!  That means, he knows where my man is and he knows my address!  If I want to find my man...I better find God.   This takes so much pressure off me.  Last time I checked God was still capable of running the universe...so I'm thinking he could direct my course too. 

Maybe you're interested in how this will work out for me.  I'm certain of the answer.....but I invite you to follow my posts for as long as you like to see how God answers my prayers.  But let this be known - I believe!
Stacy

Did anyone in the Bible ever get their promise without having to go through a time of testing and waiting?  Anyone? Consider these people:
1. Moses ran away from Egypt and hid in the desert for 40 years before he became a deliverer.  (Do you think he ever felt forgotten during those forty years?)
2.  Joseph spent most of his young adult years in a prison or as a slave.  I've often wondered if he sat in a dark prison sometimes wondering if maybe those dreams he dreamed were just a figment of his imagination.  Who knows...but God didn't forget him and he became 2nd in command over Egypt.
3.  King David didn't get to sit on the throne as soon as Samuel annointed him.  After the annointing, he went back to being a shepherd boy in the desert.  It took a severe time of testing and King Saul trying to kill him before David finally ruled over Israel.  But because of all the testing he became a very kind and successful king.
4.  Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for their promised baby!  Think that was easy?  Think there was a little frustration along the way?
5.  Jesus wanted us...you and me.....but to get us he had to overcome testing and the cross.  But the reward was so worth it.  He inherited us - his bride!

If you are frustrated today because you haven't found that special person yet...congratulations!  You're in good company.  Your going the same route as the Bible patriarchs and your reward WILL come.  Your reward is proportionate to the testing you have had to endure.  If it's been long and hard for you, just keep trusting God, your reward will be equally joyful and wonderful.  Just be patient.  He has not forgotten you.  David said if we could count his thoughts toward us they would be more than the sands on the sea.  That means today alone, God has thought about you millions of times already!  He knows where you are!

Oh the waiting!  Seems like we are always waiting for something.  Waiting for our kids to get bigger, waiting for more income so we can do more things, waiting for that right person to come along and all the other promises that God has given us.  Somehow I must believe that the waiting is just as important as receiving those promises.  But it's still a mystery.  Why did Abraham have to wait 25 years for Issac?  What happens during that time of waiting that is so important?  I know that God doesn't waste even a second of our lives.  Every moment he's working in us and through us.  So what is he doing during those long waits?

He's building our faith.  How strong would our faith be if every time we had a desire for something, it was granted the next day?  What then would be the purpose of hope, faith or trust?  We would just be like little babies who get their milk every time they cry.  We would never be stretched by believing for something even when no-one else supported us.  Our patience would never grow and we would be snappy and intolerant people.  And we wouldn't be children of faith. 

Every day that we are waiting for some promise to materialize, we are growing.  Our faith muscles are tearing and repairing just like body-builders.  Every time we face those doubts with a bold, "I will not doubt - I will believe!" our perseverance gets heartier and stronger.  Every time we see others getting their promises, but alas, we are still waiting for ours...our love gets more unselfish because we are stretching to be truly happy for them.  We are most definitely changing while we are waiting.  Most definitely. 

When our promise finally arrives, we are more mature and able to handle that promise with much appreciation and care.  More importantly, when we get to heaven we will see more rewards for our patience.  Yes, our waiting is very important.  It's earning us something.  Something that will last beyond this life.
Stacy