The Biggest Problem

What is your biggest problem right now?

If you're like me, ideas come easily to mind.

Money problems.
Kids who disobey.
Lack of sleep.
Stressful relationships at work.
A husband who doesn't understand.
No husband at all.

Whatever the list, my tendency (and maybe yours?) is to totally miss the real problem.

Here's the worst case scenario.

1 Cor. 15:16-17 "For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless, you are still in your sins."

There is no resurrection.
Christ has not been raised.
Your faith is worthless.
You are still in your sins.

Let the shock and horror of that land, just for a second.

Under judgment.
Lost forever.
Without hope, without God in the world.
Absolute despair of pardon.
Eternal separation from God.
Hell.

That, my friends, is a desperate, awful prospect.

And now, let the word of truth fill that picture with reality (and let the relief flood over you).

Christ has come.
Death is defeated.
He is risen.
Your faith--albeit weak or unsteady--if in Christ is not in vain.
You will never be alone.
Nothing can snatch you from His love.
Christ has triumphed, and in Him, God has purposed for all of eternity to cover you with kindness.

Hope spreads before you like an eternal ocean, because you are His and He is yours.

Where is your biggest problem?

It is crushed and disarmed by the death-defying, hope-bringing resurrection of Jesus.

Balm

These have been some long, sometimes stressful, days. Health issues and questions (Josiah threw up twice yesterday/today), trying to put our home back together after having floors refinished, working to free Daddy to do his schoolwork and other work, wrestling to find the right discipline battles to fight and which ones to let lie, feeling kinda mediocre-to-poor in the ability to do any of those things well.

Tonight at bedtime, I lay next to Victor for 3 minutes (as is our custom) and chatted about our plans for the morning (as is our custom) and prayed for peaceful sleep and no bad dreams and great trust in Jesus (as is our custom).

And then, when it was time for me to leave, Victor spontaneously wrapped his arms around me and said, "I love you!" and snuggled his head on my shoulder.

And for some reason, I couldn't think of anything so pressing to do that I should get up and miss that sweet hug. His little arm thrown across my shoulder, head resting on my chest. "I love you," he said again. We just snuggled for 10 minutes.

It was 10 minutes of balm to my heart. A reminder of my own Father's love, a little glimpse of grace at work in my little one's heart, a moment to be still and know that God is God, and He is doing good, even when my failures stare me in the face more than any victories.

A sweet gift.

Faith vs. Worry

Here is a message on faith vs. worry... probably one of the most perennially applicable topics for most women.

HT: Mars' Hill Church

Fighting Fear

"Fear comes from a wrong focus."

Andree Seu spoke at the Women's Conference this year at Bethlehem Baptist, and her answer for fighting fear is to change one's focus from the many anxiety-producing facts of your life to the biggest fact in your life... that God is your Father.

Her messages are honest, personal, Scripture-filled, and wise. I hope they may be an encouragement.

‘You Are Mine’ Do You Believe It? - Women's Spring Conference, Session One

‘You Are Mine’ Do You Believe It? - Women's Spring Conference, Session Two

‘You Are Mine’ Do You Believe It? - Women's Spring Conference, Session Three

Though the Earth Should Change

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride

(Psalm 46:1-3).

Such familiar words, and comforting. But yesterday reading them, I was struck by the particular aptness of the words “though the earth should change.” Change is often what I fear. Not that the way life is right now is perfect, but I know it. Not that the world has no problems, but right now I feel comfortable facing them. But what if things change? What if I can’t take what comes?

So basic and uncomplicated. There is a refuge which can never be shaken. There is an unchanging reality who promises to be near, whatever comes. Bank on Him, and I won’t fear. Whatever He sends me, even if it is a cataclysm that destroys the whole landscape of my life, He will send His own presence and help too. He is not just present, in fact … He is a very present help. May it be so, Lord, and knowing it, let my heart be calm.

A Word for Worriers

This looks to be a hectic week. Here is a message from Justin Taylor's blog that strikes me as particularly appropriate and very hopeful:

A Word for Worriers

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