Month: March 2021

AboutDebbie, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission, LWML Convention

Hope in the Midst of Heartbreak

This last week was a difficult one as news of a tragic death caused shock and helplessness. When someone you love is hurting you want to make it better. Many times, you simply can’t. When there is nothing I can do to ease the pain, I go to the only One who can provide hope, comfort, and peace.

When someone we love is suffering, the world often asks why. I ask why! Why does God allow such pain? I think the simple answer is we just don’t know. What we do know is that Jesus said there would be suffering in this world. He also said He has overcome the world. (John 16:33).

Many times, there seems to be no answer for why tragedy happens, at least no answers that we find satisfactory. We live in a broken world, filled with sin. Suffering and death are part of this world. What wonderful assurance we have that Jesus has overcome the world. Jesus conquered sin, death, and the power of the devil and, as His redeemed children, we live in victory with Him.

As a Christian, I still mourn when someone I love dies or when someone I love experiences a tragedy, but I know that this is not the end of the story. This world is not my home. I hope, when I spend time with those that have recently lost loved ones, when sorrow and pain overflow, that I can share the hope I have in Jesus. This hope is for all those who believe Jesus is their Savior.

I also hope that I never wait for tragedy to share the message of the Gospel. Indeed, tragedy will strike all of us at some point in our lives. Let’s boldly and confidently share Jesus now. It’s true that sometimes we just don’t know what to say. If that happens, I will call upon the Holy Spirit to give me the words and also trust that sometimes my presence may be exactly what a hurting friend needs, even without words.

Many good things happened this week. The LWML Board of Directors has decided that we will be “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus” in-person in Lexington, Kentucky, June 24–27 2021. Plans to move forward, trusting that this is God’s will, give me much to do and it is exciting to see events beginning to take place, even as we remain mindful of all safety protocols. As I make plans to attend a funeral, I’m reminded of the importance of sharing hope, especially
in the midst of heartbreak.

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

A Path Filled with Prayer

After a snowfall, I love to look out at the meadows and see the tracks made by the deer. They follow one another, taking the easiest path through the snow. We also have a little grey fox that visits us each night. (He, or she, always sniffs my upside-down flower pots that are sheltering my
perennial grasses for the winter. I wonder if that means I have a mouse nest under that pot?) As I look for the fox tracks, I notice he, or she, always takes the gravel road. Again, it’s easier walking.

When we walk, we take the gravel road. If I walk in the meadows or in the trees, I end up with burrs in my socks, and there are hidden rocks everywhere. When we do walk the property, I never take my eyes off the ground because I don’t have time for a sprained ankle! So, for exercise, the road just makes sense. The easiest way, many times, is the correct way.

Understanding all that my Lord has done, and continues to do for me, should make the path easy and joy filled. How can I not want to praise His name and follow His path? Our lives can be filled with tranquil paths; decisions clearly made, laughter effortlessly shared, and love simply
given. Our lives can also be filled with difficult decisions. His way is not always clear to me. Some decisions are just not easy.

May I please ask each of you to pray that the LWML Board of Directors will be filled with the Holy Spirit as they meet, discuss, pray, and decide whether to hold a convention in person or to hold it virtually? (FYI, the LWML convention is scheduled to be in Lexington, Kentucky, June 24–27). The theme for our convention is “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus.” We want to seek His counsel and do His will, to the glory of His holy name. We will meet on March 15 and again on March 18.

As I pray for the Lord’s will, I look to Scripture. These are just a few of the passages I meditate on. Add your own favorites and share them with me!

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol
(Psalm 86: 11–13).

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4: 4–7).

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind (James 1:5–6)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5–6).

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2–4).

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Debbie

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