God’s splendor is a tale that is told.
![“The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord!” [Job 1:21 ERV]](https://i0.wp.com/itwondersme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/The-Lord-gives-and-takes-away.jpg?resize=360%2C240&ssl=1)
Who do you blame when life goes sideways? If we’re feeling vindictive, we blame other people. If we’re feeling humble, we blame ourselves. And if we’re feeling exceptionally spiritual, we blame the enemy. #nottodaysatan am I right? But not so fast. Take a look at the Book of Job, where Satan is horrible to a blameless …
You ever get triggered on someone else’s behalf? That’s me writing about fasting. I suffered with disordered eating for 20 years. It wasn’t until coming to Christ that I saw any lasting recovery, and while there’s still a ways to go, I’m grateful that God has healed my particular brand of crazy to the point …
If you’re fasting this month, you’re probably super hungry today. And every day. And it’s probably messing with your daily life. Like, I can’t be the only one who happened to be walking through Walmart at the exact time they bake the chocolate chip cookies and literally RAN AWAY. Just me? Dang. ANYWAY. What I’m …
Attitude is everything. Especially when we don’t get what we’re praying for. I recently re-read the story of David and Bathsheba, a familiar tale of lust, murder, and trying to make things okay that are NOT OKAY. What stands out is how David grieves when God takes away the child conceived by his sin. This …
One year ago today, my husband and I heard the call from God to help start a church in a new country. It caught us off guard—we’re newish Christians and not in leadership—but our answer was a resounding YES. Yes, we want to build the Kingdom.Yes, we’re willing to uproot our lives.Yes, we can start …
P R A Y E R & F A S T I N G That’s what the rest of my month is about. Yesterday our church began a 21-day fast during which we’re sharpening our awareness of God by foregoing creature comforts to remind our flesh it’s not in charge. Some folks alter their food, …
There’s a lot of hype going on about 2020 being “The Year of Clear Vision.” And while I appreciate a good metaphor, I can’t help feeling like something’s missing. Most of the talk centers around believing for radical change and getting an audacious download of destiny. To fully see what God has in store for …
I had a terrible thought the other night. The sad, resigned kind that’s a red flag by itself and turns into a flashing danger sign when it crops up in odd places. As I was getting into bed, I said to myself, “Here we go again.” Seriously, who thinks that when they’re going to sleep?! …
When God promises us good things, it’s hard to wait. Much like a cake-smeared toddler tearing through birthday presents, we want it all and we want it right now. But could you imagine if you landed a seven-figure job before you could manage a four-figure budget? Or got a Lamborghini as your first car? You’d …
Worry isn’t from God. It’s an ingenious snare that tricks us into doubting that He is who He says He is. Worry says your problems are too big (or small) for Him to handle.Worry says it’s too hard, too late, too expensive, too broken.Worry says if you’re not in control, nothing will change.Worry says God …
How do you respond when God calls you? Do you hide and hope He passes by, like Adam in his post-fruit shame? Or do you leap up with an eager heart and reach for Him, saying “Here I am, Lord!” like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Samuel, and Isaiah did? It’s tempting to pretend you’re invisible when …
Sometimes a blessing feels like a burden, doesn’t it? A newborn baby.A demanding job.A house under renovation.A gift of discernment.A spouse with strongly-held opinions who works long hours and is heavily involved in community outreach. Okay, that last one might just be me. Point being, it’s hard for our human nature to bear that kind …