Clean Your Room

It was a reasonable request – at least from where I stood. My desire fueled my mouth to form it. I didn’t understand the outburst. I was fairly certain there were others from Georgia to Thailand uttering the same simple appeal at the same exact time.

“Clean your room.”

“Please.” I threw in for good measure and because my mama taught me everything goes smoother with good manners.

But from the looks on my daughter’s face, she didn’t agree with the “reasonable” part of my petition. Her eyebrows scrunched low and her mouth was set in a straight fine line. The unrest in her attitude was not only from my request, but because my request didn’t include her brother, as well.

“But-” she started, “He helped me.” Meaning her one and only brother “helped” her make the mess, and he should have to “help” pick it up. “Just pick it up,” I told her pointing resolutely to the piles of Barbie dolls, dress-up clothes, stuffed animals, Hot Wheel cars, and pillows.

“Hmmph.” My five-year-old daughter stomped her feet and jerked her body towards the disarray. She began to toss and pitch toys here and there. When she found something belonging to her brother, her eyes would squint low as she marched across the hall to his room to throw the item on his floor with another, “Hmmph.”

Her body was going through the motions, but her heart was lying on the floor kicking its feet. Was I still happy with her actions?

True obedience comes from the heart.

King Saul was told to “go attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them.” (1 Samuel 15:3 NIV) Saul did wipe out the Amalekites as he was told. Only, “the soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord.” (v. 21) Saul was specifically told to destroy all of the cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys. Instead he saved the best of them for a sacrifice.

Was the Lord still happy?

"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king." 1 Samuel 15:22 NIV

I’d say that was a pretty clear answer. Sometimes we think we are fooling God because we are doing the “right” thing, but in our hearts we are rebellious. Saul was arrogant and made a sacrifice to God only after he erected a monument in his own honor for the defeat of the Amalekites – the defeat God placed in his hands.

My daughter cleaned her room, but her obedience was in deed alone. How clean are the rooms in your heart? Do you have piles of rebellion? Stacks of self? Or scatters of attitude?

Well, you know what I’m going to say. And I think I’ll take my own advice.

“Clean your room!”

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Unexpected Detour

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt. Matthew 2:14 NIV

I’m a planner. I carefully select my events, my times, my meals, and even my accessories in effort to make my life – well, perfect. There is just one problem. Perhaps you already know it.

No matter how much we prepare, things don’t always go according to plan.

In this way, I set myself up for disappointment. For months, I envisioned the birth of my newest baby girl. The older two children would stand at the window of the nursery while she took her first bath. The grandparents, aunts, and uncles would stand behind them along with my husband who would be videoing this perfect moment. I, of course, would still be back in the recovery room holding hands in a circle with my best friends singing “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” That is how it was supposed to happen.

It didn’t.

Instead, my newborn was whisked out of the delivery room without so much as a how do you do. She spent not one day, not two days, but TEN days in the NICU. No siblings watched her bathe. No aunts and uncles stood in the background commenting on how she had my mouth and my husband’s eyes. Things did NOT go according to plan – at least not MY plan.

So, I wonder how Mary felt when Joseph shook her awake in the middle of the night and told her to get packing. The Magi, or three wise men, had just left their home after visiting the young King of Kings. Mary was just getting used to being the mother of the Savior of the world. If Jesus was God’s Son, then why were they running?

King Herod was on a rampage, killing every infant boy under a certain age. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, telling him of Herod’s intentions and God’s plan for them to flee to Egypt. Joseph, the Bible tells us, got up, took Mary and Jesus and left in the middle of the night.

This was not a part of Mary or Joseph’s plan. But it was God’s plan.

I wonder how many times when my plans took a detour, God was protecting me. I was probably too busy complaining about my trek though the desert to realize God was sending me there for my own good. I’m thankful Mary didn’t park her heels and say, “No way. I just got this straw floor looking the way I want, and I’m not leaving.” Instead, she followed and in doing so, protected my Lord.

Dear Lord,

Sometimes the only I thing I see is Egypt. Help me to understand you often have a plan in the desert road. Thank you for Mary and Joseph, Father, for their obedient attitude helped to save Your Son. Create in me a submissive attitude. Help me not to focus so much on MY plans that I miss out on Yours. Lord, may I embrace the detours. Amen.

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Distracted

“Hey, how are you?” The silence shattered and heads once entranced in magazines looked up and towards the culprit. “I’m still in the doctor’s office waiting,” she explained in a loud talking-on-a-cell-phone kind of voice. “I’m going to meet y’all for lunch in an hour or so,” we all listened to the conversation. We couldn’t help it. I paused in my book, staring at the words in front of me waiting for the lady beside me to politely end her call. That’s what you do in small waiting rooms – either send the call to voice mail or quietly answer and explain how you’ll call back later. It didn’t happen.

The waiting room as a whole listened as this woman helped her friend find her way to a specific destination. The loud talking woman wasn’t content to give directions and cut the caller loose. “I’ll just stay on the phone with you until you find it,” she told her friend. A collective sigh came from the waiting room.

Determined to block this woman out, I concentrated on the words in front of me. I called them out in my head one by one, then started over and read the sentence again. It was hard to glean any meaning from the print in my lap. It didn’t matter my book was interesting. I could not concentrate on anything but the loud talker and her conversation. I was distracted.

Satan works the same way. When God is speaking, Satan tries to drown Him out. We may be trying to read God’s Word while the devil jumps up and down shouting, or perhaps we are desperately trying to concentrate on that still small voice within us. Instead of hearing how you are chosen and part of a bigger plan, you are forced to listen to the hiss of the evil one as he spews – You aren’t good enough. You’ll never amount to anything. What does God care about you? Do you really think He has the time for one as insignificant as yourself?

Our Savior’s greatest enemy will do all he can to keep you from listening to the words of your Father. He doesn’t want you to know the truth. If he can just wave his hands high enough, jump fast enough, or talk loud enough, maybe you won’t know the truth – The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever. (Psalm 138:8 NIV)

You know when I was able to finish reading my book? When I got up and left the waiting room. My name was called, and I was able to move away. Christ is calling your name, too. Get up and walk away from the lies you are being told. Then concentrate on the Living God and what He is trying to tell you. You are loved. You are chosen. I have a plan for you. Believe it!

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Why Does God Test Us if He Already Knows the Answers?

“I think I’m going to fail,” my son mumbled about his upcoming standardized test at school. “You can’t fail,” I explained. “It’s just a test to let the teacher know where you stand. She needs to know your level, so she can plan for the third grade.”

I recalled my years of training to become a teacher. I knew the importance of testing, but I also knew how nervous it could make the children. I tried to encourage my son to do his best, so that he could let the teacher know what things he mastered and where he needed help.

The conversation led me to think of some of the tests in my life lately. If God already knows everything, I wondered, then why does He test us at all? He knows the outcome before it even happens. I spent some time in prayer and in God’s Word looking for the answers. I’d love to share with you what I found.

1. The one who learns from the test is you.

While our children are tested for the benefit of the teacher, we are tested for our own benefit. When we go through trials, it brings us to a place where we learn more about ourselves.

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." Genesis 22:1-2 NIV

God used this test to teach Abraham that he truly could depend on Him to provide. Abraham was willing to give his long-awaited child back to God, and God instead provided a ram for the sacrifice.

Often we don’t know how much our faith can be stretched until it’s tested.

2. Testing is a catalyst that brings us to change.

When we are riding the fence of faith, God can use a test to push us to the other side. We become who God wants us to be only through the trials of the test.

Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. Exodus 16:4 NIV

The Israelites weren’t completely dependent on God at this point. They knew He was powerful and He was the God of Moses, but it wasn’t until they were tested that they learned to fully depend on Him. God wanted His people to trust Him to meet their needs daily. Through the test, their relationship with Him changed from one of distance to one of intimacy. He became their personal God.

3. Testing makes us stronger.

To discuss this, I must talk about heating steel. The hardness of steel is created by the degree at which it is heated and cooled. When it has been heated to cherry hot and then plunged into freezing water (Ever been in a test that felt like this?), the steel becomes stronger. Steel that has been slowly heated and slowly cooled is much softer.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV

Paul had this one figured out. He tells us, “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.” (2 Cor. 11:24-26 NIV) And I would venture to say Paul had one strong faith.

God already knows the answers, but more importantly He knows the person you are going to become. So next time you find yourself in the midst of a trial, stop and remember God is just bringing you to become the person He created you to be. And in that, find peace.

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The Last Resort

“Do you have other children?” The sales lady at my local maternity shop called through the curtain as I wiggled out of a top that was undersized and overpriced. “Yes, two,” I called back, “they are five and seven. We thought we were done, but – surprise! – we weren’t.” A snicker made its way through the curtain as she processed that information.

“I have an eight-year-old. He’s in second grade,” she shared as she shoved her hand through the curtain with more clothes. “Mine is in second grade, too,” I told her. “He just has a late birthday.” “Well, does he do well in school?” she wanted to know. “Academically, he’s right on. We struggle a little with behavior. He’s young, and he’s all boy,” I grinned as I told her. She went on to share how her son had been struggling with his grades. When I told her I was a former second-grade teacher, she was full of questions. What should I do? How can I help? Do I need a tutor? Should he go to third grade?

I answered as best I could, trying to give encouragement when I heard her sigh. “I just keep wondering what I did wrong.” I heard the desperation in her voice and recognized it as an old friend. “I felt the same way when my son started school,” I told her. “I expected him to be the smartest and the best behaved in class – after all, I was a teacher. But that didn’t happen.” I recalled the hopelessness I felt, wishing I could control my child better. “I asked myself the very same question – where did I go wrong?” She was silent on the other side of the dressing room, waiting for answers.

“I’m going to tell you the best thing I did that changed everything,” I said and took a deep breath. “I gave it to God. I committed to pray for my son and laid it all at God’s feet. I like to control things, and I learned through this situation that I am not in control. He is.” I waited for a response, as I could hear her folding clothes. “Oh” was all she ever said.

Whether or not, that lady will choose to take my advice, I’ll probably never know. But the conversation made me wonder why I didn’t tell her that first. Was I afraid of her response? Or did I use God as a last resort?

When problems arise, I do all I know to fix them. When that doesn’t work, I go to God. I did it in my conversation with the sales lady. I did it in the situation with my son. I threatened, spanked, and took away toys and privileges. But the situation didn’t improve until I gave it to the Lord.

If I know God holds the answer to everything then why is it I always choose Him as a last resort? Shouldn’t I run to Him first? So often, I mistakenly think I can do things on my own merits. When I fail, I turn to my Heavenly Father for answers. He alone has the answer to all things. He should have been the first stop.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

Lord, I don’t know why I always think I can do things on my own. Please empty me of myself and fill me with You. You alone have the key to solving all the situations that arise in my life. Help me to remember to come to You first. Amen.

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I've Just Seen Jesus

The weight of that day was more than I could bear. I got up before the sun. The other Mary was tapping at the door early, but it felt late for the night was long. I couldn’t shut my eyes. When I did I could see Him hanging there, blood dripping from His head. Every time I closed my eyes I could feel His agony.

I wanted to lift Him off of there and run. There was plenty of time that afternoon to imagine the scenario. I would push the cross until it fell over. If it was stuck, there were plenty of His beloved to help me. John would pry out the nails. I wanted it to be a bad dream, but this nightmare was real.

My mind couldn’t comprehend the meaning. Why did He have to endure such humiliation and pain? He was the kindest person I knew. He was different from any other man. Something about the way He looked at me. He looked through me, like He knew my heart. And I believe He did, too.

We rushed, Mary and I, into the dawn. I pulled my shawl tight, not sure if my chill was from sorrow or the cool morning air. A reed from the basket dug into my hand as I walked, but I dared not loosen my grip. The spices and perfumes were costly. Thankfully, I had taken the time to wrap the jars, so they were protected during the brisk walk.

With just a hint of the sun’s rise, we arrived at the burial place. My heart fell as we approached the tomb. I feared someone else arrived first for the stone at the entrance was rolled completely away. No sooner than I stopped, I caught a flash of light above the stone. I raised my eyes afraid and uncertain. Mary beside me was silent.

I can never fully describe what we saw that day. An angelic being sat on top of the massive stone. His clothes were glowing white, and I had to half shut my eyes to look directly at him. Then he spoke to us, knowing exactly why we were there. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. (Matt. 28:6 NIV) I walked to the entrance of the tomb in disbelief. Had He really done it? My answer was inside. It was empty. The tomb was empty, only grave clothes left behind. The angel told us to return to Christ’s disciples to tell them the news.

At first my feet wouldn’t move. The other Mary gave me a little shove on the back. “Go quick,” she said. We ran. I moved the basket up my arm so I could run faster. And then there He was. My Lord. One minute we were running, the next we were staring Him in the face. He was smiling. Smiling. Like He hadn’t been hanging on that cross just days before. For a second I was frozen in my spot. Then Mary moved beside me, and I came out of my trance to fall at His feet. I took one foot and Mary the other.

“This just can’t be,” I remember thinking until I opened my eyes and saw the hole in the foot just below my face. It really was my Lord. He can do anything! I raised my head to see His face, and I knew. Those eyes. His eyes pierced through my soul and the hair stood up on the back of my neck. I was looking at the Son of God.

We came straight here to inform you. He told us to come and find you and tell you the good news. He is alive! Just as He said, He came back from the grave. He is going ahead to meet you in Galilee. Don’t just stand there. Run! Christ, our Lord lives! Go and meet Him. He is waiting!

Go into all the world and preach the good news… Mark 16:15 NIV

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