Strength in the Struggle

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – (James 1:4, NIV)

If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be. – (James 1:4, ERV)

Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete. You will have everything you need. – (James 1:4, ICB)

None of us enjoy trials or struggles, yet we all must go through them. When we are invested in our relationship with Christ, He uses each challenge that comes our way to strengthen and grow us to be more like Him. He does not cause the struggle, but allows it so that we may grow in maturity in our relationship with Him. As our patiences grows, His heart more clearly shows. It is on the other side of struggles and challenges that we can look back and see how far we have come. In the verses that precede verse four, we are called to consider such situations with joy, not because they are happy and fun, but rather because of what trials produce within us. Faith grows and perseverance manifests as we depend on God through each challenge. Not only does God show us who He is, but He demonstrates how He can work both in and through us to navigate the storms. May we ever lean into the Lord as we encounter every trial that life throws our way. For as we trust in Him, His strength, patience and perseverance are made evident through us.

In all that we do,

Let’s look to the Lord;

He is the anchor,

And where love’s outpoured.

It is through our trust,

That love and grace grow;

We’re made more like Him,

And patience is shown.

So, rise up in faith,

Turn in trust to Him;

Ever He’s faithful,

As we let love in.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that the joy in our trials is not the trial itself, (for they are never terribly fun) but rather joy comes in knowing the work that You are doing in and through us as we press on in faith. Thank You that You are faithful to strengthen and lead us through every storm, as You grow us to become a clearer reflection of You. Forgive us Lord, for the desire for things to always be easy. Teach us to trust the process, as the challenges are the spaces where the most growth occurs. Show us how to love those around us through all things, for often You make Your love and support tangible through others. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in our trials, and praise You for the patience and perseverance that are grown in us through Your faithfulness as we press on. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. – Psalm 18:32

Sing Praise

I will praise God’s Name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving. – (Psalm 69:30, NIV)

I will praise God’s Name in song. I will honor Him by giving Him thanks. – (Psalm 69:30, ERV)

Then I will praise God with my singing! My thanks will be His praise. – (Psalm 69:30, TLB)

 

During my quick turn-around at home, I was able to spend time with my boys and attend early service at my church prior to driving back to Wenatchee yesterday. During worship, there were moments that the words would be stuck behind the lump in my throat, yet my heart was still singing His praise. Fast-forward to my drive, and I had plenty of time to reflect on my own. Anyone in my close circle who has road-tripped with me, knows that I actually enjoy blasting a variety of music and singing at the top of my lungs. At first, the heaviness in my heart needed a little… hmm… let’s just say Skillet fit the bill best. (They also happen to be my favorite jam for running) Anyway, the heaviness began to give way to hope, and I switched gears and began to listen to worship music. There was something powerful about singing praise. A calm came over me, and all I could think about was how different this drive to Wenatchee was than my drive had been one week prior. One week ago, Mark was driving me into the unknown. We had received devastating news after investigating the prompting within us, and did not have any idea of the condition mom would be in when we arrived. This time, I had so much to be thankful for: we are so grateful to still have mom (we know that so often people in similar circumstances do not have such a fortunate fate), she is able to understand everything, she can communicate clearly, she has feeling in her right side (which is hopeful, even with the current paralysis of the right arm and leg), we have an incredible army supporting us all – in Wenatchee, Federal Way, Albany, across the country, and around the world (we are overwhelmed in the very best way by the outpouring of love and support!), and we, above all else, have a God in heaven who loves and heals, holds and moves, and has us all in the palm of His hands.

Last evening, after I had returned and spent several hours at the hospital with Meg and Mom, my sister and I went to the acute care facility on a scouting mission. We managed to talk our way in, and were very pleased with both the people that we met and the facility and how it is set up. Our biggest prayer now is that the move actually occurs today, as scheduled, and that there are no insurance or medical obstacles to prevent the move. Mom is more than ready to get out of the hospital and begin being far more active than the hospital setting allows. She is still not ready to have visitors outside of family or those we consider “framily” (friends so close that they have become an extension of the family). For those who love her dearly and are eager to visit, please be patient and know that waiting is best for her healing. In the meantime, you are welcome to download Marco Polo and send her a video message, send a card, a text message, etc. She still is not interested in her phone, but we will take it each day to show videos or read messages that are encouraging.

May we praise Him with songs of thanksgiving, for He is worthy of all of our thanks and praise.

 

When I’m lost for words,

View from Mom’s back deck. ❤

Or sound won’t give way;

My hearts still shall sing,

Lord, ever I’ll praise.

No matter what comes,

You always are good;

When my world’s shattered,

Beside me, You’ve stood.

You never leave me,

Ever You stay near;

You point me to hope,

And silence my fear.

Each morning I rise,

And greet the new day;

I give all to You,

O Lord, lead the way.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness to us, even in this. Thank You that You love us in tangible ways, as You have surrounded us with an army of warriors, ready to serve. Thank You for making Your presence and Your blessings so abundantly clear, even in the midst of the hardest circumstances. Forgive us for our spaces of fear and doubt. Teach us to trust You more, as You are far greater than anything that stands in the way of Your will being done. Remind our hearts to sing when our voices cannot find the words. Continue to place Your song in our hearts, as Your song is truth and life and light. Show us how to love those around us in a way that shares Your tune. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as our lives sing Your song of praise each day that we draw breath. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. – 1 Chronicles 16:9

 

 

 

 

 

Assured to Approach

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. – (1 John 5:14, NIV)

We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. – (1 John 5:14, ERV)

We live in bold confidence that God hears our voices when we ask for things that fit His plans. – (1 John 5:14, VOICE)

 

This verse is a great reminder of how God is our loving Father. Just as a parent listens and cares about what we say, the words are only given weight if they are for good and in agreement with what the parent knows is best. God, who is the ultimate Father, knows the potential outcome before we begin. His heart is for our good, and He leads and guides us in the direction that ultimately leads to His glory. That being said, we have a free will, and He will not control us like robots. He allows us to make our own decisions, yet His blessing is present when we pursue things according to His will. Our Heavenly Father knows best, and when we approach Him with a heart that is after His, He hears and leads us in the way we are meant to go. God is good and He wants good for us. May we ever approach God with confidence, trusting that He hears us as our heart is set to walk in His will.

 

We have a Father, 

Who knows our heart best;

He listens to us,

And provides us rest.

Whatever we ask,

That follows His will;

He hears and He helps,

By grace He fulfills.

So, seek the Lord’s heart,

And ask all of Him;

He hears and He loves,

Granting hope within.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our loving Father who knows what is best for us; always. Thank You that we can come to You and ask of You, anything that aligns with Your will and be heard. Forgive us for asking things out of selfish ambition or for not asking when our intent is motivated by love, as You call us to do. Teach us to trust You more and help us to ever be motivated to do all things in love. Show us how to love those around us in a way that clearly conveys Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we come to You confidently, trusting that You will hear our heart in all things as we seek You. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth (Moreno) Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. – Ephesians 3:12

Wisdom from Heaven

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. – (James 3:17, NLT)

But the wisdom that comes from God is like this: First, it is pure. It is also peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help people who have trouble and do good for others. This wisdom is always fair and honest. – (James 3:17, ERV)

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It is whole-hearted and straightforward and sincere. – (James 3:17, TLB)

But the wisdom from above is always pure, filled with peace, considerate and teachable. It is filled with love and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy in any form. – (James 3:17, TPT)

 

The pursuit of Godly wisdom is a lovely and lofty goal. The wisdom that comes from Him is pure, peaceful, gentle, full of mercy, considerate, teachable, easy to please, whole-hearted, straightforward, sincere, ready to help and do good for others, fair, honest, and does not show favoritism as it is filled with love. This is the target that my heart is forever aiming for, yet there are times that my words or deeds miss the mark. Sometimes I default to sarcasm as a coping mechanism, and my response, though not intended to harm, is not necessarily helping anyone either. Additionally, there are times when we get in such a hurry that making the time for a straightforward discussion or a pause to help someone where we know there is a clear need, seems too much to stack atop our already overscheduled day. May we ever seek the wisdom that comes from God, so that we operate in a way that is pure and full of quiet gentleness. Let us be peace-loving and courteous, allowing discussion; be merciful and extend good, as we choose to invest our whole hearts into all that we do, sincerely pursuing to walk in the wisdom of His way.

 

The wisdom of God, 

What I long to seek;

It’s full of mercy,

And lifts when we’re weak.

Ever peace-loving,

And easy to please;

Straight-forward, sincere,

He hears and He sees.

Ready to give help,

Wisdom chooses good;

Without favorites,

Grace is understood.

Make me teachable,

Considerate, kind;

Fair, loving, honest,

With others in mind.

Let my heart be pure,

With wisdom above;

Quiet gentleness,

That blesses with love.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Godly wisdom is about demonstrating Your goodness in a tangible way. Forgive us for the times that we have wandered far from wisdom to attempt to walk on our own. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would rely on the wisdom of Your ways to extend the things which You call us to do. Show us how to love others well so that we are pure, peace-loving, gentle, kind, merciful, sincere, fair, honest, teachable, considerate, full of mercy, ready to do good, full of love and without favorites. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we continue to seek to grow in Your wisdom and walk it out all of our days. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16

Thirst No More

But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life. – (John 4:14, NLT)

But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life. – (John 4:14, ERV)

I offer water that will become a wellspring within you that gives life through eternity. You will never be thirsty again. – (John 4:14, VOICE)

 

Just as we are wired to need water to survive, our spirit within us desperately desires something to quench our thirst. The only One who can truly satisfy what we crave is Jesus. His love and light and life bring fulfillment where we are lacking. In the spaces where we formerly lacked hope, we discover eternal life in Him. The truth of His word becomes a wellspring within us that bubbles up and flows in us and through us to those around us. May we ever seek the Lord and the hope that He holds, for in Him there is light and life and love forever.

 

We are created, 

With inborn desire;

A thirst for the Lord,

It’s how we are wired.

We all have a need,

To be satisfied;

Natural pursuit,

Of God glorified.

For as we find God,

We shall thirst no more;

His heart within us,

Refreshes, restores.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, we find You. Thank You that Your word is life that flows within us and through us, granting us secure hope in eternal life with You. Forgive us for seeking to satisfy our thirst anywhere other than in You. Teach us to trust You more, as You are light and life and hope, and our thirst is only truly satisfied in You. Show us how to love those around us in a way that allows Your goodness to freely flow through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we drink from the water of Your word, and hold fast to the hope we know in You forever. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. – Daniel 2:23

How Darkness Disappears

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. – (John 1:4-5, NLT) 

In Him there was life, and that life was a light for the people of the world. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not defeated it. – (John 1:4-5, ERV) 

His breath filled all things with a living, breathing light – A light that thrives in the depths of darkness, blazes through murky bottoms. It cannot and will not be quenched. – (John 1:4-5, VOICE) 

 

The book of John begins with a reminder that Jesus was in the beginning, and the light that He brings cannot be extinguished. When we seek the Lord and His love, the light that He grows within us, cannot be burned out. Darkness disappears with even the smallest of lights. A small flame allows our eyes to see where previously nothing could be seen. The more we see and know, the more the light within us grows. May we ever seek the Lord and the light of His love, so that we may be light in darkness and shine where love is lacking. 

 

In the beginning, 

Was the Word with God; 

He became a man, 

And on the earth trod. 

Into the darkness, 

The Lord brought His light; 

To love us to life, 

And make all things right. 

When we seek the Lord, 

Allow His light in; 

Darkness disappears, 

And true love begins. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to shine light in the darkness and love us to life where we were dead. Forgive us for not seeking Your light in dark spaces and teach us to trust You to shine in the places where we cannot see through the muck. Show us how to be light in darkness as we love those around us as we are loved by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to fuel the flames of the light that You breathed within us, so that we may go forth and shine bright in Your love. Amen. 

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31

Listen and Follow

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. – (John 10:28, NLT)

 

To be His sheep requires an intentional choice to seek to follow Christ. When we make the decision to live for the Lord, rather than for ourselves, we listen for His instructions so that we might do His will and walk in His way. God sees and knows each heart that earnestly seeks Him. He is present to help all who long to follow where He is leading. We may stumble and fall along the way, but He is present to pick us up, dust us off, and continue to lead us the way we are meant to go.

Not one of us will get it right 100% of the time. However, we cannot allow fear of failure to paralyze us from forward momentum. His grace is sufficient, and He will meet us as we move, gently adjusting our sails if we get off course. Sometimes He allows obstacles to be placed in our path, so that we might take pause and reroute, according to His plan, not our own. May we each be sensitive to hear His voice, and intentional to follow wherever He leads.

 

The Lord is present,

May we hear His voice;

It’s through our seeking,

Intentional choice.

Each one of us known,

With freedom to choose;

To listen and learn,

His path to pursue.

Lord, help us follow,

With all that we are;

Lead us and guide us,

As You’ve done thus far.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, we find You and we are known by You. Thank You that we can hear Your voice as You speak to us through Your word, through people, and in the stillness of our own hearts. Forgive us for not following as You are leading. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would obey immediately, all that You are asking. Show us how to love others in such a way, that they too, shall come to know Your voice. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen and follow after You with all that we are. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5

Tender Mercy to Perfect Peace

With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us. It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death. It will guide us into the way that brings peace. – (Luke 1:78-79, ERV)

Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace. – (Luke 1:78-79, NLT)

 

The merciful morning light from heaven, the new day that shines upon us, has indeed already come. Zechariah was speaking of the birth and life of Jesus that was drawing near. We have the benefit of the light of His life, death, resurrection and ascension, as all have already taken place. Because Christ lived, we no longer need live in darkness nor fear of death. When we trust in Him, He guides us in His loving light, and shows us the path of peace. His ways are higher than our ways, and there is no fear in perfect love. Through Him, we can rest assured that this is not the end. We have a hope that is eternal, that is far greater than our minds can even conceive. May we trust in the tender mercy of our Maker, and allow His light to guide us on the path of peace.

 

Our merciful God,

great heavenly light;

Who has come to us,

to send fear to flight.

For there’s no darkness,

where His light is shined;

His light leads to peace,

for all He calls “Mine”.

We belong to Him,

when our hearts choose dwell;

in truth of His word,

He’ll help us live well.

May this brand new day,

be one to embrace;

as Christ lights the way,

in love, sets the pace.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are tender and merciful. Thank You that You sent Your Son down from heaven to light the way out of the darkness and into the light of life with You. Thank You that Your light shines the way to the path of peace. Forgive us for not trusting in Your tender mercy each new day, or for not seeking You to light the way out of our spaces of darkness and into Your perfect peace. Teach us to trust You more, so that even in the midst of our darkest, stormiest seasons, we would rely on You to show us Your peace in spite of what surrounds us. Lead us to love others in a way that allows You loving light to shine through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we embrace Your tender mercy and allow Your light to lead us on Your perfect path of peace. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. – James 5:13

Hope Brings Renewal

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – (Isaiah 40:31)

 

Those who look to the Lord with trust and belief that He is who He says He is, will be renewed, as He is our Source of strength when we grow weary. This is a promise that I can hold onto; for just as I think that I cannot possibly complete that to which I am called, the Lord provides the strength that is needed, and I am able to do immeasurably more than I ever thought possible.

 

To soar on wings like eagles is such beautiful and vivid imagery. It is not to fly like a small sparrow or tiny hummingbird, where continual wing flapping is necessary to fly, but rather, Christ’s love allows us to do some hard work, then to soar and take in the beauty of what He has done. He grants us moments, days, and even seasons of rest, in spite of what is required. We may have to flap, but when we get to soar…

 

To run and not grow weary is the best feeling ever! As a runner, when a distance that once left me winded and weary is now easily run, I am in awe of how the human body is designed. Our life is often compared to a race in scripture, and God does not intend for us to sprint ahead and burn out, but rather to run at a reasonable pace so that we might continue for the entirety of the race to which we are called.

 

Imagine the miles that Jesus and the disciples covered as they went from village to village to share the good news. They walked everywhere, yet scripture never speaks of them growing faint. Because God had called them, He also equipped them to carry out that which He was asking them to do. The same still holds true for us. He will never ask us to do anything He will not also equip us to do. He provides what we need to accomplish that which He is asking. May we hope in the Lord who renews our strength, soaring on the wings He has provided, as we run without growing weary, and walk without growing faint.

 

May we hold all hope,

in the Lord who will;

renew all our strength,

by His Spirit fill.

He’ll teach us to soar,

where struggles once stood;

like eagles we’ll fly,

because God is good.

We’ll not grow weary,

as we run in Him;

nor will we grow faint,

when fueled from within.

So trust in the Lord,

the granter of dreams;

and seek after Him,

our God who redeems.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we hope in You, You renew our strength. Thank You that You grant us not only the strength to stand, but the strength to soar. Thank You that in You, we will run the race to which we have been called without growing weary, and walk where You call us to go, without growing faint. Thank You that though we may tire, You sustain us. Forgive us for our lack of faith when we feel worn or struggle to see the hope in the situation before us. Teach us to trust You more, as You are our hope and strength; and all that we need comes from You alone. Lead us to love others in such a way, that they too may come to know that You are the Source of all hope and strength that gives and sustains life. Be glorified O God, as we hope in You all of our days. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us. – Psalm 67:1

Keeping Close to Christ

The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. – (2 Chronicles 15:2b)

 

When we stay close to God, we know His will and direction for our lives, and are granted the strength and endurance to walk it out according to His plans, rather than our own. However, if we turn from God and attempt to do things on our own, He allows us to wander in the wilderness, where we lack direction, support and sustenance. We are called to be invested in a body of believers in order to help keep us close to Christ. Our walking beside one another, should help guide our hearts and minds to hold fast to our Heavenly Father with fervor. May we keep company that points us to Christ, and choose to seek the Lord with all that we are.

 

The Lord will draw near,

when we choose seek Him;

He is present; found,

all hope enters in.

Yet if we forsake,

the God of all grace;

we’re left on our own,

to run this long race.

Let’s stick to seeking,

and investing well;

walking with others,

as we fend off hell.

Together as one,

with strength from the Lord;

all hope is assured,

through grace He affords.

So ever draw near,

keep seeking to find;

the Lord is faithful,

both body and mind.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are with us when we are with You. Thank You that when we seek You, we find You. Thank You that You call us to be in community that builds each other up in our pursuit of You, and can help one another keep on the path that You have placed before us. Forgive us for walking away from what we know to be Your will, or for disengaging from the community in which we have been called. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will be continually seeking more of You – with You in all things at all times. Lead us to love others in such a way that their hearts are drawn unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are with You, seeking You and investing in the body to which we have been called. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:3