Hope in Hard Spaces

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, ERV)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope – never forget that.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, VOICE)

Even though this verse is committed to memory and planted securely in my heart, there is something to be said about seeing it in print and bringing it to the surface of my heart and mind. God’s timing is perfect. He knows what we need, and when we need it most. I have not been in a good space the last few weeks, in particular, the last few days, as I am struggling with believing my purpose is found in the classroom. After more than a year and a half away from a “normal” classroom routine, kids are struggling to “do school” and I am challenged more than ever before to figure out how to help kids learn and grow when they choose distraction and avoidance rather than to try. I knew I was meant to be a teacher from a very early age. Clearly God purposed and prepared me for the position, yet after twenty-five years, I have been questioning everything. His plans for me are good, and include a future and a hope. On the roughest days, I have to remember and trust Him for the truth of His promises. May we ever seek the Lord, who has good plans for us all, and has a future and a hope that He is preparing for each of us.

Each life with a plan,

Purpose to fulfill;

Crafted with intent,

With strengths and with skills.

Let not obstacles,

Deter His intent;

For challenges come,

And strength’s heaven sent.

When things go awry,

Choose trust in what’s true;

Fresh hope, a future,

Are waiting for you.

Help us rise in faith,

To trust in what’s true;

Better is coming,

O Lord, bring it soon.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our hope and our future. Thank You that You have created each of us with a plan and with purpose. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we become overwhelmed with the here and now. Teach us to lean into You to be our strength and our anchor through every storm. Show us how to love those around us well so that they may recognize the hope and future that lies before them is good. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for creating us each with a plan and purpose, and for being our hope both now and forevermore. Amen.

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

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. – Psalm 31:24

See It Through

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God. – (Acts 5:39, NIV) 

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You might even be fighting against God himself! – (Acts 5:39, ERV) 

But then again, if God is in this, you won’t be able to stop it – unless, of course, you’re ready to fight against God! – (Acts 5:39, VOICE) 

 

When God calls us to something, He is faithful to see it through. The people and things that seem to create obstacles will not succeed, as long as we depend on the Lord. This is a great reminder, as the disciples had to face the Sanhedrin, which very easily could have been the end of them, however, a wise leader among them spoke truth on their behalf, leading to their release. What seemed an impossible situation in the eyes of mankind, was already taken care of by God. He is faithful to His word, and will see us through, all that we are called to do. May we not allow our circumstances or that which is seen, deter our faith in the outcome of what is asked of us. If God is for us, who can stand against us? 

 

When we choose answer,

Whatever the call; 

God will empower, 

See us through it all. 

For nothing can stand, 

That tries to deter; 

Our God is greater, 

And true to His word. 

Let us choose stand strong, 

Keep moving with trust; 

God will not fail us, 

He’s faithful and just. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to equip and empower us to do whatever it is that You call us to. Thank You that any who come against what You are working to accomplish in and through us, will find themselves fighting against You. Forgive us for our fearfulness when we cannot see how You are moving. Teach us to trust You more, as You are faithful forever to Your word and to those who trust in Your Name. Show us how to love those around us in a way that encourages and helps move people in the direction to which You are calling. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we forge forward in faith in all that You ask of us. Amen.

 

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

 

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31

Clothed with His Character

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – (Colossians 3:12, NIV) 

God has chosen you and made you His holy people. He loves you. So, your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle and patient. – (Colossians 3:12, ERV) 

You are always and dearly loved by God! So, robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. – (Colossians 3:12, TPT) 

 

When we know God, we are called and chosen to walk in His ways. This past week, I have been intentional to pray for specific students before the school day has even begun. What I have observed this week, has been a shift in a few individuals who were my most difficult. Two eighth grade boys have caused much struggle and strife this semester. For the first time in a long while, they were calm and attempting to actually work on the projects that have been assigned. Each one was given room to enter and settle, allowing them to get set in their space. Once students are set and working, I have sought to be compassionate and gentle in my approach. With one, I gather the materials needed for the day’s project and set them before him, extending my availability to answer questions or provide help if needed. For him, it seemed to make a way to focus and complete work. With the other, I have likewise chosen compassion, and simply asked what project he would like to work to complete each day. He too has been calm and attempting to work, rather than sitting idly by on his phone. Though I was gentle and kind previously, a slight shift in my approach seems to have been met with a shift in them as well. There are still others in that class that are “acting a fool”, but the simple transformation in the two is an example of my prayers heard and answered. May we ever seek the Lord to be our Source and Supply, allowing Him to clothe us in compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience and humility, keeping us from becoming offended by the actions of others. 

 

Because we are loved,

We also are called; 

To be the Lord’s light, 

For one and for all. 

Called to compassion, 

Equipped to give grace; 

Kindness and patience, 

Granted in our space. 

With a humble heart, 

Let no one’s offense; 

Deter us from love, 

His grace is immense. 

So, be clothed in love, 

That chooses extend; 

The heart of our God, 

On Whom we depend. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hear our prayers and equip us to carry out all to which we are called. Forgive us for our frustration when we cannot see the change You are making. Teach us to trust and rely on You more, as Your love covers all. Show us how to love those around us, especially those who are most challenging to love. Grant us Your eyes to see them, and Your heart to extend kindness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rely on You to supply us with kindness, patience, humility and love for all whom we encounter. Amen.

 

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

 

You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence watched over my spirit. – Job 10:12

Hold Hope – He’s Faithful

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. – (Hebrews 10:23)

 

To hold unswervingly is to not allow anything to drive us away from that which we know to be true. Our hope that we profess is life eternal with our Savior. For Jesus did not come so that we could just get by, but rather He came, lived, died and rose again to be seated at the right hand of the Father, so that He could send His Holy Spirit to be present with us; faithful both now and forever. May we hold fast to the hope we have in Christ, no matter what comes our way; for He who promised, is faithful to fulfill every spoken word.

 

May we ever grow,

image from quotespictures.com

in our walk with God;

so that we hold fast,

and with hope, we trod.

Let our mouths profess,

His promises too;

for Christ is faithful,

what He says, He’ll do.

As we keep moving,

forward with the Lord;

doubts are set aside,

through grace He affords.

Where wisdom was not,

God graciously gives;

for His will’s for all,

to believe and live.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we may hold unswervingly to the hope we have in You; for You are faithful to all that You have promised. Thank You that Your faithfulness is not dependent on us, but rather is because of who You are. Forgive us for allowing the trials and tribulations of life to deter our eyes from You. Teach us to trust You more, so that we hold fast to our hope in You, no matter what comes our way. Lead us to love others with Your loving kindness, so that they too, may come to know the hope that is held forever in You. Be glorified O God, as we hold fast to the hope we profess, and rest assured that You are faithful to all that You have promised. 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

Fear Not the Long Road

Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God. – (Deuteronomy 7:21)

 

Though this verse was Moses’ exhortation to the Israelites as they were preparing to enter into the promised place where there were giant men before them that dwelled in the land, the promise of God’s presence is still true for us today. God is a great and awesome God, and He is among us. With Him, we need not be afraid of anything that stands before us.

 

The Lord our God, is Christ with us. When Jesus died, resurrected, and ascended into heaven, He sent His Spirit to dwell in the hearts of all who choose to trust in Him. God with us, is His Spirit among and in us, as we make our hearts His home. Great, means high rank; extraordinary powers – and the Lord is the greatest who ever was, is or is yet to come. Additionally, when we hear that He is an awesome God, it is recognizing that God is the One who inspires an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, and awe. He is good, and with Him, we need not be afraid of anything that lies ahead.

 

Fear not the long road,

that’s lying ahead;

for the Lord, our God,

will do what He said.

He’ll remain present,

when the road is rough;

He’ll give us the strength,

that’s more than enough.

For the Lord is great,

awesome in power;

present to lead us,

our safe, Strong Tower.

His promises shall,

forever hold true;

our hope for all time,

as He makes us new.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though things before us at times seem terrifying or overwhelming, in You, we have nothing to fear. Thank You that You, our great and awesome God, are with us, always. Forgive us for allowing fear to deter us from the plans that You have for us, and help us to embrace the road You call us to travel, trusting You, each step of the way. Help us to hold fast to Your promises and Your presence, fixing our eyes and hearts securely on You. Lead us to love others well, as You so perfectly love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we forge forward, without fear, in the fold of Your embrace. 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

May We Love Much

A sinful woman, known publicly for the lifestyle she had been living, recognized her opportunity for escape from the life she’d lived, and by faith, pressed past a multitude of laws, both written and unwritten, committing a plethora of societal faux pas, as she entered a room of men to bow at the feet of Jesus.

The beauty in the story is that this woman, washed the feet of Jesus with her tears, and dried them with her hair.  She then proceeded to kiss His feet and pour expensive perfume upon them.  At the time, His host had neglected to offer a basin to wash Jesus’ feet upon His arrival, so His sandaled feet were likely full of filth.  That being said, dirt did not deter the woman from serving the Savior with what she had.  Her tears of repentance were cleansing indeed, for when His host questioned Jesus’ allowance of this indignity, He responded, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – for she loved much.  But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” – (Luke 7:47)  Jesus went on to tell the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” – (Luke 7:50)

Though we are saved by faith and not by acts, faith frequently requires action.  Often, we must move outside of what is comfortable and familiar, in order to fulfill that which He is calling us to do.  In order to grow and deepen our faith, movement is necessary.  If we are standing still, remaining stagnant – the world keeps moving forward, so it actually ends up being as if we were walking backward.  I want a faith that is growing and thriving, not just merely surviving.  When I invest my time, energy, talents, trust and entire life in Him and His purposes, I cannot help but grow.  The more I give Him room, the more space He has to utilize my life.

Stained by our sin,

each and every heart;

by faith, set free,

we’re granted fresh start.

Cleansed by the cross,

on Calvary’s hill;

He paid the price,

for our freedom fill.

By faith, receive,

that which is given;

mercy and grace,

love to start living.

Look at the scars,

for they bore our own;

embrace His life,

and truth shall be known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You willingly forgive all that we ask, when we ask by faith, believing that You are who You say You are, and that You will do, all that You have promised.  Forgive us for thinking that our sins are too great, or for neglecting to love, in places where we should have moved forward in faith.  Help us to hear You clearly, and to act on all that You ask.  May we be ever moving forward in faith – learning and growing in Your love and grace.  May our lives be a light to all who have yet to see the reality of Who You are, and may many come to know Your saving grace in this season.  Be glorified in all that we say and do, and may we love much.  Amen.

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

To Answer Christ’s Call

Wherever they went,

the good news was spread;

Lord Jesus had died,

then raised from the dead.

The power of God,

now passed on to all;

who repent from sin,

and answer Christ’s call.

No opposition,

would deter their task;

as people received,

joy in all God asked.

The word of the Lord,

faithfully went out;

God brought the hearers,

soon too, were devout.

Whatever He asks,

if we choose to do;

His power released,

and our faith made new.

Let us too, go forth,

and share of His grace;

may many receive,

His Holy embrace.

Imagine the day,

when we’ll see His face;

encircled in love,

wrapped up in His grace.

(Responding to Acts 13:46-52)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to make the way for us to enter into relationship with You. Thank You that His death on the cross broke down barriers on our behalf, and granted us access to You. Thank You that the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead, is alive and active, and dwells in the hearts of all who believe. Forgive us for our fears and for the areas in our lives where we have not been faithful to You. Teach us to trust You completely, and to be true to You in all that we say and do. May our faithfulness unto You, lead those who are looking, into Your loving embrace. Let many see Your light in us, through our love. Lead us and guide us so that we may walk in Your Spirit and truth. Amen.

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