Draw Near Without Doubt

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

God is faithful and we can trust Him to hear our prayers. On Saturday, my mom fell and broke her hip, and needed to have surgery. They were able to get her to a nearby hospital with a phenomenal surgeon, who repaired her hip on Sunday morning. The surgery was very successful, and God has faithfully cared about the details. From the incredible staff to mom being in the right place when this occurred, He has shown us again and again His care for mom. Yesterday, she had a very good day. The physical therapist and occupational therapist had her up on her feet twice. Each medical personnel with whom mom has encountered, has been kind, caring, and knowledgeable about the best approach to take considering mom’s needs. Though we do not yet know the exit plan, we are confident that a path is being developed that will be for mom’s full recovery. Each prayer has been answered, and we know that God is faithful to carry this out to completion. May we ever remember that we can boldly approach the throne of God and ask Him to meet our needs. He is good and His love endures forever. His heart is to bless and care for His kids.

With confidence seek,

The heart of the Lord;

He hears what we ask,

It won’t be ignored.

His love’s so much more,

Than what we can see;

Ever He’s working,

Intentionally.

So, go to the Lord,

With boldness, choose pray;

He hears and answers,

The very best way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can come before You boldly and know that You hear our prayers. Thank You Jesus, for being beside mom as she navigates this uncharted road. Forgive us for our fears of the unknown. Teach us to trust You to lead, guide and protect each step of the way. Show us how to love those amid challenges, and how to give love, support and grace along the way. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your faithful answers to our prayers and for the promise that You hear each time we come before You. Amen.

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

For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. – Psalm 33:4

Work With Purpose

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)

So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, ERV)

With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort. – (1 Corinthians 15:58, MSG)

What we are called to do, God will see us through. He is faithful to meet us in the spaces He has placed us and provides what we need to press on and stand firm. This is a good reminder for me this morning, as I woke tired, wishing I could just sleep longer. This writing process is part of my daily devotions, and something for which I have been called and equipped to do. Sometimes, what I get out of my reading and time with God is just for me, yet other times, it is for someone else. I never know who might tune in, nor what they are going through, but I do know that He is faithful, and He uses those willing to do what He asks. The amazing thing about the work of the Lord is that His work is anything we have been called to do and can love people well through what we do. If it is teaching, teach students with love and kindness; if customer service, extend help and kindness in ways that make customers feel heard and cared for; whatever we do, all can be done with care and love. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us well in all that we do, and may we work as unto Him so that those whom we encounter feel valued and loved.

In all that we do,

Do unto the Lord;

Faithfully with love,

Let good be outpoured.

For kindness and grace,

Ours to give away;

To make God’s love known,

Throughout each new day.

Be not discouraged,

On difficult days;

Instead call of Him,

To give us His grace.

God’s grace is enough,

To keep pressing on;

Not in our own strength,

But through Him we’re strong.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping and strengthening us for all that You call us to do. Thank You that Your work can be done through all things, if only we choose to love as You love. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed obstacles to sway us from all that You call us to do. Teach us to press into You so that we may be strengthened and equipped to keep moving in the direction to which You have called us. Show us anew how to love those around us each day. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You for strength in all that we do. Amen.

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

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Persevere

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)

So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. – (James 1:4, TLB)

This is such an important reminder when we are in a trying season, or are walking through a difficult situation. God uses all things to grow us and show us more of Himself, and the lessons we learn as we press on in Him, teach us of His unending faithfulness. Incredibly, when we get through the season or circumstance, we discover that we are closer to God and are better able to reflect His love and faithfulness to those around us. Character grows as we walk through struggles, not in the seasons of status quo. May we ever persevere with the Lord through challenging seasons, for He is faithful to use all things to grow us and make us more complete in Him.

No matter what comes,

Choose to persevere;

Not in our own strength,

But through Him who’s near.

Trust in His goodness,

On His strength, rely;

Keep moving forward,

His love is our “why”.

It’s easy to see,

From the other side;

How God got us through,

Our help from inside.

Always He’s near us,

With strength and His grace;

Our help and our hope,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we persevere through all that comes our way, You grow us to more clearly reflect Your light to the world. Thank You that You are always faithful to be present as we navigate all things. Forgive us for the times that we want to sit down and quit instead of trusting You. Teach us to keep moving in the direction to which we are called, and show us how to trust You to be our strength and our help throughout every day. Lead us in Your love to bless, encourage, and strengthen those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to walk beside us and strengthen us to persevere in all things and at all times. Amen.

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

Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:7

It’s Going To Be All Right

You came near when I called You, and You said, “Do not fear.” – (Lamentations 3:57, NIV)

You came to me on the day that I called out to You. You said to me, “Don’t be afraid.” – (Lamentations 3:57, ERV)

You came close when I called out. You said, “It’s going to be all right.” – (Lamentations 3:57, MSG)

God is the God of all comfort and He is faithful to meet us as we call on Him. I love the Message translation of this passage, as it is exactly how it feels to know God’s comfort. His nearness surrounds and my heart hears, “It’s going to be all right.” This morning, I am at ease as I prepare to go in for a CT scan as a follow up for the procedure I had done in December. On my own, I would be freaking out a bit, yet with God, I am good. I know that He has me and will take me by the hand. He is faithful to meet us, walk beside us, and lead us through every obstacle that comes our way. May we ever call out to the Lord to be our comfort, for He is faithful to meet us and lead us along every path that we must take.

The Lord God of all,

Hears us as we call;

He comforts our fears,

And won’t let us fall.

He walks beside us,

In love, holds our hand;

Grants strength and courage,

To trust in His plan.

He is always good,

His love knows no end;

Overwhelming grace,

Is what He shall send.

So, rise up in faith,

Choose trust in the Lord;

He’s more than enough,

His presence outpoured.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to come close each time we call on You. Thank You that You are our comfort and courage in the face of the unknown. Forgive us for our fears and doubts that we allow to creep in. Teach us to trust You more, for You are faithful forever and will not ever leave us. Show us how to love those around us in ways that extend strength, goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we call on You to be our comfort and then extend the same to those around us. Amen.

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

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Called to His Covenant

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, NIV)

So remember that the Lord your God is the only God, and you can trust Him! He keeps His agreement. He shows His love and kindness to all people who love Him and obey His commands. He continues to show His love and kindness through a thousand generations. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, ERV)

I want you to know that the Eternal your God is the only true God. He’s the faithful God who keeps His covenants and shows loyal love for a thousand generations to those who in return love Him and keep His commands. – (Deuteronomy 7:9, VOICE)

God is faithful and full of love, and He blesses those who keep His commands. If we love God and love people, all that we do will be in alignment with His commands. Our love for God leads us to follow after Him and seek to love as He loves. In doing so, we learn to love others the way He intended as well. Incredibly, the more we love God and those around us, the more we see His kindness and blessings unfold around us. God is our Heavenly Father who rewards those who earnestly seek Him. The more we seek, the more we know; the more we know, the deeper our love grows. May we ever pursue the Lord and obey what He asks of us, for it is through our obedience that we come to know the faithful kindness that flows from His goodness and grace.

There is only One,

He is God alone;

Who promises love,

Beyond what is known.

As we follow Him,

And choose to obey;

His blessings pour out,

May we walk His way.

For His way is love,

In all that we do;

Our purpose made clear,

As His love shines through.

He’s faithful always,

As we seek love true;

Hope that’s forever,

And grace that is new.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we seek You and follow after what You ask of us, we discover the goodness and blessings that are poured out through Your overwhelming and unending love. Forgive us for the times that we have not loved as You call us to love. Show us what it is to love You and those around us as You love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we ever pursue a life of loving You and loving those around us as You created us to do. Amen.

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

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. – Psalm 136:26

Orchestrating Good

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – (Romans 8:28, NIV)

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him. These are the people God chose, because that was His plan. – (Romans 8:28, ERV)

We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. – (Romans 8:28, VOICE)

I never cease to be amazed at how true these words have proven to be, repeatedly. This does not mean that bad things are caused by God, but it does mean that both our trials and triumphs can be worked out for ultimate good. We may not see it or experience it immediately, but He can take all things and bring forth beauty in due time. As we grow further in love with our Savior, we are quicker to recognize His hand that holds us in all things. He is faithful always, and worthy of all our trust. Often, the greatest triumphs grow out of the wreckage of our most trying times. In my life, I can look back and see how God’s hands have not only held me, but they have carried me, lifted, and led me to more than I would have hoped or imagined. There has been so much beauty that He has brought forth from former ashes. Because I have known and experienced His faithfulness, I can trust that He will continue to be with me, walk beside me, and bring forth good somehow, even when it seems impossible.  God is good, and He is always working for the good of all who love Him and call on His Name. May we ever seek the Lord and trust in Him, for He can bring something good and beautiful out of things that seem hopeless.

Our God is able,

To bring forth His good;

Beauty from ashes,

His love understood.

Sometimes His glory,

A long time to see;

Ultimate outcome,

Is His victory.

He overcame death,

And conquered the grave;

Impossible things,

The Lord makes a way.

Where there is no way,

God has overcome;

His good He will bring,

As His will is done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You work all things together for good, even when we cannot see or imagine how. Thank You that as we look back, we can see Your faithfulness and provision, and the beauty that You have brought from former despair. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we are in the throes of trials or tragedy. Teach us to trust in You and Your promises, for they are always true and worthy of our trust. Show us how to love those around us well, and to share of Your faithfulness as our stories tell of the beauty You bring. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we entrust our lives into Your hands, and believe that Your promises are true forever. Amen.

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

Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:39

Provider of Peace

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – (John 14:27, NIV)

I leave you peace. It is My own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid. – (John 14:27, ERV)

My peace is the legacy I leave to you. I don’t give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful. – (John 14:27, VOICE)

In our broken humanity, we become troubled and fearful and anxious. However, when we bring all to Jesus, He exchanges His peace for our fears. He soothes the spaces that are anxious, walks beside us through every trial that comes our way, and shows us that in Him, there is no reason to fear, for He has overcome all. As we approach a new year, after a year of many trials, challenges, and obstacles to overcome, we can look forward with peace in Jesus. No matter what comes our way, we have the assurance that God will be with us, will walk beside us, and will never leave us to navigate alone. It is up to us to turn to Him and place our trust in Him, and trust that He hears and is faithful to answer as we ask. May we anticipate the coming year with the peace of Jesus in our hearts, for He will continue to be faithful forever.

The peace of Jesus,

Cannot be compared;

No matter what comes,

His grace will be there.

Each time we seek Him,

He’s faithful to hear;

Christ floods us with peace,

As He’s ever near.

The peace of Jesus,

Goes far beyond calm;

It surrounds our hearts,

His sweet healing balm.

Courage in chaos,

Strength throughout each storm;

Blessed Redeemer,

Where hope is transformed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, there is perfect peace. Thank You that even in the midst of challenge, trial, chaos or crisis, You hear and are near, providing Your peace. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed our circumstances to drown out the truth. Teach us to trust You more, so that our first response to all is to seek You. Show us how to rely on You in all things, so that we may know and understand Your perfect peace in all things. Lead us to love those around us in ways that perpetuate Your perfect peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your ongoing provision of peace throughout all of our days. Amen.

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

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. – Isaiah 26:3

The Blessings of Strength and Peace

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, NIV)

May the Lord make His people strong. May the Lord bless His people with peace. – (Psalm 29:11, ERV)

God makes His people strong. God gives His people peace. – (Psalm 29:11, MSG)

I have experienced this so much over the last few days. For each surgery, God gave me the strength that I needed, and His peace was present. Yesterday, as I had reconstructive surgery on my lip where the cancer had been removed the day prior, I was at total peace as I was checked in and prepped for the process. Again, the procedure took less time than anticipated, and the pain has been tolerable. This morning, though I woke far earlier than planned, I felt good and was glad to be up when one of my kiddos wandered up the stairs not feeling great. Being able to offer advice, comfort and company is still a blessing, even when your kids are adults. It seems that the same sort of peace that I received, is now being passed on to my son as he is resting on the couch with me and the pups. God is good, and He is faithful to supply the strength we need and will be our peace whenever we call on His Name. As we move into this weekend of celebrating Christ, who came to us as a baby, grew into a man, and showed us God in the flesh as He lived, loved, and gave His life for us, only to rise again to sit at the right hand of the Father and constantly contend for us all, may we prioritize give Him praise for His forever faithful ways.

God is our comfort,

Faithful place of peace;

Strength when we’re weary,

All goodness released.

O Lord, we praise You,

For all that You are;

The Light of the world,

For all near and far.

When we’re uncertain,

Of what lies ahead;

The Lord will guide us,

In His strength we’re led.

Praise to You, Father,

And praise to the Son;

And to the Spirit,

Godhead, three-in-One.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our strength and our Provider of peace. Thank You that You are loving and kind and faithful. Thank You that You are our Healer too. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we face unknowns. Teach us to trust You more in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in ways that strengthen and promote peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as receive Your strength and peace with gladness and give You all the glory because You are so good. Amen.

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

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. – Isaiah 26:3

Navigating Unknowns

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – (Joshua 1:9, ERV)

Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take. – (Joshua 1:9, MSG)

We are commanded to be strong and courageous. This is not a command that says, “Good luck, kid, go take care of things on your own”, but rather is reminding us that because God will be with us wherever we go, we can be strong and courageous in Him. Strength and courage are not things that we can somehow muster on our own, but rather we are filled by the Lord’s overwhelming love, and are granted the strength and courage that we need to navigate life’s unknowns. Today will be a day that I need God’s strength and courage as I go to a pre-operative appointment this afternoon. Though a consultation is not necessarily a fearful thing on its own, the process that lies ahead is scary and unknown. My hope is that strength and courage will increase, and the surgeon will be one who sets my mind at ease. No matter what, I know God will go before me, will remain with me, and will supply what I need as it is needed. He is faithful and I am grateful. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength and courage as we face the unknowns that come our way.

With God as my strength,

What have I to fear?

Always He’s with me,

I know He is near.

He grants me courage,

When alone, there’s none;

He floods me with love,

The most Holy One.

God supplies comfort,

When I am afraid;

I’m held in His hands,

Throughout each new day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that courage and strength come from You. Thank You that You provide all that we need and more as we seek You. Thank You that You go before us and stay beside us as we walk into the unknowns that life brings. Forgive us for our fears that rise up and try to take root. Teach us to lean on You to lead us and trust in You to guide us through every step that we take. Show us how to be present in the strength and courage You supply. Lead us to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the strength and courage that You supply and for Your nearness as we navigate unknowns. Amen.

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

Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord. – Psalm 27:14

Overflowing Gratitude

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. – (Colossians 2:6-7, NIV)

You accepted Jesus Christ as Lord, so continue to live in Him. You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from Him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God. – (Colossians 2:6-7, ERV)

Now that you have welcomed the Anointed One, Jesus the Lord, into your lives, continue to journey with Him and allow Him to shape your lives. Let your roots grow down deeply in Him, and let Him build you up on a firm foundation. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always spill over with thankfulness. – (Colossians 2:6-7, VOICE)

This is an ongoing, lifelong process that makes all of the difference in how our lives are lived. When we remain rooted in Christ, He strengthens our faith and reminds us of all that we have to be thankful for. Yesterday, as I was pulling into the parking lot where I coach high school gymnastics, I received a call from the specialist who had performed the biopsy on my lip. From the start, I could tell her tone was somber, so I took a deep breath and listened to the news she was sharing with me. The results were worse than she had anticipated, as aggressive carcinoma cells were found in the muscle, nerves and tissue from the punch sample. She said that normally the surgical process she had previously anticipated for me would be scheduled out in January, but due to the nature of the findings, it will be made a high priority and the schedulers will orchestrate a time as soon as possible. This is not exactly the news I had hoped or prayed for, but I needed to get into the gym and coach my girls. It was only after practice, when I called my husband, walked the dogs (prayerfully), and then spoke with my sisters and best friend, that I was able to breathe more easily and feel the familiar foundation of faith rise up. Being reminded of the beautiful community I am in floods my heart with gratitude. I am thankful that the spot was discovered before it spread further, that I have family and friends that support and encourage me, and that the success rate of treating this sort of cancer at this stage is outstanding. Additionally, I am grateful for sweet, smart dogs that seem to sense the need for snuggles. Currently, I have a gentle giant curled up and snoring softly on my lap. May we ever journey with Jesus through every twist and turn that life brings, for He is faithful to strengthen us and supply all that we need.

Give thanks to the Lord,

For He is the good;

That strengthens, supports,

Makes love understood.

He pours out His grace,

Holds us up gently;

Embraces our heart,

And makes our fears flee.

He brings alongside,

Kind community;

Equips, empowers,

Grants His eyes to see.

Things aren’t forever,

Pain’s temporary;

But our hope in Him,

Lasts eternally.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our strength, our hope and our help. Thank You that You are our reason to give thanks. Forgive us for the times that we allow our circumstances to temporarily blind us to the truth of Your love and grace that gets us through all things. Teach us to trust You more each day, and flood us to overflowing with Your goodness and love. Show us how to love those around us in ways that strengthen and encourage, making Your heart abundantly clear to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks for who You are and how You love us so well. Amen.

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

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15