Strength in the Waiting

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. – (Psalm 27:14, NIV)

Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help. – (Psalm 27:14, ERV)

Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. – (Psalm 27:14, MSG)

God is so faithful. To be strong and take heart is to trust in God to be our strength as we wait. Right now, I am waiting to find out what next year might look like. Our current school will be torn down and rebuilt and our temporary location for the next year and a half is far different from what has always been. Additionally, I do not yet know what my teaching assignment will be. Due to the flexible nature of my teaching certificate and endorsements, I end up being a utility teacher that fills in the holes where I am needed. This ever-shifting role never gets boring, yet I never truly feel like I have mastered my craft. One of the things that I know to be true is that we must be lifelong learners. To do so requires strength, courage, and trust. There are days that I have wanted to quit, but God has continually strengthened me and carried me. This weekend, we typically have plans to go and do, but this year, we will be at home with no agenda. I imagine that this planless weekend is meant to be an opportunity for God to strengthen and refresh us in the sweet stillness of simply being home. Whatever this weekend holds for you, I pray that it will be a time of refreshment and strengthening as we give thanks for the ones who laid down their lives to protect the freedoms we know and enjoy.

Choose wait on the Lord,

Photo by Nikolay Draganov on Pexels.com

be strong and take heart;

He’s faithful to help,

finish what we start.

He leads and guides us,

with His faithful love;

strengthens with courage,

to rise up above.

Lean into the Lord,

for in Him we see;

all goodness and grace,

answers to each plea.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You strengthen us and supply what we need to keep moving forward as we wait on You. Thank You that You are faithful forever. Thank You for those who laid down their lives for us all. Forgive us for our lack of trust in the waiting. Teach us to trust You more and to love those around us as You call us to love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we wait on You and praise You for the strength and courage You supply as we navigate our days. Amen.

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

But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” – Psalm 31:14

The Gift of Grace

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. – (Romans 11:6, NIV)

And if He chose them by grace, then it is not what they have done that made them His people. If they could be made His people by what they did, His gift of grace would not really be a gift. – (Romans 11:6, ERV)

Grace is central in God’s action here, and it has nothing to do with deeds prescribed by the law. If it did, grace would not be grace. – (Romans 11:6, VOICE)

I am so glad this is true. If you have ever spent time reading Levitical laws, you know there is no way humanly possible to follow them all. However, our salvation is not based on that, instead, we are saved by grace. God welcomes us unto Himself when we call on His Name and trust in Him. His expectations for us are to love Him and love people. The Lord does not expect us to do this on our own, but rather He gives us His grace, mercy, love, and kindness to love well. We cannot earn our way into heaven by being or doing good enough. In place of such, He gives us a heart like His and provides what we need to navigate each day. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us by His grace and extend what we have been given to those around us.

Chosen by God’s grace,

It’s truly a gift;

His love we can’t earn,

In praise, choose uplift.

For God is so good,

His grace He pours out;

Calls us His own kids,

Love’s what He’s about.

So, ever seek Him,

And trust in His grace;

Love God and people,

And give Him all praise.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love and salvation are gifts You freely give when we choose to receive all that You offer and follow after You. Thank You that we do not need to be “good enough”, for You within us, is more than enough. Forgive us for thinking that we somehow could earn Your favor rather than simply trusting in Your goodness and grace and choosing to follow after You out of love and gratitude not fear or obligation. Teach us trust You more so that we might love as You love. Lead us in Your love as we praise You and pursue to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for Your overwhelming grace that calls us Your own and compels us to love well. Amen.

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

Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. – John 1:16

A Lovely Heart

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. – (Proverbs 31:30, NIV)

Grace and beauty can fool you, but a woman who respects the Lord should be praised. – (Proverbs 31:30, ERV)

Charm can be deceptive and physical beauty will not last, but a woman who reveres the Eternal should be praised above all others. – (Proverbs 31:30, VOICE)

When I think about the most beautiful women I know, it is not their physical appearance that makes them lovely, but rather it is their heart that seeks to love and care for those around them that make them beautiful to all who know them. My grandmother, who lived well into her nineties, was one of the most beautiful women I know. Her love and dedication to God and to people paved the path that has shown the generations that followed her, what beauty really is. My mom, her daughter, shares similar traits. She loves God and loves people with her whole heart. Her kindness and courage are genuine, and her love is evident in all that she does. As we think with gratitude about the mothers and mother figures in our lives, may we give God praise for those who love God and love people well.

Charm is deceptive,

A tiny snapshot of those who have been examples of honesty, goodness and peace in my life (there are more!). ❤

And beauty won’t last;

But a heart for God,

Is true and steadfast.

What amazes me,

Is beauty that’s true;

A heart that loves well,

As each day is new.

God’s love shows the way,

When we seek His face;

Good that’s unending,

Overwhelming grace.

Lord, we give You thanks,

For those in our lives;

Who love as You love,

Beauty realized.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You show us to fix our eyes on You and on what lasts forever. Thank You that as we do, Your love and light shine through. Thank You for the women and mothers that You have placed in our lives to show us what it is to be a woman after Your heart. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked love or grace or have focused too much on the external rather than the internal that lasts forever. Teach us to follow You with our whole heart so that we might love like You. Show us how to love those around us in practical and tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for the inner beauty that You have shown us in those who love You and those around them as You intended. Amen.

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

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. – Proverbs 31:25

Our Hope and Our Help

We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. – (Psalm 33:20, NIV)

So we will wait for the Lord. He helps us and protects us. – (Psalm 33:20, ERV)

We live with hope in the Eternal. We wait for Him, for He is our Divine Help and Impenetrable Shield. – (Psalm 33:20, VOICE)

This morning, I woke in a surreal space as I am still trying to process reality. Last evening, my mom fell in her apartment and was injured. Thankfully, she was in a space where help was available right away, and after my sister arrived, mom was taken to the ER by ambulance. The good news is that she did not hit her head, but the challenge is that she broke her hip and will be having surgery either this afternoon or tomorrow. Another point of gratitude is that she was able to be transferred to a bigger hospital with a remarkable surgeon, and said surgeon is available and now in charge of mom’s care. Being 4.5 hours away makes for a heavy heart for me. I am one to hop in the car and get wherever I need to be, but unfortunately, such a trip would not be beneficial right now, as visitors are limited, and my sister is able to be present. This is the sort of space where I must wait in hope, and trust that God is mom’s Healer and Help in this painful place she is in. If you are one to pray, please include mom, as she needs extra strength to navigate surgery and the recovery process.

Lord, we are waiting,

With hope held in You;

Our faithful Healer,

And peace that is true.

With thanks, we trust You,

And all that You are;

Our hope and our help,

Wherever we are.

May Your protection,

Surround and bring peace;

Our great Comforter,

Through Whom love won’t cease.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our help and our protection throughout all our days. Thank You that despite what we see or do not understand, You are present to strengthen, give help and hope. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears when bad things happen. Teach us to lean further into You, for You are our hope, our help, our strength, and our protection in all things. Show us how to love those around us through challenges in ways that further our faith. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to be our help and protection, and to be overwhelmingly present for mom. Amen.

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

Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 124:8

Why Friday Was Good

Above His head they placed the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. – (Matthew 27:37, NIV)

They put a sign above His head with the charge against Him written on it: “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” – (Matthew 27:37, ERV)

They placed a sign over His head: “THIS IS JESUS, KING OF THE JEWS.” – (Matthew 27:37, VOICE)

Though done in mockery, what the soldiers posted was in fact true. The One they had crucified would be seated on the throne in heaven to reign forever. Not only as King of the Jews, but as the Savior of all. Good Friday is not good because of His suffering, but rather it is good because through His suffering, the penalty that we all deserve for our sin was placed upon Him. Jesus willingly suffered for our sake so that we might know life eternal in Him. The good is that death could not defeat Him, and the third day was coming. Darkness and silence that overwhelmed Friday, would be flooded with the glorious light of Jesus’ resurrection on Sunday. What seemed to be the end was but a pause prior to the ultimate revelation of the power of God. When we find ourselves feeling alone or overwhelmed in the dark, we have the hope that not only is Sunday coming, but light and life and love are available and active for us through Christ. He is our Help and our Healer, our Savior, and our Source. May we ever hold fast to the good that came to us through the willing sacrifice of Jesus on that Friday so long ago.

The light of the world,

Seemingly snuffed out;

Little did they know,

What it was about.

For the love of God,

That gave us His Son;

Willingly chose die,

For many, through One.

The weight of the world,

In love, He chose bear;

It was love alone,

That kept Him up there.

The mocking and harm,

Inflicted on Him;

He took for our sake,

So we too might live.

For when we choose Christ,

We’re cleansed from our sin;

Made new, forgiven,

Declared whole in Him.

No matter the dark,

The burdens we bear;

His love will free us,

As our trust’s declared.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your One and Only Son to save us. Thank You Jesus, that You willingly took our sin and shame upon Yourself so that we might know life in You forever. Forgive us for the times that we have taken for granted, the magnitude of Your sacrifice and the love that goes beyond comprehension that kept You in a space of suffering for us all. Teach us to embrace the grace and mercy we are given as we trust in You, and show us how to turn and extend the same to all those around us. Because we are forgiven and free, we can do the same for others. Show us how to love as You love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the sacrifice that goes beyond what our minds can grasp and the love that grants life to all who receive it. Amen.

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

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

No Limits

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” – (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)

The Lord says, “My thoughts are not like yours. Your ways are not like mine. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” – (Isaiah 55:8-9, ERV)

“I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” God’s Decree. “For as the sky soars high above the earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.” – (Isaiah 55:8-9, MSG)

I don’t know about you, but I am so thankful that this is true. Many times, I have thought or hoped for something, only to discover that His way was always better than what I could have imagined. Our hopes are limited to our own experiences, whereas God, the Creator of all, has no limits. He can do so much more than we could hope or imagine, and none of us can accurately fathom the good He has in store for those who love Him. The same God that can bring beauty from ashes and hope from despair, has a plans and purpose for each of us. As we seek Him, He shows us more and more of who He is, how He loves, and the direction that we are meant to take. Each time I choose to listen and follow His leading, I discover more of His goodness and grace. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us and guide us through all our days, for He is near and is faithful always.

Our thoughts have limits,

The Lord’s, they do not;

His plans are for good,

As His ways are taught.

He shows us the things,

That He has in store;

And promises us,

That there’s so much more.

Love beyond measure,

And hope for always;

His heart is for us,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your thoughts, far beyond our own thinking. Thank You that You are good, and You have great things in store for those who love You and trust in Your Name. Forgive us for our fears and doubts as we face obstacles and challenges. Teach us to embrace Your strength and grace that You faithfully provide to see us through. Show us how to love those around us in ways that reflect Your goodness to all. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your promises and praise You that You are always good. Amen.

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

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all Your deeds. – Psalm 73:28

Where Strength is Supplied

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. – (Psalm 105:4, NIV)

Depend on the Lord for strength. Always go to Him for help. – (Psalm 105:4, ERV)

Seek the Eternal and His power; look to His face constantly. – (Psalm 105:4, VOICE)

God is faithful to supply what we need for each new day. This time of year, strength feels like it is in short supply, yet each time I call on the Lord I discover again, His provision. As we press on, anticipating spring break, the mornings begin to illuminate earlier and earlier, and the daylight lasts a bit longer into the evenings. There is something about the glimmers of extra light that strengthen and encourage. His faithfulness is as certain as the rising sun, and we can seek Him constantly, knowing that He sees and hears all that we need. May we begin the morning anew, depending on Him to be our strength, and go forth in the help that He faithfully supplies.

May we look to God,

Our strength and our hope;

The light of the world,

True to all He’s spoke.

His heart is for us,

His grace shall supply;

All that we’re needing,

To more than get by.

Remind us anew,

As each day begins;

That You are the strength,

Provided within.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can seek You to be our Source and Supply in all things and at all times. Thank You that You are present to help each time we call upon You. Forgive us for the times that we have tried to navigate on our own, or have attempted to muscle our way through things on our own. Teach us to turn to You in trust, for we can always depend on You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that strengthen and encourage spaces in need. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to be our strength, and continue to come before You to be our help. Amen.

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

You are my strength, I sing praise to You; You, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely, – Psalm 59:17

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

What Love Really Means

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NIV)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, ERV)

Love is patient; love is kind. Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast or brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love; it’s never rude, crude, or indecent – it’s not self-absorbed. Love isn’t easily upset. Love doesn’t tally wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, VOICE)

As we head toward Valentine’s Day, it is always a good idea to think about what love really means. So often, love is mistaken for lust or infatuation. Real love is a decision and a commitment, not a fleeting feeling. Love is not limited to eros, which is physical love, the sort of love intended for spouses; philos, is warm affection or friendship; agape is the sacrificial, unconditional love of God, and the example of how we ought to love one another. In this 1 Corinthians 13 explanation of love, we see that love is sacrificial – for it requires sacrifice to let go of anger and wrongs. This passage also demonstrates that love is active, for patience and kindness are intentional acts of the will. Additionally, we need to be obedient to God to love in a way that does not envy or boast or dishonor others. If we love and obey God, we are God-seeking Him to show us and grow us in His love so that we may love Him and one another as He designed us to love. May we ever invest our hearts into a deeper relationship with Christ so that we may be transformed into His likeness to love well.

Lord, grow our patience,

And help us be kind;

No grudge or envy,

With Your love in mind.

May love be our choice,

Every day new;

Reflecting Your heart,

In ways that are true.

Alive and active,

Is the love from You;

May we love likewise,

Bring honor to You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect love for us. Thank You that You designed us and You remind us to understand and extend all that You’ve given us to You and those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have been rude, self-seeking, or held grudges. Teach us to love like You in every situation and circumstance. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to learn to love well. Amen.

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

But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. – Psalm 86:15

Praying in Jesus’ Name

Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. – (John 16:24, NIV)

You have never asked for anything in this way before. But ask in My Name, and you will receive. And you will have the fullest joy possible. – (John 16:24, ERV)

Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in My Name, according to My will, and He’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks! – (John 16:24, MSG)

We are called to pray in Jesus’ Name, by faith, asking for what we need. As we abide, He provides. In Him, we discover faithful provision and abundant joy in knowing God and His faithfulness. This does not mean that we come to Jesus with a laundry list of wants, but rather we seek Him for what we need to love Him and love those around us. Jesus hears our every cry and makes a way where there seems to be no way. His answers are rarely what we imagine, but ultimately, they are best for us and for those around us. Sometimes, we have to go through things in order to experience His goodness and faithfulness in the fire. Jesus did not promise us an easy life, but rather one in which He would be with us always, no matter what comes our way. Through every trial and triumph, He has been with me. Though I may not understand why things have happened the way that they have, I can look back and see His faithfulness, His provision, and how He carried me through the difficult and brought me into more than I had hoped or imagined. Additionally, many of the most arduous circumstances led me to a place of far better, or to a space where He used my experience to help others who were navigating similar struggles. He promises us to work all things together for good for those who love Him, and I know this to be true as we pray in His Name. We might not understand or witness the good or the answer right away, but His presence is always made known and His peace, abundantly shown, despite what is seen. May we ever pray in Jesus’ Name, trusting that He is true to His word and will forever remain faithful to His promises.

In Jesus’ great name,

As we choose to pray;

His will shall be done,

His love makes a way.

Whatever we ask,

Our God, He does hear;

Each need He will meet,

And make the path clear.

Where there is no way,

That we can see through;

Jesus is present,

His promises true.

So, pray in His Name,

Trust that He is good;

Ever He’s faithful,

Each promise has stood.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we pray and trust in Your Name, You meet us and supply all that we need. Thank You that You are faithful to hear and that You are ever moving on our behalf. Thank You that Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are so much higher than our own. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see or understand the good that could come from what we face. Teach us to trust You more, for You are always good. Show us how to love those around us through trials and triumphs, as Your heart is made known as great love is shown. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray in Jesus’ Name, trusting in Your faithfulness forever. Amen.

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

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in My Name the Father will give you. – John 15:16