Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Faith and Trust


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Tests

Scripture for Today:  James 1:2-3  “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

I know I am in good company when complaining about airport mishaps.  Whether it is a cancelled flight, a humiliating security story, or delay after delay, there is ample occasion to practice our verse for today!

No one likes to wait or have plans completely destroyed.  No one appreciates short tempers or rude passengers.  On my latest flight (which I am still living as I write this in an airport) I really feel like I was being tested.  I ask the Lord to smooth the way.  I ask for the least amount of hassle.  I approach that agent with prayers in my heart that all will go my way.  The Lord answers with a “no.”  I am to live through long annoying frustrations.  And I am to do it with an attitude that will not dishonor Christ.  My Lord wants me to smile, be pleasant and not wish horrible catastrophe on airport employees!

Some of my problem comes from a sense of entitlement.  I figure that as a follower of Christ I should somehow get special treatment or consideration!  But the fact is, He is arranging things for my good!  The testing of my faith IS that good.  He is developing in me patience and endurance.  He is slowly molding me into the beautiful image of His Son.  It is a slow and sometimes painful process.  I wish patience could be developed some other way!

I am not jumping for joy at these travel nightmares.  But I do have confidence that God is in charge and He knows what He is about.  I can experience quiet unruffled calm.  Thank you, Lord, for the smile as I write!


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Overcoming Fear

Scripture for Today:  Isaiah 41:10  “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

It may seem crazy but paragliding is something I have always wanted to do!  When living at the base of the Alps we would often see float by these colorful sails.  Now, living at the base of the Vosges mountains we see them regularly.  It looks so amazing to be up there with quiet amazing views.

I am too fearful and inexperienced to try it on my own.  My plan is to strap myself to the instructor and have him jump, steer and land for me.  Hopefully, I will finish in one piece.  The plan is to do this for my sixtieth birthday in July.

Our verse for today is an encouragement to not fear.  I am to put my trust in God.  His presence keeps me from being dismayed at dizzying heights.  He strengthens.  He helps.  And most importantly for this adventure, He upholds me with His righteous right hand!

Today’s verse is really a call to faith.  The more I put my faith in Him, the less problem I will have with fear.  In Matthew 8:26 Jesus challenges His disciples with the question, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”  Their boat being pummeled by a storm seemed reason enough.  Jesus was there so why be fearful?  But He was asleep and the disciples questioned whether He really cared.

I do the same thing when faced with scary circumstances.  I know He is there.  But is He paying attention?  Does He really care about what I am going through?  Praise God the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”


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Baby Feet

Scripture for Today:  I Samuel 2:9  “He keeps the feet of His godly ones.  But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a man prevail.”

Oh how I love to tickle the feet of my ten month old grandson!  I never have to worry about them being stinky as he never wants to wear shoes or socks!  Those little feet are not quite walking yet, but when they do there will be no stopping them!

A picture of baby feet seemed appropriate to illustrate our verse for today as it was spoken in song by Hannah.  She is leaving Samuel, her precious son, at the temple to serve as she had promised.  Surprisingly, her heart is exalting in the Lord instead of melting in sorrow at the separation!

Hannah is affirming the truth of the sovereignty of God.  She understands that God will protect her little boy.  It is not the strong and mighty ones that will prevail.  God will be protecting the comings and goings of Samuel.  In contrast, the wicked can only count on stumbling around in the darkness.

Hannah could no longer look out for her son.   The maternal instinct to care for and protect one’s own children is something that never leaves a mother.  But Hannah had to give that role over completely to God.

No matter how strong or capable I am to care for or protect my children, I can never do as well as their Creator can.  Hannah relinquishes her son to Him in a way that most of us are not called to do.  She was even able to rejoice over her sacrifice as her love for her Lord was that strong!

Can I trust Him that much with my children? and with my grandson?


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Wind Damage

Scripture for Today:  Job 8:2-3  “How long will you say these things, and the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?  Does God pervert justice?  Or does the Almighty pervert what is right?”

I am fortunate not to live in hurricane country.  I have lived through some pretty strong winds though.  I remember one time watching my husband through our windshield literally being swept off of his feet!  Thankfully, he was holding on to the car so he could not go far!  I am glad I have never experienced the kind of wind damage pictured here.  It must have been a mighty wind to blow down this tree!

Our verse for today talks about a different kind of mighty wind.  The words that come out of our mouths can do just as much damage.  Bildad asked this question in response to the doubts Job had just expressed.

It is understandable that Job would question what God was doing in his life.  It did not seem that what was happening was fair.  His words came from the anguish of his spirit and the bitterness of his soul (7:11).  But his words were in fact a mighty wind that could cause damage if those words questioned the justice of God.

So many times I do not have a clue as to what God is doing or why.  In my life or in the lives of others it can seem that God is not dealing fairly.  But that cannot be true as He is just.  If I express to others that He is unjust, than my words can cause untold damage around me.

I may question what You are doing, Lord.  So often I do not understand.  But may I always cling to the truth of Your justice!


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Canes

Scripture for Today:  Proverbs 3:5-6  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

The image of a cane can evoke a variety of reactions.  My friend in college understood that.  She had such severe limitations that she could never walk without her cane.  Rather than hope people did not notice it, she would wrap it in colorful ribbons each day to match her outfit!  Her smile and readiness to talk of the Lord being her support left a lasting impression on me.

It has been said that religion is just a crutch for the weak-minded.  What the world does not seem to understand is that there is no one who is not in need.  But there are those who recognize their need for a Savior.  They are the ones who in trusting Him have their paths straightened.

Our verse for today tells us we are not to lean on our own understanding but instead trust the Lord.  I need to recognize that my own understanding is woefully limited.  I cannot depend on my own reasoning.  It is not enough.

The famous song, “Lean On Me,” by Bill Withers has the phrase, “please, swallow your pride.”  It takes humility to recognize need.  Verse seven in this same chapter warns us not to be wise in our own eyes.  Leaning and relying on Him and His wisdom takes me down paths of righteousness and blessing.  Trusting in my own wisdom has me going around in circles or following dead ends.

Trusting Him can be so uncomfortable.  I do not always understand where He is leading.  But relying on Him is so much better than my feeble steps with a cane!