Week Fifteen - Praying for Results

Today, I completed my reading of Job. In this final chapter, Job humbly responds to God's claim of supremacy. With an utterly broken heart, he recognizes God's authority and wisdom, saying, "I know that thou cast do everything and that no thought can be withholden from thee. (vs. 2), "Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (vs 6). 

Then, his so-called friends become the focus of God's attention. They had attacked Job's integrity and painted God as merciless. Now, God requires their repentance and a burnt offering. To make His point further, He also requires a prayer from Job. This is the only thing God will accept, saying, "ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job" (vs 8).

Vindication is there for Job. Not that he was seeking it, but God gave it anyway. Job's trial is over. 

As I meditated on the situation, prayer took on a more pointed light. Only when we place ourselves humbly under God's authority and mercy can we ever expect an answer to prayer, and only then are we positioned to pray for others. Three things came to my attention.

1. We must pray with humility, not pride. We are not better than each other. Whether we are praying for a friend or a foe, we must remember that we have equal access, equal value, and equal accountability before the Lord. We are all on level ground. Pride tells us, as it did Job's friends, that our opinion is best, that our evaluation of the situation holds sway, and that we should be heard. But when we pray with humility, our words are fewer, and our hearts humbly weep as we recognize our own humanity.

2. We must pray, asking for God's will, not trying to tell Him what to do. Oh, how good we are at telling God what we think should be done, how we expect Him to answer, and what outcome will be to our benefit. Our prayers sound like commands and instructions instead of requests. God doesn't need our opinion. He works all things according to the purpose of His own will, not ours. And how thankful we should be for that truth, because if everything were done according to our will, things would be in a huge mess!

3. Prayer done in humble obedience opens the windows of heaven. Verse 10 reads, "And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before." Job's obedience was key to the release of his trial. Job didn't seek vengeance; he humbly prayed that God would accept the sacrifice of his friends and grant them forgiveness. He had no ulterior motive. Note: he prayed in obedience before he received the blessing. Isn't that further food for thought?

If you are expecting results from prayer, consider these three things, and then ask yourself these questions.

Am I praying from pride, looking for vindication or elevation? Do I pray humbly and with a heart of repentance? Can I rest in God's will and not demand my own? Do I pray a list of instructions to God? Am I expecting Him to answer according to my desires? Do my prayers qualify as obedient? Does God answer my prayers with blessings? Am I thankful and obedient before I receive the answer to my prayer, or discontent, whiny, and complaining? Do I pray in faith and leave the rest to God?

When we are praying for results, these thoughts matter.

Week Fourteen - Quietness and Trouble

Job 34:29 reads, "When he giveth quietness, who can make trouble?" These words are part of Elihu's lengthy speech to Job. 

Feeling very sure of himself, Elihu accuses Job of sin and rebellion against God. Surely, he affirms, God is just, and Job is wrong. He believes Job's pity party proves that he walks with men of iniquity (vs 7-8), and that Job believes following God is a waste of time (vs 9). "Listen to me," he says in verse 10. Notice that Job does not respond. Maybe he is resting in verse 29?

Scorners, scoffers, and accusers abound, spouting out their poisonous opinions, but we, like Job, are most usually wisest to let their windy words blow and rest ourselves in the peace that passes understanding.

Tom was preaching on Sunday about the two thieves hanging on crosses either side of Jesus. The one rails on our Lord, scoffing and accusing Christ of being false. Notice that Jesus, like Job, does not respond. This man's words condemn him. His actions toward the only One who could rescue him prove his unbelief. How sad that those who need a Saviour are the ones most vocal in rejecting Him.

But verse 29 held this thought for me: when God gives peace about a situation or decision, no amount of trouble or challenge can dislodge it.

In my journal, I recorded this - "God, even during a trial, has an amazing ability to bring peace and confidence when we cast our cares upon Him. Trouble cannot move us when we are resting in Him."

Have you found this true? I know I have. I've faced some heartbreaking and desperate situations with a peace that carried me through without emotional collapse. It isn't because I am strong. It is because He is, and He gives me His strength and quietness in the face of trouble.

Our world is in turmoil, but we can have quietness. Our life's situations may stretch and strain us, but when we rest ourselves in the Lord, He gives sufficient grace to walk the path before us.

So today, don't let the windy words of scoffers dislodge your emotions. Don't let trouble get the upper hand. Seek God's peace and let yourself rest in the peace that passes understanding. "When he giveth quietness, who can make trouble?"

Week Thirteen - A Tale that is Told

This past weekend, I had the blessed privilege of attending the Celebration of Life for my brother-in-law, John Gritts. John passed in October 2026. He had lived a full life that included being a precious and respected part of our family, a personal life-mission to help others, raising funds for American Indian education, and being a well-noted artist in his world. 

When you met him, his demeanour struck you immediately. You knew you were standing in the presence of someone of stature, not only because he was tall, but because his gentleness and wisdom poured through his words and actions. To me, he was the statesman of the family, someone you paid attention to, someone you knew had a special calling.

The Denver Art Museum was made available for the event, and as we sat listening to speakers who knew John across the various elements of his life and watched short videos, it was even more apparent how his life had been used to influence and bless others. As a family, we were privileged.

It reminded me that we are all influencing others. What difference are we making? Are we challenging others to growth and faith? Are we being a living example of kindness and care? Does gentleness and wisdom pour through our lives? Are we statesmen? Are we using our gifts and calling for the purpose of benefiting others?  

Someday, it will be our turn to lie silently while others talk about our lives. What will they say? How will they say it? The Bible says we spend our days as a tale that is told; let's make sure our celebration of life includes a good testimony. Let's leave behind a story of faith.

Week Twelve - Shall, shall, shall

I love it when God's Word jumps off the page and meets the concerns of my heart. The other day, I woke fearful about war. I hate conflict of any kind because, as I wrote in my journal, "It unnerves me and causes my whole body to react."

I finished my journal entry by writing, "So I am speaking to myself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, trying to focus on God, who is with me wherever I go and has already overcome. Jesus says, 'Be of good cheer.' I must choose to obey and leave Him with the rest. This old world is coming to an end, and it will go out in war, not peace. I need not fear God's plan but rest in His promises and the purpose of His will. Eternity awaits where there is no conflict."

I prayed a bit and laid aside my journal to do my chapter-a-day Bible reading. Today was Job 26, fourteen little verses. Job is answering Bildad, who had, in the previous little chapter of only six verses, painted a picture of man's hopelessness.

Job's answer comes back to two thoughts. First, he questions his friends - "How are you helping me?"  They haven't.

And then, he turns his words toward God's might. God hangs the earth on nothing, filling the clouds with water, controls the tide, and divides the sea, he says, and these are only a part of His ways.

And that's when God's Word grabbed me."These are parts of his ways." I only see a little part of His ways. If He can do all these things, what in this world limits Him? Nothing.

Nothing is too hard for Him. Nothing is outside His power or wisdom. No man's pride can overcome God. No weapon fashioned against Him will stand. And when we try to comprehend His greatness and all-encompassing wisdom and control, we fail miserably. For truly, what little we are capable of understanding is, as Job says, only part of His ways.

Isaiah 55:8-9 came to my mind. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord, for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts!"

My fear faded into faith, and then it turned to hope as I read on in Isaiah 55 to verse 11. "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

God's purpose will be fulfilled, and even there, we only know a part of it.

But the promise of verse twelve set me up for a much better day. "For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you in singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."

Shall, shall, shall. That is a word of promise. Do you see it sprinkled through all the verses the Lord sent me? And even with these promises, this is only a part of His ways. He knows how to bless and comfort, for He is the Comforter. I'm so thankful I know that part.

So today, if you are feeling fearful or worried, take time to consider how little you know compared to how much He does. We only know a part of His plan, and we only understand a part of how things will work out. But we need to fear, for He knows it all exactly. He isn't afraid of conflict. These are only a part of His ways.

Let's follow Jesus' instruction in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  

Week Eleven - Unashamed

Job has been judged, badgered, and ridiculed by his so-called friends. Though they came to give comfort and support him during his grief, no words of comfort were spoken. Their continual accusations wore Job down. Looking around, he notices that everyone has abandoned him. The community whispers behind his back, and even his servant ignores his pleas. His summation is that even God has overthrown him (19:6), and he is counted as an enemy of God (19:11). No amount of talk or reasoning can alter his circumstance. He is a broken man sitting in the dust, enduring harsh words and ridicule.

Amazingly, he summons up a prayer. "Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! (19:23-24). You read Job's words today because God answered that prayer. For literally generations, Christians have drawn hope and learning from Job's grueling experience.

But after his prayer, Job brightens, again expressing his integrity and faith. "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God (19:25-26).

In the midst of great trial, misunderstanding, abandonment, and heartache, Job's words refresh our souls. There is hope beyond grief. There is something to look forward to. Oh, that our words were resplendent with Job's same hope. Our Redeemer lives, and one day, we will stand before him.

The trial of our faith is temporary. The heartaches of this life do not last for eternity. They are but tools used by God to create for us a "more eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Like Job, we must look beyond today to our Saviour and the promise of eternal life full of peace and joy. John's prayer in 1 John 2:28 is that "we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming."  This needs to be the focus of our prayer; that we may stand unashamed and ready to meet our Lord.

I'm sure Job stood unashamed before God. Will we?

Week Ten - The Day of Weakness

The continual conversation between Job and his friends is challenging me to think about how I speak to people in the middle of trials and what it looks like to endure a deep trial. 

Today, I read chapter 16, where Job replies to Eliphaz. In the last chapter, Eliphaz put out a scathing and curt accusation - surely Job has sinned, and he is trying to cover it up, he says.

Job's reply to Eliphaz's harshness is a reprimand, saying he would never speak to his friends the way they have spoken to him if the roles were reversed. 

Job 16:4-5, "I also could speak as ye do; if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you, but I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief."

Do our words strengthen our friends during trials? Or do we shake our heads at them and cast questions as to why they are in such a trial? To shake the head signifies scorn, mockery, or disgust at someone suffering in misery or weakness.  In Matthew 27:39, we read, "And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads." This is the reaction of those around the cross toward our Lord. I don't want to be numbered in that crowd. Do you? So it calls me to mercy and appropriate language when I am speaking to someone enduring a trial.

Job goes on to say how his friends' words make him feel. They made him feel weary and alone. Then, in verse eight, he says, "thou hast filled me with wrinkles." That is such an apt description of how harsh and unmerciful words affect the soul. They shrivel. They cut into the skin. They cause wrinkles.

But Job turns away from his friends and casts himself upon the Lord because he believes this trial is the hand of God at work, and that he is innocent of sin. His soul does not condemn him. Verse 17, "not for any injustice in mine hands; also my prayer is pure."

When we come to trials, one of the first things we should do is judge whether it has come as a result of our sin. Is our Father chastising us? Is He trying to correct us or redirect our path? Are we reaping what we have sown? Being honest with God and repenting of our sins is first.

Then, if our hearts do not condemn us, if we know of no known sin, we can sit with Job in full faith.

Casting ourselves upon God, praying through tears, and waiting upon the Lord to answer are acts of faith. It is not a weakness to yield all to the Lord. If we believe our times are in His hands, which they truly are, and that He is sovereign, which He truly is, faith is our wisest stance and action.

Faith doesn't always look powerful. It doesn't always come donned in armor. Sometimes it looks like tears and weakness. Sometimes it is quiet and broken. Sometimes it's a matter of waiting.

Psalm 27:13-14, "I had fainted (I would have given up in grief), unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord."

So, if you are in a day of weakness, if you are in the grief of a heavy trial, cast yourself upon Him. Pray, even through your tears, and wait on the Lord. He will keep His promise to bring strength to your trusting soul. Maintain your faith during the day of weakness.

Week Eight - Where is Comfort?

Probably the most heart-wrenching scene in the Bible is Job, with all his livestock and children dead, a non-supportive wife, and judgmental friends, he finds himself sitting in ashes and dust, while his body is covered with running sores.

Three friends gathered to mourn with him and be a comfort (Job 2:11). For the first several days, as they all sat in grief, not a word was spoken.

Sometimes, life brings trials that require silence. They take us by surprise, stopping us dead in our tracks, pausing to take it all in. Grief is not a lack of faith. It is a process of coming to terms with what has happened so we can find a measured and healthy response. Sometimes, we need to sit silently in the dust of our trial and wait to hear from God.

Is comfort found in silence? Yes, briefly. But we cannot remain there.

Words begin to flow as Job's human response pours out. He wishes to die, to run away from the trial, to find the answer to "why." He is face-to-face with his worst fear, and where is comfort?

Is comfort found in questioning? No.

Is comfort found in the counsel or words of others? No.

As his first friend, Eliaphaz begins to speak, and the conversation's downward spiral begins. Job says his grief is as heavy as sand, but the words of Eliaphaz are like water that runs away or snow that melts. They hold no comfort, only condemnation.

As I read Job's story, I am challenged to think about how I respond to friends in grief. Are my words so thin they melt away? Am I forceful, argumentative, or judgmental when I try to encourage? Words often fail as we try to comfort others. Why? Because we are not the comforter - He is.

In John 14:16-17, Jesus says, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

In Him, we have an ever-abiding comfort; a Comforter with a purpose. 

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Our Comforter teaches us truth and helps us remember God's promises. He is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). His comfort isn't based on man's words. It is founded in His Spirit speaking peace and hope through God's Word to our souls; His Spirit who calms our fears.

In John 16:33, Jesus speaks these words of comfort. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Rarely will we find genuine comfort in this world. Oh, a good cup of tea, a gentle breeze, some beautiful music, warm sunshine, and even the beauty of the snow may temporarily speak peace to our hearts. But abiding comfort only comes by abiding in Christ. The settling of our tumultuous hearts is found in His truth. He has overcome the world, and by faith, we are overcomers with Him. This is genuine comfort.

Week Seven - Others First

The final chapter of the book of Esther is only three verses long, but it reveals a great truth. The Jews have been rescued from annihilation by the faithful acts of Esther and Mordecai, who has been promoted to Prime Minister by King Ahasuerus. And the Bible says Mordecai continued, "seeking the wealth of his people and speaking peace to all his seed."

This was Mordecai's character throughout the story. Just as we saw Esther's character was one of faithful obedience, Mordecai's was one of care for others. He cared for little Esther when she had no parents. He watched carefully over her while she was in the palace. He protected the king from assassination. He advised Esther when she was queen. He stood against evil to protect his people. And why did he do this?

Was it because he had his eye on the throne? Hardly. Was it because these were the easiest choices? No. Was it because he knew there would be a great reward in the end? I doubt it. Mordecai was a man of integrity. He believed doing right and standing for right held its own reward. Esther's success was his success. The king's security was his security. His people's protection was his protection. 

He wasn't acting out of self-interest, but out of a service to others.

The story of Esther and Mordecai portrays the obvious. For Haman, self-seeking was ruinous. For Mordecai, seeking the wealth of others brought wealth to himself.

So we must ask ourselves, "On which side of the story do we live?" Do we live greedily seeking to get all we can? Do we think of ourselves first when we make decisions? 

My mother used everyday lessons to teach us about giving to others first. For example, when we cut pieces of cake for the family, we were to give the largest portion first to our father, and then between the two of us girls, whoever was serving was to take the final, smaller piece. I can still hear her saying, "Give the larger portion to the other person, otherwise you are being selfish."

When it came to the fight for who would ride in the front seat with Mom, her comment was, "The more mature will give way and take the back seat."

This idea of putting self first breeds a spirit of competition that grows into an ugly level of narcissism. We see this so prominently in our society. 

Sadly, we are less often made aware of those who do not seek their own, but seek the wealth of others; the benefit of others over self. Those serving in the homeless shelters, giving to worthy charities, and serving others through education, medicine, and leadership are the real heroes of our society. And God will honor them.

Mordecai wasn't looking for promotion. He was focused on being a blessing to his people, and God blessed him. We see a similar story in the life of Joseph, too. God honors those who honor others. It is part of the Golden Rule - "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31). This was one of the first Bible verses I learned, but I learned a paraphrase - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

So today, think about your underlying motivation. Is it self-seeking and self-promoting or others-focused? Are you treating others with genuine value, or do you see yourself as above them? Do you insist on the front seat and the biggest portion of the cake, or can you be the more mature? 

God honors humility. James 4:10, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

The promise of blessing is found in giving - "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom, for with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6:38).  

And this giving isn't limited to monetary gifts. We give when we show respect. We give when we act to support those in need. We give when we show we care. We give when we put others first.

It's quite a challenge, isn't it? So today, when you are tempted to hold back from giving or keep the biggest portion for yourself, why not step back and allow the biggest portion to go to someone else? You never know how God will bless you, and you will be amazed at how good you feel when you put others first.

Week Six - Will You Obey Me?

Last week, I put up a post on Facebook about Esther.  It read, "Esther didn't chase power. She walked in obedience, and God positioned her. A God-led woman doesn't force doors; God opens them." 

This is so true and such a valuable lesson. When we force things, we meet with resistance, but when we allow God to open doors, He clears the way and blesses our obedience.

God has more to say about Esther's obedience. We first read of her obedience in not disclosing her nationality to the court during the process of choosing a new queen. The Bible says Mordecai had "charged her that she should not shew it" (2:10). And then, in verse 20, we read that even after she was chosen, she obediently kept her secret. The verse contains a beautiful phrase describing her character, "like as when she was brought up with him." 

Esther's overriding character trait, apparently evident even from childhood, was obedience. She obeyed Mordecai, the man who brought her up. She obeyed him when challenged to approach the king, and she obeyed her king by respecting the manners and customs of his culture as she made her appeal.

This character of obedience does not place Esther as a doormat, hardly. She was a brave woman who knew the blessings of life were on the other side of obedience. She trusted God, and she obeyed those in authority over her. This is not a quality to take lightly. It takes serious commitment to obey when faced with the threat of death or exposure. It is an "in your face" moment when you come to the reality that you have been positioned, "for such a time as this."

Her example challenges us today. How obedient are we to those in authority over us? Is obedience a characteristic of our lives? Obeying our parents? Obeying our employer? Obeying the law? Obeying God's Word? Or do we thwart instruction and race to do things our own way? Are we in such a hurry to get to the top that we scoff at being obedient, believing it to be a lazy or weak way to progress? 

Are we teaching our children the benefits and blessings of obedience? Do we live an example of obedience before them? 

Waiting and obedience are vital keys to success, for God is the One who gives the increase, and we are but tools in His hand. God used Esther in a mighty way, not because she was super smart or aggressive, but because she trusted and obeyed. 

Where might God be asking you to obey? Will you obey Him?

Week Five - Time for a Remodel

This past week or so, we've been undergoing a major bathroom remodel. It didn't start out that way. It was supposed to be just changing out a tub for a nice-sized shower, but one thing led to another, and now it includes new cabinetry, extra tiling, and even a new toilet. Our home is nearly 100 years old, and old houses do have a way of resisting change. 

My Bible reading was in Exodus 25-27, where God gives exact instructions on how He wants His home decorated. I love decorating. I just don't have much money to spend on it. Sometimes I have to settle for what I can afford. How about you?

Paul Tripp writes, Whether we are conscious of it or not, we are all very particular about how we want our home to look. Some of us take the look of our houses seriously and invest time and money to make them look like our dreams. Others are more casual about our surroundings. Some of us place a high value on neat and clean; others find a bit of a mess more comfortable. But all of us somehow, someway express our personalities and our values by the way we design and keep our surroundings. That's why, when you are in someone else's home, it doesn't quite feel like home to you."

I'd have to agree with Mr Tripp. I like to keep my home a certain way; a way that makes me feel relaxed and comfortable. When I visit other people's homes, I see their personalities and interests revealed in the things they decorate with. Our homes are an expression of who we are, our interests, and what we hold dear.

God's home, the tabernacle at the time of my reading, was elaborately decorated with scarlet, blue, and purple, fine linen, needlework, fragrant oils, onyx, animal fur, gold, silver, and brass, huge handmade ornate draperies, specific woods, hand-carved decorative bowls, and fancy candlesticks. Sounds a bit over the top to me, but who am I to question God's decorating choices? This was where He would dwell among his people - a sinful, complaining, and rebellious lot, wandering in the desert. Maybe He needed His "creature comforts." 

Paul Tripp says, God "wanted his house to communicate who He was and what He valued." It is to "communicate two things: his unapproachable holiness and the mercy of His forgiveness." When you read on to the actual construction and layout of the tabernacle, you will discover that underneath that covering of animal skins was a holy place, an elaborate inner sanctum where God dwelt and met His people - at the mercy seat. 

Is your home a sanctum, a place of holy retreat, mercy, and forgiveness? What does your home communicate? Does God dwell there? Would He be comfortable? Might it be time for a remodel?

Week Four - It Ain't Easy

The pastor was preaching on the troubles of life this past Sunday. No one likes them, but they are a part of life, aren't they? We all wish we could float through life without trouble, but it seems to come from unexpected directions and without much warning. 

A friend posted this a few weeks ago: "There isn't a woman (or man) in the Bible used by God who had it easy. Ruth didn't have it easy. Esther didn't have it easy. Sarah didn't have it easy. Hannah didn't have it easy. Mary didn't have it easy. Y'all better stop falling for that feel-good gospel and recognize that God's daughters (and sons) don't have it easy. They have it anointed. They have it appointed. They have it highly favored. They have victory."

Maybe that's why the Bible says to not think it strange when bad things happen or hard times come. These things have a God-ordained purpose. I love the way the Bible puts it. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (1 Peter 4:12-13).

When we look at life through rose-colored glasses, we get a distorted view. Even Jesus didn't have it easy. So when we come to a hard time, we don't need to flay about crying and demanding immediate attention. It isn't some strange thing that has happened to us; it is an opportunity to be a "partaker of Christ's sufferings." 

Since every moment is filtered by the hands of a purposeful and loving God, we can rest in His sovereignty and look beyond the present suffering to the glory to come. We can find ways to look for joy and thankfulness in the middle of the trial.

When we entrust ourselves to the Lord, the Holy Spirit has a way of helping us "float" above the suffering and leading us to higher places in Christ and a deeper love and understanding of our Father. He is our comfort and strength in every trial, and He has an amazing way of using them to teach us more of Himself.

So today, if life isn't easy, put away your feel-good expectations and step into what God has appointed for you. He is there. You are not alone. He knows what's happening and will put His loving arms around you and carry you through when it ain't easy.

Week Three - Finishing Well

Finishing well might seem an inappropriate topic for this early in the New Year, but to finish well, you must begin well. 

A few years ago, my daughter recommended a book that has completely transformed how I go about life. The book is The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran. His basic premise is to divide your year into quarters and plan goals and projects accordingly. You accomplish more, projects move forward at a more consistent pace, and you can better judge your progress. Even today, I look at my list of things to accomplish in the first quarter of this year, and it motivates me.

But last fall, I was given Bob Buford's book Finishing Well. I had read his book Halftime a couple of years ago and drew much from it. I have to say, Finishing Well is helping me think forward with greater certainty and enthusiasm. Buford states, "Finishing well is a continuous process of becoming a better vessel for God's purpose."

I don't know about you, but I like to finish things well. I don't like to leave things undone or hanging. Life has a purpose, and I want to fulfill it.

He says, "My advice is to make sure you die in battle. It's good to know what your desired outcomes and objectives are, but you never know what's going to happen in your life. The key is to live intentionally, with passion, for a cause that's worthy of your life. And then die bloody. I plan to go down swinging. I want to die in battle."

I'm not sure I want to die in a battle, but I certainly don't want to die without having fulfilled God's will for my life. I want to serve and be counted faithful to the end. 

So to finish well, I must remain focused on the task at hand. That task, and the ones associated with it, will change over the years. I'm no longer a mother with small children, I no longer have teenagers in the house, and I'm not even a pastor's wife anymore. Things have changed, but my purpose - to fulfill God's will in my life and live for His glory - has not changed. It is the overriding priority of every desire and all of my service.

I'm challenged this year to look for God's will. I know I am where God wants me to be, and He is keeping plenty of work and challenges before me. I'm finding great peace and comfort in the words He gave me to govern this year - Just Be Thankful. But that doesn't mean sitting on my laurels. If I want to finish well, I must remain active in following, consistent in obeying, and hopeful in believing. God's purpose in my life is His glory, and that will only be seen as He is seen in my life. 

We can make all the plans we want. We can lay them out in a beautiful plan on a meticulous spreadsheet, but it is God who directs our steps. And those steps must be taken. So if you want to finish 2026 well, then start out with the goal of walking with Him, pleasing Him, and seeking His will above all else. Then, do your part in obedience and faith. 

To finish well, you must start well. How's your January going?

Week Two - In the Same Spot

Last week, I shared my phrase for 2026: Just be Thankful. I can't begin to tell you how many times this little phrase has already lifted me away from fear, anger, and frustration. When I feel those negative feelings creeping into my thoughts and tempting me to react, I hear the Lord say, "Gail, just be thankful," and I turn my thoughts to changing the negatives of the scenario into positives. 

Let me give you one example from last week. We were still in Spain, enjoying time with our son and his family, but Spain was very cold last week. It was too cold to go to the beach. We stayed bundled up, didn't drift far from the small heater in the living area, and, due to a broken-down boiler, had no hot water. It was like survival tactics in full swing, cold showers and all. But instead of feeling the discomfort, complaining, or allowing my mind to create too many "fix-it" ideas. I listened to the Lord and just thanked Him for the time with our precious family, the memories we were making,  and the safety and hospitality of their home. We lovingly enjoyed our time.

This simple tactic leads to a much happier life, helping us see the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord in every situation.

Dick Brogden wrote a devotion on a better life, using Psalm 63:3: "Thy loving kindness is better than life." 

He wrote, "We enter the better life not by trying to be good but by accepting what Jesus has done for us and using our energy to seek Him. It is impossible to run in two different directions at the same time. Those who run hardest after Jesus need not concentrate on running away from sin - you cannot run after Jesus and run after sin at the same time."

How true! This idea of single-mindedness, of running after Jesus, and choosing thankfulness as your mindset, produces the better life we so desire. It follows along with the Bible word "blessed."  Happy or blessed is the man who follows God's Word.

Brogden listed three qualities that arise from a better life.

1. Lips that praise. Letting your world know you trust in a holy and all-powerful God worthy of praise. And oh, how praise lifts your heart into a better place.

2. Blessing God by how you live, choosing to obey and do all as unto Him so as not to damage His reputation. It's a matter of respecting the Lord - fearing Him. Pleasing Him becomes the soul's primary desire. It produces confidence and a deep, abiding happiness. 1 John 2:28 comes to my mind. "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming."

3. Soul Satisfaction - Knowing Jesus is enough. He can meet every need. "Living without temporal clutter," is how Brogden put it. I like that imagery. How often are our minds and desires cluttered with temporary things that leave us disappointed or unsatisfied, looking for the next kick? When our seeking is confined to His pleasure, we know satisfaction and contentment through the godliness growing in our spiritual lives. We are satisfied with Jesus, where He has us, and what He is doing in our lives.

And as I made notes on his devotion in my journal, I added one more quality, thankfulness. This must naturally rise from a heart that recognizes God's blessing and hand. 

Let me challenge you to examine your words. Are they words of praise or words of complaining? And what about how you are living your life? Are you being a blessing to God or a little stinker? And what temporal clutter keeps you away from that deep abiding in Christ? Can you honestly say you have an attitude of thankfulness, or are you more often than not, discontent and judgmental?

It really does matter, for if you are going to fulfill the command of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks," it can't be an on-again, off-again proposition. Thankfulness needs to be the prevailing attitude in all circumstances. Thankfulness that causes you to yield to Him, praise His name, live according to His word, and rest your soul's desires in His desires.

So, for another week, and hopefully throughout all of 2026, I will still be in the same spot, thanking Him, for "this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1Thessalonians 5:18). I hope you'll join me.

Week One - Just Be Thankful

When things grew heavy or uncertain in 2025, delight and rejoice were the words God used to carry me through. He pointed me to His gracious and generous care. He reminded me that a happier outlook was my choice and His desire for me. 

This year, He is whispering  the phrase, “Just be thankful.” Thankful for each day given as a gift from Him, for each day I spend with Tom, for each day I have to serve Him in England, and for each day as the Lord walks with me into and through 2026. Just be thankful.

It’s not a matter of counting my blessings and it’s not about looking at what I have around me but choosing an attitude of thankfulness in the face of the future, the current day, and yes, every moment. For He waters every moment (Isaiah 27:3). 

What a thought!  Every moment has His hand written all over it.  Every moment has His intimate attention. It makes my heart burst into song.

Every moment of the day

My father cares for me 

Every moment of the day 

He’s watching over me

He who sees the sparrow fall

Will hear my call

My Heavenly Father watches over me!

So I can just be thankful!

None of us know what God has designed for 2026 but an attitude of thankful places us in a much healthier position and creates opportunity for joy and spiritual growth.

To walk into the New Year with negativity, apprehension, or resentment only breeds darkness and disappointment. It inhibits the beauty of seeing Gods hand. 

Psalm 27:13 speaks to my heart when I think about this choice. The verse begins, “I had fainted.” I would have given up, fallen away, dropped out discouraged, “unless I had believed,” trusted His Word and promises, “to see the goodness of the Lord!” 

Just be thankful!  

God’s goodness is always there. He remains faithful no matter what the future holds. He has His plan in full swing and I have no power or right to change or inhibit it. My part is to participate in what He has for me and be thankful.

We, as His children, are most privileged. He meets our every needs, protects us along the way, has good plans for us, and His goodness means He guides us by the skilfulness of His hand.

Let’s just be thankful and trust Him with 2026.