Tag Archives: #pray

Even Though…

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While playing a game of catch as we waited for the rest of the family to get ready for church this past Easter Sunday, 4-year old Lucy caught the ball then paused and looked intently out the window and commented, “Grandma, it’s snowing.”

“It sure is, LuLu.”

“But Grandma…it’s Easter. It is supposed to be shiny and bright outside.”

“We can’t do anything about it, honey.”

With only the look Lucy can give, she narrowed her eyes, scrunched her lips to the side, and said out of the corner of her mouth, “Yeah, well Jesus can.”

I smiled and took our concern directly to Jesus, “Well, let’s ask Him then, Lu.”

“Dear Jesus…it is Easter Sunday and we would really like for the sun to shine today. If you would be willing to do that for us we would be so grateful. Love you, Jesus.”

Lucy continued to watch out the window with anticipation for a few more seconds then turned to me with her eyebrows raised and in a matter of fact tone stated, “It’s still snowing.”

I shrugged and replied: “I guess Jesus wants it to snow right now then.”

She gleefully shot up from the couch she had been sitting on and even though it was still snowing outside, Lucy joyfully ran out to the kitchen with a bounce in her step.

In the bible, Habakkuk was one to boldly take his concerns to God. We read Habakkuk’s prayer in Chapter 3. In verses 17 and 18 is where we see two very significant words: “Even though…”

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet, I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17 – 18 NLT, emphasis mine).

We all have life challenges. Some more difficult to navigate than others. I think of a few I am experiencing and wonder…do I live out and role-model even though. Like Lucy, do I have a pep in my step even though…?

Even though sleep does not come, and exhaustion overwhelms…

Even though heart palpitations kick hard, and the blood thinner is mandatory…

Even though shoulders carry stress and pain intensifies…

Even though parents and sibling are home in Heaven and are deeply missed…

Even though a little forgetfulness happens and fear prevails…

Even though unnecessary words are spoken, and uncontrollable tears fall…

Yet, do I boldly and confidently bring my concerns to Jesus? Do I rejoice in the LORD even though? Am I joyful in the God of my salvation even though?

I hang on to the hope found in the last verse of Habakkuk 3: “The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.” (Verse 19 NLT).

What are your even thoughs? Even though life will continue to hurl challenges and sorrows (John 16:33), we can rest in the truth that God will give us the strength to get through them, to safely travel over life’s mountains. And, just like Lucy, we can have a pep in our step and be joyful knowing God has our backs.

Oh, and just to let you know, when we came out of church, the falling snow had stopped and the sun was straining to peek out from behind the clouds. Lucy was running ahead of me so I yelled the obvious to her: “Lucy…look. It stopped snowing and the sun is trying to shine. Answered prayer, Lucy, answered prayer!”

Stay Calm & Be Joyful!
Profs Dr. Wendy & Dr. V. 

Be Strong and Courageous!

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“I command you – be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

Joshua…a noble example of complete trust, unwavering belief, and obedient faith in God! When God spoke, Joshua listened and obeyed. Joshua was the appointed leader to take over for Moses after Moses died. What a difficult position to fill because in all honesty, who would ever want to fill the shoes…er sandals of Moses? But…fill them he did!

The first nine verses of Joshua are powerfully encouraging. In those first few verses, Joshua is told to be strong and courageous three times. Look at the intense progression of this command…

“Be strong and courageous…” ~Joshua 1:6a (NLT)

“Be strong and very courageous.” ~Joshua 1:7 (Emphasis mine).

“I command you – be strong and courageous!” ~Joshua 1:9a (Emphasis mine).

Notice the exclamation mark after the last command? I am not sure what you are thinking, but I am thinking God was S.E.R.I.O.U.S. He meant what He said! Yes indeed, I would listen too.

Another treasure buried within those first nine verses is God’s promise to be there for Joshua. Not just once, but three times Joshua is reassured that God’s got his back…

“For I will be with you as I was with Moses…” Joshua 1:5b

“I will not fail you or abandon you.” ~Joshua 1:5c

“For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9c

The number three caught my attention. Did you know, next to seven, three is the most commonly used number in Scripture (Johnston, 1990). Interesting! And, speaking of three and being courageous, Joshua needed his army. He couldn’t do it alone. Ecclesiastes 4:12b (NLT) advises us to not stand alone. Two is good, but “three are even better for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Emphasis mine.). Thank goodness Joshua had several triple-braided cords of soldiers.

God kept his promise and stayed with Joshua. The LORD gave Joshua clear instructions of what to do to conquer and gain victory over Jericho. Joshua 6:15-16 (NLT) is the story most of us remember and are still able to sing…

“On the seventh day the Israelites marched around the city seven times. The seventh time around, the priests sounded the long blast on their horns” and the walls came tumbling down.

Joshua conquered and found victory because he was strong and courageous…   

During the past few months, our Good Samaritan Society has been under attack by COVID-19. The number of positive cases among the residents and staff has been steadily rising. So has the number of deaths. 😥 Fear and defeat seems to be lurking behind the eyes of so many people.

Some residents are lonely. Some are isolated in the COVID wing. Some don’t understand why family isn’t coming to see them. There are chairs kept outside some resident’s room so family can visit through the window. Breaks my heart!

It was time to put God’s words from Joshua into action. Time to be strong and courageous. Time to know God is with us and in control. Time to believe there will be victory over COVID so that family members can once again visit their loved ones who are at Good Sam.

An SOS call went out to people to gather together to march around Good Sam seven times all while praying for healing and protection over all residents and employees there. Praying for COVID-19 to fall!!!

Even though it was a short notice, the word got around and 21 believers showed up to march (amazing…that is three sevens). God showed up too! We were led in prayer before we began, praise music filled the air during the walk, people inside Good Sam waved at us through the windows, and one pastor actually had a ram’s horn that he blew each time we lapped around Good Sam.

It was powerful. It was inspirational. It was heartwarming. I am believing this action WILL make a difference. I anticipate good things to happen out at Good Sam. I am confident there will be victory over COVID-19!

So…let’s get going!  Let’s be strong and courageous in our communities all the while knowing God will be with us! He’s got our backs through ALL of this craziness. Believe it.

Stay Calm & Be Strong and Courageous!
Profs Dr. Wendy & Dr. V. 

Johnston, R. D. (1990). Numbers in the bible: God’s design in biblical numerology. Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI.