Streams in the Desert

Streams in the Desert

And he saw them toiling in rowing (Mark 6:48).

Straining, driving effort does not accomplish the work God gives man to do. Only God Himself, who always works without strain, and who never overworks, can do the work that He assigns to His children. When they restfully trust Him to do it, it will be well done and completely done. The way to let Him do His work through us is to partake of Christ so fully, by faith, that He more than fills our life.

A man who had learned this secret once said: "I came to Jesus and I drank, and I do not think that I shall ever be thirsty again. I have taken for my motto, 'Not overwork, but overflow'; and already it has made all the difference in my life."

There is no effort in overflow. It is quietly irresistible. It is the normal life of omnipotent and ceaseless accomplishment into which Christ invites us today and always.
--Sunday School Times

Be all at rest, my soul, O blessed secret,
Of the true life that glorifies thy Lord:
Not always doth the busiest soul best serve Him,
But he that resteth on His faithful Word.
Be all at rest, let not your heart be rippled,
For tiny wavelets mar the image fair,
Which the still pool reflects of heaven's glory--
And thus the image He would have thee bear.
Be all at rest, my soul, for rest is service,
To the still heart God doth His secrets tell;
Thus shalt thou learn to wait, and watch, and labor,
Strengthened to bear, since Christ in thee doth dwell.
For what is service but the life of Jesus,
Lived through a vessel of earth's fragile clay,
Loving and giving and poured forth for others,
A living sacrifice from day to day.
Be all at rest, so shalt thou be an answer
To those who question, "Who is God and where?"
For God is rest, and where He dwells is stillness,
And they who dwell in Him, His rest shalt share.
And what shall meet the deep unrest around thee,
But the calm peace of God that filled His breast?
For still a living Voice calls to the weary,
From Him who said, "Come unto Me and rest."
--Freda Hanbury Allen

"In resurrection stillness there is resurrection power."

God's Clear Instructions..... Dr. Charles Stanley

God's Clear Instructions

Dr. Charles Stanley
Joshua 6

Joshua needed guidance as he faced one of the most crucial moments of his life. Because the Lord had promised him success in conquering Jericho, he knew the outcome of the battle, but as the day of combat approached, he needed a specific strategy for victory. What he heard the Lord say must have made his jaw drop.

Can you imagine the soldiers' thoughts as they carried out this bizarre battle strategy? In confusing times like this, it's good to remember three requirements for benefiting from God's instructions. We need:

• Faith to believe the Lord
• Courage to obey Him
• Patience to wait for His timing.

When God gives us clear instruction through His Word or His Spirit within us, our response shows how much we trust Him. If we truly believe Him and His promises, precise and complete obedience will follow. His victory in any area of struggle is available only to those who act upon His directions.

Submitting to the Lord's timing is also an essential part of obedience. What would have happened if the army decided to bypass God's plans for the first six days and skip straight to the seventh day's march around Jericho? They would have missed the victory.

How often do we beg the Lord for guidance, yet hesitate to obey when He finally gives it? Living by faith can seem like a huge risk when His instructions make no sense or require a lengthy wait. But knowing His eternal perspective and unlimited power can strengthen our resolve to obey.

Praying When You Don’t Have Words..... CHRYSTAL EVANS HURST

Praying When You Don’t Have Words
CHRYSTAL EVANS HURST

“She said, ‘Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.’ So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” 1 Samuel 1:18 (NASB)

I just couldn’t stop crying.

As I lay in the bed next to my mother on her birthday, the tears simply wouldn’t stop flowing. As much as I had prayed for her, I felt the rising of a deep, foreboding fear that she wouldn’t be here much longer. But it was her birthday. So I let the tears fall silently and tried to keep them from being evident.

The deep undercurrent of worry and concern had become a companion as I went about my daily responsibilities, gladly joining my family in caring for my mother and her illness. I showed up as much as I could to be present, helpful and strong for her.

I prayed. We all prayed. A lot.

There were days I’d cried and prayed before, but this day was different. This day I had a realization that despite my best intentions, and regardless of all the energy expended, there was nothing else I could do.

The only thing left to do was silently pray. Sadness had stolen my words.

I think Hannah in the Bible felt this same way.

She had longed for a child, but was unable to bear one. Her grief was great. In 1 Samuel 1:8, Hannah’s husband Elkanah said, “… Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad?” (NASB). Hannah’s sadness had stolen her appetite.

Soon after, she visited the temple, and “greatly distressed, prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly” (v. 10). When Eli the priest noticed her, all he could see was a woman “speaking in her heart, only her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard” (v. 13b).

Hannah’s grief was so deep, she had no words.

I get that. Although the tears fell and my lips moved, I had no words. I wasn’t simply at a loss for words; I was struggling to pray. I knew the reality of my sadness precluded any words that would do my emotions justice.

So with plenty of tears, I continued to pray without words.

I asked God for my deep desire — more time — and then surrendered to my trust in Him, knowing the outcome of my prayers was in His hands and that despite my lack of words, He heard me.

My release that day brought me an unexplainable peace.

One prayer had already been answered: My mother had made it to her 70th birthday. My next prayer was for her to make it to Christmas — one more celebration of her favorite holiday.

She made it.

In fact, I remember her beautiful smile when I looked at her Christmas morning and wished her a merry one. Did I have other prayers? Absolutely. I would have loved for her to see the new year, the next anniversary, one more summer or another birthday. I didn’t get the answer I hoped for, but God had given me one desire.

While Hannah eventually bore children, I think it’s safe to say she would have loved the beginning of her story to have looked different. But God answered her one desire. And even then, Hannah later offered her firstborn back to God.

Although Hannah’s waiting was hard, she also experienced God’s peace. While at the temple, after pouring out her heart to God, Scripture tells us: “Her face was no longer sad” (v. 18b). I’m reminded that often the best gift of prayer is getting to know Him and His peace. We learn this by making our requests, patiently waiting for Him to answer and trusting His wisdom and heart for us.

The truth is, not every request will be answered exactly the way we want. My mother entered heaven a few weeks later.

However, I’m grateful I kept praying, and I’m still receiving the gift of His peace. Hannah’s story reminds me of this: We can still pray when we don’t have words. We can know His peace when we have to let go. And when we don’t have answers, God can hold our hearts as we learn to trust Him.

Dear God, help me keep coming to You in prayer, even when I don’t know what to say. Help me believe You can take the messages from my head and heart and translate them when I don’t have words. Help me have peace when I don’t have the answers to my prayers, and help me trust You to answer in the way You best see fit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

Unfulfilled Desire..... By: Sarah Phillips

Unfulfilled DesireBy: Sarah Phillips

"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13

"For a long time I have not belonged to myself since I delivered myself totally to Jesus, and He is therefore free to do with me as He pleases." ~ St. Therese of Lisieux

Do you have unrealized desires? They have a way of burning up our insides, don't they? Perhaps you wish to be married, but year after year remain single. Or you wish for children, but remain childless. Or maybe you want to write books, but never make any headway.

Confusion and despair over unrealized desires feel the most intense when they seem natural and God-honoring. Doesn't the Lord want me to be married? Didn't He place in me this desire to be a pastor? Didn't God give me these gifts? So why do all the doors remain closed?

I've been noticing a theme lately in the stories of revered Christian heroes. Most of them had personal desires that were put on hold or even went completely unfulfilled - at least from the outside observer's perspective. Some of these desires seemed especially holy.

Take St. Martin of Tours for example. From an early age, this Christian convert's sole desire was to be a monk. But the laws in 4th century Rome required him be a soldier - an occupation that did not suite him well. Even after the military finally released Martin, his plan to dedicate his life to solitary prayer never played out as he hoped. Martin's unique spiritual wisdom drew crowds to him and ultimately, the beloved monk was ordained a Bishop against his wishes.

St. Therese of Lisieux is another example. This French beauty from the 19th century longed to be a Carmelite nun and a missionary. While Therese's first desire came true at the early age of 15, her second never did. At 22, tuberculosis limited her to her French convent.

Why does God allow some desires to go unfulfilled? There's no simple answer to that question, however, I think it's fair to say that when good desires lay dormant, God does important work through us that might not otherwise have been possible. Paul articulates this when he is torn between two holy desires: a desire for heaven and a desire to continue to build up the Church on earth. Through eyes of faith, he sees how God can work through both outcomes.

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith Philippians 1:23-25

The same peace we see in Paul can be found in the stories of countless Christians who set their personal preferences aside.

In her autobiography Story of a Soul, St. Therese reflected, "God cannot inspire unrealizable desires. I can, then, in spite of my littleness aspire to holiness." Therese recognized that her earthly desires really boiled down to a desire for God, and while her personal limitations frustrated her, they did not limit God's work in her life. Therese spent her remaining two years on earth "in the mission fields" by praying for and corresponding with missionary priests who drew much strength from her support.

St. Martin of Tours also accepted God's calling with peace in his heart. He made an excellent Bishop in spite of his introverted ways. The key to his contentment? His love for God enabled him to love needy souls more than his solitary lifestyle.

While it's hard to accept that our personal desires sometimes have to be put on hold, it's also incredibly freeing. I think if you had a chance to speak with Paul, Therese, or Martin they'd all agree that life is much more fulfilling when the Creator of the Universe is in control instead of our little selves. What desires can you hand over to Him today?

Intersecting Faith & Life: What dreams have been put on hold in your life? Think of ways God has worked for good in your waiting. Write down one (or more) blessings you may not have received had your original dreams come true.

Further ReadingJames 4:1
Psalm 37:4

Perplexed but Not Driven to Despair..... By Mark Altrogge

Perplexed but Not Driven to Despair
By Mark Altrogge

There is a word in the Bible that I’m so glad is there. I’ve come back to it again and again over the years. I have said many times, “Yeah! That’s the word for it. That’s what I’m feeling right now.”

What is the word? “Perplexed.”

Perplexed, but not driven to despair!

Paul, the author of most of the New Testament, was perplexed at times. The brilliant theologian Paul didn’t know what the heck was going on at times. He didn’t understand why certain things were happening to him. There were things in his life that didn’t make sense. Outcomes that shouldn’t have happened. Friends that shouldn’t have betrayed him. Unexpected twists and turns. And he was perplexed.

Like when he was being a servant, gathering sticks for a fire and a poisonous viper latched on to him. Ever had that experience? You were just trying to serve and you wind up getting bit.

So many things in our lives are perplexing. We try to do the right thing and someone gets angry at us. We do all we know to do as parents and a child rebels. We help someone financially and they go around slandering us. We give someone godly counsel then they blame us for the problems their sins have caused. Perplexing. Confusing. Mind-boggling. Head-scratching.

Why does God allow us to be perplexed? To display his power. To remind us that we are jars of clay and all our strength is from God.

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed” – When life beats us down and we rise up out of the ashes praising God, it displays his incredible power.

“Perplexed, but not driven to despair” – When we go through confusing circumstances that would drive others to despair, yet we continue to hope in God, that displays his might.

“Persecuted, but not forsaken” – Others hurt us, yet we find again and again that God is with us.

“Struck down, but not destroyed” – We just keep getting back up again. Why? Why don’t we just stay down? Why don’t we just give up? Why do we keep coming back to God’s word, and to church? Why do we lift up our hands in praise when we should just quit? Because of God’s power!

“Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” When we “die” in any way – when we’re disappointed, betrayed, confused, perplexed, hurt, persecuted, disrespected, abused – it’s then that the life of Jesus shines most brightly through us. All our afflictions are intended to reveal the power and glory of God in our lives.

Are you perplexed? Are you down? Get back up. Keep going. Keep seeking Jesus for strength. Keep asking him for answers. Don’t despair. Jesus is about to display his glorious power through you.

A Psalm 121 Prayer..... By Tiffany Thibault

A Psalm 121 PrayerBy Tiffany Thibault

I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. - Psalm 121:1-2

I lived in a house for ten years that had a large window, facing east. Directly in my view, centered in that window, was a very tall hill. Every day I was blessed to be able to look out that window and to remind myself of Psalm 121: “I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from?”

During the busy season of raising my daughters to the brink of their teenage years, I needed that reminder often. It was during those years that we faced a host of struggles common to many. One year in particular though, was almost more than we could handle. During that year we dealt with the loss of a child, our dog, a friend and a family member all within 4 months. Then thrown on top of that, we received the diagnosis of an illness that would take all of our strength to overcome.

There is no life on this earth that escapes trouble. Moments of despair, seasons of illness, relationship struggles, unexpected bills, and job losses. We can do what we can to prepare, or to even limit them, but there is no secret from preventing or stopping trouble from coming into our lives.

However, the truth in Psalm 121 is that we do have someone who can help us get through the tough times! We simply must look up! In Jerusalem, the place of worship was up on the hill. The writer of this verse was reminding himself and telling us that God is always there! Looking up to the hill is a visual reminder, a deliberate action of faith, that allows us to believe, and to tell us that God waits for us to worship Him, to speak with Him, to cling to Him.

As I would look up to the hill each morning as I opened the shutters, I reminded myself that my help comes from the Lord. This is true in my life as well as yours!

We like to use the phrase “things are looking up!” Well of course they are! Not only did God create both heaven and earth, but He cares about every situation that happens in your life!

As you intentionally “look up” to the Lord and seek Him for the help and strength to get through each day, He will move, He will act and He will help you to overcome every single difficulty you are facing in your life today!

Let’s Pray:

Thank you Lord, that you are good. Thank you for the truth of this Bible verse, that my help comes from you. Thank you Father, that you are always there. I lift my eyes up to you. I thank you that I can turn to you at any moment. Today Lord, I bring you all of my situations. Where does my help come from? It comes from you – the maker of heaven and earth!

Please guide me as I work with the people whom you have brought across my path today. Help me to respond in a way that reflects my trust in you. In all my difficult stuff today, Lord, please help me. Give me wisdom and understanding for each situation. I trust you Lord, to be with me through each and every moment of my day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.