What a promise for those who grieve! What a statement of hope for men and women in pain.

Last night my heart broke when I read my emails. Two women shared stories of losing their husbands recently – one through cancer, and the other through a marriage breakup. Both women are mourning their loss. Their nights are long and lonely, and their days are empty as they seek to make sense of what’s happened and how to embrace life with its new normal.

Joy isn’t part of these women’s vocabulary at this point on their journey. It might be difficult for them to even imagine that it will one day return, but it will. Slowly, slowly the pain will dissipate. Darkness will turn to dawn as God fills their hearts with an ever-increasing peace that passes human understanding. Laughter will live again.

I read these emails and whispered a prayer for these women. A prayer that they will soon be clothed with joy. That each morning will bring renewed hope. That each new day will bring restored faith and confidence in the One who loves them and knows their deepest hurts.

If you’re experiencing a nighttime of the soul, then this is my prayer for you, too. May God ease your pain and fill you with joy. May today put a dance – a joyful dance – into your step. You are loved!

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"Away in a manger..."

I love that carol, especially when sung by children’s sweet voices. The lyrics transport me to another place and time, to that star-studded night in a distant land. They take me to a dark and lonely stable where a nervous young husband coaches his bride through childbirth’s groans and writhes. They help me envision a young couple wrapping their infant in a blanket and gazing on His face with wonder, awed at the privilege of holding God incarnate in their human hands.

Imagine the baby Jesus cooing, crying, sucking at his mother’s breast. Squinting through newborn eyes. Wrapping his wee fingers around Joseph’s man-sized thumb. Demanding nighttime feedings. Spitting up on Mary’s shoulder.

Now imagine baby Jesus all grown up. Need a little help with that? Try this description, courtesy of John the Baptist:

“And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave’” (Revelation 1:13-18).

Wow. This season, we celebrate the baby Jesus—the newborn wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger fast asleep as sheep and cows stand reverently nearby. He deserves our adoration, but let’s not forget to worship Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is indeed, the living one who holds the keys of death and the grave. He’s our Savior, our Hope, our Peace, and our Joy not just in this season, but forever.

Take time this busy season to ponder John’s description of the grown up Baby Jesus.  What part of it grabs your attention the most? Why?

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I admit—his situation is indeed complicated, but it’s not without hope. How can I be so sure? Because the Scriptures tell the story of another young man whose life became complicated and how he navigated the course successfully.

The young man’s name was Daniel. He and three buddies were captured by the Babylonians and chosen for an elite training program. During their training period, the ruling king of Babylon suffered from disturbing dreams. He demanded that his wise men tell him what his dreams were and then interpret their meaning. They argued with him, saying his request was unreasonable. This infuriated the king, and he ordered that all wise men in Babylon be executed. Unfortunately, Daniel and his buddies were on the hit list (Daniel 2:1-13).

When the executioner showed up at their doorstep, Daniel knew what to do:

• He asked a question to clarify the situation: “Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?”
• He listened to the answer: “So Arioch told him all that had happened…”
• He took immediate action: “Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant.”
• He shared his concern with godly friends: “Then Daniel went home and told his friends…”
• He asked his friends to pray, and to do so specifically: “He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon.”

Daniel’s life suddenly grew very complicated. He could have gone on a rant about the king’s foolish decree. He could have curled up in a fetal position, paralyzed by fear upon hearing the decree. He could have let the executioner do his job. Instead, he asked a question to gain a better understanding of the situation and then took deliberate action to prevent unnecessary deaths.

A vital element in this process was prayer. The men asked God to show them the secret, and God answered immediately: “That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision.” What did Daniel do next? He praised God for being the source of all wisdom and power, and for sharing that wisdom and strength with him.

If the word complicated describes your life today, then follow Daniel’s example:

• Ask questions to gain a better understanding of what brought you to this place and what your options are now.
• Listen well.
• Take appropriate action with the people involved.
• Confide in trustworthy friends and urge them to pray specifically.
• Expect God to answer.
• Thank God for answered prayer.

No matter how grim your situation looks, rest assured it’s never beyond God’s wisdom or strength. He offers healing and hope, and He’ll bring you through as a stronger, wiser person.

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One fellow plays guitar; another plays keyboard. One worship song rolls into another. Our North American team cannot understand the Romanian lyrics, but occasionally we recognize the tune and sing along in English. This must be a tiny taste of what heaven will be like.

I look around the room and see young people facing incredible challenges. And yet, despite those challenges, several close their eyes and raise their hands as they sing. They’re lost in worship. They shut out pain for the evening and focus on Jesus, their hope.

When the time comes for me to share a message, one of our career staff stands beside me and translates.
The words that I believe God wants me to speak deal with overcoming fear (surprise, surprise). This time I tell the story about David and Goliath as the basis. We read the Scriptures and discover the giant’s size and character. We learn about the negative voices that questioned David’s ability to fight the enemy. And we see David’s courageous response, rooted in his knowledge of God’s character and faithfulness.

The North American team members take turns being honest about fears they struggle with, and the kids listen intently. Then it’s their turn to talk. My heart breaks when one young man speaks up. “I’m afraid to die,” he blurts. This fellow, age 25, obviously “gets” this message.

I send an arrow prayer to heaven: God, give me the right words. I told him that I fear death, too. Actually, I don’t fear death itself because I know I’ll spend eternity in heaven thanks to what Jesus has done. No, death itself isn’t a scary thing for me, but I fear the process. The young man stares intently at me as I speak. I desperately want him to understand, so I tell a couple of personal stories related to death and dying.

My father passed away three years ago. Shortly before he died, he made comments about seeing Jesus waiting for him. No doubt, God’s presence was real to my dad as his life on earth came to an end.

My best childhood girlfriend moved to heaven three weeks ago. When I visited her a week before she passed away, she said, “I have peace.” On her wall hung a plaque with song lyrics burned into it: “He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way…” I tell the kids how God’s presence was real to my friend in her last days on earth, too. And I assure them that when death comes knocking, God will be with them, too, if they know Jesus.

The lesson time draws to a close and discussion ends. I leave the room feeling overwhelmed with gratitude at the opportunity to share God’s Word and hope with these precious young people. How many more are there just like them in this country? I’m not sure anyone really knows. Someone estimates 30,000 in western Romania alone.

Thirty thousand children, teens, and young adults who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and find hope in the midst of their desperate situation. “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” has taken on new meaning.

When I learned of her situation, I felt an inexpressible sadness on her behalf. We’re the same age. Our kids are the same age, too. And we both have grandbabies. Frankly, I cannot fathom how she must feel saying goodbye to those she loves.

I spoke with her by phone last week. Though her voice was weak and her words somewhat slurred, she said, “I have peace.”

How can my girlfriend make this statement in the midst of such difficult circumstances? Because she knows God’s promises. Psalm 119:49,50 say, “Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.”

As my girlfriend prepares to take up residence in heaven, I imagine that the promise found in John 14:1-3 gives her great comfort:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with me where I am.”

I’m wrestling with my friend’s situation. When sadness overwhelms me, I turn to God’s promise of eternal life, and I find hope. His promise revives me and gives me comfort.

What promise gives you hope and revives you in the midst of trouble?

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Traveling by plane as often as I do provides lots of opportunities to speak with fellow passengers. When I engage in a conversation, I’ll admit that my spiritual antennae are up, looking for ways to share God’s love. Often, the other person makes a comment that makes for a perfect lead-in. Last December, a lady seated next to me asked, “I’m on a personal quest for peace. Have you found it yet?” One usually only dreams of such obvious openings.

As believers, we need to go through life looking for and recognizing opportunities to present Jesus. Peter did so, specifically in Acts 3:12 when people showed their amazement upon seeing him heal a lame man. He seized the moment to direct their attention to God, whose power made it possible for the man, born lame, to walk and leap.

“Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd,” says Acts 3:12. Let’s ask God to give us eyes like Peter’s. Let’s ask Him to enable us to see divine opportunities to share our faith, the reason for our hope, the source of our joy and peace.

Those opportunities might happen on the city bus. They might come at the hair salon, or in a restaurant, or at the gym. We don’t know how God is working in other people’s lives, but we know that He is. And we just need to be alert, keeping our spiritual eyes open to see those opportunities when they come.

Question: Describe a recent opportunity you’ve had to share Jesus.

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It’s hard to believe that 2010 will end in a few days. That thought might cause some readers to say, “Whew—finally!” Their journey held unexpected twists and turns that nearly sent them over the brink emotionally or physically and they’re more than ready for a slower, quieter, calmer pace. Some readers might be sorry to see 2010 end, having experienced a year brimming with newness, hope, and fulfilled promises. Others might feel sorry for another reason—they made poor choices that brought unnecessary heartache, and they’re looking forward to the fresh start a new year signifies.

Whatever your reaction at the thought of 2010 ending, I pray you’ll bid it goodbye and enter the New Year resolved to follow hard after God. Psalm 142:5 says, “You are my place of refuge, You are all I really want in life.” If these words are true of us, then we stand in good stead to deal with the past and to face the future with hope and confidence.

As I ponder this Scripture, I’m thinkin’ the words make a powerful mantra of sorts. Imagine whispering them to the Lord before falling asleep every night. What a great way to end the day—with one’s thoughts focused on God and acknowledging that He is all we need or want. Hmmm…I’m going to write this verse on a recipe card and tape it to the headboard of my bed. Anyone want to do the same?

I can’t begin to imagine the pain in that parent’s heart. Thankfully God can, and He’s done something about it.

Isaiah 25:6-8 says, “In Jerusalem, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears.”

At the expense of sounding morose, the shadow of death is a fact of life. Sooner or later it impacts every single person on the face of this earth. And when it does, we experience a myriad of emotions – denial, grief, anger and the sense of being abandoned by a loved one. Sometimes we feel as though we’ve died inside and can’t imagine surviving without that friend or family member. And yet there’s hope.

True to His word, God has swallowed up death forever. Jesus has conquered death once for all. The enemy has been defeated! The promise of eternal life brings hope in the midst of sorrow to those who place their saving faith in Jesus Christ. God Himself has stooped down to meet us in our pain, and He gently wipes the tears from our cheeks.

As far as I know, the 14-year-old is a Jesus follower. His physical life will soon be over, but he’s about to see the promise of eternal life in heaven fulfilled. No more sickness. No more pain. No more wishing it was finally over. His tears will be forever gone as he dances at the feet of Jesus.

The teen will celebrate, and his family will mourn their loss. My heart aches for them, but this I know – God will wipe away their tears, too. He’ll send comfort in amazing ways through a phone call from a friend, through a song, through a spoken word. He’ll reach down and speak peace in the night when sleep fails. He’ll keep the memory of their son alive in their hearts. And someday He’ll orchestrate a family reunion that surpasses our wildest imagination.

“The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears.” What an amazing promise for those who love Him. How have you seen this prove true in your own life?

BTW, Marilyn Heavilin wrote a book titled Roses in December. She knows what losing a child is like — she’s experienced it three times. Her book is a wonderful resource for parents traveling that road. Check out her website: www.marilynheavilin.com.

Date: Every Thursday from September 30-November 11

Time: 7-8 P.M.

Place: House of James bookstore, Abbotsford, BC

Cost: Only $20. This includes the 7 sessions plus workbook.

Program: I’ll teach about a specific aspect of fear for 15-20 minutes each session. Then participants will break into small groups for discussion, using the study guide. We’ll share from our personal lives and examine God’s Word to learn how to overcome the fears that often hinder us from embracing life as fully as God intends. This is an evangelistic outreach, so bring your friends and introduce them to Jesus Christ.

Registration: Follow these directions.

Space is limited to 40. I hope to see you there!

Now, for today’s devotional thought….

One of my Power for Living interviews was with a gal named Jan Turner. Amazing woman.  Years ago she contracted pneumococcal pneumonia. Her body struggled to survive by shutting down blood flow to her extremities. Gangrene set in, and she had to undergo a quadruple amputation.

A single mom with two adopted sons, Jan determined not to let discouragement override her. She applied herself to the rigors of physical therapy and learned how to walk with prosthetics. Using metal hooks that replaced her hands, she learned how to do all the usual things able-bodied people take for granted – things like combing her hair, brushing her teeth, driving and cooking. She returned to school and obtained a second degree in Communications, and she became an ordained pastor.

I listened in awe as Jan told me her story, and then I asked her how she maintained such a positive outlook in the midst of pain. She quoted 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: “…Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

“It’s all in one’s perspective,” said Jan. She explained that when troubles come, we’re all faced with a choice regarding where we fix our gaze. Will it be on the pain or on God’s promises?

Focusing on God’s promises might sound trite to someone dealing with extreme difficulties, but in reality, what else can we do when there’s no easy answer and hope seems distant at best? Fixing her gaze on the Truth of God’s Word worked for Jan – her life proves it. It’ll work for the rest of us, too.

What particular promise from God’s Word has sustained you and given you a proper perspective in the midst of pain?

Ha! Those were our famous last words. We knew a surprise was headed our way when our bus driver pulled over and stopped in an unfamiliar place. “The old parking lot is no longer there,” he announced in Polish. “You must begin your hike here.”

Flexibility is a key word we stress when training our short-term volunteers. And it’s a word we have to put into practice every day on a ministry trip like this. And so we practiced flexibility….all the way up a rocky, very steep mountain road. I didn’t time the hike, but I’m sure that we panted and puffed for more than an hour. Each time someone lagged, I asked if they’d like to turn back or wait by the roadside for the others’ return – and I graciously said that I’d turn back or wait with them. Unfortunately, no one accepted my offer. And so I plodded on.

The view at the top made the trek worthwhile. Fields and mountains stretched for miles, dotted by red tile roofs. My eyes lingered on the beauty before me, and my imagination pondered the heart-wrenching history of Poland and its amazing people. I felt an overwhelming love for our campers who live in poverty and pain as a result of circumstances beyond their control, and I thanked God for the opportunity to bring hope and healing through the message of Jesus Christ.

Campers and staff still happy after the hike

Castle-top view

The hike provided a great opportunity to build closer bonds with these precious campers. We  walked together, we shared snacks, and we swapped stories about life. Then the clouds rolled in and we broke a speed record heading downhill in the pouring rain.

Besides good exercise and bond-building, the hike also provided me with a touching visual image: A young man, about 20 years old, holding the hands of his younger brother, 11, and sister, 9, as they navigated the rocky road in the pouring rain. They’d lost their mom to cancer only two months prior. Their dad had since suffered a stroke. It took a lot of courage for this family to come to camp and be immersed in a setting so unfamiliar, and the older brother’s care and tenderness towards his siblings warmed my heart. It’s not often you see affection between siblings demonstrated like this. It’s an image I want to keep forever.

I’ll write a bit more about the trip on Friday’s blog and then switch back to devotionals. Blessings on you today, my friend.