The Stake is Staying

I’m not a glutton for punishment and you’ll never find me asking for trouble, but I have learned that God is boldest when I’m hurting. I see Him most clearly when I’ve lost my breath from a sucker punch or when a difficult issue seems to have no end. He reminds me that He never left the throne and He never left me.

My single biggest fear in life is that my boys will stray from their Christian faith and never return. So as Derek and I journeyed together recently on a big life lesson, I did the hardest thing a mother can do. I stepped out of the way and turned him over to God. And when I did that, He got busy working in his life. Derek was experiencing the burden of disobedience to me, but found His way back through scripture and prayer. I stood on the sidelines, watched him make this mistake and clung to Jesus all the while. When Derek revealed to me that he came to the right conclusion and how he got there, I simply burst into tears. I am so very proud of my firstborn and can’t wait to see what all God has in store for him.

In addition to struggling with hard issues, God also shows up big when my hour is dark - when life throws me a deep punch to the gut that leaves me reeling. That happened this week. The punch made me question just briefly if it would be better if I dampened my enthusiasm for my faith - at least a little. God said, "No!" He said His plan for me has not changed. I am to be a light for Him in every area of my life. He did not ignite a fire in my belly for me to pick and choose when I wanted to passionately serve Him. He wants me to be as bold for Him and He is for me. I decided that stake I put in the ground years ago is not budging, so I picked up my hammer and gave it a good whack to make sure it was still firmly planted. I'm not looking back - no not ever. I live for Jesus and no one else.

I can think of no greater joy or purpose than sharing my Jesus with my boys, my friends, my co-workers or anyone whose path I cross. And God showed me in Isaiah 52:7 how beautiful I am to Him when I stay fixed on His work…”How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” Yes, my God reigns forever and ever!