An Opportunity to Learn

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 ESV

My fall came in the middle of the night, unexpected leaving behind an unwelcome scar. In a moment I can’t remember, my life changed, our plans altered, and my motives rearranged. But will I find this an opportunity to experience the gentleness and lowliness of Jesus? Will I accept from His hand this opportunity to learn, or let it slip away? Where we are when Jesus calls us to come, is different for each of us, but the rest He offers is the same, and the peace He gives is worth it all.

Just as He Had Done Before

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 NIV

In this hour, when there has been handwringing, frustration and anger among some conservative Christians about the recent election results we need to remember the story of Daniel. He certainly faced an election defeat far greater than ours. I doubt that any of us, at least here in the United States are worried we will be thrown into a den filed with hungry lions: but Daniel did. He knew the decree had been signed, he understood the gravity of the punishment, and yet we do not hear him complaining, making a public scene or running away. Instead, Daniel did exactly what he had always done before: He prayed! Daniel didn’t run to God in a panic, He got on his knees and asked for help, just as he had always done, and he did it three times a day. Maybe our trouble is that, when our ideas have won elections, been popularly trumpeted on social media and gained us acclaim, we have gotten to like being patted on the back. But if our courage is based on the world’s acceptance, we are building our house on a bed of sand. Today the rains are falling, the storms are rising and just as promised, they will beat on our houses of faith. Whether we stand or fall does not depend on the severity of the storm but on the strength of our foundation. Knowing that the world’s decrees are signed against us must not make us fearful but should inspire us to pray. We can trust always Him, because He has promised to be with us not only in a lion’s den, but in every situation, both today and forever!

The Faith Adventure


I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV

Faith…the Christian faith, is our choice to follow Jesus, regardless of where He is leading. Faith is a challenge, that offers us the adventure to explore the unknown, serve those we have never met and trust God in circumstances we never planned. Faith is a journey, not a bus stop and the best part is that we don’t travel alone, because following Jesus means He is just a step ahead of us all the way. Will you choose…will I choose to live by faith today?