A Moment of Hope

by Marilynn Chadwick Barbara was one of the most inspiring real-life heroes I've ever known. This vibrant woman with a giant heart and an easy laugh was also a courageous spiritual warrior. She became a long-time friend and mentor. And she opened my eyes to the impact one woman can have on her family and community. Years earlier, Barbara's husband had been murdered in a drive-by shooting while walking home from work, leaving her with three small children. She fled to a safer neighborhood to raise her children. "But I began to hear the Lord's voice," she shared. "He told me to go back to the old neighborhood and rescue the children." She sensed God calling her through these words: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40 NIV). "When crack cocaine got our mommas," she explained to me, "the babies were at the mercy of every kind of evil." To Barbara, all children were "babies." It was those children that Barbara was going back to rescue. She found a dilapidated house and turned it into a mission home. "I gave the little ones baths and helped the older ones with homework. I fed them, too, since they were always hungry," she said with a smile. Weekly, she held church services for her neighbors. Years later, a former hit man told Barbara that he had been hired by a drug dealer to kill her—she was hurting the drug business. He would sit outside the open window listening to her preach the gospel. But something would not let him carry out the murder. Later, Barbara told me, this very same man accepted Jesus. Barbara transformed a dangerous neighborhood into a place of hope. Charlotte city officials even renamed her street "Peaceful Way." God sometimes brings hope to others through your broken places. Like Barbara, you may discover you find your life as you give it away. "If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday" (Isaiah 58:10 ESV).

by Marilynn Chadwick A sense of calling in life is vital for anyone. The Bible says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18a KJV). Moms raising their children in fragile neighborhoods have shared how having a purpose in life can often divert their children from drugs, gangs, and prison. Not a luxury, vision often means survival. My young friend Dominique was just ten when gang members befriended him. "I was kind of a mascot," he says. But gang mascots became gang members, and he was headed for trouble. One day, Dominique discovered an online chess game. He got the hang of it and became good—really good. He didn't like to lose, and pretty soon he had taught himself a variety of creative chess moves. Before too long, he was "busy" when gang members called. Busy with chess. Busy with starting a chess club in his school. Then busy as chess club president. When he got to high school, he added competitive wrestling to his already busy schedule. Dominique was way too busy finding his purpose to run with gangs. In time, Dominique became the top high school chess player in the state of North Carolina's Scholastic Chess Association. He won a national tournament and was also within striking distance of becoming a Grand Master—an international distinction. In his application to the Christian college he attended, Dominique wrote: "By getting closer to the One who allowed me this chance and continuing with the plan that we dreamed up together when I was a young child, I feel that I will be able to help someone else and make a lasting impact." Dominique further distinguished himself in college as a natural leader. Even as a child, Dominique had a sense of God's destiny through his childhood dreams of playing chess. And when Dominique heard a clear presentation of the Gospel his first semester in college, this vibrant young man accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Dominique's earthly dreams had eternal implications that went far beyond the mastery of chess. Since that time, he has been a mentor and role model for the hundreds of kids he has taught to play chess throughout our community's schools. He is also a husband. He and his precious wife just welcomed their first baby. Dominique is an ordinary young man who learned the secret of dreaming big. I hope his story will help you pursue your own dreams—no matter how impossible they seem. Remember, "...with God, all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26 ESV).

by Marilynn Chadwick Sometimes, our toughest battles are for our God-given dreams. I wonder if some wars are harder than others because the enemy knows the stakes are so high. Our daughter once said something to me which made me pause: "Mama, you didn't know when you were going through all those years of infertility that you were also fighting for all these little people to be born," pointing to her children–our grandchildren. I think back to those long years of infertility and my fierce fight to have a baby. I couldn't have known it at the time, but I was waging a battle not just for our first born daughter, but also for our next baby, a son. Then, another son. And our soon to be ten grandchildren. Perhaps my fight was so fierce because the enemy wanted what I had—the promise of children and grandchildren who would glorify God. And ultimately, generations beyond those. But I had something else the enemy wanted. And so do you. He wanted to steal my testimony. He wanted to make it impossible for me to tell the miraculous story of God's healing that enabled me to have those babies. He wanted to rob me of the chance to encourage others who are waiting for answers to their own prayers. Quite simply, the devil wants to steal the story God is weaving through your dream. Or through this trial you're enduring so bravely. He wants to steal your testimony. In the end, he wants to steal God's glory. The Bible says that we triumph over the enemy's tactics through the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). Dear friend, don't give up. God is faithful. One day, you will have a story to tell. A story that will cause others yearn to know this wonderful God who is the Giver of Dreams.

by Marilynn Chadwick Have you ever faced a trial so painful you couldn't endure the weight of it? A trial so dark that the enemy taunts you with lies whispered in the dark: God is not listening to your prayers. Why else would He seem so silent? When all seems hopeless, I find encouragement from believers who have passed through the furnace and come forth with faith shining. Their stories inspire me to hold onto my hope. I want to share one such story with you. I met Ange during one of my first missions trips to Rwanda. Most everyone I met was a genocide survivor with a hard story to tell. But it was Ange's journey of agony-turned-into-hope that gripped my soul. Ange was in high school when genocide broke out in Rwanda in 1994. She and fiancé, Emanuel, fled on foot to the neighboring Congo. They married and had baby Edna. The brutal war spilled over into the Congo. Soldiers attacked their refugee camp and Emanuel and Ange, with eighteen-month-old Edna on her back, ran terrified into the forest. They became separated as they fled for their lives. A few days later while Ange was gathering firewood, soldiers kidnapped little Edna. Ange ran frantically through the forest searching for the soldiers. She discovered the baby had become sick and died. Ange's heart and her hope were shattered. She hid in the forest for weeks with no clean water, food, fire, or shelter. As she describes it, "It was like we were dead, but still living." Ange made her way to Kenya with the help of a relief organization, still searching for her husband Emanuel. She cried out, "Oh God, you know my beloved first born was taken away. And you know how I could be happy if I could find my beloved husband! Please Lord, I hope you have not forgotten me." Ange continued to seek God's purpose for her own life while she waited for her dream to be fulfilled. Sensing a call to ministry, she began attending Bible college in Kenya. God gave Ange hope, encouraging her with these words: We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5 NIV). Ange continues her story, "One day, I received the amazing news that my husband was alive! It was like a dream! I stayed up all night praising and thanking God!" After eight long years, Ange and Emanuel were finally reunited on November 14, 2004. God soon blessed them with a baby boy they called Cherubim. When I first met Ange and heard her story in 2008, she had just given birth to twins Joshua and Geoffrey. Ange loves to encourage others to hold onto their faith when times look darkest. I hope you will be strengthened by her story and this prayer from her heart to yours: "May God bless you and help you to be patient in every situation you may pass through. Glory be to the Lord JESUS. Amen!"

by Marilynn Chadwick Sometimes you find heroes in the most unlikely places. I'm referring to those ordinary folks who are quietly living faithful lives—in my eyes, they're the real heroes. A while back, we traveled to our nation's capital. David and I met with influential men and women who are faithfully serving our country. We toured the capitol building. We were reminded anew of our awe for the courageous faith of our Founding Fathers. Their names are written in history—their impact will last for generations. But for me, the real hero showed up—of all places—in a taxicab. Our driver was a gentle, friendly man with an east African accent. He talked about his 33 years driving a cab. He boasted with that "dad-kind-of-pride" that his three kids had all graduated from fine colleges. All had prestigious jobs working in Washington, DC. "You must have done some pretty good parenting," I commented. "What's your secret?" "My secret," he laughed, "is America. In America, if you're willing to work hard, you can reach your dream." "There are some who might disagree," I replied. "Hmmm," he paused. "They have never lived in another country." Our cab driver told us how he had fled the severe persecution of Christians in Eritrea, formerly part of Ethiopia. I noticed the prominent cross on his dashboard. "People here don't know what it's like to not have freedom," he said quietly. As a much younger man he had been educated as an accountant back in Eritrea. But since coming to America, he has worked as a cab driver. Day after day. Month after month. Year after year. He was well past his prime. "We have very smart kids," he smiled. "They call every weekend and want to come see us. They say, 'Mom, what are you cooking?' Yes, I am a blessed man, indeed." An ordinary man who lived a faithful life. He had also learned the secret to real contentment. I sensed that heaven must have been applauding this humble soul. And I knew we'd been in the presence of a true hero that day.

by Marilynn Chadwick Are there times in your life when you feel fresh out of strength and empty of courage? Perhaps you've been enduring a long trial. You've grown weary waiting for what you believe to be a God-given dream. It's during those very times I've learned to draw inspiration from someone who has gone through similar difficulties—and prevailed. It's amazing how someone else's story can breathe life into my soul and revive my hope. If an ordinary person can persevere through a tough trial, then maybe I can too! During the many long years I suffered infertility, I didn't especially want pity. I didn't even want understanding. And quite honestly, I didn't just want to feel better. What I truly wanted was—a baby! Quite simply, I longed to hear stories from women who had also struggled with infertility and finally got pregnant. Perhaps you've been there. You're up against what seems like an impossible situation. Maybe you're finding it doesn't help simply to share your burden, gain sympathy, or even to be "understood." You're longing for victory—an end to your trial. You're desperate to overcome and to see God prevail. In short, you want stronger faith to keep dreaming and believe that God is still at work. That He has not forgotten you. You want strength to hold on to your faith. To your hope. To your love. I've taken a look into my past, reflecting on my own spiritual journey. I'm reminded of the many stories of ordinary heroes which have given me hope. What are their secrets of strength and stories of joy that can help me learn to remain strong and filled with faith? Over the next two weeks, I'll introduce you to some of the heroes who have inspired me. Ordinary people who have dared to live life in an extraordinary way. Ordinary people who held onto their God-given dreams. Who endured tough trials. In time, their tests become their testimony. Perhaps their stories will refresh your hopes and build your faith—just like they did mine.

by Marilynn Chadwick The sign in front of a small country church caught my eye: "It's not happy people who are the most thankful. Rather it's thankful people who are the most happy." The power of giving thanks to transform any situation is still something of a mystery. When someone gave thanks in the Bible, a miracle often followed. Jesus gave thanks before He broke the five loaves and two fish to feed the five thousand (Matthew 14:19-21). He lifted His eyes to heaven and gave thanks to His Father before calling the four-day-dead Lazarus to come forth from his tomb (John 11:38-44). But gratitude doesn't always come naturally. Just ask any parent. We have to teach our children to be thankful. In much the same way, God trains His children. We see in the Old Testament that He created rituals and celebrations to teach thankfulness. When we give thanks to God, we experience something even more powerful—His grace. Our word "grateful" comes from an old English word "grate," which means "thanks." "Grateful" is also related to the word grace. The Greek word commonly translated "grace" in the Bible is charis. Grace describes God's unmerited favor to us through Jesus Christ. Charis, or grace, can also mean gratitude. "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly…with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude [charis] in your hearts" (Colossians 3:16 NIV). Charis is the very substance of our salvation. "For it is by grace [charis] you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God..." (Ephesians 2:8 AMP). How exciting to think that as we practice gratitude, we breathe new life into our understanding of God's amazing grace! However, it requires somewhat of a fight to remain thankful when life is hard. To walk in God's grace in our broken and sometimes hostile world. Peter reminded a church that was being heavily persecuted to hold onto "the true grace of God" and "to stand firm" in this wonderful, gratitude-infused grace (1 Peter 5:12). I believe that as we become more and more thankful, we just might discover that we're also becoming happier!

by Marilynn Chadwick Can practicing thankfulness actually improve your health? Some seem to think so. I read about a study in which participants were asked to list the things for which they were thankful. They were instructed to time the writing of their gratitude list and sustain this exercise for exactly five minutes. Sounds a little like weightlifting, doesn't it? The results of the study showed that those who practiced sustained gratitude for just five minutes experienced a sharp rise in their disease fighting antibodies. These antibodies remained elevated for several hours! Being thankful can improve our mental health as well. The Bible teaches us that a thankful heart is also a joyful heart. Joy comes when we spend time with Jesus: "You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence" (Acts 2:28 NIV). The Greek word for "joy" in this particular verse, euphrosune, comes from two words that mean "good" and "mind." In other words, a sound mind. Joy springs from a healthy mind when we're connected to Jesus. Just spending time in His presence can be healing. Such good news! When we practice being thankful, we also become more aware of Jesus and all His blessings. This naturally (and supernaturally) increases our joy. And who doesn't want more joy? It's a language anyone can understand. The story is told of missionaries who went to a tiny village in a faraway place. Even before they became fluent in their native language, some villagers approached them wanting to hear more about "this Jesus" after hearing the sounds of joyful laughter coming from the missionaries' tent. So today, let's exercise our "thank you muscles." This, in turn, will help us be filled with joy. Let's pray now that thirsty people—especially those who may not even know what they're thirsty for—will be drawn to our joy. Above all, let's pray they are drawn to our Jesus who gives us this joy!

by Marilynn Chadwick I remember an old Tarzan movie in which the famed ape man was peering at a droplet of water through a microscope. Tarzan was shocked to see the water was teeming with microorganisms invisible to the naked eye. What if we could peer into the spiritual world? Like Tarzan, I imagine we'd be shocked to see the real source of our battles. The Bible tells of an atmosphere filled with invisible enemies. "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood…but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12 NLT). Scripture doesn't describe this realm in great detail. It does, however, tell us how to fight. We're told to put on our "spiritual armor" (Ephesians 6:10-20). To "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7 NIV). Giving thanks can be a strategic weapon in our spiritual battles. We see Paul and Silas singing and praising God in a Philippian jail after being severely beaten and chained. Their chains fell off, the jailer accepted Jesus, and his whole family became believers! (Acts 16:19-24). The children of Israel sang praises right in the middle of a huge battle: "Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!" The Lord caused the enemy to fight among themselves and God's people won an astounding victory! (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). Perhaps you're facing a spiritual battle today. You've resisted, prayed, and fought the good fight. But you're weary. Maybe this is your strategic moment to thank God. Let God fight this battle for you. Rest in His power. Remember, the devil and his minions hate childlike trust. If you stand firm in your faith and continue to thank God, the devil will eventually have to flee. After all, he is allergic to praise.

by Marilynn Chadwick Thankful. One simple word—thankful, emblazoned across the front of a woman's t-shirt, caught my eye. There was a period at the end of what wasn't even a sentence. Thankful. So, I guess you could read it this way: "Thankful, period." I would like that to describe me. I'm thankful. Period. But I have to confess. Sometimes I'm less than thankful. Maybe I am not paying enough attention to my blessings or perhaps I'm taking God's benefits for granted. David and I have a dear friend from Africa, one of the most joyful believers I've ever known. He once spoke words that jolted me out of my spiritual lethargy. A survivor of Rwanda's genocide, he had seen more death and destruction than I could possibly imagine. "Do you have all your arms and legs—your limbs?" he asked us. "Then you are blessed!" "Do you have your eyes, your sense of hearing, your ability to speak? Then praise God and give Him thanks. Rejoice and count your amazing blessings!" he exclaimed. From his perspective, it was incredible simply to be alive. Healthy. Not maimed by war. What a reason to rejoice! Stop for a minute and reflect on the many benefits you enjoy simply because you don't live in an area ravaged by war. Do you have all your limbs? Can you walk? Are you able to see and hear and talk? Then, as our friend would say, "Rejoice at your great blessings!" His words challenged me to become more intentional about giving thanks to the Lord for my blessings. And to resist complaining about petty annoyances. Next time you're tempted to grumble, pause. Take a look at your hands and feet—and be thankful. Reflect upon the ability to walk and see and hear. Count the ways God has poured His grace upon you. Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits (Psalm 103:2 ESV).

by Marilynn Chadwick One day I was outside on my deck enjoying the quiet when suddenly, two fighter jets flew overhead at a very low altitude. Their roar was deafening. Everything around me shook violently. Now I surmised the two massive military jets were part of the game opener at a nearby football stadium, so I wasn't overly alarmed. Even so, I was overwhelmed by their sound and speed. By their sheer power! Suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes and I got a lump in my throat. Now, I admit to having a soft spot for our military, but this went far deeper. It was as if God himself whispered to me, "You need not fear anything, for I AM far stronger than these mighty, fighter jets." This verse suddenly came to mind: "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV). The word behold means "to see or to gaze upon." It dawned on me that beholding is connected to thankfulness. If I want to develop a thankful heart, I need to spend time "beholding" God. Simply put, I need to "gaze upon Him." Those fighter jets were so close I could easily behold their power. In much the same way, the closer I get to God, the better I can behold His awesomeness. Friend, are you awestruck by God? By His Word? As my prayer partner often reminds me, we should "glance at our problems, but gaze on God's promises." We need to draw near to God each day. Reflect on the many promises in His Word. When we truly behold His glory, we will find that fear, discouragement, and hopelessness flee. Then our hearts will swell with thankfulness to our glorious Lord!

by Marilynn Chadwick It's hard to be thankful for something you think you deserve. The world is full of people who believe their parents, their schools, or society owe them something. Such was not the case with my friend Becky. She was born with a birth defect that left her just under 4 feet tall. But I forgot about her disability the minute I met her. Becky's face was beautiful—but it was her regal grace, her cheerfulness, and her thankful spirit that I most remember. I have only a dim recollection of her hunched back and deformed legs. Becky's inner strength and trust in the Lord left me wanting to know her secret. I was in my early twenties and a young bride when we first met. Becky was married and well into her forties. She had a thorough knowledge of Scripture and was one of the best Bible teachers I have ever known. As I got to know her better, I learned that Becky's joyful spirit was at least partially due to how her wise parents had raised their disabled daughter. "If my mother and father noticed I didn't seem grateful, or if my attitude became selfish, they'd tell me that I must have too many blessings," she said with a chuckle. "So they'd cut back on gifts and privileges for a while until I showed a little more gratitude for what I had." Becky's words have remained with me all these years later—I can almost hear her gently warning me not to take the blessings of this life for granted. I sometimes wonder if God is anything like Becky's wise and loving parents who refused to encourage self-pity in their disabled daughter? Let's remind ourselves of this powerful encouragement to remain thankful, straight from God's Word. No matter what difficult trials we may be going through, giving thanks honors God and puts us more in touch with His presence. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV).

by Marilynn Chadwick By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6b NIV). How often do you approach your prayer time with a thankful heart? If I'm honest with myself, I often lead with my list of needs without taking time to reflect on the many prayers God has already answered. Paul reminds us that our "prayers and petitions" go hand in hand with a thankful heart. Life without gratitude is barren and thirsty. One way to have a thankful heart is to lower my expectations. This may sound like I'm dialing down my hopes and dreams—but I'm not. I'm simply trying to focus first on God's breathtaking blessings. I want to approach God with a sense of humility rather than entitlement. One Christian author said it well: "You're never thankful for that which you think you deserve." If I think God owes me something, I'll live in a constant state of discontentment. There's a quaint old saying that was often used to express joyful surprise. You may remember it. "Lo and behold!" A person might say, "Lo and behold! There's my cousin Sarah. I haven't seen her in years!" A woman once shared with me how her grandmother helped her understand the meaning of "Lo and behold." I want to share it with you. She said, "Grandma told me that 'Lo and behold' means your expectations are 'low' that what you pray for will actually come true. Then, 'Behold!' it actually happens! All you can do is thank God!" I like her grandma's folksy wisdom. So, I'll continue to dream big and trust God with my fervent prayers and heart's desires. But I will try to keep my expectations "low." And I'll look forward to "beholding" what God will do. The Bible teaches He's a God of wonder and majesty. He is also full of surprises. Beholding His goodness never fails to fill my heart with thankfulness.

by Marilynn Chadwick Willie Myrick is one of my heroes. When he was just ten, Willie was kidnapped by a knife-wielding assailant. The curious youngster had reached down to pick up a ten-dollar bill the kidnapper left as "bait," when suddenly, the man jumped from behind a tree and forced Willie into the car. Speeding across town, the man spewed profanity and threats. The frightened ten-year-old decided to sing his favorite worship song, "Every Praise." When Willie was later asked why he sang this particular song, he answered, "Well, because I knew that Jesus was gonna be with me and he was gonna get me out!" During that ordeal, thanksgiving and praise became Willie's spiritual weapons. Willie continued to sing—for three hours! Finally, the man stopped the car and shoved him out unharmed. Just imagine the faith of this young boy. Instead of dissolving into tears or panic, he worshiped and praised God! Willie's victory over the darkness inspired me to make every effort to respond to worry with praise and thanksgiving. Soon after I read Willie's story, a very troubling situation in our family tempted me to fall into intense fear. Suddenly, an old hymn came to mind. The words to "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" poured forth like a warrior's march. I began to thank God for His power. Sure enough, my fear was broken. What's more, the situation that had worried me so much actually resolved itself. Now when a problem stubbornly persists, I remind myself that young Willie kept singing for three hours before he was released! "Rejoice always," the Bible reminds us. "Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV). Let's dare to form a new habit—thanking God right in the midst of our trials. Praise helps us stand our ground in the face of the enemy. Why not take a lesson from a brave ten-year-old and become people of praise! Adapted from: Marilynn Chadwick, Woman of Valor: Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You (Eugene: Harvest House, 2017).

by Marilynn Chadwick Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2 NIV). Sometimes we move so fast, it's easy to blow past the ordinary blessings God sends each day. Who has time to drink in the magic of the blue sky? Or be thankful for the beauty all around us? And when was the last time you took an extra minute to look into the eyes of your spouse, or children, or friends? The Greek word in the New Testament for thankful, eulogeo, can also be translated "blessing." Eulogeo comes from eu, which means "good," and logeo, which means "to speak." Eulogeo literally means "to speak that which is good." So, a eulogy is how we honor someone with good words of gratitude. When we say a blessing before our meal, it is another way to express thankfulness. I am trying to become more thankful for the ordinary things in life. That's why I'm always on the lookout for practical tips to become more watchful and grateful. Here are some small ways I've discovered to increase my gratitude and reinforce what I refer to as my "thank you habit." On your drive to school or work (or wherever it is that you go each day), why not take the scenic route? Refresh your soul as you give thanks for God's natural beauty. I often travel by way of the lovely tree-lined hill leading to the back roads of our neighborhood instead of the crowded main roads. Find ways to enjoy little breaks throughout your day. Experts recommend about a half hour of sunshine daily to keep up our vitamin D supply. Why not pick a pretty spot and take a book? Or your Bible. Or go for a walk. A friend of mine carves out what she calls "Sabbath moments" every day, usually outdoors. She returns to her work more rested, alert, and thankful. Maintain a daily quitting time. Plan to do something fun with family or friends. Read a good book by an open fire. Take a bubble bath. Stop your work and savor some down time. Remember, rest is God's idea so choose to rest and give Him thanks. Stop multitasking. That was the best piece of advice a counselor gave to my stressed out friend who was seeking help. Easier said than done—especially for busy parents. Try to focus on each person or task with your whole attention, the counselor urged. Then you can take time to truly enjoy every blessing and practice thankfulness. Besides, research shows the value of multi-tasking is an illusion—it's far less efficient than we think. Finally, keep a thank-you journal. List your blessings at the end of each day. Be on the lookout for answers to your prayers and thank God when they happen. How many little blessings do you simply miss because you are speeding through life?

by Marilynn Chadwick I've learned that God often shows up strongest when I am weak or afraid. But if I will trust him and step out in faith, I'm likely to discover a new dimension of his goodness. Or as a friend of mine once said, we experience God's power when we step beyond our capacity and into our calling. On my first mission trip to Africa, God reminded me that he can be trusted to lead and guide us. This is a story that happened many years ago and tells of an opportunity I almost refused. And no wonder. It was the early 1990s. Ethiopia had just gone through a bloody civil war in which revolutionary freedom fighters had finally overthrown the Communist government. Christians had been cruelly persecuted during their seventeen-year regime. The country was still not considered safe for travelers. David and I had friends who served as missionaries in Ethiopia. We were invited by SIM, their missions organization, to speak at the first Christian gathering since the Communist takeover of Ethiopia in 1974. Many missionaries vividly remembered the last gathering where local leaders had been arrested by the Soviet-backed forces. They were imprisoned and tortured for their faith. At last, after decades of oppression, Ethiopia was finally free! During our time there, one missionary and I became immediate friends. I'll call her "Gloria." Gloria was fun, stylish, and always joyful. She often laughed even when she was talking. Gloria and her husband had raised their four amazing, now adult, children in Ethiopia. This was decades before cell phones or the internet allowed families to communicate with one another when separated by distance. Missionary children often attended boarding schools several hours away. Gloria had endured hard places, but through God's grace, she and her family had flourished in this far away land. Gloria confided with me how once, in the early years of their assignment, she nearly hit rock bottom. The heat, the isolation and loneliness, the pests (including snakes), the scant medical care, along with worries about her children, came crashing over her. Discouragement threatened to overwhelm Gloria when one day, she happened to notice a framed needlepoint picture in a fellow missionary's home. On it were three simple words: "Try Giving Thanks." Try giving thanks. It became Gloria's "nuclear" weapon when she faced her most intense battles. She shared story after story of how God had miraculously come through during her toughest trials. I was inspired by Gloria to make giving thanks my "go to" strategy when facing my own stubborn problems. Time and again, I have discovered the power of that simple yet powerful prescription to drive away the darkness. Try. Giving. Thanks. Our most powerful faith lessons often come through struggles. Trials challenge us to trust God more. To remain open to His plans—even if those plans look scary or out of our control. Over the next several days, we'll look at the remarkable power of thankfulness to alter any situation and turn even our darkest trials into opportunities to trust God. To thank Him. In this way, our problems become the fuel for praise.

by Marilynn Chadwick We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). Do you hunger to make a difference in this world? Even children yearn to discover their purpose. My husband's father, the late Dr. Howard Chadwick, served God faithfully as a minister for over seventy years. He used to encourage our three children to search wholeheartedly for their life's calling. "Look around you at the needs you see in the world," he would tell them. "Then take an honest look at your gifts and talents. Your calling may be found where those two intersect." Put another way, where is your "holy discontent?" If the wonderful blessings of learning to hear God's voice, draw near to Him in prayer, and claim the promises of His Word extend no further than our own little world, then so what? I am convinced God's amazing blessings during this prayer journey are so that I will be His hands and feet in this hurting and broken world. Therefore, I constantly ask myself: Is my life a so what? or a so that? Just think. God has created you and given you a purpose. He's hardwired into you the necessary gifts and talents to fulfill your calling. I challenge you to pray the prayer God always answers: "God, break my heart for what breaks Yours." Then watch God begin to stir your heart. Lord, how should I pray? What can I give? Where do You want me to go? Start with your own family and neighbors. Next, move beyond your comfort zone. Look for needs within your community. Visit a local school. Become a reading buddy for a child. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Better yet, gather a small group and serve together. If you ask God, He will show you where to begin. Why not ask God to burden your heart for a nation that needs your prayers. Pray for their people and leaders. Pray for believers, especially those being persecuted. Research ways to contribute financially. Ask God to make that country "come alive" for you and watch what happens as you pray. My story is filled with places I've traveled and people I've grown to love ever since I began asking God to show me who was on His heart. We live in dark times. But the harvest is plentiful! God wants to use you. Your prayers matter. Be alert. Be the answer. Who knows what adventures await when you listen to God's voice and answer His call.

by Marilynn Chadwick When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven" (Luke 5:20). What does it look like to "always be ready" to bring a friend to Jesus? We all have times in life when we must lean on the help of our friends. It was one of those times for the paralytic in Luke 5. We don't know the man's ailment. We do know he was helpless and unable to get to Jesus by himself. A few friends boldly carried him on a mat to see the Master. Their way was blocked by the crowds. So they climbed on the roof, hauled up their sick buddy, and lowered him through a hole they cut in the roof—right in front of Jesus! Instead of rebuking them, Jesus (perhaps with a slight smile) commended their faith. Right then and there, he healed their friend. Let's reflect on this remarkable scenario a little further: And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven" (Luke 5:17-20). Notice that when Jesus saw the faith of the sick man's friends, he forgave the man's sins and healed his infirmity! What was it about the faith of those few friends that ignited the miracle? Their persistence? Audacity? Willingness to step outside the customary bounds? Or just maybe it was their love for their dear friend. I wonder if they had suffered with him. Prayed for him. Refused to give up on him. They did whatever it took to get him to Jesus. Above all, they believed in the power of Jesus to set their friend free. They were true intercessors. Years ago, I had a friend who wrestled with a cruel and long-standing addiction. Complicated by a history of childhood abuse and a host of serious medical problems, she reached the point of exhaustion and hopelessness. She considered ending her life. But into the picture stepped a few good friends. Together, they did battle. They found a place of recovery for our friend and even provided the means to get there. And how they prayed! This little team of friends demonstrated the power of persistent prayer and love in action. It was as if they "carved a hole in the roof" to place their friend at the feet of Jesus. Isn't this our calling as believers—to be vessels of the same mercy we've received from the Lord? It was Jesus himself who reminded us there is no greater love than to "lay down our life for our friends." I'll leave you with my favorite definition of mercy: Mercy is the willingness to enter the chaos of another person's life. Let's pray for the Lord to empower us to be ready and willing to become vessels of mercy for our friends—even if it means stepping into some chaos.

I was in a hurry and needed to grab lunch before my next meeting. I passed a Burger King on a nearby corner. I had been trying to avoid fried foods and hadn't eaten fast-food in ages. Well, nothing like a Whopper and a Diet Coke! I got my order and pulled over to a shady area to quickly eat the burger before my meeting. That's when I saw her. A nicely dressed older woman shuffling slowly along the sidewalk pushing her chair. It wasn't a wheelchair exactly—more of a combination walker/chair with small wheels. She slowly made her way into the parking lot and settled under the shade of a nearby tree. She got comfortable in her spot and began reading a book. I quickly downed the rest of my Whopper. But as I was preparing to leave, I glanced over at the woman. The thought quietly came to me—I wonder if she's hungry? I sensed the Lord's nudge. "Give her the $20 bill in your wallet." Cars were whizzing by in the drive thru line. How could I get to her? I prayed, "Lord, if you want me to give her this $20, you'll have to calm this traffic down. Suddenly there was a lull. I had a clear path, so I hopped out of my car and walked over to where the woman was seated. I didn't want to embarrass her. But I needn't have worried when I saw her calm dignity and alert smile. "Maybe you can use this for a meal," I said quietly, handing her the $20 and pausing to look into her eyes. "I think the Lord just whispered to me to give it to you," I kind of shrugged and smiled...then pointed heavenward. "Oh yes," she smiled back. "I know how God works. And I know all about listening to His voice." Then she sort of winked. "And trust me" she added, "I know faith makes things happen." My window was still rolled down as I slowly drove out of the parking lot. Suddenly, I overheard her strong voice in prayer, "Father God, I knew You would come through for me. I just KNEW You could do this. Thank you, Father God! Thank you!" She didn't know I heard her prayer, or that I saw her raise her hands and tap her feet in childlike praise. This moment was between her and the Lord. I was just thankful to be an eavesdropper on their conversation. And I'll always remember the unexpectedly beautiful moment that blessed us both at Burger King. A few ways to "always be ready:" Become familiar with the Lord's voice through prayer and reading His Word. When the Holy Spirit speaks, follow His prompting. Pray for guidance. Be prepared with cash or gift cards to use as the Lord nudges you.

by Marilynn Chadwick Years ago, a conversation with a good friend challenged me to realize how complacent I'd become in sharing the Good News about Jesus. My friend and I happened to be talking about our involvement in church and how meaningful it was for us both. I shared how my current life was so different from those years when I had walked away from the Lord. As a bit of background, I had made a conscious decision to leave God and church behind at age fifteen. "God, I don't think you're real," I said, "but if I ever find out you exist, I will follow you." At 21, I happened to read C. S. Lewis's powerful apologetic, Mere Christianity, and accepted Jesus. Soon after, I met and married David and we've enjoyed 45 years of life and ministry together. I continued to reflect on how my daily life, once surrounded by unbelievers, was now filled with mostly believers. My doctor, my dentist, even my hairdresser were all Christians. Plus, I hardly ever came in contact with anyone who didn't know Jesus. "How did that happen?" I wondered aloud. It was what my friend said next that jolted me out of my comfort zone. "Oh, that's my life, too," she said emphatically. "I've worked very hard to get it that way and I plan to keep things that way." Suddenly I was reminded of Jesus's parting words to his disciples after his resurrection. He told them to go out into the world and "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8). Just before his ascension to heaven, he challenged his followers: "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). It seems I wasn't alone in my neglect of the Great Commission. One researcher discovered the majority of Christians have never led anyone to Christ. Even more troubling, most believers do not have a specific person for whom they are praying for salvation. I began to make practical changes. I looked for opportunities to form friendships in our neighborhood. I started a small group Bible Study with "outsiders." I began volunteering in communities beyond my own and eventually traveled with David to some very broken places in the world. But I made simple changes too, like striking up conversations. Anything to shake up my routine. I saw God answer prayers in amazing and specific ways. Begin now to pray specifically for God to open doors. Then be ready. Keep a few Christian books or easy to read Bible translations on hand. The pastor who put Mere Christianity into my hands will never know until Heaven the power of his single act of obedience. The book sat on my shelf for a couple years before the Lord prompted me, in His timing, to read it! My life has never been the same. Get comfortable with a few ways to explain salvation. Always be ready to share your own story. Start simple and begin to pray specifically for someone in your sphere. As David reminds us, we're in sales, God is in management. But I encourage you today to step out of your place of comfort and get ready for adventure!

by Marilynn Chadwick Always be ready to give an account for the hope that is within you (1 Peter 3:15). What does it mean to always be ready? During our nation's Revolutionary War, the Minutemen—highly disciplined militia forces made up of ordinary farmers—had to be dressed and ready for battle in less than one minute. Thus, the name, "Minutemen." As believers, we're to be dressed and prepared for battle. But our warfare is against the forces of darkness. Our battle is to win the souls of people. Just like the Minutemen, we must be well trained, alert, and always ready. But let's remember: It all begins with prayer. Every great move of God began with prayer. Who has God put on your heart? If we have prayed for a friend, it shouldn't surprise us to discover that the Holy Spirit has been preparing them in advance to hear the Word of truth. The right moment to share the love of Jesus with them could happen any time. Anywhere. Years ago, our family befriended a professional basketball player from the Czech Republic (now Chechenia). David was chaplain for the Charlotte Hornets, and we got to know some of the players. What a thrill this was for our children. One player whom I'll call Vlad was a special favorite. His girlfriend, whom I'll call Katarina, was a lovely young woman, an attorney by profession. Both Vlad and Katarina had been raised atheists in the former Soviet bloc country then known as Czechoslovakia. They were hard core unbelievers—or so I thought. Katarina and I became friends. She was surprisingly open to talking about God, never shy about her doubts and questions. It might take God a really long time to reach this young woman, I realized, so all I could do was pray for her. That and be a listening friend. The time came for Vlad and Katarina to return to their homeland. She and I decided to grab a quick goodbye lunch. Katarina insisted on going to McDonald's—a treat she had only recently discovered in the US! As we finished our meal, I sensed Katarina was softening. She asked, "What does a person need to do to "be saved?" I gently explained that all one needed to do to be saved was to "believe in the Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 16:31). I explained how Christ's death and resurrection brought total forgiveness for all her sin. Trying to be respectful and patient, I added, "I realize you may want some time to reflect on what I've just shared...maybe when you get home." "Why can't I do this now?" she suddenly blurted out. Seriously. Here in McDonalds?? So I walked Katarina through a simple prayer of salvation. I'm not sure we even closed our eyes. There happened to be a Christian bookstore next door where I bought her first Bible and a devotional book. Her face radiated new peace and joy. Since then, I've prayed for Katarina. And I've never forgotten this lesson: It's important to always be ready whenever and wherever God calls you to share His Good News.

We have taken this week to look at the importance of always being ready as followers of Jesus. The word "ready" is defined as "easily available or obtained; fully prepared; in a suitable state for an activity, action, or situation." As representatives and ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven, we are to be fully prepared at any point to share the good news of Jesus with others. So far, I've talked to you about how to learn to hear God's voice. Pray for open doors. Strengthen your discernment. Put the shoes of the gospel of peace on your feet. When the Spirit prompts you to go share the gospel, what is the one great way you can do so that can never be refuted? Share your story. Talk about how you came to know Jesus. How he has changed your life. What miracles you have experienced with him. The impact of your life upon others. People can try to argue different issues of the faith. But they cannot debate your story. Your experiences. What Jesus did for you personally. Much like the blind man in John 9, your testimony holds power. The religious leaders tried to get the blind man to explain what had happened to him. They wanted to know how and why the miracle happened. Where the man was who healed him. The blind man looked at them and said he did not know the answers to all of their questions. All he knew was that once he was blind, but now he could see. The same principles apply to you and me, too! You don't have to have all of the answers. No one does. Simply share your story and what Jesus has done for you. How he has changed your life. As I told you earlier this week, remember that God's in management. It is HIS job to draw people unto himself. But it's your job to share.

We must always be ready to share the gospel. 2 Timothy 4:2a says to "be ready in season and out of season." We need to learn to hear the voice of God, pray for open doors, walk in discernment, and put on the shoes of peace! In Ephesians 6, Paul talks about the armor of God. He knew that this armor is an imperative part of learning to stand against the darkness of the evil one. Ephesians 6:15 says we are to put on the shoes of the gospel of peace to remain ready! What does this verse mean? It means that the gospel that brings peace to us is needed by others as well. Therefore, we should always be ready to share the gospel! Practically, shoes are needed both for mobility and stability. Think of an athlete trying to play a game in his socks. Or a soldier fighting with no shoes on. They will most certainly lose. When your shoes are on, you will have the readiness needed to move swiftly and quickly to share the gospel with others when prompted to do so by the Spirit. Mobile. Agile. Ready. The shoes of the gospel of peace will also allow you to stand firm and remain steadfast against the evil one who wants to put us all on our backsides. They keep us strong. Stable. Grounded. With your shoes on, you will have the readiness needed to move and go share the gospel with others when prompted by the Spirit. Every day, put on the full armor of God. It gives you tools to resist the devil. But especially make sure you remember your shoes - putting on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Always be ready. To hear God's voice. To respond to open doors that he puts before you. To walk in discernment, distinguishing good from evil. And to put on the shoes of peace so that you will be able to move and to share what you have received with others.

Always be ready. It's one of the biblical mandates for God's people. This week we are looking at different ways to always be ready. First, we must learn to hear God's voice. Secondly, we must pray for open doors to share the Gospel and then partner with God to touch the world. Third, we must grow in our discernment. Learning to discern and distinguish good from evil is very important. Isaiah 5:20 says, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" In other words, not every voice is from God! For example, in the life of Paul, there were times where the devil hindered him from going places. But other times, it was the Spirit who prevented him from moving forward. Paul had to discern whether a situation was from the enemy or from the Spirit. Doing so, allowed him to go where God truly wanted him to go. Specifically when it comes to sharing your faith, you are going to run into resistance. As you do, start learning to discern if it's the devil or the Spirit. If it's the devil, keep trying. Keep sharing. Persist. He will eventually be defeated. If it's the Spirit trying to take you in a different direction, be sensitive to his voice. Maybe he has a different strategy for you to reach that person. Or maybe the resistance is so severe that it's time to knock the dust off your shoes and move on. Jesus explains this in Matthew 10:13-15. "And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town." If you end up having to walk away, continue to stay ready! Watch as the Spirit leads you to someone else who needs to hear the good news of Jesus.

We must always be ready. In fact, 2 Timothy 4:2 says, "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." But how do we stay ready to share the gospel of Jesus and be available to whatever he needs us to do? We are taking this week to look at what we can do as followers of Jesus to always be ready. Yesterday we talked about learning to hear God's voice. Today's tip is this: pray for open doors. Colossians 4:2-4 says, "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison – that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." We must be diligent to pray that God would open doors for us to share and reveal the message of Jesus with others. In your workplace. In your neighborhood. With your friends and family. Jesus's message is powerful. Contending in prayer for opportunities to release this message is just as important as releasing it. You will know when God opens a door. Someone may ask you about why you're so joyful. Or why you are full of faith when everything is scary. When you follow Jesus, people see something different in you. God, Yahweh, the Father, the Creator of the universe designed us to be partners and co-heirs with him. He sent Jesus to bring us back into relationship with him so that we can actively participate in helping him reveal the kingdom of heaven on earth until Jesus returns. It is not a passive salvation. The moment of salvation is simply the entry point to a lifetime of partnership. Always be ready. Learn to hear his voice. Pray for open doors. Then stand ready WHEN the doors open because they will!

Always be ready. Jesus is coming back for his bride. We do not know when he will return, but we are called to be ready for his return (Mark 13:32). And as we wait, we are also to be ready each and every day to give a reason for the hope that we have found in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 3:15) – to share his gospel with the world. When I was playing basketball at UNC, we were taught to always stay ready for the ball. Alert. On guard. Hands lifted up. Prepared if the point guard decided to pass the ball. Poised and alert for a teammate who might decide to throw a "no look pass" in your direction. We must be ready as followers of Jesus. But how do we do this? The key: learn to hear the voice of God. Jesus says in John 10:27, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Did you know that God wants to speak to you? Can you hear his voice? His voice is not always audible. Although sometimes it may be. Have you ever felt a prompting in your heart to go to someone and pray for them? Maybe you have had someone's face come to your mind's eye continually in prayer? Ever heard the whisper of a name while praying? Learn to be obedient to what you're sensing if it is, in fact, the Lord. Maybe you need to give a financial gift to someone in need. Or maybe you need to go to that person and share the gospel. As a side note, here is a simple way to remember the gospel of Jesus so you can share him with others. It's as easy as A-B-C. Admit you are a sinner. Believe in Jesus's life, death and resurrection as the forgiveness for your sins. Come to Jesus and make him Lord of your life. Remember, we are in sales. God is in management. We are to be faithful to spend time with him, learning to hear his voice and be obedient. Leave the outcomes to him. Practice hearing his voice. It is a crucial part of learning how to always be ready.

by Marilynn Chadwick All three of our now grown children especially looked forward to the end of our Day Off, which they referred to as "Family Home Night." These were weekly times of shared togetherness at the close of Sabbath and included special movies, family prayers, Bible stories, and make-your-own-pizzas. The movies we selected didn't always have a spiritual message, but they helped reinforce a value or character quality such as perseverance, compassion, kindness, or courage. Our family movies often launched spontaneous times of talking, sharing, laughing, and dreaming. The kids seemed to take this time to heart. Early on, we decided Family Home Night was not a "friend-sleepover night," but no one seemed to mind. They grew to eagerly anticipate the much-needed space set aside for rest and time with just our family. They felt renewed by the safe haven of home. Refreshed, they were ready to reenter the fray. I have found that Sabbath and giving space to share stories seem to go together. This was especially evident during our mission trips to other cultures. There, life moves at a slower pace. There, we forget our to-do list and welcome the unexpected. This is often the case in places where war or suffering have torn the people and their land. I remember the young Rwandan mother, a survivor of the horrific genocide. She shared her story of pain after our worship service together. I was amazed by her courage and strength. She said, "It is good to know you have not forgotten us." We kept in touch for years, but it was Sabbath-keeping that opened the door for our shared stories and friendship. Sabbath goes against the grain of a world that is too busy to care. Sabbath is life in slower motion. For this reason, Sabbath lends itself to sharing our stories, fears, burdens, testimonies, hopes and dreams. We were not created to experience Sabbath in isolation. I wonder if biblical Sabbath-keeping could become a powerful counter-cultural strategy in a world which thirsts for freedom from overwork, idolatry, and isolation. In a world that desperately needs shalom. A few questions to get you thinking. You may want to experiment until you find the rhythm of rest that works best for you or your family. How often does your family take a day off where you don't do work, housework, or yard work? Describe the perfect day off. Where would you go and with whom? Is there a nearby park or hiking trail you enjoy? What activities do you and your family enjoy at home together? What activities do you enjoy doing alone? Would you invite a friend to join you in the activity? What are some good movies or books you could reserve for your weekly "Day Off?" Are there special treats could you plan ahead? Ideas: Make your own pizza; popcorn with sea salt and coconut oil, drizzled with dark chocolate. Think of fun snacks that don't require much preparation. Are you one who enjoys cooking or is "Door Dash" your new best friend? How can you plan a special meal ahead of time that you or your family would enjoy on your day off? What gets in the way of taking a day off each week? Conflicting job schedules, family members with different routines, kids' sports? Are there changes that would help? What are creative ways you or your family could read the Bible and pray together on your day off—maybe over a cup of specialty coffee in a nearby park or quiet setting? What is your most significant "takeaway" from the teachings on Sabbath? Is there one change you can make today to begin to enjoy God's gift of rest?

by Marilynn Chadwick In addition to "not working" on the Sabbath, the observant Jew also practices "not worrying." Seriously. How does one "not worry?" Is that even possible? A friend coined this snappy little acronym: W.O.R.R.Y: "Worry Only Robs Rest from You." It's true. Worrying is exhausting. I realize as believers in Jesus, we're not obligated to keep Sabbath according to any particular formula or law. But a true confession. After some honest reflection, I've come to realize that worry actually drains my energy and robs my inner peace way more than work does. Worry (translated as "I really, really care") seems logical, even useful. I have plenty of excuses for why I worry. "I just have a vivid imagination." "I have lots to do." "There are so many people I care about." Worry just comes with the territory, right? No. Not if we look at what the Bible says. I've been reflecting lately on Paul's words about worry: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything." Next, he says to "tell God what you need and thank Him for what he has already done" (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). These are training tips from a guy in prison who was always in danger of getting killed. But look at the amazing promise in verse 7: "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Wow. Prayer sounds like a much better use of my energy than worrying. I wonder if turning my "cares into prayers" (in the words of Charles Spurgeon) might be one way to stop this pesky Sabbath thief at the door? Not worrying on the Sabbath—or any other day for that matter—now that's new territory! I truly want to learn to walk more solidly in my faith and drive out worry. But old habits die hard, so I'll have to be patient with myself. Maybe you'd like to share some useful tips for how you deal with worry. Remember, we're all in this together. Let's encourage each other as we learn how to rest worry free.

by Marilynn Chadwick It's been said that Americans are the only people who worship our work, work at our play, and play at our worship. Maybe that's why keeping Sabbath is so hard. Many of us enjoy feeling productive, and taking a day off seems to slow us down. The word Sabbath, or sabat in Hebrew, means "to cease, desist, rest." Put another way, Sabbath simply means to stop working. The very first use of sabat, translated "rest," in the Bible is in Genesis 2:2-3 NIV: "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." Sabbath can be described as taking one day each week to rest from our work. Work six days and rest one, a rhythm which follows God's pattern as Creator. Work and rest are holy. Both are an example of what it means to be created in the image of God. So what are some practical ways to embrace rest and resist overworking? Perhaps we can learn a few tips on Sabbath-keeping from observant Jews. Worship, rest, family time, taking a walk, and reading are among the activities considered good Sabbath practices by the faithful Jew. What is not good on the Sabbath can be summed up in three words: "work, commerce [shopping and spending], and worry." During their trek through the desert, God instructed the children of Israel to gather manna for six days and rest on the seventh, a type of training ground for later Sabbath-keeping (Exodus 16:5). Even before Moses received the Ten Commandments, God was training the Israelites in rhythms of rest. When God gave Moses the law, He reminded him of how He brought the Israelites out of slavery. "Slaves cannot take a day off; free people can," writes theologian Dorothy Bass. In her book "Keeping Sabbath, Practicing Our Faith," she sounds a wake-up call for Christians to return to the practice of Sabbath-keeping. Sabbath rest is a weekly testimony against the perpetual grind of a slave's work, she adds. It gives us a picture of who God is and what it means to be created to be in His image. God's fourth commandment, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy," points us back to Creation (Exodus 20:8 NIV). More words are used to explain this one than any of the other nine, so Sabbath-keeping must be important to God. Sabbath makes space for nurturing our families, our church, and our communities. Sabbath-keeping helps us care for our souls in an age when many are desperately thirsty for inner peace. Rest from our work is also a theological theme woven throughout the Bible. It describes the liberating life of grace for the believer who has found true rest in Christ's salvation. Perhaps St. Augustine could have been hinting at our need for Sabbath rest when he made this famous statement in his Confessions: "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you."

by Marilynn Chadwick I am reminded of the time David and I were invited to teach a marriage seminar to a large gathering of young couples. Wanting to focus on real life issues, we each made a separate list of our "Top Ten Marriage Tips." However, we decided not to reveal the results of our lists to one another until the moment we actually presented the message to our audience. It was fun to compare the different habits, practices, and insights we each felt had strengthened our marriage—right in front of our listeners. When it came time to "reveal" our top marriage tip, it turns out David and I had both chosen the same "Number One Marriage Tip." It was simply this: Take one day off together every week. In other words, "Keep your Sabbath." Ironically, this was the very same advice our first ministry-couple mentors had shared with us way back when we were newlyweds. We took their advice to heart and 45 years later, we still take our day off together each week. If you factor it over our 45 years of marriage and ministry, that's about 2,000 Sabbaths! Sabbath-keeping obviously looks different for our family since ministers typically work on Sunday, the day when many Christians celebrate Sabbath. Our Day Off is Friday. While we don't adhere to a rigid set of rules, we have landed on some practices which make this day special, fun, even holy. We look forward to our weekly ritual of enjoying our favorite coffee. Parked in a quiet setting surrounded by nature, we share thoughts about our week and read through a few Bible passages. Often, we highlight and journal our specific prayer needs or play worship music. We sometimes laugh and cry about the joys and sorrows of family and ministry. Long walks are a favorite, along with Netflix and special snacks reserved just for Day Off. It's more about the regularity of Sabbath than any specific ritual. But God seems so very present on those sacred, sanctified, set apart days. Our weekly Day Off is more than just time away from work— it is a "want to," not a "have to." A gift of grace. These times build fresh hope and healing. Our weekly Sabbath has provided life-giving boundaries to the rigors of ministry and gives creative space for our marriage and children to flourish. Like many today, our lives are very busy. Ministry comes with unexpected demands and emergencies. But most often, we're able to keep our Sabbath calm and free from work. We believe our family and church have benefitted from our commitment to this God-ordained, ancient practice. What are some ways you can begin to create a rhythm of rest into your own lifestyle?

by Marilynn Chadwick Are you feeling tired today? Maybe you worked late, slept poorly, tried to juggle too many tasks, attempted to solve too many problems, took on too much responsibility for everything and everybody around you. It seems you're not alone. America is a nation obsessed with rest—or the lack of it. At my children's high school one year, teachers sent home a disturbing article about sleep deprived teenagers. Researchers are telling us that people now fantasize about sleep! It seems the average person is very, very tired. You may be working harder, running faster, accomplishing more and more…but who's watching out for your soul? Matthew 11:28-30 NIV: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." I've been drawn to Jesus's promise of rest after observing some very "exhausted souls" lately. Exhaustion can manifest itself as anxiety, depression, illness, addiction, or even self-destructive behaviors. This has left me thinking. Why are so many people crashing and burning? What would happen if we revived the spiritual practice of Sabbath-keeping? I wonder if Sabbath—in whatever ways we choose to practice it—might help set us free from the weight of unhealthy expectations and lessen the anxieties of fast-paced living? Since the time of ancient Israel, Sabbath-keeping has been a life-giving gift of God. Sabbath was meant to refresh our relationship with God and one another. For the next several days, we'll explore the biblical and practical foundations of Sabbath-keeping. How does this once-a-week gift of rest bring peace to those who embrace it? How is Sabbath woven into God's covenant with Israel? What significance does it have for Christians today? We'll also explore some practical ways we can experience the rest of Sabbath in a busy, noisy world.

I am wrapping up two weeks of looking at lessons my dad taught me about life. The final one is this: leave a generational legacy. Deuteronomy 5 says that the sins of the father are passed down to the third and fourth generation. This should cause all dads to pause, as we realize that we need to be the ones who stop things from being passed down to our kids. And grandkids. And great grandkids. But Deuteronomy 7 should give dads great hope! If we operate in Jesus's enormous grace and forgiveness, we can pass that kind of grace on to the thousandth generation! Live every day in God's grace, dads. And every day keep passing on God's grace to your wife. Your kids. Your grandkids. So that the legacy you leave will be a Godly one for generations to come. You are passing down something to the thousands of people who could come through your lineage. What are you passing down? I pray it is a legacy of grace and wisdom! Live in the hope of the great biblical promise that our lives can impact generations! My dad passed this on to me. I passed it on to my three kids. And am now getting to see them pass it on to our nine grandchildren… and any more who may come. I pray it will go on for generations to come until Jesus returns. May you be able to say the same thing!

If the sun rises in the morning, there's always hope. Another lesson my dad taught me. Look outside for a moment. Did the sun come up today? If so, you are experiencing the mercies of God that are new every morning. Great is his faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). Sometimes life is really hard. Discouraging moments. Weary situations. Seemingly hopeless circumstances. But the Gospel gives us a different perspective. Jesus came to bring hope to the hopeless. He restored strength to the weary. He gives faith to those without courage. Every day is a new day. As the sun comes up, we move from darkness to light. There is a new perspective waiting for us. We must put one foot in front of the other and seek to see it. Use the reality of each new day as a reminder that you can find renewed hope. Everything's not lost. It's not all in vain. There is still purpose in your pain. If you are struggling to understand this reality, I would encourage you to step outside for a moment. Take a few deep breaths. No, really. Slow down your mind and your heart and breathe deep. Feel the wind on your face. Look up to the sky. Maybe it's a cloud formation or a bird singing in the tree next to you. I am praying that something you see in the creation around you will remind you that there is still hope. God is not done with your story. He is working things together for your good and for his glory (Romans 8:28). Nothing is in vain. If the sun rose this morning, there's always hope!

How many of you have ever hopped into the car to go on a journey and looked only in the rearview mirror to get where you are going? Of course you haven't! You wouldn't make it more than 5 feet before running off the road. My dad knew this truth and taught me this lesson from a very young age: Don't drive your life's car looking into the rearview mirror. I alluded to this last week when we talked about the significance not of how you drive, but how you arrive. This principle is so important and if not learned, it can keep you from reaching your final destination. If you spend your life looking in the rearview mirror, you will most certainly crash. It is not just a distraction. It is actually dangerous and stupid. Dad always told me to look in your rearview mirror occasionally to learn from your mistakes. But your eyes should stay focused on the horizon. Look through the windshield. See the view around you. You'll realize how beautiful it really is. When you finally reach your destination, you will have enjoyed life to the full. Don't miss the moments right in front of you because you insist on gazing into the bleakness of the past through a tiny rearview mirror. God says we should gaze at Jesus. "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we gaze at him, we will change and be able to move forward with hope!

Presence over presents. Another short, pithy phrase my dad taught me. This tags along with yesterday's lesson about the way that kids spell love: T-I-M-E. Giving presents is fine, but they tend to bring momentary joy. Think about Christmas. Presents galore, usually unwrapped at a hurried speed. They are played with for a while, then discarded. The gift of presence, however, is lasting. It is what people appreciate most about you. Especially your children, for those of you who are parents. They want you in their lives. This is what they will remember most. I have so many vivid memories of my mom and dad sitting in the stands at practically every high school basketball game. And many of my college games as well. They were so committed to sharing those memories with me. I truly don't remember many presents Dad gave to me. But I do remember his presence in my life's most significant moments. That, I will never forget. I pray my kids saw me live out this truth as well. As you take a look at your life, ask yourself where you may be giving presents to those around you and forgetting to give them your actual presence. Find ways to create memories. Learn to have meaningful conversations with those you love. James 4:14 says, "For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." What remains is how you loved, cherished, and stewarded the relationships with those around you (1 Corinthians 13:13). Presence over presents. Another life lesson from my dad.

Last week, I shared five general lessons that my dad taught me. This week, I want to share five more. My hope is that these small life lessons will bring perspective, wisdom, and insight into how to live with purpose. Today's lesson pertains to leading and loving children. Whether or not you are fathering someone, this principle can apply to so many situations. We all need tools for how to capture the hearts of those around us in order to influence them for Jesus. This is a tool for how to love people well. Here it is: Kids spell love T-I-M-E. Dad poured himself into ministry. But he reached a point where ministry had swallowed up his family. Being a man of sober conviction, he sensed a problem arising. It was like one day he awakened and realized that his own kids didn't know him and vice versa. Suddenly, in a moment, he changed. I remember he started taking me to baseball games and spending time with my siblings. It marked me as a child to see such a clear display of repentance. He was heading in one direction, knew it wasn't right, turned in a different direction, and started living in a different way. Later, I asked him what happened. He said he realized that kids spell love T-I-M-E. Years later, when your kids are grown, they won't remember if you were at that meeting or not. But they will remember if you were present at their game or their dance recital or their special school assembly. Use your time wisely and invest your best energy into your family! You only get them once.

"You are not what has happened to you." Another lesson my dad taught me. This lesson is so important, especially in today's culture. We live in a world where people love to be the victim. In fact, it's much easier to focus on being wronged and live under that identity than to pursue healing and strength after experiencing pain and opposition. The Bible says that through Jesus, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Dad would never allow me to play the victim card. He knew that it was dangerous and fruitless for success in life. The blame game is a surefire way to destruction. It allows us to deflect responsibility and wallow in our pain. Instead of living as a victim, Dad taught me that my identity is found in Jesus and Jesus alone. It is NOT what has happened to me. It is neither my successes or my failures. A life focused on successes can create pride and a life focused on failures can trigger despair. Over time, as I have become increasingly sure of my new identity in Christ, I am not crippled by the people who want to hurt me or the bad circumstances that have happened to me. After all, they happen to us all, don't they? I have been adopted as a child of the King of kings. I have royal blood flowing through my veins. THAT is my true identity. I am in Christ. A new creation. The old has passed away. The new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Can you say the same? If not, I pray you will encounter the love of Jesus and be changed forever. Your identity is not in what has happened to you, but who Jesus says you are.

Here is another lesson from my dad: The most important shot is the next one. I have a very tender heart and tend to beat myself up when I make a mistake. Any time I would miss a shot while playing basketball, Dad would see me get down on myself. After each game, Dad would sit me down and remind me that the shots I missed were gone. Done. Could not be recovered. Then he would urge me to collect myself and focus on the next shot. That is the only shot that I could control. Dad knew how much I loved to play basketball and would find ways to give me wisdom that connected practical life wisdom to my passion for basketball. This adage he shared with me was true whether playing golf, basketball, tennis, or any sport. But it was also true of life in general. What a great life lesson. Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." You can't live life looking in the rearview mirror. Not only is it a distraction, it's dangerous. Do you remember yesterday's lesson discussing the importance of arriving at your destination? A life focused on what is behind you can keep you from reaching your desired arrival point. If you have missed a shot, the most important shot is the next one. Forget what is behind. Press on toward what is ahead. For God desires you to believe there is still much you can accomplish for him and his glory.

I have so many lessons from my dad that have marked my life. Today's lesson: It's not how you drive, but how you arrive. Dad loved to play golf. I did not inherit his passion, but grew to appreciate the many life lessons in golf. One lesson he taught me is key. You can hit a bad shot off the tee, but quickly recover the lost shot by putting well. We all want to finish the journey well. Dad's principle is great advice on how to end well in life. Jesus, too, reminds us of the importance of ending well in Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents. He exhorts his followers to desire to live in a way that invites the response, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." We live in a broken world. The road and the journey are hard. As we "drive" through life, we will inevitably hit potholes, breakdown, experience roadblocks, and fight traffic. But we want to "arrive" and reach the destination with grace and strength, fortitude and conviction. Grace always allows you to start anew. Don't let past mistakes cripple you. Always focus on ending well. As I have heard someone say recently, "The kingdom clock is ticking." We do not know the hour or the day when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36). But we must stay vigilant, hopeful, aware, sober-minded and live as intentionally as possible. Please end well! After all, like my dad always said, "It's not how you drive, but how you arrive."

Lessons from my dad changed my life. He gave me so many insights into life, marriage, fatherhood, leadership, and character. I want to share several of these lessons with you. If you were never fathered by a loving father, I pray these lessons fill the voids you may have felt. Here is the lesson for today: Don't look at what you've lost, but what you still have. Dad knew that life meant loss. Life is "a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (James 4:14). We come into this world with nothing. We accumulate. Then lose either through theft or death. Then we leave one day with nothing, with others spending what we earned! But dad reminded me to always look at what I had left instead of what I had lost. So often, you can't recover what you've lost. But you can start anew. And build on what you have right in front of you. His wise counsel has kept me going day after day, month after month, year after year. If you have never learned this lesson before, life knocks you down. But you can get back up again and persevere. "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:3-5). When you choose to tap into unexplainable joy in the midst of suffering, you take away the enemy's power. You remove the stronghold he wants you to live in to keep you in a place of despair and hopelessness. Dear friend, don't look at what you have lost. Look at what you still have and be thankful for it. Gratitude changes your perspective.

I learned so much from my dad. He was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and perspective for me throughout his life. I collected so many lessons from him and used them to guide and lead me. I believe now, more than ever, our world needs sound wisdom from fathers who are deeply connected to the Father in heaven. We are living in days where people everywhere are perishing for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Over the next two weeks, I am going to share 10 lessons with you that I learned from my dad. These principles have been so ingrained in me and I pray they continue to bless others until Jesus returns. The first lesson is this: "Love their mom." The night before I got married to Marilynn, I asked my dad for his best advice on raising kids well, if God should be so kind as to give them to us. He did not hesitate. He said, "Son, the best gift you can ever give your kids is to love their mom." Such a simple, profound truth. "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). Love creates stability, grace, mercy, and kindness in the home. When kids know dad loves moms and vice versa, they feel safe and secure. This environment allows them to reach their full potential in Jesus. It may be my dad's best counsel to me ever. "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25).

Our "Hearing God's Voice" series is adapted from "Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars" by Marilynn Chadwick. To request a copy of this book please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick I'm always watching for signs of God at work. Looking for insights from His Word. Watching closely for His "fingerprints." I often ask God to open my eyes so I may see Him more clearly. I am convinced that abiding in Christ's Presence holds the answer to life's problems. So why do I sometimes race around looking everywhere else for solutions? My commitment to abide in Christ has been made stronger by recent conversations with friends. Each confided they were overwhelmed by the same problem. Anxiety. They were consumed with worry about frightening events in the news. Admittedly, the world can be a scary place right now. Wars and rumors of wars abound. Random acts of violence hit close to home. Persecution of Christians is at an all-time high. Some say it's the most dangerous time in history to believe in Jesus. It has always been dangerous to follow God. The Bible is full of examples of believers facing persecution. John the Baptist met a gruesome death at the hands of the evil ruler Herod. John had confronted Herod on his adulterous relationship with Herodias, his brother's wife. Herod wanted to kill John but feared the crowd. Look at what happened next: "But at Herod's birthday celebration, he got his chance. Herodias's daughter provided the entertainment, dancing for the guests. She swept Herod away. In his drunken enthusiasm, he promised her on oath anything she wanted. Already coached by her mother, she was ready: "Give me, served up on a platter, the head of John the Baptizer." That sobered the king up fast. Unwilling to lose face with his guests, he did it—ordered John's head cut off and presented to the girl on a platter. She in turn gave it to her mother." (Matthew 14:6-12 MSG). Notice the reaction of Jesus to the death of His dearly loved cousin. The Bible tells us He went away by Himself to be alone with God. Though He was God Incarnate, Jesus was fully human. We must assume He needed time to process the tragedy, to pour out His heart, to be healed and strengthened by His heavenly Father. But while on the way, He is intercepted by a crowd of needy and hurting people. Moved with compassion, He heals their sick and even performs a miracle of feeding the 5000. I'm sure Jesus was exhilarated. But notice: He still needed time alone with God. As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. (Matthew 14:22-23 MSG). Jesus withdrew to pray, to heal, to grieve, to seek renewed strength. To abide. If Jesus needed to be alone with His heavenly Father when walking through a valley, how much more do we?

Our "Hearing God's Voice" series is adapted from "Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars" by Marilynn Chadwick. To request a copy of this book please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick Consider the miracle of speech. Our voice sets us apart from the animals. It allows us to communicate with each other. It connects us to God. A voice is a powerful tool. I believe our most important task is to train ourselves to hear God's voice. Jesus gives us a beautiful description of His role as the "good shepherd." He proves His love by "laying down His life for His sheep" (John 10:11). What a stark contrast with the "hired hand." This false shepherd cares only for himself—when he sees a wolf coming, he cuts and runs to save himself leaving the sheep defenseless. Whose voice is most familiar to you? I can easily recognize my husband David's voice. When he calls, he doesn't have to identify himself. My sensitivity to his voice comes from our relationship. So it is with Jesus. If we are one of His followers, we recognize His voice. "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). Listening to the right voice can be the difference between life and death. Ponder God's sober warning to the children of Israel: "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings, and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him..." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). So many voices compete for our attention. We can tune our hearts to hear God's voice by spending time in His Word (Romans 10:17). Here are a few tips on how I sharpen my hearing: I carve out time in the morning for God's Word and prayer. It's my priority. I call this my "morning launch." I also have a favorite spot for my quiet time. I often use a Bible reading plan along with my Study Bible, journal, and prayer list. I try to pray "without ceasing," sometimes while folding clothes, driving across town, or on an afternoon walk. Praying throughout the day keeps my connection with God flowing and sharpens my hearing. It also helps me keep watch for answers! I hope you, too, will learn to sharpen your hearing of God's voice. Learn about his nature and character. Train yourself to get close enough to him to understand how he would lead you.

Our "Hearing God's Voice" series is adapted from "Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars" by Marilynn Chadwick. To request a copy of this book please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick Have you discovered that every voice in your head is not from God? The enemy of our soul often tries to sneak in his lies, sometimes disguised as our own voice. So how do we recognize when it's really God speaking to us? Jesus tells us, "My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me" (John 10:27). Your most important job is to train your heart to hear God's voice. Get to know him. Spend time with him. When David calls, I easily recognize his voice—because I spend a lot of time with him. God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us discern truth from lies. Among other descriptions of the Holy Spirit, he is called the "Spirit of truth." It's worth repeating. Not all voices are from God and not all spirits are the Holy Spirit. That's why we need a "Spiritual Spam filter." God has provided us with several guardrails to bring clarity to our hearing: The Word of God; the inner witness of the Holy Spirit; the character of God as revealed in Scripture; the testimonies of other believers, both now and throughout the ages. Before Jesus went to the cross, he encouraged his disciples to eagerly anticipate the "Spirit of truth" that would soon come their way (John 16:13). "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7). This same Helper, Jesus promised, was "the Spirit of truth" who would guide them (and us) into "all truth" (John 16:13). "The Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you" (John 14:26 AMP). Did you catch that? Jesus said the Holy Spirit will even help us remember what He has spoken to us. Good news as we are learning to discern the voice of God!

Our "Hearing God's Voice" series is adapted from "Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars" by Marilynn Chadwick. To request a copy of this book please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick "What do I do when God seems silent?" The question came from a good friend and a sincere follower of Jesus. We were on a weekend retreat where I had just delivered a message about learning to hear God's voice. Her question hit a chord. How do we handle those times when we have prayed and prayed? Perhaps we have even sensed God's promise to fulfill a hope or dream. But the answer is so slow in coming. I thought back to my own time of what I call "wait training." In our early years of marriage, David and I had looked forward to the day we'd have children. Imagine our dismay when hopes for a baby stretched into six months, a year, two years, and eventually four years—forty-eight straight months—of drugs, surgeries, tests, and more tests. And still no baby. We eventually had our daughter and two sons. But the years of waiting proved to be a good time to seek God and to wait on Him. Strength came as I rested in the Lord, studied His Word, held fast to His promises...day after day after day. I learned what Jesus meant when He encouraged believers to "abide" in Him (John 15:5). I also found surprising comfort as I stepped out of my own pain to serve others. I discovered that if I would give my life away to help someone who was hurting worse than I was, a mysterious joy would spring forth. By seeking God and serving Him wholeheartedly, I learned that times of waiting can give birth to a larger purpose. Turns out not getting what we want when we want it may be one of the best tools to sharpen our hearing of God's voice. We may also discover that our seasons of waiting—those times we thought were barren—can become our most fruitful.

Our "Hearing God's Voice" series is adapted from "Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars" by Marilynn Chadwick. To request a copy of this book please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick God is always speaking. The question is, "Will you listen?" It's a question I ask myself every day. Will I take the time to listen in our busy, noisy world? I have discovered that if you truly commit to listening to God, amazing things can happen. David and I have shared over four decades of marriage and ministry (I once vowed that I'd never become a Christian, and most definitely, I would never marry a minister. Funny how things turn out, isn't it?). Along the way, we have discovered that listening to God is not just about hearing His voice. It's also about doing His will. My life, I realized one day, was either a "so what?" or a "so that!" If listening to God took me no further than my own little world, then so what? The point of hearing His voice is so that I'll do His will. So, I told God that I would give my whole heart to listening to Him. And I committed to pray, starting with my own family right at home, but with an eye for the needs of God's larger world. What happens when you begin to take seriously the call to listen to God's voice? That's when the adventure begins! You could end up traveling to genocide torn regions in Africa as David and I did. Or you might come face to face with the needs of your neighbor next door. You just might meet people and go to places you never knew existed—starting within your own community. Everyone's journey will look different. You can read more about my experiences in Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars: Learning to Hear the Voice of God. The book started out as simply a memoir of my own adventures in prayer. But friends kept urging me to add some practical content to this journey—some footsteps— so others could follow along. I firmly believe that if you will listen to God daily and watch for Him at work right where you are, your ordinary days will no longer feel ordinary.

Forgiveness is "the act of pardoning an offender and letting them go." It is not a feeling, but a command by God. While forgiveness is required by God for anyone who is a follower of Jesus, reconciliation may or may not always take place. Remember that forgiveness and reconciliation are different. Forgiveness is not reconciliation. Forgiveness takes one person. You and you alone. As a Christ follower, you MUST forgive anyone who offends and hurts you. As we have been learning this week, the principle of forgiveness is not optional. But reconciliation takes two people. You and the person who hurt you. The one who did the offense must own it. Must take responsibility for the offense. Must confess the sin and own the truth of what happened. Truth must be present and humility is required. Then and only then can there be reconciliation and this is not always a possibility. Romans 12:18 says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Notice the key words in this verse: if possible. This infers that it is not always possible. We live in a broken world where there are many factors that can hinder and inhibit reconciliation from taking place. But this does not remove the burden of proof for followers of Jesus to forgive. Completely. Fully. Entirely. Is reconciliation God's best? Yes! It is always the heart of God to see reconciliation when someone hurts you. It is most certainly the best scenario. Is reconciliation always possible? Maybe – but remember, only if the one who did the offense confesses it and owns what actually happened. Then overall healing can occur. Forgiveness and reconciliation are such beautiful representations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in action. While we were still sinners, Jesus forgave us and reconciled us back to the Father (Romans 5:8). Now, we get to reflect that by forgiving others and, at times, reconciling back to them. Pray for reconciliation and believe it can and will happen. But in the meantime, forgive and then put the situation back in God's hands and live your life free of bitterness and offense!

The Bible says we are to forgive "70 times 7." What does this mean? In Jesus's day, to forgive seven times was seen as the ultimate victory in forgiveness. So, Peter asks Jesus if that is sufficient, forgiving seven times in Matthew 18:21-22. Jesus says no. We must forgive "70 times 7." And that does not mean that on the 491st time we get to seek revenge. No. Revenge solely belongs to God (Romans 12:19). That is his job. I think God designed it this way because we don't do revenge very well as broken humans. We tend to retaliate a bit more than our offender has hurt us. Forgiving "70 times 7" simply means that every time the hurt comes into our mind from our offender, we must forgive. Repeatedly. Daily. Consistently. By the moment. The hurt gets easier and lighter each time we forgive. Turn your offender over to God. Let him carry out justice in his way and in his timing. We see David's heart for the righteous and just side of God in Psalm 7:8-10. David cries out, "The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. Oh let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous – you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God! My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart." Our hurt can last a while, which is why we need the reminder to forgive each day. Over time, the hurt will lessen. Trust the God of the universe is just. Trust that he will act when he sees fit. Trust that no one gets away with anything in eternity. One day – either here or in heaven – there will be justice. In God's way. One day.

Forgiveness is so important to the heart of God. This week we are exploring this topic more in depth and hopefully growing in practicing forgiveness in our everyday lives. Why forgive? Is it really that important? Does it even matter? Our forgiveness seems to be directly connected to God's grace being poured out to us. In the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:12, Jesus says that part of how we should pray is to say, "and forgive our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Jesus goes on to repeat himself in Matthew 6:14, saying, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Clearly forgiveness is an important practice for any follower of Jesus. And forgiveness appears to be connected to the power of prayer. Look at Mark 11:22-25. In verses 22-24, Jesus suggests that prayers of faith can move mountains. We should never doubt when praying, believing we've received, speaking to the mountain through prayer into the heart of the sea whose deep waters can cover the highest mountain on earth. Then Jesus adds verse 25. He seems to suggest that a major force that can prevent mountain-moving, faith-filled prayers is unforgiveness. Bitterness. To have our prayers answered should be a strong motivator to get rid of unforgiveness and bitterness, doesn't it? We all daily need God's grace to survive. Unforgiveness seems to stop that flow of grace to our hearts. Our need for that daily grace should be motivation enough to forgive others fully, freely, and completely. Somehow when we obey God and forgive others, it attracts God's miracle-working power. As we release offense and bitterness, it makes way for God to fight our battles for us. And let me tell you from experience. He does a much better job fighting for us than we ever could!

One of the biblical definitions for forgiveness is "the act of pardoning an offender and letting them go." For followers of Jesus, forgiveness is not a feeling, but a command. When we have been hurt, we often do not feel like forgiving the person who hurt us. But we must. It is not for his or her benefit, but much more for us. It sets us free. But choosing to forgive someone might also end up setting them free from their own sense of wrongdoing and guilt and leading them to a deeper understanding of Jesus. We are commanded to release bitterness, which is so destructive for us internally. It ruins and corrodes our insides. Hebrews 12:15 says, "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled." It appears forgiveness not only hurts us but those around us—especially those we love the most! Forgiveness is rooted in God's forgiveness of us. Of an eternal billion dollar debt that we could never pay off on our own. After understanding his mercy and grace, Jesus then asks us to extend the same forgiveness to others, knowing that a ten-dollar debt is comparatively nothing compared to the eternal billion dollar debt from which we have been set free. "Bearing with one another," we are to forgive freely. As God has forgiven us in Jesus, so we are to forgive those who have hurt us. Forgiveness means canceling the desire for someone else to be hurt as badly as he or she has hurt you. It is a declarative decision to say that that individual does not have to pay you back for the way he or she has hurt you. And, again, it's NOT a feeling, but a command by Jesus for those who follow him. As he himself died on the cross, he cried out, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Then we are set free from the prison of hatred and bitterness. Free to enjoy life as Jesus intended, to the full!