Janice Hanna's Blog, page 13

Immovable. Strong.

I feel like God spoke something specific to my heart this morning while in church. Maybe it’s for you, too:

The Lord wants us to shake off self-pity. Yes, we’ve been through a lot. Yes, much of it was unfair..wholly unfair, in fact. But self-pity gets us nowhere. It causes us to cry out, “I’m so weak because of what has happened to me!” instead of acknowledging that (in Him) we are actually much STRONGER and more capable because of what has happened to us. It also hyper-extends our focus on ourselves instead of on God, which is never a good thing. When we’re navel-gazing we can’t see the work that He has accomplished. But when we shift our gaze to Him, everything comes into perspective and we are reminded that He is building us into mighty oaks.

In many ways, we are like the 911 cross planted in the ground at the base of the twin towers. In spite of all it went through, (and BECAUSE of all it went through), that cross ended up deeply rooted, rock solid, immovable.

The same is true with us. He’s building us into people of strength, refined in the fires of suffering, that we might come out on the other side immovable and deeply rooted in Him.

“So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”

2 Corinthians 12:10 Amplified

Deep Calls to Deep

Deep calls to deep. That’s what the Bible says. Until recently I didn’t fully comprehend those mysterious words. The deep, hidden places inside of me—easily covered by bright smiles and cheerful hellos—longed for something deeper in Him, an encounter that would impact me in every hidden corridor of my life, one that would nudge all things into crisp, clean alignment.

Worship to God. Element of design.

And so, in the quiet aloneness of a pandemic, I stretched my arms to the sky and asked for more—more of Him, more of me, more of us. I asked with the anticipation that all could be mended, that all could be changed, that hope could be restored. He extended His hand and asked me to dance. I accepted, feeling a bit like a schoolgirl with a crush. 

At His leading, I tip-toed out into the waters, pressing my toes against the gravelly bottom of an unfamiliar pool. First, knee deep—laying down old habits, picking up new ones. Then, hip-deep—pressing into the harder places, soul bared, hands lifted. Then waist-deep—beginning to feel the joy of new beginnings as the water met me in new and fresh ways. Then shoulder-deep, fully giving myself over to intimate times with Him—in worship, in prayer, in praise. . .so much praise. And then, in those glorious moments, pressing my face into the water and soaking in His presence, a secondary baptism, of sorts, but without the usual witnesses. 

The fresh wind of the Spirit began to blow, and my spirit felt like dancing. Truth be told, I did dance—in my living room, up and down the streets as I walked the dogs, along the edge of the lake, where the water rippled under the mid-afternoon sun. And somehow, as my feet took to flight, new ideas began to flow, like water tumbling over the falls. Heavenly downloads began: Thoughts. Dreams. Visions. Plans. Stories. Messages. Prayers. More ideas. Scriptures came alive. Songs became transformative. Relationships became spiritual bonds. Circumstances became stepping stones. 

My precious time with Jesus altered my thinking and gave me new hope, new excitement, new energy, new possibilities. Deep called to deep, and continues to beckon still, though the chaos swirling around me threatens to interfere. I want to stay in the pool, to drown out the noise of the world. But the water-dance begins to shift. He leads me in new steps. The deep inside of me now longs to reach the deep inside of others. Those who are ready. Those who feel called. Those with seeds of faith. Those unafraid to try. Those with arms to link. Those with eyes to see. Those with ears to hear. Those with the tingling of hope. Those excited about tomorrow. Those who would woo the lost and broken into the water, so that they too can experience His depths. Those willing to be the light in the darkness, the city on a hill. 

In short, those who aren’t afraid to dance. 

Deep calls to deep
    in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
    have swept over me.

By day the Lord directs his love,
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.

Psalm 42:7-8 NIV

Battle Plans

Lately, the Lord keeps reminding me of the Old Testament kings. They faced a LOT of battles. The Israelites had countless enemies, after all, and someone was always on the attack against God’s people. (Some things never change.) But those Old Testament kings followed a pattern that seems consistent and holds some keys for us today.

This was their battle plan:

When the going gets tough, call in the prophets. Let’s face it, many of these kings weren’t godly men. But when catastrophe would strike, they knew where real answers were found. They wanted to talk to someone who had been talking to God, (and listening for His instruction). Over and over you’ll see the kings calling for a prophetic voice to a). reassure them they had a chance or b). offer a battle plan. Sometimes the prophets would come in with a word the king didn’t like. But sometimes, as in the case of a king named Jehoshaphat, the prophetic word ended up being sage advice useable thousands of years later.

Here’s the backstory to Jehoshaphat’s story:

Many nations had banded together against God’s people and their king (Jehoshaphat) wasn’t having it. He didn’t believe any enemies could stand against God’s people. In 2 Chronicles 20 we read that he called his people to fast and pray. That’s the best jumping off point.

He made a public proclamation:

“Lord, God of our ancestors, you are the God in heaven. You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. You have power and strength, so no one can stand against you. Our God, you forced out the people who lived in this land as your people Israel moved in. And you gave this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham. They lived in this land and built a Temple for you. They said, ‘If trouble comes upon us, or war, punishment, sickness, or hunger, we will stand before you and before this Temple where you have chosen to be worshiped. We will cry out to you when we are in trouble. Then you will hear and save us.’ (v. 6-9)

Right there, in this middle of this huge prayer rally, something remarkable happened. We read it in vs. 14-15 (paraphrased):

Then the Spirit of the Lord entered Jahaziel. Jahaziel, a Levite and a descendant of Asaph, stood up in the meeting. He said, “Listen to me, King Jehoshaphat and all you people living in Judah and Jerusalem. The Lord says this to you: ‘Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of this large army. The battle is not your battle, it is God’s.

Okay, then. In the middle of the prayer and fasting, while giving public praise to God….God moved. His Spirit filled one of the men in the room and He (God almighty) spoke through him, saying, “Don’t worry. I’ll do the fighting.”

(Can I just pause here to say how much better things go when we take our hands off and give them to God?)

It’s the next part of the story that wows me. Jahaziel says: “You won’t need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the Lord save you. Judah and Jerusalem, don’t be afraid or discouraged, because the Lord is with you. So go out against those people tomorrow.’”

They headed off to battle, filled with energy and joy. As they drew near the enemy, we find the another key strategy, (and this is my favorite part of the story):

Jehoshaphat listened to the people’s advice. Then he chose men to be singers to the Lord, to praise him because he is holy and wonderful. As they marched in front of the army, they said,“Thank the Lord, because his love continues forever.”

He sent the worshippers to the front lines. Why? Because God’s people always go into the battle with a song of praise on their lips. When we proclaim that the battle is won BEFORE it’s won, we’re honoring God and expressing our faith. It worked for Jehoshaphat. According to vs. 22-23, the Lord set ambushes for the enemy. Three groups fell and the rest turned on each other, not the Israelites.

Wow!

Look, I don’t know what you’re up against today. I don’t know if you’re feeling up to the battle or more inclined to climb back in bed and pull the covers over your head. But I do know one thing: God wants to fight this battle for you. But there are plans you need to put into play, a strategy, if you will:

Pray. Fast. Seek God. Gather godly people around you and ask them to pray with you. Open yourself up to the Spirit of God. He wants to speak. Listen when He speaks. Do what He says. Begin to worship and praise AHEAD OF the victory. Watch in awe and wonder as He fights on your behalf. Praise Him all over again. Allow your faith to grow so that NEXT TIME you anticipate good things, not bad.

That’s it. That’s God’s battle plan…for anything you (or our country) might be facing. The battle belongs to the Lord, my friends. He wants to show up and show off.

As Far as It Depends on You

Unified

Last night, one of my daughters (who shall remain nameless) was bemoaning the fact that, in spite of her kindness toward someone, that someone responded to her in a curt, short fashion. I encouraged her to just blow it off. Then, this morning, the very same thing happened to me and I found it difficult to blow off.

Have you ever done that. . .approached someone with such kindness and compassion in your tone, and their response was anything but? It’s hard, isn’t it? If you’re a softie like me, you replay the conversation in your mind, over and over, wondering what you could’ve said or done differently. You agonize over the misunderstanding.

I’m in the middle of a Bible study on Nehemiah, (written by my good friend, Donna Snow). Today’s lesson was all about unity, (about how we’re all gifted differently, but operate under the same Spirit). That’s hard to remember sometimes because people are just so different. Some are hands, some are feet, some are mouths (yeah, that’s me), some are eyes, some are ears, etc. We all have different giftings and callings, but we’re all supposed to live unified.

After I finished my study this morning (as I pondered that gal who doesn’t seem to “get” me) I poured out my heart to God. “WHY doesn’t she get me? What am I doing wrong? Will every conversation with her be like this? I’m trying so hard to say things the right way, but she’s just not responding as I’d hoped.”

I stopped moaning and started praying, and God led me to this familiar verse: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV)

Several things jumped out at me as I read the verse: “IF it is possible.” That means there may be times when it’s simply not. There will be people we simply never get along with or agree with or share life with. And, as much as we wish it could be, it might not. There are toxic friendships, manipulative marriages, evil ties that need to be broken. (God would never ask us to align ourselves with evil, IMHO.)

Next, “As far as it depends on you” jumped out at me. I’m only responsible for me. But God really wants me to keep trying. If I know the one I’m at odds with has a vulnerable spot, I can’t keep hitting them there. I can’t send political posts meant to sway them. I can’t beat them over the head with Bible verses. I can’t push or cajole. “As far as it depends on me” I have to do my part to keep the unity between us. And that’s not always easy. I like to get my point across. I like to keep pushing until I get my way.

Finally, “live at peace with everyone.” This is a tough one. It’s hard enough to live at peace with the people in my tight circle. (We’re all so different!) But…everyone? Really? God wants me to do my best to live at peace with everyone? Ugh. That means I have to shift my entire focus and push love to the forefront, even when the responses aren’t what I’d hoped. And I have to see mankind–lost or saved–through the eyes of Christ. (Again, I’m not saying you have to stay in a toxic relationship or align yourself with someone intent on bringing harm.)

I don’t know who you’re struggling with today. I don’t know if you’re in the “It’s just not possible stage, needing to step away. Or in you’re in the the “as much as it depends on me” stage. But God wants you to live at peace. And let’s be real: Peace begins inside of you. Most of all, He wants you to come to peace inside of yourself (something that can only happen if you give your heart to Him). Doing so makes getting along with others easier. Not EASY….but EASIER.

Giants Will Fall

As I shared in my last post, I’ve been having some fascinating dreams over the past couple weeks. I’ve decided to write them down, to document them and to encourage fellow believers.

Giants Will Fall

About a week ago, I had a dream. In it, many Christians (pastors and others) were standing on the front lawn of a worn-down house. Out of the house lumbered a huge man—a giant, really. He was costumed in a bizarre outfit to make his size even more impressive. Out of his head, neck, and shoulders were branches (like a large bush/tree) shooting upward and outward.

The man-tree began to shout to the believers and to taunt them. In the middle of his shouts, he suddenly collapsed and fell to the ground. When he did, pieces of his costume fell away, revealing a small, frail, bald man underneath.

The believers quickly went to work, tending to this man’s needs. The took him to the hospital and cared for him and ministered to him, reviving him to health. The dream shifted and I was in a public area. A group of little children walked out, all dressed alike, like a choir. They began to sing a song of praise in the public square, so grateful to those older ones who had taken down the giant on their behalf.

I asked the Lord (because I knew, even in my sleepy state that the dream had some sort of spiritual takeaway): “Who is that man?” And I heard the words, “the mainstream media.”

To say I was shocked was an understatement. To me, most of the agenda-driven media outlets seem beyond redeemable. But I watched (in vivid Technicolor) the MSM giant tumble in the very middle of its taunts toward the church in front of it. I don’t know when. But I do know how. Prayer will change, well, anything. And everything.

Get Onboard the Ship

As individual believers we need to be like the explorers of old. Take Christopher Columbus, who, in 1492, was ready to set sail into places unknown. He had whatever equipment and knowledge was available to him at the time but above all of that he had a sense of adventure and he had faith for the journey.  God is calling us to have that same excitement in our hearts during these precarious days. We’ve got to be prayed up and ready to go wherever the ship, (our Savior), leads us. 

Get Onboard the Ship

In many ways the modern church is like the pilgrims who boarded the Mayflower in 1620. They were a remnant, not just escaping persecution, but  deliberately stepping onboard a vessel to take them on a journey that would open up doors to brand new experiences. They didn’t have to go. They could have stayed frozen in place and missed the opportunity altogether. Likewise, the church could sit frozen today and never realize its potential.  But, as a unit, those pilgrims took a step toward liberty. Things were not easy. They had to turn back twice because the ship they were traveling with (the Speedwell) sprang a leak. But they never gave up. They counted the cost and kept going, not for themselves, but for future generations they hadn’t even met yet.

Things might not be easy for us these days, either, but that can’t stop us from moving forward.  There will be those, like the Speedwell, who need our assistance and encouragement to make the journey. But they are meant to travel with us. God wants the church to make a conscious decision to step onboard the ship (into a deeper, more passionate relationship with Him) so that our children and grandchildren can have a future. And He wants us to do it with a sense of adventure in our spirits, not fear or trepidation. We don’t need to know where the ship will land. In that regard, we are more like Columbus than the pilgrims. But remember, he set sail anyway. Where he landed was a completely different location than where he predicted but the promise he received was so much greater than the one he thought he would receive.   

The same is true with us. God is going to pour out his Spirit once we board (commit to go deeper with Him) and the church is going to be the recipient of more power, more love, and more adventure than we have ever known in our lifetimes. But the only way we will see that happen is if we consciously get onboard the ship and head out to sea with Him.

Take a Step of Faith

These things always seem to happen to me when I’m in a twilight sleep. I dreamed I was on a busy city sidewalk (probably NY or someplace really crowded). I saw that a huge box truck was barreling down the lane closest to me, but I boldly stepped out into the street, directly in front of the oncoming vehicle.

In my dream I remember thinking, “What are you doing?” But I felt total peace. The second my feet hit the pavement, the truck was on me, just inches away. I lifted my left hand, palm toward the truck, and it miraculously stopped. (Can I just say that in the natural, there’s NO way a truck coming at that rate of speed could have avoided me….but in my dream it was an IMMEDIATE stop.)

Take a Step of Faith

Of course, when I woke up, I had to ask God to unpack that dream for me, so that I could make sense of it. As I walked the dogs I had plenty of time to pray and think, and this is what I think I’m supposed to share. The dream wasn’t for me, but for someone else. You’re facing something terrifying. It’s coming at you hard and fast. It seems there’s nothing you can do to stop it. God wants you to boldly take a step in faith. No fear. Step out, put that hand up to the enemy, say, “Halt, in Jesus Name” and rest assured of your safety. (Disclaimer: I’m not suggesting anyone step into a busy street!)

Whatever you’re facing, God’s already got the answer, the provision, the covering. But, face your enemy head-on, speak to him in Jesus’ name. He’ll have no choice but to halt so that you can safely cross over to the other side of the street (whatever that means symbolically for you). That “step” (into the proverbial street) is your act of faith to activate things.

He’s Working All Things Out

My story picks up on a Saturday. I’d spent the day prior baking and decorating the wedding cake you see in the photo. It was different from anything I’d ever done and required about 14 hours of intense work, much of that with poor posture and very little intake of water (a problem every time I bake…I forget to hydrate). Anyway, I woke up on Saturday morning with what I call a “killer” migraine. I somehow stumbled out of bed, took meds, and drove myself to my writers’ meeting at Lupe Tortilla.

Five minutes into the meeting I knew I was in trouble. I couldn’t eat (couldn’t keep anything down) and felt like I was going to pass out from the pain.

I somehow made it home and fell into bed. Still, there was that issue of delivering the wedding cake. I knew I needed to leave my house around 3:00 to get the four-tiered cake to Cleveland Texas….but there was just now way. By now, I was unable to keep anything down and nothing was touching the intense pain. I did what any mother would do….I called my kids. Within twenty minutes my oldest daughter (Randi Morrow) was there to deliver the cake. Her husband (Zach Morrow) just happened to be in the area, and stopped in to help her lift the cake into the car (something she couldn’t have done alone). And in the middle of all of that, my other local daughter (Megan Kimbrough) arrived on the scene, loaded me into a vehicle, and drove me to the hospital. A short while later, the cake was delivered and set up, and I was on my way into a private room in the ER for a migraine cocktail, (injections of Phrenagan, Imitrex, and Benadryl). These meds, of course, knocked me clean out. But when I awoke a couple hours later, the pain was manageable and I had the satisfaction of knowing the wedding cake had probably already been sliced and served. Everything ended well.

This morning, as I relived that horrible day, I was struck by something I’d never fully considered before: God was already working behind the scenes to meet my need before I even asked. The right people “just happened” to be nearby, ready to sweep in and do the very things I needed, (right down to the son-in-law, who was on his way somewhere else, but had just enough time to swing by and lift that cake). It made me wonder how many times God has worked behind the scenes in advance of my need? Zillions, probably!

I don’t know what you’re going through today. I don’t know what sort of crisis you might be facing. But I feel strongly led to tell you that He’s already working behind the scenes on your behalf. There’s no need to panic. He’s got everything in place. Rest in Him. Trust Him. This morning, as I laid there thinking all of this through, the lyrics to a song came to mind. I began to sing them (albeit silently) as an act of faith. Maybe you need to sing them, too.

I count on one thing

The same God that never fails

Will not fail me now

You won’t fail me now

In the waiting

The same God who’s never late

Is working all things out

You’re working all things out

He is, you know. Even in the waiting. He’s working all things out. He won’t fail you. He never has, and He never will. But while you’re waiting, go ahead and do what the next part of the song says:

Yes I will, lift You high in the lowest valley

Yes I will, bless Your name

Oh, yes I will, sing for joy when my heart is heavy

All my days, oh, yes I will

He’s already working on your behalf, friend!

Soak in His Presence

The sweetest thing happened in church this morning. The musicians started a worship song by Cody Carnes called Nothing Else. Instead of standing, I felt led to sit and soak in the presence of the Lord as these words poured out:

I’m caught up in Your presence

I just want to sit here at Your feet

I’m caught up in this holy moment

I never want to leave.

Soak in His Presence

Ahhh! It felt good to just sit there and soak, soak, soak! As I did, God showed me a word-picture. I saw a dried-up, pink sponge tipped up against a kitchen sink’s faucet. It looked completely useless. But then I caught a glimpse of that same sponge dipped into water. Those little “pores” were serving their purpose. . .allowing the water to fill them to the fullest extent. Once they soaked up the liquid, that little sponge grew to an impressive size and was completely useable.

I don’t know where you are. Maybe you’re feeling as dried up as that little pink sponge. Maybe you’ve been feeling small and useless. Maybe you’re in your golden years and wondering if there’s anything left for you. You’re trying to figure out why other people are having deep, spiritual encounters and you’re not. The answer (I promise) is to spend time in His presence.

You don’t even have to do anything. Just quiet your heart and let Him know that you’re ready for an encounter. Turn on some quiet worship music…or don’t. Just set yourself apart for a while with your heart set on meeting with Him. (Honestly? I wouldn’t even pray, beyond the words, “Meet me here, Lord.”) Open the pores of your heart and wait in His presence until that river begins to flow. He will meet you there, I promise. And if you keep going back to Him, even when you don’t feel like it. . .if you sit at His feet and soak, soak, soak. . .He will fill you until you’re useable once again.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

(Psalm 62:5 ESV)

This Might be Day Seven

Like so many others, I’ve been spending a concentrated amount of time in prayer, worship, and Bible study over the past several months. Every day I listen to a song that might be unfamiliar to most of you – Never Lost by Tauren Wells.

This Might be Day Seven

In the middle of the song he stops and does a little mini-sermon about the walls of Jericho. He references scholars, who say that when the walls finally fell, they fell in such a way that they became ramps into the city. Then Tauren goes on to say that the very thing the enemy has been using to keep you out (whatever walls you’re circling) will be the very thing God will use to take you to the finish line.

I don’t know what your Jericho is today. I have a few, and sometimes I feel like I’ve marched around those walls more than my fair share of days. When it comes to prayers for our nation, I feel like I’m on day 53,625. Approximately. And when it comes to more personal issues, I feel like I’ve spent years circling those walls and haven’t yet seen them fall. It’s easy to get discouraged.

This morning, when the Tauren Wells song ended, another song immediately came on. I’m sure you’ll recognize the opening lines:

Walking around these walls

I thought by now they’d fall

But You have never failed me yet.

I think God wants to remind us today to keep marching, no matter how long it seems to be taking. Joshua would never have taken Jericho if he’d decided to take a hiatus. We can’t stop, no matter how discouraged we might get.

Remember, the walls of Jericho DID eventually fall…and became ramps into the city. And also remember, God required MORE of Joshua on the final day than in all the days prior. (On that final day he had to circle the city seven times and then the priests were instructed to blow their horns, which is what brought the walls down.)

This might be Day Seven.

Victory ONLY comes to those who don’t quit.

Keep marching.