Lori Hatcher's Blog: Refresh Blog, page 57

What Happened on the Mountain -- And Why You Need to Go There Too

Today I’d like to share a deeply personal experience. It happened spontaneously, sneaking up on me like a sudden summer storm. Filled with power and breathtaking beauty, the experience left me wrung out and exhilarated. Like Elijah’s earthquake/wind/fire experience of 1 Kings 19, God spoke to me through the quiet beauty of a mountainside. 

But before I get ahead of myself, I’d like to ask you a question:

What is most precious to you? 

Your children? Grandchildren? Marriage? Ministry? Business? Job? Home? Relationship? Health? Security? We could list a million things, but we must agree—we all have something or someone that’s precious to us. They’re worth fighting for, investing in, and holding onto. 

Yet sometimes we hold on too tightly, and we love too dearly. We love the gifts more than the Giver. 

Abraham understood this when God called him to offer his son—his only son—on a mountain top altar. With supernatural faith, he laid what was most precious upon the wood and stone, trusting that the God who could raise the dead would also make good on his promises. 


As I walked the wooded trails at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, I noticed a carefully arranged pile of stones sitting on a stump by the path. I recognized it as a modern-day version of the Israelites’ “stones of remembrance.” 

You’ll remember that when God parted the Jordan River to allow the Israelites to cross on dry land into the Promised Land, he commanded men to take up 12 stones from the (now) dry riverbed. 

"Set them up as a remembrance,” God said, and “when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. . . These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever” (Josh. 4:6-7). 

Studying the stones, I wondered what miraculous deliverance they represented and which pilgrim had left them there. 


Farther down the trail, I took a less-traveled path and stumbled upon an intriguing sign: The Altar. I followed the arrow to a shady grove and a circular enclosure. A stone altar stood in the very center. 

In the silence of the woods, I heard the Lord speak to my heart: 

Those burdens you’ve been carrying? Those hopes, fears, dreams, and sorrows? The good things you hope for and the bad things that keep you awake? They’re too heavy for you. 

I nodded my head in silent agreement. Then the voice spoke again to my heart. 

But they’re not too heavy for me. Why don’t you lay them down? 

Lay what’s most precious upon the altar. 

Trust me. 

I knew the Holy Spirit spoke truth. I also knew, like the children of Israel, that my memory is short and that living sacrifices like to crawl off the altar, so I gathered stones of remembrance to symbolize each precious thing I wanted to surrender to the Lord. 

I chose a two-toned stone to represent my marriage—two very different people united into one flesh. I found a knobby stone with lots of texture to symbolize my ministry. A flat white stone reminded me of paper, so I chose it to represent my writing. 

I hunted for stones for each of my daughters and their husbands. Two little round rocks reminded me of the white stones my granddaughters like to collect. Finally, by faith, I selected several tiny pebbles to represent my unborn grandchildren. 


Because a sign near the stone wall asked visitors not to enter the enclosed altar area, I chose a tree stump as my holy place. One by one I laid the stones upon my “altar,” calling each beloved’s name as I surrendered them to the Lord. 

With each stone I released, I felt my spirit lighten.

I don’t know what burdens you’re carrying today. Maybe you’re bowed under the weight of a prodigal child or a broken marriage. Perhaps an unfulfilled dream or a hope that’s long in coming has discouraged you. Maybe you’re single and longing for a spouse or barren and deeply desiring a child. 

Whatever dream, fear, or desire steals the joy from your days and the sleep from your nights, it’s time to lay it down. Give it to God. Let him carry it. His shoulders are broad, and his arms are strong. You can trust him to do what’s best. 

But you must surrender. God is a gentleman. He won’t pry your fingers off your treasure. 


It is my prayer that you will find peace and joy in trusting God with what is most precious. 

“So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided’” (Gen. 22:14).













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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Why You Don't Want to Be a Copy -- More Wisdom from Jim Cymbala

I must confess that I didn't get what I expected when I sat under the teaching of Jim Cymbala, the pastor of the 16,000-member Brooklyn Tabernacle.


My pastor husband and I were attending a Pastor's Leadership Institute at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove recently. Since Cymbala was leading a pastor's seminar, and he's built one of the largest churches in the country, I thought his messages would be filled with "This is how I did it, and you can, too."

In that regard, I was right. He did share how the Lord had led him, and continues to lead him, as he shepherds his flock. What surprised me was the content of his advice. Instead of trendy new ways to reach out culture and innovative, cutting-edge gimmicks, he continually pointed us back to the basics--the foundations of the faith.

His advice for pastors is equally valuable to us as Christians who want to make a difference in the world. Without additional explanation, here are some golden apples from the feast he shared with us. May the Holy Spirit enlighten and apply them to your life.

"When we face a task that's too big for us (and most of life is), we're tempted to ask, 'Who is sufficient for these things?' I answer you, 'God is sufficient.'"

"Lead the people to God and disappear. People don't need you. They need Jesus."


In regard to denominations, "God doesn't have subgroups in his body. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. We should fellowship with everyone who is a born-again believer."

"Pray, God, help me see people the way you see them. Help me feel the way you feel about them. This will dismiss all prejudice."

"Love always finds a way."

"Whenever you add to or take away from the Gospel, you dilute its power."

"When you love someone, they know it. When you don't, they know that, too."


"People aren't being converted because we aren't preaching the Gospel. If we preach the Gospel like Paul preached the Gospel, we will win converts."

"Only Jesus can change a person."

"Just because there are counterfeit gospels doesn't mean there isn't a real one. There are counterfeiters because there IS a real thing."

"The Word without the Holy Spirit--that's some dry stuff. The Word with the Holy Spirit? It can really get good."  

"If you love them, you will confront them."

"Don't copy someone else. God wants to raise up a voice, not an echo."


And if you need further encouragement, (and who doesn't?), let the Brooklyn Tabernacle's "Chain Breaker," remind you of how Jesus is the only source of true freedom. Be blessed.


If you're reading by email and can't see the the Brooklyn Tabernacle's rendition of "Chain Breaker," Click HERE. If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Wisdom from Jim Cymbala

This week my husband and I had the opportunity to sit under the teaching of Jim Cymbala, pastor of the 16,000-member Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York. 

While I'm confident many blog posts will spring from the wisdom he shared with us, I thought I'd give you an appetizer of sorts, a brain dump of some Cymbala's challenging and convicting words. 

Pull up a chair and enjoy the feast.


"We have to be strong in the Lord. Weakness gets us nowhere--except attacked."
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (Eph. 6:10).
"God treasures nothing so much as he treasures faith."
Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you" (Mat. 9:29).
"Feelings are the biggest enemy to faith."
We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7).
"Faith is understanding God's promises and believing they're true."
"We must live in the Word of God to overcome negative feelings."
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
God gets to decide what sin is, not us.
Sometimes when God leads us, it's totally illogical.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," says the Lord. (Isa. 55:8)
"Not every good thing is God's thing."
"I don't want to go anywhere God doesn't want me to go, even if it's a good place."
"When you don't know what to do, don't do anything. Just wait."


 

 If you're reading by email and can't see the video, click here to hear the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sing "Taste and See."
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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Spender, Saver, or Saver Who Spends?

Some say there are two types of people in the world—savers and spenders. I disagree. I think there’s a third type—savers who spend. 

Spenders live paycheck to paycheck. Every dollar that appears in their wallet quickly finds an escape hatch and vanishes. Bills that come around once or twice a year, like car insurance and property taxes, always catch spenders by surprise. Even birthdays and Christmas throw them into a panic, despite the fact that these special days come around every year at the same time. 

They often use credit to pay bills or make purchases they didn’t plan for, which digs their financial hole even deeper. They give little thought to long-term goals and resent those who have things they don’t. They seldom give to the church or charity, because they can’t afford it. 

Savers squirrel away every dollar they don’t need to live on and never buy anything. They’re often frugal to the point of embarrassment. When a genuine need comes along that they have money set aside for, they still panic, because they don’t want to part with their precious hoard. They equate money with security and peace, yet seldom experience either. If they give to charity or the church, they usually do it grudgingly and in a very limited and self-serving way. 

Then there are the savers who spend. This group lives frugally, gives generously, and accomplishes long term financial goals. When infrequent or unexpected expenses arise, they have the money to meet the need, because they planned ahead. They make short-term sacrifices to enjoy long term benefits. Most importantly, they value people over stuff and acknowledge that God owns it all, and they are only his stewards. 

Like most aspects of the Christian life, a healthy financial perspective finds the balance between the two extremes. The saver who spends lives peacefully in the tension between spending and saving. If you’re stuck at one end of the financial spectrum or the other, 

I’d like to I share a few suggestions to help you move toward the middle. 


1. Acknowledge that God, not you, owns your money and possessions. We are only stewards. As financial managers, we are to spend and save God’s money according to the principles in his Word. As we do so, he promises to meet our needs, but he may choose not to provide some of our wants if our desires will hinder or harm his greater purposes. 

2. Recognize the difference between needs and wants. Cable TV, a late model car, and mani-pedis are not needs. We can sacrifice these luxuries to help us accomplish long term financial goals like becoming debt free, investing in God’s kingdom, or sending children to college. 

3. Give generously when the Lord prompts you. The Philippian church was an impoverished church, yet they gave generously and sacrificially when God moved them. In response, God promised to meet their needs, just as he was using them to help meet others’ needs (Phil. 4:19). 

4. Save wisely, not to secure your future, but to rightly manage the resources God has entrusted to you. This includes planning for occasional expenses like the ones mentioned above. Set up saving categories for appliance replacement, car repairs and maintenance, and unemployment. Even if you can only afford to tuck away a nominal amount in each category, regular savings deposits add up and can take the edge off an unexpected expense. Planning also prevents us from using credit, incurring high interest, and further increasing our indebtedness. 

5. Sacrifice the little things to enjoy the big things. I know one family that ate out every Friday night. A normal meal would cost their family of four about $50. One of their goals was to take a family cruise when the oldest child graduated from high school. Instead of going into debt to make it happen, they decided to cut back on their restaurant dining, agreeing to go out to eat once a month instead of once a week. They took the extra $150 they’d been spending on meals and put it into a cruise fund. 

Mom drew a thermometer on a piece of paper with the target amount they needed at the top. Each month, when Dad made the deposit into the cruise fund, they’d color in a bar on the thermometer. Watching the amount grow was empowering and exciting. It was also a great lesson in delayed gratification. When the time finally came to take their cruise, they enjoyed it guilt free, knowing there was no lingering credit card bill to haunt them for years after. 

6. Value people over money. I know a one-income family who has lived frugally all their lives. They are some of the most giving, kingdom-minded people I know. Although their resources are limited, they always donate to students going on mission trips, extend hospitality, and give thoughtful, generous gifts. They understand the purpose of money—to meet our needs and the needs of those who cross our paths. They know God intends for us to be a channel, not a reservoir. 

When appropriate, we should willingly release “our” money to help accomplish his purposes in the world. This may include supporting a missionary, sponsoring a Compassion International child, or buying a special birthday gift for a lonely widow in our church. We might have to sacrifice in one area to be able to give in another, but we’ll never regret it. The satisfaction of knowing we’ve touched someone in Jesus’ name is worth much more than the temporary pleasure of self-indulgence. 

These suggestions are just a few coins in the bank of life, but I hope they’ll get you thinking. Take a moment to ask yourself, Am I a spender? A saver? Or a saver who spends? Invite God to examine your heart, your spending and saving habits, and your attitude toward money. If he shows you an area that needs adjustment, respond quickly to what he tells you to do. 

When God closes the financial books at the end of our lives, he’ll ask us one question: What did you do with the money I entrusted to you? 

May our answer will be one that honors and glorifies our Lord. 

Now it’s your turn. What’s one way you try to honor God with your resources? Is there an area you’d like to improve on? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

FIXED LINK! Why We Should Never Stop Applauding Our Nation's Military Families

A sharp-eyed reader noticed that the link for the rest of this article was broken in a previous post, so I'm resenting. You don't want to miss this!

For 30 years my family has lived in the shadow of one of the largest military training bases in the country, Fort Jackson, in Columbia, South Carolina. I've attended church with, lived beside, and educated my children with those who serve in the United States
Army. I've formed deep friendships with women whose husbands have served in Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan. 


But it wasn't until my daughter married a United States Naval officer that I truly began to understand the deep sacrifices these men, women, and families make on behalf of our country. We should never stop appreciating our military because of what they give and what they give up. . .  

To read the rest of this article, "Why We Should Never Stop Appreciating Our Nation's Military's families, CLICK HERE.








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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Why We Should Never Stop Applauding Our Nation's Military Families

For 30 years my family has lived in the shadow of one of the largest military training bases in the country, Fort Jackson, in Columbia, South Carolina. I've attended church with, lived beside, and educated my children with those who serve in the United States
Army. I've formed deep friendships with women whose husbands have served in Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan. 


But it wasn't until my daughter married a United States Naval officer that I truly began to understand the deep sacrifices these men, women, and families make on behalf of our country. We should never stop appreciating our military because of what they give and what they give up. . .  

To read the rest of "Why We Should Never Stop Applauding Our Nation's Military Families on Crosswalk.com, CLICK HERE.








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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

What Kind of Friend Are You?

 “Here, Caroline, stand on this so you can reach. That way, I can use the chair.” 

These were not the words I wanted to overhear when I discovered my 3-1/2-year-old granddaughter and her 1-1/2-year old sister playing alone in my office. As I peered around the corner, I had no idea what they were up to. 

Friendships, like the one between my two granddaughters, can be positive or negative. The relationship between David and Jonathan, described in 1 Samuel 20, is a classic example of a positive, godly friendship. 

The men shared wise counsel, protection, and possessions. First Samuel 18:4 records that Jonathan loved David so much he gave him his robe, tunic, sword, and belt. Men sharing tools and weapons? Now that’s a deep friendship. 

Jonathan repeatedly defended David at the risk of angering his father, King Saul, and endangering his own life. Although it would ultimately cost him his position as next in line to the throne, he affirmed David’s calling to the kingship and pledged his loyalty. Most important of all, the men encouraged each other in the faith. 

“May the LORD be with you as he has been with my father,” Jonathan said, blessing David (1 Sam. 20:13). 

Second Samuel 13 records another, very different story of friendship, this one between King David’s son Amnon and his cousin Jonadab. Scripture tells us that Jonadab was “a very shrewd man.” Now shrewd can be good, but in this case, shrewd was bad. 

Amnon had a problem. A big problem. He had a major crush on his half-sister, Tamar. Amnon was so besotted with Tamar that he couldn’t eat or sleep. This obsession began to take a toll on Amnon, to the point where his good friend Jonadab noticed. 

“What in the world is wrong with you?” he asked. “You look awful.” 

Frustrated and beside himself, Amnon confessed his infatuation with his half-sister. If Jonadab had been a godly friend, he would have called Amnon onto the carpet. 

“Are you crazy, Amnon? The sun must have baked that brain of yours. Too many camel rides in the desert. Put that ridiculous notion out of your head, and let’s talk sense for a moment. I know she’s beautiful, but she’s your sister. And have you noticed? She’s your SISTER. And if that’s not reason enough, did I mention that she’s YOUR SISTER????"

Instead, Jonadab failed in his friendship and helped Amnon devise a horrible plan. Playing on his father’s trust and his sister’s kind nature, Amnon lured Tamar into his bedchamber, overpowered her, and raped her. 

As quickly as Amnon’s lust had flared, his “love” for Tamar disappeared, and he sent her from his house in disgrace. Tamar never recovered, spending the rest of her life “a desolate woman.” 

The tragic events of 2 Samuel 13 describe a friendship that had the power to prevent a horrible, heinous crime. Instead, it set in motion a series of events that left Tamar destroyed, Amnon dead, and Absalom, Tamar’s brother, guilty of murder. 

In light of these conflicting stories of friendship, we would be wise to examine what type of friend we are. 

Do we demonstrate loyalty, courage, and humility toward our friends? Do we speak up for them even when it costs us something? Are we more concerned about their successes than our own? Do we share sacrificially and generously? Are we brave enough to warn them when we see them walking a destructive path? 

Then we are the type of friend with whom God is pleased. 

Perhaps, however, we haven’t been a Jonathan-type friend. Maybe we’ve been more like Jonadab. 

We’ve dismissed the warning signs that something’s not right. Instead of holding our friend accountable to God’s standards, we’ve looked the other way. Or worse yet, we’ve partnered with them in activities that dishonor others and the Lord. Instead of a rock of refuge, we’ve been a stumbling block. 

My granddaughters' visit and the contrasting stories from 2 Samuel remind me of the joy and the responsibilities of friendship. 

As I peeked around the doorway where the girls were playing, I discovered that big sister Lauren had helped little sister Caroline reach the desktop where she was happily scribbling on a Post It note. Lauren was sitting in front of my antique typewriter happily pecking away. Their friendship and camaraderie was sweet and innocent. 


Today is a new day, filled with many opportunities to be a positive force for good in this troubled world. As we interact with the friends God has brought into our lives, may we be quick to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24). 

Now it’s your turn. Do you have a special friend who has faithfully encouraged you to make wise decisions and stay true to the faith? Leave a comment below and tell us about them. 

For a little musical encouragement, I know you'll enjoy the song, "Prayer for a Friend," by Casting Crowns. If you're reading by email, click here to listen to "Prayer for a Friend."

  




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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

When You Go Through Fire and Water -- Thoughts on Suffering

Joni Earekson Tada has been a quadriplegic in a wheelchair for more than 40 years. And if paralysis isn’t enough, she’s battled breast cancer. And is currently struggling with unrelenting, excruciating pain from a bone fracture. 

Yet she writes in her most recent book, A Place of Healing , “My affliction has stretched my hope, made me know Christ better, helped me long for the truth, led me to repentance of sin, goaded me to give thanks in times of sorrow, increased my faith, and strengthened my character. Being in this wheelchair has meant knowing Him better, feeling His pleasure every day.” 

In comparison, Joni’s fiery trials make mine look small. I don’t live in constant pain, where every breath is an effort. I get myself out of bed each morning, dress myself, and drive wherever I want to go. I seldom struggle to accomplish the basic tasks of existence. But I, too, have walked through the fire. 

Some days I still cry when I think about the days leading up to my younger sister’s death in 2010 at age 44. Or the fearful years of parenting a prodigal. Or the paralyzing times of praying for a loved one teetering on the brink of destruction. 

These trials have pressed me into the arms of Jesus because, as Peter so eloquently declared in John 6:8, there was nowhere else to go. In Jesus’ arms, like Joni, I found hope and strength. I discovered aspects of God’s nature that comforted me and bolstered my struggling faith. 

I’ll never forget walking into a worship service one Sunday morning so broken I couldn’t make eye contact with anyone. I was afraid if I did, someone would see my devastated soul, and I would burst into tears and never stop crying. 

In God’s sovereignty, the first song the worship team sang that day was Matt Redman’s "10,000 Reasons." It reminded me of the greatness of God’s name and the kindness of his heart. Almost imperceptibly, my upended world began to tilt back toward the center, and hope flickered in my soul. 

King David wrote, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” The author of Psalm 66 took it one step further: “We went through fire and through water, but you brought us out to rich fulfillment” (v. 12b). 

This is truth. Like Joni’s paralysis pointed her to what truly mattered, my temporary losses paved the way for God’s eternal gifts. Without the sting of fear, I’d never fully appreciate security. Without the ache of loss, I’d never understand the permanence of the life to come. Without the heartache of a prodigal, I would have taken for granted the joy of restored relationships. 

Without times in my life when all I had was God, I would have never discovered that God is all I need. 

It is appropriate to conclude with the Phillips translation of 2 Corinthians 4:7-10. May we take it to heart as both encouragement and our calling: 

“This priceless treasure we hold, so to speak, in common earthenware—to show that the splendid power of it belongs to God and not to us. We are hard-pressed on all sides, but we are never frustrated; we are puzzled, but never in despair. We are persecuted, but are never deserted; we may be knocked down but we are never knocked out! Every day we experience something of the death of Jesus, so that we may also show the power of the life of Jesus in these bodies of ours.” 

If you’re going through “fire and through water” today, may God grant you spiritual eyes to see by faith the “rich fulfillment” that awaits you. 

For additional encouragement, please enjoy Matt Redman’s "10,000 Reasons." If you’re reading by email, click here to view "10,000 Reasons."






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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

When God Doesn't Live Up to Our Expectations

I find it easy to judge the Pharisees. Until the same finger I point at them comes pointing back at me. 

Consider the scene at the pool of Bethesda. Rumor had it that an angel would occasionally visit, stirring the water with his healing touch. The first sick person to jump into the pool after the angel stirred it would be healed. Even though the hope was built on a rumor, and the chance of healing was slim, a multitude of lame, injured, and ill people congregated around the pool. After all, a slim chance was better than no chance at all. 

Then Jesus entered the scene. And made a beeline for the most hopeless case of them all—a man who’d been paralyzed for 38 years. Think about that for a moment. Thirty-eight years. 

Jesus didn’t mince words. “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:7). 

"’Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.’ 

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’" 

Unfortunately, Jesus chose an inopportune time to do a miracle—the Sabbath. Everyone knew you weren’t supposed to work on the Sabbath, let along do miracles on the Sabbath. And not only did Jesus work a miracle, but he asked the crippled man to pick up his mat. Two Sabbath infractions with the same miracle? Shameful. John 5:16 tells us this is one reason why Jews persecuted him. 

Stories like this make me want to throttle someone. Shouldn’t the Jews, who had been waiting for centuries for the Messiah to come, have been dancing in the streets? This man, Jesus, was performing miracles only God could do. The lame were walking, the blind were seeing, and the dead were being raised to life. And the Jews, instead of celebrating and worshiping, were conniving and complaining. 

I felt quite self-righteous in my faith, until I peeled back a layer of the story that exposed the golden nugget of truth—the Jews rejected Jesus because he didn’t act the way they thought he should. He didn’t measure up to their expectations. He didn’t play by their rules. “If Jesus was the Messiah,” they said, “he’d be following the commands (meaning their commands). He’d honor the Sabbath the way we think he should. He’d deliver Israel the way we think best. He’d respond to our commands, not the other way around.” 

Even the lame man had expectations. What did he say when Jesus asked him if he wanted to get well? “I’ve tried and tried to follow the rules to get well, but it’s not working.” 

Then Jesus pulled a surprise on him. “I don’t need a rippling pool to cure you. I have a different plan. Have faith. Trust me.” 

I, too, have expectations for how God should act. I pray with definite, specific answers in mind. Heal my friend fighting cancer. Make my marriage easier. Help my children always make the best decisions. Sometimes I pray, “But not my will, but yours be done,” but most of the time I know how God should act, and I feel no need to invite God to act differently. 

Sometimes he answers my prayers the way I ask. Other times he disappoints me. 

When I’m disappointed, I have three choices—the same three choices the Jews faced—attack, abandon, or accept. 

The Jews chose to attack. They ridiculed him, undermined his teaching, discredited his miracles, and, ultimately, turned him over to the Romans for crucifixion. As John 1:11 says, “He (Jesus) came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” 

Some disciples abandoned Jesus. When he called them to a life of sacrifice, they bolted. When he warned them that they’d have to come on his terms, not theirs, they turned back (John 6:66). When he cracked the curtain and allowed them a glimpse of the suffering they’d endure for his sake, they rescinded their allegiance and joined the murderous mob. 

The crippled man, however, accepted Jesus. On Jesus’ terms. He recognized he was hopeless and helpless, without a leg to stand on. Although he had imagined how God might answer his prayers, he trusted Jesus enough to act upon his faith, even when it played out differently than how he expected. He turned his back on the pool and took up his bed and walked. By doing so, he received immeasurably more than he ever imagined. 

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). 

I’ve prayed a lot of prayers since my decision to follow Christ at age 18. God has answered some exactly as I’ve prayed. He’s answered others quite differently, sometimes seemingly giving me the polar opposite of what I asked. To others God has said, “Not yet.” 

Sometimes I accept his answers in faith, knowing that his wisdom far exceeds mine. I choose to trust him even when his actions make no sense to my limited perspective. Other times I’ve attacked God, accusing him of cruelty and heartlessness. Sometimes I’ve even been tempted to turn my back on him, wondering if the faith life is worth the effort. 

It’s in those dark moments that the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit whispers truth into my doubting heart, “Don't be afraid; just believe" (Mark 5:36). 

For now, we “see through a glass darkly” (1 Corinthians 13:12). But there’s coming a day when we shall see “face to face,” without the hindrances of our limited understanding. 

Until then, when the temptation to attack or abandon strikes, we must choose instead to accept, to trust the God who loved us so much that he sacrificed his only Son on our behalf (Rom. 8:32). 

How can we doubt a love like that?



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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher

Two Misunderstood Reasons Why Life Is Hard

I’ve watched a set of house finches build three nests in the corner gable of my front porch. 

The morning after the first day of construction, I walked out onto the porch to find the nest destroyed. Straw, grass, and fluff lay strewn all over the porch. 

Over the next few days, the industrious little birds rebuilt their nest bigger and better. But I again found it demolished, only this time, amidst the rubble, I saw two tiny blue eggs—smashed, their yolks making shiny yellow puddles on the wooden floor. I’m not sure if the finches keep destroying their nest or if a predator is attacking them. 

Today my little finch couple is at it again, and I watch their efforts with mixed emotions. One part of me is rooting for their success—the perfect nest in which to deposit their eggs, hatch their young, and raise their family. Another part of me, fearful that their third attempt will also end in futility, hopes they’ll quit and spare us all the sorrow. 

I see myself in this little bird pair. This is why I can’t take my eyes from the drama playing itself on my front porch. 


If my feathered friends keep destroying their nest because it isn’t quite right, I applaud them for their high standards and perseverance. Keep at it, little fellows. Don’t stop until you have a nest you can be proud of. One that will accomplish everything you hope for and dream of. 

Colossians 3:23 comes to mind: 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” 

If an enemy keeps destroying their nest, I want to cheer them on all the more. Don’t let some slimy, thieving, good-for-nothing threaten your home, disrupt your family, and steal your dreams. Keep building little guys. I’m rooting for you. 

I think of 1 Peter 5:8: 

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith . . .” 

There are days, like the ones unfolding in my little corner of the porch, when it’s hard to know if life is difficult because we’re going about it wrong or because the enemy is attacking us. God uses setbacks to redirect us. Satan uses setbacks to defeat us. 

When I had to resign from teaching a beloved Sunday School class because my husband had accepted a ministry position at another church, it looked to me like a setback. Instead God used the loss to redirect me. 

Without a teaching outlet, I began to blog. Blogging led to a book, then a position as the editor of a Christian magazine, and then a second book. In God’s perfect timing, he again opened up teaching and speaking opportunities, but not until my husband’s ministry was well established. 

Other times, our nests come crashing down because an enemy has dealt us a crushing blow. Infidelity, immorality, financial loss, or precarious health threaten to destroy and defeat us. In the space between building and rebuilding, we sometimes contemplate quitting. 

We aren’t alone. John 6 records that many of Jesus’ disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 

“’You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve.

“Simon Peter (gotta love him) answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’” (v. 66-68). 

So when our nests come crashing down, we gather the pieces, take a deep breath, and pray for God’s sustaining grace. “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it,” Paul promises us in Philippians 1:6. It is only by his mercy that we get up and try again. And again. And again. 

I don’t know where you are today.

If you’re rebuilding because of a redirection, take courage. “"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor. 2:9). God will do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ever ask or imagine as you yield your will to his in faith and trust.

If you’re rebuilding after an attack, take courage. The promises of Psalm 121 are for you:


I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? 
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 
He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 
The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 
The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; 
the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. 

As of this writing, my feathered friends’ nest still stands. Perhaps third time’s a charm. Regardless, God sees my birds, just like he sees you and me. He doesn’t just observe our struggles, however, like a passive watcher. Instead he is intimately acquainted with all our ways and actively involved in our attempts at the faith life. 

I find much comfort in this. I hope you do, too. 

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Mat. 10:29-32). 

Are you redirecting or rebuilding? If you’ll leave your first name in the comment box, I’d consider it a privilege to pray for you.



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If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher