Do You Hear What I Hear?

"Convict him, Lord." Seems harsh, huh? But that was the extent of a recent prayer.

God had an incredible plan and lesson for one of our children. Well, okay, maybe there was a lesson for me too.

As our kids get older, we release more freedom and responsibility. What they do with that freedom and responsibility determines how much more they may have. I'd have to say that this incident was the first one that really caused me anguish as this wasn't just an issue of trusting them to walk across the street by themselves, but one of spiritual significance.

We had given guidance to this child to help make a decision that we felt would be most beneficial for their spiritual well-being. But it was guidance, not a mandate. It was an opportunity for their faith to become more of their own.


Naively, I walked away from the conversation assuming this precious child would do just as we had suggested. When I later discovered this wasn't the case, I was broken-hearted. And then, I prayed, "Convict him, Lord." Short and to the point. It was all I could muster. My first reaction was to chasten him, but I heard the Lord say, "not this time." I felt helpless, but I knew I could pray.


The next morning, minutes befor church is to start, my dear child asks if we can talk. The two of us go outside. Mind you, I'm focused on church starting so I'm not thinking about the events of the previous night. Now it's my turn to see a broken heart. The tears come and the confession that the wrong choice was made. It's important to know at this point that our issue was over the appropriateness of a certain book. Why? Because the same day the book was purchased, our family had an in depth conversation about the devastating effects of a specific sin which happened to be the same issue that arose in the book! I couldn't believe it! Well, I could because I know how awesome our God is. I shared with our child that this wasn't all a coincidence and that we could see God's loving hand woven through the whole situation. There was no doubt, in either party, that this was a divine intervention.


God was teaching our beloved child a lesson of faith, trust, obedience, and His sovereignty. The timing of our conversation, the purchase of the book, etc. couldn't have been arranged better. He allowed that conversation because He knew the choice our child would make. He knew He was going to weave it all together to draw our child to Him. He knew what was best. He loved my child in a way I couldn't.


Lessons for me?.....


I hear my Lord asking me, "Do you trust me?"
I hear my Lord saying, "Do you believe I hear you?"
I hear my Lord comfort me, "I've heard your cry. I love you. Rest in me."


Lord, hear me.....I am Yours.

Not Just Another Day

Was today just another day for you? Maybe just the same old thing, perhaps with a bit of a twist in pattern? Maybe you slept an extra hour or maybe you took your shower before your usual cup of coffee. But all in all, for most of us, nothing too out of the ordinary happened. You may have even sang praises to the Lord while being full of thanksgiving and joy for this ordinary day, as well you should.

Sometimes, the beginnings of deep ruts start to form as each day passes. But God, in His gentle, sovereign way, takes an event to capture our attention with the intent of making sure we are truly paying attention to Him. See, everyday there are tragic and sad events that go on around us. It might be something close to home, in the community, or far away, someone you know or don't know. There are times that we are complacent about them and may even show the obligatory gesture of the proper emotion. But doesn't God want us to remember that behind each of those incidents are His people whom He sent His Son to die for? And just as important, are we living for Him?

Recently, I was made aware of a family (pictures above) in the midst of one of these tragic times. I don't know this family personally, though I feel like I do after browsing there blog site. I've asked for permission to share and I'm so thankful that it's been granted. My prayer is that their story will touch you as it has me, that it will cause you to ponder all things of eternal value, and that you will pray for the Davis family.

When I first heard their story, I was immediately effected. A beautiful family: 6 children, two of which were adopted from Liberia a little more than a year ago; strong Christians who actively lived their lives for the Lord; homeschoolers, etc, etc.. But in an instant, their world was changed as the Lord has taken their earthly father, Eric, Home. Now they are faced with standing firm on the Foundation that has been layed over the years. Without a doubt, the Lord will sustain them and give strength to Heather, the wife, as she travels this road, a road engraved on the hands of her Savior who loves her.

My heart obviously grieves for this family and I can't seem to stop thinking about them. What comfort it brings to know I can lift them up before the Throne of Grace. And yet, there is also a lesson here for you and me. You've probably heard it in one time or another, but I believe that God will use such a wonderful family to get our attention. If it can happen to such as these, then surely the rest of us aren't immune. The only way to survive is for our foundation to be built on the chief Cornerstone so that we might remain standing through the storm. Love Him, Seek Him, Trust Him, Surrender to Him.

Take a moment and visit their blog at http://www.lazydranch8.blogspot.com/ I know you'll be changed.

May the God of all glory and peace be with you, Davis Family, as you go through the Refiner's Fire.

Love,