Great God! Great Joy!

"...God had given the people cause for great joy." Nehemiah 12:43

When I was a little girl, I would often climb up on my Daddy's lap and ask him to tell me the story of the "Dale Twins". Dad would cuddle my sister and I in close and begin a familiar tale of two babies who were spared life by the divine hand of God.

It all started one day when the only child, a daughter, noticed two pink hyacinths in bloom in the family's front garden. She confidently announced that her mom, who was expecting a child at the time, was going to give birth to twin girls. This daughter was 18 years old and there had been no siblings in all these years. One baby was going to be a change, but twins? Impossible! However, there was an uncle who was a twin, so her dad remained hopeful. He added his longing for twins to her newfound excitement, and put in his order for identical twin girls with curly, red hair. If they were dreaming anyway, why not be specific!

It wasn't long after this that the mom did go into labour, at 25 weeks, and two precious, little one-pound baby girls with curly red hair were born. No-one had really been anticipating twins, and definitely not this early. The doctor did not even know that twins were arriving until he saw the second head coming. Can you imagine the surprise? Now with ultrasounds and all the technology available, it would seem impossible to keep this news hidden. Upon hearing of her twin sisters arrival, the teenage daughter was quick to exclaim, "The hyacinths were right!" 

All the doctors gave absolutely no hope for either baby to survive. Born with undeveloped lungs, diseases and other concerns characteristic of preemies, these little ones were just too small to beat the odds. Believing they were too fragile to be transported to a specialized facility, the babies were put in incubators and basically left on their own. Their parents made 101 trips to the hospital before they could even touch one of their girls. The father related how he would stand by the nursery window, watching their little chests rise and fall, wondering would each breath be their last? The agony of each moment. The pain of watching, yet too afraid to tear his eyes away, as if his very presence brought an unseen strength, willing his tiny, wee babies to fight for life.

And fight they did! Surpassing all probability, day after day these little girls clung to life. There were people praying for them all around the world. They became known as the "Miracle Babies". Each day brought increased hope. Daily miracles were evident. After weeks and months of agonizing uncertainty, these darling little ones finally came home. The journey still was not without challenges, but the prayers of many had been answered.

That story began 62 years ago today. Those two little babies were my twin sister and I. 

God indeed gave my family cause for great joy! In fact, so much joy the only natural thing to do was name one of their daughter's "Joy" in celebration of His goodness. Again, today I am thanking the Lord for the gift of years that doctors thought would never happen. Nothing is impossible with God! I live life thankful for each and every breath and pray that each day is worthy of the gift bestowed on me by my Lord and Saviour. From my mother's womb my Creator and Heavenly Father has cared for me. No wonder I am always praising You for indeed You have given me cause for great joy!

On His Throne!

"Help, O LORD, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth!...The LORD replies, 'I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for Me to do.'..." Psalm 12:1, 5

The richness of God's Word overwhelms me. Today, reading Psalm 12 along with Nehemiah 7-9 we see the Lord rising up, rescuing and fulfilling the longings of His people. Although written thousands of years ago, we look around and echo the sentiment of David. Those who claim to be followers of Christ seem to be disappearing. We reflect over the names of great saints who impacted previous generations. Tozer, Spurgeon, Lewis. We think of the great biographies of Mueller, Wesley, Taylor and others. Lives that inspired, sacrificed, and walked in radical trust, resulting in extraordinary testimonies. Even in more recent generations we mourn the loss of evangelists like Dr. Rev Billy Graham and missionary Nate Saint.

Nehemiah records in chapter 8:1 that "all the people assembled with a unified purpose...They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had given for Israel to obey." I don't know how long the reading took, but afterwards, time was given to explain the words shared, helping the people understand how to live righteously. Comprehension brought confession as the hearers realized their fallen state and the leaders led everyone in a prayer of praise to God. They might have been part of the retreating righteous, but repentance kept them from remaining named with those receding, and it can for us as well. Those struggling in their faith might be fading, but they don't have to completely disappear or become disqualified from finishing strong.

So incredible that the simple opening of God's Word brought such a gathering and response. It seems so often today that God's Word isn't center stage. Events are advertised with so many "extras" to entice a crowd. A schedule is put together with added activities that hope to draw a larger attendance. Workshops. Crafts. Nature hikes. Yoga. Pickleball. Not condemning any of these things, but they shouldn't be the main attraction. Hearing God's Word should not only be central, but the most desirable. The focus must be scripture. Most of us need a restored awe and wonder for His Word. How disagreeable some can become should a Pastor, on any given Sunday, being filled with the Holy Spirit, share a message that extends beyond the time we feel is acceptable. What has happened to our priorities?

What follows in Nehemiah 9 is one of the most glorious passages in Scripture. Years of history are shared as the people remember and glorify the Lord. We see the falling away again and again of those who were part of the "faithful". There were many detours, delays, obstacles, opposition, distractions, personal mistakes, but time after time we read how God saw, heard, arose and rescued, fulfilling the longings of the people.

The prayer lifted to the Lord has one topic. God...only God. In fact, Nehemiah 9:6 begins, "You alone are the LORD." Absolutely no one compares with Yahweh. Just briefly looking over the descriptive words we see that God makes, preserves, fulfills promises, sees, hears, displays, knows, divides, hurls, gives, instructs, commands, remains, extends mercy, sends, never stops giving, sustains, helps, places, subdues, blesses, hands over, listens, rescues, loves, waits, allows, keeps, showers, sets and is! He is "the great and mighty and awesome God" (9:32). "What a gracious and merciful God You are!" (9:31b)

As the Lord rose to rescue His people so many years ago when the godly were vanishing, so He rises today. His character and attributes remain the same. As He was then, He is now. The deep, unmet longings of His people will again see His sovereign hand provide. As lyrics echo in one of the songs my son Chris wrote in his modern oratorio, "It is Written", when it appears the godly are gone, the faithful have vanished, the wicked are flourishing and the wait seems long, God is on His throne, ruling righteously! We cannot lose hope! He is aware of our longings, and rising to rescue in His perfect time.

"On His Throne", created by Christopher R. Brown, CB Press, copyright 2023

Guarding and Guarded

"I trust in the LORD for protection...'Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord'...But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail..." Psalm 11:1a, Nehemiah 4:14b, 16a

For four days now I have been battling some virus. In an effort to help protect my husband, considering his weakened heart condition, and keep my extended family from getting ill, I have been isolating myself and wearing a mask when passing through common areas in our home. I have declined luncheon requests and coffee visits, sadly invitations to celebrate my birthday, but will enjoy anticipating these outings another time. I am using due diligence to attempt anything beneficial I know to do to help my family remain healthy.

This is not lack of faith in trusting the Lord. This is applying wisdom. I believe there is a partnership between faith and works. Yes, we trust God ultimately for our protection as David writes in Psalm 11, but when we know measures we can take that are prudent and preventative, we are acting in foolishness when we do not apply the knowledge the Lord has given us.

Nehemiah reminds the people first to "Remember the Lord". He encourages them not to be afraid of their enemies. Nehemiah's first response was to turn to God. Scripture records in Nehemiah 4:9, "But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves." There is this dance between putting confidence in God while taking steps of common sense. The people didn't just pray "God protect us" and then knowingly expose themselves to the real threat of danger without taking precaution. Half the men worked while the other half stood guard, armed and ready against attack. Verse 23b tells us, "We carried our weapons with us at all times, even when we went for water." Was this living in fear? No, this was living in revere of the Lord, in respect of the knowledge He gives us.

Faith and works do not need to be an either/or decision. I love have Nehemiah records that they prayed "and" guarded. Being vulnerable before the enemy, knowing the reality of danger that is lurking, and doing nothing, is reckless. God gave us all minds and access to knowledge and He expects us to put into practice the insight and discernment He supplies. It is often through this God-given, Spirit-led perception that He is protecting us.

Sometimes the Lord makes it clear that there are necessary actions we need to personally take and we will be accountable for doing what we ought to do. I think we have all heard the story of the man who was stranded on his roof after a flood who prayed for the Lord to save him. Refusing rescue attempts from helicopter and boat the man dies and upon entering heaven inquires why the Lord did not respond to his cry for help. To this God replies: Who do you think sent the plane and ship? 

Sometimes God's plan for our protection comes in very practical ways of application. Taking medication is not lack of trust. Purchasing a deadbolt for your door is not dismissing faith. Locking your car doors, wearing a life-jacket, going inside during severe weather, using a helmet riding a bicycle, these and many other acts of good judgment are often passed down from those who have experienced their benefit and know them to be valuable.

To trust God does not mean to abandon our thought process. When there is action that needs to be taken, the Lord provides the strength for the task and the know-how for the how-to. We are not to live heedlessly but as we guard what He has entrusted to us, He is guarding us. Don't forget. Trust is a verb and sometimes the action needed is carrying our weapon even if we are never called to use it.

He Knows

"LORD, You know the hopes of the helpless. Surely You will hear their cries and comfort them." Psalm 10:17

When the driver experienced a cardiac arrest while stopped at a red light, with one van in front, the Enclave slowly moved forward nudging the vehicle and coming to rest. As the driver of the van came back to see what had happened, a nurse passing by in an adjacent lane, running late for her next home-care appointment, looked over and seeing the driver slumped across the steering wheel, instantly realized this was a medical emergency. Pulling her car to the side, at a very busy intersection, she raced across lanes of traffic to get to the person in need. At the same time, an off-duty police officer who was just leaving a local McDonald's restaurant saw the accident and crossed over to assist. 

Because the driver's side window was down, the officer was able to reach into the car, unlock the door, quickly pull the gentleman out, and the nurse immediately began CPR. She diligently kept this up until EMS arrived. Her last visual of this driver was not encouraging. In all the time she was there, his heart had not responded to her efforts.

Absolutely nothing prepares you to respond to a persistent knock on the door and upon opening it find a police officer. Getting ready to leave on vacation in less than an hour, I had returned from an appointment, and not finding my husband at home I decided to make a quick batch of muffins to take on our journey. They were about half-cooked when this interruption came and life was unexpectedly turned around.

Hearing that Gord had experienced a cardiac arrest while driving and that he currently had no vitals, the officer asked if he could drive me to the local hospital. He waited while I attended to my baking, removing the trays and turning the oven off, then grabbing my cell phone charger we were on our way. On route to the hospital, I discovered our son was at a rehearsal at the church, and quite incredibly we were approaching the building, so the officer swung in the driveway and we picked him up. Such a grace of God so that I wouldn't be physically alone upon arriving at the hospital. The officer also received a call during our short ride, that medics had managed to shock Gord's heart into beating again. Huge praise!

Walking into that critical care, emergency room, my husband was hooked up to more machines and tubes then I had ever seen. It was like something off of a television show. It is funny what our eyes take in at these moments. I still remember one running shoe laying sideways on the floor and the nurse apologizing, saying they had no idea where the other shoe was at the moment. Shoes were the least of my concerns. 

Gord was on a ventilator as well as other devices. It was the Lord and only the Lord who provided the strength to stay standing by his bedside. My son Chris was a rock, providing support for me, even while struggling in his own way. An incredible peace swept over my heart that was indescribable. As family gathered outside and friends began to be notified of our need, not only did they surround us at the hospital, but many prayers were being lifted on our behalf. God certainly knew the hopes of the helpless and heard our cries, comforting us.

This was my experience a year ago today. Although the past twelve months have been difficult with delays, challenges, other diagnosis, change in lifestyle, surrendering and sacrificing so much for the sake of my husband's health, the Lord has continually provided. I love how this verse says the Lord "knows" the hopes of the helpless. That is how intimately and instantly He is aware of our longings. His hand was in every detail a year ago, right down to the van in front of Gord's vehicle preventing him from rolling into oncoming traffic in a busy intersection. The nurse wasn't late, she was right on time. It was not a coincidence an off-duty officer was just finishing his lunch at that exact location. God had everyone in place because He knew the hopes of the helpless and He continues to hear our cries and speak comfort into this long journey. The same is true for whatever situation you are facing. God knows.

Repairing Walls

"Each one repaired the section immediately across from his own house." Nehemiah 3:28b

Earlier today my sister and her husband sent us pictures of our trailer. Not able to get north this summer because of my husband's health concerns, Japhia and John do a walk-through of our home-away-from-home every time they have opportunity to stay at their own vacation location just down the street. The pictures revealed that the sunroom has pulled away from the trailer proper and there are big gaps that need repair. I hate the thought of all the bugs and little critters that currently could gain access to a free hotel and the damage these little animals could do. Over the years, Gord has done maintenance on our trailer, but without being there this summer, issues are arising. It doesn't take long for walls to break down and gates to be destroyed.

Upon learning of the state of the remnant and Jerusalem, Nehemiah sits downs and weeps for days, mourning, fasting and praying. His heart is broken by the news relayed to him. When was the last time that something that breaks the heart of God moved you in this way? Until our heart breaks, we won't repair what is broken. I always think it is so interesting that God places different burdens on our hearts, awakening awareness to the needs that surround us. My sister has a heart for Teen Challenge. She has written letters to all the graduates in the program and crocheted them prayer shawls. She gives financially to the ministry and supports them in any way she can. Years ago, the Lord made me aware of the people in Uganda and the Amazima School and I have embraced that ministry as one that I partner with when able. If God highlights a ministry need to us, that is Him stirring our hearts to become involved.

While serving King Artaxerxes his wine, the king inquires as to Nehemiah's sad appearance. His answer reveals the need for the people in Jerusalem and the king agrees to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall. It is interesting to note that all the people who gathered to begin construction were not skilled labourers. Their vocations included a goldsmith, perfumer, ruler, gate-keeper, and High Priest. Women were also mentioned as co-workers. The construction crew were not necessarily specifically skilled for the task before them. Just because the job was not in an area of their expertise, it didn't excuse usefulness. We too need to remember that when duties need to be fulfilled. Frequently we rationalize any lack of involvement because it is just not in the field of our service, or we are too old, too young, or it is someone else's turn. The need is urgent, and requires stepping out of comfort zones and working together. Any breach to one is a breach to all. These people came together to serve the Lord with all their diverse skills and knowledge.

The people worked diligently, repairing the wall across from their homes. We must repair what is broken at home first. Our homes and our family our first priority. We have to start rebuilding walls of Christian distinctiveness inside our houses and with our people. Like the sunroom at our trailer drifting into disrepair, within the walls of our homes, cracks need attention to prevent complete destruction. If a wall is falling away, it will crumble completely without intervention to stop the eroding. 

What is it that matters to God that He has impressed on your heart to take action over? Just because it may not be your area of trained skill, your obedience to God's call will be met with His empowerment. Recognize that not everyone will buy into the plan of God. Nehemiah 3:5 tells us that there were some leaders who refused to work with the construction supervisors. Expect push-back, but do not let that stop you. It can be hard to move forward without the approval of some who rise in opposition against us, but we must be obedient to the Lord, even if it means walking alone.

Let's answer the call to repair our walls!

Gracious Hands

"And the gracious hand of our God protected us and saved us from enemies and bandits along the way." Ezra 8:31b

It was almost eight years ago now that I heard a story of a young missionary family connected with our church. Living in a remote area, the husband often has to walk through bush in the jungle to travel into a larger, populated city to do business. It is a long journey, and he must always be aware of possible ambush from the natives. He changes up his route so as not to become predictable and for added protection. He has not always escaped attack, but he does what he can to be wise and cautious.

When this story was shared with me, the very next day the Lord directed my reading to this verse in Ezra. It is quoted above from the New Living Translation, but other interpretations of this scripture include phrases that include how God delivered from "such as lay in wait by the way" (King James Version). The English Standard Version actually speaks of "ambushes by the way". God's Word addresses every situation! I still recall the Lord highlighting this verse to me immediately after hearing this story and I began praying for this young man and His family, that the gracious hand of God would be upon them, protecting from enemies and bandits.

Wondering where we all need to see the gracious hand of God on our lives today. Maybe you too are facing physical enemies. It is possible you sense that there are those who are stalking in the shadows just waiting for an opportunity to hinder your walk with the Lord. For others the "bandits" trying to assault might not be people, but thoughts or feelings that desire to hold us hostage and keep us from moving forward. How can we safeguard ourselves?

Bandits operate best in isolated areas. They are cowardly against community, seeking out those who are separated and solo. Attentive and watchful they want to bring hidden perils upon us, especially if we are doing life alone. But what if we are walking a road without the physical presence of another? Well, if we know the Lord as our Heavenly Father, the gracious hand of our God is on us.

Just now, while writing this reflection, I have experienced God's gracious hand. My husband was on a bit of an adventure today. Since his heart surgery four months ago he has for the most part been in the company of myself, a member of the family, or dear friends. So many have lovingly provided transportation to appointments out of town and the Lord has deeply ministered to us through the body of Christ. Today Gord wanted to travel to the hospital, on his own, via the Go Train. It was a little more than what I felt comfortable with, but I understood his desire to do something without a side-kick. I was most concerned about his return trip after a long day. Imagine my surprise when he sent me a text as he boarded the train to come home. God had placed a dear friend on the same train at the same time in the same car! The gracious hand of God was upon him, providing for the long ride home.

Maybe today you need to feel His hand upon you. A hand to wipe away tears. A hand to heal. A hand to mend a broken heart. A hand to remove fears. A hand to comfort. A hand to provide. A hand to shelter from the storm. A hand to gently correct. A hand to guide. A hand to deliver. A hand to encourage. A hand to hold.

Are you looking for His hand today? Father, shelter Your children in the hollow of Your hands. You have engraved us on Your palms. Your hands are not too short to save (Isaiah 59:1). The works of Your hands are faithful and just (Psalm 111:7). Mighty hands. Saving hands. Powerful hands. Enabling hands. Conquering hands. Nail-pierced hands. Bleeding hands. Loving hands. Gracious hands upon us.

Father, we fall into Your hands.

Antagonistic Agents

"Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. They bribed agents to work against them to frustrate their plans." Ezra 4:4-5a

Ezra chapters 4-6 come on the heels of a time of praising the LORD. After God stirs the heart of King Cyrus of Persia, the Israelites have begun to rebuild the Temple of God and the construction project has them celebrating, clashing cymbals, singing songs and shouting about the goodness of the Lord and the faithfulness of His love. It's a time of great joy and happiness. Scripture tells us their partying could be heard far in the distance, that is, until the wind is knocked out of them by some naysayers.

Times of great praise often seem to precede new problems. I have some friends who are hesitant to really delight over anything good that occurs because they are certain disaster is soon to follow. Admittedly, it does sometimes seem that way. Something of great worth has happened and almost immediately some worry arises to steal the joy away.

The returning exiles of Judah are suddenly faced with their enemies. The Bible records that these foes "tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work." Discouragement is a deadly weapon in the hand of an enemy. Rebuilding the Temple is laborious work. Although excited to see this task beginning, no doubt the workers were physically depleted. Add in verbal attacks that hinder, deter and dampen spirits and even the most enthusiastic worker can start to find it challenging to remain positive and productive.

Ezra tells us that these adversaries also "bribed agents to work against them to frustrate their plans." Do you ever feel that someone has "bribed agents to work against" you and frustrate your plans? It is now not just words to dishearten, but contrary activity that is working overtime to prevent you from moving forward. Although there is no denying that discouragement and efforts to frustrate can have impact, regardless of how vigorous our opponents are, all will be vain efforts if they are trying to thwart the Lord's plans!

Following these attempts, "the enemies of Judah wrote a letter of accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem" (Ezra 4:6) and sent it to the current king. They were unrelenting. They didn't want to see the godly making any progress at all. A series of letters continue between all involved that include inquiries pertaining to the rebuilding of the Temple. It is discovered that the Israelites have done nothing wrong. They had been instructed in the first year of King Cyrus's reign to rebuild the Temple. Not only are their foes momentarily silenced, but ordered to help the Jews as they rebuild the Temple of God (Ezra 6:8). This dramatic turn of events makes me smile. God uses the hands of the antagonists to aid in the construction, and any "who violate the decree in any way will have a beam pulled from their house. Then they will be lifted up and impaled on it, and their house will be reduced to a pile of rubble." How's that for comeuppance!

When those whose mission in life appears to be to discourage, work against and frustrate us as we pursue our walk with Christ, trying to frighten us and keep us from the work God has called us to do, stand firm! Arm yourself with prayer warriors and encouragers who will uphold you and give support, believing alongside you with a confident hope that despite opposition, God's plans will be fulfilled. Not only will you still be standing at the end, but you will be stronger because of the victories made along the journey!

For encouragement to keep trusting in the Lord in a broken world filled with disappointments, "Still Standing: Following Jesus Even When It Hurts" by Lina Abujamra will inspire "hope in the hearts of followers of Jesus who have encountered suffering as they have pursued obedience to Christ." Moody Publishers; Copyright 2024