Good thing I am not now, nor have I ever been a gambler. In fact, in a recent post I reminisced about how I was brought up to always play it safe, to never take risks. Nevertheless, with this being the season of March Madness, and me being a big basketball fan, having grown up in a state where basketball rules, – I did the unthinkable – I filled out an NCAA basketball tournament form. You know the one. It’s the one with all the brackets. The one where you predict the winners and losers of each game, bracket by bracket (or match up by match up) until you arrive at the final four teams remaining and then the ultimate champion of this year’s NCAA tournament.

Full disclosure – no money was required for me to fill out this form and submit it. Someone at the school where I work organized this for fun. I don’t know what the prizes or rewards are for those who come closest in their predictions to what prove to be the actual outcomes. And now I realize I will never know because I will not be one of the eventual winners. My bracket is so busted already. Many of my brackets are broken beyond belief, even in this early stage of the tournament.

And here’s the reason why. The unforeseeable, the unlikely, the unimaginable, the unpredictable has become reality in my team of choice’s first game – which was a game between a sixteen seed and my team, a number one seed. Logic would dictate that the number one seeded team would be the better bet to fill the bracket and move on to the next game of the tournament, right? But maybe that’s why they call it “March Madness”, because there is no logic to it – no rhyme nor reason. Past performance doesn’t dictate current outcome. All bets are off as they say. (whoever “they” are?)

And yet we fill out our brackets and bet on basketball outcomes using our best powers of prediction. Having the additional info that the sixteen seeded team is the shortest team in the tourney, that this is their coach’s first year at this school and that their opponent, the number one seed, has one of the tallest players in the tourney – I felt secure in filling in my bracket with the name of the number one seeded team, which is also my alma mater. But, as it turns out, my confidence was misplaced. My hopes were dashed and my bracket was busted when my team, a number one seed, lost to the sixteen seeded team last night. I did not see that coming!

Now my bracket is busted! In fact, now many of my brackets are broken beyond repair, as I had my team going all the way to the final four. There’s no coming back from this. I put my hope in the wrong team and now everything is lost. Additionally, I put misplaced hope in a few other high ranking teams, Virginia for example, who were also defeated, leaving my other brackets busted as well. I put my hope in the wrong teams and now my brackets are busted beyond belief!

Good thing I don’t gamble for a living. My powers of prediction aren’t that great. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. I don’t even know what challenges and opportunities today has in store for me. How can I live with such uncertainty day to day? If a number sixteen seed can upset a number one seed, then anything can happen. How can I live my life without anxiety and fear in a world filled with uncertain circumstances, a world in which anything can happen? My hope was in the wrong team. But in life, I know where or with whom to put my hope.

These words of the apostle Paul about putting his hope in Jesus Christ, are words I say along with him –

” . . . I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)

The missionary Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.” Jesus gave similar advice saying –

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

And Peter said this –

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Wow! I have hope – a living hope! I have an inheritance in heaven kept secure for me, waiting for me. This is a sure thing, unlike the busted brackets of my March Madness hopes which proved so disastrous for me. Who I put my hope in makes all the difference. I need a sure thing, Someone I can count on. Someone who won’t let me down.

“Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in Me will not be disappointed.” (Isaiah 49:23)

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22)

I will not be disappointed. My Heavenly Father will not let me fall. In fact in Jude I read,

“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy -” (Jude 1:24)

My team let me down, but my Heavenly Father will not.

“O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption. He Himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.” (Psalm 130:7-8)

unfailing love, full redemption from all my sins – sign me up! I will put my hope in God’s word and in His Son, Jesus Christ (who are one and the same – “and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”)

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” (Psalm 130:5-6)

sincerely, Grace Day

I am very tired today, but then I have been unusually, exceptionally tired every day this week, even though my daily schedule hasn’t changed at all. As I fight this fatigue, I find myself wondering when it will end and what is causing it. Then I remember that it was just a few days ago that I had to adjust all my clocks to “spring forward” one hour. Where did that hour go? I think I need that hour back in order to restore my energy and overall wellbeing.

They call this move of the clocks DST, or daylight savings time. However, it doesn’t seem to be about “saving” time, if you ask me (and no one did) I think I’ve lost that hour, not saved it. And I want it back. I guess in theory I can get it back six months from now when we all “fall back” by setting our clocks back an hour. But I’m not convinced. I want to know where my hour went. I need my hour back now!

Still, if there are only twenty-four hours in a day, then I can’t really “make” more time, or “keep” time from moving forward or even “save” time up for a rainy day, (or a busy day) can I? This past week I have been “spending time” trying to figure out where my lost hour went. I haven’t found it yet. But this I do know. Last week I was driving to work in the light. This week I am driving to work in the dark once again. This does not seem like progress to me.

In fact, this manipulation of time seems to create problems, which is the opposite of progress. My state hasn’t always participated in this madness, in this futile attempt to change time by adding (or subtracting) an hour from our clocks. We used to let time alone, while all the states around us changed their clocks. But I guess peer pressure finally won out and now we do what all the other states do. (except Arizona and Hawaii)

Resetting clocks causes all kinds of chaos twice a year. There are clocks in every classroom of my high school and after we “spring forward” or “fall back” none of them are on the new current, correct time. Very confusing. Those that are unaware of the change in time, show up for work, events, meetings etc. an hour early or an hour late. More confusion. Add to that the fact that they change the time of year that they change the time! We used to “spring forward” the first week of April. This year we did so the second week of March. Our state legislature has spent much time debating time, daylight savings time, that is, for years. They have gone back and forth on this issue, which explains why for much of my life we did not participate in daylight savings time.

As I write this, I realize perhaps I have been “wasting” time in my attempt to find this missing time which daylight savings time has stolen from me. Trying to regain lost time is proving to be a futile effort on my part. I should have known this would be true. After all, Jesus said to His disciples,

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27)

I’m really not in charge of my hours or my days. In fact, King David wrote –

“All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16)

Time is a gift from God. He causes the sun to rise and to set each day. He causes the earth to spin as it revolves around the sun. God is the creator of time and the keeper of time. Just because we reset our clocks and call it “daylight savings time”, doesn’t mean we have actually saved any time, nor have we added any daylight hours to our lives. The sun will continue to rise and to set on her own God given schedule. We aren’t able to persuade her to linger longer in our sky, though we might wish to do so. God has already determined the hours that make up our days and the seasons that make up our lives.

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:20-22)

“From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:26-28)

I guess I will stop searching for my “lost hour” since it has never been lost, just arbitrarily renamed by resetting human clocks. There are still twenty-four hours in my day. I can’t create time nor can I control time, but I can strive to make the most of the time that God gives to me. I will make the psalmist’s prayer my prayer –

“Teach me to number my days aright that I may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

I will “redeem the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16) Another translation says, “make the most of every opportunity.”

That’s what I will do – grateful for each new day I will let God be in charge of my time and my timetable. Like the old hymn says –

“Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise” –

sincerely, Grace Day

Doesn’t that seem like a contradiction of terms “everyday miracles?” Miracles are supposed to be rare – not common occurrences, aren’t they? Unless maybe every day is full of miracles amid the mundane and I just don’t realize it because I fail to recognize the multitude and the magnitude of miracles that make up my days, each and every day.

Manna was a miracle the Israelites received new every morning during the time they were wandering in the desert. Just because they received this bread from heaven day after day for forty years, doesn’t make the manna any less of a miracle. The manna was God’s supernatural provision for His people. They did nothing to produce it or to make it happen. They simply received it new every morning.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.’ . . . The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. . . . The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land that was settled; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan.” (Exodus 16:4, 31, 35)

God literally gave the people their daily bread, new every morning. For the Israelites in the desert, every day started with a miracle. Manna rained down from heaven, providing them food for another day. They had no control over this miraculous occurrence, it was a gift from God, freely given new each day. If I think no such miracles are occurring today, I would be wrong. Consider these words –

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Other translations say “His mercies” are new every morning. Either way, it’s good news for you and for me. Just like the manna in the desert, God’s mercy to me and to you, is given new every morning. This means every day we get a clean slate, a do-over, a second chance. Mercy, like manna, is a miracle God freely gives to each of us. Just because it’s free though, doesn’t make it any less of a miracle.

Every sunrise is a miracle. The sun appears in the sky without fail, giving warmth and life to everything and everyone that lives and grows here on the earth. Every baby born is a miracle – the miracle of new life manifest for all to see. A kind word, a courageous act, forgiveness instead of retribution, lending a helping hand to a stranger, a hawk in flight, a star filled sky, a meal shared with friends – everyday miracles fill our lives.

It is said that all of life is grace – God’s grace. God’s grace is a miracle. Therefore, since all of life is grace and grace is a miracle, all of life is a miracle. And this is true. It is by God’s grace that you and I are here. It is God’s grace that sustains us.

“For by Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17)

“who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:9-10)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“But He (the Lord) said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ ” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

God’s grace is His gift to us. His grace is all sustaining and all sufficient for you and for me. We have His promise on that.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

I am a wanderer in this world, headed home, traversing deserts, mountains, valleys and more as I make my way day by day. And every day, God’s miracles surround me, inspire me and remind me of His everpresent Presence walking with me. His manna and His mercies are new to me every morning. They sustain me throughout the day. The miracle of His grace is reflected in each moment that makes up the hours of the days that become a life filled with manna, mercy and grace – all freely given by God. Such are the miracles of everyday life. We are all recipients of God’s miracles of grace. We can all say along with Paul –

“The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:14)

thank You, Lord, for the everyday miracles of Your manna, Your mercy and Your life-giving grace –

sincerely, Grace Day

Ever feel like you are falling through the cracks in this life? Are you watching others fall through the cracks that cover this broken world? As I navigate this journey, I find my path is full of fissures – innocuous cracks that don’t seem all that dangerous until they suddenly turn into giant chasms too vast to cross. It is at the chasm that my journey is altered. But every chasm started as a crack – a crack so small that no one paid it any attention until it became the proverbial crack (turned chasm) that you and I and untold others are in danger of falling through.

This idiom of “falling or slipping through the cracks” refers to being unintentionally neglected, unnoticed, ignored or overlooked and therefore undealt with, unaddressed, and unengaged. This can leave one feeling unseen, unheard, unloved and totally invisible. There are so many cracks to fall through that it would seem to be just a matter of time before you or I fall through one of them. After all, who would even notice?

But there is Someone who would notice, who does notice everything. Someone who sees us, hears us, loves us and notices when we come close to life’s cracks and began to slip and slide our way through them. The world might consider us lost at that point but not our Creator. We are never lost to Him. How do I know this? Well consider these words of Jesus –

“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.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

Other translations say – “not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” or “But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.”

God sees the sparrows, keeps track of the sparrows and knows every time one of them falls to the ground. How much more will He keep watch over each one of us? After all, we are created in His own image. You and I are never lost to God. He sees us when we are falling through the cracks, even though no one else may notice what is happening to us. Job believed this about God even when his world fell apart, causing Job to fall deeper and deeper through the cracks with nothing to break his fall but God’s silence. It was when Job was at his lowest point, searching for God but not able to find Him, that Job said this –

“If only I knew where to find Him; if only I could go to His dwelling! . . . But if I go to the east, He is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find Him. When He is at work in the north, I do not see Him; when He turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of Him.”

So Job can’t find God. Even so, Job makes this surprising statement.

“But He (God) knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23: 3, 8-10)

Job feels he has lost track of God, but at the same time, Job acknowledges that God has not lost track of him. Ever feel like Job? Even though my troubles don’t compare to Job’s, I still have those moments, those days, (those months?) hopefully not those years when I feel alone, abandoned, unseen, unheard. God seems silent and unreachable as I fall endlessly through life’s cracks, waiting to hit rock bottom.

But if God knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, He most certainly knows when you or I or anyone falls through one of life’s many cracks. God “knows the way that I take” and God “knows the way that you take” too, dear readers. He is able to rescue those of us caught in the cracks, even though others would think us irretrievably lost – permanently held captive in those cracks that turn into chasms and endless caverns, forcing us to fall deeper and deeper. BUT GOD –

” . . . is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,” (Ephesians 3:20)

BUT GOD –

“Therefore He (Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

Yes it is God who –

” . . . turned to me and heard my cry.” It is God who – “lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;” it is God who – “set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Psalm 40:1-2)

It is my Heavenly Father who knows where I am at all times. Even when I am lost and falling through the cracks, my Creator sees me, hears my cries and comes to rescue me. When I am falling through life’s cracks, He finds me every time. When I hit rock bottom, He is the Rock, the sure foundation upon which I can stand steadfast, safe from the cracks surrounding me on every side. My Heavenly Father will always know where I am because He is always with me. He never leaves nor forsakes me.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139:7-12)

My Heavenly Father sees me when I am falling through the cracks. He does not let me fall forever. He rescues and restores me. Because I belong to Him, I will not fall through the cracks of eternity.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22)

“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)

sincerely, Grace Day

No this is not a post about high stakes gambling, bungee jumping, bull fighting, tightrope walking, Indy car racing or a thousand other high-risk human pursuits. Although we do seem to be prone to risk taking as a species. Consider the growing popularity of “extreme sports.” We can’t be satisfied with just regular, ordinary sports? Maybe it’s because everyday life doesn’t have enough risk and by extension excitement, built into it. We no longer have to hunt for our food and there are no unexplored lands. (just think how risky those first trans-Atlantic sea voyages were)

Reflecting on my own life, the message I received growing up was, “play it safe, taking risks is too, well, risky – aka – dangerous.” Those might not have been the exact words, but the meaning was clear – don’t take risks. Today, I’m not a gambler or a cliff diver or a stunt double or a rock climber – I have attempted to risk proof my life. But is that a good thing? Should that be the goal?

Dr. Howard Hendricks said, “There’s no such thing as faith apart from risk-taking.” So if I have been living a life of faith, I have been living a “risky” life all along. I am told to walk by faith and not by sight. But faith walking seems to me to be the riskier of the two alternatives. I risk walking into walls, stepping off of a cliff or falling into an unseen pit. Desiring to avoid such risks, I often choose to walk by sight, relying only on myself and what I can see with my own eyes, rather than to walk by faith, which requires trusting and following an unseen God. The latter seems like risky behavior to me! I guess that’s why we have the expression – “a leap of faith.”

Now that I think about it, the Bible is full of the stories of risk takers. Abraham took a risk. Abraham uprooted his family, packed up everything he owned and set out for an unknown destination, all in answer to the call of an unseen God. That’s a huge risk. That’s faith. Faith takes risks. Faith compelled Abraham to take the risk of obeying and following God.

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.’ . . . So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; . . . Then the word of the Lord came to him: ‘This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.’ He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.’ Then He said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ . . . Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 12:1, 4, & 15:4-6)

Queen Esther was also a risk taker. She had faith in God. So much so that she risked it all. Esther risked her very life for her people as she obeyed God by faith. Esther knew the king could order her death if she came into his presence without an invitation or a summons from him. She went to the king anyway in order to plead for the life of her fellow Jews.

“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’ ” (Esther 4:15-16)

Noah was another person whose faith propelled him to take a risk. Because Noah trusted God, Noah built a huge boat on dry land when there was no rain, no water and no apparent need for such a large ark to be constructed. Noah risked ridicule (which he received in full measure I’m sure) as he devoted all his time, energy and resources to building this ark to the exact specifications that God had given him. It’s fortunate for Noah and his family that he took that risk in faith, obeyed God and built the boat as God instructed him to do. That boat (ark) ended up saving the lives of Noah and his family.

“And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him. Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came on the earth. . . . The waters rose and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. They rose greatly on the earth, and all the high mountains under the entire heavens were covered. . . . Every living thing that moved on the earth perished – . . . Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark.” (Genesis 7:5-6, 18-23)

Faith takes risks. Rahab took a risk when she hid the Israelite spies and later helped them to escape Jericho without being killed. Rahab knew the king would take her life if he found out what she had done. Later, when the Israelites conquered Jericho, killing everyone, Joshua spared the lives of Rahab and her family because she had saved the lives of the men he had sent as spies.

Faith takes risks. Ruth took a risk, a leap of faith. She left her homeland and her people in order to go with her mother in law, Naomi, to a land in which she would be a foreigner and an outcast. Naomi was a poor widow who had nothing to offer Ruth. Naomi had no sons for Ruth to marry. She had no way to provide for herself or for Ruth. And yet, Ruth took a risk and decided to embark with Naomi on a dangerous journey to a place where she would be an alien, an outcast.

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me’ ” (Ruth 1:16-17)

Ruth ended up marrying a man named Boaz. Together they had a son named Obed, who was the grandfather of the future king of Israel, David. Ruth took a risk and ended up becoming the great grandmother of King David. She trusted God, walking by faith instead of sight.

Faith is definitely risky business. The three wise men set out to find the Christ child with only a star to guide them and no real plan in place. No maps, no guarantees, just faith that God would guide them to their intended destination. Simon and Andrew took a risk when they left everything to follow Jesus, as did James and John.

“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed Him. When He had gone a little farther, He saw James . . . and his brother John in a boat, . . . He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.” (Mark 1:16-20)

That’s a risky thing to do for sure, isn’t it? Leave what you know for something and for someone that you don’t know. But that’s exactly what those four fishermen did in that moment when Jesus called to them. Faith is a risky business for sure. I guess Dr. Hendricks was right when he said, “There’s no such thing as faith apart from risk-taking.”

Am I willing to risk it all? Jesus has issued the invitation saying –

“Then He said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?’ ” (Luke 9:23-25)

Do I have the courage to walk by faith? – especially knowing that faith takes risks. Faith is risky business. David took a risk when he faced Goliath on the battlefield. Daniel risked death in a lion’s den rather than cease praying to God. The Bible is full of the stories of people of character, courage and faith. I don’t want to play it safe if that means forfeiting my faith.

Faith takes risks. Therefore, I am a risk taker by definition if I am walking by faith and not by sight. I must be willing to risk ridicule, being ostracized, persecuted, imprisoned – even killed. Currently, there are places around the globe where people are imprisoned and killed because of their faith in God. God sees their sacrifice and honors their risks with His reward.

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29)

Faith requires risk. Therefore, I will be a risk taker because – “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith – a risky business.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

sincerely, Grace Day

On Monday nights the room is noisy, filled with women talking, laughing, crying, sharing stories. Everybody has one – a story that is. These stories are full of pain, heartbreak, adversity, perseverance, despair, hope, courage, defeat, victory – yet a common thread weaves all of our stories together. That common thread is our experience as captives. We are all captives – hostages fighting for our freedom. Some are newly released from incarceration, some from addiction, some from homelessness, joblessness, fear, depression, anxiety – these are some of the many captors which we battle on a daily basis.

There are all kinds of captivity. Physical incarceration is the most obvious but mental, emotional and spiritual captivity are just as confining and perhaps even more crushing. God created humankind to be free. And we were free in the garden, until we chose our way over our Creator’s way, and became slaves to our own sin. However, God sent us a Redeemer, a liberator. He sent us His Son to set us free.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

“Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’ ” (John 8:34-36)

From birth to death, life seems to be a constant battle between captivity and freedom. There are so many things that can hold me hostage. I realize I have to be constantly vigilant lest I find that I have been taken captive by something or someone. Interesting that we often say something has “captured” our heart or “captivated” us in some way. Good thing Jesus came to set captives like me free.

“the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – the Lord, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.” (Psalm 146:6-8)

Jesus read these words from Isaiah prophesying about Himself – “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)

Freedom for the prisoners – that’s what I want but I am so easily taken captive. There is no shortage of things that can capture me and hold me hostage indefinitely. Too often, I am in a prison of my own making. Addictions to alcohol or drugs hold us physically hostage while fear can hold us just as tightly in its grip, paralyzing us into inaction and withdrawal, leaving us isolated and alone. Love of money can be a cruel captor, a constant taskmaster, enslaving us completely as we pursue money to the exclusion of everything else. Pursuit of pleasure can take over a life before we even realize it is controlling our lives.

There are less obvious prisons. When we harbor unforgiveness it controls us so completely in every aspect that we become slaves to this emotion, losing all our freedom to its destructive power. Anger, envy, hatred, pride – all are cruel taskmasters that take control of our lives if we invite them in – rendering us prisoners of these emotions. Often we escape one prison only to end up in another one, one that is equally or more confining than the first one. Mental, emotional and spiritual prisons are much harder to escape than any physical prison built by man. Colossians 2:8 has this sober warning for us all –

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

So there is another thing that can enslave me, “hollow and deceptive philosophy” – the wisdom of the world which keeps people captive, rather than the wisdom of God that sets people free. But God has made His wisdom available to me and to you. In James I read,

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

Jesus told us this – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

Jesus really did come to set all of us captives free – literally, physically, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Those intangible prisons that hold us captive prove to be the strongholds in our lives that we cannot escape in our own strength. You and I need a Savior, a Redeemer, a Divine Rescuer – someone who can do this –

“I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” (Isaiah 45:2-3)

I don’t have to remain in any of my self-made prisons. My Heavenly Father breaks down gates of doubt, deceit, depression, despair, fear and anxiety. He cuts through bars of unforgiveness, envy, rebellion, disobedience, pride, selfishness – all things that can keep me captive. Nothing is too hard for Him who created the universe. God created me to be free. He alone can set me free.

“through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. . . . For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:2 & 15-16)

As God’s children we have freedom in Christ, we have been set free from our captivity. And we can look forward to a time when –

” . . . the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21)

We know that our Deliverer has come and is coming again. At that time, He will set all the captives free and all things will be made new.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

sincerely, Grace Day

Things are getting quite crowded for the emperor these days. It all started with the proverbial elephant in the room which didn’t seem all that problematic at the time. After all, it is a big room in which the emperor resides and that first elephant was such a small elephant, that it was quite overlooked. Which is to be expected because elephants in rooms are traditionally and historically overlooked. That’s the whole point of their existence. That’s why these elephants end up staying so long. They get comfortable. They find they prefer the “safe space” of the room to their natural habitat, the jungle. Elephants understand why we humans say, “it’s a jungle out there!” They prefer the protected environment of the room to the dangers of their jungle home.

Now traditionally it has been – one elephant per room. Hence the phrase “the elephant in the room.” But the emperor has changed all that. He has allowed multiple elephants to take up residence with him, providing them sanctuary as it were, and the room has become quite crowded. Not only are there multiple elephants in the room, more than ever before actually, but the elephants themselves are growing larger and larger the longer they remain in the room with the emperor.

Truth is, there are so many elephants in the room nowadays, that it’s hard to find the emperor, let alone to actually get a good look at the emperor. Perhaps this is just as well, however, because despite rampant rumors to the contrary, the emperor does not have new clothes. In fact, the emperor does not have old clothes or any clothes at all. Currently, the emperor is most decidedly naked. (not a good look to be sure)

But in a room filled with oversized, overlooked, unmentionable elephants, the emperor’s secret is kept safe. The emperor’s nakedness is as unmentionable as are the elephants themselves that reside with him in his room. I guess they kind of keep each other’s secrets – this emperor and his elephants. Silence is the keeper of all secrets and elephants in rooms are not to be acknowledged nor discussed in any form or fashion. I think that’s why so many elephants take up residence in rooms where they can remain invisible. (ok, they are not actually invisible, but the rules of the room dictate that all who enter in agree to pretend they do not see said elephants, just as they further agree not to notice the emperor’s nakedness but instead to compliment profusely the emperor’s stunning new clothes) The elephants will continue to take refuge in the room of the emperor until someone has the courage to call them out (figuratively and literally) and they are forced to return to the jungle.

At present it seems “elephant caller outers” are in short supply. It is quite impossible to find one really. Perhaps this is the result of courage and critical thinking skills being in equally short supply? But whatever the reason, the elephants continue to multiply and to grow quite large as they are left to their own devices, unacknowledged, unchallenged and therefore undisturbed. Perhaps they are earning their keep by providing much needed cover for the emperor in his currently naked state.

The casual observer might notice that the floor in the emperor’s room seems to be sagging. However, if a question about the damaged floor is voiced, there are plenty of alternative explanations available to address this phenomenon – none of which include overweight elephants that our public discourse tells us do not exist. Therefore, the sagging floor couldn’t possibly be the fault of the emperor’s many elephants.

Still there are now cracks appearing in the foundation of the emperor’s house. Turns out the emperor is housing elephants in many rooms, not just the one. In fact, he has elephants stashed all over his residence and these elephants require a lot of upkeep. As they multiply in number and grow larger in size, the emperor’s house is beginning to buckle under the weight of all these “elephants in the room.” It would appear that a total collapse of the emperor’s house is unavoidable unless his house can be emptied out of all the elephants. Perhaps exposing said elephants publicly might persuade them to return to their jungle home. (the elephants might actually prefer dealing with jungle predators rather than dealing with being recognized as real in their previously “safe rooms” and having no where to run)

But if the elephants are exposed, then the emperor’s nakedness will be exposed for all to see as well. The emperor needs the elephants but he’s running out of rooms in which to house them. It is “unsustainable” as we so often hear about so many practices. Ironically, it is not a “house of cards” that is ready to come crashing down, but a “house full of elephants” instead. And the latter will be the longer, louder crash.

I would hope that the elephants could be dealt with and returned to their proper place before their presence destroys the house in which they have been hiding. The house was never meant to give the elephants shelter nor sanctuary. It was meant to house not so much an emperor as a leader, a shepherd, a keeper of the covenant between a people and the laws they created to ensure their freedom and the freedom of those that would come after them.

With the elephants gone, the emperor will be in need of some new clothes because he will be clearly visible once again. (I think that’s what they call transparency) Reputable tailors must be found who will provide the emperor with garments not so much currently fashionable as they are enduringly timeless chic – clothes that will cover over human frailty with protection and strength – garments of integrity, of character and of courage – garments of humility, of service and of righteousness. These are the new clothes the emperor will need when the elephants no longer provide him cover.

Yes, the emperor is currently naked, but it is my hope that he will indeed one day have new clothes for real, not the appearance of a fabulous new wardrobe, mind you, but actual new robes of justice, liberty, and truth to cover his former nakedness.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

“The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Your throne was established log ago; You are from all eternity.” (Psalm 93:1- 2)

” . . . clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds. . . . Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of Your kingdom.” (Psalm 45:3-6)

sincerely, Grace Day

Today I am remembering to be kind. I am remembering that everyone is fighting hard battles that I know nothing about. But as I write this, I am acutely aware of the hard battles that I do know about because they are being fought by people I know and love, right now in real time. I feel overwhelmed as I consider their circumstances, what they face on a daily basis and how daunting are the prognoses that they have received. How valiantly we fight to hang onto this life we have been given. How valiantly those whose stories I know are fighting for their lives. We go to extraordinary means to hang onto this life given to us by our Creator.

If someone were to observe the NIC-Us in our hospitals they would see firsthand the miracles taking place every day as little souls are being saved with extraordinary medical care and intervention until they are strong enough to breathe on their own and swallow on their own, etc. Our culture protects the lives of these preemies with all the medical technology we have at our disposal. We also actively pursue life through Invitro and other fertility procedures available to those who long to be parents. A NIC-U is a place where we witness the courageous actively engaged in the battle for life.

I have friends who have adopted “snowflakes” or frozen embryos and there are many who wait long and fight many legal battles in order to adopt children of any age. All is a part of the battle for life. Which is why I find it curious that the same society that has NIC-Us full of heroes and heroines fighting for the lives of so many also has “clinics” (don’t know what to call them?) where countless lives are so carelessly and unceremoniously ended. It is a paradox I cannot reconcile.

The local news constantly talks about my city’s murder rate. Every day there are more murders to report. Gangs, cartels, criminals – seem intent on taking lives rather than protecting them. The larger question seems to be – “what value human life?” There are those I know, who are currently in the fight of their lives – they are fighting literally for their very lives. Chances are, dear readers, you too, know someone battling for their life at this very moment. I see the battle for life raging on all around me day after day – chemo treatments, surgeries, addiction recovery and rehabilitation programs, those with high risk pregnancies courageously fighting to carry them to term – all around me people are courageously fighting the battle for life. As I feel the weight of these multiple battles, I remember what Jesus had to say –

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

We fight bravely for our physical lives here on this earth so that they might continue. But I have to wonder, do we fight as courageously for our spiritual lives which will continue long after our physical battle is over? 2 Corinthians 4:18 makes this clear saying –

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Does this mean we are fighting the wrong battles? Are we fighting for the temporary while ignoring the eternal? Am I hanging on so tightly to the temporal that eternity is eluding my grasp? C. S. Lewis explains it this way –

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

There is a huge difference between a finite little mud puddle and the infinite ocean, unceasingly ebbing and flowing with the rising and falling of its every tide. Still, a child who has never seen such a sight cannot believe that something as vast as the ocean actually exists. It’s the same with me. My finite mind cannot grasp eternity nor what heaven is like. It is impossible. 1 Corinthians 2:9 tells me –

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

I have to trust my Heavenly Father on this. He said He’s making preparations for me to join Him when my time here is done. I have His word on that. Jesus said –

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3)

That promise is hope. It is this hope that sustains through all the battles raging around me at present in my life and in the lives of those I love. My temporal, physical battle will be lost at some point in this life. But my spiritual battle has already been won for me by Jesus’s death on the cross and resurrection. In fact, Romans chapter eight says this about you and me, dear readers, regarding the battles we are fighting daily –

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us (you and me) from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)

Today the battle continues raging all around me, but you and I are “more than conquerors” through Jesus Christ. It may not look like I am winning my battle. I may not feel like I am conquering what comes against me, be it hardship or hunger or illness or persecution – but God promises nothing will separate me from His love and therefore from Him.

As I watch my friends fighting their battles day after day with courage and perseverance, I pray for them God’s presence in their circumstances, knowing that God’s presence brings His peace and His hope into every battle we must fight. We fight well until our last breath, agreeing with Paul that “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” I keep in mind these words –

“Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. . . . We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:1-8)

Still we fight the good fight, valuing the life God has given us here until we are released from this mud puddle into our eternal holiday at the sea, the infinite, glorious sea.

“I am confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:13-14)

sincerely, Grace Day

It was her tone of voice more than her words which caught my attention and kept me from changing the channel as I’d intended to do. She was professionally serious while simultaneously excited to reveal to us, the TV audience, this cutting edge news, the revelations and results of a recent study. What could it be? I wondered, during the commercial break. The newsperson had implied it was good news. A cure for cancer, perhaps? The pathway to world peace? Must be something new and revolutionary that will change my life and the lives of others for the better forever going forward.

The commercials seemed to last longer than usual as I waited, filled with hope, to receive the good news of this new study which would potentially positively impact my life. And then the newscaster was back, and the study results were revealed. The study’s findings? Friendship or friends benefit one’s health. Yes, that’s what this scientific, groundbreaking study was all about – friendship. Researchers found that having friends is good for your health! Results of the study suggested friends are just as important as eating right and exercising are to one’s overall good health.

Shocker, right? Never in my continual pursuit of good health and taking care of myself, (body, mind and spirit) would I have associated having good friends with positive health outcomes. Based on my own real life experiences and those of people I know, I would never have arrived at this conclusion on my own or even suspected that this could be the case. I definitely needed someone or ones to spend my hard earned tax dollars on a study to discover this revolutionary new truth for me. (ok, remember hyperbole and sarcasm are tools in the writer’s toolbox which beg to be used from time to time – I couldn’t resist)

I have to wonder how the design of this study was set up. Was there a control group? Was there a group of individuals with no friends? How was “friend” defined in this study? I mean we have acquaintances, “frenemies”, – then there’s the old adage “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Or is “friend” determined by length of time known? frequency of interaction? Do online “friends” that you have never met count? or only face to face friends? Is there an optimum number of friends one must have for best health results? Can one have too many friends, become overloaded, and experience negative health outcomes as a result? Inquiring minds want to know these things.

As a result of this study, will doctors now prescribe “Make two new friends and call me if symptoms (depression, loneliness, anxiety, high blood pressure etc.) persist? Making true friends is definitely more difficult and time consuming and requires more effort than taking some pills. Connecting with others can be a laborious process that requires the courage to let yourself be seen and known by another human being. (post – “islands & icebergs” – Nov. 21,2017) But are the results of this study really new, surprising, not previously known information? I think not. The Bible’s been around for a while and within its pages I have access to information that’s been available to us for millennium. In proverbs I read,

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17) Then I read,

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

Seems like the idea of friends being good for us, for our well-being and overall health, is not a newly discovered fact but something we instinctively know and actually experience for ourselves in our everyday lives. And if we doubt our own real life experiences, our belief in the benefits of friendships is confirmed in God’s living Word. We don’t need a human, government funded study to reveal to us a truth that we already know because it is self-evident. I read these confirming words –

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17 NLT)

Another translation says, “sharpens the countenance of his friend.” I wonder if that means “lifts the spirits of” because countenance refers to how we are feeling which is reflected in our faces or countenances? Friends are certainly one of God’s good gifts to us, one of His best gifts. And even better, God has reconciled us to Himself, making you and I His friends in the same way that He referred to Abraham as His friend. (talk about having friends in high places)

“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.” (James 2:23) In Isaiah God said,

“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham My friend,” (Isaiah 41:8)

Not only was Abraham God’s friend, but as followers of Jesus, we know what Jesus told His disciples –

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” (John 15:15-16)

I also have this assurance that God is my friend – Jesus said,

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:13-14)

Jesus laid down His life for you and for me and He calls us friends! Jesus left us with this instruction –

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

We were created for relationship with our Creator and for relationship with each other. Our Heavenly Father does not intend that we should live our lives isolated and alone. In fact, He tells me to –

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) and He tells me –

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

I need to be connected to other people in order to do these things that my Heavenly Father asks me to do. God’s word has been telling me all along how vital friends are to my wellbeing. I’m surprised scientists of today are just now beginning to figure that out. Or maybe they are not yet convinced and there will be further “friend studies” to verify if in fact friends are or are not beneficial to one’s health. Maybe they are holding off on making friends until the research is conclusive?

I, however, am thankful to God for each and every friend He sends into my life – each person is a treasured gift from God. Therefore, I will heed these words, rather than waiting on the next scientific study to be done.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

That’s what friends do – they encourage us, we encourage each other. A friend lets us know we are not alone – we are seen and we are heard. A friend shares our load, a friend laughs with us and cries with us. Friends truly are gifts from God. Lord, may I receive and treasure each one!

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

sincerely, Grace Day

Ever want to go on a quest? It sounds like something exciting, mysterious, noble, important – full of adventure and fraught with danger, perhaps. Or is quest just a fancy word for trip, journey, excursion, tour, hike or any other form of movement from one place to another? I think the word “quest” implies more than just ordinary travel, more than just an ordinary journey. To be on a quest is to be on a search for something and not just any ordinary old thing. A quest implies one is looking for something of great importance or value, something essential, something so essential in fact that any danger and risk associated with said quest is understood to be necessary because the object of the quest is not only desirable but vital to the quester’s very existence.

I have come to realize that there is one quest upon which I and everyone I know embarks, whether we intentionally sign up for it or not, we are born into this quest and spend our lives pursuing this particular quest common to all mankind. All generations before us have pursued this quest and all who come after will as well. As Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun.”

The objects of the human quest are these – identity, value and purpose/meaning. I watch this daily drama of the human quest play out day after day in my high school classrooms, in my interactions with others, on social media and in our cultural conversation at large. People are seeking answers to these questions (hence the term “quest”) Who am I? Am I worth anything? and Why am I here? (meaning and purpose) These are the questions that we continually ask ourselves. They are relentless questions, giving us no peace until we seek and find satisfactory answers.

Genesis chapter one provides the answer to these questions. I read –

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

So simple, yet so profound. You and I are created in the image of the eternal Creator God. We are His image bearers. Our identity, value and purpose are given to us by the One who created us. Consider what God says to us,

“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’ ” (Genesis 1:28)

That’s a pretty big mission statement! “Fill the earth and subdue it.” Nevertheless, God entrusted the care of His creation into our hands. Here’s another statement from God’s word that speaks to our identity, value and purpose all at once.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Other translations call you and me “God’s masterpieces” or “God’s handiwork” – making clear the value we have because masterpieces by definition are very valuable. This statement also makes clear the identity we have as “God’s handiwork”, we belong to Him, and the purpose we have? We are “created to do good works.”

As I listen to people’s stories, I realize we are all desperately searching for identity, value and purpose. Many of us find these things in our work or jobs. Our identity is what we do – whether butcher, baker or candlestick maker – or any of the myriad professions from which we can choose – our jobs define us, assign a value to us determined by the size of our paycheck, and give our lives a purpose and meaning. However, problems arise when we lose our jobs or switch jobs. Then we have to redefine ourselves, our value goes up or down depending on whether it was a promotion or a cut in pay, and our purpose shifts with the job description.

Another way we search for identity, value and purpose is through our relationships. This also provides only temporary satisfaction, as relationships are constantly changing. Once upon a time I was “Mrs. so and so” but now I am not. Did this unexpected change cause me to lose my identity, value and purpose in life? If my identity, value and purpose depended solely on that one relationship, then all would have been lost and my quest would need to start all over again to find those essential elements of life.

Many of us find our identity, value and purpose in our possessions, or in our circumstances, or in our achievements. Problem is – if we don’t have enough possessions or the “right” possessions, or if things don’t go our way (or even if things do go our way) – or if we never seem to achieve all that we feel will provide us with what we seek (or even if we do achieve our dream and find that it does not provide what we hoped it would) – we find ourselves always searching for our identity, our value and our purpose in this life – or more specifically searching for someone or something to give us the identity, value and purpose that we crave but cannot create nor bestow upon ourselves.

We are continually questing for that which was given to us freely at birth. But like Eve in the garden, we doubted God’s goodness, refused His good gifts, turned our backs on Him and walked away. We have been searching for our identity, value and purpose in life ever since. But apart from our Creator, we will not find the unchanging, unique identity, the infinite value and the eternal purpose that He gave to each one of us when we were created.

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

There’s my identity right there, I am a “wonderful work” of my Creator. We all are. But if I reject the unique identity my Heavenly Father has given me when He formed me in my mother’s womb, then I will spend my life searching for an identity to replace the one that was my birthright, the identity I so carelessly discarded, thinking I could create a better one for myself.

The world often tells me that I am worthless or at best of little value. Not being rich or famous, which are the culture’s determiners of personal value, I am led to believe that I don’t really matter and likewise that others’ lives aren’t all that valuable either. Followed to its logical conclusion, this makes murder, euthanasia and abortion perfectly acceptable because there is no great value attached to human life. As long as people believe this lie, we will not value ourselves or others. We will not treat each other as the masterpieces of God that each one of us is. But the truth is, dear readers, you and I are extremely valuable in God’s sight. So much so that He said this –

“Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for your life.” (Isaiah 43:4)

And indeed, that’s exactly what God did for you and for me and for all humankind. God gave a man in exchange for our very lives. But not just any man. Consider what we read in the book of John –

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

That Son is Jesus, who came and gave His life as a sacrifice for my sins and for the sins of each and every person. That’s what God thinks you and I are worth, dear readers, the life of His Son, Jesus, who was put to death on the cross to pay our sin debt. John says this about Jesus –

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9)

We are that valuable to our Heavenly Father. Created in His image, (with a unique identity) purchased with the blood of His only Son, (infinite value) and given dominion over the earth and a mission statement (eternal purpose) – we have been given “everything we need for life and godliness.” (2 Peter 1:3) Jesus’s words give our lives purpose, meaning and direction. He told His disciples –

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

I don’t have to spend my life questing after identity, value and purpose. I find all three in Jesus Christ and unlike other people, things, causes and circumstances which constantly change – Jesus doesn’t change.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

and because of that, my identity, my value and my purpose in life, all being found in Jesus, do not constantly change. I do not have to spend my life on a quest for these things, things which have been mine from birth, gifts of my gracious Heavenly Father. I don’t want to forget that the world does not assign me my identity, my value or my purpose – my Heavenly Father, Creator God does. When I accept the identity, value and purpose God has given me, my never ending quest is over and I know myself, my worth and my place, all found in Him.

“Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; (other translation “and not we ourselves”) we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:3-5)

sincerely, Grace Day