Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 7, 2026

Because of Me

“You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Romans 2:23-24

Whether we’re reading the words of Jesus in the gospels or any of the New Testament writers, there’s a consistent theme when it comes to the Pharisees (Jewish religious leadership): They’re all about looking the part of “God people”—saying the right things, keeping the Law outwardly, and making sure they are seen and heard as the original “holier than thou” set…but, in reality, their hearts are cold, idolatrous, and judgmental. As Jesus interacted with these Jewish leaders, He not only knew their hearts and saw right through them, He often called them out in front of everyone (check out Matthew 23:1-36 and Luke 18:9-14 for a couple of examples).

In Romans (and his other letters), it’s the wordsmithing attorney and former Pharisee, Paul, who points his finger at these blind guides that their works-based living is missing the whole point of the Law: we’re not justified (made right in God’s eyes) through keeping the Law, it’s a mirror to show us how we only fall short and a map to guide our lives. It’s only by faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the Law on our behalf, that puts us in right relationship with God. So, praise God for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, paying for the wrath we deserve and imputing His righteousness to us! None of us can actually “keep the Law”—“There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:9-11)—and that includes the highly religious among us modern-day Christians. Only by God’s grace through faith are we saved. We were dead, now we’re alive. And every single day, we sin, repent, remind ourselves that we’ve been paid in full, and give God praise and glory. (At least, I pray it is so!)

Given these facts, why is it so easy to look down our noses and judge the behaviors/lifestyles of unbelievers when we were once dead ourselves? Even worse, why do we weigh the words and actions of other believers against some personal pharisaical “sanctification checklist” in our head, seeing them fall short of what we would do? Oh, beloved, that we would all remind ourselves (a) where we came from (blind, lost, dead) and (b) that every believer’s sanctification journey (walk toward holiness and glory) is on a different path and pace. We’re called to evangelize the lost and encourage/edify the believer. Not judge. Oh, but there’s more ouchy news.

It’s not just our own judgmentalism toward others that reflects poorly on our profession of faith as believers. See Paul’s illumination to us in Romans 2:23-24: Even as “church people” and professing followers of Jesus Christ, we can actually speak and act in a way that dishonors God such that others are not only NOT DRAWN to Jesus but respond by TURNING AWAY from Him. Because of us. Because of me.

We are called to be salt and light in this decaying and dark world, drawing others to the Lord. So, even in our unique sanctification journeys, we can’t excuse—or pursue—sinful behavior under the umbrella of God’s grace (see Romans 6!) We’re free from the bondage of sin…yet we’ll be in a battle with our old, fleshly self until we leave this life for the next. But, sweet friend, as we work out our salvation to live holy lives in response to what Christ has done for us, we must also be motivated by how we reflect Jesus to others. To constantly think, “What will they think of Christ because of me?” We raise our voice in righteous indignation to the customer service rep. We use our vehicle to demonstrate frustration with others. We let our impatience bubble up through our vocal cords into sarcasm or vitriol. (Or is this just me?) How often, after these kinds of responses, do we consider: What would they say if, right now, I shared the gospel or even invited them to church? They’d likely shake their head, scoff, and walk away…from us and maybe even the Lord.

Hear me out: This is NOT a motivation like with the Pharisees who ask themselves, “What will they think of me?” No! Our “me” is taken completely out of the equation! As ambassadors of the King and His kingdom, our whole lives—thoughts, words, actions—are meant to represent and glorify Him (Matthew 5:16). As believers, our joy, prayers, and praise aren’t just for Sundays and time with our church friends when “holy living” is easier…our holiness, through the grace of Jesus, is for every moment of every day. When we’re squeezed, when our expectations aren’t met, when the world’s darkness presses in. So, beloved, join me in praying diligently that others see Jesus and want to know God because of us.

“Heavenly Father, I repent for giving in to my flesh and responding to circumstances contrary to who I am in Christ. Help me live every day as light and salt, drawing others to you—not making them stumble or, worse, turn further from You. Make my life an instrument of Your grace, mercy, and love…that others know You because of me.”

 

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 6, 2026

On The Edge of Joy & Fear

“So, the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy and ran to tell His disciples.”  Matthew 28:8 (NIV)

Fear blended with an edge of joy or was it joy blended with an edge of fear?  We’ve all been there when we walked the tightrope of exhilarating faith only to greet piercing doubt.  Our heart flutters at the concept that all we dreamed, hoped for and believed was true.  And then a silver of doubt courses in bursting our bubble with a sharp needle of fear.  It’s a balancing act that requires careful precision or we cave in to fears and doubts missing the joy and faith.

Quite a challenge for the disciples and those who were eyewitnesses to the miracles of Jesus.  Walking alongside Him on dusty roads.  Sitting on the mountain side as Jesus taught.  Breaking bread around the table.  Catching fish in the deep.  Walking on water.  Receiving His healing.  An entry into Jerusalem with loud Hosannas!    Bruised and wounded. Nails piercing His hands.  “It is finished” resounded.  Darkness filled the sky. And then He who they knew, followed and loved was gone. The sting of death surrounded them.

Three days later, early in the dawn light, two women toggle on the edge of joy and fear as they seek their crucified Lord.  Heavy grieving hearts meet the revelation of an empty tomb. Can you see the shimmer of hope in their eyes as they peeked inside?  Can you sense the tremble in their footsteps as they hurried away?  Fearful from what they had seen, yet filled with joy – He is alive!  And within moments they find themselves worshipping at His feet.  Not fully understanding, yet totally overwhelmed – Jesus is alive!

I’ve been there – how about you?  When we exchange the dead places in our lives for a resurrected new birth, we find ourselves on the edge of joy and fear.  Excited and clinging to hope yet fearful of the events unfolding before our eyes.  We’ve never felt so close to God and yet so unsure of ourselves.  We dangle on the tightrope of faith and doubt.  Yet when we cling to His name, His character and His promises, we find ourselves completely balanced.  And within moments we’re worshipping at His feet – all fear erased.

“Father, the empty tomb unveils the glory of Your resurrected body living, breathing in the heart of Your children.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 3, 2026

Very Good

“Now the whole earth had one language and the same words.” Genesis 11:1a

It was the most beautiful sound. One minute we were praising Jesus in English and the next, we were praising Him in Spanish. Even though the words were foreign to my lips it didn’t negate the power of our voices blending together – the sweetest praise ever. There are no barriers when hearts are united as one.

Wonder what it will be like in Heaven? Differences won’t matter. Color of our skin won’t be an issue. Wealth or lack thereof won’t get in the way. Remnants of sin will be erased. Strife, opinions and preferences gone. We no longer will be outdoing, out-performing or out speaking over others. Humbly we will bow and worship with one voice praising our God!

Until that day, we remain. Yes, we remain in a fallen world where differences scream loud and barriers rob us of connection. We miss the beauty and sweetness of oneness for the sake of being proud, arrogant and superior. Definitely not God’s design for the “very good” He created.

Flip through the pages of Genesis and you will find oneness gone bad. Impressed with themselves, the people allowed their “no barriers” to foster pride. Their agenda was pronounced – let’s make a name for ourselves. Their plan was to build a city and high tower with its top reaching into the heavens. Their goal – if we do this together, we will not be scattered over the face of the earth. But God was fully aware of their agenda. Their oneness had become the beginning of their undoing and scattering so God confused their tongues.

Decades have passed since that pivotal moment when we no longer spoke the same language. And somewhere in the midst of all that, we harbored preferences and divisions. God’s purpose was to render us humble; the enemy’s agenda was to use it to keep us prideful. Why? Because as long as we are divided, we are weak. When we prefer us over them, we are missing out. When we choose to pursue our rights, we overlook their rights. Bottom line, we miss the beauty and power of the “very good” God intended.

United as one isn’t just a voice but a living that happens day in and day out. It’s the building of a bridge that ties us all together – God’s creation in perfect harmony. Wonder what our world would be like if we truly believed that “very good” was intended for us all?

“Sweet Jesus help us to embrace our world with love and grace the way You intended.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Hope, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 2, 2026

From Emptiness to Abundance

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

We’ve all been there; each in her own way. Discouraged, at rope’s end: no hope; desperate; alone. Our efforts were supposed to result in fruit. Our faith was sure to bring forth a happy ending. But the end appears to be here and it’s not happy. Oh yes, even those of the Bible had days like this.

The widow in 2 Kings was no ordinary woman. In a land overtaken with evil, her husband had set himself apart as one of the companies of the prophets, a loyal follower of God. She likely was accustomed to hearing of God’s heart towards His people. Knowing full well God’s compassion for His people and the efforts taken to free His children from Egyptian slavery. But now, her husband was deceased, the creditors were coming to take her sons into a slavery of their own.

The answer? Empty jars. Her own and her neighbors; were all that could be found. Inviting others to participate in God’s workings. In obedience, the emptiness was gathered.

And shemen flowed. Shemen, the Hebrew word for oil, is used 192 times in the Old Testament. Oil was a sign of the Lord’s blessing. Sanctification practices and consecration of priests included the anointing of oil. Oil was symbolic of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Empty. Pour. Set aside. Empty. Pour. Set aside. Bring the emptiness. Watch the pouring of oil. And continue. Each and every jar was filled. From emptiness to abundance. The widow had enough funds to pay her debts and future expenses. There would be no slavery for this family.

Rather than effort and expectations, may it be our emptiness that we bring to the Lord. In obedience, may we follow His commands and statutes. Allow ourselves to be filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit: pure, stable and holy. And each good fruit will become ours. Faith to see the inexplicable will become a way of life. And, freedom will prevent our captivity.

“Father, you are a Good and Holy God who wants only the best for me. The answers lie not in my understanding but in You. Holy Spirit fill me that I would have no lack.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | April 1, 2026

When God Turned His Back

“My God, My God, why have You abandoned me? Why are You so far away when I groan for help?”  Psalm 22:1

Do these words sound familiar? Maybe you have uttered them-or some version of them- deep in the night when your soul cries out in anguish. Maybe you have not voiced this pain, but the deepest places of your heart have begged for answers to this question.

You are not alone.

These words were given a voice and a place in history through the writings of King David. From the man who conquered Goliath and saved his nation,  the man who was anointed to be king, and the man who brought God to His home in Jerusalem-by way of the Ark of the Covenant-these questions were asked.

David felt the sting of abandonment and the isolation that only grief and pain can bring.

Jesus quoted these exact words as He hung on the cross, “And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:34).

Jesus not only sees our suffering, He wants us to know He has experienced it. He had been One with God the Father and the Holy Spirit and He had never known what it was to be apart from them. As Jesus hung on the cross, after being beaten, tortured, and humiliated, He took on all of the sin for each one of us. As Jesus hung there and paid the ultimate price for us, God, His Father, turned His back on Him-for the first time ever.

Can we just sit in this for a moment? Jesus Christ, God Himself, was rejected and abandoned. He experienced anguish, grief, and being alone for the first time ever, for us. He allowed this so that He could pay the ultimate price for our sin. This precious gift offers us salvation. He also did that so that we would KNOW He truly understands when we are in the deepest oceans of emotional pain.

The God of the Universe was willing to sever His relationship with His Son so that He could comfort us, walk with us, embrace us, and we would believe He truly understands.

Of all of the words Jesus could have called out, out of all of the Psalms Jesus could have quoted, He used His death to comfort us. Yes, salvation was the reason for His death, but Jesus used this opportunity to show His despair in being abandoned. What a precious gift. At the most difficult and painful time in His life, Jesus was thinking of each one of us! He was letting us know  we can run to Him on our darkest days. He does not just placate us or offer empty words, He has been there.

God turned His back on Jesus and Jesus felt the weight of the separation. Jesus was willing to do this because of His great love for us.

If you doubt seeing yourself as cherished, loved, and seen, let this be your reminder. Jesus sacrificed it all-His body, His life, His relationship, and His emotional stability-to offer each of us salvation and to stand in the gap so we can see we are not alone through any circumstance in this life.

This is what love looks like. This is what Easter is. It is the gift of salvation and the promise of never having to be separated from Him.

“Father, help us believe the Truth that was sacrificed for us.”

Happy Easter!

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson   (www.TerrieTollerson.com)
TRBC Women’s Ministry

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Love, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 31, 2026

In Pure Pursuit

“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” This question has been asked of small children through the generations. Until about 25 years ago or so, the typical boy responses would be “fireman” or “policeman” or maybe “Superman”…girls might have said, “nurse” or “vet” or “mom”. (Aging myself, I know.) Now, in our much more digital and complex world, we’d probably hear, “I’m going to be a millionaire playing video games” or “I’m going to be an influencer.”

Regardless of their answer to the question at age 6 or 10 or sometimes 20, most kids are unsure about what their future looks like, so there’s no clear path of pursuit—you can’t map your journey unless you know your destination. In addition to the goal changing through the years, the uncertainty and FOMO of career options leave many kids paralyzed (and living in their parents’ basement).

My eldest son, however, was different. From about age 5, he knew exactly what he wanted to do: fly airplanes. It was so cute, and we cultivated his joy in all-things-airplane/airport. As the years went on, he became obsessed with aviation, from airport codes and aircraft types to looking up to identify every plane flying over. And as he entered high school, when most kids are vying for popularity (or even just to fit in), seeking parties or the easiest classes, my son had tunnel vision. Every single decision he made, academically, socially, and financially, filtered through one question: “Will this get me closer to my goal of being a pilot?” I’ll skip sharing all the miracles and awe of his amazing journey, but suffice it to say that his tenacity continued through college and flight instructing to earning his “wings” as a first officer at a regional airline at 23…now he flies with Southwest Airlines. And I’m in awe of him every day.

Beloved, as followers of Jesus Christ, we must embrace our faith with this same pure and passionate pursuit. As we love the Lord our God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27), His glory must be the path under our feet and the current in which we swim. Like my son’s single-mindedness to “slip the surly bonds of Earth”, we must be unswerving, undivided in seeking the Lord. As we set our hope on the grace given to us through Jesus, we avoid sin, we put away the lusts we formerly indulged in, and we behave with holiness (1 Peter 1: 13-16). Often, we must even say “no” to very good, godly things for what is “best.”

Thankfully, as we live in this world as citizens of heaven, we don’t have to wonder or guess how to live holy lives as we journey home. We have a clear map given to us in the Bible! Just dive into Paul’s letters to various churches (Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians for instance) or the no-holds-barred letter written by Jesus’ half-brother James—plenty of “put on/take off” instructions, as well as how to think, talk, and act. The path is clearly set for us…but it is narrow and distinctly contrary to the path being traveled by the culture around us. But we also have the Holy Spirit living within us! In accordance with God’s Word, He provides wisdom, counsel, conviction, and discernment for our path.

So, as my son asked, “Will this get me closer to being a pilot?”—we must keep similar questions always at the forefront of our thoughts, words, and actions: Will this glorify God? Is it holy? Does it make me look more like Jesus? Oh, friend, may we be single-mindedly focused on pleasing God and being satisfied fully in Him. And may we live in pure pursuit of the One who pursued us.

“Lord, I do love You with everything I am. Help me daily to pursue eternity over immediacy, purely pursuing Your will and Your glory.”

 For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 30, 2026

Unmoveable Ground

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV)

Curled toes firmly planted fully anticipating the waves washing up on shore.  The delightful joy when water kisses skin and sand crashing against the beach.  Sounds incredible doesn’t it – to simply stand and experience the power of the ocean.  The ultimate delight of this beach girl.

Right in the midst of exhilaration, I realized how quickly and easily those painted toes sank deeper and deeper.  I was sinking, sinking and sinking – or at least that would be my fate if I remained in the same place on shifting sand.

We often find ourselves there too don’t we – and there’s no beach insight.  The draw of anticipation and perceived joy rope us in.  The power of temptation luring us to experience the exhilaration in the moment.  Problem is we’re caught up in the sheer pleasure and don’t even perceive the sinking, sinking and sinking of our soul.

But then the storm moves in….the storm of consequences.  The rains of regret drenching us.  The winds of disappointment and condemnation slaying us.  And the question lurking deep within us –  why didn’t we heed the warnings, why didn’t we seek shelter under His wings?  Why did we place our hope and trust foolishly in sinking sand..things which never serve us well?

Our tendencies, however, don’t minimize God’s power and wisdom.  When we choose to lean on Him rather than cave towards the draw, we find amazing strength to withstand.  We find a power deep within us we had quenched all too often.  We glean from His instructions, insight and wisdom.  We surround ourselves with others who are standing firm.  And when the temptations come, we are standing on solid, unmoveable ground.

Sweet friends the choice is up to us….God will never force obedience.  And in the throes of temptation, He will always provide a means of escape – a way out – a path towards obedience.  A solid footing where we can stand unwavering even in the face of our enemy’s schemes.  No sinking for those who purposefully choose to be doers of His word not just hearers.  A full proof plan to simply stand and experience the power of God in our lives.  The ultimate delight of this Jesus follower.

“Father, the key to not sinking is to always keep our eyes fixed on You.  Trusting and holding on to the One who has already declared us victorious despite the battle.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 27, 2026

Living Well Grace

cb devo oct 21

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 (NIV)

I remember praying for dying grace when my sweet Dad was taking his final breaths. We stroked his tired, dry hands. We encircled him – our family of few. And in the end, it was us who needed living well grace to carry on without him.

Death evokes remembrance, and life – well it evokes perpetual time. Put offs for tomorrow. Let it slide to the bottom of the list grace that forever surfaces when I’ve missed the mark. Some days it’s grace that pushes my feet across the floor and out the door to face the world. Every day it’s grace that kisses my cheek when I first awake. And the amazing, incredible truth is His grace will never run out. God’s grace – my undeserved favor – covers all of my breaths from birth into eternity.

Where do you need grace today? Or perhaps it was yesterday that absorbed forgiving grace – a past of mistakes and regrets – we’ve all ventured that path. Or perhaps tomorrow we’ll need extending grace to reach outside of ourselves and offer a do-over to one we know doesn’t deserve it (just like us). The one thing about grace is it can’t truly be defined with simple words or phrases. Grace is too large to fill our everyday words – there are no limits, no boundaries, and no shortage of God’s grace. So, lay your head down to sleep tonight and know that His amazing grace covers all of you.

“Father, how sweet to sing of Your grace, to dance in Your grace and be drenched in Your grace – it’s what we were created to do.”
For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 26, 2026

Eating In A Real Restaurant – The Art of Gratitude

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

After work one Friday, I picked up my oldest grandson for the weekend. We had plans to visit my brother out of town, just the two of us.

He climbed into the car with his bag, and I said, “Preston, we’ll grab some supper before we leave town. What would you like to eat?”

At age eleven, I expected the usual answer—fast food burgers and fries. But he paused, thinking it over. Then he surprised me. “I’d like to go to a real restaurant,” he said, “where we can sit at a table and have somebody serve us.”

I smiled. That wasn’t what I expected at all. I quickly ran through a few options—somewhere kid-friendly, with waiters, but not too expensive—and suggested a place like Denny’s or Shoney’s. He liked that idea.

We found a restaurant, went in, and were shown to a table. The waiter brought menus. He was warm and friendly, joking with us, and he seemed to take a special liking to Preston.

When we were ready to order, I chose the meatloaf plate. Preston ordered…oatmeal.

Oatmeal? For dinner?

I have to admit, I felt a little disappointed for him. Out of everything on the menu—burgers, chicken, spaghetti—that was what he chose? I almost tried to steer him toward something else, but I held back. Sometimes it’s best to let people make their own choices.

A few minutes later, the waiter returned with our food. He set my plate down, then placed a bowl of oatmeal in front of Preston. But he didn’t stop there. One by one, he arranged small glass bowls around it—brown sugar, nuts, sliced strawberries, a sprinkle of cinnamon—and a little pitcher of milk.

Preston’s face lit up. He was over-the-top delighted.

Carefully, he mixed in each topping, chatting about what a fine job the waiter had done and how wonderful everything looked. His joy was contagious.

I glanced down at my meatloaf and mashed potatoes and, I’ll admit, wished I had ordered oatmeal.

We bowed our heads to give thanks, and I found myself especially grateful—not just for the food, but for Preston’s thankful heart.

When the waiter brought the check, Preston made a point to compliment him on his service. They joked together for a moment.

When he left with our empty plates, Preston asked me if he could help figure the tip. I don’t remember the exact amount, but I do remember this—it was generous.

That simple meal turned into something special. Yes, the extra touches made a difference. But what stayed with me was something deeper: the quiet beauty of appreciation.

A grateful heart has a way of transforming even the most ordinary moments into gifts.

“Dear Father, thank you for revealing Yourself through the heart of a child. Help us to remember, in good times and bad, that consciously appreciating the things around us – counting our blessings – is pleasing to You and makes life more enjoyable.”

 For His Gory

 

Cherie Harbridge Williams (www.cherieharbridgewilliams.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Gratitude

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | March 25, 2026

When Life Is Not Fair

“Why doesn’t the Almighty bring the wicked to judgment? Why must the godly wait for him in vain?”  Job 24:1

One of the most difficult theological truths to digest is that our world is not fair. If you believe there is a great Designer and Creator of the Universe, then you know what I am really saying is that God is not fair. Have you wrestled with that question?

How do we wrestle and adjust to this truth without being angry with God all the time?

As with most serious theological struggles, you have to begin with your baseline. As Henry Blackaby calls it, “the plumbline.”

Think about it-what do you really believe about who God is?

Do you believe He is the Creator of the Universe?

Do you believe He designed and has a plan for every single person?

Do you believe that He is all knowing and can be trusted?

We have to be honest about each of these answers as we walk through this life and the joy and the pain that it brings. Just because we say a robust YES to all of the above does not mean we are on the cruise ship of life. I would argue the opposite. Paul believed all 3 and his life was full of pain and struggles. Job believed all 3 and his life was shattered and his body was intensely affected.

Our beliefs about God do not determine our earthly circumstances. What we believe about God is displayed as earthly circumstances unfold. We see that in the life of Job. He is begging God for answers while his heart is bleeding. He clings to the belief that God has a plan, and He can be trusted while questioning Him.

Trusting God and accepting the ‘unfairnesses of life is not a 1-2-3 formula. It is clinging to Him when you can’t breathe. It is choosing to trust Him when your heart is shattered. It is questioning Him but accepting when the answers do not come. It is being honest with Him when you don’t like Him. It is lying in bed and knowing He still loves you when every fiber in your being feels like He does not.

C.S. Lewis says it this way, “What do people mean when they say, ‘I am not afraid of God because I know He is good’? Have they never even been to a dentist?”

We can trust the heart of God and earnestly trust Him as the author of our faith, but fear and trepidation can coexist with that as we walk through fires. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego were willing to go to the fire, but that does not mean they wanted to.

Remember when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane and He begged God to provide salvation to us any other way than through his beatings, torture, and death. He was in the most extreme spiritual and emotional war of His life. Jesus knew what was coming when He left Heaven and began His life here on Earth as a helpless baby. For 33 years, He knew what was coming and why, and yet, we still see the heart wrenching agony to move forward from the garden to the cross.

Jesus is not condemned for His questions, His emotional reaction, or His desire to handle this any other way. Nor will we be.

Trust that God is big enough to handle our questions, our emotional reactions, and our desires for life to go any other way. Trust Him, talk with Him, but don’t walk away from Him.

“Father, help us cling to You no matter where our emotions and pain take us. Help us hold tight to the hem of your robe when that is all we have to hold on to.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson (TerrieTollerson.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

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