Laced With Grace

“Like a swallow, like a crane, so I twitter; I moan like a dove; my eyes look wistfully to the heights; O Lord, I am oppressed, be my security.”  Isaiah 38:14 (NAS)

 It was one of those picture-perfect spring days quite a number of years ago, when I was visiting a friend whose home was situated on a lake.  We had decided to sit outdoors so we could just soak up the beauty of the day.  My friend’s little boy was playing contentedly in his playpen, unaware that his mommy had gone into the house for a few minutes.

When he looked up from his play and realized that she was gone, his little eyes filled with fear.  Suddenly the peaceful surroundings became for him a frightening place.  His security was gone, and he lowered his head in despair and just sobbed.

 Quickly I went to him and bent down to lift him up.  He reached up, wrapped his arms tightly around my neck and buried his head in my shoulder.  Held tightly in my arms he began to feel secure, and his crying gradually subsided.

I thought about how often lately I have been in that frightening place, when all that I thought was my security had slipped away.  I have looked around in fear and felt that feeling of despair, of having no place to hide.

If I am wise, I will look up and see my Father’s arms extended in love toward me.  I have only to run into those arms and hide in Him to find peace, rest and security.  I may still be in the same place, but I am safe.  I hear Him gently say:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”   Isaiah 41:10 (NAS)

Father, how I thank You that Your arms are always extended toward us.  Help me to remember that no matter what the circumstances, You are my security.

My hope is that this devotional will encourage each one of us to do what God has called us to do with freedom from fear, abandonment, and with a new desire to be “SOWERS.” Throughout this devotional, when I refer to sowers and sowing, I am referring to sowers as anyone in Christ Jesus, and the seed as being God’s word.

Please read Matthew 13:3-8

We have all read and heard the above scriptures about the parable of the seed being sown. I know most teaching covers soil types (heart conditions). I found it very interesting that the first line is so simple, yet so profound. Let’s think about it for a moment, the sower went out to sow seed. I believe he went to the fields, planting God’s word without fear of an unfruitful harvest. Sometimes the purpose of sowing seed is lost in what ifs, fear of people, this won’t work, I am not called to do that, they won’t receive from me, etc., etc. We should embrace the freedom and joy in knowing we are “SOWERS’ for the Kingdom of God.

As we reflect, some of the seed that fell on good ground by the sower that went out was received; it produced a fruitful harvest. We also know that some did not. In today’s world of “SOWERS,” I think we may be judging soil types (i.e. well… they are Jewish, devil worshipers, non-believers, or whatever our reservation might be). There are some among us that do not want to sow the precious life giving seed of God’s word because they do not know if it will be received, believed, or retrieved. I say to you, sow seed, and trust God to the rest.

We are not called to be seed holders or soil analyst-just seed sowers. Scatter seed in the fields God has given you without fear of it being rejected or shriveled up; you will see a beautiful harvest. Only then can other farmers leave the field with the seed that they now have to sow in another field. God is in the business of changing hearts, or tilling soil in this analogy. He brings the Son in to cause the seed to grow. What if the sowers had not sown the seed? The divine purpose of the seed would not have reached those with ears to hear, eyes to see, and the hearts to understand that would go forth and repeat the life cycle of the sower sowing seed.

Who are we? We are sowers and the fields are full of people hungry for seeds to be sown. I challenge each one of us to sow seed, trusting God to the rest. Remember that it is God that makes good soil by changing hearts, and then He causes His seed to grow.

Dear God,
Forgive me for keeping your seed in the pack. I have judged and inspected the fields out of fear and held back your precious word. Help me to obey and joyfully sow seeds as you have given it me. I pray for wisdom and your anointing that I will not allow fear to hinder a harvest for you. You have given the seed to the sower and the promise that your word will not return to you without accomplishing what it will. Thank you Lord for giving me the seed sown in me so that I can share your life giving word.
In Jesus precious name, Amen

Robin D Cantwell, Guest Contributor:
I was widowed one year ago on May 27. I live in Canton, Georgia with my daughter who is almost 16 and my twelve-year-old son.

God called me 2-3 years ago to write a book on addictions which I am in the process of doing as we speak. My desire is to draw people closer to God through His word and by reflecting His goodness in my life. I am living by faith each day He gives me. Robin

Have you ever watched someone get arrested either in person or on TV? The scene plays out something like this: “Drop your weapon. Put your hands above your head,” officers yell as they point guns at the suspect, ducking behind their squad cars. If the criminal surrenders his weapon, the police move in. Sometimes the assailant cooperates. Other times he attacks. Either way, it’s intense. Eventually they handcuff the guy and frisk him for possible hidden weapons. You know the rest. They say, “You have a right to remain silent. . .” and then he is escorted to the police station for finger printing, ect.

I’ve been arrested again this week. I attacked someone with my hidden weapon and got caught. By God’s love. I’ve fought hard to hold on to my ammunition. Finally I grew weak enough to let go. “OK, I give up,” And with that, I felt instant relief. I didn’t really want to win anyway. I wanted to be caught and captured all over again. Have you been there?

My weapon this week? My words. I use them to protect my heart and wound others.

How did I lay my weapon down? Through much wrestling and finally surrendering in prayer.

“Heavenly Father, forgive me. I’ve learned this lesson about my mouth over and over. Like the Israelites, I wander around the same mountain again and again. Not learning or changing, instead grumbling. Something I carry must go: my treasured weapon—my words of war. Take them, Lord. They are not worth clinging to. They are heavy. I’m better off with nothing—no weapon. No bags. No extras. Just you and me.

As your soldier, if I need something to protect me, remind me to grab the greatest weapon—the sword of the Spirit. Holy Spirit, together we can go the distance, carrying only truth and love. Lord, you are my fortress, my strong tower, my present need in times of trouble. Help me to live in the overflow of your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen”