Laced With Grace

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1 (ESV)

Soft gulf inlet waters gently wash against the backside of our campsite on our first New Year’s weekend at Ft. Desoto Park in Pinellas County, Florida. Still in a natural state, brushes line the roads and bikeways. Cool gulf water breezes blow through the treetops. An old fort and other remains of history are delicately intact as a reminder of Florida’s past. There is a view of Florida’s architectural wonder, The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, at the south end of the beach.

The beaches are a beautiful reminder of how we see God’s glory in creation. The way the soft sand meets the shoreline. The way the tides roll in and roll out each day. The way the sun sets over the gulf waters each evening. The way the moon casts a subtle light on the night waters. The way the fish makes their homes near the Florida coastline. Even the way dolphins perform shows for beachcombers. Each a part of God’s creation.

Isn’t it amazing that God’s creation speaks so much to His glory? God’s truth of creation is evident throughout time simply in creation itself. There is not one without excuse to know God because everything, from a campground at a beach to the most majestic mountain, declares God’s glory. Romans 1:20 says,

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Experiencing firsthand the beauty of Creation has inspired a New Year’s resolution for me – to learn more about the character of God. His creation is only one aspect of His character. There is so much more to learn about him and it is all right there in the Word of God.

I am grateful to have spent the weekend soaking up every small part of God’s glory that I could. Today, I want to learn more about who He is.

Please visit me at my personal blog: Seeking Precepts.

Our family just returned from a super fun weekend camping with two other couples. We laughed, talked, and enjoyed long bike rides. We laughed hysterically at the golf cart and pet parades. We stayed up late sharing around a campfire and roasted marshmallows. Our kids played flashlight tag and cops and robbers and our families made lifetime memories.

A wave of sadness flooded me as we packed up camp and towed our campers back to reality. It wasn’t that long ago that I used to plead with God for friends. Sure, I had acquaintances but I was missing that close connection with girlfriends. This dry valley lasted for several years. An all-time low occurred when I was pregnant with my first baby and realized I didn’t have enough friends to have a baby shower.

In those times of feeling without friends, the Lord himself showered me with friendship. He taught me to rely on Him and trust in His ultimate and perfect friendship. Proverbs 18:24 reminds us that we have a friend who sticks closer than a brother and John 15:15 reminds us that Jesus calls us a friend. Second, the Lord did answer my many years of prayers by providing several close girlfriends. We often get together at each other’s houses and go out to dinner. Those friendships have blessed me in many ways. I know I can count on each one of them at all times, and they can count on me.

What about you? Do you have a favorite girlfriend? Or are you in a valley feeling lonely without friends in your life? When I am downtrodden and feeling alone I try and cling to the truth that Jesus is always my friend and will never fail. And because His word is truth, that same promise applies to you. If you’re lonely and praying for God to send friendships to you, believe that he will and in the waiting time, hang on to His word. He will not let you down!

Dear Lord, Thank you for the precious friends you have blessed me with. I cherish each and every one of them. Lord, I pray for those who are lonely today and ask that You come beside them and be their friend. Please place people in their lives who can encourage them and uplift them. In Jesus sweet and mighty name, Amen.

In Christ Alone,

Dana

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

The day had been much longer than expected at the RV dealership and a second night of camping was in order. The kids had behaved well cooped up inside the service waiting area. That evening we treated them to a swim in the dealership’s neighboring campground pool but were forced to cut it short by the darkening Florida skies.

On our way back to the camper, we passed a playground. The kids begged for just a few minutes of playtime. They wanted it badly and quite frankly, they deserved it. We had asked for far more than any 4, 6 and 9 year old should be expected to give. But my husband and I glanced at the now ominous sky and knew we had to tell them no. We continued walking back to our camper hoping to make it before the skies opened up.

Just as my husband snapped a couple of quick pictures of the awesome sky, the storm began. If we had allowed the kids even a few minutes on the playground, we would’ve been caught in the storm walking back. As hard as it was to say “no,” we knew it was the best decision.

I have experienced the same thing in my prayer life. Many times I have prayed for something I felt I deserved. I have prayed for things I wanted that I believed were for the best. Still, God said no. Sometimes I see the reasons. But for other prayers, the “no” remains a mystery.

Trusting God when he says “no” requires faith that He is sovereign. Charles Spurgeon once said, “We do not walk by sight and faith, but ‘we walk by faith not by sight.’ To let us occasionally see would, in fact, remove us out of the realm of faith, and bring us down from the high position of believers to the low platform of sight-seers.”
When God doesn’t let us see the reason to the “no” answer, He walks us on a faith journey, showing us that He knows best and has a plan for us.

Have you had a “no” answer recently in prayer? How did you respond? Will you walk by faith from the high position of believers?

In Christ Alone,
Dana