Tag: guidance

Life’s Surprises

Donna Hutcherson

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10 NIV

I LOVE lilacs! From the time I was a child in upstate New York, they have been a favorite flower…and a favorite scent. However, living in Florida since the age of ten, opportunities to enjoy them have been rare. One of my favorite surprises in the year after Dale passed was “happening upon” flowering lilac bushes in two completely different places, both far from home – Helsinki, Finland, and the mountains of Colorado. I was momentarily speechless, awestruck in both situations and felt SO lovingly cared for by my Heavenly Father who knows me completely to the depths of my being. Blessed!

Conversely, I’ve also experienced traumatic surprises that rocked my world, the most life-altering being Dale’s sudden massive stroke. Other unforeseen occasions involved me in the devastating situations of loved ones. Did God lovingly care for me then? Was I blessed? Hard questions…and I have to admit that in the moment my immediate reactions didn’t include feelings of being blessed and loved. Critical needs required quick action and set in motion urgent care and immediate decisions. The instant and automatic prayer I cried out was “Jesus!” and “Help!” Thankfully always near, He heard and He helped.

Eventually in the aftermath of crises, realization of those answered prayers surfaced in my mind. Jesus was right there in the midst with me; MY SITUATION WAS NO SURPRISE TO HIM. Help came in time for each next step. When I did find moments to reflect, to quiet myself and to draw near to God alone, the answers to those awful questions were YES.

Yes, God was lovingly caring for me then.

And, yes, I was blessed. I was still in the palm of His hand, His presence was nearer than my breath, and His Holy Spirit was guiding, leading and comforting me through every thought and decision.

The Word tells us in John 10: 1-5 that His sheep hear His voice and don’t listen to the voice of a stranger. I am grateful to have practiced listening to God’s voice for many years, decades in fact. Countless distracting voices clamor for our attention at every turn and we must practice recognizing the familiar voice of God in that same way we learn to recognize the voice of a loved one over the phone. I always need to hear His voice, but never more than when I am shaken to the core of my being with my face pressed against a wall of the unknown. Never more than in life’s surprises am I grateful for my Saviour, my Deliverer, the Lover of my Soul – Jesus, Yeshua, Messiah, Lord of all.

Father, without You we can do nothing, not even breathe. Thank you for upholding us in times of great trial. You comfort, lead, guide, refresh in the midst of traumatic surprises and bless us through your pleasant surprises, showing the depth of your love for us. I praise You for Your plans and for Your keeping power. (John 15:5 NKJV)

SONG LINK:
Ryan Stevenson “The Eye of the Storm”
https://youtu.be/-sx8wTnnfSc

“Nagatives”

Donna Hutcherson

“ I lift my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth” -PSALM 121:1-2 NIV

In the midst of “normal“ living, thoughts we don’t want to have will intrude upon our minds, often at the most opportune times. Melancholy, fear, disappointment, anger, loneliness, sorrow – negative thoughts – which, left unchecked, would bring us down, mentally and emotionally at first, and physically if we allow them to rule. Often coming in a barrage, these “nagatives” tend to worm their way into our consciousness, trying to grab us by their repetition.

Once you recognize this attack on your mind, it is wise to start your own counterattack with truth – simple and forthright statements that you can repeat at will. “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 42:6) gives us direction to quiet ourselves and recognize Who really is in control. Your situation- or that of world events- is NO SURPRISE to God. And He will give you direction if you will only quiet yourself enough to listen. That takes PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. How do you conquer the “mountain” in front of you? One step at a time. Practice listening for the details of that next step. I can’t help thinking that if I were blind, or in the darkness of night in a strange place, that I would listen VERY carefully to the one guiding me through that darkness. We need to practice listening for God’s direction, no matter how or through whom He sends it.

During my study of the brain after Dale’s stroke, I recalled a short and simple video by Dr. Phil Parker that we both had seen on NEUROPLASTICITY, the ability for the brain to change itself. This truth was key in helping Dale to develop new neural pathways, yet we had first learned of it in regard to changing our personal habits. I’ve included a link to this 90-second video below and suggest you watch it. You will be encouraged that you can change your thinking habits and overcome the “nagatives” that you face.

https://youtu.be/tJ93qXXYRpU

Steps to changing your thinking habits:

  • Recognize nagatives.
  • Quiet yourself.
  • Speak aloud simple truths.
  • Listen for the next step.
  • Take that next step.
  • Practice, practice, practice

Get help if needed. You are not alone. Oftentimes we need the support and encouragement of others just to take that next step. Know who’s on your team and ask for help.

Thank you, Father for Your plans for us and for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 29:11, John 14:26 ESV)

Casting Crowns “Voice of Truth”
https://youtu.be/enxca57LiVU