but what is unseen...Well, if you have been following the continuing saga of Ashley's gymnastics season you know that she is only weeks away from the final meet of this season... Regionals. And you know how hard she has worked this year to even be qualified to compete in Regionals.
And I'm sure you can discern that seeing her arm in a sling is probably not the best of situations right now. She fell doing a bar routine during Tuesday night's practice and hurt her shoulder.
So, we spent the day yesterday going from doctor to doctor to X-Ray to orthopedic specialist to more X-Rays.
The good news is that it is not broken. The bad news is that it is severely strained. And once again we are facing the possibilities of some tough realities in her little world.
So, I took Ashley outside and showed her this branch. It looks dead and without possibility. But I know there is unseen activity within this branch. Though we can't see the possibilities on the outside, doesn't mean they don't exist.
For right beside the dead looking branch is another branch that also looked dead just days ago... but look at it now. Look at the slightest hint is gives to the world. It is alive! Things are being worked out behind the scenes...
Before too long, the once dead looking branch will burst forth with a most glorious statement of life!
No matter what we face in life, we should never focus on just the circumstances we can see. For there is always more to the story than meets the eye. Jesus is behind the scenes of every circumstance.
He is whispering, "This circumstance you are facing is temporary. But what I am doing in you behind the scene of this trial will produce good for eternity... if only you'll choose to see me. See my hand of promise and protection even in this... and you will find peace."
I once heard that if you examine a dogwood closely you will see a reminder of the cross. It is shaped like a cross and even looks like it has nail piercings on the edges of its delicate petals.
Whatever trial you are facing right now, I pray the hope and promise of all God reveals during Springtime with fill your heart with a glorious sense of possibility as well.
57 Comments:
What a beautiful teaching moment. Only in God's power can we overcome these obstacles we face. As I was reminded in one of my studies this week...the God who is magnificant enough to create this world, the human body, & raise Christ from the dead-He is powerful enough to get us through those tough time, to help us over come the sprains and strains we face. Praying for your daughter!!
In His Graces~Pamela
Thank you so much for this reminder on this day! I am the Mom of a cutter, she is working through the issues but it hurts so much to know that she hurts so much... There are moments when all I can do is cry and others when I am praising with all I've got - very emotional time for me.
Today is a good day and I will praise Him for it!
We will continue to lift Ashley up in prayer. Ruby Falls is right there in Chattanooga - beautiful place to be reminded of the awesome God we serve!
Pamela in TX
“we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
Ashley is building some great character and hope right now. And what a blessing to have a mom to show her the right path.
What a beautiful smile she has in the midst of all this. I think she has her mom's outlook on life! :-) She is just precious & we will be praying for her though all this - whatever the Lord has planned!!
Kim W :-)
Thanks Lysa! I'll be praying for Ashley.
Wow - Lysa what a perfect reminder for today. Things that seem dead are really just opportunities for new growth. I'm thinking today about vision - not allowing it to be short-sighted. When we focus on the disappointment of today, we don't realize the potential growth for the future.
Ashley, don't lose hope!
Look at that girl's smile! What a testimony to the work that God is already doing in her sweet life.
Thanks for your great example of illustrating God's truths to her. Looking forward to seeing how the story continues to unfold as she blossoms into God's beautiful flower!
Lysa,
What an absolutely beautiful analogy you have given to Ashley through the lesson of the trees in your yard. I'm sure she will remember it every time she looks at the trees. She is blessed to have a mother like you who takes her que from the Lord and gives her daughter Godly wisdom!
May God bless you both today!
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30: 5
Marilyn in MS
I love that she's smiling! I wanted to pass this link along. Last year, Nancy Leigh DeMoss did a Bible study on 2 Timothy. She focused on 10 main points to remember when you're going through a hard time. I thought you might like to share some of them with Ashley.
http://www.reviveourhearts.com/pdf/uploads/HowtoEndureSuffering.pdf
"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19
Thank you for these words today.
Amy
Thank you for your encouragement. The suffering in this stage of my life is in my marriage. It seems a never ending torment. I know I can trust in God to work in all situations for His glory and my good. I pray for strength, perseverance and that I will be a Godly example to my 7 yr old daughter.
Thank you for your ministry.
E
Thanks Lysa for the daily devotional on trusting God. that was the same scripture the holy spirit spoke to me this morning...that to lean not unto my own understanding but to acknowledge Him in all thy ways and he shall direct my path. That's what God has been teaching me is that I must trust him. To know that he's working behind the scene. This has been a season of testing, stretching, and most of all walking by faith and not by sight. I'm currentle experiencing finacial hardship...which has been something for me...b/c, i don't like being behind on my bills b/c i've been the type to always pay on time and couldn't rest until everything was paid. due to poor choices i made, has gotten me this situation. But God, has truly shown his hand by showing/teaching me to make wiser choices and to trust him even in this area of finances. I know this is building my character and also teaching me how to face adversity/challenges head on and not to run from them. Thanks Lysa again for the "on-time" devotional...i know that to be Jesus. Continue to allow him to use you to deliver his word. I do ready Rachel Olsen's website and love it...and in reading the daily devotional for today...i was truly encourage by it and it was God confirming what he had spoken in morning prayer. Know that God is building Ashley's character as well and her testimony to bless others with...in how God has/is working miracles in her life. All things work together for the good of them that Love the Lord and called according to his purpose. Blessings on You ALWAYS!!!! SM
Thank you for this post and today's Prov 31 devotional (4/17). It confirms (once again) what the Lord has been telling me over and over. To trust him. He knows about our struggle with infertility ('unexplained', as the doctors call it). He knows that I am 38 and my biological clock is ticking loudly in my head. He knows how deeply the ache for a child pierces through me. He knows the reasons for this long wait. He knows what's best for me and my husband, and has called me to trust in him and his plans. Thank you for the reminder.
-C
PS Thanks also for sharing Ashley's story!
Hi Lysa,
Thank you for beeing a wonderful Mom and woman.Your teachings can hardly be forgotten.Will pray for Ashley.God knows best.
Thank you, Lysa, for this refreshing reminder that God is with us even when we don't feel like He is. Going through some trials now, I am grateful that you allow God to use you to encourage others. I am reading your book "The Bathtub's Overflowing But I Feel Drained" and am learning so much from the knowledge & wisdom God has given you.
My prayes are with Ashley. Such wondrful lssons you are teaching her. Her life will surely be enriched in the process. Someday when she has a severely ill child or husband or what seems to be insurmountable financial problems the lessons will keep her looking to the Lord for the answers she needs.
Janet
Latobe, PA
Lysa,
This was a beautiful picture of trust. I've been going through a long period of dead branch, and I feel like we are just moving into the budding and bloom phase.
It is such a comfort to know that there has always been a purpose for it, and that Jesus has been orchestrating it for something beautiful.
Tell Ashley that she has lots of fans, and her fans will be praying.
Becky
Thank you for the 4/17 devotional, and the Proverbs 3:5-6 reminder. Those verses happen to be our marriage/family verses that we try to remember and live by. This devotional really hit home for me as we are in the midst of starting a new business. It's still a "baby", and not yet a year old. There are many days when we feel overwhelmed and clueless! There is so much to learn, and so many unknowns, especially when it comes to our finances, and making ends meet. It is a daily walk of faith for us. How encouraging to read about Ashley's story and to be reminded that God does see the "big picture"! I know I can entrust my family's future into His very capable hands.
Thank you, again, for sharing. Be blessed, today.
~K
Thank you for this ministry and for being God's instrument! I am struggling with trusting God in a big way at this point in my life - working through empty nest issues, feeling lonely and empty, and our marriage being at a standstill for quite some time. We are also facing uncertainty with my husband's job, and I continually stress over feelings of financial insecurity. I feel like I'm at an all-time-low, but tuning in daily to the Encouragement for Today, and also ordering and beginnning Who Holds the Key to Your Heart? has been so very powerful. Please pray for me - I feel so weak in my faith, yet I KNOW God is doing a major work in me. I especially need prayers to truly trust God and learn to hear his voice. God bless you and your ministry...
Lysa,
I needed this this week. Thank for the reminder of what God IS doing. He IS always there. Your entry today is the fourth "example" or word from the Lord since last night.
I will get out of the "dumps" and into the light of the Father! He IS working where and when I cannot see. Amen!
It's what keeps me going. Thanks for the reminder!
My first prayer will be for the same measure of Holy Spirit power that raised Christ will work abundantly and energetically to heal that shoulder in your darlin' girl! We want to see her fly!!!
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The "unseen" houses my hope...the birthplace of future promise. The "seen" houses my current, and I am after so much more than my current. Thus, my eyes and my heart are better suited for a walk of faith...a walk that includes buds and blossoms yet undetected by my naked want.
You are a good mom to paint such a sacred illustration for your little girl who is learning to walk in your steps. Stay strong and stay tuned in for God's unveiling Spring. I'll be praying.
peace~elaine
Lysa, I can't think of a better way to comfort and encourage Ashley than the example you gave her. Please let her know that not only I but my own 12yodd will be praying for her, as well.
Blessings, Jeannie
Lysa,
Thanks for today's devotional and it's timeliness. Those tough times in our daughter's lives don't end when they become adults. Just last week, my 26 year old daughter was leaving to serve for 8 months as a nurse in Africa. Initially she was to have flown on Thursday, but the American Airlines plane grounding situation changed that. So her tickets were rearranged for Saturday. Friday night, she basically spent the night in the bathroom, sitting on the "throne" with a bucket in her arms. (She had gotten the bug that was going around our community.) It was hard but there really was nothing else we could do, but put her on that plane on Saturday morning, dosed with all the anti-diarrheal and anti-nausea meds she could take, having her blanky and pillow, barf-bags, fresh panties, and moist wipes in her carry on, in case! And more meds for the journey. One of the last things I told her was just what you said - (isn't it neat how the Holy Spirit teaches us the same lessons, but applied to our circumstances) "Laura, there is one thing that is being shown by this experience for sure, it is not by your might or power, but by His Spirit that you are doing this, and His grace is sufficient, because in our weaknesses He is strong." The rest of her story can be viewed from her perspective at www . lziulkowski . blogspot . com (no spaces in url, but I printed it that way to prevent trollers or phishers)
I so enjoy your devotionals and your blog, practical wisdom for the journey! May God continue to use you to encourage the rest of us.
Lysa,
I cried as I read your entry today. Here I am in the midst of preparing for a move from AZ to Charlotte with my hubby and boys and am feeling a bit overwhelmed keeping the house ready in the event of a showing...with two little boys. God is good and is paving the way.
I LOVE your analogy of the dogwood tree and it warms my heart to realize that I will see them again in person before too long (I spent many years growing up in VA).
Beautiful.
Rom 15:3 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Thanks for the words of hope you've spoken to my heart today.
Looking at the picture, I'd say Ashley is already blooming! What an example she is - her smile offering a sacrifice of praise.
Blessings,
Joy
Thank you !!!!!!
The last two weeks have been horrible. I have been trying to figure out what I did wrong to deserve these circumstances. But you have pointed out that there are several reasons why I am going through this. I was at the end of my rope. It was slipping from my grasp. I didn't know how much longer I could hold on. I had been crying out to GOD to help me hang on. I believe he sent me to the Proverbs 31 website so you could help me to hold on. May God bless you forever & always.
Stephanie
I am also praying for Ashley, she will be fine God said so, maybe not for regionals I do not know that but I do know she will be fine.
Ashley if you do get to compete I am rooting for you. At the meet you went to in Athens one of my girls was there Leah May. I was excited to find out you won the all around. I felt like I knew you even though we have never met.
Lysa I posted my after pictures could not get the before pictures to post, guess I scared the computer. So you really don't have any thing to compare too. I will keep trying.
Love you blog, your writings and you sense of humor.
That is a powerful comparison - one that all of us need to hear (probably daily). I pray that she heals quickly and flips/flops for God's glory!
Thank you for the scripture today. Trust is the word for my day and my life.
My son, 17 years old, told me today that his ex-girlfriend is pregnant with his baby.
Thank you for prayers.
Babies are Blessings.
Thank you for your article on Trust. Five years ago on May 4th I was beaten and stabbed and left for dead by my former husband. I am still paralyzed by fear and anxiety. Most days it is hard to even go to the bus stop with my sons; and even harder to drive to any after school activities with either of my sons. I like what you said about protection/provision/and process. Thank you for your ministry and your openness.
amazing! You are an awesome mom taking advantage of a teachable moment like that!!
It it also interesting that I spoke on the same thing, same mesage, yesterday in my bible study group! Wow! Thank you
Lysa,
You are such a blessing. Keep us posted on your baby's arm :)
Man, God is really workin some things in that girl right now, isn't he? He grows her and she doesn't even now it- till it's done!
Good good good. I've enjoyed watching some of the blooms He has brought forth in my life.
Beautiful Lysa! I loved the empty branches and the blooming that will happen. Oh Ashley, God is doing huge things in such a little girl. Ask Him what He has for you here Darlin'. Don't miss it!
Blessings from Nebraska~
Lelia
Remind Ashley to always look up and let her know that I'm praying for complete healing; but trusting that she will shine for Him no matter what!
Oh, and don't forget the color on the dogwood blossom edge is to signify the blood of Christ. I just love the story of the dogwood. It makes me smile every time I see one.
Blessings!
She is doll! And I love those pictures!
Jen
what a gift you gave her through that talk.
xo ~K
"But sometimes trust is an awfully big pill to swallow - especially when it means taking a completely different route than what you were expecting."
Thanks for sharing this...this has definitely become the reality in my life after recently being diagnosed with MS. But I have chosen to trust, and God has faithfully revealed his presence and his love over and over and that's something that I wouldn't trade for anything!
As a former gymnast who missed competing in what would have been my very first meet due to a broken finger, I sympathize with Ashley and will certainly pray for her!
Life is a puzzle, only God knows the final picture when the pieces are all assembled. I trust that the final product will be so glorious that all the missing pieces and difficulties in getting the pieces to fit right will indeed remind us of His Majesty and our Insufficiency. When we are weak He is strong!!!! Thank you God for helping us to fit the pieces together in love and care for your people and for each of us individually. Be alert, you might be the missing piece of the puzzle that brings God to someone He is searching out!
Thank you for such a great devotion. My 17 yr old daughter who has bi polar and is currently in a Christian therapetic boarding school. She did self harm to herself this past week and the school has made a decision of how to help her learn from her action, that I am having a hard time understanding and accepting. I have spent most of last night and today praying to trust God and let go, even though I don't understand it all right now. Thank you again for such a timely devotion.
You are anointed by the Holy Spirit to bring words that are like apples of gold in settings of silver. I love that you allow yourself to be used of God this way.
This was another word that ministered to my heart!
And off the subject....I know you're not AT ALL busy, and seeing as you get HARDLY ANY comments on your posts, it sure would be fun to see you around my blog sometime!!
Whaddya think??
hope to see you soon!
Leanne in Longview
http://mysupplications.blogspot.com
I'm probably saying the same as everyone but...
Sweet Ashley - what a beautiful smile! I'm saying a prayer for you now!
Lord, be with Ashley as I'm sure she is disappointed and worried about what the near future will be like with all of this. Help her to keep smiling and trusting her mom that you are working behind the scenes. Help her to feel confident that she will look back on this time with thankfulness of how she grew closer to You. Be close to her! We love you Lord!
God's blessings to you!!
Hello Lysa I have been unable to check my email for your blogg because we have been at the hospital since tuesday with my 17 yr old son. He decided that life was too much for him and he took an overdose. we are waiting to see how much damae has been done to his liver. The wait has made me lean on the Lord with all of my heart. My son hads told he no longer believes in God but that in't going to stop me from praying for him. I am so glad I was finally able to log on and recieve your words of encouragement.
Oh, how I love Spring! It is such a reminder of the hope we have in God! Thanks for the devotional thoughts! Love you,Tammy
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your story. I can't tell you how much it comforted me.
I broke up with my boyfriend last weekend, and have been struggling, but your story was a great reminder of how very important it is to trust God.
Thanks Again,
Jodie
Wow - your message is perfect for today. We've had a month worth of trials this past week! As my husband's oncologist reminded us today, we are to count it all joy when we face trials. I love your analogy of the tree branch; it will certainly stick with me.
Thank you so much for this reminder. I read the post early yesterday morning as I was celebrating entering my 17th week of my pregnancy. There's nothing that I could think of that represents SPRINGTIME in one's life like the birth of a child. However, during the day we learned that the baby had died. What awesome timing to have been reminded that God is working through the unseen things in our lives and that we have to be willing to accept HIS promise and protection in order to have peace in our times of trouble. Thank you for this reminder and your ability to write in a way that makes every reader feel that it was written just for them.
Thanks again,
Stephani
I love Spring and the hope it speaks of to our hearts! This is a beautiful post, and your precious one is so blessed to have a momma who knows where to go to for hope! You always go straight to the Lord! Such a blessing to read about!
Praying for a quick recovery for your super sweetie!
Oh, so many comments that really touched my heart--as this blog post did.
Anonymous "E"--I will lift you in prayer, as my marriage is the "dead branch" that I'm trying to see the unseen in.
Ashley's mom--You and Ashley are in my prayers. I can't imagine what you're going through. I worry about my oldest daughter who, when she gets extremely angry, bites herself so hard she leaves bruises.
Anonymous Soon-to-be-grandmother--you and your family are in my prayers as well.
I love all of my blog-sisters in Christ!
♥♥
Your 'little one' is so strong through this all. Continuing to pray for her. What a beautiful analogy you shared with her...and us!
I know I'm very late to come in here and post (just now read the Christianity.com email with your devotional in it) but I just wanted to tell you that Prov. 3:5-6 that you quoted has lately become such a meaningful verse to me! For me, when I'm running around crazy with worry, just having someone say "Everything's going to be okay" is music to my ears and I calm down ... and this verse is GOD saying everything is going to be okay. Can't feel more safe than hearing all-knowing GOD say it, huh?! He knows the end of the story already, so I don't have to worry! He will make my path "okay." Thank you for this devotional, it meant a lot to me.
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