When a Formula Doesn't Work...

As I have been reading about the miracles of Jesus and the way that he healed people and set them free from their afflictions, I've noticed that Jesus didn't apply a certain formula...a kind of "how to fix people" one size fits all cure. Rather he seems to assess each person he meets with a sense of individuality and compassion. With some people he touched them, for others he spoke to them. Others he healed from a distance (i.e. the centurion's servant) but it appears that he never quite ministered to any two the same way. In Psalms 139, God reveals that our minds and bodies are uniquely ours...we do not have the exact same inclinations, desires, history or make up as anyone else in the world. The Lord has challenged me repeatedly to lay down my pre-concieved ideas of how He will heal and listen to him. It is a temptation to look at the afflictions of others and assume we know the best way for them to be healed. The problem with our assessments is that we often don't have all the facts and frankly we don't know the inner workings of the person in need. It can seem to be so easy to look at the symptoms of our friends and not their hearts and minds. When formulas don't work perhaps its time to look at Jesus.


"O LORD, you have earched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you percieve my thoughts from afar. You disern my going out and my lying down; you are familiear with all my ways." Ps. 139:1-3

Who Is On Your Team?

The longer I walk with the Lord, the more convinced I am that we must have a battle plan and become intentional about overcoming the sin areas of our life. As I play chess with my daughter I am reminded of the need for a strategy to win, realizing that the greatest chance for success rests in my ability to keep as many of my chess pieces on the board for the protection of my king. It is amazing to me that in the game of life, we as believers willingly pull most of our chess pieces (which represent our Christian friends) from the board, move into the enemies territory and think we are going to win. Our Christian friends, like chess pieces can help defend us and help us move forward. They provide protection, prayer, encouragement and accountability as we battle the enemy. In my battle to overcome panic disorder it is amazing to see the incredible victory the enemy had over me for so many years because I was silent and I would not let my Christian friends know of my struggle. I forfeited their encouragement, their prayers and their help because I was too embarrassed, too ashamed and too proud. Since I have shared my plight I have experienced incredible freedom, victory and joy and I have had the opportunity to share with others and encourage them. I challenge you with this question:


What does your chess board look like? Do you let your Christian friend's know of your battle within your heart. The enemy's team is lined up...who will you allow to be on your team? Who will fight with you in battle? It's your move.