I pushed my cart through the grocery store parking lot trying to remember where I parked. My cart was filled with delightful snacks in preparation for a long weekend hosting our three grands as their parents took a much-needed break. These were the type of snacks we do not usually bring into the house, and I would need to hide them to keep us from eating them all before their arrival.
Do you have a desire of your heart? Are you working toward a dream? Are you waiting on God’s perfect timing?
God is good and He has promised if we delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our heart! (Psalm 37:4) My heart’s desire is to connect, inspire & encourage others in their pursuit of God’s best. Working toward that desire and waiting on His perfect timing isn’t always easy. Sometimes we get discouraged or feel stuck. You are invited to join my blog for spiritual inspiration and encouragement!
I also teach Bible study classes and speak at women’s events.
Let’s lean into Him together as we continue our journey in pursuing God’s best!
I am sharing a thought from my quiet time in hopes it may encourage you on a day that feels like a big day for our nation! I have always taken my right to vote serious but never really been much of an outspoken political person. The current political events can be unsettling. So I’ve been reflecting upon something that happened many years ago in the book of Acts that has offered me great comfort.
When the apostles had been brought before the high priest, and those who were with him, they called together the council and all the senate of the people of Israel.
The apostles had been strictly charged not to teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and the apostles chose to obey God rather than men. The officials were “enraged and wanted to kill them.” Acts 5:33
I hope you find as much encouragement as I do in what happened next. You can read about it below from Acts 5:34-39 (ESV).
34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,
I find comfort in the reminder that God is in control and we cannot overthrow what is of God! I am praying for our nation, for our leaders, and for you!
Copyright©2020, Gloria Stucky
Photo by Pedro Araújo on Unsplash
We climbed a ladder to our rooftop to secure a tarp on our chimney. A wind came through and blew our ladder over leaving us stranded on the roof and my response caught me off guard!
Our son Samuel married his lovely wife, Lindsey this past October. The beautiful ceremony was held at Cabrillo National Monument on the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego, California. It was a spectacular view overlooking the Pacific Ocean on one side and the city of San Diego in the opposite view and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse in the background.
It took my breath away as I soaked in the beauty of God’s creation. And although it was breathtaking, it could not compare to the beauty He provided in the bride.
My husband and I enjoy the responsibility of mowing and we sometimes even fight over who gets to mow!
Is your best ahead of you or behind you? A decorative sign in the store that read, “The Best is Yet to Come!” left me feeling sad. I looked at the young lady shopping next to me and I thought, “The best is yet to come for her, but my best has passed.” I continued shopping with a heavy heart. On the drive home, I began to think about how different I thought my life would be. How about you? Do you believe your best days are before or behind? Are you relying on youth, finances, good health, physical strength, a strong mind, abilities, or relationships to qualify your “best”?
What are your greatest responsibilities? Do you have others relying upon your leadership or service? Since I find my life quite full these days, I am more committed to praying larger, more specific prayers. I am consistently asking God for wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. (1 Kings 4:29) And I expectantly anticipate His answer!
Have you ever been disappointed? I recorded the following journal entry in January in response to a challenge offered by our church. We were to select a word to represent the new year. That sounds easy enough, but I wrote:
“All I can think of is the word disappointment because I feel very let down by the year and not very hopeful for the following year to be much better!”
You all, is that not so very sad? When I read this entry, my heart ached for the girl who penned the words 6 months prior. I longed to travel back in time and give myself a hug and say, “It will to be okay! You’re not going to believe what all happens this year.”
I have a fear of public speaking! Many years ago, in a musty church basement with concrete block walls, I taught my first women’s Sunday school lesson. I was so nervous I cried the entire time. I am not talking about just a few tears – I sobbed uncontrollably. I felt humiliated after it was over and thought, “They will never ask me to do that again!” But guess what? They did ask me to teach again. This time I prayed “Lord, please give me control over my emotions. Do not let me weep uncontrollably as I teach.” Would you believe I did not cry at all, but my whole body and voice shook so hard my teeth chattered. Again, I was incredibly embarrassed, yet completely overcome in peace because I had faithfully obeyed God and faced my fear. But I was convinced they would not ask me to teach again. I think you know where I am going with this story. They did ask me to teach again and I could hardly speak because my mouth was as dry as a ten-day old biscuit.