A mother comforts her wailing infant in the darkness as her daughter cuts her first tooth. A father hugs his son good bye as he leaves to fight a war on shores far away. A child holds her aging mother’s hand in her last moments of life, remembering precious memories.
Life isn’t easy. No one said it would be. In fact the Bible tells us that we will have tribulation. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV) Remember, Jesus tells us that in Him we may have peace.
How do we make it through life’s challenges? How do you make it through the places where the road is washed out, when you’ve lost your job, your child is doing drugs, and your marriage is falling apart?
Do you cry out to the Lord or do you try and do it on your own? I think we can agree that trying to do it on our own is not our best choice.
Let me share a couple of examples from my own life, since it’s the story I know best. In 1989, I married a man who had cancer. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was committed to walk this path with him. We believed that God would watch over us. Time after time when the cancer came back, a wave of hope and grief washed over us. Relentlessly we prayed and believed and kept walking. In the early months of 1993, my husband died.
The length of time between becoming a bride and then a widow was just three short years – yet they were full of life and life lessons. I was able to get a glimpse of the thin veil between earth and heaven, and life and death. I learned the value of a full minute of time and the blessing of each breath. I learned that commitment means moving forward with eyes of faith even when I can’t see because I am blinded by my tears.
But that wasn’t my last encounter with adversity or the realization that the power of commitment sees us through life’s challenges. I believe that just as we “grow” in the flesh, we also “grow” in the spirit. God sees the potential in us and our well is deep. Just like a goldmine, the gems scattered throughout our lifetime are beautiful and glorious when they are polished through the wind and the rain of life’s storms.
As we near Mother’s Day, I am reminded of my mom. That’s been another part of my commitment walk. About five years ago our family entered a new stage in our lives. Our strength would be tested along with our commitment to each other as we relied on our faith in God.
My sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2012 which was successfully removed followed by long months of rehab to overcome the paralysis that accompanied the tumor’s presence. Then less than two years later, my mom’s body was ravaged with a powerful infection that took the legs out from under her. Our lives were forever changed.
As a family that spanned three generations: parents, children, and grandchildren, we have faced the storm together. We have learned that commitment is more than just words, it is manifested in deeds. I have seen that sacrifice for the love of another is as beautiful as a morning sunrise or a rainbow after the storm.
My parents will be celebrating 60 years of marriage on June 21st of this year. I have been blessed to witness what love in action looks like. Encouraging words, a kiss, a smile, a hug, and sweet laughter are the blessings of commitment beyond the superficial love we see portrayed on the movie screen.
I am reminded of these words from the book of James, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)(NIV)
As we celebrate Mother’s Day in just a few weeks, we are reminded of the price of commitment, not only its sacrifice, but the unconditional love that flows from a mother’s heart. You may not have given birth to your own children, but we are all called to nurture others, to encourage them to put God first in their lives, and to serve each other with joy and gladness.
If you are a woman looking for a deeper walk with Christ, you are invited to a special prayer event, “Fanning the Flame” on May 19 and 20 in Hayden, Idaho and Spokane Valley, Washington. Friday, May 19 from 1 pm – 3:30 pm, women can join us at The King’s High Way Ministries, 13403 N. Government Way Suite #217, Hayden, Idaho, or if you live in the Spokane area, join us at Spokane Dream Center on Saturday, May 20 from 9 am – 11:30 am at 2128 N. Pines Rd. Spokane Valley, Washington. Each is a standalone event with Praise, Worship, Community Prayer, and teaching by Barbara Hollace, Communications Director, Spokane Dream Center and Debbie Holland, Director of Ministries, The King’s High Way. For more information go to www.kingshighway.org.
I have decided to follow Jesus, have you? Make that commitment today.