Weaving

Praying Woman ~ Anne Wilson ft. Lainey Wilson

 

For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus ~ Ephesians 2:10 AMP

 

When we were little, our choices for day-time TV were game shows, soap operas, or something on PBS. Once, we watched a woman weaving on a large loom. She was in the middle of her project when we started watching. As a child, I didn’t enjoy watching it. But now, knowing how God works in our lives, it’s interesting to think about it.

 

Last Sunday, I had the honor of being on the prayer team at church. Somebody mentioned to us that prayer, while very important, was a thankless job. His word “thankless” immediately surprised me. The worship team, the pastors, and those in kids’ ministry are all seen, so it’s possible they are “thanked” often. But praying is an honor. It’s empowering and encouraging, especially when I get to pray with others.

 

1 Corinthians 12 refers to the Church as a body. Just as one body part (eye, ear, pinky toe) can’t run the whole show, neither can one person or just one ministry. It takes all of us to make the Body work. It’s in the whole Body that God is weaving His beauty. Each strand in His tapestry may not see how it affects the rest, even when they are smooshed up against each other. It’s not until the weaver steps back to admire His work that the completed work and beauty are seen.

 

I didn’t see it last Thursday, when I was having a pity-party. I complained to God. I complained to a friend. It was bad! Fortunately, God loved me enough to kick me in the pants and call me out of it. Then, He called me to pray. Prayer between me and God is still sometimes just between us, even if it’s for other people. But sometimes, He calls me to share what’s been prayed. God gave me a list of people and I prayed whatever He gave me. By the time I was done, I felt so empowered! I texted the friend I’d been complaining to and told her how empowered I felt!

 

But the Weaver wasn’t done. Some of the women I’d prayed for needed hope! This was the reminder that their Heavenly Father sees, hears, and knows them, and He’s still with them. I didn’t know that. I was just praying because He said to do it.

 

As a thread in the Weaver’s tapestry, you may not see how you’re adding to the beauty of His masterpiece. Just know, in the hands of the Weaver, as He threads your story through valleys and mountain peaks, each part is part of His plan, His masterpiece.

©Heather Potts 2024

Even There, Even Then

 Where Can I Go (Psalm 139) ~ Ellie Holcomb

even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.

~ Psalm 139:10 NIV

 

Our devotional from Friday morning noted Psalm 139:10. To aid in understanding, the girls and I read the whole chapter. I thought the devotional was a good read, but I didn’t think much more about it until that night. The plan was for the four of us to go camping this past weekend, but this fire that we’re in caused our plans to change. At 8:30pm, I had to drive Brad home in a rainstorm, on dark roads, with a foggy windshield. Though we are walking through fire, Friday night felt more like passing through the waters.

 

Life can feel overwhelming, dark, and scary at times. Even then, the Lord will be with you. Even there, He will be your guide. As David said to the Lord, “even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you,” (v. 12).

 

Even if you can’t see the road, or the next step.

Even there, the Lord will light the way.

Even when it feels hopeless, and the fire and waters appear unrelenting.

Even then, the Lord will rejoice over you with singing.

Even when you’ve reached the end of your rope and you can’t seem to find your way back to His peace and joy, again.

Even there, the Lord will be with you; He will hold you, even carry you.

 

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

~ Psalm 139:7-12 NI

 

Even when the devil attacks.

Even when fear and hopelessness are biting at your heels.

Even when plans change.

Even when you don’t know what to do.

Even there.

Even then.

And always.

The Lord will be with you.

©Heather Potts 2024

ALL Y'ALL

 Joy of the Lord ~ Rend Collective

 

Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”

~ Psalm 126:2 NIV

 

Do you ever think that sometimes Jesus tickles us, just to enjoy the sound of our laughter?

 

Our family devotional, yesterday, was on James 1:2, to count it all joy when we’re enduring trials. The devotional made the distinction between happiness (based on circumstances), and joy. Because joy is a fruit of the Spirit, it’s a gift from Holy Spirit that’s available to all believers, all the time.

 

Yesterday, I said that our family is walking through fire. Some days haven’t been happy. Several moments have been frustrating and overwhelming. But I asked the Lord to help me keep my eyes on Jesus, so that I can serve my family with love, compassion, and joy. Not only has the Lord been faithful, but there have been times when He tickles me, just to enjoy the sound of my laughter.

 

Yesterday, God had me giggling, and just about out-right laughing! After living in Florida for almost two decades, y’all flows out of my mouth just as easily as bubbler. In our Bible study yesterday, Jen Wilkin shared that when Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth,” He meant a collective you: y’all. That’s when I started giggling. Each time she said, “y’all”, I giggled more. The best part was when she emphasized that “you” meant all believers and was really “all y’all”. I could barely contain myself. It was great!

 

In Matthew 7:9-11, Jesus said that if your son asks for bread, you won’t give him a stone, instead. “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Regardless of the events that happen today, remember we have a good Father in heaven who loves us, always walks with us, and sometimes tickles us, just so He can enjoy the sound of our laughter.

©Heather Potts 2024