Strength in the Shaking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhapFtXv62o

Another in the Fire ~ Bethel

When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. ~ Psalm 138:3 NIV

Over the weekend, the girls and I discussed Hebrews 12:26-29, which says that God is going to shake our world, revealing the things from which we try to draw our strength, comfort, and security. According to the girls, their world consists of: Jesus, Mom & Dad, Christmas Tree, Zoe, Lambie, Princess (our hamster), school, food, water, health, house, family, cars, money, camping, books, furniture, and more. In our current season, my health has been shaken, causing me to rely on the help of others, and to rest more. I’ve had to rest both physically and spiritually.

Rest is sitting at Jesus’ feet, pushing aside the to-do list and drinking up the comfort, wisdom, and peace found only in a close relationship with Him. Rest is saying “no” to some things and creating a margin in your schedule, in order to recharge and refresh your mind and body so you’ll be able to take on the tasks ahead. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life… (Psalm 138:7). Over 100 times, the Bible tells us we’ll face trials. However, when we learn to rest in Jesus, we’ll not just survive, but grow stronger because of them.

Psalm 138:3 says God made me bold (confident and courageous) and stouthearted (determined; unwaveringly fearless). We need God to make us confident, courageous, and unwaveringly fearless when we’re being shaken. On Savannah and Elizabeth’s list, I had them circle Jesus and cross out everything else. Hebrews 12:27-29 says the Lord will shake our lives, removing everything created–which can be shaken– ”so that what cannot be shaken may remain,” (v.27).

I just finished reading the devotional, “From Chronic Pain to Constant Praise,” by Tara Bradham. In it, she shared insights from when life didn’t go as desired or planned. “Our trials serve to shake up our lives… Hard times show us what is unshakable, that we may choose to build the foundations of our lives upon the unshakable foundation of Christ rather than our own ambition, health, relationships, or prosperity.” 

What’s being shaken in your world today? Don’t look at shaking as a failure. Remember, your diagnosis, failure, or insecurities don’t lessen your testimony. Remind yourself, “I [am] the person qualified to tell a story in which Jesus is the hero, not me” (Bradham). When trials shake up your life, ask God for the strength and courage to let go of whatever He’s trying to remove, in order that you’d walk more closely to Jesus.

©Heather Potts 2021

No Bows Necessary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8AB0vUU038

Overcome ~ Jeremy Camp

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” ~ Revelations 12:11 NKJV

Is Testimony 1) a story I tell about the challenges I have overcome in my life; or 2) the action of giving an eye witness? Unfortunately, the first definition has been more accurate of my view. Don’t misunderstand; I knew that Jesus was the only reason for victory in my life, but I failed to understand that the point of a testimony is to point to Jesus.

After her baptism, Savannah was given “The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name,” with the underlying purpose of showing that a Savior was needed since the beginning. Only through Him do we have our victory. Sadly, many Christians believe that once they know Jesus, and have witnessed victory in their lives, that will be the end of their trials and victories. Many also feel--and I have fallen into this trap--that we have to see the victory in order for it to be part of our testimony; that, somehow, Christ isn’t enough if there isn’t a happy-ending-bow to tie off that part of the story. Please know that Jesus doesn’t need us to add anything to Him or His story. Rather, Jesus invites us to be part of His story as He uses our lives to demonstrate His power and glory. 

If you feel your story isn’t worth telling, let me assure you that knowing Jesus is something that others need to hear. Revelations 12:11 says, “They overcame [the Accuser] by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” The Liar, the Accuser, is working hard to convince you that you’re the only one feeling this pain or enduring this struggle. Sharing our stories with others--even in the midst of a trial, with lack of a happy-ending-bow--helps them realize they aren’t alone. Remember, your story isn’t about you. Your story is being written to point others to Jesus.

©Heather Potts 2021

Redeemed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It1XzDf-pFo

Thankful for the Scars ~ I Am They

Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, ~ Psalm 103:2, 4 NIV

Confession: I get nervous speaking in front of people, even though I’ve taught classes, led small groups, etc. I’m sure it’s rooted in a fear of rejection: what if I say the wrong thing and sound like an idiot. Ironically, the smaller the group, the more intimidated I am to speak.

This past week, our life group was discussing Romans 8:17, listing the benefits of being an heir of God and co-heir with Christ. The word “benefits” reminded me of Psalm 103:2-5. Our group leader asked which benefits stood out to me. Typically, this would be a nerve-wracking, hands-shaking, face-reddening moment. But Holy Spirit was with me; and, in peaceful ease, I was able to share what God has done for me. I used to suffer from Endometriosis, a disease doctors say is incurable, but God healed me, (v.3). And in the past, I struggled with depression, but God redeemed me and pulled me out of that pit, out of the darkness, and into His light, (v.4).

This morning, I heard the song, “Thankful for the Scars,” and it reminded me of a post I saw, the gist of which is, if you understood my story—the pit from which He redeemed me—you’d understand my worship. The woman who anointed Jesus with the expensive bottle of perfume is a great example of this: she’d been forgiven much, so she loved much, (Luke 7:36-47). David, dancing before the Lord, is another great example: He “danced before the Lord with all of his might,” and said, “I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this,” (2 Samuel 6:12-22).

We all have insecurities and things that make us afraid. But when the Spirit of the Lord is on us, it’s amazing how His peace overrides them. The best part is that He often uses our lives and testimonies to bring glory to His own Name. What are the scars and victories in your life? Ask God to give you the opportunity to share them, to dance mightily, and to love much in response to all that He’s done in your life.

©Heather Potts 2019

Testimony Part 2

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! ~ Psalm 27:14 ESV

A testimony is a story of how God moved in an otherwise hopeless situation. A testimony—a story of hope—was definitely what I needed. Once again, on this journey, the way is not nearly as neat or smooth as we’d like. The way has felt elusive and the choices intimidating. Similarly, to a child, I’ve been pitching a fit, demanding what feels good and comfortable. Fortunately, I have an awesome Dad and He used redirection to help me see the situation a little more clearly.

Instead of telling me that I need to trust Him, “because He said so,” He did something much more inspiring. He used the testimonies of women whom I love and respect. One by one, He brought to my remembrance the stories of strong women in my life who have stood where I now stand and who walked on paths similar to mine. God showed me that He brought them through their seasons victoriously and promised to do the same for me. In the moment of my surrender, I felt both peace and the most heart-felt gratitude toward each of these women who are a living testimony to me.

It’s no coincidence that it’s Mother’s Day weekend, a time when we honor our blood mothers, adopted mothers, surrogate mothers, spiritual mothers, and honorary mothers. If there is a woman in your life who has been a living testimony for you, be sure to thank her and pray for her journey. And, if like me, you are on a journey where the answers feel unclear, obey the words in this Psalm: Be strong. Take courage. Wait for the Lord, standing firm on His promises.

Happy Mother’s Day!

©Heather Potts 2017

Testimony

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony… ~ Revelation 12:11 NKJV

For the past several weeks, life’s been testing us: Brad’s been sick, the girls have been waking me most nights, Savannah’s been fighting getting dressed, Elizabeth’s been chewing the binding off our books, and to top it all off, I’ve been seeing lightning flashes in my field of vision. Concerning the latter, I consulted a friend who told me to get it checked out. Fortunately, the optometrist didn’t see anything, but was concerned about the lightning and sent me to a retinal specialist. I was calm upon leaving the optometrist’s office, but became anxious when the time came to see the specialist.

After numbing and dilating my eyes, they had me watch a video explaining retinal tearing and detachment. The fear and anxiety were high! But I said, “No! I don’t have a spirit of fear. I have a spirit of a sound mind!” I was OK in the exam room until the doctor said he needed to push on my eyes with a Q-Tip. The right eye hurt so badly. I jumped at the pain, every muscle tightening. But when he switched to the left eye, something amazing happened: I heard a choir of angels singing boldly, “Oh praise the Name of the Lord our God. Oh praise His Name, forevermore. For endless days, we will sing Your praise. Oh Lord, oh Lord, our God!” It was so powerful and triumphant that I hardly noticed as the doctor pushed on my left eye. He said there’s nothing wrong with my eyes—he thinks (maybe) something to do with migraines, but he’s not sure and wants to check my eyes again in a month.

This was such a huge praise experience, I just HAD to share it with you! Revelations reminds us that our enemy is overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of OUR testimony. My prayer is that this testimony encourages and helps you remember that we will overcome!

©Heather Potts 2017