Where are you God?: The Beauty in Sacrifice

New mother with twins

One of the things the ECHO Project has been doing over the past few years is identifying those who are struggling physically. Often this means a grandmother who is raising her children, or a young mother with twins who can't provide enough milk.

We've also seen the sacrifice a number of women in particular who have taken on additional mouths to feed even out of their own poverty. They bring in the orphaned, those sick with HIV/AID, and the homeless and care for them in their homes.

This is the beauty in sacrifice.

They are not giving not out of their excess, but in spite of their own needs. And in that they show Christ's love.

It reminds me when Jesus was watching people give to the treasury. The rich threw in large amounts, but it was a poor widow who caught Jesus' attention. She put in two very small copper coins that were only worth a few cents. And yet Jesus said she put in more than all the others. They had given out of their wealth. It didn't hurt them to give, or make them uncomfortable financially.

But the poor widow put in everything she had to live on.

Today we are faced with a worldwide pandemic and Jesus is calling us to be different.

Not just to say we were following him, but to truly live each day as a beautiful sacrifice. That is why these are the women who challenge me everyday. They challenge me to get out of my comfort zone and not to just give of myself when it's easy. But when it's uncomfortable, which it hurts, and when I have to sacrifice my own needs to minister to those around me.

Because that is how He calls us to live.

Lisa

Where are you God?: Endurance

If you’ve ever thought that God doesn’t know you, or doesn't have a plan for your life, think again. Even in the midst of the chaos around us He has a plan for you.

Learning to open our hearts to God’s will can be difficult, but as we learn to persevere through life and let trials strengthen our faith, we will be able to find intimacy with God.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
                               ~II Corinthians 12:9-10

Be encouraged today, for He is faithful!

Lisa

Where are you God?: Expectations

From July 27, 2012

How often are expectations are the source of our discontentedness?  

We expect things from our family, spouse, children, employers, employees, and friends. When they fall short of our expectations, we react.

We get upset at our children because of unreached expectations.

We divorce over unmet expectations.

Employees are fired over unmet expectations.

Relationships are strained or broken through expectations not met.

Expectations can be realistic, unreasonable, or even false.

Sometimes we fail without even knowing we’re not meeting expectations.

And now, we are facing even more loss. Graduations and trips are cancelled. We're stuck inside, worried and anxious about tomorrow.

Sometimes we have to raise our expectations. 

Sometimes we have to be patient with our expectations. 

Sometimes we have to change our expectations.

 

David, in the book of Psalms, tells us to 'Wait and hope and expect the Lord.' (Ps 27:14)

When all else fails and expectations around us are not met, He will never fail us.

When disappointment reigns, He is still there.

When we are afraid, He is there.

Wait and hope and expect the Lord.

Be encouraged today.

Lisa

Where are you God?: Is doing the impossible, possible?

From December 13, 2012:

I wanted to weep this morning when I finally met him for the first time, we will call him Mike. He smiled up at me with those big brown eyes, a little shy and timid. His parents have died. He doesn’t know how old he is, we guess about 8. His stomach is still swollen from being sick.

The sores he had on his body a few weeks ago are healing from gifts of soap and food, but as I looked at him, I wondered about his heart. Does he feel loved? Does he feel scared at night? Does he feel alone?

Yesterday, the hospital diagnosed him HIV+. I’m not sure he understands what that means, but for one so young, who has been through so much, the road ahead is going to be hard.

And he isn’t the only one. The hospital asked us to help them follow up on those they are trying to work with in the villages, actually pages worth of names. There are many more who are dying. So many who feel lost and alone. They need to know that they are loved. That they aren’t alone. That there is One who created them and loves them.

But it still seems completely overwhelming to me. My mind spins as I try to figure out where to start? Can I really do anything to help?

My youngest and I are reading J. Hudson Taylor’s autobiography. Taylor was one of the first missionaries in to China many, many years ago. As we read together, I find that his story is convicting me over and over. His faith. His prayer life. His passion. His love and faith amazes and humbles me.

“All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.” J. Hudson Taylor

It’s not a new idea, but for me it is still profound. I’ve thought about it many times when what I see around me seems impossible. It makes me encouraged to realize that I don’t always have to be strong. I don’t have to have all the answers. All I have to do is listen and follow His call.

Even when it seems impossible.

“There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.” J. Hudson Taylor

What I see here might seem challenging, but isn’t unique to this part of the world. You don’t have to look far to see people who are hurting. It’s come to the point to where I don’t want to check out the news anymore. There is so much hate, anger, hopelessness, and evil in our world.   

Maybe you are the one who is hurting. Maybe you feel unloved, scared at night, and alone with no answers. We might live in a fallen world, but there is hope.

Which means we as a church must move out of our comfort zone and make a difference. Give even when it hurts. Love the unloveable. Give hope to the hopeless. Share Christ’s message of life.

“I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize that He is able to carry out His will for me. It does not matter where He places me, or how. That is for Him to consider, not me, for in the easiest positions He will give me grace, and in the most difficult ones His grace is sufficient.” J. Hudson Taylor

Paul said it this way in II Corinthians 4:17. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Be a blessing today,

Lisa Harris

Where are you God?: Nine Ways to Kiss Stress Good-bye

From June 23, 2012:

The last few months have been exceptionally hectic for our family. Between homeschooling, ministry, building a house, short-term mission groups, writing, and life in general, I sometimes find myself feeling that all I do is run from early morning to late at night.

As I grow older, I've noticed that it is essential to find both quiet and balance in all the chaos. Especially when my 'jobs' are never ending. For example, as a writer, between writing, brainstorming, editing, and marketing, and social networking my job is never finished. And that is just one segment of my life! 

Today we are looking at a whole new layer of stress and anxiety that we have never had to face before. I hope you can find something here that will help you! 

Learn To Say No: Michael Hyatt recently had a blog post dealing with the importance of saying no. We can only do so many things in a day, and as hard as it might be, sometimes we have to say no.

Delegate: Are your kids old enough to take on extra responsibilities around the house? Can you call on a friend to help you out on a project? It’s easy to want to keep that control and do it all ourselves, but there is also a blessing in having others pitch in and help.

Exercise: I always see a difference in the way I feel when I stick to my exercise routine. I feel better, I’m healthier, and more relaxed. Exercise can improve so many aspects of our lives both mentally and physically by improving our mood, combatting disease, and boosting our energy.

Positive Self-talk: I’ve been amazed at how many time the Bible talks about the importance of our thoughts. Paul says in Philippians 4:8 that we should be thinking about things that are true, pure, and lovely. He also says in 2 Corinthians 19:5 to take captive every captive and make it obedient to Christ.

Keep in Tune with the Spirit: In connection with positive self-talk, it is important to look at what are we filling our minds with? If we are filling our minds with constant negativity from the media and television, it’s hard to be in tune with the Holy Spirit and his active roll in our lives.

Remember You’re not Superwoman or Superman: (And you don't have to be.) It’s so easy to compare ourselves with others, and believe that we have to do it all ourselves. We look at others around us and feel as if we fall short when we can't keep up. Putting reasonable expectations on ourselves is essential to cutting out stress. 

Prioritize: Have you ever heard the old expression, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." It means that when you are facing an overwhelming situation that feels too big to handle, you need to take a deep breath and don't panic. My own kids, for example, start to panic when they find out they have to write a research paper, until I tell them not to focus on the overall goal, but instead the mini-steps they will take to get there. Break things down into small pieces. One thing at a time. One day at a time. It really does make a difference.

Laugh more: I have some good friends who send me links to funny You Tube videos because they know how important laughter is. The saying is true that laughter is the best medicine!

1    What about you? I’d love to hear your ideas of what helps you handle stress, especially today. 

          Lisa

Good Friday

We can have hope because He has overcome the world.



THE WORST MOMENT IN HISTORY from The John 10:10 Project on Vimeo.

Where are you God?: Is God really in control?

 From October, 2012                                                      

The last couple of weeks have been tough. For those of you who haven't heard, two weeks ago our teammates' three-year-old son was life-flighted to South Africa after an accident that resulted in a serious head injury. After a week in ICU, he passed away last Wednesday morning. Today was the memorial service in South Africa. In many ways, it’s still hard to believe sweet little Reiner is gone. And sometimes it’s hard to understand why God didn't save him. 

It’s reminded me of a time in my own life when I asked so many of the same questions. Many years ago, after struggling with infertility, I got pregnant, but had a miscarriage and lost our baby. While I can't even begin to compare that loss with Reiner's death, I remember clearly the depression and panic attacks that followed. God seemed so far away. I remember crying out to Him. I remember being angry and frustrated, wondering why He’d allowed this to happen. Doesn’t the Bible say "ask and it will be given to you?" (Matthew 7:6)

I knew of God’s promise of rest to the weary and peace for the soul in need, but God instead became a distant figure who had left me to deal with my own humanity and confusion.

A friend came to me one day and challenged me to dig deeply into the word of God to discover for myself who God is and to develop an intimate relationship with Him. I was forced to answer one challenging question: Did I believe God was in control of everything, including my own life? If He wasn’t, there would be no reason for me to continue to follow Him. If He was in control, then I needed to let go and trust Him completely with my life. 

Healing takes time, and the road wasn’t easy, but I learned that with His power we can overcome our grief and doubts and begin to live a life filled with His spirit. He has promised to be our strength when we are weak, to give us hope when we are hopeless, and to love us when we feel unlovable. It’s never relying on our own strength to get us through difficult times, but leaning on the mighty arm of God and being continuously filled with His Spirit. Isaiah 41:10 tells us not to fear, because “I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I Peter 4:12 tells us not to be surprised at the painful trials we are suffering. But through Christ and the workings of His Spirit, the void can be filled. James tells us that we are blessed when we persevere under trial, because if we love him, we will receive a crown of life. (James 1:12) With God as our strength and heaven as our goal, the journey is worth it.

Be blessed today,

Lisa

Where are you God?: Finding Hope

From March 30, 2010

I've been amazed at the number of comments I've received from people who have been struck by the fact that slavery is still an issue today after reading my books, and how they have been disturbed by its implications. Today, I received an email that said:

"When I first began reading (Blood Ransom) I was so intense it riled up in my sense of indignation against injustices, so I had to pray..."

What I've always wanted my readers to see, though, is that despite the horrors that are taking place around the world, there is hope. As we move into Easter weekend, much of the world is focused on what Christ did on the cross. He came to set us free both physically and spiritually.

Revelation 5:9 says, "And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

What a powerful verse. What a powerful God.

Today, I wanted to share a letter I wrote to my readers. Parts of this I've already shared, but here's the entire letter. I hope you will be encouraged and inspired.

~~~~~~

Dear Reader,

Have you ever noticed how God often uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things? In writing Blood Ransom, I wanted my heroes and heroines to be ordinary people, faced with extraordinary circumstances. Chad and Natalie’s lives were changed not only through the challenges they faced, but also through their reliance on God. And when they set off on their journey to the capital to save Joseph’s family, they never imagined that God would call them to a task that was beyond the scope of their own power.


But while this story is fictional, the issue of a modern day slave trade is very real. It is estimated that there are currently more than 27 million slaves on the world today from Africa, to Eastern Europe … to the United States of America. The fact is, we don’t have to travel around the world to see people hurting and exploited. They’re real people we pass every day, living in our neighborhoods, and attending our churches and schools. They’re empty and broken, searching for freedom and hope in an often hopeless world.

Today, our world is facing yet another enemy, COVID-19. This time it is one we can't see, but people around us are scared and anxious and needing hope.

But what can we do?

Maybe you feel the same as I often do. God I’m too small and inadequate to do what You’re calling me to do! But Paul says that it is through our weaknesses that we are made strong because of Christ’s power. And how through His sacrifice, at the greatest moment of weakness from the world’s point of view, Christ’s death on the cross brought victory as He ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Have you noticed that the Bible is filled with inadequate people? When God called Gideon, Gideon’s response was that not only was his clan the weakest in his tribe, but that he was the least in his family! God proceeded to lead Gideon to victory with only three hundred men, some trumpets, jars, and torches. David was a shepherd who became the king of a nation. Rahab was a prostitute, yet because she feared God, she not only saved Israel’s spies, but she became a part of the linage of Jesus. They were ordinary people, who God used to do extraordinary things with His power!

Do you remember what Esther’s uncle told her when faced with the possible sentence of death for her and her people? “Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

I truly believe that we’ve all been placed here for such a time as this.

The Bible says in Acts 17:26, “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (NIV)

That means you!

In the middle of your ordinary, run-of-the-mill, take-out-the-trash and drive-the-kids-to-school routine, you’ve been called by God for this time. For this moment. Wow!

And yes, even in the middle of a not so ordinary pandemic!

So what does all of this have to do with you and me right now? One person at a time, we can make a difference in the world through His power. It starts with each one of us, wherever we are, letting God take us on that amazing journey He’s prepared for us.

Hebrews 10: 24 says, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

Why?

Because of what Christ did for us on the cross. It is there, and only there, that we can find hope.

Be blessed today,

Lisa

Where are you God?: Embracing the unexpected on Palm Sunday

From December 22, 2009:

You might be surprised to know that I don’t like surprises and love a strict routine. Life on the mission field, though, has forced me to bend, grow, and become flexible.

At least I try.

When Scott called me earlier today and told me the car still wasn’t ready as promised, I struggled not to cry. As we’ve waited in South Africa, the kids have been counting down the days until Christmas, but we’ve yet to put up a Christmas tree, wrap presents, or even play Christmas music.

And while I know that Christmas isn’t about hanging stockings and singing Christmas carols, I love those special family traditions.

The truth is that the past few years haven’t gone according to “my” plans. When we bought our house in northern South Africa four and a half years ago, I told Scott I wasn’t moving again.

Ever.

Well, God certainly had other plans. In the past two years, we’ve lived in four countries, which has caused me to look hard at what’s important. I’ve pretty much chucked the idea that my kids will lead a normal life (though who’s to say what “normal” is). No T-ball, ballet classes, Fourth of July parades, or white Christmas’ with boxed stuffing and pecan pie for desert.

Which is okay. Most of the time anyway. ☺

The truth, though, is that life rarely holds to our expectations. We all know that all too well at this moment, as the whole world is on lockdown because of the pandemic. This definitely wasn't in my plans!

So this reminder is for me today, but maybe you need it as well. Jesus left the glory of heaven with all it’s perfection and beauty and especially the presence of His Father to come to a world full of sin and strife. And because of His love for us, He was willing to endure all that pain to the point of dying on the cross.

For us.

Yes, that’s you and me with all our flaws, imperfections, dreams, hopes and failures.

He came to Earth as a baby to fulfill God’s plan of redemption because of His great love for us.

Luke wrote: So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

I’m sure Mary never expected that visit from the angel that changed her life, that she would be with child from the Holy Spirit, or that she would have to travel to Bethlehem and give birth to her firstborn child in a manger.

And yet she listened and followed God’s plan for her life.

Wow.

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes the pain seems too hard to bear, while other times we’re surprised by blessings beyond our wildest dreams. And through all the laughter and the tears, one thing that remains constant. Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Did you hear that?

He won’t change who he is or what he expects from us, or his love for us. How reassuring in times of uncertainty.

So for today, embrace the unexpected and hold fast to the One who never changes.

And as we celebrate Easter in a different way this year, don't forget the baby born in a stable, who grew up to give His life for you and me, then rose again giving us hope of a future.

Be blessed today,

Lisa

Where are you God?: Freedom

Over the years, I've written about many of the injustices that are taking place around the world, including human trafficking. (Blood Ransom and Dangerous Passage) but for every person caught in the grips of physical slavery, there is another person caught in the grips of emotional and spiritual slavery. We don't have to be forced to work physically to be in bondage.

Whither it is bondage from addictions, depression, financial debt, or something else, there are people everywhere searching for freedom. I don't think I would want to write the stories I write if I didn't believe that there was hope. And that hope comes from one person. Jesus Christ who died on the cross.

Jesus said in Luke 4, "...he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recover fo sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

As many of us look toward Easter as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, let's remember those that there are so many living in fear and anxiety right ow. And let's not forget that the Lamb of God, who triumphed over death for each one of us, now sits on the throne.

“And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9 NLT


Lisa

Where are you God?: Oh, me of little faith

This is so applicable for today as we strive to take fear captive.

From May 15, 2012:

I took the plunge, yesterday. Literally. After four years of living thirty minutes from the Indian Ocean, I went snorkeling for the first time to celebrate Mothers Day. It was an interesting experience to say the least. As we returned on the boat, I started thinking about when Peter walked on the water and how I could now relate some to his reaction.

Yeah...Oh, me of little faith.

You see, for my first snorkeling experience, we went out on the boat into the ocean to first search for whale sharks. Now keep in mind that I much prefer sitting on land and watching the ocean. Thus the reason I've never been out in it other than on a boat. But despite my lack of experience (and shall I add fear) I decided to be brave and jump in with the others when a school of dolphins appeared. I was fine, for the first few seconds. Then I saw those big blue waves swelling around me. And let me tell you, they were big swells. Suddenly I felt extremely small and vulnerable. And as the boat begun floating further and further away, I started to panic.

The same thing happened to Peter. The disciples were out on the water and thought they saw a ghost. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure I would have panicked as well.

Then Jesus said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

When is the last time you've been afraid? The loss of a job, a bad diagnosis, problems with a child...It happens to all of us. Something happens and we panic. We forget to trust in Him.

Peter, though, decided to trust. At least for a moment. He got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward Jesus. But like me, he was distracted by the wind and the waves and started to sink.

Huge school of sardines.

Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, saying "You of little faith. Why did you doubt?"

Why do we doubt? What a piercing question.

With all the negative news storming the media today, along with the difficulties people are facing every day--it's easy to give in to fear and panic. I've noticed it in my own life. In many ways, it's been a challenging year for us. This means that--along with many of the frustrations we face every day--I've found it too easy to get caught in that downward spiral of negativeness and fear. Instead, though, I want my focus to be on Christ and His holiness. Is it easy? Not when that storms raging, but here are a few things that help me.

1. We have to guard our minds and what we put into it. Paul had great advice for this. He says in Philippians 4:8 that "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about these things.

2. Read through the Psalms. David was placed in some difficult situations, and yet his reaction was always to turn to God for strength.

"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. Psalm 112: 6-7

3. I'm also reading Soul Detox: Clearing Living in a Contaminated World by Craig Groeschel. Craig talks out the importance of fighting soul pollution that is threatening our health, faith, and witness to others. He gives practical ways to remain clean, pure, and focused on God's holiness.

What about you? What practical steps are you taking to navigate the storms of life?

Lisa