Surprise

Given the economic times and all it is stirring up in my heart I went rummaging through my journals looking for battles fought, lessons learned and God’s hand in previous times. This is a journal excerpt from July 8,9, 2007

 

My daughter Meagan, her fiance at the time: Jared (now her husband), Lori and I are out for a gosh-it’s-great-to-be-family-and ”Hey let’s go out for a Sunday Morning brunch”-together time.

An exhausted, worn, sad eyed woman appearing to be 78 years old comes to our table to take our order. She does, she leaves.

Meagan vocalizes what I’m thinking, “I feel so sorry for her… she’s old and she has to work here!?” My version adds a little more personal color, “That’s me at her age… a financial failure working on a bait barge, or in a shabby donut shop, vacuuming cars at an all night car wash in Hurricane Utah, or sitting on an intersection corner with a sign “Will Give Spiritual Direction 4 Food”… I’m so doomed”

Pause.

Jared shifts in his seat and speaks up, “Ahh… I have a different take on her. She’s where she’s at because of decisions she’s made. I feel bad for her, but I don’t feel sorry for her… she’s reaped what she’s sowed. She didn’t live/plan well.”

Meagan and Jared do a little back and forth tit-for-tat clarifying what they each meant and didn’t mean regarding the woman’s plight. Their conversation is background noise to the torment un-tethered in my soul…

“You reap what you sow!” Eegads… that’s how my future son-in-law feels?

What will he say about me in 25 years? I was kinda, sorta hoping that he would be my security net… put me up, feed me… cover my ass for 75 years of irresponsible impulsive recklessness guided as a free spirit living in the moment. All of these thoughts fermenting with a demonic choir in the background, “You reap what you sow, you reap what you sow.”

I pick up the bill and put it on my max-ed out credit card.

All that day and the next I cannot mute the chorus, shake the anxiety nor find any solace from God. It’s as if every foul dark spirit of condemnation, shame, un-belief, failure and diminishment west of Hurricane has been summoned to bring a tambourine, juice harp and drum and join the band. “You reap what you sow!”

You’ve had those days haven’t you? Something within surfaces and is then seized upon, exploited and colors your every moment. You can’t shake it…. you’re warring/praying to no apparent avail. This was that day for me. It was horrible. Every song on the radio sang it, a plane carrying a banner over the beach stated it, it was posted on the sides of buses, on bill boards, bumper stickers… it was on the back of cereal boxes, heck even Oprah confirmed it saying it, “YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW!”

By days end I have no future, no hope… no faith (it would seem). I’ve sowed poorly financially and I’ll reap hell on this earth. I’m the bug you watch swirling around in the toilet helplessly caught in the flow of life’s cold realities… until he disappears.

I thank God Lori is so very much my helpmate in times such as these. She knows me, my story… she knows God and is so often his mercy, grace and tenderness to me. She offers her life to me though her listening, her strong courageous words, being there, and calling me out and up to be the man I truly am. That evening she offered all to me… she loved me well in every way… and after the loving, tout de suite God shows up! *

The timing was a little odd, actually intrusive, like having a Jehovah’s Witness or a salesman knock on the door as you’ve just settled into a great book on an engulfing couch… but it is God and I answer the door.

Speaking to the suffocating weight of “You reap what you sow”, in powerful, defiant, words He says ,

That’s malarkey! ** 

From somewhere I began to argue that it’s an unflinching universal moral/life principle that HE (God) set up… that it’s true, it’s for the sake of order… it contributes to a good work ethic… it is just and promotes all that’s good and right… it cannot relent, there are no exemptions… I have no hope!!

To which he responds repeating himself for affect in a forceful passionate voice bringing me both clarity and joy…,

“Craig… NO! I love you, care for you, want to father you with grace, mercy, kindness… I will provide…”

And then day breaks and it’s all very clear for me…The principle of reaping what you sow by itself apart from any and every other reality of life is an impersonal law (like gravity). Being a impersonal principle/law doesn’t mean that it’s not true, but if taken as the highest, sine qua, the central governing truth of all creation and life in an exclusionary way. i.e. excluding God, it’s an inescapable sentence upon a persons life. A petri dish for condemnation, shame and the paralysis of self-loathing.

God begins to sooth my heart and bring clarity and a new round of deeper dependence upon Him confirming that “Reaping what you sow” alone leaves no room for healing, no grace, no wiggle room, and zero hint of an opportunity for redemption or God’s mercy and intervention. There’s no sense of a father’s heart and compassion… for his extravagant provision. It doesn’t take into account that, for some of us our financial failures aren't so much a volitional act of defiance, lack of self control/discipline, or materialism as it is an indicator of, symptom of deep woundedness, fatherlessness, brokenness. All very really issues that explain the failure and sins that mark our lives.

Did the prodigal reap what he sowed without mercy and redemption? Did the laborer who worked for merely an hour reap what he sowed (Matthew 20)?

It was the ongoing comfort of God as my father towards my own financial failures, my poor sowing, failure, brokenness and woundedness. I fell into a deep sleep with a big smile on my face.  – Craig

* I’m astonished at God’s timing and how he chooses to surprise us. For a number of reasons I KNEW it was God, for one, in moments like this it’s not my custom to ponder the deeper unresolved questions of my soul.

** I’m substituting words here… his words were aggressive, stern and surprising as he stood opposed to the agreement I was making to a principle twisted against a fathering God and my trust in him.  

Comments

[Stacy]

Wow... what timing. I checked this site earlier today and there was no blog, and for "some" reason I checked it again... and found this. I spent all day on the phone with bill collectors and creditors, scrambling to figure out how to keep my electricity on and not have my truck repo'ed. Financial failure (and the panic and shame and depression that rides on its heels) has been the theme of my day. This was definitely a much-needed reminded that God is way bigger than our failings. Over our past few years of financial struggles (my husband suffered an on-the-job injury when our first child was only 1 week old), I have learned one truth that brings me very very much comfort: God does not judge us based on our credit scores! :) And He is so very faithful... in spite of it all, we've lost nothing, and even been able to give our kids PLENTY (as in... TOO MANY) gifts at Christmas. He never lets us down, and I fully expect that His faithfulness will continue through all the stages of life, no matter how much we may often doubt Him in our fears. 2 Tim 2:13 says, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."

[Davie]

Thanks Graig, your words have brought a gift of freedom to someone who has been living under the tyranny of "you reap what you sow". I'm going to bed now and fall asleep while I consider Father's unending love and amazing grace!

[John]

Craig, Yes! So true. He spoke it to me as I read what you wrote... NO! I love you, care for you, want to father you with grace, mercy, kindness… I will provide…”

How will he do it? I have no idea, I really don't, I just know He will.

And Stacy who posted above, I prayed for your whole situation. God bless.
John

[Rocco]

This is simply sweet to hear. I have been judged harshly in the past by fellow believers on my financial situation. Although I am not in major debt, I don't own a $300,000 house and drive a Lexus. I live in a $50G house and drive 5 and 10 yr old cars. And have had it said to me, in so many words "you reap what you sow." But I am 'happy', I know my Fathers heart, I know he knows my heart, I know that He 'knows' my heart is good. My treasure is not in the 'things' our society offers, but in the heart of my wife and daughters - in God's heart. That's my treasure, and it will never spoil!

Rocco

[Jenny]

Another great post, Craig. It brought to mind something that Christ spoke to me recently...

While continuing with my "read-through-the-New-Testament-leisurely-in-however-long-it-takes-me" plan, I came upon the passage in Matthew where Jesus feeds the five thousand. I knew immediately, as I began to read, that God had something for my heart. His timing was perfect as this was a day where the dow had dropped tremendously and the economic future of our country was looking very, very grim. I was feeling the anxiety of it all and questions of our financial security were beginning to race through my mind. As I reflected on the scripture, Jesus reminded me in a sweet, matter-of-fact way, "Look, I took five loaves and two fish and turned it into an abundance. I did it then and I can do it now. You have nothing to worry about. I have you and I will provide more than enough". I laughed in response to my doubt and said, "Of course you can, Lord. Of course, you will provide. Of course, you can take what we have and even all that we've lost in the stock market and turn it into an abundance. Nothing is impossible for you."

I shared this with my family over dinner that night and as I expressed how God would provide more than enough in the midst of these uncertain times, a huge smile spread across our nine year old son's face. He could hardly contain his excitement as he shouted out, "Does that mean we're going to be RICH!!!"

Because he is a child maybe he doesn't yet realize that we already are rich. We have something that all the money in the world cannot buy. We have Jesus and that makes us wealthy beyond comprehension. He alone is more than enough.

[believingthomas]

Craig,
You should have made Jared pay for his meal that day :-)

It really is amazing how we are taught and take these things and twist them just a bit and they become an agreement. I find myself saying "Yes, yes that is right you do reap it and he is so wrong...Yeah God will provide but I'm going to have to pay for this..." Then God catches me and says "Really? Would you treat one of your boys that way?" And I crumble and confess my agreement and break it.

Thanks again.

[Charlie]

** I wonder what those words were?

Lord, how I relate to this post - right in the midst of HAVING to trust God for daily bread right now, my 401K looking like a 101K and wondering what life will look like in 30 years. "My Lord, what if I have to join AAFRP?" - The Association of FORMERLY Retired persons and wear a paper hat??

[Jon]

Craig,

Great post! Thanks for sharing the Father's true heart...His love...His grace...His mercy...His redemption.

[Lee Kaberlein]

Yeah, Craig, I can totally relate to you, even though I am 23. But reading what you said
helped me I think. I understand the feelings that come with condemnation.

And I know what it's like to have God comfort me too, like yourself. For instance I was at work and I was thinking about this parking ticket I got because my tags were expired. I started to fret about it because my job only gave me two days a week to work. Yet as I was fretting I felt a reassurance in me and what I felt was God, saying "don't worry, I have a plan for you. You are not doomed, you are still very much in my story" Well that is my written interpretation of what God impressed upon my heart. You know, how he speaks without using the English language.

Well anyways I really appreciate your honesty in bearing yourself to all of us who read your blogs. Peace my friend.

sincerely,Lee

[Lee Kaberlein]

Yeah, Craig, I can totally relate to you, even though I am 23. But reading what you said
helped me I think. I understand the feelings that come with condemnation.

And I know what it's like to have God comfort me too, like yourself. For instance I was at work and I was thinking about this parking ticket I got because my tags were expired. I started to fret about it because my job only gave me two days a week to work. Yet as I was fretting I felt a reassurance in me and what I felt was God, saying "don't worry, I have a plan for you. You are not doomed, you are still very much in my story" Well that is my written interpretation of what God impressed upon my heart. You know, how he speaks without using the English language.

Well anyways I really appreciate your honesty in bearing yourself to all of us who read your blogs. Peace my friend.

sincerely,Lee

[Craig McConnell]

Stacy,
Your story, your testimony of a faithful present God is a dagger in the heart of every foul thing speaking shame, depression and anxiety into your soul.

Revelation 12 10-11:
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

While reading your response I’m so aware of God breathing life, hope and assurance into my life… at this very moment, I’m sure others are deeply encouraged by your story. You are a life-bringer!

May our God and Father come for you and your family today, erecting a canopy of protection around you, filling you with hope and joy as He draws ever more closely to you… May He speak the very words you need. May He turn fiercely toward your every enemy, wave His hand and with a word bind, mute, silence and remove them from your lives, home, finances and domain by His name and authority, the name above every name in Heaven and on earth, Jesus Christ!
- Craig

[JD]

I keep thinking about Jared's comment, and how a more appropriate conclusion would be, instead of feeling bad for her because she is reaping what she has sown, feeling sad that she either never knew of the provision of love/redemption her Father has for her, or she chose not to accept it.

[Craig McConnell]

Rocco,
Well said Rocco, very good words… great reminder. Indeed you are a blessed/happy/fortunate man! - Craig

[Eric]

Sir Craig of Golden California,

Of noble heart and careful wit.
I’ve heard you say words like these before.
I wonder at the pose of it, for noble you are like a Great Eagle.
And, of great import is your heart. I do not believe you will reap this lie.
The Message that you sow, is holy, like water to a thirsty man.
Much have I learned from you and treasure your words, your wisdom, I do.
You are like an older brother that calls me to be who I am called to be.
For this I consider you, very, very wealthy.

Strength and honor,

Bart’s barber’s husband

[Craig McConnell]

Jenny,
What an interesting “through the Bible” program:)

A couple of things I’m enjoying about your response. One is the fathering heart of God to speak into the questions, fears or doubts that can plaque us so. He roams about our daily events and affairs jumping out of Scripture, as well as music, the words of a friend, beauty, a film clip or in a moment’s pause while driving to work or between errands… he comes for us. Thank you, thank you for story! It’s simply true, day in and day out everyone of us daily needs a reminder – an intimate conversational relationship with God is available (and so needed!). "Look, I took five loaves and two fish and turned it into an abundance. I did it then and I can do it now. You have nothing to worry about. I have you and I will provide more than enough". Amen! - Craig

[Craig McConnell]

Believing Thomas… I so totally agree, I should have made Jared pay for his meal (especially because he ordered the Crab crepes with a side of sausage and a large OJ… most expensive dish on the menu!#$%&?). That has always been a problem for me… my best responses, comebacks, arguments and insights come about 30 minutes – 2 days later! Dang! What is that? Thanks for the input. - Craig

[Davie]

Craig, "What is that?" For me it's adult ADD. I need to process my thoughts before I speak. I know,I know that was off topic, but what do you expect from an ADD pe...What's that smell? dang, I forgot the water boiling on the stove, maybe I should stop and balance my checkbook,...naw, I'll just do it later. Did I lock the door to the house when I left? ....Oh, ya Craig, did I tell you for me it's ADD? (g)

Davie

[Eric]

Craig, I just read your story, "SHOTGUN". So good, and I thought, wow, I'm hearing those same accusing voices. So much wisdom here, like, "There ARE a lot of things I should have done. This is what gives the Accuser a foothold of “credibility” that can destroy you (versus redeem/rescue you)." I love that, because it speaks right to me. I can also relate to, “You’re a failure… you’ll never have enough savings/retirement/pension funds… NEVER, EVER EVER…slob!” (The “Slob” felt like piling on!). LOL, I've heard those words too. (Not the piling on part, Hilarious). Finally you talk of "The Ancient One sitting shotgun” and He says, "Let me father you, I will care and provide… walk with me. And all the passages of scripture about me being more important to him than sparrows and wild flowers and that I need not worry about what I shall eat or wear flood my heart." Thank you Craig for that story, it has brightened my night, reminded me of who we are. I watch my business evaporate like a dieing vapor as my clients sink into the deep red ink of the growing recession. People I’ve worked with for twenty years, pillars in their industry being let go, felled like young saplings. I think of all the things I could have done differently, smarter, saved more, spent less. Accuse, accuse, accuse, that’s all the enemy does. My friend had to let 300 of his employees go! That's 300 families looking for a way to pay their bills. The smell of fear, it's all around...

And then you write…

Your unfathered heart is crushed under the shame and self loathing you bear.
You go it alone instead of bringing your fears to me.
Come to me. Bring your fear to me.
Rest, come on, let me father you……. Can it be that easy?

Beautiful…

[Jenny]

After reading this morning's headlines and Eric's heart-felt and moving response, the words to Isaiah 41:10 began to play through my mind...

"Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

And again, as I wrote earlier, I heard Jesus' sweet, matter-of-fact tone, "Surely, I will help you. Surely, I will uphold you. How could I possibly do anything less?"

And then, these words...

"I will keep in perfect peace, all who trust in me, all whose thoughts are fixed on me." Isaiah 26:3

May we all be encouraged and at peace...

[Craig McConnell]

Lee,
Thank you for your kind words. I'm ever so grateful that our God is not mute. He speaks! Calling out, inviting us, luring us, intervening, warning, laughing, weeping,always affirming and fathering... bringing life words and hope. May he speak to you today and tommorrow and every day of you long blessed life. - Craig

[Nick]

Revelation 3:10
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

[Vern]

Hmmm....

Part of the agricultural paradigm Jesus refers to so often contains surrender. As Americans, we often look at product as the linear outcome of work, like an assembly line... where if you stop work, the line stops, and nothing gets done. And Jesus keeps bringing us back to agriculture, where we plant, and WHAT we plant grows without our attention, or at least minimal attention. Water, fertilizer (we all know what that is, some say I'm full of it)... but the average farmer doesn't rush out in the field every day, unearth some seeds and check for growth. He surrenders the crop most days.

USING cash as the ONLY metric, even so, I'm sure that the view from God's position looks way different that it feels to you some times... but not being God, I can only imagine.

What I CAN say is that your stock in trade, for the time I have known you, has been love, hope, and freedom. You plant these things, and a bumper crop is harvested in places you can't necessarily see.

You're amongst less than half a dozen men who have demonstrated love, hope and freedom in my life that God used in me to completely redeem much of what has happened in my life, to reinterpret what I thought I knew, and to invite me to invest in others. If you were to be hit by a bus tomorrow, God forbid, this growth, this ripple effect does not die with you... it is eternal.

So when you're summing up, when you're measuring your parts, remember that the part men most often measure is often the part that LEAST makes them a man. Money, of course, contrary to the late night ads I've been seeing. I think God's version of "male enhancement" is more holistic, and my brother, I believe God has enhanced you, and though your life, mine has been enhanced too... like some sort of Godly male enhancement pyramid scheme.

OK, maybe I went too far... somehow Jesus uses parables but knows exactly when to quit. I get on a tear, and someone's gotta send the hounds out to get me.

In the end, as Bono says. "My God ain't short of cash, mister".

-vern-

[Eric]

All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted.
Saint Teresa of Avila

You reap what you sow and God said, "It is good"

[Craig McConnell]

Eric of County Orange, thank you for your good words… they truly bring encouragement.
It’s amazing the power our words have for good or harm. I was raking leaves this afternoon and asking God, “What are the words my wife, daughters, son-in-laws and grand-daughters need from me… what are the words I can offer them?” It’s a great question… and… He answered me, giving me personal words for each. Eric, may you bring life to all those in your world through your life and words. – Craig

[Craig McConnell]

Davie… I’ love your sense of humor you’ve got me belly laughing… did I tell you you’ve got a great sense of humor? – Craig

[Randy]

Craig
Your openness about your financial failures has "opened" this area of my life to myself and the Father. I have carried such shame and guilt for years and it's only grown with each visit home or chats with my family members who share about vacations abroad or new vehicles, etc. Deep inside I have believed their infercences "well, you reap..." BUT you are the first man I've read or heard to be open about his $ situation and admit mistakes, failures and a discouraging outlook. Thank you for your courageous step to share and be known. Before I could barely pray about this area because I believed I deserved my lot, it was my fault and God didn't have to help us. BullS...! Or Malarkey! SO grateful to Him for you and your willingness to share your stories. Can't wait to read YOUR book!

[Craig McConnell]

Eric… did I write all that?

Wow. Thanks… and my heart breaks for the 300 families. May Christ be known in all his comfort, grace, provision and fathering heart. Everyone of us shares a common need for God... the blessed ones are those acutely aware of their need and pursuing Him. - Craig

[Craig McConnell]

Jenny,
What I most love about your comments is the observation of “Jesus’ sweet, matter-of-fact-tone”. His unchanging heart is our anchor and from it He offers matter-of-factly the hope, joy, rest, security we so fervently crave. - Craig

[Learning The Hard Way]

Craig,
With our business being attacked by the times and our personal finances following suit, what a great time for your message. I have only been coming to this site for a week. It was recommeded by a friend who went to camp at Ransom Heart Ministries. Wow, what timing, even some of the verses quoted in the blog were ones we are banking (punn intended) on. BTW, who are you? Do you work with John? Where can I see more of your writings?

[Craig McConnell]

Vern,
I love your panache… it’s husky, smart and energetic with the whiff of God. I’m honored to have played such a role to you… frankly, it comes easy in your presence… you’re an immensely good man (said with a smile I share with The Father). - Craig

[Craig McConnell]

Randy,
God’s at work! At one point He was very clear, “Craig, the problem isn’t money, the answer isn’t money. The issue is an un-fathered heart.” That rung so deeply and definitively true… while explaining my failures and sin it directed my hope to a deepening relationship with my provider, The Provider. - Craig

[Eric]

Craig, I think that what I see is that your honesty and humility are a glimpse into your holiness. Your humor is wonderful and disarming and also a great blessing. Also evident is your mighty broadsword and your brilliant light. That is what is beautiful in how you share so openly. You are both approachable and dangerous, both humble and wise. But enough brown nosing.
You say at Boot Camp: (Yes you said this too!)
“Fear is what is beneath our posing, fear of being exposed and condemned, of not having what it takes. We all have that fear. How do we change? What needs to happen? How does this posing become dismantled? (Great question) To get us to turn to Him, God will disrupt our lives,…. MAY HE DISRUPT OUR LIVES, MAY WE INVITE HIM TO DO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING NECESSARY TO SHATTER THE POSING. We need to leave the posing, flee it. May God bring disruption that causes and furthers that. We need to identify those things we’re most afraid of and step into them. Allow God to strengthen you through those trials”
Man, I find this so incredibly helpful and hopeful. So, through these fearful, financially stressful times, I see great hope! He has brought trials and great disruption to my life, and I am both fearful of what could happen financially, (both to our country and to so many families, mine included), and very hopeful that He will use this for healing, restoration and sanctification in my life. I will not waste my pain, I see it as the right hand of God sifting through those wounds and places that need healing, so desperately. I have been so driven in my life, so dang busy, buried in business, (I wonder if the enemy orchestrated that!), that I have ignored the wounds that have been there all along and I’ve been to busy to pursue God’s healing. And now, that I have more time on my hands the wounds and fears stand and confront me like shadows in the night. I have much work to do.
Neil Anderson writes:
“It should be obvious by now that God’s basic goal for your life is character development: becoming the person God wants you to be. Sanctification is God’s goal for your life…….I must honestly say, though, that it has been the dark, difficult times of testing in my life that have brought me to where I am today. We need occasional mountaintop experiences, but the fertile soil for growth is always down in the valleys of tribulation, not on the mountaintops.”

I look forward to what He has for all of us…I thank you for all you offer.

[Jack Start]

I appreciate and understand the tone of Craig's "Surprise" article, and nearly all the entries in response. And from personal experience I understand the deep demoralization that comes from condemnation for financial and other failures. I'm a little surprised, though, someone hasn't mentioned that we should balance our need for soul-soothing from God with personal responsibility towards something as fundamental as finances.

God will come through for us, will offer our hearts comfort, will not crush a reed that’s broken, BUT I can’t set my sights on a lifestyle beyond my means, I shouldn’t expect to keep up with the Joneses, and I may not have as golden a retirement as my parents had. I’ve found I feel best about my financial situation when I’ve worked hard, spent responsibly, and honoured God with what he’s provided. If I don’t behave responsibly with the bounty God has provided, then I should expect negative feelings. Spiritual blessings sometimes flow from a well-balanced check book.

[Karen Curtis]

Thanks for this wonderful "Good News!"

I have often found that God's Word is indeed a "two edged sword." God is both loving, full of mercy, and a judge with wrath upon His enemies.

God's Word offers us mercy, or condemnation -- and we must seek His mercy through the shed blood of Jesus in order to finally believe that God has showered us with His mercy and blessings.

We must rightly divide the Word of Truth, dividing the two concepts of mercy and grace, or wrath with condemnation. It is only through Jesus that we find grace for our sins, and mistakes.

I have learned this through my fiery trials -- having lived under condemnation most of my life. I have feared reaping what I have sown, and I have reaped often, but even through it, The Lord showed me mercy and PEACE!!!!

All of this to say that I agree with all that your journal says!!! Thank You.

[~A]

Not to take away from the true message of this post,(which IS really great!), but I'm really stuck on the initial thought about the woman. What if that woman wasn't there because of poor choices? Perhaps she doesn't need our sadness or pity for her at all. Perhaps she felt God called her to be there to sow in someone else's life in her later years. Perhaps she was helping a friend/daughter/son with the restaurant. If we know her true story, it may shed another light on how her life story reflects sowing and reaping...

[Craig McConnell]

Eric,
Oh man has this season been disruptive! Thank you for your kind words. Yeah, it's most often the disuption of relationships or circumstances that surfaces the governing issues/agreements/wounded-ness that lie beneath the surface of our "nice little lives". God has come for me in all of this in a way that very genuinely births a "consider it all joy when you encounter diverse difficulties/trials" (James 1:2)heart. There are the up's and down's but the intimacy of our Father's personal words of promise, hope, comfort and provision are above and beyond any "security" or comfort I could afford. - Craig

[Craig McConnell]

Jack,
Good words. You're right and of course we're to live well/responsibly/holy lives financially, as husbands, fathers, followers of God et cetera. My prayer is to hear the benediction over my life, "Well done". Until then I find in one or more areas of my life I need the grace and soul soothing presence and fathering grace of God. Thanks again for your important words Jack! - Craig

[Craig McConnell]

Karen,
I can tell you have quite a story, thank you for sharing some of it with us. May you reap mercy/grace upon mercy/grace leaving you with arms stretched up to the heavens singing a beautiful new song of adoration and praise to our God. - Craig

[GardenGirl2]

Thank you so much for this! I had come across it on the web some months ago and this morning it grabbed my attention, just when I needed it again.