Lazarus 1 and Lazarus 2

The Bible tells two true stories about men named Lazarus. They are separate people with very different circumstances. But there are also some amazing similarities.

Lazarus 1 was a poor, crippled beggar who was laid at the gate of a rich man’s house so he could ask passersby for sustenance. He had sores on his body, and the dogs licked them. Jesus told this true story. (It's not a parable.) And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom. The rich man wanted water and a favor, that Abraham would send Lazarus back to earth to warn his five brothers about hell. Abraham answered him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead (Luke 16:19-31).

Lazarus 2 and his sisters Martha and Mary were some of Jesus’ closest friends. They lived in the little town of Bethany, just outside of Jerusalem. When Lazarus got sick, his sisters sent word to the Lord. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. After two days, Jesus traveled with His disciples back to Bethany. He said, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. (Lazarus had been in the grave four days when Jesus approached Bethany.) Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. What amazing faith she had!

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.

Then, Jesus went to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. They did. (Doesn’t this remind you of Jesus’ own burial? He showed before His own death that He was Lord over death. I think maybe the cave and stone foreshadow Jesus’ resurrection, don’t you? In Lazarus’ case, the stone was rolled back to let him come out, and when Jesus rose, the stone had to be rolled back to let people see He was not there!)

And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. (John 11:1-44)

There’s so much in these two men’s lives and deaths. Let’s look at how they’re similar:

Both Lazarus 1 and Lazarus 2 were believers. Lazarus 1 went to “Abraham’s bosom” when he died because he had faith that God would provide the Messiah. He had put his faith in Jesus, though he didn’t yet know His Name. Lazarus 2 was Jesus’ personal friend. (Anyone in Scripture who’s referred to as a friend of God is a true believer.) When he died, he also went to heaven, but he was called back to earth by the Son of God Himself.

And now, what’s different:

Lazarus 1 suffered on this earth. He was a crippled man with no means of supporting himself besides begging. The rich man despised him. Lazarus was sick, and his only companions were dogs. Nevertheless, he trusted in God and he will spend all eternity with his Savior. Lazarus 2 had a fairly comfortable life as far as we know. We don’t know if he was ever married, but he lived with his sisters in a house in Bethany. He had food to eat and a roof over his head and the best companionship in the world—family, and Jesus as his personal Friend. Though he had to go through death twice, he too will forever be with the Lord.

An interesting observation about the two:

When Jesus tells the true story about the rich man and Lazarus 1, the rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth to warn his brothers. Abraham refuses. The rich man disagrees and says, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he (Abraham) said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Obviously, this Lazarus remained in heaven and didn’t go back to earth. Abraham said his brothers wouldn’t be persuaded, even when they came face-to-face with someone who had returned from the grave. Wow!

So, what happened after eye witnesses saw Jesus raise Lazarus 2, who had been dead and buried for four days? Read the immediate response: Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. . . . Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death (John 11:45-46, 53). The Bible says many believed, but others plotted to kill Jesus.

But that’s not all; they also wanted to kill Lazarus. Why? Because Lazarus was living, breathing proof of Jesus’ resurrection power—and they didn’t like it! (I guess they didn’t consider that Jesus could have raised him a second time, as easily as the first!) Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. . . . Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. (The story of Palm Sunday is here, and the passage closes with eye-witness proof of Lazarus’ being brought back from the dead.) The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record (John 12:1-3, 9-11, 17). Even though one (Lazarus 2) came back from the dead, they didn’t believe!

Have you believed in Jesus?

If you believe in Jesus, are you spreading the gospel? Jesus has power over death. He died as a substitute for sins. And He rose again! Praise Him!

Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast,

unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

(1 Corinthians 15:54b-58)

(Photo courtesy of www.lumoproject.com, Free Bible Images.)

  

Fiction Review: My Father's House

My Father’s House, by Rose Johnson is a novel I didn’t want to put down. Told first-person, Lily Rose’s story unfolds like an autobiography. It’s so believable, I repeatedly had to remind myself it’s a novel. The writing is excellent, and Lily Rose, the Georgia setting, her family, her mother’s mental illness, and all of the story rings true-to-life.

Lily and her friend Maggie go to New York City and giggle their way through posh stores and experiences. On Friday night, Maggie takes Lily to her favorite restaurant, Valenti’s, with its authentic Italian atmosphere. Their waiter is handsome and mildly flirtatious. He takes pictures with the girls and asks Lily for her phone number. The electricity between them is palpable, and Lily dreams of the waiter every day thereafter.

Then, Manuel calls her and pours on the charm. Soon, he’s calling every day. One day, he shows up in her little Georgia town. He wines and dines her, and soon, Lily agrees to marry him—immediately. It all happens so fast, and Manuel makes many promises that Lily wants to believe.

Lily and Manny move to Detroit, where Manny practices law and owns an apartment. Lily Rose is out of her comfort zone—in more ways than one.

Lily soon understands that her husband isn’t who she thought he was. He is cruel and hot tempered, and she suspects much, much worse.

I don’t want to give away the story. You will laugh and cry along with Lily. When she goes back to her father’s house, Lily finds friendship, community, and support. She needs it! Follow Lily Rose’s story. You will love it!

Note: This is a book for adults. It mentions sex and rape in marriage, but there are no explicit scenes. There is some violence. The author uses one or two curse words (once or twice only) and a few crude words. Some of the Christian characters occasionally drink alcohol. Lily makes some choices I wouldn’t personally advise.

The tone of the book, though, is wonderful. I couldn’t flip the pages (on my Kindle) fast enough. Some of the lessons Lily learns are hard ones, but they come through loud and clear. I enjoyed My Father’s House immensely. I think you will, too.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR IN THE WAY READERS: 

Author Rose Johnson is offering My Father's House for Kindle FREE 

today and the next two days (April 25-27). Get yours today!
You may access the link here.

 Thank you, Rose! 

A European and Christian Look at the Restroom Controversy

I live in Spain, as most of you know. Since March 2007, anyone in Spain can self-identify however he wishes. One doesn’t need to change a thing. If a man decides he is female, he can change his national identification card to female. If a woman decides she is male, the same thing. If a person is transgender, it is accepted. Public school children are encouraged to experiment in order to figure out their sexual preferences and identities. They’re encouraged to be open-minded and tolerant.

I have, on occasion, been in public bathrooms washing my hands and observed a man coming in or out of the same bathroom. Though I was surprised, I honestly just thought he must have turned into the wrong doorway. In those cases, the man didn’t look like he felt out of place or that he noticed he was the only man in the public restroom.

Even though transgender is accepted in Europe, I could probably count on one hand the men I’ve noticed were cross dressing. It is certainly not typical to see men in women’s clothes. We do often see women in menswear and with men’s hairstyles.

Recently, I’ve watched some short videos and read some of the comments about what someone would do if a man walked into a women’s bathroom. One was a social experiment where a man dressed like a woman and walked into a public restroom. Most of the women said unkind, nasty things to him, and some even cursed. I’ve seen threats about what someone would do if a man walked into the bathroom where their relative was. (It’s strange that no one has mentioned women who self-identify as men walking into men’s rooms. Just an observation.)

Do you realize that:

• Most cross dressers, gays, lesbians, and transgendered people are victims of childhood sexual abuse, and much of their gender confusion began with that abuse?
• Men who cross dress are some of the most abused people in the gay community?
• Most LBGT people are not sexual predators?

As a Christian, what should our attitude be towards a person who identifies as a different gender from his birth? How should we act when we see a cross dressing man or woman? Is it possible to condemn the sin and truly love the sinner?

I think so. Remember Jesus’ example.

How did He treat the woman caught in adultery, the Samaritan woman at the well, Mary Magdalene (who had seven demons), and the harlot who washed His feet with her tears? He loved them, forgave them, and told them to go and sin no more. Jesus didn’t condone their sins. He didn’t tolerate their sin. He offered each of them forgiveness out of a heart of infinite love.

He still does.

In 1 Corinthians 6:11, the Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthian church members, And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Look what goes before that verse: Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God (verses 9-10).

Maybe you aren’t homosexual. Maybe you don’t cross dress. Maybe you have never thought one time about changing your gender. But, if you are a born again person, you were a rotten sinner. What Jesus did for you when He died for your sins opened the way for you to repent and accept His great gift of salvation.

The next time you see a person with gender identity issues:

• Have compassion. Remember that when he (Jesus) saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36). This person needs the Shepherd!
• Be kind. The Virtuous Woman openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness (Proverbs 31:26).
• When you have the opportunity, point people to Jesus.

Back to the bathroom controversy: I believe the problem is more about doors than about people. In Europe, most bathroom doors extend to the floor. There isn’t open space between the stalls at ceiling or floor level. There is no open space around the door. Each person is in a small, private room. If perchance a person of the opposite sex happened to use the same facility, it would actually not pose a problem, as each cubicle is completely private with a door that closes and locks.

Even in the States, there are bathrooms that are larger for wheelchair users and parents with small children. Many times they are unisex, and I never heard an outcry.

Don’t get me wrong. I really understand people’s concerns. No one wants sexual predators in public restrooms. I get it.

But, maybe it would make more sense to change the stalls.

I also think we might be forgetting to have the mind of Christ when we see troubled people. Let’s be less hateful and nasty and actually ask the Lord to make us soul conscious. How would you like to be treated? The Golden Rule says, Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them (Matthew 7:12a). That’s the way we’re to treat others.

Charity . . . is kind.

(from 1 Corinthians 13:4)

What to Do If You Suspect Your Husband's Having an Affair

A wife has a hunch about these things. Something doesn’t quite feel right. Her husband’s excuses sound improbable. Could he really be working sixteen hours a day? Was that truly an overnight business trip?

I’ve known quite a few women who’ve smelled smoke and haven’t looked for the fire. Understandably, they didn’t really want to know the truth. They didn’t want to face it head on, so they waited . . . and waited. When they finally felt like they had to know, there was very little marriage left to salvage. They waited too long.

Like I said, I understand. Who even wants to go there? What wife wants to believe the worst of her husband?

But, it’s important that wives follow their noses about these things earlier rather than later. Why? 

• If there isn’t a problem, she’s being honest, and her husband is more aware that he needs to keep his wife in the loop with what’s going on in his life. He understands she needs more loving attention.
• If she catches an affair early, it’s easier to limit the damage to their marriage and rebuild trust and transparency.

Here’s some advice for how to find out what’s going on: 

1. Talk to your husband about his daily schedule. Be kind and not accusing. Just ask what he did that day and be interested—genuinely—in his work. Watch him as he answers. Does he seem nervous, look away, get angry, or become touchy? Then, there’s probably some kind of a problem. It’s not necessarily adultery, but something’s wrong.
2. Ask someone he works with how things are going. Ask about the late meeting on Wednesday night. Find out about the overnight in the neighboring state. Just find out if things are the way you’ve been told.

Did you get satisfactory answers? Then, you’re probably overreacting somewhere. Maybe you can suggest that your husband help you out by giving you a copy of his calendar.

Did you find out things aren’t as they should be? Take action. (You want your husband! Win him back to you. Fight for him! Don’t let anyone else have him.)

Here’s how:

1. Talk to him. Tell him he means the world to you, and you want him. Let him know you feel hurt, yes, but more than that, you want your marriage to work, and you are willing to do what it takes to rekindle the fire.
2. Forgive him. It will take some time, but you need to forgive him for giving attention to another woman.
3. Forgive yourself. If your husband has wandered, he might criticize you. It can be hard to swallow. You might not have been as loving as you should have been, or you might not keep yourself pretty, or you might have come up short in another area. Learn from the negative lessons, and go on to correct anything you need to. But, don’t blame yourself or get down on yourself. Ask God to forgive you and move on. Strengthen your marriage.
4. Get counsel. Go to a trusted older godly woman with experience in biblical counseling, and find out how you can do your part to heal your marriage. It would be great if your husband got biblical counsel as well. Encourage him to do so.
5. Make some rules. If your husband indeed had an extramarital interest, make sure that he and the OW (other woman) know that any future texts, calls, or other interactions between the two of them will go through you. There is to be no other contact. (It’s best, of course, if there is no contact between hubby and the OW. But, sometimes, there are circumstances—work, a baby born to the OW, or maybe financial arrangements—when contact is necessary. If it is, it goes through you.) Make it crystal clear that your husband is your husband!
6. Determine to be more of a companion. Go with your husband and do things together. Sit together at functions, when possible. Show him and others that you are a couple. Take the initiative and be with your husband when you can.
7. Date again. Make sure you make time for each other, even if you have a large family. You can even have “at home” dates, making time to be alone together. One way you can restore trust is to begin enjoying each other again.
8. Give it time. It takes time to work through hurt, especially after adultery. It’s gutting! It’s sickening! A wife wants to have exclusive love from her husband, and she’s been rejected. So, it’s only natural that, even if she has forgiven him, it will take a while to rebuild what’s been torn down. She needs to be open and honest and demand the same from her husband. She needs to reestablish her love for him. Acknowledge there will be some ups and downs, but you are rebuilding something very important—your marriage.
9. Realize you’re not alone. There are many women who’ve taken back their marriages after adultery. I know some of them. They have my utmost admiration and respect. It can be done!

Get into the Bible about your marriage.

• She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness (Proverbs 31:26). Is this the way you talk to your husband?
• The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency (1 Corinthians 7:4-5). Are you enjoying intimacy with your husband?
• She that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband (1 Corinthians 7:34b). Are you taking care of your husband?
• Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing (Ephesians 5:22-24). Are you happy in your role in your home? You’re one “military” rank under your husband, who is one rank under Christ. (Note that both wives and husband are to be subject to someone. It’s God’s way of keeping an order. Just as there’s an order in the church, so there is in the home.)
• Whose adorning . . . let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price (1 Peter 3:3-4). Do you have a controlled and tranquil spirit? How do you react to your husband?
• For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement (1 Peter 3:5-6). Do you give your husband respect? (Even if he hasn’t earned it, the husband is in the role as head of his home. Respect his position and defer to his leadership.)
• Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it (1 Peter 3:9-11). Don’t retaliate, blame, and scold. Make the effort to keep the peace and speak pleasantly and positively.

To summarize, you can save your marriage if you look for the truth when you “smell smoke.” Find out if your fears have any basis, and work on your marriage. God’s plan for marriage is beautiful, and the Bible is your best guide.

God bless you!

Five Ways to Use Social Media for Good and Not Feel Overwhelmed

I love visiting online with my friends all over the world. But sometimes, it’s overwhelming. Our attachment can be good, really good. But it can also be emotionally too much. Let me explain.

This grandchild is very ill. Another child has cancer—accompanied by a photo of a precious, bald little one. This woman’s husband passed away. A friend lost his wife. A baby dies. I follow a childless couple on their adoption ups and downs. I am overwhelmed. Life is so hard and sad!

And then, there are the appeals for money. Go Fund Me for this cause, that cause—all good causes. Support an orphan, help a cancer patient, help pay for unexpected expenses, support our team effort . . . . It is overwhelming. I can’t. We are already helping people every week.

Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the negatives, the needs, the asking?

I believe there are five helpful steps we can take in order to be effective but not overwhelmed:

1. Limit your connection. Don’t let your phone beep for every social media reaction. Go to social media less—yes, I’m preaching to myself. I find great rest to my soul and emotions when I limit to only checking twice a day. (Radical, I know.)
2. Ask God to help you be discerning in using the money He’s entrusted to you. Decide priorities and boundaries ahead of time. When you can’t, you can’t. If God burdens you and you can, help!
3. As you go through your friends’ posts, pray for them. Pray for each need as you read it. Ask God to bless and for His will to be done in each life and in each case. Social media can help us pray for others.
4. Leave God’s work to God. You cannot heal the world, provide for the world, hug people not near you, or meet the needs in people’s souls. You can encourage them, but only God can do God’s work. There’s freedom in trusting God to meet needs.
5. Praise God and think about good, honest, true . . . . The Bible speaks of thanks as an antidote for sinning. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks (Ephesians 5:1-4). When God gives instructions for our thought life, this is what He says: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

The next time you’re overwhelmed by the needs you see on social media, turn your thoughts to praise. Look for the good, and reject the oppression that can come from empathizing with so many legitimate needs. Pray for your friends, and leave their issues with God. After all, He’s working in all our lives!

God bless you!

When God Redirects Your Path

Many years ago, I would sit and dream: what would my future hold? As a little girl, I didn’t have the maturity to look across the years. So, I dreamed a storybook life for myself. I was always the beautiful princess, and I could spin gold . . . . I could fly! I imagined soaring above the trees. I also envisioned being invisible and living in castles. I wanted to champion a great cause. I was the great Nancy Drew detective girl. My life was an adventure!

And so it has been . . . . No, I’ve never spun gold, but I have soared above the trees and visited castles and places I never even dared to dream about. My life is dedicated to the greatest Cause—honoring Jesus Christ.

Our lives can take turns we never expected:

• A child with special needs
• Cancer
• Moving with your job or the loss of your job
• Abuse
• The death of a loved one
• An accident

We look to the sky and ask God why. Why, Lord? Why me, Lord? How am I going to deal with this?

Think with me about the many people with disabilities, cancer, and other sicknesses who have risen to the challenge. Some of them, with their families, have started support groups, funded research, raised money, and encouraged others suffering in the same way. They’re an inspiration! If they’d never had the problem, they would never have dedicated time and money to help others in this way.

Parents of autistic children, children with Down’s syndrome, visual and hearing-impaired, speech issues, and other challenges get together with other parents. They encourage each other. They develop programs and curricula that will help their children learn and grow and socialize. They understand the challenges, but their children have blessed their lives, and they in turn, bless others.

An automobile accident wipes out a car and maims its victim. Months of rehabilitation follow. It wasn’t expected, yet it happened. Now, this person is stretching and working—along with a room full of others—so that he can walk again. He never would have met those people otherwise. He would never have understood all the work that goes into rehab if he had never had the accident.

A job change means moving to another state—or another country. This means adjustments on everyone’s part: a new school for the children, finding a new church, selling the old house and finding a new one, meeting the neighbors. It may mean learning a new language and culture.

When God changes your direction, when He moves you, how do you react? Of course, if there’s loss or sickness, you’ll go through grieving, pain, and whatever trial is involved in sickness or disability. How will you react to your new situation, your new path? I don’t think anyone knows before he gets there. But, a Christian is prepared when it happens, even though he might not be aware of it.

I know people who are using their personal challenges in these ways:

• A cancer survivor keeps up with other people in her hospital cancer group.
• A man who is in a wheelchair invented a machine for storing a wheelchair in a van.
• Mothers with special needs children write about their experiences and share information and educational helps with other moms.
• A cancer survivor runs 5Ks to raise money for cancer research.
• A victim of a life-changing automobile accident shares her testimony by blogging.
• A couple that lost several babies are writing a book to help other parents who have suffered a similar loss.
• A friend with cancer constantly witnesses to doctors and nurses who are treating him.
• A mother who lost a child speaks to groups and has written a book about how to keep going after such tragedy.

Where are you? Has God altered your path?

Ask Him to help you turn your personal hurt into comfort and blessing for others. Ask God to use you in and through your life situation.

Trust the Lord to lead you:

• For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me (Psalm 31:3).
• Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness (Psalm 143:10).
• Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

May God bless you as you seek to honor Him in your redirected path. You can make a difference in this world!