Faith and “Great Things”

October 2, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. Luke 1:49. NLT.

This past week, I was prepping for our small group study in the book of Luke. During my preparation, I came across this scripture. This is part of Mary’s song of praise to God, newly pregnant and enjoying fellowship with Elizabeth. Elizabeth, who is past childbearing age, is also six months pregnant. The child within Elizabeth leapt when he heard Mary’s greeting.

To me one of the great things I would be grateful for if I were Mary, would be God’s great gift of having someone who was also going through an unique experience. After her angelic encounter, Mary traveled from Galilee to Judea, not a short distance. What a joy to have Elizabeth acknowledge and confirm the special gift Mary was carrying. God confirmed it to Elizabeth by her baby John’s response in her womb. I just think that was an extra special great thing God did for these two women.

This scripture gave me pause to stop and think about all my great things God has done for me. My salvation is the first, of course. Most of the great things I have are people! It is a wonder to me how God connected the dots of my life to lead me to meeting and marrying my husband. I experienced a broken relationship, which led to an adventure in Kodiak, AK. Finally, a letter to a friend back in Seattle led me to meet the man I would marry. Our life together led us to experience so many great things. I can only stop and look in awe at Him and His ways. My heart is humbled but also joyous as I think about the privilege we had the opportunity to touch lives. I think part of Mary’s rejoicing was her looking at the bigger picture of Israel’s lives. She was celebrating what He had done, what He was doing and what He was going to do. So many times we get focused on the perceived negative challenges we currently face, rather than understanding God’s bigger plan.

Our children and grandchildren are another one of the great things God has done in my life. The lessons I’ve learned through and from them are amazing. Elizabeth and Zechariah were given John’s purpose early in life. Mary knew that Jesus was destined to be the Savior of the world. God told us early on that Rosanna would be a “singer” for the Lord. Funny thing, we never told her about it until God began opening doors for training and opportunity. Today, she is the worship leader for her church. My son has had a teaching bent since he was young. He can look at a problem and see its solution. My daughter Elizabeth has the gifts of faith and encouragement. All three of our children married amazing God-loving people. Their individual stories result from a mixture of our prayers, their prayers and God’s grace. These are great things God has given to me. What about you? I urge you to take the time to look at the great things God has done for you.

But those are the big picture great things. How about the smaller great things, things that the Lord is doing right now in your life? Last week during our Seek Week, I ‘tried’ to fast and spend time seeking the Lord extra. It was such a struggle. As I shared my feeling of ‘failure’ with the Lord, He reminded me once again of His love and mercy. I noticed this week, that I have an even greater sense of peace and trust in Him. This too is an incredible, only our God can do such a great thing to change us on the inside! Oh my friends, take time to look for the great things in your life. It will bring joy, gladness and peace to those troubled areas. It will help you release your faith. Our God has greater things planned to do in you and through you. That is who He is.

“Eye glasses clipart, vintage object“/ CC0 1.0

“Black framed eye glass on a wooden surface” by anogh/ CC0 1.0

Father, help us to take the time to look for the great things you have done in our lives. Thank you for the wonderful gift of salvation, that we didn’t deserve. Open our eyes to see where and what you are doing, today. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and The God of All Hope

September 25, 2025 Martha Rodman1 Comment

May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

When I think of the phrase “the God of all hope”, my tension eases. Peace comes. My heart is at rest. There is something about remembering that He is the God of ALL hope that when my life struggles, I can still trust Him.

The hope He gives means I can trust Him when I feel like I am failing. His hope and assurance means I can keep walking when life tells me not too. I can run to Him when life seems overwhelming and know He will be there to show me the path of life.

Hope is the expectation that God’s faithful character is always there for us. In trying to describe His hope, I think of it as a life preserver, buoying me up during stormy days. The thing I have learned is to turn to Him when hopelessness tries to descend. Our natural mind would say “there is no hope”, the diagnosis is settled and been confirmed. When the doctors told me that Darryl was blind, deaf and basically gone after his heart attack and stroke, I was devastated. I knew Darryl had often preached, “You can’t see miracles unless you need miracles. Most people don’t want to be in a place to need them.” I kept praying for miracles. It took a while to see any.

My hope and trust were challenged severely. But I kept believing. All the previous tests of our faith came into play. I rehearsed God’s faithfulness and promises. The testimonies we already had. I needed to lean on every lesson He had taught us over the years. One of those lessons was this very verse. May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13. NIV. The God of all hope began to show up.

The doctors release him to our home in Connecticut on hospice. They put people on hospice when the doctors think the person will pass within six months or less. They brought in a feeding machine and a hospital bed. I met with the hospice nurses and team. I know it was the God of hope that began to assemble the team that helped us through those first days. My friends, you don’t know how valuable those precious believers were during this season. They were God’s hope with flesh on. Please follow the Holy Spirit’s leading when others are going through difficult times.

Darryl was still, no movement, no noise. Nothing. He just lay in the bed while we attended to his needs. I kept expecting him to simply wake up–whole and ready to get back to my normal life. Two days after we had him home I noticed his feet were during grayish. I asked the nurse, and she said, “Oh that’s mottling, he will pass in the next 24 hours.” I just said to the Lord. “No, that can’t happen”. That night some friends gathered to worship and pray around his bed. I hadn’t shared about the mottling. Some time, during worship I moved his blanket and his toes were pink! The God of all hope had showed up and turned my hope into reality. It definitely was a time of celebration. The fellow who was supposed to come the next day to bathe him, told me “I kept expecting a phone call telling me not to come, that he had passed. He had never seen someone come back from mottling! A miracle for sure had happened.

My friends, my hope was that Darryl would totally recover and our old life would restart. That didn’t happen. But the God of all hope is still bringing me hope. For a year or so before Darryl’s health incident, he kept telling me about a big white house God was showing him. He said we are going to need to move. I kept saying, not until we use up this one to its capacity. The God of all hope was showing him, his new home, not ours. In the back of my mind, I wondered if that was what God was showing him. I didn’t want to even think about God taking him home without me. He left this earth October 5, 2012 to meet His Savior. My joy and peace is full as I think about him able to worship and praise the Lord freely.

I learned so much during the 2 1/2 years I was his caregiver, lessons of perseverance and trust. One main lesson I keep learning is that the God of all hope will always be there for us. Do not let the enemy steal your hope. When you are tempted to hopelessness, stand strong. Run back to your Savior. When I feel hopelessness and discouragement trying to come in, I try to look where the hole is. Most of the time for me, I seem to have some unmet expectation. I choose to declare my trust in Him. It is not long till the God of all hope shows up with His peace and joy, and I can feel the power of the Holy Spirit strengthening me.

Father, I thank you for reminding us today that you are the God of all hope. With your hope comes joy and peace, and I am so grateful. Please show us how to walk more consistently with this hope, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Complaints

September 18, 2025 Martha Rodman1 Comment

Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, my way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God? Isaiah 40: 27. NIV

Indeed. Why? Why do we complain to the Lord? Is it okay to complain to the Lord? Is there some kind of balance we need? Lately I’ve begun unofficially trying to monitor my “complaints”. I know, you may be thinking, why would you do that?

One of my goals this year is to actively add more gratitude, thankfulness and appreciation to the Lord. As I strive to implement this goal, I’ve discovered one distraction is grumbling and mumbling in my heart. The tap in my bathtub doesn’t always shut off. I had a plumber come a few years ago and work on it. The plumber replaced the normal plastic type washer with a metal one, but told me the fixture itself was poorly made. So, it is a pain to remember to double, triple or even quadruple turn it off after every use. Sometimes, I think it is off, and when I come back, I discover a slow drip….frustration!!! Mumble, grumble.

Enter into my kitchen. I have an older home that was built in 1969. When we moved into it in 1990, the kitchen cabinets were in bad shape. I don’t think my mom ever cleaned them, so they were greasy and dirty. I tried my best to clean the wood. I used so many different products, but it only made things worse. We’ve talked about redoing the cabinets, but I have 33 cabinet doors, 21 drawers, plus soffits above all the cabinets. I confess I do mumble and grumble because it doesn’t look pretty and clean as modern kitchens do.

Then there is the mumble and grumble that happens when I feel sad and lonely because my husband has passed. He had promised to help redo the kitchen cabinets. He would at least help me keep the shower from dripping. But he was also my go-to person for processing thoughts and ideas. Discussing scripture and revelations. He helped carry the concerns of our children and grandchildren; now I feel it’s all on me.

One more mumble/grumble…happens when my daughter-in-law, who is walking a long road with a cancer diagnosis, can’t get her treatment due to low platelet numbers. It has been a longer road than first expected. When her first six treatments didn’t work as well as they wanted, they added 14 more. We are so close to finishing…you see I added the “we”, when it is really her journey. She has three more (plus other years-long pills,etc. )) treatments. My heart sinks when they say, no treatment today. I am concerned for her body and why it isn’t producing enough platelets. I also just want her to be done and have it over. Mumble/grumble.

I mumble/grumble because my body aches and doesn’t work like it used to. I want to grow older, but not with the pains of aging. So I’ve begun thanking the Lord for what I can do. It’s hard to exercise like I should, but I thank Him for His help.

I’ve decided to thank God I have a water and a shower to use whenever I want to. I don’t have to take a “bucket” bath as we did when we ministered in Ghana. I have a wonderful kitchen that is clean enough to cook and serve healthy meals. The number of cabinets and drawers are amazing. My mom designed the kitchen, and having a place for everything was important to her. I ‘m grateful for such a kitchen, especially when I think of the homeless. As far as my daughter-in-law is concerned , I am grateful for advances in the medical world that is destroying the cancer that would take her life. I am grateful they monitor her levels, so her body isn’t taxed more than it should be. The Lord has promised to be a husband to the widow. When I take the time to bring my needs to Him, He helps me find solutions. It causes me to lean on Him more, and that is not a bad thing.

Sometimes, my mumble/grumbles mask deeper issues. Fears and issues of things I can’t control. It keeps me focused on small concerns, so I don’t have to look at the bigger picture and bigger problems. My heart breaks as I read through Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel and see the parallels in our own country. I get frustrated with the Israelite’s for not responding to the Lord, when I struggle to do the same. I wonder if my prayers for my Facebook friend in India are making a difference. She tells me her government is enacting anti-conversion laws to punish Christians who share the gospel. I think about believers in prison for their faith across the world and wonder what their complaints are. What would they say to us? I think about the lost, and how so many haven’t heard of our Savior.

It is easy to grumble/mumble about the “they’s” in our life. The government, our spiritual leaders, our spouses, our children–anyone who doesn’t think, act or respond as we think they should. James reminds us in James 4: 9: Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. Ouch. That is straight talk.

David brought his complaints to the Lord, and so can/should we. It isn’t good to complain about the Lord, but He always listens to our complaints. Taking time in His presence can change our attitude in so many ways. I complain to Him about me…and He resets my perspective…another reason why I love Him.

Father, I thank you for loving the complaining me enough to help me change. Thank you we don’t have to stay miserable complainers, but can become grateful believers. Thank you, Father, for helping us change to become more like you, In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Pillars

September 11, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete. Luke 6:48-49. NIV.

When we were children we learned the song “The wise man built his house upon the rock” in Sunday School. I remember teaching it to my own children and those in our children’s ministry–complete with hand motions. My father was a contractor, and occasionally he would bring us to his build sites. The first trip wasn’t very impressive, because we didn’t see the blueprints. It was just the beginning of the foundation work. My dad had the vision, the blueprints and the dream that someday the home he was building would be sold and occupied by a family who loved it. They would be safe, because it was built on a sure foundation. It is the same with our spiritual lives.

This past year, our church celebrated its 50th anniversary. As the leaders shared the humble beginnings of the church and compare it what God is doing now, I could only be grateful. They built the foundation well. We have had only three pastors in these 50 years. The founding pastor, Jim Cargill, his son, Marc Cargill and our current senior leader, Michael Hurley. Pastor Jim laid an amazing foundation, both spiritually and physically. Pastor Jim functioned as the contractor and the members physically built the building (or the parts they could). It stands strong today–with some adaptations. So we have a solid physical foundation as well as spiritual. We have grown, with 2,000 people naming Life Church as their home church.

God sent people who helped when the church was founded in 1975. Some were newly saved and grew into pillars that people lean on today. These folks endured the small beginnings and grew along with the church. Every church needs pillars. Believers who will stand in their place. There is a promise given to the church at Philadelphia, who in spite of their little strength, you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Verse 10 goes on to say: since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Revelation 3:10-12. NIV. Pillars must have deep foundations. Builders construct them to withstand weight and storms. Some tests and trials we go through are not about us. We go through them for two reasons. First, so we can comfort others. Second, so we can show forth God’s faithfulness in helping us stand strong. I so appreciate the early elders in our church who stood so strong in faith and endurance. My old neighbor was a member of the church during this building season. It wasn’t easy for them to set aside their lives, night after night, after a full days work to show up to build our building. Although not an elder, he truly was a pillar in the house. He is now with Jesus, and we miss him.

The good news is we can all become pillars in God’s house. Let’s revisit Revelation 3:12 in the Amplified version. He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God. Other translations use the victorious. So learning how to live a victorious, overcoming Christian life is how one becomes a pillar. Pillars don’t just happen. In Luke 6:46, Jesus gives us great instruction on how we can build a good foundation. I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. He is quite straightforward. Go to Him, listen to HIm and then obey what He says!

So, my friends, I encourage us all to go to Him–in prayer, in the Word, and in worship. Listen to Him. Pay attention to what you hear, what you read and the Spirit’s promptings. If He says trust, we trust. If He says give, we give. If He says forgive, we forgive. Faithful obedience is the key not only to laying a good foundation, but to building on it.

Whether your church is large or small, it needs pillars. The goal of God is to build the young ones to be in place as the elders move on. So, no matter how young or old you feel in the Lord, you can be a part of this progression.

Father, I ask you to help us to be the pillars you are describing in Revelation 3:12. Your Church needs pillars. We choose to come to you. We listen to you and obey you. This is so we can become those pillars. Develop us into the pillars of your choosing and need, In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Quitting, NOT

September 4, 2025 Martha Rodman1 Comment

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 4 NIV.

True confession time: I’ve been struggling to allow perseverance to finish its work. My mind wanders. My body offers distractions through its aging aches and pains. My spirit is being assaulted by my flesh. Am I alone? I don’t think so.

So what are some of the reasons we might want to quit? One of the first reasons, is forgetting why we are running our race. We lose sight of our first love and allow the things of this world to capture our attention. We begin to listen to the little voice inside our head: “why bother? You might look around and see others who stopped running their race, or are slowing down. We forget we aren’t alone in our race. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

For me, life has been challenging. Losing my sister and two friends after her, has brought fresh grief into my life. It has also triggered grief for others I miss. Being honest about its affect on my life, has helped me carry its effects easier. When I am challenged with wanting to quit (i.e. not persevere), I have learned to look up and around my life. Understanding that I am processing grief has enabled me to give myself more grace and mercy. My soul is weary, my body tired. The weight of responsibilities seem heavier than ever. So, what can I/we do when these struggles come? Talk to the Lord like we are encouraged in Psalm 119:28. My soul is weary with sorrow, strengthen me according to your word. Just talking to the Lord about my feelings about my grief has helped a lot. Just this week, He sent offers of help I needed to help lift my load! I took them up on it! Remember the scripture: “You have not because you ask not”? James 4:2.

We also have Satan and his determination to thwart God’s plans. He tries to send what I like to call his “discouraging worms” to wiggle their way into our thoughts. If we recognize them quickly, we can capture them before they grow big enough to affect our faith. If discouraging worms like fear, unbelief, doubt are plaguing you, stop them!

“The other night, as I was scrolling FB, I stopped to listen to a fellow believer share a word from the Lord. I am sorry, I don’t remember his name, but I remember the word. It was a warning concerning the enemy’s tactic against the body of Christ. It was the same thing God had shared with me, a few weeks before. The word concerned Satan’s attacks against the “second tier” leadership in the church. Elders, staff, associate pastors, small group leaders are all being hit with discouragement. This includes dealing with disappointments, disheartening events and people to decide to step away from their posts. The Holy Spirit had me praying against this weeks ago!

I don’t care where you fit in the Body of Christ. You are wanted and needed to stand in your place. Do not be cheated out of the blessings that come from serving. Do not be cheated out of the blessing of being a pillar in the house of the Lord. Not letting perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything hinders the whole body of Christ. Please keep walking, running or standing in your place. You do not know how valuable you are. Do not let the enemy win. When we all get to heaven, we aren’t going to remember the hard and difficult places, we will simply celebrate Jesus. Someone once told me the tears that will be wiped away, are possibly the tears of regret for what we didn’t do for the Kingdom.

Take a deep breath and a break if you need to. Talk to your friends or pastors before you decided to quit something. Ask the Lord for His guidance and trust His wisdom. I know there are times to start and stop something, but there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Make sure you do it the right way, if you need to.

Remember: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap, if we do not give up. Galations 6:9.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5.

My friends, here in the west we have it easy. Our believers in other areas of the world are suffering for Christ’s sake. They are persevering through the toughest battles and are victorious. Let us pray for them and toughen up ourselves. Eternity will be worth it.

Father, I ask you to help us choose to persevere in every area we are tempted to quit. Where your children have thought, “why bother?” “What’s the use?” help them push through and trust you for the strength they need. You understand about wanting to quit, but you didn’t, for our sake.. Thank you, In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Birthday Reminders

August 28, 2025 Martha Rodman6 Comments

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of your hands.Psalm 138:8 ESV.

I turned 76 a few days ago. It is a big number to many, but having two siblings in their 90s, I’m still trying to “grow up”! My body reminds me that I am not as young as my spirit and soul think I am. But this year I spent the morning of my birthday evaluating things in my life.

It is good to remember God knows my age! He scheduled my birth (ours in my case, I’m a triplet!) You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16. NLT.

He wants to use the 7 decades I have been alive for His glory. He knows what life lessons I have learned (both the easy and the hard way!). All the historical changes that have happened in my life time have impacted me. I remember as a young child hearing about cancer and the fear it brought. No stores were open on Sunday due to the “blue” laws and it was really a day of rest. I remember the night, as a 9 year old, laying in bed asking Jesus to come into my life and be my Savior.

The 60s brought more cultural changes, including the Vietnam War with so many of our high school classmates having to sign up for the draft. My next step included the University of Washington. I lived through campus protests with armed police arresting students who barricaded themselves in a building. I remember the Civil Rights debates, and feeling puzzled at first why Rosa Parks couldn’t sit where she wanted to on the bus. Growing up in Washington state, I learned how ignorant I was. But through it all, God’s faithfulness was evident.

I followed Him as best I could in high school via youth group and my own attempt at having a “quiet time”. My father always had “Voice” magazines in his car–which had testimonies of God’s power in everyday people’s life. I grew hungry for that type of experience. My sophomore year at the UW I met some spirit filled believers. I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit, and I was changed. This was during the Jesus People Era, and change happened in so many ways. Hymnals gave ways to overhead projectors and new songs! Many of the new songs were straight from the scriptures–so we learned a lot. Pianos and organs were replaced with guitars and “worship bands” were created. It took place with much controversy.

Church attire also began to change. I remember wearing jeans to a Friday night service and feeling so free! This was also very controversial. So many changes, but God was moving in some marvelous ways. Hunger for the Word, fellowship and ministry was growing in many many denominations. The walls of separation between churches began to lower and cross fellowship began to take place. Believers began to understand the importance of both praise and worship. The person hood of Jesus began to be emphasized, then the Holy Spirit. Later on, an emphasis on the importance of faith, healing and the power of God began to be taught as well.

As I remember these changes, I am reminded He is not done. All these changes brought challenges. New things are coming, I am sure. I pray I will be open to any new move He wants to bring. In the meantime, I will continue to trust Him. My grandchildren will have their own stories to tell. Some of them were changed and challenged with the Covid pandemic. They don’t remember life without computers or handheld phones. They don’t hide under their desks as we were taught to do in case of a nuclear attack. Instead, they have lockdown practice in case of school shootings. Mental health issues, gender identity, and addictions are things they must navigate. But God has a way and they were born for such a time as this.

As long as I am here, I want to fulfill my gifts and callings. I want to demonstrate to them God’s ability to answer prayer and bring them through their own struggles. It is my prayer that Job 12:12 comes true for me. Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? NIV. My pantry of life lessons are filled with God’s grace, mercy and God stories that I pray will touch others, how about you? Unless we share them, they will stay hidden.

Father, help me remember all the changes that have taken place in my lifetime. I am so grateful for my season of life, and the hope it gives me that you will help my children and grandchildren navigate their season as well. You are so very faithful, and we can trust you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Faith and Confidence 2

August 21, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the field, and there be no herd in the stalls yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18. NKJV

Did you read the above scripture? If the fig tree doesn’t blossom, that means there will be no figs. If there is no fruit on the vines, there will be no wine, no olives, no olive oil…and if the fields yield no food; then famine. These conditions would definitely test our confidence in God. As I read the book of Habakkuk I was struck with his honest discourse with the Lord.

Here was a man who had eyes to see the degradation of his country. They had fallen far from the reforms King Josiah had implemented and were openly offering sacrifices to other gods. He complains to the Lord: How long, O Lord must I call out for help? But you do not listen! Violence is everywhere! I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The Law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous so that justice has become perverted. Habakkuk 1: 2-4. NLT. Wow, that is quite a complaint to the Lord. Have you ever felt that way? Not just about our nation, but also for your own personal life?

The good news is God responds, but maybe not in the way Habakkuk hopes for. God declares He is raising up an even crueler and more violent people to deal with the Judeans, the Babylonians. This is a test not only of Habakkuk’s trust in the Lord, but of ours too. God is merciful and slow to anger. However, sometimes He uses what some have called “passive judgment.” He allows us and others to eat the fruit of our own actions. In the middle of their discourses, we find this encouraging verse: behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by faith. Habakkuk 2: 4. NKJV. The NLT expresses it this way: Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God. We can’t live a righteous life if we do not have confidence in our God.

I admit, reading the book of Habakkuk can be a bit discouraging until you get to Habakkuk 3: 17-19. It is here that the confidence he has in the Lord begins to shine. Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet will I rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. Can’t you just hear him declare his confidence in the Lord? This is a man who has decided to trust in the Lord His God. It does not matter what he faces. I want to grow into that type of confidence.

Let’s take a lesson from Habakkuk. First, let’s have an honest dialogue with the Lord. He took the time to share his heart with Him, but also expected to hear from Him. About three months after my husbands massive stroke I took time to assess things with the Lord. We had watched him answer so many prayers. He went above and beyond by even having an occupational therapist move in with us! My husband was now awake, could see and was beginning to learn how to walk again. Waiting on the Lord, still tired and in shock of my new life, I heard Him say. Things are going to slow down now. You will not see the same level of transformation outwardly, but things are changing. It will be like walking through desert places. The landscape will still look the same, but know that you are still getting places. I had to go back to those words so many times, because it did not look like we were gaining any new ground. I had to remain confident in the Lord, no matter what my eyes saw. It was hard.

Another step in growing in confidence is learning to take your eyes off your circumstances. It involves putting them on the Lord. Again, not easy, but doable. This is the time to dig deep in His Word. Studying Abraham, David, and Habakkuk and how they walked with Him through difficulties can increase your confidence in Him. If you really need encouragement, read about Joseph in Genesis 37. His brothers sold into slavery; he was falsely accused of sexual misconduct and then imprisoned! Then God elevated him to second in command in Egypt.

Taking the time to encourage yourself in the Word with God’s promises are another way to grow in confidence.

For God gave us a spirit, not of fear but of power love and self control. 2 Timothy 1:7.

Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you will go. Joshua 1:9.

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do with me? Hebrews 13:6.

Reading and meditating on these types of scriptures will cause your confidence to grow in the Lord. You do not have to walk with a small, shaky foundation. We can stand confidently on the rock of our salvation. This is true no matter what the storms of life may bring. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. The just know how to receive it. They keep walking in confidence that their God is with them. The unjust simply complain.

Joseph’s trials brought him to a place of blessing and God’s purpose for his life. Our trials often do the same.

Father, I thank you for helping us to grow in knowing you, so we can become even more confident in You and Your ways. Forgive us for doubting Your character and Your promises. Teach us how to walk through difficult things, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Confidence

August 14, 2025 Martha Rodman2 Comments

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36. NLT.

My friends, have you or are you currently facing the undermining of your confidence in our God? It can happen with a direct attack. It can also be like a quiet erosion of your faith through weariness, constant battles, or distractions. When we walk in confidence (the state of feeling the truth of something) we stand taller, walk more firmly and lift our head high. Confidence changes the way we face both the difficult challenges of life and our expectations of how they will turn out.

The recipients of this book must have faced serious persecution. They were steadfast in their faith. Biblical scholars are not clear on the author of Hebrews. It might have been Apollos or Barnabas. However, it is clear he knew them. I love his encouragement to them. But remember the earlier days, when, after being [spiritually] enlightened, you [patiently] endured a great conflict of sufferings, sometimes by being made a spectacle, publicly exposed to insults and distress, and sometimes by becoming companions with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy and deep concern for those who were imprisoned, and you joyfully accepted the[unjust] seizure of your belongings and the confiscations of your property, conscious of the fact you have a better possession and a lasting one [prepared for you in heaven]. Hebrews 10:32-34. AMP. These believers suffered a lot. I am sure they were wondering, is it worth it? Should I give up? Should we throw away our confidence in the Lord?

Have you ever been tempted to throw away your confidence? Or as the Amplified says: do not fling away your fearless confidence, for it has a glorious and great reward. My friends, many of you are facing some serious trials of life. Financial struggles, health struggles, along with relational struggles. Please, do not throw away your confidence in the Lord. For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised. Hebrews 10:36. AMP. Look up my friends, into the face of your Savior. Maybe you need to take communion and focus on what He endured for you. He felt it was worth it, even when we stumble, doubt and continue in our unbelief and sin. I feel someone needs to hear, “buck up, buttercup” you can do this. You can do the hard thing, because you are not suffering unto death. I am not saying it’s easy, but you can do hard things with Him, and isn’t that all that matters?

Father, please help your people as they struggle against Satan’s lies that they won’t make it. Give them the confidence to stand strong in you. You are able to keep them from stumbling and falling away so you can present us with great joy into your presence (Jude 1:24). In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Our Words

August 7, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge in it will eat it’s fruit and bear the consequences of their words. Proverbs 18:21 AMP

I’ve so enjoyed our Life Group’s study on the book of Ephesians and I’ve loved reading the prayers Paul prayed for the Ephesians (which also mean us!). His exhortations on how we should function in unity without division is challenging, but also encouraging us to keep the unity. I also love digging deep into the different parts of the armor of God. It has made me even more aware of how I use my words!

Words flow off our lips so easily, and unfortunately, at times thoughtlessly. The other day as I attended a prayer gathering, I thought about a discussion I had with a gal just few days before, about the power of consistency. God brought that conversation back to me during this prayer time. He said, “Speaking unbelief, criticism, gossip and negative speech dilutes our prayer’s effectiveness.” In my mind’s eye, I saw someone fervently praying and seeking God in their prayer closet, they were in heartfelt prayer, crying out to Him. But when they finished, I saw them walk out and complain to a friend about their situation. What I realized, is their faith was smaller than their declarations. The words they prayed were true, but not built on a foundation of trust and faith.

The Holy Spirit’s sharing this to me saddened my heart. The fruit of our faith is revealed by all our talking, not just when we pray. This can be really hard to live out. God is gracious and merciful all the time. However, I think it saddens Him when we speak unbelief about the very thing we have asked Him to do.

When my children were toddlers, it was hard work. Teaching them the way they “should go” took time and energy. But when they were getting ready to graduate from high school and move into adulthood, it became even harder. I recognized my faith and trust in God had to grow. Either I believed what His Word said, or I didn’t. Would He show up for them, as He did for us? Of course. I had to pray this through for myself. I needed to come to a place of trust and faith in Him. I also needed faith in their walk with the Lord. Peace came. If you struggle to believe your own prayers, I suggest you spend more time with Him, engage with His Word and invest time in prayer. He is such a good God. My faith in Him increased. My faith for them grew as well. It became easier to release them into His ways and His will.

This year I have three grandchildren who are facing their new seasons of life. One is a college graduate looking for a teaching job. One will attend George Fox University as a junior. Another is moving to Medford, Oregon, to attend an internship program. Three distinct personalities, three different futures, but I know our God has them in His hands. Because of the lessons I learned with my own children, I know I can trust Him with these. I am very careful to speak faith, hope and trust when I am around them. It isn’t hard to do, because I believe it! When doubts come, I process them in prayer and in the Word.

My friends, please be careful with your words. Maybe you will find yourself praying, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief”. That is okay. He will help you. Expect His help. He wants us to pray powerful, effective prayers. They start with a recognition of who you are praying to! He loves you, cares for you, and delights in answering prayers. If you discover you are diluting your prayers with doubt, unbelief, judgmental thoughts, take the time to repent. Remember, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34-37). Be careful what you meditate on, because it could pollute or dilute your effectiveness.

My friends, it is time to guard our hearts, speak life and watch God move! Take the time to examine your thoughts, your heart and your words. His mercy is there to help us in these areas if we let Him. He is ready, are you?

Father, I thank you for helping us become people of consistency. People who live and talk, trust and faith in you, because you are so worthy of it! You are who you say you are, and so must we, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Prayer

July 31, 2025 Martha Rodman1 Comment

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 NLT

We finished the book of Ephesians with our small group. After exploring our warfare gear (i.e. the armor of God), he finishes with exhorting us to pray. The Bible Expository Commentary opens this section with the following statement. Prayer is the energy that enables the Christian soldier to wear the armor and wield the sword. (By Warren Wiersbe.) How and or why? I think this statement comes from Wiersbe’s own prayer life. Oh my friends, do not let the enemy rob you of the blessing of prayer.

When I think about PRAYER. yes with capitals. I get intimidated. I feel like a failure and that I don’t do it correctly. One day, as I was struggling to feel like I was doing it “right”, the Lord spoke to me. “He said, how do you and Darryl communicate in your marriage? That really took me back. As I took a moment, I realized that sometimes we chat up a storm, other times much quieter. Sometimes it is my actions, facial expressions, or even notes that communicate my thoughts. Then He reminded me we were in a “relationship” and that it was O.K. for things to ebb and flow. Prayer became a much freer and more relatable time.

Along my prayer journey, I discovered Psalm 5:3. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Rising in the morning, I greet the Lord, just like I used to greet my husband. It sets and settles the tone for my day. I know He is with me. It is my habit to have “coffee with Jesus” and His Word each morning. Some days I eagerly look forward to this time, other days, I confess it is a habit. The blessing of the habit is they sustain you during some dry times. Just like in my marriage when things seemed a bit dry, we would take the time to reconnect.

In Matthew 6:9, Jesus answers His disciples’ request to teach them how to pray. He begins with “Our Father.” There is a part where the marriage analogy breaks down. We must remember who we are praying too. It is the God who created the universe we are talking to. This is the God who lovingly, graciously, and sacrificially laid down His life for us. We must be respectful and honoring in our honesty. Our Father, hallowed be your name, is a way of keeping Him in His rightful place.

Just like in a marriage, if all I did was ask for things, the relationship wouldn’t develop. When we only petition God for things, our relationship is limited. God becomes a “fix it up chappy” for us and we wonder why we lose our joy. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 informs us of many different types of prayers we are to pray. First of all then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life,godly and dignified in every way.

Which type do you find yourself using the most? I have intentionally added more thanksgiving to my prayer life. Just like in my marriage, when I thanked and praised my husband more than criticized him, things went smoother. For me, thanksgiving has helped me grow in trust and faith. Releasing my faith becomes easier when I thank Him. I am grateful for what He has already done. Praise, worship and thanksgiving gets us out of our own limitations and brings God in. My flesh often just wants to “get to the point”, but thanksgiving actually gets me there sooner!

My friends, effective prayer begins with acknowledging who we are talking to. It begins with understanding we are in a relationship and that He has proven He wants to talk with us. He has proven His love already. If you struggle in an area of unbelief, take the time to be in His Word first. Build a scriptural foundation for what you are asking. Accept that sometimes God’s wisdom says “no” to our requests, just like a parent would say no. James 4:2-3 offers a humbling reminder. It shows what happens when we walk in the flesh instead of the Spirit. Yet, we still expect the fruit of the Spirit. You desire but you do not have so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:2-3 NIV. Ouch, so true.

Ephesians 6:18 emphasizes the importance of prayer. Warren Wiersbe, a respected Bible teacher, made this statement. Prayer is the energy that enables the Christian soldier to wear the armor and wield the sword. My friends, keep on praying or as Paul says: and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18. NIV.

Father, keep on teaching us how to pray. I thank you for the privilege we have been given to talk with You, the creator of the universe. You have given us the ability to partner with you, and that is amazing, in Jesus’ Name, amen.