Faith and Asking

February 15, 2024 Martha Rodman1 Comment

Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. James 4:2 NLT

This morning, I was praying for my friend. A few weeks ago, her car was stolen and destroyed so much the insurance company considered it totaled. So, she needs a different one. I realized, that I have not asked her what kind of car she would like! What is she believing for? I know what I think she needs, but that may be far from her desire.

Many years ago, our family was a one family car. I don’t quite remember the make, but it was a blue van. It was very useful for both carrying people and things. But, if Darryl needed it, I was stuck at home. It is not bad to have to coordinate schedules–it keeps the communication open, for sure. But our season of life was changing as our oldest daughter was beginning school and it wasn’t convenient to always work around her schedule. So as I was praying, I saw myself driving around in this little red car. I began to thank the Lord for this car.

We did not have the funds for an added car, but we did have the need. This was the first major purchase God put on my heart first, before Darryl in our marriage. I went to him, and said, “We need a second car. This is what God has shown me.” I think he was a little skeptical–but that was ok. I kept praying. We didn’t share it with anyone. A few months went by, and my mom called me and said, “Martha, I want to buy you a car. I can only give you $3,000.” I was so shocked! She had never, ever offered me anything like this ever before.

What a joy to go car shopping! I kept the picture God gave me in mind. As we told the salesman what we were looking for, I spied a little red VW Rabbit on the lot. I just knew it was the right car. Next to the Red Rabbit, was a green one. We drove both. The salesman tried really hard to put us in the green one, but I just didn’t like it. Long story short, we drove off with the Red Rabbit without paying him a dime! My mom had yet to send the funds. He trusted us to come back and pay him. We also negotiated it down to exactly $3,000! How I loved that car, mostly because it was a symbol of God’s provision and grace. It became our only car when we lent our van to a missionary family (it was gone for six months!). This blessing gave us the freedom to help meet our friends need before we even knew they needed it!

The first part of James, chapter 4, Paul asks why are there quarrels and conflicts among God’s people. Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. James 4: 1-2.NLT.

I think most of us are too refined and civilized to physically fight, but how many “conflicts” and “quarrels” have you fought in your own mind about the blessings others may have while you feel left out? The car my friend had stolen, was actually a gift to her from our church several years ago. I am sure, when she was selected, others may have felt disappointed because it wasn’t given to them. My friends, we must learn to rejoice with those that rejoice! We must learn to celebrate and trust our God is a God of both. He can bless you and me at the same time.

Even if these are internal or quiet jealousies, they will grow and cause separation between each other if we don’t deal with them. We must confess them to the Lord and allow His perspectives to become our perspectives. Last week I took a vacation with my daughter Elizabeth and her family to Disneyland. We had a wonderful time in the torrential rain!

There may be some who read this and become envious, but I hope not. This was a trip they had prayed and believed God for. It was a testimony to their children of God’s faithfulness. My grandchildren asked if I could come along! We made memories and it was a very special time. Please rejoice with us. So many times we settle for less, because we don’t even think there could be a way for us to do something. When those thoughts descend, you stop dreaming, much less praying. Begin to ask the Lord for His will and plans for you–maybe even outside of spiritual things. This trip stirred my faith to see what one man dreaming could accomplish. Many times getting out of our environment opens up greater vision.

While I was on the plane, God began to talk with me. He told me that He had given me the gift of faith, not just to my husband. As I began to think about the amazing things faith had accomplished through our lives, I was humbled. Looking on the horizon facing me–I have thousands of dollars of home repairs (more than when we left!), a new ministry to lead and some health issues to release my faith and see Him move. Boldly asking for provision, wisdom and healing brings peace as well as hope. Do I believe He is able to do all these things? Yes, He is more than enough. He is not only a God of both, He is a God of many facets.

Our testimonies lead to more faith and more testimonies if we let them. Of course there are new challenges which must be met with increased faith. Don’t stop growing in your faith, my friends. Remember, He is a good God, doing good things in and through our lives–yours included, if we don’t get stuck in unbelief or fear. There was a reason God told Joshua several times “be strong and of good courage”, it takes both those things to press forward in His ways. I want to remind you–it is worth it. Don’t give up.

When I see my friend, I am going to ask her what kind of car she is believing for, and then I will join my faith with hers and watch our God show up!

Father, teach us how to release our faith in these days. Teach us how to apply Your Word to those difficult situations and to take the time to ask you for things, not just whine because we need them. I thank you for loving us, teaching us and helping us grow in these areas. Forgives us our jealousies, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and God’s Help

January 4, 2024 Martha Rodman3 Comments

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it shall be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

Every year for about 15-16 years I have read through the Bible, starting with Genesis and going on to Revelation. I’ve used different plans, some with devotionals, some time without. This year was the first year I did not look forward to starting over. My attitude really surprised me. On December 30 as I looked through the YouVersion Bible app for a new devotional, I finally admitted to myself and the Lord that I didn’t want to do it again. I was embarrassed to admit it! But then I shared it with the Lord. I told Him, you are going to have to help me with this. I am sorry for my attitude, I know it is not right. But there it is. I know Your Word is important. I left it in His hands.

So,Sunday, December 31, our pastor began shari1ng the importance of starting our day/year with Jesus. He quoted Matthew 6:33, But seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously and he will give you everything you need. NLT. He then went back up to Matthew 6:9-13, with what is known as the Lord’s prayer. Now, I already knew I was going to keep reading and studying God’s Word, no matter how I was feeling on December 30, but God began to shift my heart and my feeling, in other words, He began to help me.

As Pastor Hurley expounded on “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy”, I found myself repenting again. My heart was stirred to keep God’s name and attributes through my life holy. I know I can’t/couldn’t do it on my own. I need Him, the Holy Spirit and His Word to help me accomplish that goal. He mentioned as we declare God is holy, we are joining Heaven’s chorus! The thought that our voice and life can unite with those who have gone on before and God’s angelic beings brought me to such a humble place. I felt small and yet strong and able at the same time.

As I began to read His Word (in Genesis!) on January 1, I found an excitement and noticed things I had not seen before. Was this surprising? No, because the word is alive! For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12. NLT. Our Life Group is beginning a study on the book of Colossians. In prepping for the study, I began reading it on Monday. I left my time in His Word strengthened, encouraged and knowing God had answered my prayer.

So yesterday, January 2, I ran a load of wash. I heard some gurgling and found water backed up into my tub. Because I felt so strengthened by His Word, I simply began to pray for solution. A year or so ago, I needed a plumber and found a great one–but I couldn’t remember the company’s name. I prayed, and after a bit, it came to me. I called and left a message. The water eventually drained. So I did another load this morning…it was even worse. I received a call back from the plumbing company. They are booked out until the end of February! I asked for referrals, she gave me one. I called and am waiting for a call back and appointment for early next week. Is this upsetting? Yes…but I decided something based on my Colossians study. I will not let this situation distract me from God’s plan or His truth. Is it inconvenient? Of course. But I will not let it take my joy nor my position in Christ. Money will fix the problem. God is the provider and He will make sure it is taken care of.

What I am trying to express, is God listened to my desperate heart cry to help my heart change. He brought my pastor’s great message, my own discipline in spending time in His Word and the Holy Spirit’s leading to the book of Colossians to help me face this challenge with strength. I refuse to worry about the what if’s. I refuse to be afraid of the bill. It isn’t worth it! This is one of the verses that brought me to this stance: We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. Colossians 1: 11. I prayed this prayer for myself on Monday. I felt His power strengthening me, and it still is. The next verse: May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. Colossians 1:12. Isn’t it silly how easily we get our joy robbed from us because we let it happen. God wants to us to walk full of His joy, not with an empty or low tank. He wants us to have enough joy to carry us through every situation we face, no matter what, and we can have it because He is our helper!

I know my plumbing situation is a small thing in the big sphere of things, but isn’t often the smaller things that trip us up? God wants us to grow this year in our ability to handle the things life hands us. He will teach us the how’s, the ways and give us all the grace and mercy we need to learn, as we trust Him. Isn’t He awesome??

Father, thank you for loving us enough that you never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you for understanding our weak places, but not leaving us there. Thank you for helping us grow up in you and your ways this next year, because we want to let our lives to glorify Your Name. I ask you to strengthen my friends this day, in every needed area, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and A Testimony

December 28, 2023 Martha Rodman2 Comments

If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. Isaiah 58:10.

I want to share with you an amazing God story. This is not my story, but the story of the family of God at Life Church, here in Oak Harbor, WA. Last year, our pastors decided to stretch our faith and seek to give away 400 food bags to the needy parts of our city. This year, our goal was 800 bags, serving Oak Harbor and a neighboring area, Anacortes.

This focus on “genero-city” included faith building messages and reminders of God’s promises. As we turned our eyes away from ourselves and onto Jehovah Jireh (The God who will provide) our faith was built and stretched. We were asked to give $40 per family, but not only supply for their need, but also to pray for them. Praying for “my” families made it so real. By God’s grace, I was able to contribute so several families would be provided for. It was a joy, not a burden.

I have always loved to give. It is something God has worked in my heart and soul, but somehow, through these teachings, I found myself looking for more needs to be met! Not only did we give financially, we also sacrificed time and energy. The Sunday before the give away, cards were placed at each targeted area, alerting the occupants that bags of food would be distributed the next Sunday. 800 homes received these cards. On Wednesday, about 130 people came to fill the bags with food goods for 800 Christmas dinners. Each bag also contained a Bible and invitation card to Life Church. Sunday hams were added to these bags and new teams set out to deliver them.

As each team delivered these bags, they offered to pray for the people. It was amazing how many people accepted that offer. One woman was so glad to receive her bag, but was more concerned that her friend would get a bag. The problem was that this woman was quite deaf, so they were instructed to knock very loudly at her apartment. This gal watched closely as another team went to her friend’s door, but she didn’t answer. Her friend said, wait, I have a key to her apartment. She is my best friend. When she unlocked her friend’s door, they discovered she was asleep in her recliner…but a pot on her stove was on fire! The timing of this food bag delivery saved her life and possibly the homes of many.

We heard another touching story. A young child came to the door, and then called her mom and siblings. Her mother had just told the children that they had no money or food for Christmas dinner. The children were very sad of course, and then our team showed up! Only God’s timing could turn things around so quickly. Prayers for healing, hope and provision were given to many.

My part during the delivery time was to be part of our intercessory prayer team. It was a joy to follow the Holy Spirit as He led us to pray for God’s leading for each team member. We felt His Presence, and they did also. We are still praying the seeds sown will bear much fruit for each family, and that the Bible would be read, and the blessing of the reading would be evident.

What is the take-away for me and you? It always pays to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, no matter how much it stretches your faith and your provision. It is always worth it. God cares for the poor, the widow and the orphans, we should too. Isaiah 58:10-11 in the message gives us this promise: If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and -out, Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. I will always show you where to go. I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places–firm muscles, strong bones. You will be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. If we love and care for those our God cares for He will care for us.

Father, please help us to love others as you love us and as you love them. The poor, the orphan, the widow, the disabled, the weak and the strong. Help us get our eyes off ourselves and onto others, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and “Weakness”

December 7, 2023 Martha Rodman1 Comment

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

I have been thinking about this verse a lot lately. I think it is one we like to quote to encourage others–but maybe, due to pride not want to apply to ourselves. Pride aside, we must admit, we all have our weaknesses. I am so grateful that God understands that about us. He not only knows our weaknesses, but He expects to use them for His glory. He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:23. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:25. NLT.

Most of us spent a lifetime trying to hide our weaknesses. When they are exposed, we feel vulnerable and subject to criticism and/or rejection. I think we even try to hide them from ourselves! 2 Corinthians begins with Paul saying: This boasting will do not good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:1 NLT. He then spends a few verses sharing about his experiences (which sound amazing!) of seeing things that he can’t even express. But he doesn’t even elaborate on them, he jumps to: that experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:5. NLT. But then Paul clues us in on the backstory.

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away [a thorn in his flesh] Each time he said, ‘my grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9.

One of my weak areas is asking for help. I have a tendency to be the “strong, independent woman” on my own. I know I am not alone in this, in trying to figure out the balance between being a weak, needy woman and the “I don’t need anyone”. Balance, for me, often comes through prayer. When I take the time to lean in an onto the Lord, He either shows me how to get through it, or He helps me ask for help. My weakness then turns into a strength, because I included Him and His wisdom.

Have you ever received an “assignment” from the Lord? Maybe you have been reluctant to accept it, but then you surrender to it? The struggle might deal with your own insecurity (hmm, a weakness?), fear of failure or like Jonah, you didn’t like the “Ninevites!”. But once you said yes, we must still rely on Him and trust His plan for the outcome. If we begin understanding our weakness, we must not end in our supposed strength. Paul goes on to finish his thoughts: That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10. NLT.

I found a journal entry from 2011. It was written during the height of my caregiving season for my husband. I wrote this: The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet and makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]. Habakkuk 3: 19 Amp. Oh, how I knew I needed Him to be my strength. I learned during that challenging season how to lean into Him and receive His strength. My friends, does the Lord have you in a season where your weaknesses seem to be exposed? Congratulations! This is a good thing. He is able to do more than ever through you and me, when we admit our weakness. Do not let pride stop you from asking for His help. And when it arrives, no matter what shape or form, take it. I went on to write: My weakness is your strength. You already know about Darryl and my weaknesses and you can use them to be strong in us. Yes, thank you, I’m free to love Darryl with his weakness because you love him and will be strong in them. That gives me permission to love myself in the midst of my weaknesses as well.

When we admit our weaknesses to ourselves, we take a step toward loving ourselves well. Once we admit them to Him, He may show you ways to grow up and out of them (like works of the flesh). Others, He may show you a way to live with them in a way that glorifies Him (like Moses, and his stammering lips). If we want the power of God to work in us and through us, we have to get this right. Plus it is so freeing not to be perfect!

Father, I thank you that we can be strong in the power of Your might. I ask you to help us in this crucial area. We need You, more than ever, in Jesus’ Name, amen.