The visualization is fascinating, showing the ascent and decline of various states, nations, and empires.

I looked at the chart for a long time, my eyes capturing the rise and fall of civilizations, their power expanding and dwindling as their enemies overpowered their territories: The great Egyptians losing dominance as Babylon gains territory. The rise of the Assyrians, later dominated by the Persians while Babylon faded away. The Greeks’ rise, subsequently incorporated into the great Roman Empire – by far the most expansive power in world history, strategically highlighted in pink on the chart.

As my investigation reached modern history, I found the lines displaying the rise of the United States of America, while the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan’s dominance slowly declined. I lingered there for a while, recalling the many events that made America a world power during its young life.

“Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too.” — Marcus Aurelius

Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too.” — Marcus Aurelius #ModayMotivation #election2020 #MondayDevotional @AJC
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Much has been said, especially during this election year, about concerns for our country’s future. Social injustice, rioting, COVID-19, the uncertainties about the future leadership of the world’s greatest super-power and the unrest and fear that each of these issues stir up in our hearts are enough reason to wonder whether we are witnessing the beginning of the fall of these great United States.

Indeed, one does not need to be a history buff to know that most great empires started crumbling from within, weakening its society to a place where its borders crumbled to their enemies. And one look at the “Histomap” is enough to realize that history indeed repeats itself.

One does not need to be a history buff to know that most great empires started crumbling from within, weakening its society to a place where its borders crumbled to their enemies. #ModayMotivation #election2020 #MondayDevotional @AJC
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As I watched the news and angry or anxious posts on social media for the past couple of days, I confess that a certain level of anxiety threatened to steal my peace.

But as I bowed down to pray this morning, the 40th chapter in the prophet Isaiah’s book came to mind. The chapter in my Bible is titled: “The Sovereignty of God.” It is one of my favorite passages in Scriptures, its truths having carried me through many valleys and uncertainties in the past.

Amongst its verses, precious gems once again reminded me about the fragility of life, empires and kings, in light of the unfathomable power and wisdom of God:

“It is He (God) who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. (…)”

“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales (…)”

And

“Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God’? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable (…)”

As I sat in my prayer room reading these words, I remembered the Histomap chart I recently studied, and inexplicable peace filled my anxious heart.

Every ruler, good or bad, is appointed by God to accomplish his purposes. They come and go. And so will every empire, ’til Kingdom comes.

But God? He is the only true Sovereign in the universe. He stands alone as the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

God is the only true sovereign in the universe. He stands alone as the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. #ModayMotivation #election2020 #MondayDevotional @AJC
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That, my friend, should give everyone who believes and trusts him the peace and assurance that, no matter what happens tomorrow, He will carry us through.

There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God’s sovereignty (…) for it is God upon the Throne whom we trust.” — C.H. Spurgeon.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Click HERE to read it on the AJC’s website.

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“‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord.  ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways      and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)

As he pulls a chair to sit beside me, his somber voice reflects the emotions clearly seen on his face. He received an answer for something we’ve been long waiting for. Something that affects our family’s plans and dreams. Something he and I have been praying for and patiently waiting.

A promise has not been kept.

I see the disappointment in his beautiful eyes. Disheartened, he pours out words that I have heard from myself many times before: “I know God has a purpose for this. I’m just upset right now.”

I prayerfully ask God for wisdom. His wisdom, not mine. And so, He whispers: “look down.” As I lower my eyes, I “see” God’s voice, underlined and highlighted on my open Bible on the table: “My ways are far beyond what you can imagine.”

Sigh.

How many times have you muttered under your breath: ‘I don’t understand it, Lord.’ How many times have you laid down at night, wondering – ‘what am I doing wrong?’ How often do you hear yourself saying: ‘why me, God?’

If you are alive and breathing, I know you have asked these questions before. You may have done so even today. So, although I don’t have the answers to all your questions, I want to share with you an interesting concept that God laid in my heart a while ago as I studied the book of Isaiah.

It’s a pretty amusing visual: God calls us grasshoppers. That’s right, grasshoppers. I didn’t say it – God did: Check it for yourself: Isaiah 40:22.

I’m a visualist, so please bear with me.

On Isaiah 40, one of my favorite passages in the Bible (and inspiration for this ministry’s name), the prophet reads Israel’s rebellious and doubtful hearts.  He promises once more victory to Zion.

In this prophetic passage, which depicts the coming of the Messiah with a mighty arm and victory, God’s messenger sees past the surface of our faith and into the depths of our hearts:

We doubt. We simply doubt the wisdom, power, strength and unfailing love of our God. We just do it. I do it. You do it. We see our dreams tumbling down at our feet and we lose heart. Someone wrongs us and we quickly wish to take matters into our own hands. We receive bad news and we despair.

All the while, God is “sitting above the circle of the earth”, where He sees everything, and watching us hop around.

Grasshoppers.

In the meanwhile, He “stretches the Heavens like a curtain”, “reduces rulers to nothing” (v.23), “calls each star by name…and does not miss a single one, naming all 10 sextillion (and counting) of them.

Our brains know that – for we read our Bibles. But our hearts deceive us… and we keep on hopping. Grasshoppers.

Finding Peace in the Midst of the Storm

Oh, that we may reach a place in our journey with Christ, where we are so enamored by His grace, so in tune with His plan, that our hopping around won’t last long when trials strike.

May we teach our hearts to remember Who He is… and that He is FOR us.
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In the meantime, let me suggest some anchoring truths, places where we can seek refuge – like the eye of a hurricane – where perfect stillness reigns in the midst of our storms. Allow me to call these “Isaiah’s Oasis” as they offer true rest in the desert and are all located in my favorite book of the Old Testament.

1) When someone comes against you – remember: He is your defender:

“I have created the blacksmith who fans the coals beneath the forge and makes the weapons of destruction.  And I have created the armies that destroy. But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Isaiah 54:16-17

2) When your dreams are shattered – remember: He sees what you cannot see and His wisdom surpasses our earthly understanding:

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and marked off the heavens by the span, and calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, and weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in a pair of scales? Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him?” Isaiah 40:12-13

3)     And when you are tired of waiting on your promise or on your trial to be over – remember – He never becomes weary and FOREVER works on your behalf.

Stretch your wings, by faith… and let Yahweh be the Wind beneath them
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“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:28-31 (NASB)

Grasshoppers. I bet you won’t forget that visual.

May we be challenged each day, as disappointments come and promises are yet to be filled... to teach our hearts to be still... and KNOW that He is (omnipotent, all loving and merciful) God (Psalm 46:10).
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(This post is an excerpt from Patricia’s book Twelve Inches – Bridging the Gap Between what You Know about God and How You Feel ) Read about it HERE.

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Several months went by when one of the farmer’s friends stopped to visit. While observing his friend’s barnyard, he was dumbfounded when he watched the king of all birds pecking around like a chicken, refusing to fly. Since it had learned to behave like a chicken, it was no longer an eagle. “Still,” he told his friend, “certainly this bird has the heart of an eagle. Allow me to show him who God designed him to be.”

The man took the eagle to the top of the house, urging him: “You are an eagle! Stretch your wings and fly!” But the eagle was afraid of his unknown self, and thus quickly jumped down to his familiar surroundings. But the man was determined. He took the bird to a mountaintop, where he lifted the eagle high above his head and said: “You belong to the sky! Soar, my friend!”

The eagle looked up, then down again, quickly jumping to the ground. But the man would not give up. Day after day he repeated the exercise, as the eagle became less frightened by the heights. Finally, one day the man lifted the eagle straight toward the sun, and it happened that the bird began to tremble. Slowly, he stretched his wings, and with a triumphant cry, soared away into the heavens.

I’ve been a collector of eagle stories since my early teens. Some of them are true facts about this majestic bird, and others are simply tales that use the eagle’s makeup to illustrate a point.

In my favorite passage of Scripture, the prophet Isaiah used the imagery of a soaring eagle at the end of one of the most inspiring chapters in the Old Testament, where the prophet describes the greatness and inscrutability of almighty God.

When I read this eagle story for the first time, I could not help but think of how much my environment helped determine what I believed about myself during my formative years. I was blessed to be raised by parents who instilled in me the idea that I could accomplish anything, so long as I worked hard and kept my eyes fixed on my objectives. They encouraged me to face my fears and never back up from my beliefs. I am forever grateful for that.

But as I grew up, and as it often happens, I started listening to other voices. Voices that told me I was not good enough. Voices that laughed at my dreams and mocked my principles. Voices that called me away from a fulfilling and fruitful destiny.

Without realizing, I became insecure, fearful and anxious. The fearlessness and determination which, in my youth, filled my heart with the assurance that I could do anything, was replaced by a constant feeling of inadequacy and co-dependence. Even years of therapy did not erase the mighty voices that tried to silence the eagle in me. And so, I lived like the eagle in the barnyard for many years – designed for the heavenly heights, and yet content with a lowly life. Until God found me, took me to the mountaintop and started showing who he designed me to be.

I cannot help but wonder how many eagles are reading this column today, realizing that there has to be more to life than what they experience. Realizing that they have settled for a life that is far from what God has intended, either by compromising their beliefs and integrity by hanging out in the barnyard for way too long, or by refusing to acknowledge that they need help to come out of their current circumstances.

If that is you today, why don’t you give the Friend a chance to show you the heights of his wisdom, glory, mercy, forgiveness and grace? Maybe it’s time you believe in who he says you are: an eagle, beautifully designed to soar. Would you allow him to be the wind beneath your wings?

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal Constitution on Saturday, October 28, 2017.

God designed you to be a soaring eagle. But are you living as a chicken in a barnyard?
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“Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.” Deuteronomy 34:4

He would never taste the milk and honey. Ever. But His eyes would see if from a distance.

God would give him that.

And just as he saw the Promise Land, his heart stopped… and he rested in Him.

“And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said.” (v.5)

I’ll be honest with you. I had a problem with this part of Scripture for a long time.

I know, I know. Moses messed up. He struck the rock instead of speaking to it.

But, man! Talk about harsh punishment (my flesh says)!

After all, he led the Israelites out of Egypt and turned a crowd of slaves into a Nation.

Not just any nation…God’s chosen people.

He delivered God’s commandments and later was used to write God’s laws.

He put up with this unbelieving, rebellious nation time and again, and yet, prayed for them, interceded on their behalf when God vowed to punish them.

And yet, a seemingly small mistake stopped him just a few miles from the borders of the Promise he held close to his heart.

I finished a study on the book of Deuteronomy thinking about the death of Moses (Deuteronomy 34). On that same day, a godly father our family knew lost his battle to cancer.

People from all over the world prayed fervently for his healing. We believed God for a miracle.

But the miracle didn’t come.

As I read about Moses’ passing, I could not help but think of the promise this friend held close to his heart to the very end.The Promise of a future where he would see his children get married and have children.

And as my heart ached for the family, and for a life seemingly cut short…

As I read about Moses’ death, and my flesh wanted to scream again: “Oh, Lord, why not let him step foot in the Promise?”

God’s word through Isaiah rang loudly in my spirit:

“Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?” (Isaiah 40:13-14)

And later in his book:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

As I meditated on these well-known verses, the Holy Spirit whispered:

“Moses didn’t set foot on the Promise Land, because his mission was finished. He had run his race, finished the course. My plans for him were better. Sweeter than honey.  I brought him to the REAL Promise Land.”

There, Moses’ heart would not be broken by rebellious Israel again.

There, his aching bones would find complete healing. His tired soul would finally find joy… and rest.

There, there would be no more pain, no more sorrow.

And while the children of Israel went into battle, and later rebelled once again against God, Moses was spared.

And instead of going through more strife and pain, HE EMBRACED HIS REWARD.

Oh, friend, what a blessed assurance to wrap around our hearts when a loved one, a child of the Living God leaves this earth!

What a wonderful Truth to cling to when the troubles of life, and even death does not make sense on this side of eternity:

That we cannot comprehend God’s mercies and grace… And yet, we KNOW they are true and eternal!

That life is but a vapor, and soon we will be reunited with those who go before us, so long as our lives belong to the Lord Jesus Christ!

Better yet, we can tell our hearts this amazing truth:

That our God is still good, even when the worst happens… And our prayers were heard, even though the healing didn’t come.

our God is still good, even when the worst happens… And our prayers were heard, even though the healing didn’t come.
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Moses saw the TRUE Promise Land, way before Joshua and Caleb did.

His eyes saw Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’s Promise Land from a distance…

But His feet stepped onto the streets of gold.

As people we love seem to “lose” life’s battles way too soon, and although the sorrow and depression will be certain for a season…

Even though we will miss them until the day God calls us home… may we hold on to this truth, and tell it to our saddened hearts:

They didn’t lose. They won. God’s love and mercy took them home.

And because we believe in the same Savior… and because His stripes healed us all,

We will soon see them again.

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Why Can’t I See Gods Purpose 12.03.14

Passage: Isaiah 40

Key Verse: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” Isaiah 40:28

A father loses his job. Again. An airplane falls, killing a loved one. A young mother loses her baby. A fire assails a home where a couple and their three young children sleep. The children escape, but their mother dies.

“I don’t understand the purpose in this. Do you?”

A dear friend asked me this very question recently.  This sweet and godly woman has gone through unimaginable pain and suffering for the past several years. Her honest question echoes in the hearts of all of us when life doesn’t make sense. When it feels like God has forgotten us. When we can’t find the purpose behind the pain.

Whether we voice it or not, the question remains: “What’s your purpose in this, Father?”

“No, I don’t understand it. I don’t. But I have to trust that God has a purpose. We just can’t see it yet.”

Her question caught me off guard, but I answered her with strong conviction. I have walked with Jesus for long enough to know that He does have a purpose for every suffering He allows in His children’s lives. Indeed, I have experienced His purposeful design through pain and loss; and I can affirm that He does make all things work together for our good and for His glory. I’ve proven this truth. I believe it.

But that does not ease the pain when we’re going through the valley. When life doesn’t make sense and seems to be getting worse instead of better.

As I continued talking to my friend, Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 came to mind:

“Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”

Among all New Testament characters, the dear apostle knew pain like no other follower of Jesus at that time. He was blind, beaten, scorned, persecuted, shipwrecked, imprisoned and tempted. Even so, he responded with steadfast faith throughout each trial: “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Therefore it seems only fair that God would remove this one issue that plagued Paul. He seemed to have had enough when he pleaded with the Father to remove the thorn on his flesh, whatever that was. And yet, even though we never see this giant of faith ask for relieve before, God told him he should just accept it.

That would have been a tough pill to swallow, had God not explained why the “thorn” had to remain: so that God’s power (and purpose) would be perfected in Paul’s weakness.

We have a tendency to see things in a one-dimensional level.

It’s hard to look past our pain. Indeed, it’s humanly impossible to understand how a disease or a death in the family can work together for our good. Only when we look back in our lives can we understand the higher purpose beyond each valley we crossed:

Like the people who are impacted by the way we respond; silent witnesses that draw strength from our testimony. We may not see them, but believe me: They’re watching.

Like the unnecessary things that we end up leaving behind in the valley: Materials possessions that we used to value become unimportant; little things that we used to sweat over gain new perspective. Shackles of pride crumble.

Like the Fruit of the Spirit, which grows in us as we allow God to shape us in each valley, where we find ourselves growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22).

Like the pockets of rest that we find in the most unusual, unexpected places… things we used to take for granted: The smile of a loved one. The encouraging words of a friend. The pleasure of laughter. The importance of a loving touch.

Like God’s divine provision for our material needs, or for just enough strength to keep on keeping on.

All these things are a reflection of His love and supernatural power, being perfected in us as we walk through our desolate places.

But there’s one more thing. One of the most important gifts in the valley:

Fireproofing our faith.

You see, it’s easy to trust God at His Word when we don’t have to prove it. When life is all roses and no thorns.

Yes, singing His praises is a piece of cake when life is easy.  Reciting His Word is natural when the sun is shining outside.

But when the storms assail us… when our loved ones leave us, when our health fails us or our financial stability disappears…

When there is no hope… and yet, we find hope against all odds and we can still find the strength to thank Him and praise Him…

Then and only then, can we say that our faith is true – tested and proven.

It’s when our everything runs out that we can prove Him enough.

It’s through the trials and valleys that His power is perfected in our weakness… that His love is reinstated and our faith, refurbished.

You may not see it today, my friend. But you can trust that there’s purpose in your valley. One day you’ll look back and you’ll see the faces of the people you’ve impacted…

… And the birth of new purpose because you chose to trust and walk, one step at a time, even though your flesh begged you to give up.

Stay in it… with Him. He’s transforming you and others around you. He’s preparing you and the circumstances needed to accomplish His plan for you. Moreover, He’s ahead of you, on the other side of this valley, where you’ll see the result of your trust and patience.

Because we never leave a valley the same way we entered it. Neither does God intend for anything we learn in the valley to be wasted.

Verses to Meditate Upon:

Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel,

“My way is hidden from the Lord,

And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”?

Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth

Does not become weary or tired.

His understanding is inscrutable.

 He gives strength to the weary,

And to him who lacks might He increases power.

Though youths grow weary and tired,

And vigorous young men stumble badly,

Yet those who wait for the Lord

Will gain new strength;

They will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not get tired,

They will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 40:27-31

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