Endurance for the Journey, Featured, Grace

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the waters;
The voice of the Lord strikes
with flashes of lightning.
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
PSALM 29:3,7,10 (NIV)



Can a ferocious rainstorm bring comfort? Can flashes of lightning inspire hope? Can thunderclaps whisper peace? Can torrents of rolling water fill the heavy heart with strong confidence?


They can if we understand who’s behind them all. That’s the message of Psalm 29, a tribute to the power and sovereignty of God as seen in the awesome display of a violent thunderstorm.


David looks out of his window at the lightning, he hears the booming thunder, he sees the storm shredding trees and shaking the desert, he observes the floodwaters careening across the land and he falls to his knees and worships the God of heaven who sits enthroned above the tempest.


David not only knew the power of the voice of the Lord, he also knew that his God was committed with every ounce of his omnipotence to bring peace to his people (v. 11). How can we be discouraged for long when such infinite strength is made available to us, even during the calamitous thunderstorms of life?



The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.
PSALM 29:11 (NIV)



On the journey with you,
Dave Dravecky

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Grace, Hope, Pain, Words of Endurance

EXCERPT FROM MENDED: OUT OF THE RAG PILE, BACK ON THE HANGER
BY DEBBIE WOODS (PUBLISHED BY HIGHERLIFE PUBLISHING)
Available at: Amazon.com/author/debbiewoods



When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said,
“Lord if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
JOHN 11:32 (THE MESSAGE)



Some Christians love to retell their life story before Jesus. Whose was more abused, neglected, sad, tragic, and heartbreaking? Or whose was more sinful, wicked, shameful and scandalous? Although I didn’t often speak of my back- story, in my heart I focused more on the “before” than the “after.” I allowed questions, sorrow, and self-pity to dominate my narrative.



Then I met Lazarus (See John 11). I imagined his back-story: “I loved Jesus; I was his friend. My sisters and I served him faithfully. We were braver and more devoted than anyone. We were part of his inner circle. Then I got sick. You can’t imagine how I suffered. My doctor said he had never seen a more agonizing case! My sisters were devastated. When the doctor said it would be fatal, we sent for Jesus, but He didn’t even bother to come! Can you believe it? After all we did for Him? Well, He came later and resurrected me, but have you ever heard of such unnecessary suffering? I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.”



But Jesus had withheld His blessing to increase it. He did not hurry to restore Lazarus and relieve his sisters’ sorrow. He waited for the glory of God. He had His eye on the eternal spectrum, not on their personal comfort. Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave by name so that others might believe in the One who had sent Him.



And so it is with me. Jesus waited, as I was dead in sin. But in the fullness of time, He commanded others to roll the stone away, removing the obstacle between us, called me by name out of death and into life. He commanded others to unbind me from my grave clothes and teach me to walk by faith. Jesus set me at liberty to testify to the miracle and His glory.



Lazarus did not tarry or go back to his putrid bindings, and neither should I. The grave of this world is no place for those whom Christ has quickened. We must come forth laying aside every hindrance. Satan calls me back to focus on old pain, injustice, and unkindness to distract from the mercy and grace of Jesus, saying, “Look at those old bindings and smell them again. Remember what you went through?”



No, God gives us the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. He has rewoven me and put me in working order again.



To all who mourn in Israel,
He will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
That the Lord has planted for his own glory.
ISAIAH 61:3 (NLT)



CONFIDENTLY,
ON THE JOURNEY WITH YOU,
JAN DRAVECKY

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Grace, Grief, Pain, Words of Endurance

EXCERPT FROM MENDED: (OUT OF THE RAG PILE, BACK ON THE HANGER


BY DEBBIE WOODS (PUBLISHED BY HIGHERLIFE PUBLISHING)



Be gentle with one another, sensitive.
EPHESIANS 4:32 (THE MESSAGE)



By God’s design and to my surprise, I have become deeply involved with a delightful young family. The first son and his twin brothers are only twenty months apart in age – quite a challenge for any mom right there. But in addition, the eldest has autism, and the twins have craniosynostosis, a genetic disorder that affects the skull, neck, head, face, mouth, teeth and hands. Multiple surgeries and complicated orthodontia are required, along with various ongoing physical and speech therapies. Later their sister was born. She, too, has developmental needs. Each child is a delight with unique talents, gifts, and personalities. They enrich my life.



I have spent thousands of hours with these kids, frequently out in public for an adventure together. Generally, I’m too busy directing and supervising them to notice those around us. But over the years, I’ve drawn a conclusion regarding people observing us. When the children with an unusual appearance act inappropriately, I see sympathetic smiles and nods. Some people will comment on my patience or kindness in the situation.



But when the child who appears normal is behaving oddly, I see critical looks and disdain. I believe the assumption is that the child isn’t well trained or disciplined, in need of correction. No mercy or compassion is offered.



It occurs to me that we are all special needs people. We are all fighting a battle, whether seen or unseen. We are all wounded, whether the scars are obvious or not. Dressed in our Sunday best – the tragedy, abuse, violence, pain, neglect, injustices, mental illness, physical illness, and spiritual torment of our lives are neatly tucked in and covered up. Add a smile and “we clean up real good.”



Others assume we are well balanced, well trained, and well prepared to be well behaved in any situation. If we aren’t, criticism and disapproval abound. If our “disorders” and “developmental needs” were known, perhaps others would respond with compassion instead of judgment.



As God, The Great Physician, tends to each of us, let us remember to show grace, kindness, and gentleness to His other patients. Do not be fooled by the Sunday Best; there are stitches, scars, and braces holding us all together beneath the coverings. We are a brotherhood of The Mended.



Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic,
be loving, be compassionate, be humble.
That goes for all of you, no exceptions.
No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm.
Instead, bless – that’s your job, to bless.
You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
1 PETER 3:8-9 (THE MESSAGE)



CONFIDENTLY,
ON THE JOURNEY WITH YOU,
JAN DRAVECKY

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Grace, Grief, Peace, Words of Endurance

EXCERPT FROM MENDED: OUT OF THE RAG PILE, BACK ON THE HANGER
BY DEBBIE WOODS (PUBLISHED BY HIGHERLIFE PUBLISHING)



Always be humble and gentle.
Be patient with each other,
making allowance for each other’s faults
because of your love.
EPHESIANS 4:2 (NLT)



“They are all idiots and they are all aimed at you!” (Words of wisdom from my father as he taught me to drive.) “Look out – expect the unexpected from the fools around you.” They are all idiots and all aimed at you became a life motto for me – at the mall, at the grocery store, at the theater, in the school car pool pickup lane, in the church parking lot. I saw a piece of unframed art in an interior design store – an adorable 1950’s child with a hair bow, a rose in her hand and a blank stare. Next to her is the dictionary definition of “idiot”: mentally defective, imbecile, moron, fool, witling. Below, in large graphic print, is the caption “Most of the people around me on any given day.” Can I get an Amen?



BUT then I met THE Father and Amy Grant was singing of “My Father’s Eyes.” And Jesus saw me as a child who had not been loved enough. And Jesus looked beyond my faults and saw my needs. And Jesus had compassion on me – helpless and harassed like a sheep without a shepherd. And I was awed that Jesus walked among the crowds and masses of people, the idiots, fools, and morons, with love and without irritation. And I was humbled by grace.



And THE Father gave me grace -colored glasses to see others as my companions in woundedness. And THE Father instructed me to accept life and people with humility and patience, making allowances for them. And THE Father filled me with His Spirit and the fruit of love, peace, patience and gentleness.



I now wear prescription bifocal sunglasses to drive. This requires me to remove my grace-colored glasses. Now when I’m in traffic with my father’s voice in my head again – “They are all idiots, and they are all aimed at you!” Heaven help me! I know, Daddy, I know. Should I honk or just run them off the road to teach them a lesson? Maybe they are just normal people in their normal confusion on a normal day, like me. Maybe I should make peace with flawed humanity. Maybe I should make allowances for them, as Jesus does for me. Maybe they, too, are slashed and shredded, in need of mending. Can I get an Amen?



Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves,
You must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy,
Kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Make allowance for each other’s faults,
And forgive anyone who offends you.
COLOSSIANS 3:12-13 (NLT)



CONFIDENTLY,
ON THE JOURNEY WITH YOU,
JAN DRAVECKY

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Grace, Words of Endurance

EXCERPT FROM MENDED: OUT OF THE RAG PILE, BACK ON THE HANGER
BY DEBBIE WOODS (PUBLISHED BY HIGHERLIFE PUBLISHING)



I am not a happy camper. By nature, my temperament is melancholy, sad. By nature I am cynical, glass half-empty. I once read a greeting card that said, “I’m comfortable with the fact that my glass will always have a slow and steady leak.” Amen!



My husband by nature is sanguine, cheerful – even more so by nurture. His mother was the happiest place on earth. Disneyland had nothing on her. She pulled me outside by my arm one night to come see a “fun moon.” Really. “Fun” was her middle name and my hubby is her clone. When he wakes up, he greets me with his big, beautiful smile, saying, “Hi, Lover!”



When I wake up, my first thought is, “Oh crap. I’m still here. Oh, yeah. This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) A dear friend can relate. She told me, “Some of us are Eeyores, and no amount of encouragement from Tigger can change us.” I love that. Give it a rest Tigger.



I need a Super Hero and I have one. Gratefully my nature has been overcome by my “supernatural” God. My old nature, my old self, is dead



My old self has been crucified with Christ.
It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
GALATIANS 2:20 (NLT)



I am not enslaved to my old mind set. Jesus graciously transforms my mind.



Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person
by changing the way you think.
ROMANS 12:2 (NLT)



For me, joy is a process. Refusing to be cheerless, I plug my leaky, half-filled glass daily and let God fill me to the brim. “My cup overflows!” (PSALM 23:5.) I may never be my mother-in-law, but God gets the glory when I find joy. It is a stunning transformation only He can make.



So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death.
But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace
ROMANS 8:6 (NLT)



And joy …

CONFIDENTLY,
ON THE JOURNEY WITH YOU,
JAN DRAVECKY

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Grace, Pain, Words of Endurance

EXCERPT FROM MENDED: OUT OF THE RAG PILE, BACK ON THE HANGER
BY DEBBIE WOODS (PUBLISHED BY HIGHERLIFE PUBLISHING)



His family all tried to comfort him,
but he refused to be comforted.
“I will go to my grave mourning for my son,”
he would say, and then he would weep.
Meanwhile, the Medianite traders arrived in Egypt,
Where they sold Joseph to Potiphar,
an officer of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.
GENESIS 37:35-36 (NLT)



When Jacob saw Joseph’s bloody coat of many colors he cried that without a doubt, his precious son had been ripped to pieces. He tore his own clothes, put on sackcloth, mourned, and refused to be comforted. But, as always, all the known facts are not all the facts. Meanwhile, God was working in Egypt.



Joseph had actually been sold to Potiphar. The Lord was with him, showed him mercy, and gave him favor. It was God’s perfect plan to humble and mature Joseph and later save Israel, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham. Years later, when Jacob and Joseph were reunited, Jacob glorified God, saying, “I had not thought to see your face; but in fact God has also shown me your sons!” GENESIS 48:11



My family home was not a place of nurturing. There was barely supervision. I fumbled along, following others, finding my way. I ached for attention and guidance. Meanwhile, God was working in Egypt. Other-mothers were being prepared and sent to foster me. “Adopted” soul sisters came along to safeguard me. And Young Life leaders were being equipped to direct me to Jesus. The Lord was with me, like Joseph, showing great mercy and giving me favor. Precious unseen mending.



Exodus 14:22 says, “So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!” God shielded the Israelites from danger that surrounded them. He did the same for me. The unspeakable pain of a teenage pregnancy and the adoption of my unseen, unnamed baby left me confused, hopeless, and suicidal. Meanwhile, God was working unseen.



By His grace and divine intervention, He protected me from enemies behind and the terrifying waters ahead. He shielded me as I walked through the middle of the “sea” on dry ground and allowed me to meet my husband and graduate with high honors from the university I attended. Both were unimaginable victories – miracles, really. Then later, to be blessed with three sons? That was just God showing off! And tenderly mending.



As life unfolds – whether through illness, aging parents, the challenges of a prodigal son, or tragedy – I am certain that all the known facts are not all the facts. I am confident that God is working unseen …



Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
PSALM 27:13 (NLT)



CONFIDENTLY,
ON THE JOURNEY WITH YOU,
JAN DRAVECKY

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Grace, Grief, Pain, Words of Endurance

EXCERPT FROM MENDED: OUT OF THE RAG PILE, BACK ON THE HANGER
BY DEBBIE WOODS (PUBLISHED BY HIGHERLIFE PUBLISHING)



Even before he made the world,
God loved us and chose us in Christ
to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
EPHESIANS 1:4 (NLT)



My parents had no interest in me, leaving a hole in my heart and a hunger for straight A’s: Acceptance, Attention, Approval, Appreciation. They could not or would not be available to me. I tried singing, dancing, playing piano, defeating my brother in challenges, keeping a clean room, being punctual, being seen but not heard, being not seen and not heard. Still no affirmation, no confirmation. I tried and kept on trying because an unconnected life is not worth living. I would look elsewhere.



Straight A’s: Acceptance. Attention. Approval. Appreciation. Maybe school teachers and classmates could fill the hole. I had a new audience. Give ‘em the old razzle-dazzle right? Years of high grades, honor societies, leadership positions, athletic successes, homecoming queen nominations, and finally graduation from the university magna cum laude with straight A’s. Acceptance. Attention. Approval. Appreciation. But not for long.



Grown-up, real life does not offer report cards. What’s up with that? How will I earn my straight A’s? Where will I find validation? How will I fill this hole in my heart? Who will give the acceptance and approval I crave?



Jesus. Only Jesus. God, the Creator of all things, has chosen me, by His grace, and made me acceptable in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:3-6). Therefore, I am free from the tyranny of public opinion! …



… Not one drop of my worth depends on the acceptance, attention, approval or appreciation of others. I no longer let others define me. I no longer need straight A’s. My heart has been filled by the grace of God and I am acceptable in the Beloved.



Debbie’s Challenge For Us:
Today I will stop striving to win
the acceptance, attention, approval, or appreciation
of other people and bask in the contentment of knowing
that God loves and accepts me already.



ON THE JOURNEY WITH YOU,
JAN DRAVECKY

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Grace, Healing, On the Journey Together, Words of Endurance

For we who worship by the Spirit of God
Are the ones who are truly circumcised.
We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us.
We put no confidence in human effort.
PHILIPPIANS 3:3 (NLT)



The other morning Dave and I were discussing our most recent experiences and feelings. I shared with Dave my positive experiences and feelings but also my insecure and negative thoughts. At the end of our conversation, Dave said to me, “Jan you need to have more confidence in yourself.”



I was touched by what he said – at first I took it as an encouraging word as I know he meant it to be. But immediately my thoughts went to how could I be confident in me (my sinful flesh) when I had made so many wrong sinful choices in the past? But then I realized that within me there is not only my sinful flesh but there is also the Holy Spirit. And while I cannot be confident in my flesh I know I can be confident of the Holy Spirit that lives within me.



Over the past two years Dave and I have been on a journey to confidently trust God with who we truly are. This journey has been more difficult for me than Dave because my confidence and trust has wavered between myself and God. I have found as I looked back over my Spiritual journey that I would continually surrender control of my life to God but during life’s most difficult trials I would take control of my life back – finding my own ways to escape the pain.



Over the past year, I have chosen to surrender control to the Holy Spirit and trust Him to lead me and be my strength because I have come to the realization that I could no longer trust myself. And since that critical choice He has led me on a path to healing that I never dreamed possible.



My word from God for 2017 is “Confidence”. Not confidence in my flesh but knowingly confident in the One who dwells within me – confidence within Whom I place my Trust and Hope.



But blessed are those who trust in the LORD
and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.
They are like tress planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.
JEREMIAH 17:7-8 (NLT)



ON THE JOURNEY WITH YOU,
JAN DRAVECKY

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Grace, On the Journey Together, Peace, Words of Endurance

Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
PSALM 27:14 (NLT)



Every day, I look forward to receiving a devotional via email by Henri Nouwen. During the Advent season, he sends out a weekly thought of encouragement that corresponds with that week’s Advent theme. For the first Sunday of Advent he shared the above passage.



To follow this truth he added, “waiting is a dry desert between where we are and where we want to be. We don’t enjoy such a place, we want to move out of it and do something worthwhile.”



Henri’s thought caught my attention and it has been a great encouragement for me to intentionally remember this Christmas season. I don’t want Christmas to feel rushed or burdensome this year. I don’t want to let parties, shopping or anything else distract me from enjoying this Advent season for what it really is: A preparation for the coming of Jesus – the birth of the Christ child.



One of our family traditions for the past 31 years has been to gather the kids and trim the tree while listening to Amy Grant’s Tennessee Christmas album. Music really sets the stage and stirs our hearts to focus on the amazing celebration that is about to take place. This year we get to carry on that tradition with our grandkids.



This Christmas, I want to be patient; to wait expectantly and prepare for the remembrance of the birth of Christ. I want to remove all the distractions around us so that we can engage in this celebration and really soak in the True Meaning of Christmas. Like wise, I don’t want my grandkids to be forced into the hustle and bustle. This time of year is very special. We celebrate it for a reason and that reason is to receive the gift of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.



For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)



On The Journey With You,
Dave Dravecky

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Grace, Guilt, On the Journey Together, Words of Endurance

“Fear not; you will no longer live in shame.
Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you.”
ISAIAH 54:4 (NLT)



I was ashamed of who I had become. I kept asking God “how did I get to this place?” It was not as if this place was a goal in life that I wanted to achieve. I had tried relentlessly in my own strength to manage my sin but had failed countless times. My only option left was to surrender myself to God.



“Quit keeping score altogether and surrender yourself
with all your sinfulness to God
who sees neither the score or the scorekeeper
but only his child redeemed by Christ”
THOMAS MERTON



As I surrendered myself with all my sinfulness to God, He began to show me how I got to this place. He showed me through the wise Godly counsel of others with whom I entrusted my sinfulness, that I was extremely codependent – a people pleaser with low self-esteem who feared my family’s disapproval, who avoided others’ anger at all cost and stuffed my own feelings of anger for the sake of peace.



I learned that my addictive tendencies were a by-product of my codependency. These tendencies were my self-effort to self-comfort and escape from the pain that I experienced within my sensitive wounded heart.



As I began to understand how God wired me and why I chose those addictive patterns the shame dissipated and I experienced His Grace for myself. As I trusted God and His promises I have been able to receive His forgiveness and therefore been able to forgive myself. His Truth has broken my chains and set me free, as I have trusted Him and others with whom I truly am!



“Those who trust in me will never be put to shame.”
ISAIAH 49:23 (NLT)



On The Journey With You,
Jan Dravecky

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