Endurance for the Journey, Featured, Peace

The waters of the great flood covered the earth for 150 days.
It was 40 days after that before Noah opened a window on the ark.
The water receded steadily from the earth.
At the end of the hundred and fifty days
the water had gone down.
GENESIS 8:3



The waters of the great flood covered the earth for 150 days. It was 40 days after that before Noah opened a window on the ark. How dark, smelly and confining it must have been in the ark for all those days. How difficult (and frightening) that wait must have been.


Waiting is one of the most difficult things we will ever be asked to do. Waiting can prompt us to fret, to stew, to become anxious, even to rebel. Waiting patiently does not come easily to any of us – especially when we are suffering. Yet without developing this trait in our lives, we can never hope to enjoy God’s greatest blessings – nor will we ever become a great blessing to someone in need who finds themselves in God’s waiting room.



But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
they run and don’t get tired,
they walk and don’t lag behind.
ISAIAH 40:31 (THE MESSAGE)



On the journey with you,
Jan & Dave Dravecky

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Endurance for the Journey, Featured, Peace

May the God of Peace,
who through the blood of the eternal covenant
brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great Shepherd of the sheep,
equip you with everything for doing His will,
HEBREWS 13:20-21 (NIV)



What a crazy world we live in. Oh, how we need God to breathe peace on our planet. Actually, He has, according to these verses. No matter how wild the world gets, we can experience this glorious peace because hostility no longer exists between the Father and us.


Still, it’s a crazy world. We need the peace of God that rules in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). God is with us, right in the middle of our world. And anywhere, at any time, we may turn to Him, hear His voice, and know His peace.


It’s my prayer that you turn your thoughts toward His calm and quiet. Hold the world at bay. Live in many moments of rest. May the peace of God go before you, leading you into each day. For whenever we look up into the face of our Father, whenever we quiet our spirit to hear His voice, we have found divine peace this crazy world can never take away.


JONI EARECKSON TADA



And let the peace that comes from Christ
rule in your hearts.
COLOSSIANS 3:15 (NLT)



On the journey with you,
Jan & Dave Dravecky

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Endurance for the Journey, Featured, Peace

“I am leaving you with a gift –
peace of mind and heart.
And the peace I give
is a gift the world cannot give.
So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
JOHN 14:27 (WORDS OF JESUS – NLT)



In trying times like these it is hard to conceive that we can ever attain “peace of mind and heart” with all the uncertainties we are experiencing. We so desperately want that “peace” so we are not “troubled or afraid.”


At first, when Dave and I were experiencing our first major affliction which involved the journey through cancer, amputation and debilitating depression, I did not attain the “peace of mind and heart” I so desperately desired. The turning point came about when I came across this writing in a book that was given to me entitled “Let Go” by Francois Fenelon who was a 17th century Archbishop in France:


“We can add to our God-given cross by agitated resistance and an unwillingness to suffer. A cross which comes from God ought to be welcomed without any concern for self. And when you accept your cross this way, even though it is painful, you will find that you can bear it in peace. But when you receive your cross unwillingly, you will find it to be doubly severe. The resistance within is harder to bear than the cross itself! But if you recognize the hand of God and make no opposition to His Will, you will have peace in the midst of affliction.” FRANCOIS FENELON


I learned that I was experiencing what I called “double pain”. I not only had the pain of our affliction but the pain of my resistance and resentment. Once I stopped resisting, let go, accepted our cross and started trusting Him I began to experience “the peace which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).


“I have told you all this
so that you may have peace in me.
Here on earth you will have
many trials and sorrows.
But take heart,
I have overcome the world.”
JOHN 16:33 (WORDS OF JESUS – NLT)



On the journey with you,
Jan Dravecky

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Endurance for the Journey, Featured, Peace

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to go on the heights.
HABAKKUK 3:17-19 (NIV)



In our wilderness, Jan and I learned to trust God, even though at times every visible trace of Him had vanished. But we finally came to the point that Habakkuk did when he prayed “Though …” (Habakkuk 3:17-19).


Those verses brought us such comfort. We took encouragement in knowing that the wilderness was part of the spiritual landscape trudged by many people whom God has greatly used. This knowledge didn’t take away our pain, but it did give us hope that we were not banished to the desert forever. We believed what God promised to the Israelites was true for us too:


“For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
ISAIAH 43:19 (NLT)


We also found comfort in realizing that Moses spent 40 years in the desert and that God used that time to teach him lessons that would later equip him for mighty exploits. We put our trust and hope in God, that He would do the same for us.


But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees 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,
Dave Dravecky

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Endurance for the Journey, Featured, Peace

Answer me when I call to you,
O my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
PSALM 4:1,8 (NIV)



Sleep is one of the first areas affected when we face severe trials. It often flees from us like a wildebeest before a lion, like a scrap of paper before a windstorm. Yet God tells us in Psalm 4 that sleep is possible, even in the most difficult of circumstances.


During our three-year ordeal in the wilderness, circumstances continually went from bad to worse. But while events around me seemed ominous, it gave me hope to know that God promises we can enjoy peaceful sleep – not because our circumstances will change during the night, but because “you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (v. 8).


I still use the quality of my sleep as a litmus test. If my sleep is troubled, I consider that a sign that I am trying to sustain myself rather than trusting God. The remedy? Return to the wisdom of Psalm 4, ask God to relieve my distress, and trust in the Lord. Then “I will lie down and sleep in peace” (v.8).



You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
PROVERBS 3:24-26 (NLT)



On the journey with you,
Jan Dravecky

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Endurance for the Journey, Featured, Peace

Answer me when I call to you,
O my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
PSALM 4:1,8 (NLT)



Sleep is one of the first areas affected when we face severe trials. It often flees from us like a wildebeest before a lion, like a scrap of paper before a windstorm. Yet God tells us in Psalm 4 that sleep is possible, even in the most difficult of circumstances.


During our three-year ordeal in the wilderness, circumstances continually went from bad to worse. But while events around me seemed ominous, it gave me hope to know that God promises we can enjoy peaceful sleep – not because our circumstances will change during the night, but because “you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”


I still use the quality of my sleep as a litmus test. If my sleep is troubled, I consider that a sign that I am trying to sustain myself rather than trusting God. The remedy? Return to the wisdom of Psalm 4, ask God to relieve my distress, and trust in the Lord. Then “I will lie down and sleep in peace.”



My child, don’t lose sight
of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
for they will refresh your soul.
You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or destruction that comes upon the wicked,
PSALM 89:21 (NLT)



On the journey with you,
Jan Dravecky

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Endurance for the Journey, Featured, Peace

“… for the Lord searches every heart
and understands every motive behind the thoughts.
If you seek him,
He will be found by you;”
1 CHRONICLES 28:9 (NIV)



On the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is found one of Michelangelo’s most famous paintings. God is shown reaching down from heaven, hand extended, to touch the outstretched hand of man. The natural human response to pain and suffering is to do just the opposite; to recoil and retreat in fear and anger. When we suffer the very thing we need most – the love and intimacy of God – can seem farthest from us.


Our goal as encouragers must be to gently and lovingly pick up the weary arm and lift it heavenward, connecting or reconnecting it with its source of joy, peace and eternal life.


I will steady him with my hand;
With my powerful arm I will make him strong.
PSALM 89:21 (NLT)



On the journey with you,
Jan & Dave 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, 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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Pain, Peace, Prayer, Seeing Clearly, Words of Endurance

O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
PSALM 13:1-3 (NLT)



Sound familiar? King David’s desperate cry to God is echoed by many of us who find it difficult to see clearly in the midst of our suffering. God may seem far away – we may feel forgotten by Him – and we may feel as if we will die from the overwhelming grief in our hearts.



Where do we turn for help when we are feeling any of the above? King David’s relationship with God was such that when he could not see clearly and found himself confused, lonely and hurt – he cried out and questioned God …



Lord, why are you standing aloof and far away?
Why do you hide when I need you the most?
PSALM 10:1 (LB)



The prophet Elijah once found himself in such a bad place (1 Kings 19:1-18) that he cried out to God …



“I’ve had enough, … take away my life.
I’ve got to die sometime, and it might as well be now.”
1 KINGS 19:4 (LB)



And wretched, impoverished, grieving Job said that if he could talk to God …



I would tell him all
about my side of this argument,
and listen to his reply,
and understand what he wants.
JOB 23:4-5 (LB)



When we are overwhelmed by pain – when our circumstances scream, “This makes no sense!” many of us want the same thing – an audience with God –a one-on-one Q & A with God. We want relief. If we can’t escape the pain we at least want some kind of an explanation. When we have to endure what seems unendurable we want the comfort of knowing that God sees clearly and still holds our future in His able hands.



God responded to David, Elijah and Job – not necessarily in the way they expected or what they would have liked to hear – but His response enabled them to see and understand their circumstances more clearly.



So what about us: What if we could have a one-on-one conversation with God? What if we could ask our Creator some of our troublesome questions? How might He respond?



Over the next several weeks we will ask some of the questions we frequently ask of God when we are suffering and we can’t see or understand our circumstances clearly. For God’s response we went to the Bible – the Word of God – to see if He had already addressed those questions for us. We think what we found will amaze you and will open your eyes to help you see more clearly which will help you endure and find peace in whatever circumstances you face.



Lord, you know the hopes of humble people.
Surely you will hear their cries
and comfort their hearts
by helping them.
PSALM 10:17 (LB)



On the journey with you,
Jan & Dave Dravecky

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