Debbie W. Wilson

Refreshing Faith

A Promise for Those Who Mourn

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I attended the funeral of one of the most robust, energetic, and alive people I’ve ever known. Death for Bruce is incomprehensible. And yet, he’s gone.

The next day as our small group read John 11, the boldness of Jesus’ words to Martha struck me. Martha and Mary had buried their brother just days earlier. They’d helplessly watched Lazarus’s life slip away. They’d bathed and prepared his dead body for burial. They were way more familiar with death than they wanted to be.

Put yourself in Martha’s place as you read Jesus’ words to her:Continue Reading

The Practical Benefits of Faith

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I woke up at 4 a.m. questioning a decision I’d made that afternoon. I’d told the designer, who’d drawn out a closet plan, we wanted to work with her. In my sleep I had second thoughts.

“Lord, I’m too tired to figure this out. I don’t know if we made the right decision.”

Immediately an Old Testament passage came to mind.

If a young woman makes a vow…and her father hears of the vow or pledge and does not object to it, then all her vows and pledges will stand. But if her father refuses to let her fulfill the vow or pledge on the day he hears of it, then all her vows and pledges will become invalid. The Lord will forgive her because her father would not let her fulfill them” (Numbers 30:3-5 NLT).

Relief filled me. I didn’t have to figure it out. Like a good father, my Abba would protect me.

“Father, you heard our vow. If we jumped too soon, please rescue us. I’m giving this to You and trusting you to lead.”Continue Reading

When I Feel Forgotten by Jesus

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My standard poodles’ big brown eyes melted my resolve. “Ok. You can go with me.”

Immediately Max’s fluffy tail thumped excitedly. His sister pranced with anticipation. And I smiled.

I hate to disappoint pooches and people. Especially, my poodles and my people. That’s why Jesus’ actions in John 11 astound me.

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days” (Jn. 11:5-6 NIV).

Without divine intervention, Lazarus would die. Jesus had the power to heal. Lazarus’ sisters sent an urgent message to Jesus,

Lord, the one you love is sick”(Jn. 11:3 emphasis added).

Jesus was a personal friend. Surely, He would come to the rescue. He would not disappoint those He loved.

But Jesus didn’t come. He waited.

Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus—so—He waited??? That doesn’t compute.Continue Reading

Make 2019 Your Best Year Yet

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The last days of 2018 sped by like the final squares on a roll of toilet paper. In considering the New Year, my prayer is that I’ll manage my life instead of arbitrary influences controlling me. After the holidays, I have lots of things that need to be corralled—including sweets, spending, and schedules!

Interruptions and temptations to address the immediate at the expense of the important fill every stage of life. Someone posted a meme that said good habits are as easy to make and keep as bad ones. I don’t buy it! Bad habits come by default. Good ones take effort.

Jesus’ Example

Jesus’ words to His Father on the night of His betrayal intrigue and challenge me: “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do” (John 17:4 NIV).

How could He say this? Think of all those who had not yet heard His message. What about all those who were sick and hadn’t been healed? Notice, He did not say all the work was completed but that He had finished the work His Father had given Him to do. There is a difference.

At the end of my life I want to know I brought glory to my Father by doing His will. For that to happen I must guard my daily focus like a mother bear protects her cubs.

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