Retro SGM Radio: Reality Check on Rose Gardens

Reality Check: I Beg Your Pardon

There is nothing quite like the soft patter of a gentle summer rain. I looked out of the window and saw that the rain was heavy on the roses, which were bending beneath the strain of droplets filling their petals. As I began to tenderly tie up the heavy, prickly stems, I was reminded of a song: “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden…”1 an old song with a simple truth for us today. None of us were ever promised a life without problems.

Giving your heart and life to Jesus does not guarantee you a perfect life, but it does mean that you have an Almighty God Who is watching you and will come close to you if you let Him. I’ve been working my way through the Old Testament and I find that often when God’s heroes were having a rough time – which they invariably did – there is usually a statement that says, ‘And the Lord saw…’ That in itself is comforting, for He sees with discernment. He knew and understood what they were going through and what they were feeling.

I’m so glad the Lord sees when I am going through things that are difficult, when I’m trying to get from Point A to Point B and everything in between seems like such a struggle. For you, this may mean that Point B is a new job, a new spouse, a bigger paycheck, a better relationship, or a healthier body. But between now and then, there are a lot of rose bushes with a whole lot of thorns.

Isn’t it interesting how often we think, ‘If this was God’s will, surely it would be easier?’ Unfortunately, it usually isn’t fun to be on the path of God’s perfect will for your life. Look at the lives of Abraham, Joseph, or King David. Poor David had crazy King Saul chasing him from cave to cave, wanting to kill him. Abraham spent most of his life on the road. Joseph went from being thrown in a pit to being thrown in jail. These men were all following the Lord’s path for them. Yet, through it all, the Lord ‘saw’ them. He was working out His plan for good in their lives.

There is also the argument that if God told us to ask for what we want, surely He will line our paths with good things only, such as roses without thorns? Not so. In Philippians, Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6 and 7). The Lord doesn’t say He will answer an automatic ‘yes’ to whatever we bring before Him, but He does say He will give us peace. What a great promise!

Often the path from where we were to where we want to be takes dips and turns we aren’t expecting. From the beginning of my illness until now, I have seen many specialists and heard many proposed diagnoses and treatments. At first, it appeared that this would be a short-term situation and soon I’d been back to my normal self. After a year and a half, it’s obvious that’s not the case. But again, biblical tales of people just planning on going from here to there, often have twists in the story. Jonah wasn’t planning on meeting a big fish. Daniel wasn’t planning on being tossed to the lions. Sometimes God just wants to remind us that our timing is not His timing. But His timing is always right.

Are you finding it difficult making your way along the path from here to there? Trust that God knows where you are and if you follow Him, He will take you places you could never dream of finding on your own. Get to know the Lord better, read His Word, talk to Him and listen to His voice. It’ll make your path seem much more manageable, thorns and all.

I’m so glad that God gave us the example of simple roses to show us that life is still beautiful even with thorns, no matter where His will takes us. Between Point A and Point B there will be hard times and there will be unexpected turns, but He still sees and cares for us. The Lord is our “Rose of Sharon” bringing beauty and peace to our lives.

Written by Lorraine Walker
Published on SGM Radio website April 2013

For current Reality Check blogs and artist features visit http://www.sgmradio.com/




1. From the song “Rose Garden”, written by Joe South, 1969.

Retro SGM Radio: Reality Check - Asking the Hardest Question

Reality Check for April 2008
By Lorraine Walker

A short time ago a lady spoke in our church about how the Lord had blessed her and her family. She spoke of some challenges they had faced with her son who had a birth defect. She related how the trials had been difficult but seemed like small hills which gradually led them to one huge mountain. This situation was so hard that she found herself asking all the “why” questions. Then it struck her that when something good happened, she rarely asked why. So if she took the good things as a part of life, why was she questioning the difficult circumstances?

I don’t believe that God is afraid of any of our hard questions. He created us to be inquisitive and to reason. We can ask Him anything and like a good Father, He will answer. However, sometimes our penchant for asking why keeps us from actually seeing or hearing His answers.

There is one particular situation in my life that seems to be a continual source of challenge. Many nights I have lain awake, asking the Lord, “Why?” I didn’t realize that this was my way of dwelling on the negative areas of the situation instead of seeing anything good.

We were reading the story of Ruth and Naomi during devotions one morning at work when God revealed this truth to my heart. Naomi and Ruth had come to a crossroad and Naomi suggested that Ruth return to her homeland. Ruth’s husband had died and she had nothing. They had grieved for their loss and it was now time to move on. However, Ruth made a decision that would change her life.

Instead of falling to the ground, wailing about the situation and asking God why, she realized what a treasure she had been given in her mother-in-law Naomi. She and Naomi traveled together to Bethlehem, where Ruth eventually met and married Boaz, and was blessed to have Jesus Christ within her line of descendents. Ruth had chosen to leave the ‘whys’ with the past and look instead at what God had given to her in the present. This enabled her to move on and trust God with her future.

The next time I find myself asking God “why”, I hope I remember to ask myself why I’m asking “Why?”. Is it easier to dwell on the negative and want the answers to all our questions because we say we want closure? God isn’t afraid of our questions, but neither does He want us to dwell in the past. We are to leave that behind and face the future, knowing that His blessings in our lives right now are proof that He will continue to be with us whatever we face. “Where Thou goest, I will go!”

For current "Reality Check" blogs by Lorraine Walker, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/

Retro Reality Check: Sit Down and Shut Up

[Editor's note: This Reality Check was published in February 2011 by SGM Radio website and was written by Lorraine Walker.]

Here it comes again. Can you feel the change in the wind? Another storm is approaching in your life to upset you and leave you shipwrecked emotionally, spiritually or even physically. You just wish Jesus would walk on water like He did in the Bible and say, “Peace!” to your storm. Well, maybe He is saying “Peace, be still”, but not to your storm. To you.

When Jesus said “Peace” that day in the Sea of Galilee, the word used at that time actually meant, “Silence! Hush! Be quiet!”. “Peace” meant an involuntary stillness, like telling an unruly child to sit down and shut up. It makes me wonder how much of that command was to the Sea, and how much was meant for the wailing disciples. With the amount of moaning and murmuring God must hear from us every time we are put out of our comfort zone, it’s no wonder He wants us to sit down, shut up, and listen to Him.

I’m not saying we don’t have reasons to be upset and angry about things that happen to us. I’m definitely not saying that we cannot question why ‘bad things happen to good people’. But maybe we spend too much time questioning, arguing and debating to hear any answer God may have for us. Jesus may be speaking to me right at the time I’m complaining, but my ears won’t work when my mouth is open.

If a child is acting out because they are hurt, they cannot receive the comfort being offered to them until they submit to the loving arms of the person trying to help. How similar this is to our relationship with our Lord. We keep acting out, from a feeling of pain or helplessness, yet we won’t submit to His arms of love. We know we will find comfort and peace there but we also know we give up whatever control we think we have. Sometimes we’d rather groan and complain and still think we can change the situation on our own. Perhaps one reason we enjoy our pity party is because we are the guest of honour.

It’s a hard thing to realize when a clear view of a bad situation turns inward to a feeling of victimization. It’s difficult because when we see ourselves as a victim, and others do too, again the focus is on us and it is human nature to like the attention. It takes a very strong person to admit their human frailty and run to God for strength and courage. Maybe we just don’t want to ask God for His deliverance because we don’t want to move on into the unknown glorious future. The ‘glorious’ part is lost on us; the ‘unknown’ part scares us to death.

Is your current storm causing you to cry out in fear and discouragement? Hear the words of Jesus: “Peace. Be quiet. Let Me talk to you in your situation and together we will get through it.” Listen to the Lord, sit down and shut up, and learn from the Master. The submission part may be really difficult, but would you rather drown?

Written by Lorraine Walker. First published in February 2011 on SGM Radio website.
For current features, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/
For Reality Check features, click on http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/

Retro Reality Check: The Faces of Love

Editor's Note: First published in February 2010

Love has many languages and also comes in many disguises. Among the faces of love are people like Mother Teresa, St. Francis of Assisi and Mary Magdalene. I’ve encountered some current faces of love that I wanted to share with you this month.

Stephen is a regular preacher who lives a regular life in a regular town. A few weeks ago, this town had an irregular snowstorm causing a lot of damage and loss of power. Stephen decided to shovel out the drive for the widow next door. He then headed to her neighbor’s house, owned by an 87-year-old lady who was also alone. Stephen shoveled her steps and walk, bringing her the mail that she had been unable to reach for several days. In the post was a check that the widow had been expecting for years, money that was desperately needed. She thanked Stephen and the Lord for giving her a good Christmas. She called him an ‘angel’ but Stephen said, ‘No, just a preacher with a shovel.’

William and Eunice have been married 70 years. The sweethearts have known each other all their lives, walking to school together, dating for a year and then marrying at 18 years of age. They pastored together for 50 years, raised a boy and girl, helped those in need and have been a blessing to all who have known them. Their road hasn’t been easy or carefree. Their son passed away twenty years ago. However, the years have been kind to this couple, their faces showing the results of lives well lived. William and Eunice radiate a love for God, for each other, and for those they meet.

I have a wonderful friend with a loving family and the gift of hospitality. In the last few years, she has undergone a battle that came close to taking her life several times. Walking through the wilderness of mental health issues, ‘Grace’ felt she had lost the love and presence of God in her life. Desperate and alone, she renounced the evil that had taken over her mind. Convinced there was no escaping an eternity of hell and separation from the Lord she loved, her days were a nightmare of voices, panic and terror.

Grace shared her story with a pastor and his wife. They spoke truth into her life, truth that was able to break the bonds that had ensnared her mind. Grace embraced this truth and realized that nothing could separate her from the love of God. She found that concentrating on the evil in her mind had kept her from running to the arms of her Savior. Her healing began on that day.

Today, through the love and mercy of a healing God, Grace is finding her way back to health. Her eyes radiate the peace and joy that once filled her life, but she is a changed person. Her thirst for more of God is greater than ever. She wants to know Him, to love Him with every fiber of her being. Grace had a calling on her life before entering the valley but now realizes that she is being refined as gold for the work that God has planned for her. Grace, in her desire to know more of God, exudes a love for Him that is powerful and humbling.

Love comes in many faces. I pray we seek to wear the face of the love of God in everything we do today.


Reality Check by Lorraine Walker first published February 2010 on SGM Radio Website
For current Reality Check features click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/

Retro Reality Check: Define Love

By Lorraine Walker

Preparing an article for this time of year always gives me pause. How do I say in another way what Jesus demonstrated so many years ago, in a way so profound that words cannot express it? I did a quick, very unscientific poll on Facebook, asking my friends how they defined love. The respondents, all Christians, answered the same thing. Their best definition of love was “The Cross”.

There is no better definition of love, so this year I thought I would show another picture of love. Love comes in all shapes and sizes, colours and styles. The love of Jesus often shows up in unusual places and when you least expect it. Then again, shouldn’t we expect to find His love evident where things are the least lovely?

Back in November I was driving to work and stopped at a light in the middle of downtown. Crossing several lanes of traffic in front of me was an older gentleman, hurrying across the frigid pavement in bare feet. Not only was he without shoes, he was without pants and his shorts, t-shirt and plaid over shirt were extremely inadequate in the below freezing wind. I felt compassion for this individual but felt helpless as he wandered down the street out of my line of vision. The lights changed and I continued on to work, praying that someone would cross his path and help him.

Early December, I walked into work early one morning to find my coworker Bonnie collapsed on the floor. The next traumatic hour left a few scenes burned into my mind. Dialing 911, listening to Bonnie’s labored breathing, watching the emergency team efficiently working to bring back a pulse, scrambling to find identification and the number of a loved one. Kneeling by her side and praying for this lady who always had a smile on her face, a kind word for everyone and a positive enthusiasm for her work.

Unfortunately for us, the Lord chose this to be the beginning of Bonnie’s entrance to His home. During her funeral, our Chaplain mentioned everything about this lady who had become an integral part of our work lives. Her generosity to those who walked through our doors, her graciousness to those who asked for her assistance and her ability to make the office coffeemaker produce drinkable coffee were all mentioned, as well as her deep faith in God.

Bonnie wasn’t one to preach or talk ‘religious’. She wouldn’t volunteer an ‘I’ll pray for you’ and wasn’t comfortable with some protestant traditions. She and I didn’t really talk about our faith together. But Bonnie showed her love to others and this was evident in everything that was said about her.

One morning back in November, Bonnie was walking to work from her downtown home when she ran into an elderly gentleman. She went to speak to him and explained how he could find his way to our men’s shelter and find the help he needed. For you see, this man was hurrying down the street without shoes on. In fact, he hadn’t any pants either, and his shorts, t-shirt and plaid over shirt were extremely inadequate in the frigid temperatures. Bonnie reached out with the love of Christ when I was unable to.

I won’t forget Bonnie or the way the Lord used her life to teach me two valuable lessons. First, that life is precious and we shouldn’t let a chance to love someone pass us by. And second, if we see someone in need and are not able to do more than send up a prayer, chances are the Lord has prepared someone else to meet that need. Nothing surprises Him. After all, He wrote the book on Love.

By Lorraine Walker
Reality Check: Define Love first published February 2009 on SGM Radio website http://www.sgmradio.com/
For current Reality Check features click here http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/

Retro Reality Check: Finding a Piece of Peace

By Lorraine Walker

There is something about the start of a new year that brings a feeling of restlessness. Maybe it’s the whole resolution thing, maybe it’s the advertisements that tell me I need to get organized, or maybe it’s the knowledge that I can no longer hide the clutter in my house under Christmas decorations. January means that it’s back to routine, time to start on those promises you made to yourself and time to catch up on whatever you put off during the holidays.

In the middle of all this energetic, back-to-reality, stressful living, I often find myself longing for the peaceful moments of watching lights twinkle on a tree or gazing at the face of a sleeping baby in a manger. And I wonder why this seems to elude me for much of the year.

It’s true that often we blame what is happening around us for the lack of peace in our lives when in reality it is the other way around. If we can’t find the peace in our lives, we have to look within for what is causing the disquiet. This is not an easy concept to grasp if you feel like things are spinning out of control and there is nothing for you to hold on to.

It amazes me when God has to smack me in the face with a truth that I’ve learned but have to keep relearning, over and over: I do indeed have control over my emotions, and I am also told to have control over my thoughts. I may have to tell my soul to rejoice, and often it is also an act of my will to experience God’s peace. Paul told us to LET the peace of God rule in our hearts. This tells me that if I am not experiencing God’s peace in my life it is because, for whatever reason, I am not letting His peace rule.

Last month I mentioned that Hope came to earth in a manger. Peace dwells in the same Person as Hope, and these two gifts from God dwell within us the same way. The apostle Paul also said, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

My New Year’s resolution this year? To let peace rule. Before there can be peace on earth, it must first be in me.

First published by SGM Radio website in January 2008. http://www.sgmradio.com/
For current Reality Checks visit http://www.sgmradio.com/lorraine-walker-reality-check/

Retro SGM Radio: 2010 Reality Check - New Year, New Day

By Lorraine Walker

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet, or are you one of many who simply refuse? Are you working on a resolution that you’ve been trying to keep since 1995? The start of a new, shiny, unused year seems to twig something inside us, making us want to be shiny and new as well.

Jeff and Sheri Easter used to sing a catchy tune called: Every Day Is a New Day. A sweet, simple song but a great reminder that not only is every year new, but every day is new too. We can have a fresh start every morning. We can look at the day as a new chance to be a better person or to do something worthwhile, no matter where we are in life.

I’m so glad that God ‘makes His mercies new every morning’, and that His well of grace never runs dry, no matter how often I need to come to Him for forgiveness and for the strength to get back up and walk again after I’ve fallen. I’m glad that each day is another chance to follow Him more closely.

I used to think the verse that talks about ‘denying’ ourselves and ‘taking up the Cross’ meant being willing to be identified with Christ while taking on His burden. And it does, but it also means to deny myself: to be willing to put aside the ‘me’ that always wants to be in charge. I need to be willing to put aside my wants, desires, hopes and dreams and to allow Jesus to place His dreams in my heart.

A friend of mine recently commented that she was wondering if she was wrong in wanting to follow her dreams and what she wanted in life. She commented that she thought she was perhaps being too much like Satan who wanted his own way and who dwelt on the pride that made him put himself on the throne got him kicked out of Heaven.

The Lord gave me words at the time that I’ve thought about often in the days following, as the message was to me as much as it was to my friend.

My response was that as we grow closer to the Lord, He replaces our desires with His. He has already given us talents and skills for specific reasons and I believe He has a special purpose for each of us. As we follow Him and deny ourselves, He places His hopes and dreams inside our hearts, and they become ours. As we place Him on the throne of our lives, we begin to live an abundant life, following the dreams of the God of the Universe. Rather incredible, isn’t it?

The secret to following, I believe, is knowing that every day is fresh chance to draw closer to God. It is a chance to allow Him to see everything that is in our hearts, good and bad. Each day is a chance to let Him to shine His light on the things in our lives that aren’t what they should be, and to draw us to repentance.

Oswald Chambers talks about ‘conscious repentance’ and ‘unconscious holiness’. The more we allow God to be on the throne of our life, the more He will show us what things need to be tossed out of our lives through repentance. That brings us closer to Him and allows Him to shine through us. The closer we follow, the more others don’t see us but see the One we are following. That is true holiness. And every day is another day closer to that goal.

May the Lord bless you in this New Year and may each new day draw you closer to Him.

Reality Check first published by SGM Radio website January 2010. http://www.sgmradio.com/

For the current Reality Check, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/2014/01/15/reality-check-noah/

Reality Check: Blue Christmas

I need to confess from the outset that I am usually a very traditional decorator at Christmas. Usually it’s just red and green, silver and gold; heavy on the tinsel and icicles, light on the more modern baubles, and definitely no blue or purple. This year I have an urge to decorate in blue and it really doesn’t have anything to do with Elvis. It is not totally a reflection of my mood either, although Christmas will be a little blue this year with one empty chair at the family Christmas table.

For some, this blue feeling at Christmas is a little deeper than missing someone or feeling stressed because of the season. For those that are suffering from an overwhelming inescapable sadness, I urge you to talk to your medical doctor and your pastor. Chronic depression is not something you should try to fight alone, but look at holistically: spirit, soul and body. There are professionals who can bring you relief and peace. Please, seek them out. If you know of someone who may need your support to reach out for this type of assistance, please lend them that support.

If you are wanting to reach out to someone you know who is having a blue Christmas this year because of circumstances including loss, can I offer a few suggestions? Don’t expect them to call you. Call them with a few thoughts of how to guide them into conversation but don’t try to analyze or pepper them with questions. Drop by with some homemade goodies but don’t infringe on their time, unless they are alone and want to chat. Most of all, be open and sensitive to how they are feeling; don’t come with your own agenda or pre-supposed ideas of what you think they are feeling.

If this Christmas has you feeling blue or wondering what God has in store for your life, remember the eternal Hope that entered the world on that first Christmas. Jesus brought Hope to the world and this becomes a personal Hope when He is born within us.

If your trust is wavering because things have happened in the past year that have hurt you, that is a reason to draw closer to Him, not farther away. I’m so thankful we don’t serve a Santa Claus God who only exists to give us what we want. When He doesn’t answer our prayers the way we believe He should, it shouldn’t cause our Hope in Him to waver. We need to pray that He will strengthen our faith in that Hope.

Whatever colour your Christmas is this year, I trust that you draw closer to the Hope that was born in Bethlehem and that His light will shine on your heart and turn your life all the colours of the rainbow. He wants you to overflow with Hope and abundant life.

From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas!

First published Christmas 2010. By Lorraine Walker. For more Reality Check blogs, go to http://www.sgmradio.com/

Give Thanks Today!

Fall in Southern Ontario: watch the sun light up the reds and golds of the leaves in the trees; smell the tangy sent of burning leaves; feel the nip in the air as frost touches the land. Though it portends a cold, desolate winter, the season itself is bright and beautiful as nature splashes her paintbrush once more before slipping it under a blanket of snow.

I let the loveliness of the season wash over me and it helps to break the cycle of the rush of work, the duties of the day, and the cares of life. If you are like me, you need the special season of Thanksgiving as a reminder to stop and be thankful. In everything, we are to give thanks. As I hear the squeal of my brakes, I thank the Lord that car bills mean I have transportation to work. The sound of the rain on the rafters reminds me that I have a roof over my head and means to pay for that roof. I may have paperwork piled up on my desk at work, but I have a meaningful job that gives me a reason to step out of my door every morning.

So often in the Old Testament, we are told to give thanks to God, for ‘His love endures forever’. Enduring Love: Another great thing to be thankful for in this day of short attention spans and diluted commitments of love.

In the New Testament, the writers of the letters to the Church body often say that they give thanks to God ‘for you all’. We need to be reminded to be thankful for our fellow brothers and sisters in Jesus. They are the Body of Christ, our spiritual family, and God has given us a great opportunity to develop relationships with other believers. It is up to us to develop those relationships and to thank God for them.

There are more simple things that come to mind that we often overlook, things we forget to thank the Lord for as we bring to Him our latest laundry list of wants and needs. Family, health, skill and talent, spiritual gifts are all good and perfect blessings from a Father who loves us.

May we all take a moment this Fall to stop and thank our Heavenly Father for what He has given to us. Let us thank Him for what He has done through the gift of His Son. Let us thank Him most of all for Who He is. For His love endures forever.

Reality Check Blog by Lorraine Walker
Also appears on www.sgmradio.com

Retro Reality Check: O Come Let Us Adore Him

Reality Check for December 2008
By Lorraine Walker

O Come Let Us Adore Him

A blanket of darkness covered them in the little cave, the cool air warmed by the heat of the animals that slept nearby. The rough wood caught her sleeve as she lay him down in the horse’s trough. He felt the separation from his mother and his little arms waved about as he opened his mouth to cry…

Clouds covered the light of the sun as they stood on the hill, cool air sweeping over the soldiers standing guard. The rough wood of the cross chaffed her hand as she looked up at him and sobbed. He felt the separation from his Father, and with his arms stretched open wide, he opened his mouth to cry…

Glorious light burst forth from the sky and appeared to be emanating from the figure astride the horse. Riding behind as a member of His army, she lifted her eyes to the glorious sight of her son, the Victorious One, and the Conquering Saviour. Her hand gripped the rough leather of the bridle and her voice joined the rest of the host as she praised her Returning King. He who would forever be One with His Father and Holy Spirit, had come back to earth to wage the last great battle. His arms raised in victory as they opened their mouths to cry…

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!”

The Source of All Light was then seated on the Throne and everything was made new. They fell on their faces before Him and felt neither heat nor cold, rough nor smooth, as their beings were filled with worship for the One who is Forever Faithful. There would never again be separation from Him and His arms opened wide toward them as He opened His mouth to cry…

“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”

This Christmas may we pause to worship the One who always was, is, and always shall be. The first Christmas He came as a helpless child. The next time He returns to this earth, He will come as the King of Kings. May we, like Mary, ponder this in our hearts as we celebrate His birth.

First published by SGM Radio on December 2008.
Reality Check By Lorraine Walker

For current Reality Check postings and artist features, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com/

Retro SGM Radio: Reality Check - The Day Of Little Things

The Day of Little Things

Do you ever have one of those days? You feel like you are spinning your wheels. Nothing you do is amounting to anything and no matter how much effort you put into what you are doing, you see no results at all. I was thinking about this the other day while relaxing on vacation. Yes, I was thinking while on vacation and that can be dangerous as there is nothing to stop my mind from going on all kinds of tangents.

I was taking stock of my activities and the way I spend my time and I began to wonder if some of the things I pour myself into are really worth the effort. It began to feel as though my spare time was filled with little things which were not bringing visible results. If the Lord was in these activities that I felt I was doing for Him, why weren’t they bearing any fruit?

During this time of reflection I happened to be reading through the Minor Prophets in the Bible, those little books to the right of the Psalms that I usually overlook. It seemed as though the remnant of Israel were going through the same frustrating thoughts. They had been working away at rebuilding their temple that had been destroyed and saw little results for their effort. The prophet Zechariah speaks up to remind them that the Lord has not forgotten them and they will eventually see the fruits of their labour.

The Lord speaks through this prophet to show the Israelites that what they see in their own eyes is not the future that He sees for them. Though the day seems full of “small things”, they are encouraged not to despise their tasks or become discouraged but instead begin to see it with His eyes.

When the Lord has given us work for our hands to do, He can see the results of those tasks long before we do. Sometimes He allows us a vision of what can happen when we fully trust Him to make something worthwhile of our efforts. Even when He doesn’t, we need to be reminded that He does remember us and has a purpose for everything we do.

As I put the work of my hands back into the Lord’s care daily, I am comforted with the knowledge that He will bring something good out of the work I do for Him. What appears to be a day of small things may actually result in big things for His Kingdom. This knowledge makes each task and each day worthwhile.

Reality Check for August 2008 By Lorraine Walker
Published in SGM Radio http://www.sgmradio.com/

For Current Reality Checks, check SGM Radio every month! http://www.sgmradio.com/category/lorraine-walker-reality-check/

Being Salty

SGM Radio Blog – Mini Reality Check
By Lorraine Walker
August 3, 2012

Being Salty

We are the salt of the earth and a light on a hill. Jesus said so in the scripture, that we were to remain salty and not hide our light. I pondered this today and thought, ‘What does that mean for me?’

The owner of Chick–Fil-A certainly was a little too salty for some people’s taste recently when he stood up for the Biblical interpretation of marriage, free speech and religious freedom. However, many saw his stand and praised God at the light he was producing. God rewarded him and his business with an incredible showing of support on August 1.

In my current situation of sick leave from my job, I rarely come into contact with people other than my family. So I looked at the verses about salt and light and I was unsure how I could be following God’s command right now, today. Then He began to show me.

When I talk to my family am I loving, understanding and selfless? Am I thinking about them or just my own problems?

When I go out to the drug store, do I smile at strangers? Would I make way for someone else in line? Do I tell off another driver for cutting in front of me?

When I communicate on-line with friends, acquaintances and co-workers, am I honest and trustworthy? Do I keep my word on what I have said I will do?

I guess it all comes down to integrity, morals and being the consistent Christian that I should be. May God help me to be saltier today. If we all were, imagine how we could affect our world?

Retro Reality Check: Friends in the Garden

“They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took Peter, James and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," He said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."

Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him…Then He returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," He said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Once more He went away and prayed the same thing. When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to Him.
Returning the third time, He said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" Mark 14:32-42

This evening that seems so momentous in our eyes began as any other. The disciples had spent a quiet evening with Jesus, their friend and teacher, doing what they normally do. Yes, there were some strange moments, such as the incident with Judas who suddenly left the room. They watched as Jesus began to wash their feet like a common servant. The meal itself was a little odd, with His words about the wine and the bread. But otherwise, it was an evening of eating and fellowship and discussion with this One who had taught them so many things.

The disciples followed Jesus out to the Garden of Gethsemane. This was nothing out of the ordinary either. Luke tells us this was what Jesus was “accustomed” to doing. But then, the Master asks for the company of His closest friends, Peter, James, and John. In the moment of His deepest grief, He needs to know that those on earth with whom He shares the closest bond, are awake and praying for Him and sharing in His distress.

The disciples, who are by this time tired and full, are lulled by the peace in the Garden and their eyes fall shut. Jesus comes back to them three times. Each time, they are asleep. The third time, they are awakened by a scene that would change their lives forever.

Whenever I’ve read this part of the Easter story I’ve wondered: what was wrong with those guys? Didn’t they know Jesus was upset? He asked them to stay awake, why didn’t they? When the guards with their swords and the mob and the violence happen, why didn’t they stay? They’d been with Jesus for three years and professed love and allegiance to Him. Where was that loyalty?

I honestly believe that they didn’t understand the importance of this evening, and were unable to discern the seriousness of the Master’s request. When Jesus implores them to stay awake, they try, but are unable to. Then when the moment of truth arrives they are unprepared, half asleep, and scared to death. Their Friend knew this would happen; yet He implores them to watch, to pray and to resist temptation. In His hour of need, His friends are unable to stand with Him.

Have you been in a place of turmoil and upset in your life when everything is crashing around you? The near future is dark and your distress causes you to cry out. You look to your closest friends for help, for support, for consolation. And in that moment, in that time of intense crisis, for whatever reason, you cannot reach them. The feeling of isolation is crushing.

The Bible teaches us that Jesus was as fully man as He was fully God, and I believe He felt that isolation from His closest friends. Even as He began to realize that moment of the “Cup” had come, He understood the frailty and humanness of His disciples. Through the pain and distress of knowing what would immediately follow, He sees into their hearts and understands their weaknesses.

How God-like to be in that position and still reach out with words of faith to His friends. So often we need the comfort and care of our friends when we are in crisis and find it impossible to reach out to others. Our vision is inward and we see only our own situation and pain. When others don’t respond to us as we feel they should, we often react with anger or bitterness and push them away.

How incredible it is to know that when the Son of God was facing torture and death, His thoughts were toward His human friends. Even now, He calls each of us “friend” that follows Him. How comforting it is to know that He is faithful and true regardless of circumstances, and more loyal than we could ever be. Regardless of our actions, He continues to reach out to us, showing us true friendship. What an example for us to follow, both in relationship to others, and our relationship to the ultimate Friend.

By Lorraine Walker
First published April 2007 by http://www.sgmradio.com

For current Reality Check posts, please visit http://www.sgmradio.com

Retro Reality Check: The "L" Word

What’s Love Got To Do With It: A Conversation with God

God, I just don’t get it. Since the beginning of January, all I have seen are pink hearts and naked angels with arrows. Everyone uses the “L” word as if it’s a common commodity and as lasting as red sugar candies. I’ve never been able to say that word easily, yet others don’t seem to have a problem with it. People sing about it, quote poems about it and tell me that it’s all we need.

Since You ARE love, Lord, I thought I’d just ask You about Your thoughts on the subject. I guess what I’m saying is, “I want to know what love is. I want You to show me…”

“My Child, it’s all there, in black and white. Love is…” What, Lord? Please tell me, I really do want to know. Don’t keep me in suspense.

“Love is patient.” Oh. Really? You know I’ve always had a problem with the whole waiting thing. I guess that means that when You have made me a promise that I haven’t received, it’s because in Your love, You want me to learn to wait. That’s really not one of my strengths! And I suppose You are saying I need to apply this in my relationships. You know it’s not easy for me. But please, go on…tell me more.

“Love is kind.” I guess often patience and kindness go together, don’t they? If I picture someone taking care of a hurting child, you definitely need both of these qualities to minister to that child. It does seem that there are many people who find it easier than I do to demonstrate their love, their kindness, and their patience in everyday life. When I compare myself to them, I find myself getting jealous of others and their abilities.

“Love does not envy.” Ok, so I guess if I’m not to be envious of others, I need to stop comparing myself with them, is that what You’re saying? If love does not envy, then love keeps me from judging others and myself, and finding myself lacking in something. You have given me every good and perfect gift. I guess if I’d look through the eyes of love, I’d see that this was true.

“Love does not boast and it is not proud.” Well, that makes sense. If You have given me everything, and I am not to compare what I don’t have with others who seem to have it all, then the opposite must also hold true. I shouldn’t take pride in what I have and boast about it. Because whatever it is, whether it’s material or talents, it all comes from You. And I guess that does away with the whole pride issue too. Ok, tell me more…

“Love is not rude and it is not self-seeking.” This seems like a no-brainer to me, of course love is not rude! Of course, there are always those who are rude without seeming to notice… The other half of that comment is not quite so simple. I have to admit that sometimes in my relationships I have certain expectations. It’s almost an unconscious comparison of what I put into the relationship compared to what I get out of it. I guess what this means to me is that I need to stop putting that kind of a price tag on my love for others. Wow, now that’s starting to hit a nerve.

“Love is not easily angered and it keeps no record of wrongs”. There are times when certain relationships have put me on edge and it’s largely a result of what You and I just talked about. When I feel I’ve put more into something than I’m getting out of it, my feelings become raw and my ego is on the line. I guess I am easily angered at that point. I don’t think I keep a record of wrongs and then my buttons are pushed and I explode. Suddenly I find myself spewing out how I felt I was wronged for the last twenty years! Lord, this discussion is becoming painfully honest, but I know You have more for me to learn. Please go on…

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” Even when the truth hurts? I guess that it is still preferable to evil. I find it hard to believe that someone would delight in evil but I know there are those around us that do. We can even see evil in people who proclaim to love You. Help me to be one of those who seek truth and rejoice in it.

“Love always protects and always trusts.” I admit I have learned to be protective of what is placed in my care by those I have a relationship with. I have learned the hard way to protect the love, trust and confidences that are shared with me because it hurts so much when that protection is not offered in return. However, there are many times I have found it hard to trust others. I guess that’s one reason I have difficulty with the “L” word. When trust is broken, it’s hard to get it back.

“Love always hopes.” Lord, I want to be hopeful and share Your hope with others. I see that You want Your love to renew my trust and hope in those around me. I know this will strengthen my relationship with others. I guess I’m just saying that I really need Your hope because things don’t always look that promising in my world. But what happens when my trust and hope in relationships gets blown out of the water again?

“Love always perseveres.” Always? ‘Always perseveres’, Lord? That’s a tall order. I need to love and keep on loving regardless of what happens, regardless of broken faith and promises? I know I can’t do that on my own. This has to be supernatural love. It certainly isn’t the fluffy stuff mirrored in the pop culture of our world. Thank You that Your love persevered, Lord. I know it was love that took You to the Cross. Help me remember that when I feel like throwing in the towel.
“Love never fails.” There is that “never” word again. It has to be a spiritual power to be able to use a word that is so absolute. Thank You that Your love never fails. Help me to draw on that power when I feel like giving up. Help me remember that every time I fail at living out this type of Godly love.

“Does this answer your questions about love?” Well, yes, but it seems like such a tall order. Your love enables me to love You back, in my own fallible way. Is it even possible for me as a human being to demonstrate this love to others?

“It is possible. Others will know that you follow Me by the love you show them. Do you love Me? Feed my sheep”. It does seem that Your love is more of an action than a feeling, Lord. Help me to be Your hands and feet to a world that needs You.

“Has this answered your question? Do you know now what love has to do with it?” I think I’ve figured it out, God. If I can paraphrase the words of your beloved disciple John, You ask us to love another, for love comes from You. Everyone who loves has been born of You, knows You, and is obedient to You. Whoever does not love does not know You, because You are love.”

“And how do you know this? What makes you convinced in your heart that I am love?” Because, my Father, You loved me so much that You gave to me the greatest gift possible. You gave me Your heart and Your life, in Your darling Son, Jesus. You gave Him to live and die for me, so that when I believed in Him, I could have communion with You as my Father. Now I will not suffer eternal separation from You, but live in Your love and experience the glory of it for the rest of my eternal life.”

“Did you notice what you just did?” No, Father, what did I do?
“You said the “L” word”.

Photo courtesy of http://appetitesforlife.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/february-calls-attention-to-the-heart/

Reality Check By Lorraine Walker
First Published February 2007 on http://www.sgmradio.com
For current Reality Check blogs, please click on http://www.sgmradio.com

Retro Reality Check: At War - January 2007

His Majesty’s Service

War. Every day it is on our newscasts and in our papers. Pictures flash in front of us of guns and destruction. The war across the ocean is a subject often debated but made more real every time one of our own is brought home to rest under a draped flag. The person donning a military uniform knows their commitment will be life-altering.

As a Christian, I am a part of an army taking orders from an Almighty God. It is true that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of Satan. This may mean that we are lead into areas that are out of our comfort zone, and active combat for some does indeed include physical danger. But there is so much of our day-to-day living that is still ‘active service’.

There are those that consider service to our Ultimate Commander to be up to those who do it ‘professionally’. They have the idea that only those who are pastors or ministry leaders should be on the front lines and the rest of us can sit in our pews. Unfortunately, that distinction is not made in the Word of God, when the disciple Peter tells us not to consider it ‘strange’ when we are faced with the ‘fiery trial’. There are struggles we all have to face, and therefore we are all on active duty.

Just as military duty entails much more than firing a weapon, service in God’s Army is more than a preacher delivering a sermon. We often see news photos of soldiers handing out food to the hungry or using their training to help out in times of natural disasters. In the same way, we are expected to reach out with God’s saving hand in every day, ordinary ways, using the talents entrusted to us.

Every day service is exhibited in the lives of those who genuinely want to share the love of Christ with others. It is the man who gives his day off every week, in order to bring food and the Word to downtown children. It is the lady who shows hospitality to those who may be new into the country and invites relative strangers to her home. It is the one who gives generously and anonymously to someone the Lord placed on his or her heart.

A soldier on duty is aware that all of his or her activities while in uniform reflect their regiment and their officer-in-charge. As a Christian, even the little things we do reflect on the One whose Name we bear. Were we polite to the cashier at the checkout or did we hold the door for the stranger leaving the store after us? Did we allow another person to take the parking space we found?

Service for you may mean giving of your vacation time and bank account in order to travel to another country to help on a short-term mission. Or you may only have enough left in your budget to bring one can of soup to your local food bank. Whether it’s a kind word to the stranger on the street or a hug to a friend who is being unfriendly, whatever exhibits the love of Christ is an act of service.

Sometimes we like to think that we are ‘on furlough’ and we can slack off, but in His Majesty’s service, there is no down time. Whether the Christian is doing spiritual battle on their knees, or comforting a battered soul, their service is always important to their Commander-in-Chief.

Written by Lorraine Walker. First published January 2007 on http://www.sgmradio.com
For current Reality Check postings, features and columns, click on to http://www.sgmradio.com

Image courtesy of IMAGE SOURCE PAGE: http://drpinna.com/dying-in-afghanistan-7427

Retro Reality Check: Christmas Gift of Hope - December 2007

She stands beside the sidewalk; hair disheveled, clothes dirty, hands shaking. She hasn’t had a drag all day, let alone a high. Her hands move seemingly of their own volition; she’s scratching her head and then her arm, as she looks up and down the road and into each car that passes. She walks to the corner, hands tugging up the threadbare shirt, settling into her stance as she looks for a paying customer. A mere twenty bucks will get her a short high. All she needs is one customer.

He walks into work, the first one there as usual. He thinks of what he might do if he didn’t have the bills to pay. Get a different job, for one thing. Tell his boss and everyone else where they can go. Then he could afford the fancy motorcycle and the extra car. And his wife was always asking for money. But that wouldn’t be happening now anyway because he was moving out. The kids don’t need him any more. And he certainly doesn’t need to hear her nagging. A new job and an extra twenty thousand a year would be perfect. All he needs is a little more money.

She walks into church alone again. She smiles and the greeters return her smile, doing their job to the best of their ability. The pastor walks by but he’s too busy to greet anyone, he’s got too many important things to do. She slowly walks through the foyer into the sanctuary, watching people gather with their families, talking to friends, greeting each other with hugs. It’s like she’s invisible, but by this time in her life, she’s used to that. She sits down in her pew and waits for the service to begin. If just one person came to sit near her, perhaps she could have a real conversation. All she needs is a one kind word.

They struggle down the road, which leads through desert land and harsh, unforgiving terrain. He walks the hundred miles, sandals torn and feet bleeding, while he leads the donkey. She’s expecting, and the donkey’s spine is a hard and uncomfortable seat as the wind whips the dirt and sand into her eyes. They have little money but it needs to be enough to pay Caesar and for some lodging in the town once they arrive. The baby’s birth is immanent. Darkness falls and they finally arrive in Bethlehem. If they could only find a room, something clean with sheets for the new baby. All they need is a room.

In the midst of the darkness, suddenly a star breaks through and the light finds it’s way into the small stable. The cave that was dark and dirty now brightens as a baby’s cry echoes among the animals. The shepherds, drawn here by a vision they almost can’t believe, fall to their knees on the hard ground. This Child is special and the air fills with His holy presence. And suddenly, it’s there. What they all needed. They didn’t know it, they had forgotten or pushed it aside in trying to survive the day. But it’s there, and it’s undeniable.

Hope.

It came into that stable and into the world, to touch every life and every need.

A Christmas gift to share.

Why don’t we?

First published by SGM Radio, December 2007. Written by Lorraine Walker
For more Reality Check columns, please visit http://www.sgmradio.com

Retro Reality Check: Say What?

Currently in our Canadian news, there have been comments about the lack of communication within the ruling political party. A recent poll detailing the party’s drop in popularity apparently proves that their message is not reaching the people, which indicates a lack of external communication too, according to the press. It seems to be the major buzzword in every organization, people give countless workshops on it and relationships are forever changed because of it. Our world appears to revolve around ‘communication’.

This is an area that interests me as much as it confounds me. Just when I think I’ve gotten the hang of the whole ‘communication thing’, something occurs that assures me I haven’t quite gotten there yet. It could be at work, when my boss gets to the end of an explanation only to have me say, “Pardon?” Or, for example, with personal relationships when I realize days after a conversation, that what was actually said, wasn’t what was really meant.

Communication has a way of bonding people, though apparently this is more accurate in women than in men. Girls like to share things with each other in order to feel close, whether it’s about spiritual things, or every day life, or even just about shoes. There are times when I long for a few words from someone to feel connected with them, even just a line in an email.

It makes me wonder how God feels when we go for days without communicating with Him. The Bible tells us to “pray without ceasing”, which seems to me to be demonstrated by an attitude of thankfulness.

You can usually sense those people who practice this all the time; they are a little less stressed, a little more centered, a little more patient, and perhaps even a little more loving. When I hang out with these people, I’m reminded once again that I need to keep that line of communication with the Lord open and strong.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us that “He that believeth in me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these...” This truth is abruptly followed by the statement: “…whatever ye shall ask in My Name I will do.” Oswald Chambers says that the ‘greater works’ that we will do are the prayers we will pray, when we will ask in the Name of Jesus, and He will do ‘whatever’. It appears that communication is pretty important to God as well. If our lives of prayer, our open communication, is the ‘greater work’, then developing a disciplined prayer life should be high on our list of priorities. It’s a main part of nurturing our relationship with our Lord. We need to spend time with Him, bonding and getting to know Him better through communication.

I find it easy to talk to a close friend; often during a stressful time I’ll seek their guidance or even just their companionship. I admit I don’t do that with my Lord as often as I should and I admire those I know who automatically go to Him first. Again, it’s the discipline of remaining in a prayerful attitude, making it unthinkable not to go to God first.

I have yet to meet the person who has learned all they need to know about communication, so I imagine the books, seminars and teaching will continue in the secular marketplace. And when I talk with the people I know that are closest to the Lord, they will still say they have a lot to learn about communicating with the Almighty.

Regardless of how much we know or need to find out, one thing that will keep our relationships with others strong is continuing to develop our communication skills. What will keep our most important relationship healthy is the desire to keep communicating with Him, our closest Friend and Saviour. Not only talking to the Lord, but listening as well, so we don’t have to continuously say, “Pardon?”



Written by Lorraine Walker. Originally published November 2006 on http://www.sgmradio.com For a current Reality Check, Read "Thanks But No Thanks" at http://www.sgmradio.com/2011/11/04/thanks-but-no-thanks/

Retro Reality Check: Living Above the Blessing Line

My boss was flipping through a magazine at work the other day when he commented on the caption, “Are You Living Above the Blessing Line?” I never had a chance to read the article, but the title stayed with me. My first thought was there are those who think that as Christians we should all have as much money, possessions, ‘earthly blessings’ as we want, and that might be what some consider the “Blessing Line”. Much like the poverty level drawn by statisticians, if you aren’t living above this line then maybe you just don’t have enough.

I cringe at that mindset, as I don’t believe earthly prosperity is equal to spiritual commitment. However, I do think that many of us think that maybe others are more blessed than we are and sometimes we wonder why God isn’t ‘fair’. I spent time lately with a friend who showed me how blessed I am and how often I don’t realize it.

Like many of you, if there was a digital camera in my head recording my day, it would show something like this: “ Buzzzz…and its 6:00am on another beautiful Monday morning…” Click, yawn, up out of bed, get ready for work, oh no I have to iron that, do we have anything in the fridge for lunch, oh nuts I have to get gas, why are these cars going so slow, I’m going to be late again…

No wonder I don’t see the blessings in my life. Blessings like a warm bed, a roof over my head, cereal for breakfast, hot water for a shower, a great place to work, money to buy gas, and the list goes on. I haven’t noticed these everyday blessings because I haven’t taken time to acknowledge the Lord in the first hour of my day or say thank you to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts.

My friends and I spent a lovely weekend recently, camping in yurts in a park not too far from home, with lots of time for relaxation and reflection. One of the guys quite often would just stop and say, “Thank you Lord”. Quite and unassuming, he was just being grateful for everything around him. That attitude of gratitude is the way he lives his life and it shows in his manner, his lifestyle, his relationship with his wife, and the way he loves people.

I know as I stop to ‘count my blessings’ that I am living way above the “Blessing Line”. My heavenly Father has given me so much and done so much for me that for me to not notice these gifts is sinful. Whether it is Thanksgiving Day, either Canadian or American, or whether it is a grey Monday morning, the words, “Thank you Lord” should be on our lips and in our hearts. This attitude of gratitude should be an unceasing prayer and a lifestyle that honours the Lord.


Reality Check is a monthly column authored by Lorraine Walker and published on SGM Radio website. This column was originally published in November 2007.
For current Reality Check columns and other artist features, log on to http://www.sgmradio.com

IMAGE SOURCE PAGE: http://www.downeychurch.org/SG_Prayer.html

Classic Reality Check: The Incredible Completeness of Just Being (July 2006)

The Incredible Completeness of Just Being

I once heard the phrase “the incredible lightness of being” and it has forever been embedded my mind. Sometimes in our everyday lives just “being” is not only not incredible or light, it is difficult and painful. And sometimes, as we go about our normal schedules and do what we need to do, things are so mundane and predictable in their stressfulness that we feel as if another day of same-old, same-old is just more than we can handle.

I was thinking about this a couple of weeks ago when I was preparing to sleep on a Sunday night, knowing Monday morning brought another week of work and schedules and all the “have-tos” that make up normal life. Things had been pretty quiet, and except for a nagging bout of tonsillitis, life was fine. I’d been dealing with some difficult things for a while, so even the tough stuff was becoming more normal. Or maybe I’d finally got past the point of being upset about the hard stuff and had moved closer to acceptance. But all of these normal activities, usual stresses, and accepted problems were making the daily grind more and more of an effort. So much for “incredible lightness”. I’d settle for a load of “average weight”.

You likely know what happened next before I relate it; we’ve all been there. Just when we start to dread the daily drudgery, something happens that makes us long for it. The next day our town once again broke into civil unrest due to an ongoing dispute between two factions. Though not directly affecting my actions, the anxiety level connected with this violence rose from where it had settled during a temporary peace. That was only the start and soon other things happened that totally disrupted my usual schedule. And of course, I was soon yearning for the normal routine I’d been dreading a couple of days before.

It made me wonder why I have such a hard time appreciating normal life. It seems that when I’m going through a deep valley, I’m on my knees, asking God to help me through it. When I’m on a mountain, I’m thanking Him for His goodness. But the road in between seems fruitless as well as endless at times. Maybe it’s just that I haven’t had very many days with a usual routine lately, that when it happens, I just don’t know how to handle it. Instead of seeing it as a blessing and a time of peace, I start looking for something new or different to spice things up.

I have a hunch that ‘spicing things up’ was what King David was planning when he was hanging out on his rooftop even though everyone else was at war. Instead of using this quiet time to reconnect with God, he started looking around for other diversions. He found them, and we often do too when we think that life is boring and routine. However, that all too often explodes in our faces, and bringing us to an even worse place than we’d been before. And instead of using our down time to gird up our spiritual defenses, we fritter it away and when the hard times hit we have nothing to draw on.

There are lots of people I know who are experiencing tough times right now. Some are facing major decisions, diagnoses that they did not want to hear, and lives that are so upside-down that they just wish for an “everyday” kind of day. I know what that’s like as I’ve been there often in the last few months. But even in those kinds of crises, I know that God is reaching towards all of us with His love and peace. After all, He promised us that He is with us in everything.

When Jesus told us He would never leave us or forsake us, I’m sure He meant not only the really good times and the really awful times, but also even the mediocre times in between. It’s good to know that even when there seems to be no change in my situation, He is still in control and still has a future and a plan for me, not for evil but for good, to give hope whether the sameness of life is overwhelming or the trials of life have brought me to my knees.

It’s often a lesson we need to keep relearning. Regardless of circumstances I need to realize His leading, however hard that might seem. And as I give each day over to His control, He can bring completeness into my life, allowing me to not long for something more, something new, and something different to bring change to my current situation. Maybe the true test of our commitment is in the consistency of our walk with Christ whether we are going up, down, or trudging along on a level path. Realizing that completeness in life comes from our relationship with Him, not from what is happening around us.

The Bible tells us “He who has begun a good work in you will be faithful to complete it”. I always thought that faith only grows through adversity, but I’m seeing that it can be shaped and increased in every circumstance, good, bad or indifferent. And as we get more complete in Him, just living each day in His presence brings a joy that will continue even through the trials. If you are having a difficult time, or just facing “dog days”, remember that there is a special ‘completeness’ in just “being”. Rest in Him.

Reality Check is a monthly column by Lorraine Walker, published on SGM Radio. For this month's edition, click here.

Searchin’ for Christmas

Reality Check Repost: Searchin' For Christmas

We have a lovely choir in our church with about 75 voices, and a live orchestra that provides some awesome accompaniment. Every year we do a Christmas musical, complete with drama, special effects, and computerized lights in a giant Christmas tree that holds the singers. You have to be careful how much hairspray you use when you are standing in the tree; one wrong move and you could be bald. However, there’s a lot of work and effort and prayer invested in these performances, and with an average attendance of over 1,000 people per night for six nights, we are blessed to see many lives touched by the Gospel. Long after the last night, we hear reports of people that were saved, or that were encouraged to return to church after attending one of these presentations.

This year, one of the songs we are doing is the Southern Gospel favorite, “Searchin’”. It is the background for the part in the presentation where the wise men are looking for the Baby Jesus. It struck me the other day how persistent these men were. They were so utterly convinced that there was a king who was born, and that they would find him, that they searched a long time and over many miles to find this baby. They faced a strange King who tried to deceive them. They faced harsh weather conditions, different languages and strange customs. But they held onto their goal and their purpose, until what they were sure existed became reality. And it wasn’t even “their” king. They weren’t Roman. They weren’t Jewish. They had no political connections to these people. They didn’t worship the same God as the Jews or the Greeks. But they knew this baby was different and they had to find Him.

What amazes me about this is how strong these men were in their belief. They had ancient writings to go by, and stars, but that was all. Here we are in this day when God is at work all around us. People are saved and healed, lives are changed, and the Holy Spirit is working constantly to draw people to Jesus. We have the Word of God available freely in bookstores, on the Net, on the radio, on TV. We have concordances and study guides, knowledgeable Pastors and Bible-believing Churches, and again, the Holy Spirit to lead and teach us when we can’t understand. So many ways in which God has blessed us with His Presence, yet still we waver and doubt and have trouble even looking up, let alone seeing any of the tangible ways He is using to guide us.

We search for His Will in our lives, we search for His love when we feel unlovable, and we search for meaning when life becomes endless, fruitless, or just depressing. We want answers immediately, and we want them to be the answers we expect. We ask for blessings and help, when it has already been given and we just can’t see it. Sometimes what we are searching for is right with us, and we don’t stop our frantic busyness long enough to see it. Unlike the Magi, we don’t bother to read the signs; we just figure we already know what they say and forge ahead, mistaking a “dead end” for a “one way”. We crash and burn and we don’t know why, and then we blame God for misleading us.

I hope this Christmas we will all take time to stop and look for God’s direction in the every day events, the little things that He sends us to show He cares. A kind word and a smile from a stranger, a beautiful carol of God’s love that comes on the store speakers in between Santa and Rudolph, a card from someone telling you they said a prayer for you today. And perhaps He wants to use you as His arms and feet, and as you extend His love to someone else, He can show you that you do matter, you are lovable, you are important in His scheme of things. Let His Word be a lamp to show you where to put your next step.

This world seems to get faster and busier on a daily basis, and sometimes it seems hard to keep up. If you are like me, there are times when the stress takes you to the edge and you are slipping over, while looking around frantically for a handhold, a branch, a rock, anything to keep you from falling. Maybe what it takes is a strengthening of faith in what is not seen, a more deliberate searching for what we really know is there. Because that first Christmas provided a Rock that we can stand on forever. It’s just a matter of knowing. And believing. Searching with total faith that God is in every situation.

Have a blessed Christmas. And keep on “Searchin’” till you’ve found the King of Kings!

By Lorraine Walker
First published December 2005 www.sgmradio.com