I’m sitting out on my back porch this morning watching two squirrels fight over one of my birdfeeders. When Sunny’s had enough, she’ll charge through the middle of them and they’ll learn their lesson for a pair of minutes. Beanie’s out of town with Keith. They have serious stuff to do this time of year. A birddog can’t be bothered with snuggling during hunting season. She’s Keith’s dog for about five months a year, watching every move he makes until he says her favorite words, “Load up!” And to the (front seat of) the truck she flies. The rest of the year, however, I am a big contender for her favor and all fifty-six pounds of her transforms into a lap puppy. That’s when Keith refers to me as “Absalom” for trying to steal the heart of his dog.
Women who aren’t hunting widows (no, I’m not a hunter. Hate it. But love him.) ask me from time to time how I put up with Keith being gone as much as he is this time of year. Three ways: 1) This is the way it’s been since we dated. He came straight from the deer lease to our wedding. I had the gall to schedule it during the coldest part of the year. 2) He is a mighty big handful and he’d probably tell you the same about me. We have a very “on” relationship and require no little attention from each other. These times apart give us just a tad of a break and make us so glad to see each other when that couple of days is over. 3) After he’s been with what he calls “nothing but a bunch of *hairy, *stinkin’ men” he comes home thinking I am darling and I get lots of attention. Sometimes *presents. After twenty-nine years of marriage, that’s pretty fun. (*I shave my legs. *I wear deodorant. *I can be bought.)
But that’s not why I’m writing you today.
I’m writing you today because I was thinking again this morning how brilliant God is. How perfectly, in His unfathomable wisdom, He set up the system. My devotional this morning was on faith and, as I stared into the distance and meditated on it, I thought once again what a bright idea God had when He called us to it. What if we could figure it out? Him out? What if what we saw was all there was and that was that? We’d have long since gotten bored and moved on. Instead, God called us through Christ to an adventure that never ends. To seeks answers that are never fully satisfied. Not here on earth anyway. You and I were given restless hearts so that we’d only be satisfied with a wild ride. Some of us try to find it elsewhere because we’ve reduced our relationship with God to a neatly compartmentalized religion we pay regular homage to. We keep our faith to ourselves because we haven’t got that much to spare. We expect little and get little. This way, we don’t have to let it get to us much. But if you engage in the real, live walk of faith with the real, live Jesus Christ, it’s GOING to get to you because HE’S going to get to you. You will get your feelings hurt at times because you’re close enough to be vulnerable. Faithful enough to put yourself out there. Because sometimes walking by faith and not by sight creates as many questions as answers.
But isn’t He brilliant? Would we really have wanted a God we could figure out? Or wouldn’t that have made us His God instead? Isn’t the unknown the very thing that keeps this life an adventure? Some of our destructive lusts for the strange and new in human relationships (inability to commit; addiction to romance novels or steamy TV series; continual fantasies about someone different; or maybe more than fantasies) erupt from unknowingly trading in a holy adventure with God for a feel-better-few-minutes with man (real or imagined) that only ends up feeding our dissatisfaction. The result is even deeper despair that pounds with every beat of our injured heart, “Is this all there is?” The answer is a resounding, “NO!” The innate human desire for something new isn’t what’s unhealthy. The need for adventure was sewn within our souls by divine hands so that deep would call out to deep and we’d drive our insatiable selves straight to the One and Only God who can sustain it. His mercies are new every morning and treasures are inexhaustible every day.
Christ: the perfect blend of security and mystery. He’s security because of all we really can know about Him. Count on about Him. Believe unwaveringly about Him. But He’s also mystery. Someone we can’t conquer. Can’t explain. We know He’ll show up (security!) but never know how (mystery!). I love that about Him.
He was right to set up this system called faith. It’s what makes the whole thing a wild ride. The very thing that drives us the craziest now will be what we loved most about earthly life when we look back on it in His Presence. The drama is the exact thing that will make our stories, told from Heaven’s perspective, so thrilling. And every single one of them will come complete with musical scores. The songs of deliverance that surrounded us at our most faith-defying times. (Ps. 32:7)
Without faith it really is impossible to please Him. That’s why I’m a broken record about it. Our greatest call to encouragement is to exhort one another to the pure practice of faith. To flat believe God. He didn’t set up the system out of egocentric tyranny. As surely as He cannot be pleased with faithlessness, neither can we. Without faith it is also impossible to please our restless souls. God knew what He was doing. The system is no accident. He knew that life in the lowlands would strain its neck for something high. And – don’t make me have to say it again – there ain’t no high like the Most High.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how fathomless His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor? Or who has first given to God, that God needs to repay him? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:33-36 NET
I recently went through an unwanted divorce. I started a new job, which I love, but which challenges me daily. I moved 6 times in the last 3 years, mostly due to my then-husband’s job. And now I’m house hunting for a place of my own. For the first time in my life, I will have no one other than myself to depend on [for finances, comfort in the middle of the night, all that] … no one but God.
I’m so grateful He gave me the heart of His princess, one of beauty and courage. And that I know He’s along with me as I take these baby steps in exercising this freedom and adventure He planned for me long ago. I don’t know how someone can be brave in this world without a huge ego or without faking it, not unless they have the Master in the driver’s seat.
ps I always used to date people that “sucked my will to live” they were all up in my space. I then promised myself I would never marry a hunter…
I did and I am with you….he is gone half of the year preparing and then hunting. He is hunting in Kansas now and just returned from Iowa last week. Then he is off to the hunting camp. I used to be scared to stay home alone and the Lord forced me to deal with it and know that He who watches over Israel neither slumbers or sleeps so what would be the point in me staying up paralyzed in fear half the night listening for what “might happen”. I don’t mind him being gone anymore…I have gotten used to it and with a 2 year old it gives me more time with the Lord and I don’t have to worry about cleaning while he is gone :).
Dear Beth,
Thank you so much for this post. I read it twice just to let it all sink in. My pastor’s sermon last week was called “Embrace the Journey,” and God keeps shifting my attention to the bigger picture. 3 young children, a husband (who is also a handful) and a business to run are the ingredients of a blessed but hetic life. I must remember not to let the minor issues and “busyness” cloud my faith. Certaintly something to remember as we get closer to Christmas.
Sarah from Wyoming
Amen, Siesta!
I feel the need to preach a bit about something you touched on in your post. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately.
Let’s all stop living vicariously through imaginary characters on television and get out there and experience some real drama. The kind that comes from walking with God! The suspense of praying really hard for something specific. The delight of finding an answer in scripture. The tension and humility and relief of confessing and repenting of sin. The absolute joy in understanding and accepting forgiveness. The risk of getting out there and being light and salt, and witnessing to people. The mystery of Christ. I could go on, but you get the idea. We all need drama! Let’s quit settling for the fake kind of TV. I want me some of the real stuff.
OK, I feel better now. Thanks for indulging me.
Thank you, Beth! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! How did you ever know that this was exactly what I needed to hear today? That this yearning I have for excitement and adventure in my simple, stay-at-home-mom, running-everywhere-in-a-minivan (and I never thought I would be caught driving one of those things) kind of life can only be filled by Him? I love that I can seek Him all my life, know everything that my little mind can grasp, and still be rest assured that when I get to Heaven, He’s going to be even more than all of that. He will be even bigger than I ever imagined. What a great and amazing God we worship!
Thank you for reminding me of just how big, exciting, and awesome He is! I can’t wait to see my story from His perspective and hear the musical score that accompanies it. (Hopefully, it isn’t sung to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus” or “Old McDonald.”)
Thank you for speaking to my heart!
Beth,
I loved this post. Yes, His mercies are new every morning. I woke up to a red/orange sunrise this morning coming up behind the foothills of the Smokies and was in awe of the beauty filling my kitchen. I left the lights off and just watched it as I drank my coffee. . .
I also have the same relationship with my husband like you do with yours, except that he travels. I miss him when he is gone but we make the most of our time together when he is home.
Thank you for your faithfulness!
Blessings from Tennessee, ~Laurie
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN, AMEN! This was a timely, encouraging word for one who struggles with a mind that often turns to other things for adventure. I have a desire to turn to Him today instead. Thank You!
Well-said!!
I think our lives are more exciting than we think. We just need the right soundtrack.
I so needed this today, beth! thank you yet agean!
My husband doesn’t hunt anymoore because of his health, were together 24 hrs a day 7 days a week untill I go to church & goes to Wal Mart.I have a 5 month old lab I think would make a good hunt dog but that want hapen ha ha.I don’t trust anyone with her ha.
You are so good with words putting them right.We do need to trust the Lord .
Oh the squarles love to get my bird food. I do love to watch the birds come eat, & in the bird bath when they can. All so love to watch all the wood animals play to.Isnt it great to set own the pourch & see God’s great world.I love doing my bible study out own the pourch when I can.I love the outside God bless love sister in Christ Victoria
Seeing as the truths in “Believing God” changed my life — and while I’m prone to hyperbole, that’s not an exaggeration, I promise you — it brings a smile to my face to see how God continues to reinforce that lesson.
Thanks for being His faithful servant, Beth. I know you hear it often, but so many of us out here are grateful for the Holy Spirit working through you in our hearts.
You are speaking right to my haert with this- or more accurately, God is speaking right to my heart through this. Thank you.
Thanks so much for your thoughts on Faith. I’ve been doing a little study on faith and prayer. One without the other is useless. I just started the “Daniel” study. It is great, looking forward to the coming sessions . Guess what, you said something about Piggly Wiggly in the study guide. I am from a small town in TN and the only grocery in town is the local Piggly Wiggly. Small world we live in. Take care and have a good Sunday.
Carol
Wow…good stuff to think upon. I love when you write out and condense a gem into words. Especially, I liked the part where you wrote, “We know He’ll show up (security!) but never know how (mystery!). I love that about Him.” I needed this word for my situation today. Thank you Sister!
Chris always, always loves to hear about Keith and gun-related things. Really, Keith should write a book on hunting and marriage 🙂
Love you much,
Holly
Dear Beth, Today I finished the last day of homework for “A Women’s Heart” I was thinking about how God’s Word never disappoints. There is always something new to learn…to be awed by. Thank you for sharing this holy adventure. As I finish my eleventh study with you, I can’t wait to do the next one! (we are committed to doing a study from Kay and Pricilla too!) One thing I thought you’d like to know is that “Believing God” always comes back to mind. The Five Statements of Faith are a wonderful reminder of who God is and who we are in Him! In our discussions, we often recount them. These studies have changed my life. The light bulb went off eight years ago, and it has not grown dim. God is so good! Please keep on being that “broken record”. It is such a sweet sound! Blessings! Ann
You constantly challenge us to “reach to the top shelf” for the really good stuff God has. Your post made me think that I keep all the really good lunchbox snacks and chips on the top shelf so they don’t get eaten up the first hour I’m home from the grocery store. When my boys get tired of what they can easily reach they begin to drag chairs over to the pantry to get the good stuff!
Believing God demands that we strain our neck up and reach high for His good stuff on the high shelf of favor and blessings. Yes, we could settle for the lower shelves and some times we do….then we get a holy hunger for a top shelf blessing.
Please never tire of spurring us on. I get so much extra encouragement (and teaching) from this blog. Happy Hunting Weekends to all the Moores! 🙂 Jill
Beth:
This post was such a great reminder. There is something that I need great wisdom from God about. So to be reminded of “that faith thing” again is much needed. For those of you wondering; my relationship with my hubby is great, as well as with my kids.
Thank you so much for being honest and genuine. Kim B. in AZ
Beth,
What a marvelous devotional. I was pondering along the same lines this morning, while re-reading a favorite book of mine. The author says, ” God is a wonderful artist whose contrast of bright joy and dark needs creates life. These contrasts remain in full view from year to year as reminders that joy and pain are but opposite ends of the same great lessons of God.” Many lessons in faith have come with great adventure. I found myself thinking 2 weeks ago, “is this all there is Lord.” Then was reminded to not loose sight of how adventurous life with Jesus can be. I was settling for snacks all the while He had Thanksgiving banquet waiting. One of my favorite verses in scripture, Provers 19:17 “What a man desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.” My translation…What a woman desires is unfailing love and the wild ride of adventure, the kind only God can offer; better to be honest and wait for the real thing, than to settle for the virual video game version. Thanks for sharing your heart Beth, you are alway encouraging!
Thank you for the word on faith! Sometimes I have to admit I want more and sometimes I look in the wrong places. “Oh Lord let my faith sustain me.”
Love ya!
Kristi B.
Bring it, sister!! We continually get the pleasure of seeing His handiwork down here in Florida. I live by the gulf beaches and each day He provides an incredibly glorius sunset that seems to disappear into the sea in fire and flames. And what blows my mind is you cannot watch it from the beach without everyone applauding. Oh that they would know the real One that creates this show for us day after day…..No matter what kind of week I have, seeing His sunsets reminds me He is still in control…..My faith is not dependent on my circumstances…My faith is not dependent on my circumstances….
With Love,
Florida
Thanks for your post on faith. Just what I needed to read. I will print that post so I can meditate on it and let it really sink in! This is my first time commenting on your blog; although, I have been reading since I heard you speak in Atlanta at Women of Faith!! You are a huge blessing to women everywhere!
Thank you God, that you are GOD! Thank you that through the death of your Son you desire a relationship with us. Give us the faith each day to make you the most important thing. Help me not to trade you in for anything else! Thank you for this day – to glorify you! Hallelujah!
Thanks for saying it again, Beth… “there ain’t no high like the MOST HIGH”.
Someone very brilliant taught me these 5 things:
God is who He says He is.
God can do what He says He can do.
I am who God says I am.
I can do all things through Christ.
God’s Word is alive and active in me.
I’m Believing God!
By Faith…Ang Baylis
xoxo
I couldn’t agree with you more……if we knew it all, it would defeat the purpose of this beautiful gift we have the privelage of calling faith. As hard as it can be in the flesh, nothing is greater than knowing that it’s all gonna be alright and in all things, He’s got our backs. Amen sister, you rock!
Hi, Beth,
I totally agree with you–I’d rather have a God Who sometimes doesn’t make sense to me than to have a god I could figure out and manipulate. I’m so glad that the LORD our God is God! I love what He says about Himself when He reveals His Glory to Moses–“The LORD, The LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin.” (I think I quoted that right.)
I can hardly read this entire post from the tears in my eyes. You have no idea how much this hits home right now. God has brought me on such a faith journey recently. Thanks for your sweet thoughts.
Love,
faithful chick
Beth, I am about in tears. You have no idea how much this moved me. I am 27 years old, with my marriage on the rocks, and ready for 2007 to end after 5-count them 5- of my dearest friends (3 of whom do your Bible studies with me) have lost or are losing a parent. I had to admit to myself and God just the other day that I’m losing faith. I hated to tell him, but knew that I had too. And I want you to know right now that the truth in your post is his answer to my prayer. It’s so right on! I can’t give up or in, but just believe him for a miracle in marriage and trust his timing on the test. Just wanted to say thanks for giving me a song during this faith-defying time.
I just love the mystery. God is so mysterious, and strength like no other, and gentle enough to lift my head and remind me that there is no shame here…requiring that I believe HIM. I love how CS Lewis said.”HE’s not safe but HE’s good” The adventure keeps my heart pounding to keep me real. As an EX-addict ( and yes you can recover in Jesus name), I am a believer in there is no high like the MOST HIGH, my God and my King. Just love HIM so much, and love you too for teaching me to Believe God. Thank you
http://4evrhis.wordpress.com
All I c an say is… 🙂 Thank you in so many ways! 🙂
This Siesta wants to shout “Ain’t no high like the Most High!”!!
SPEAK A WORD TODAY SWEET SIESTA!!
WOOO! You and Melissa both are about to make this Southern Baptist dance right smack in my church!!! teehee
Just this week a friend and I were tap-dancing around “predestination” and I said to her “Isn’t AWESOME that God wants to keep some things mysterious to us so He can fill us in on the details face to face?!” I just LOVE that about Him! It’s the “Lover” in Him!!
Thank you for sharin’ this Word with us today! Got a busy, busy week of church Christmas programs coming and I sure needed this today!!! Bless your sweet heart and I can’t wait to squeeze that scrawny neck of yours in heaven girl!!! teehee!!
Val
NC
“Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance. I just wanna praise You, I just wanna praise You!!” YAHHHHOOOOOOOOJJJJAAAHHHHHHH!!!
Thank you for the words on Faith! I have presently been doing some research on faith – I have that need/want to try to grasp more of the “mystery”. Although I know that my human mind cannot wrap itself around faiths greatness, It’s so great to ponder and think about its depths! I love to hear what faith means to others and am always in search of the hearing those meaningful stories of how God works in our lives! Thanks always for the words of encouragement! :o)
Now that was an on-time post from an on-time God! Thank you, Beth, for being His messenger!
Pam
Dear Beth,
I could not agree more. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and GOD’s word with us. I am looking forward to seeing you Aug. 1st in Louisville but more than that I can’t wait to sing next to you as we praise Christ in heaven. Great is HIS faithfulness. May ours increase daily. Love, LINDA
This post reminds me so much of the books “Things Unseen” and “Your God Is Too Safe” by Mark Buchanan. (I think you recommended them at some point, and you were RIGHT ON!). If you don’t like recommending books on the blog, please delete this post, but for some who haven’t heard of them, reading those is well worth the time. I am so thankful for great authors who give me glimpses of our precious Lord.
Thanks for the reminder that it’s okay that I don’t have it all figured out yet! 🙂
Jennifer
Beth — thank you so much for helping me to look at something familiar in a completely new way — I LOVE it when you do that! I often think that our lives are like a precious gem with many sparkling facets, and we just turning and turning them, each time to see something in a new light. And, of course, just when we think we know something, it’s time for another turn!
Beth=
This is my first time (i’m a true technotard). Anyway, I am looking forward to checking into the blog. Really, if we don’t have faith, what else is there?
A
Faith is the very thing God brought to my attention this morning in my quiet time. Hebrews 11:6 is one of my favorite verses. It is one I cling to. I love the rest of the verse which states that “but he who comes to God must believe He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him”. Does it get any better than to know He even rewards us for it? Yes, definitely like no high like the Most High!
(Oh, I’m with you on the hunting widow and ditto on the 3 comments except we purposely avoided deer season. The uniqueness here is that God has called my husband to use this as a ministry.)
Beth,
I am completely new to blogging and I stopped to say “hi”.
What I have found about faith is that it keeps the “independent” me dependent on Him. If I had all the pieces, there would be no dependency at all. Nothing to look forward to, nothing to make my heart strings resonate with the sound of his voice. I would hear only my own echo in the isolation of my own kingdom.
No, faith is not just His Presence but his Presents…the things he has promised we can look forward to.
In this holiday season, my faith is wrapped with a big red bow for Him and He gives His Presence back to me.
Thank you for your words.
In His Grip,
Lisa J
Beth, Your ministry has blessed me so much over the years. I love your clear teaching. I am so excited that you have a blog now. We started a blog for our adoption earlier this year and I have to admit it is a new addiction. We have learned so much about Faith this year during and after the adoption of our son in Kazakhstan. We were in-country 10 weeks without any control over the delays, changes, and nuances of a different culture. It took us to the end of ourselves where we had nothing left but Faith. Faith that God had brought us there, miraculously led us to our little boy, and He would carry us thru to the end. Funny thing was that I took your “Pit” book to read during our many hours of down time when we were not at the orphanage. Little did I know that once we were back to the real world and now parents of a 3 year old (we were expecting a baby) that I would then be thrown and willingly jump into every old pit and then some new ones that I could find. Adoption is not for the faint of heart ( I know you know that)but it is a walk of Faith that I will never regret. I am still digging out of pits after 7 months home but know that God ordained this walk for me and my family. I have used the Orchestra picture as well in describing all that has occured and was destined to crescendo at the meeting of our son. Thank you for reminding me about Faith today……and reminding me that even as I crawl out of yet another pit, I can look back on my Faith Markers and see God’s hand all over this piece of music. And, if you ever want a good midnight read, check out the months of Feb, March, and April in our blog. Watch our little boy change just from love right before your eyes….talk about Faith, Love and Hope! Many Blessings to you, your family, and your ministry!
Karen
http://kitzkazventure.blogspot.com/
Amen, Beth! You speak my language. I have often looked at the ladies in my classes who demand to have all the answers and pitied them. Why in the world would anyone want to have a God who can be explained away. And why would I want a God who has to give an account to me for everything little thing He does. If I could understand everything about Him, that would make Him a pretty small God. And I’m afraid that is what many of us have reduced Him to, a very, very small god – one we (think we) can manipulate, demand answers from, and chastise for not doing it right. Oh my goodness; what a shame. I want no part of such a god! I love and desire my God Almighty, the Creator of the universe and all that it holds, the Great Redeemer, the Sovereign I AM. And, like you, I am glad that I am not satisfied with what this world holds. Oh, I used to be. I remember the days, not so long ago, when I would complain that I was no where near ready to go on to Heaven – I had too much yet to do here. But, oh my goodness, I am ready to go now – not only because this world is looking more and more ragged around the edges to me, but because my God is looking more and more glorious to me. Praise Jesus, come soon!
Oh Beth!
This is only my third post here ever…I read them all the time…but I can’t tell you how right on things have been for me lately here! This blog I just emailed to my husband who is going through a crisis of faith! Without going into details…I needed to hear what you wrote and I’m sure he did too! How God uses you girlfriend! Thank you for following His leading and just writing from your heart! It means the world to us all…especially me!
With love,
Donna
I want to be a broken record about it, too. When faith is all you have left, you realize faith is all there ever really was. I love you, girl, and my heart is right there in that backyard with ya!
Thank you, Beth.
I’m believing God!
Won’t it be great to hear everyone’s faith stories in heaven one day? What a day that will be.
thank you, Beth- Kathy Armstrong, Austin
Many, many thanks for the snippets from your fascinating life! It is so much fun to get these glimpses into your day-to-day “going ons”.
But, many, many “Moore” thanks are for the truths that you share from God’s Word. Romans 11:33-36 are the exact verses that I needed today to settle my questioning heart.
Please keep the snippets and truths coming!
Well, let me tell you something I love about God–the freshness, newness, aliveness of His Word. AND of His Words spoken through people like YOU. The exact words I need at the exact time I need them.
I just finished up Believing God two days ago. So sad to see our study end. So, you taped that study forever (relatively speaking) ago. Then I read your post tonight, and it’s like you were writing this perfect, inspired (and inspiring) conclusion to our study. Like no time at all had passed between video #10 and this post. Like closure, but not, because this is just the beginning, right?
Just read Gary Thomas’s The Beautiful Fight. Reading Kay Warren’s Dangerous Surrender. Put those with Beth Moore’s Believing God, and I’m getting slammed! And it’s incredible.
I’m rambling. Just thrilled that God is showing His face all over the place. He just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Eek!
Marla Taviano
1 Peter 1:7 These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Faith is more valuable than any material or monetary item we could ever obtain.
I’d rather have a holy adventure with God than anything else!
Yes. Indeed, there is no such thing as accident in the life a Christian. I woke up today feeling so down because of the things that bothered me about work. I didn’t know what to do that I just opened my computer absentmindedly. As soon as I got my internet connection (I’m on holiday, by the way), I just typed in Beth Moore in Google search. It didn’t take long before I reached the page where I read what Beth wrote on 1 Dec.
I am so thankful that God lead me to this page. I just feel refreshed and I can’t wait to tell my friends about the website. I am sure that they, too, will enjoy the readings as well as be reminded that the wild ride is God’s design for our lives and all we have to do is to keep the faith. Thank you God & thank you, Beth.