Some of you may or may not know that before I came on staff at LPM, I was on staff at the church I had grown up at and worked as the Girl’s Ministry Director in our student ministry department. Having worked mainly with middle school and high school girls, our family life pastor asked me if I would consider coming along on the Father Daughter Retreat to share a few of the teaching times, talk to the dads about girls, and spend some time getting to hang out with the girls themselves. I didnāt hesitate to say yes because it sounded like a fun and different opportunity. Because of my yes, I found myself camping out in the wilderness with a bunch of daddies and daughters on spring weekend. Though my ministry mainly focused on the young women in the student ministry, the majority of the girls that attended this retreat were in elementary school. To say I loved meeting some new five-year-old friends is an understatement. When I was student teaching, Kindergarten happened to be my favorite placement. As you well know, they truly say the most hilarious things! Most elementary girls havenāt learned the gift of a mouth filter.
One evening I was given the interesting opportunity to steal the dads and talk just to them about all things girls. What girls need, different developmental stages and especially what these girls need from their dads. After the initial intimidation (because hello, Iām not a dad nor do I have children), I have to say, it was a blast. All of them were on the edge of their seats, pens out taking notes and asking a lot of questions. I felt as though I was preaching to the choir since they were the ones who brought their girls to a daddy-daughter weekend, but I ended up loving it. To this day, I can honestly say this was one of my favorite teaching opportunities.
The last morning of the retreat they invited my dad to the retreat as well so that he could be a part of a Q&A between us and the dads and daughters. They were given the freedom to ask us anything they wanted. Can you say nerve wracking?
Iām not sure what question prompted this, but my dad ended up telling the story of the day I was born. A little side note in case Iāve never mentioned it before, but I was five weeks early and very tiny. The night I was born my mom, thinking she was in labor, went to the hospital only to be sent home. The doctors were convinced she wasnāt in labor and still had some time. My parents were not home long enough to fall asleep before my momās water broke and back to the hospital they went.
To make a long story short, once they got my mom settled in her room, the doctors and nurses left to attend to their other patients when all of the sudden my mom exclaimed that I was coming and I was coming now. In sheer panic mode not knowing what to do, my dad called for the doctor, but realized at that moment that I was indeed coming very quickly. He only knew one thing, someone was supposed to catch me and I was not supposed to fall on the floor.
In one single push I was out and after all was said and done, my dad caught and delivered me just as the professionals were arriving.
Of course, I recall none of this, but have heard the story countless times.
This may seem insignificant to you, but I think it is very special, especially in light of Easter Sunday quickly approaching.
My earthly father delivered me into this world, and my heavenly Father delivered me, from me, at the young age of five. I didnāt know then all that Christ would mean to me now, but I did know then that I wanted to spend eternity with Him.
If I desire anything, I desire to make much of Christ. To intentionally live in a way that brings most glory and honor to Him. Do I do this perfectly? Heck no. Does my desire wane from day to day? Absolutely. I didnāt really grasp that until my senior year of high school, but since then, I have known Jesus as my Deliverer from all of my ugly shortcomings and I am ever so grateful. He loves me too much to leave me the way I am, and I can promise you He feels the same way about you.
Though we should daily celebrate our living Savior, in a few short Sundays we will celebrate a risen Savior corporately. He is risen indeed and is very alive and active. Iām proof of His mighty deliverance and sanctification. Christ was delivered over to death so that we might be delivered from death.
People who donāt know Him as a Deliverer will sit beside us on that day and wonder why we marvel at something we cannot even see, but love and worship anyway, simply because we KNOW Him.
They need to see that He has delivered us from eternal separation with Himself.
They need to see that His deliverance has given us a different perspective on suffering.
They need to see that by delivering us, He alone sustains us.
They need to hear that the same God who brought Israel out of bondage after YEARS and YEARS of wandering is still powerful enough to deliver them out of bondage, too.
They need to hear that it is the enemy who oppresses and that it is Jesus who delivers.
They need to hear our testimony of deliverance from that stronghold that held us captive for 30 years now doesnāt have a hold on us.
They need to hear that this Deliverer loves us independent of what we do, but simply because of who we are.
They need to hear that the Deliverer is intimately acquainted with each and every one of us. Mind blowing, really.
Iām not saying we pretend like it is all fun and games and easy. Quite the opposite, actually, becoming more like Christ is the hardest thing ever. It requires a lot of dying to self, something that doesnāt come naturally to me, to you, to any of us. But knowing Christ as your Deliverer is knowing what true peace is. What true love is. What true grace is. What true mercy is. Knowing that He wonāt remove all your trials, but Heāll walk with you through them.
This Deliverer? Heās the only One who offers a love that cannot be earned, but rather, is freely given to anyone that will accept it.
I can promise you this, just like my dad knew someone was supposed to catch me and not let me fall, Christ will catch you. He will not let you fall to the floor. Cry out to Him. Heās got you.
“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Romans 4:25
“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.” 2 Corinthians 1:10
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2
I love this. So well-put. I love the picture of delivering new life, especially since I am 31 weeks pregnant with our newest precious son after having delivered our beautiful daughter stillborn last year. I am so thankful for new life in every way. š
“Thank you,” Lindsee, for sharing this beautiful Spirit-filled testimony. I praise God for your life in Christ; for the talk you have walked and walk by grace through faith. You live and breathe your salvation victoriously unto the honorable glory of The Lord. What a mighty vessel and example to the young and the old. Praise God!
May I just quote a verse you shared here while back on the siesta memory blog?
“Blessed is she who has believed what the LORD has said to her will be accomplished.”
May the LORD bless you a hundred-fold for your faith and the true works of your hands.
I hold a holy respect for you, and esteem you; may The Lord our God continue to favor you, little sister. Live on!
Oh Sister, your words blessed me so much this morning. Thank you! And the blessing right back to you!
Sarah McNutt, I am sorry for your loss. Bless you, dear sister. Please know I am praying for both you and your husband. In Jesus Name, may God bless you and your loved ones; may our LORD open wide the windows of Heaven to fill your home with pitter-pattering joy, peace, and His extravagant love!
Amen!
What a special entry to this world. I hope your parents got a discouont on the hospital fee! Love your posts.
Wow Lindsee, Well done! I enjoy your posts yet I just experienced a shift in your writing style. This piece is particularly meaty, authentic, and poetic. Well Done! I am left inspired and a with the visual image of your Daddy catching you seared in my mind…yet catapulted to contemplating my sweet Jesus! Thank you so much!
One of the best blog posts I have EVER read. Thank you.
Very well-said! This time of year is always so special to me. I am so humbled by what Christ did for ME, and grateful for what He continues to do in my life. “Oh love that will not let me go.” So thankful for my Deliverer. Have a blessed day.
This is so encouraging! Our 5 year old Granddaughter accepted the Lord in her heart this past year, and though it seems young, she knew exactly what she wanted. To see your love for the Lord and that you too accepted the Lord at that age helps so much to know, it really can happen! Loved your story, and the fact that many Daddy’s care enough to want to know how to help their children. Boys need their daddys too, so much. Thank you and God bless your work now. I really enjoy your posts!
Love love love this !!!!
I LOVE your birth story!!!!! I love unique birth stories and I love your parallels between your story and our story with Christ!!!! Beautiful!!
Beautifully said, Lindsee. Thank you for sharing.
Lindsee, what a blessing that you have a loving, protective earthly father! What an even greater blessing that you are reconciled to our Heavenly Father through Jesus!! Thank you for your beautiful picture of Jesus catching and holding us. Also thanks for the reminder to us to share Who He is with others so they don’t miss out!
Absolutely an AWESOME post, Lindsee!! Thank you for sharing!!
Hugs –
Kathleen š
He is Deliverer, my Deliverer too, a good reminder Lindsee.
All I can say is Amen & Amen! Great story for His glory!
Amen
LLOOOOOOOOVEED!!!!!!! this post!!!! Your precious to us and a blessing!!!!
Such a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing! Blessings!!
Thank you. I’m waiting for my chemo as I read your blog a great reminder that God is right here.
Lindsee,
I’m not sure when our paths first crossed. I do know it was a long time before you ever joined LPM. I know we exchanged e-mails about how I call my daughter Lindsey Lou. At any rate, my life is better because I have you speaking into it. This was good, dear sister…very, very good!!
Hugs,
Dori
Dori! We did talk about how you call your daughter Lindsey Lou and it made me so happy. Your words are a treasure. It’s only Jesus. Hugs to you!
“They need to see that His deliverance has given us a different perspective on suffering.” Whoa. That is profound right thereā¦
I loved this post for so many reasons. Thank you. God bless.
Lindsee!!!! This is quite possibly my favorite thing you have ever written here. I have been racking my brain trying to come up with the best way to describe a deliverer/redeemer to my Sunday school class and you just did this so beautifully. May I read your words to them?
Girlfriend, your testimony is beautiful and I love the challenge to share this Deliverer with others through our words and actions. Thank you!!!
Julie, I would be honored if you shared them! Blessings!
You have such a wonderful way with words. I thoroughly enjoy your posts! Keep it up š
Lindsee–beautiful portrait of how our heavenly Father catches us as your earthly father caught you! Thank you for sharing!
Lindsee, you not only inspire young women, you inspire women in all seasons of their lives! I truly appreciate your beautiful word and your enthusiasm for Christ.
Loved this sentence esp: Christ was delivered over to death so that we might be delivered from death.
Thank you for sharing your life story to show His Story! Good Word.
Would love to be in a church that had retreats for Dad’s/Daughters…so alive with Gospel.
Thanks for the Hope you wrote of…
SO powerful, lindsee, thank you! love all the “they needs.” b/c truth be told, “I need” too… š
asking Jesus to bless your day, sweet sister!
Heart warming story…thanks for sharing…Blessings to you!
Love, love, LOVE this! What a beautiful picture of our Father’s love you have shared. Thank you!
I never knew you student taught. I’m getting my license in elementary education, and I’d really like to teach first grade. Though I’m sure at some point I’ll end up working on my masters of divinity.
Lindsee,
I keep re-reading your post, it is rich, it is a powerful message. God’s power is on you in a mighty way and I am so grateful for your ministry. You live what you preach and bless people of all ages. What an amazing Lord we have!
May His wisdom and love draw us ever closer to His side.
Thank you
Oh my goodness Lindsee!! Hebrews!!! At least on a surface read the Lord spoke rest to me in a whole new way. If you can be a christian for 8 years and then get saved anew (I know you can’t) then THAT is the kind of experience this book brought me. Want to proclaim it and you, sister, gave me a perfect opportunity! Enter the rest of God. He offers it. Wants so badly to give it that He’s divised new ways and times and opportunities (if an allknowing God does actually do this)…basically it says over and over and over He has presented His rest as available. If you hear the voice of God today do not harden your hearts as the Israelites did when they disobeyed.
Dear Lindsee,
I read this the day you first posted it and again just now. I lost my dear sweet mother on Sunday of this week and today is the visitation and tomorrow her services. How this comforts me this morning – your reminders to me of His promises. And that Christ will catch me and He’s “got” me in this week of sorrow and missing her. Thank you so much for writing this.
I met you briefly at the check-in table in January. You are a precious servant and an inspiring and beautiful woman of God. Thank you again!
In His Love, Debbie
Oh Debbie, I am so deeply sorry about your sweet mother. I am praying right now for you that God would comfort you and bring you a joy today that only He can bring. You are so loved.
Lindsee – what a powerful, beautiful post. I’m going to write out those last two verses and pray them over a situation that needs deliverance right now. I spent much of yesterday praying and standing on Genesis 49:18 where Jacob takes a slight breather in the middle of blessing his sons to say… “I look for Your deliverance, Lord.” – a verse that always makes me want to chuckle because of where it’s placed – it seems kind of randomly interjected. But yesterday it just made me cry – for the necessity of it: that Jacob knew it was only God who could accomplish the things he was speaking over his sons and future generations.
So thank you, dear Lindsee, for giving me the Deliverance Verses I need for today. You are such a blessing to Siestaville ~
That’ll preach sweet sister, that’ll preach!
What a sweet story. I love it. Thank you for warming my heart. You are truly inspirational and gifted.
Lindsee, wow! And oh so true. Great post! I am so in love with Jesus for willingly delivering me. I am looking forward to Easter Sunday. Love you sister, Lynda
Wow! Good Word! I am blessed by reading this.
A few evenings ago before dusk I headed out across the field behind our home to walk along the creek. I had our 2 yellow labs, 8 years old, running ahead as if there were pups. As I looked to the west there was a beautiful vivd rainbow. The sun was not shining and it had not rained both usually necessary to see a rainbow. There was merely the “smell” of rain in the air – if you don’t know that smell you are missing a delight. It was the sweetest and yet most powerful experience – it seemed my God placed that rainbow and sweet scent there just for me! Our walk also proved to display 5 pheasants that had been hiding in the grass and a deer. The labs enjoyed finding a prize of their own. Somewhere along the creek they found and carried away with them the largest eggs I have ever seen – a egg twice the size of a chicken’s egg – I am sure there is a hen out of sorts over a couple missing eggs. Their mouths were so gentle as to not break the eggs as they made the steal. It was a glorious evening walk in the beauty of HIS creation! He treated me with such delight – I love Him so!