Fruit of the Spirit … Peace

I have just returned from a Bible Study — “Fruit of the Spirit” by Hazel Offner — with a dear friend. My friend has been diagnosed with Frontal Lobe Dementia and ALS. She is in her early 60s with a loving husband, two grown children, and four small grandchildren and one on the way.

I stopped at a local coffee shop to pick up coffee and scones to take along (I told you that I have a coffee ministry!) As we finished our coffee and got into God’s Word, I prayed silently for God to lead the study and give me the right words to say to comfort Sandy.

God is so good and not only did He give Words that were a comfort to Sandy, He gave me Words of comfort as well. We talked and cried together and the Holy Spirit ministered to both of us.

Isaiah 43:1-7: But now, this is what the Lord says … He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth … everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

The lesson spoke of the adversities of this life and His Word spoke of the One who gives us peace in spite of the adversities. We serve a mighty God! He still speaks through His Holy Word. I hope that you gained peace from this scripture; I certainly did.

Patricia Harvey

Unpredictable but Constant

I remember my 11th birthday well. It was March 14, 1939, and I received my first balloon tire bike. It was blue and daddy had a protector over the chain, so I wouldn’t get caught in it. I also received a kite from a friend, and as soon as supper was over I rode my new bike over to the playground and flew my new kite for the first time! Another thing that makes this birthday stand out is that I didn't have to wear a coat or a sweater — the temperature was in the 70s.

Fast forward 11 years to March 17, l950 — my wedding day. I was now 22 years of age and doing my student teaching. There was a blizzard and most of my first graders didn’t really expect there would be a wedding. However, there was although some folks were unable to come because of the weather. It got down to 20 degrees below zero that night!

If we live in Michigan, we can expect the weather to be unpredictable. Walking with God is like that as well. We never know what He has in store for us but we survive because He is there with us. He is in control and won’t give us more than He knows we can handle.

Both March 1939 and March 1950 showed us unusual weather. Even though I didn’t know what to expect, God knew. He is never surprised, which is a comforting thought in the midst of everchanging circumstances. How have you seen Him with you lately in a way you didn’t expect?

Annie-Laurie Robinson