Category: faith

How Can I Know God’s Will?

Posted on by Susan Panzica


The question of the day – most every day – for those who desire to follow God. How can I know God’s will?  Choices are not always crystal clear no matter how strong our desire to follow God’s plan. The Apostle Paul provides a clue in two of the choices he made.  

In Acts 16, Paul planned to go east to Asia but sensed God saying not to. So he and his companions headed north, but that was a closed door too. Then that night, Paul had a vision of a man in Macedonia in Greece (due west), and concluded “that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.”
Making those choices eventually landed Paul and Silas in jail where they sang worship songs and prayed, survived an earthquake, led the jailer and his family to faith in Jesus, and founded the church at Philippi and others on their second missionary journey.  
Later, on his third journey, Paul planned to go to Rome. He was arrested and appeared before the Roman rulers and would have been set free except for his appeal to go to Rome. After several years, he finally set sail, still a prisoner in chains. A storm arose so fierce that the sailors were terrified, but Paul the prisoner reassured them, “But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. …For I believe God. It will be just as he said. ..”
On his second journey, Paul twice did an about-face changing the directions of his travels. But on his third journey, he was resolute to reach his destination of Rome despite storm, shipwreck, snakebite, and being a prisoner.
So here’s the question – how did he know? How did Paul know to give up his plans for Asia, yet never giving up on Rome despite serious setbacks?
What would I do?
Would I have been willing to quickly abandon my plans because a dream indicated to go another way or would I stubbornly set my jaw and press on against God’s will for what I think I want?
Would I be resolute to journey forth despite storm and hardship or would I give up under the strain thinking something so difficult couldn’t be of God?
Honestly, I can’t say. What I can conclude is this – I can’t rely just on circumstance or emotions.
When I first got involved in justice ministry, people flocked to me like the animals flocked to Noah – no knocking on doors or trying to persuade people to get on board. It seemed clear that God was orchestrating it all. But when people dropped out, I wondered if this was still God’s call for me. And He reminded me that Noah toiled for many years building the ark, and that’s part of His plan too.  
Paul didn’t make his decisions according to the emotions he felt on any given day.
He didn’t make a list of pros and cons reasoning out the best plan to follow.
He based his decisions on a lifelong sensitivity to God’s leading.
In prison, he worshipped and prayed. He didn’t decide to develop a prayer life when hardship hit. This godly behavior in tough times came from a life of prayer and worship in the ordinary times. <<click to tweet>>
Want to know God’s will in the difficult times? Get to know His will each day, whether there are big decisions to make or not. Spending time with Him in prayer and praise will increase sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading.  There’s simply no shortcut or substitute.


  Give thanks in all circumstances; 
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess. 5:12
Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is
His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

On Being A Jewish Tax Collector and Meeting Jesus At The Beach

Posted on by Susan Panzica

I grew up in a Jewish home, a mosh-pit of damaged emotions….

After college, I worked for the U.S. Customs Service in the World Trade Center in New York City. My job was the appraisement and classification of imported merchandise, determining the amount of tariffs and duties that importers would pay the government. I advanced quickly through the ranks and had friends with whom I socialized after work.

On the outside, life seemed good. Inside, the questions and insecurities kept growing. As Charles Dickens said, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”



In the summer of 1979, I rented a house in the Hamptons, Long Island, with three girlfriends. Just a converted two-room garage, it was home to us. Despite many rainy weekends, we had a blast. We’d arrive late on Friday night, drink and dance in the bars all night, then sleep on the beach the next day.

Please visit me at Circles of Faith for my testimony about how I came to Jesus.

2015 – Forget it! Or Remember?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Is. 43:18-19

Isaiah’s words from God seem like the perfect verse to usher in the new year along with Paul’s words from Phil 3:13-14 =

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Seems like starting a new year gives us opportunity to do a lot of forgetting.

Yet I also recall verses that tell me to do just the opposite – remember!

Repeatedly in Scripture the Lord urges His people to remember – His covenants with them, what He has done for them (and us), what they (and we) had been, how they (and we) angered God, how He forgave.

In fact, Isaiah himself who wrote “forget the former things” also wrote “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9



So what’s a girl to do? 
Forget or remember??
Probably a little of both.
<<click to tweet>>


Alas, I find myself remembering things that have little value, hurtful things, foolish things, things that should be long forgotten. These are the things that Isaiah says to forget – “do not dwell in the past.” In Paul’s description of the race of life, these things are weights that drag us down and keep us from pressing on toward the goal.

What we are to dwell on, to remember, is the God that is like no other:
  • The One who redeemed us when we were unworthy,
  • the One who sustained us when we couldn’t go on,
  • the One who grants us peace beyond understanding,
  • the One who helps us to love the unlovable and who loves us unconditionally,
  • the One who made us and REmade us.


The lyrics from one of my favorite bands Tenth Ave. North says:

You are more than the choices that you’ve made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You’ve been remade.

‘Cause this is not about what you’ve done,
But what’s been done for you.
This is not about where you’ve been,
But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.


So in 2015, what will you forget?
And what will you remember?

Chanukah Blessings!

Posted on by Susan Panzica

photo: Jonathan Cahn of Beth Israel, Wayne NJ


Today is the first day of Chanukah which officially began last night at sundown. Chanukah was one of my favorite times growing up.

  • Playing dreidel games!
  • Eating potato latkes! 
  • Eight nights of presents!
  • Lighting the Chanukah candles! 


As the eldest child in my family, I lit the menorah candles. First, we lit the tallest candle (the Shamash). Then the Shamash lit the other candles from right to left, lighting one the first night, two the next, and so on for eight nights. As I lit the candles, I said the following prayer:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melech ha’olam
asher, kidishanu b’mitz’votav, v’tzivanu
l’had’lik neir shel Chanukah. 

which means

Blessed are you, Lord our God, sovereign of the universe
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
to light the lights of Chanukah. 


Little did I know that the menorah and its candles were a beautiful reflection of the Light of the world that was to bring me from darkness to light.

Chanukah is often overshadowed by the many Christmas activities. It is not a particularly important Jewish festival, and not mentioned in the Old Testament. Chanukah, the Feast of Dedication is an eight day celebration commemorating the revolt and unlikely victory of the Jewish Maccabbees over the powerful Syrian Greeks who had invaded and oppressed Israel in 167 – 164 BC (the period of time between the Old and New Testaments).

Jesus observed Chanukah (John 10:20-30), and it was during this Feast the Jesus publicly declared Himself the Messiah by proclaiming “I and the Father are One.”

Celebrating Chanukah includes the telling of the story of how the Syrian ruler, Antiochus, brutally oppressed the Hebrews, forbidding the practice of Judiasm and desecrating the Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar. Mattathias and his 5 sons, including Judah (nicknamed Maccabbee, the Hammer), led a rag-tag army in guerilla warfare for 3 years, retreating to the hills after each battle.

Finally, the Jews defeated the mighty Syrian army and returned to Jerusalem to find the Temple all but destroyed and the oil for the lampstand gone, except for a tiny amount enough for one day. The eternal flame of the Temple Menorah, central to Israel’s worship, was extinguished. Although it would take eight days for the priests to consecrate more oil, by faith they lit the Menorah. Miraculously, the one day’s supply of oil lasted those eight days. Judah Maccabbee declared that these events would be commemorated annually at the Feast of Dedication, the Festival of Lights, Chanukah. A special menorah would be used that had nine candles, rather than the seven branched lampstand in the Temple, one for each of the eight days and one Shamash candle.

The lights of the menorah are symbolic of our relationship with Christ, the Light of the world. The tallest candle is called Shamash which means “Servant.” The Servant candle lights the other candles yet loses none of its own light. Likewise, Jesus who “came not to be served, but to serve” (Mk 10:45) imparts His light to us and loses none of His own. He is the Light of the word (Jn 8:12), but He says that WE are the light of the world (Mt. 5:4).

The Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, but God’s Word declares that WE are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19) and the light of the world. How is our oil burning? Sometimes an oil change is necessary. Or perhaps we are a quart low. Maybe we feel like all we have left is one day’s supply. Isn’t it reassuring to remember that the Bible teaches that more oil is always available when the undying flame has been ignited in our souls! 

When we spot a menorah, let’s remember that we have been illuminated by the Shamash, the Servant, and we have an eternal supply of oil to keep the Light of the world burning brightly in our hearts throughout the year. 


Thank you Jesus for imparting Your light to us. May we reflect You, bringing light to people still in darkness. Thank you for the miracles 2000 years ago, and the miracles today!! 

For more information from Chabad about the Jewish observance of Chanukah:
Printable Chanukah Guide

How Can This Be?

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Has a phone call or conversation ever delivered incomprehensible news and you wondered, “How can this be?” You’re not alone…




A devout priest, Zechariah was a descendent of Aaron. When his priestly division was on duty at the Temple in Jerusalem, he was chosen to enter the Holy Place. A religious man, schooled in the Scriptures, he was in a religious place where one would expect to encounter God.

Yet, when the angel appeared to him, standing beside the altar of incense, Zechariah startled, gripped in fear. Gabriel comforted Zechariah, telling him not to be afraid and providing the reason for his visit. He was delivering good news. Zechariah’s elderly wife, Elizabeth, would bear them a son. Not just any son, but a son to be named John, who would be filled with the Holy Spirit and would prepare the people for the Messiah who was also coming to the world.

When Zechariah heard Gabriel’s words, he questioned him. “How can this be?” as he and his wife were well along in years and therefore could not bear a child. Gabriel, discerning that Zechariah didn’t believe, condemned him to silence until the baby’s birth when Zechariah demonstrated obedience by naming him John.

Mary also had a visit from the angel Gabriel. She wasn’t near the temple, but in a lowly village in Galilee, called Nazareth. She wasn’t schooled in the Scriptures. She was a simple devout young woman engaged to be married.

Gabriel greeted her, stating that she was highly favored and the Lord was with her. Troubled at his words (but not at the sight of him), he told her not to be afraid of what would happen to her, that she would miraculously bear a child. Hearing his words, Mary asked, “How can this be?” as a virgin cannot bear a child. Gabriel, discerning that she didn’t understand, explained to her about the Holy Spirit coming upon her, affirming that “nothing is impossible with God.” Mary responded in faith, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

Two appearances of the angel Gabriel
-One is the place of highest esteem, the Temple
-One in the lowest of villages (Can anything good come out of Nazareth? John 1:46)

Two expressing the same question, “How can this be?”
-One an unbelieving, though devout, old man
-One a believing, devout young woman

Two different responses by the angel to that same question
-One was rendered speechless for at least 9 months
-One was provided an answer to her question

So what can we glean from this?

Just because we are in a religious place doesn’t make us holy. You may have heard the saying, “Just because you are in McDonalds doesn’t make you a cheeseburger.” Despite Zechariah’s expectation of meeting with God in the Holy Place, he was shocked and terrified at seeing the angel. Mary, however, fully experienced the presence of God in the humblest of locations. Unlike real estate, when it comes to experiencing God, physical location seems to be of little consequence.

What is of great consequence is the state of our heart. We can live a life as “devout and blameless” as Zechariah and still miss God. While it is fitting to “study to show ourselves approved,” it can’t be just head-knowledge. The simple faith of a young virgin must inspire our desire to know Him, and to be willing to serve Him in whatever way He leads.

Fortunately, Zechariah’s song (Luke 1:67-79) makes it clear that he now possessed great understanding and belief in how his child would fulfill the Messianic prophesies. This encourages me to realize that even when I stumble, there always remains hope in the future to make it right.

In her song (Luke 1:46-55), Mary doesn’t appear to have the depth of comprehension that Zechariah had regarding the coming of the Messiah. What she does have is the simple understanding that she is blessed because He was “mindful of her, His servant.”

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:45

Do you believe that He will accomplish what He said? Then you are blessed!

Do you question God? That’s ok. Both Zechariah and Mary did.

When you ask the Lord “How can this be?.” do you struggle to ask with the heart of Mary, believing and trusting? Let’s talk about it.

Where Feet May Fail

Posted on by Susan Panzica

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The first of the sun’s rays had yet to break the long exhausting night. What should have been an hour boat ride now stretched into a 6 hour nightmare.

Jesus had instructed His disciples to board the boat and meet Him on the other side of the lake. All night, a strong wind blowing against them caused the delay. From the mountaintop, Jesus saw them straining at the oars and walked out on the water to them.
Thinking they were looking at a ghost added terror to their exhaustion. But Jesus comforted them immediately, “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”*
And impulsive Peter replied, “Lord, if it is really You, then call me to meet You on the water.”*
Why, I wonder, did Peter say this?

Why didn’t he say, like I would, “Lord, if it’s You, please come TO ME – here where I am – in the safety of the boat – in the midst of the storm. Come to me here, Lord.”
How often in difficult circumstances do I seek the Lord to meet me where I am, rather than risk stepping out in faith to where He’s calling me?
Why can’t I be like Peter and say instead, “Lord, bring me to where You are, where You want me to be.”
   
When we take the risk and step out in faith, we can do more than walk on water.
Last year, I took a risk and called a friend to see what small thing we might do to help victims of human trafficking. I had no idea that God had bigger things in mind. Justice Network is the product of two Jersey moms who took a step out of their boat.  
My daughter asked God where He wanted her to be, and she found herself studying dance ministry at Hillsong Intl. Leadership College in Sydney Australia. It was the experience of a lifetime for her. (Click here for a video of the dance she choreographed to Oceans by Hillsong.)
Stepping out of the safety of the boat doesn’t always mean big things are in your future. We don’t know what will happen.  And we don’t need to know. God knows.
We just need to take one step. 

Then follow that with one more step.
The Bible says that the Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It’s not like a stadium floodlight that makes the night as bright as day. It’s more like a flashlight in the dark allowing us to see one step at a time.
Perhaps if we could see more, we’d run the other way. But God takes hold of our hand providing peace and the strength to continue forward with trust that He knows the way, and someday we may know too.
How is God calling you to come to Him? Are you willing to take just one step of obedience? 



*Matt. 14:22-53, Mark 6:45-53, John 6:16-24

The Hero Mom

Posted on by Susan Panzica
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY
One of the hundreds of gazebos along the trails 


She sat peacefully in a wooden gazebo by the water’s edge, half facing the water, head swiveled backward  keeping a watchful eye on her howling daughter standing on the rocks behind her about 10 feet away.
At Mohonk Mountain House, the breathtaking scenic vistas, rock climbs, miles of hiking trails, crystal clear mountain-top lake, can be best described as serene.
At least it was until the silence was broken by the little girl’s screaming tantrum.  
“M . O . M . M . Y…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” The rest was unintelligible and unrelenting. Tears streaming, arms outstretched, begging Mommy to come and carry her to the gazebo.
And Mommy sat, not moving. But, gently repeating the same few words, over and over again. “You can do it. Just take one step at a time.”
It would have been so much easier to pick up her daughter, to comfort her, to coddle her, than to remain steadfast in the face of such despair. She could have worried what passersby thought of her, letting her daughter cry on like that. But she demonstrated a resolve to help her daughter overcome fear. One step at a time.
I wanted to go over to her and encourage Mommy and tell her what a great mom she was.  She probably didn’t feel like a great mom then. But I kept on walking. I rationalized that it would have spoiled the moment, but I still regret it. Maybe she’ll read this.



She was a hero that day. Not the kind we read about on the front page. But the kind that makes the tough choices in the trenches to stay the course, to teach her child, to allow her child to experience a victory that would be missed if she took the easy way. Or maybe a failure that would be a stepping stone for a future victory. It is just one moment that will build upon the next and the next, ultimately creating a life of character and courage.
When my daughter was little, she had lots of fears. So did I. And so when Lauren was afraid to order ice cream at the local snack bar, she’d ask her younger brother to order for her. I remembered being the oldest of 3 siblings, but the most afraid. And I remembered how bad I felt about myself when my younger siblings would easily do things that terrified me, like go on rides or speak up for themselves. So when I saw my daughter following my footsteps, I became a “mean mom.” With sorrow, I told Lauren that unless she ordered the ice cream herself, she couldn’t have it. Many times she did without her favorite snack because she was afraid to ask for it. 
I didn’t feel like a hero. I felt like a heel. 
But now 20 years later, Lauren not only orders her ice cream, she has traveled the world on mission trips and lived in Australia for 1½ years. She has a grand vision to build a unique powerful ministry. She dreams big dreams that we all know will come true. She has impacted the lives of students in her classes and young girls in youth groups. When she faced rejection and difficulties pursuing her studies and career in dance, I gently repeated the same words over and over again. “You can do it. Just take the next step.”
I was, and am, far from a perfect mom. But in this, I’m thankful that I was able to stand firm. And so is Lauren.
To all the moms being honored today, I salute you. Not just today, but for what you do each day that goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Making one seemingly small decision or action will build upon the next until a million small hard moments build a lasting legacy.
And you moms who experience fear, God tells us “You can do it. One step at a time.” He orchestrates opportunities for us to face and thus overcome our fears. Today is Part One of my series on Vanquishing Fear. In the weeks to come, I’ll share some stories of my battles to overcome fear. 
What do you think?
Do you struggle with personal fears?
Is it hard to be the “mean mom?” If so, look for my friend Joanne Kraft’s book later this year. The Mean Mom’s Guide To Raising Great Kids
  

Dying to Defensiveness – How Silence Can Make Us More Like Jesus

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Last Wednesday, I attended the Ash Wednesday contemplative service at my church. What a blessing to take an hour to simply rest and ponder the sacrifice Jesus made for us, for me. At various stations, we had the opportunity to read Psalms, take communion, remember Gethsemane, etc. When I read this verse, I was moved to tears despite its familiarity:
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face. John 19:1-3

To continue reading, click over to Circles of Faith.

When troubles strike…

Posted on by Susan Panzica


It was my first visit ever to the gynecologist. I never felt so awkward and uncomfortable. But nothing prepared me for the words I heard the doctor say to the nurse standing by the door taking notes.
“blah, blah, blah, a tumor, about 10 centimeters, blah, blah, blah, blah…..”

Woah! Hold on there! Did I hear that correctly?

But the doctor wasn’t speaking to me. I might as well have been a slab of beef he was inspecting before throwing on the grill.

Later in his office, he explained that, Yes I had a very large (“the size of a small cantaloupe”) tumor on my ovary. It was almost certainly benign, but would have to be taken out the old-fashioned way with a slice across my abdomen, hip to hip. Really, God?  

Through a series of events, misadventures, and clear leading by the Lord, I ended up switching doctors, hospitals, even cities (from NJ to NYC) just days before the surgery.  I clearly sensed God directly me every step of the way and was practically floating as I experienced His peace that passes understanding in a whole new way.  

While I was in the hospital for a week post-surgery, my new boyfriend (now my husband of 26 years) came to visit and shared a Scripture verse with me –

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God”. 2 Cor. 1:3-4

It was nice of him to mention it, but frankly I didn’t identify with it at all. In my hubris, I thought I knew all the Scriptures that would apply to my situation, and that one just wasn’t one of them. Or so I thought.

For the rest of the story, click here to Laced With Grace. 
Susan_signature
 ps – As many of you know, I’m the co-founder of Justice Network, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of human trafficking and showing ways to make a difference from here. Our current initiative is a social media campaign using this Sunday’s Super Bowl as a way to raise awareness of the issue. We call it the #HTchallenge. We’re asking people to go to our website  [www.htchallenge.net] and share our images, quotes, and stats on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, your favorite social media using the hashtag #HTchallenge. All the information, talking points, etc. are on the website. 

Part of the challenge is also to “donate” a tweet/post that will be published simultaneously with hundreds of others during the halftime show. To register:

1. Click here: http://bit.ly/1eFBIAI
2. Click the button for Twitter and/or Facebook
3. Click “add my support”

Thank you for helping in this worthy cause!

One Word for 2014

Posted on by Susan Panzica
Last year, my friend Elise wrote a post that challenged me to come up with one word for 2013. I wrote about it here.

Now I’m thinking about a word for 2014. But before I do, here’s a look back at how this “one word concept” impacted me in 2013.

My word was NOW.

I wanted to SAVOR the NOW – not miss the present because I was worried about the future.
   ~ and ~
I wanted to DO it NOW – stop procrastinating, take action, and avoid distraction. 

This vase above was a gift from my daughter. I kept it on my desk, its image on my phone home screen, and thought about “NOW” a lot!

In my contemplation, my mind initially went to all the things I procrastinated about and I felt like a failure. Yup. Thankfully, that’s not the end of my story.

I thought some more about decisions that I did act upon – in the NOW. Yes, I may have put off some things, but not all things. And some of these decisions fulfilled lifelong aspirations.

One of them set me on a new trajectory in life. 

In June, I saw a friend’s post on Facebook about human trafficking. Unknown to anyone, my interest in HT was growing. I harbored a desire to get involved in some way to rid the world of slavery, but had no idea how. I began collecting information, supporting friends who were serving with IJM in India, reading fiction and nonfiction on this issue.

When Tanya posted a story from her blog on facebook, I commented adding “I’m interested in this….” Another (totally unrelated) friend commented too, adding “If you do something, let me know.” This comment sparked the question in me – “Am I going to do something? Or is this another time where I say I want to do something, but don’t actually do anything?” 



NOW – my word for 2013.

So in that moment, I did something. I reached out to Tanya, and God took over.

From our meeting across her kitchen table a few months ago, we have grown into Justice Network, an group dedicated to raising awareness of human trafficking and supporting organizations on the front lines of the issue, both local and global.

I’ve learned more in the past few months than I have in the past few years. Our little group is growing in unimaginable ways (Eph. 3:20-21). There’s LOT more I’ll be sharing with you about this in January.  Look for it!!!

The purpose of today’s post is to share my word for 2014 and to hopefully inspire you to consider adopting a word for your 2014.

For the past 2 weeks, I pondered what my word would be for the new year.

And today it hit me. Just flew into my brain matter, struck a chord in my heart, and lodged there.

“FAITHFULNESS”

I want to not only be a woman of faith, who fully loves God, though that would be enough.

I want to be faithful in the commitments I make, those He calls me to. I want my “yes” to mean “yes.” I want to act faithfully, to learn more about this fruit of the Spirit, and to be transformed into the embodiment of faithfulness.

My favorite definition of faithfulness came from Wikipedia of all places!

Faithfulness is the concept of unfailingly remaining loyal to someone or something and putting that loyalty into consistent practice, regardless of extenuating circumstances. It may be applied to a husband or wife does not engage in sexual relationships outside of the marriage, a customer at a restaurant who regularly dines there, or even to God himself with regard to His perpetual love towards His children that is not dependent on their worthiness. Literally, it is the state of being full of faith in the somewhat archaic sense of steady devotion to a person, thing or concept. (emphasis mine)

 Is faithfulness “somewhat archaic” as Wikipedia implies?

I hope not. What do you think???

For more information and inspiration about One Word for One Year, click on over to Circles of Faith where Elise shares her word for 2014 as well as a list of resources to guide you. 

What’s YOUR word for 2014?  Please let me know!

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