Category: trust

The True Cost of Worry

Posted on by Susan Panzica




Just like that, driving along, it came to me. Six little words that packed a huge punch.

“Worry robs God of His diety.” 


Deity means: “The character or essential nature of God; One exalted or revered as supremely good or powerful.”

Got that? Supremely Powerful…

When we worry, we are subconsciously saying, “God can’t handle this one.” We lack assurance that He is control. In essence, we’re saying He isn’t Supremely Powerful. We rob God of His deity.

The Christian life is not free of worrisome situations. The Christian life is freedom from worry despite the situation.
A Christian filled with worry is no better off than an atheist.
There, I’ve gone and said it. No “ouch” intended. 
For some reason, Christians often allow worry as an acceptable sin. If they’re worrying about a person, they think it indicates love and caring. If they’re worried about finances, they think they’re being a good provider. But worry is not from God.
Worry is meditating on the wrong things. It is allowing the disturbing circumstance to repeat over and over in your mind.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote from prison that despite his dire circumstances, he chose to rejoice. (Phil. 1:18b) And he encourages us to do the same:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:4-7

  

After telling us to choose to rejoice, Paul went on in to describe how. His antidote to worry = “do not be anxious, but..”:

  1. in everything – not in some things, but in all things
  2. by prayer and supplication – conversation with God and sharing your struggle with Him
  3. with thanksgiving – we don’t need to thank God FOR the difficulties, but rather in spite of them, what can we thank God for?
  4. let your requests be made known to God – not that He doesn’t know them already, but voicing them to Him helps give us clarity.
  5. The peace “which surpasses all understanding” is abnormal peace. If it was normal, we’d understand it. God’s peace is the peace that we experience despite difficult situations.

And it is His promise to us.
Paul goes on to tell us when the worry monster rears its ugly head, we ought to meditate on different things about instead – the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good reputation, excellent, praiseworthy. (Phil 4:8) If we do, “the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:9)
Note that “the peace of God, … will guard your hearts and minds…” preceeds Paul’s instructions on our thought life. And “the God of peace will be with you”follows it. 

You might say the “peace of God” and the “God of peace” are bookends surrounding our thought life, and the antidote to worry, putting God back on the throne and restoring His deity.  

What worries you, my friend? Can we pray together that you will be able to lay worry aside and think/meditate on Him? 
                             
(this is my post today at Laced With Grace)


Hang In There!!

Posted on by Susan Panzica
There they sit, like giant beached whales. Mounds of snow, at the edges of fences, by the sides of highways, in corners of parking lots, our lawns still cloaked in white. The recent rain, wind and warmer weather washed away much of the snow; yet there still remain piles of graying white.

 
 
Each of those snowflakes that fell en masse last December were so delicate, it’s amazing that they are still present a month later. What can we learn from these fragile flakes that have such staying power? 

1. They stick together. 
Despite the fact that one person can make a difference – which I absolutely believe – it is also true that there is power in numbers. 
 
We simply were not made to go it alone. God made us to be part of a body, His body. He made us for fellowship. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another. Heb 10:25 
 
God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…” Gen 1:26 He is one God, but He is a plural God (like one family or one class or one snowstorm are singular, yet plural.) He is in fellowship with Himself. We are made in His image, and therefore, we need to be in the fellowship of believers. We are made that way for a reason. We are stronger together than we are alone. 
 
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccl. 4:12
 
2. They were pushed out of their comfort zone.
Oh, it’s so much easier to stay within our comfort zone, isn’t it? But those flakes that remained so comfortable out on the open lawn were the first ones to melt away. It was the plowed flakes, the ones that got pushed and shoved around that remained. If the snowflakes could speak, they would say that it sure didn’t feel good at the time. To the snowflake, the plow seemed brutal, a real bully. But it was precisely because it yielded to the plow that it survived. 
 
When we don’t understand our circumstances or we have to change our status quo, we have to recognize that there is Someone greater than ourselves in control, Someone who has our best interests at heart. 
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11
 
Recently, a friend shared this excellent quote with me:

“Comfort is the breeding ground for mediocrity. Hardship makes you find your greatness.”

If you’ve been trying to go it alone or if you’ve been facing a difficult struggle, hang in there. Remember the frail snowflake that first arrived a month ago and is still hanging around; and recognize that you are on the road to greatness!
Susan_signature

January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. Tonight January 15, the NJ Coalition is hosting a Human Trafficking Awareness Event:

New Jersey’s Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day Observance will feature performances including the premier of “A Day In the Life,” singer/songwriter Courtney Wong, and the Justice Movement Dancers among other influentials. January 15, 7:00 pm, Bergen Performing Arts Center (PAC), Englewood. Click Here for more info and to RSVP >>

Is it about the nail?

Posted on by Susan Panzica
I hate to generalize. Not ALL men are from Mars. Not ALL women are from Venus. But there are enough examples in life to make some truisms even if they don’t always apply to everyone.

Case in point – “they” say:

  • Men are problem-solvers. They want to fix problems. 
  • Women are talkers & emotional. They want to be heard, not fixed. 

This issue raises its ugly head in my marriage, and likely does in yours too. My husband Tony thinks he’s trying to help. I assume he’s trying to fix something in me that I don’t think is broken.

So when Tony found this brilliant, hysterical video on facebook, he shared it – on facebook, in small groups, told our patients, pretty much let his entire corner of the world know it was out there.

If you haven’t seen it, you must.

And then after  you watch it, continue reading below:

 

For over 2 years, Tony and I have been enmeshed in a current day David and Goliath fight. Our opponent looks and acts so much like Mr. Potter from It’s A Wonderful Life that I occasionally inadvertently refer to him as Mr. Potter. Our Mr. Potter is a real estate mogul who bullies people into doing his will rather than obey the town ordinances, and unfortunately our house stands in his way.

This week provided another round of worries as we tried to discern what Mr. Potter and his land-moving equipment were up to.

Throughout this ordeal, Tony has tried to solve the problem ~ as men are apt to do. He’s tried to reason what steps we should take or not take as the case may be. There are a few decisions we’ve had to make, but at this point, there’s little we can do but wonder. So this week, Tony did what he’s done before. He took a walk.

His walks in our local arboretum have been incredible transformational times where he’s grown closer to God. And this week was no exception.

When he returned, Tony shared how he had been caught up in a whirlwind of thoughts ~ what are they doing, is there something I can do about it, who should I talk to, on and on. Then he sensed the Lord saying,

“It’s not about the nail: Don’t try to fix it. Just listen to Me.”

It goes completely against his problem-solving nature. I’m so darn proud of my man for seeing this truth, for sharing it with me, and for allowing me to share it with you.

So let me close with this:

Ladies: Sometimes it really IS just about the nail. Don’t be defensive or argue with your husband because his solution to your problem may be all you really need.

Men: It isn’t always as obvious as the nail. Situations we deal with can be complex and unsolvable, at least at the moment. There may be other people or issues involved. Sometimes it’s enough to be a compassionate listener without offering advice.

And everyone: Don’t try to fix things in your own strength. And always listen to God!

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways My ways,”
declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8

Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself,
and the wife must respect her husband.
Ephesians 5:33 

But He said to me, 
“My grace is sufficient for you, 
for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9



Who do you identify with more? The fixer or the one who wants to be heard? How do you resolve differences between you and your spouse?

Oklahoma Hope

Posted on by Susan Panzica

“So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10
This verse above was how I ended my last post – a post about rubbish being restored. Who knew? Who knew what devastation was to occur within 36 hours of that post? Only God. 
It’s hard, no it’s impossible, for me to hold it together seeing the images and hearing the stories from Oklahoma. The children. The destruction. The seemingly randomness of it all. Why were some spared while others were obliterated? 

To read the rest, please click over to Circles of Faith where I am a contributing writer. 

A Rose Among Thorns

Posted on by Susan Panzica
Hello friends! I’m still slightly jet-lagged and bleary-eyed from my week in Australia, but Lauren is all set up and excitedly starting classes. Please remember her in your prayers as this first week is “intensives” which means classes from morning to night. Thanks so much. 

Today I’m posting over at Laced With Grace about an unlikely lesson learned from my friend Rose. Please click here to meet me over there. And be sure to leave a comment!

Wanna play Hangman?

Posted on by Susan Panzica
In the restaurant last night, I spotted a boy with his new Christmas gift – an ipad. And what was he doing with this valuable gift?

 
Playing Hangman. 


Hangman? – on an iPAD? – really????
As a kid, I played Hangman – using pencil & paper, chalkboard & chalk, dirt & stick.
And here was this 21st century kid using one of the most powerful devices currently known to man to play the simplest of games.    
But could we be doing exactly the same thing with the gifts that God has given us?
He is Emmanuel – God WITH us.
He declares us to be His temple and so His limitless power dwells WITHIN us.
And yet too often we are content to live a limited life.
We are satisfied with less than best.
We play with dirt & sticks when the Power that created the dirt resides inside us.
He calls us to use the gifts He has so freely given for Kingdom work. He wants us to step out of the boat with our eyes fixed securely on the One who keeps us from sinking. He desires to reveal Himself in us and through us. As a believer, His power within us is greater than an ipad or any man-made device. Where we are weak, He is strong. 
Rather than settling for mediocrity, I want 2012 to be the year I climb out of my comfort zone. How about you? 

ps – If uncertainty is holding you back from serving, and if you live near northern NJ, please join me and my Bible Fellowship class as we embark on a 9 week study “What’s So Spiritual About Your Gifts?” by Blackaby. Shoot me an email if you’re interested in participating. 

Does this make sense?

Posted on by Susan Panzica
Jericho –

I’ve heard and read the story countless times. Therefore, I assumed that there’d be no new information for me here. I knew God could make anything meaningful of course, but I didn’t count on learning any new factual information about Jericho. Well, never assume….

Maybe you already knew this, but I didn’t.

In our Sunday service, Pastor Mike shared that Jericho had not one but two walls surrounding it – an inner wall and an outer wall. I never knew that. [More about the walls: http://www.israel-a-history-of.com/walls-of-jericho.html]

And it turns out that when the Israelites famously blew their trumpets and shouted their cries to tumble the wall, the inner wall crumbled onto the outer wall creating a ramp for the Israelites to enter. Their greatest obstacle became their stepping stone to victory. The greatest obstacle you face will become your stepping stone to victory.

Up until that point God provided for the Israelites. The day that they camped before Jericho was the last day that God provided manna for them (Joshua 5:12) Now God was requiring them to step out in faith. Faith requires us to do the unusual to bring about what God wants.

Before He gave them their marching instructions, He told them that He GAVE them “Jericho, its king, and all its mighty warriors.” The enemy was already defeated! (Joshua 6:2) We also fight a defeated foe. They had to go through the battle, and we do too. But we fight from victory that is assured.

Why did God have such an unusual plan for the conquest of Jericho? Perhaps it was to prove to them that HE was their deliverer, not their weapons or military expertise, not their skills or talents. Or maybe it was a test to see if they would follow His strange instructions completely. Not that He needed to see if they would pass the test – they needed to know that they could be obedient.

Jericho was considered invincible and that was the first thing on God’s agenda for Israel to conquer. Its defeat showed them (and us!) that it is God who is invincible.

Do you have an impossible obstacle? Take comfort from the words of Rahab – the prostitute and the only one (and her family) saved from Jericho because she was faithful to our Lord and sheltered the spies. “For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” (Joshua 2:11) 

Please let me know how I can pray for you.
“The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” 1 Thess. 5:24


The Doubt Monster

Posted on by Susan Panzica


Everywhere I turn, it seems to be the topic of the day. Doubt. I was drowning in the “I don’t have what it takes…” Bloggers like Chatty Kelly and Jody Hedlund are addressing it today. Renee Swope’s new book “A Confident Heart” released this week. I haven’t read it yet, but it’s high on my list.
Doubt is the enemy’s tool. It affects everyone. And it can affect any area of our lives. Are we a good enough mom, wife, friend, writer, speaker, worker, fill in the blank. It has us focus on whatever will take our eyes off God – our weaknesses, other’s strengths.
After Adam and Eve sinned and hid in fear, God’s first question to them was “Who told you….?” He hadn’t told them to be fearful, ashamed. They were listening to the voice of their enemy.
All that God asks of us is to be obedient. To seek, to love, to serve Him and His people. When our eyes are squarely on Him, our doubts fade in His light.
Years ago, I had a strange experience. I was to speak before a crowd of fellow employees at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Every cell in my body trembled in fear. I had asked for prayer from trusted friends, telling them my session would begin Wednesday at 8:00 am. It was Wednesday at 7:55, and as I drifted to the podium, I wondered how I’d be able to utter a single word, so filled with fear and doubt was I.
Then something weird occurred. Really weird. It all happened in a nanosecond. I felt a tingling on the top of my head, like when someone pretends to crack an egg on your head. The tingle moved down from my head past my shoulders, past my arms and torso, down my legs, and out my feet. Picture a thermometer with a pinhole in the bulb and the red liquid leaking out the bottom. The tingle was fear, and so tangible was this feeling that as it left my body, I looked down because I thought I’d see a puddle of fear on the floor. All I saw were black and white tiles. As my eyes swept back up, they glimpsed the wall clock – which read exactly 8:00 sharp. In that instant, I simultaneously remembered 3 things – my praying friends, my mentioning 8:00 am, and the Scripture verse that says, “Perfect love casts out fear.” God is perfect love, and He supernaturally removed my fear.
I’d like to say that ever since that time, I have never experienced fear. But that would be a lie. What I do know is this – He CAN supernaturally remove my fear – if He wants to. So if He doesn’t, it means that the fear is there for a reason – most likely, so that I keep tethered to Him, focused on Him, in communion with Him, dependent upon Him rather than myself.
All the self-doubt that’s so prevalent and so destructive is just a tool in Satan’s arsenal, seeking to hinder the work of God. If only we can just remember that yeah we do have weaknesses, but it’s in our weakness that He is strong. He gets all the glory when imperfect people do amazing things. When we think we have it all together, we are at our weakest point.
Of course, that’s my sermon for today. Tomorrow I may just be a pile of doubts again. 😉
Prayer request:
Thank you in advance. I’m so grateful for this community of prayer warriors.
Please keep my family in prayer – so much going on:
My dad is in ICU. He had emergency surgery last night to repair a ruptured fistula in his arm – the arm used for dialysis. This is one of many serious issues he’s facing, including cancer. In addition to his physical issues, please pray he’ll know God’s presence and peace. 
My son has been running a fever for the past 3 days, a week after his return from Uganda. I don’t even want to think of the possibilities.
I’m supposed to attend a 4 day writers’ conference starting Wednesday followed by a family vacation. A lot to prepare for both, assuming I can even do either one now.
And I will be sharing this Sunday’s message in church since my son is unable to do so. He was to share a message from his mission trip. So I’m preparing for that now. I’ll share from a chapter in my WIP book.
Can I just say “Oy vey!” 




Here’s the update….

Posted on by Susan Panzica

Dear friends,
Tomorrow, I will be posting every day for the 40 days leading up to Christmas. Before that series begins, I want to provide a little update and thank you all for your prayers on behalf of my family.

I had started a series of “people posts” based on some special people in my life who through their character or circumstances exemplify a particular God-given identity. Because of the whirlwind of events of the last month, that series is on a little hiatus. I have 10 more to be published, so look for that series to continue in the new year.

As for the family issues – after nearly 7 weeks of hospital-to-rehab-to-hospital-to-rehab, my dad got his green band on Tuesday, my stepmom’s birthday. No present could have been better. With the green wristband, my dad was able to surprise her by joining her and their friends for a night out. Of course, the frantic call I received that night from the charge nurse saying that they couldn’t find my dad was more than a little comical. And the best news is that he is able to go home on Monday. He stills needs physical therapy, but he’s on the mend. His doctor thinks he has 9 lives!

My mom fell on the street in NYC, and is now in rehab for healing from 2 fractured pelvic bones. She’s so active that this is a real setback for her. The last 2 weeks jumped from one nightmare to another. It’s amazing how many additional complications arise from being immobile. But fortunately, on Thursday she began making exceptional progress. It’s still a long road ahead, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel now – and it’s NOT an oncoming train!

My daughter is still a girl in search of a diagnosis. She’s been pricked and prodded and been through more tests than most girls her age. We have another appointment on Tuesday. The good news is that diseases, parasites, bacteria have all been ruled out. For Lauren, it’s the “not-knowing” that is a struggle. Fortunately, we have trust in an “all-knowing” God!

I thank you for your prayers, emails and calls. All I can say is a quote I heard many years ago –
“The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”
Paul says, “His grace IS sufficient.” That means it IS [present tense] enough. It grows to meet the need. It always is enough.

Blessings to you, my friends,
Susan

A Storm In Little Valley

Posted on by Susan Panzica
My sweet friend, Lynn Mosher from Heading Home, wrote this beautiful post and has allowed me to share it with you. Enjoy!

Little Valley lived among the verdant hills that stood tall and proud. Each tree, each flower on the hills stretched out in service for its created purpose. A true testament to their Creator.


Although delicate wildflowers and sweet-smelling honeysuckle adorned Little Valley, the artistry of the hills intimidated her. She compared herself to the regal hills and thought poorly of herself, “What am I amongst these majestic hills of the Creator? Nothing but weeds and stones cover my terrain. I have no beauty with which to serve and magnify My Maker.”


One day, dark billowing clouds as black chariots of doom gathered across the sky. On the hills, the flowers closed their petals, the trees folded their leaves in terror. The sun disappeared, leaving no ray of its existence upon anything.


Little Valley shivered in the foreboding gloom and swirling winds, as the calamity wrapped itself around her shoulders as a sinister black cloak.


The hills trembled under the mighty power of the tempest as its violence ripped at its beauty. The proud hills crumbled under the oppressive weight.


The silence of the hills contrasted with Little Valley’s bemoaning of her situation. The storm struck at her heart, leaving a gaping hole in her landscape. The birds disappeared; their songs of praise gone with them. And all the other valley creatures departed for homes unknown. She cried great tears of grief for her loss.


In her mourning, she cried out to her Creator. “Save me, Master. I’ve been torn asunder. All is lost.”


Whispering back, He answered, “My sweet field of pleasure, My Little Valley, nothing strikes at your heart except it is sifted through My loving fingers. You do not see now but you will see later the beauty born of suffering. You will bring great glory to Me. Do not compare yourself with others. Trust in My Word. Trust in My promises.”

Little Valley sighed and rested in the knowledge that the Master Creator knew best.

Though they eventually ceased, the tears Little Valley shed filled the gaping hole and a beautiful pool of water emerged. The calm waters belied the rugged rocks lining its depths.

Water lilies began to appear on the pond’s surface. A profusion of multi-colored blossoms poked their heads up around the water’s edge. The grass grew the most beautiful shade of green and flourished everywhere. The birds returned to nest in newly formed trees.

Little Valley reveled in the results as she blossomed with new strength and beauty, born out of the suffering as the promise of the Lord. For the rest of her days, she knew she would serve her Master and bring glory to Him.

Though God has gifted you and set a purpose for your life, do you feel unworthy, untalented, or lacking in some area to serve Him because you compare yourself with others?


Just as the hills and valleys each have their own beauty and their own purpose, so does each child of God. Each of us serves to glorify the Lord in our own capacity, which is honoring to Him and beneficial to others. Whether you minister to large numbers or you minister to your next door neighbor, it is all serving the Lord. No one ministry is greater than another.

You are worthy to serve because Christ lives within you, so “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him,” (Col. 3:17 NIV) as “though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Col. 3:23 NLT)


I pray you know this…“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zeph. 3:17 NLT)

Many thanks, Lynn, for illustrating so beautifully why God allows valley experiences in our lives. Though Psalm 23 is often read at funerals, the truth is that it is meant for the living. He walks with us through the valley, and not just through the “valley of the shadow of death,” but every valley, every day. Thank you Lord, that we never need to fear for You are with us (Ps. 23:4)