Encouragement for Life's Journey

Shifting Seasons

Mark Francis — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:00:36 +0000

I truly love the natural rhythm of changing life around me. The freshness that each day brings as articulated by nature’s vast array of color and form, continually points me heavenward regardless of my personal circumstances. Whether the start of new life in the Spring, or the growing dormancy in preparation for Winter during the Fall, each transition portrays a vivid portrait of our own lives.

Like nature’s seasonal changes, the shifting of life seasons can be filled with much unknown. We first experience upheaveal when what we came to experience yesterday no longer matches what we may encounter today. Expectations become confounded, and our bearings for what is “normal” go awry. Suddenly, we find ourselves “inbetween” two distinct worlds…that which once was, and that which can be.

Looking back, Jesus steps forwards from our circumstances to highlight the faithfulness of how He traveled with us. Doing so brings a peaceful relief to our hearts and many “Aha” moments where our eyes are opened to His intimate compassions and involvements that before remained unperceived.

Looking ahead, Jesus again stands before us, beckoning us to follow. Usually, the scene around him is not overly clear, while His presence is. I suspect that’s point. Our going forward remains more about being with him than it does about the particulars of what we will be doing together.

But want about the “inbetween” stage? Where is Jesus then? In truth, He remains by our side as before, encouraging us to lean into Him even more. He knows that shifting life circumstances can be unsettling, especially when it comes unexpectedly. In moments like this, He speaks to us with abiding encouragement to bring an enduring peace that empowers our heart to keep pressing on with His input.

“Help me Jesus to reach more for you than for the clarity of my circumstances when I experience the shifting seasons in my journey. Thank you that you remain faithful to me even when I wander away in search of the answers myself.”

The Call to “Come”

Mark Francis — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:27:07 +0000

Dusk has come in all its glorious transition. Light fades and colors the western sky, as distant sparkles begin appearing. Soon, the darkening ceiling upon the earth is etched with stars of every kind. The moon slowly rises in the far distance, its own light contesting the growing darkness in the absence of the sun.

I step outside for a brief moment, looking for something I’m missing from inside. My attention fixed upon my search, suddenly something inside me stops. My heart awakens and that familiar hush envelops me. Forgetting why I was standing there, I move away from the house to take in the unfolding scene. Awed and filled with wonder, I wait.

Moments like these captivate me. I continually long for more of them as they represent those times of God calling my name. “Come”, He says, and at once, my heart is hooked. I usually wait for more instructions, and rarely it comes. Early on, this would frustrate me. But over time, I came to understand. The way I came to Him was not the point. Rather, He just wanted me to come.

Life for most of us leaves little to no room for responding to God calls. We practice over and over how to “react” to the shifting circumstances we encounter in life, most of which we would never desire. Yet, into the midst of these and other instances of our harried life, the Father likes to step in and extend His beckoning hand.

“Come”, He says.

“Now?” we respond, shocked.

“But I’ve got so much to do!”, we think to ourselves as conflict fills our hearts.

God’s call in these moments are intentional. Our lives are less about what we accomplish, and more about the journey we walk with Him together. Does He want us to accomplish and succeed? Absolutely. However, coming into His presence, especially in those unique moments of personal invitation, trumps the daily grind of normal living. Being with Him brings life as Heaven intends where relationship reigns supreme.

Watch for these moments each day and be prepared to act, regardless of what you face. In doing so regardless of what it will require, we will touch the Father’s heart as only we can. We each mean that much to Him.

Our Living Sacrifice

Mark Francis — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 21:39:32 +0000

The altar of God. All kinds of images flood my mind, from bloodied cut up animals, to Isaac lying there white-faced, wondering what was going on. The whole sacrificial offering thing seems mysterious, violent, and severely demanding, yet still a draw upon my heart. I find myself wrestling between wanting to offer God the best I have, but knowing that most of what I have to offer is brokenness, weakness, and a realization that I have far to go.

I know that the time for actually putting flesh and blood on an altar has passed. Jesus, my blessed substitute, paid the ultimate price of His life and became THE sacrifice for my life. What could have been required of me He did. In the midst of this death, He gives me new life. The wonder of it all overwhelms me.

Still, the altar remains between me and God. The new instructions remain unchanged since Jesus left this earth – “Come with your living sacrifice.” No longer does God want a sacrifice of death, but rather a “living sacrifice” of my life. Really?

A living sacrifice. The mere thought of a sacrifice that lives on seems strange. How does this work? One explanation can be summed up this way…

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering.” (Romans 12:1, The Message)

My everyday, ordinary life. How unimpressive that is. How could this represent the best sacrifice for the God-King of all the universe? Then it hits me. I’m viewing this all wrong. I’m trying to offer what I want to be a finished product, imagining the offering itself becomes the end action. But that’s not it.

God’s present altar between me and Him represents something different from that of old. Before Jesus, God’s altar served as the temporary fix to keep the door open for relationship with God. But since Jesus, not only has the door been removed so that access remains always open, but the altar has transformed. Once a place for life to be drained away for another, God’s altar now becomes that place where temporary, weak life can be transformed into eternal, strong life. As such, the best I can now offer is in fact the fullness of my heart, both what I deem as good, AND especially that which I may want to hide of my weaknesses, failures and sin.

God smiles when I come to His altar bearing the reality of my present life in all its unimpressive glory. He awaits our coming, eagerly desiring to receive our living sacrifice so that He can unleash the transforming power of His grace. What I am when I come is not what I am when I leave. In the midst of my amazement, Jesus Himself awakens my heart with His joy that knows no end.

Don’t be afraid. Bring all that you own – your strengths AND weaknesses. God stands ready to embrace and change your life beyond anything that you can imagine.

Consuming Faithfulness

Mark Francis — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:14:38 +0000

It seems as late that every day arrests my heart in fresh ways over God’s faithfulness. More times than not, I’m left overwhelmed, stirred so deep in my heart that I have few words to say. I am growing to really love this experience with God, while at the same time wrestle with how challenging it is. Why my wrestling? The way He walks it with me defies most of my expectations. Maybe you experience the same.

I realize now that much of my understanding of His faithfulness is based on His answering the circumstances of my life, especially in my favor. Problems, trials, failures and the like became the scene of when I expect His faithfulness to manifest the greatest. I take Him at His promise that He will work it all out for my good and truthfully, He does. But He always takes me further. For in other times of my life, He simply stands by me, watching the circumstances envelop us like a dark and ominous cloud. I expect a reaction from Him like the one rising within me. However, there is none, except a gaze into my eyes from His own. Without words and any response to our circumstances, I hear His unspoken desire – “Hang on to Me.”

In these moments as His invitation fills my heart, I begin to notice something extraordinary. That which I thought was overwhelming of my situation now grows smaller and fades into the consuming light that emanates from the union we share. Suddenly, a truth dawns upon my heart. His faithfulness to remain with me IS the answer to my circumstances. Experiencing life as He designs is not dependent upon what I encounter, but flows from the union I accept of His offering. Whether situations are difficult or easy, overwhelming or manageable, He promises to be faithful to me and our relationship we share.

As I grow to better understand this promise, I am slowly grasping more of His heart for me in the midst of all I face. Whether He leads me to walk through my situations or chooses to remove them from my path, His faithfulness to hold onto me becomes everything.

The Rest We Need

Mark Francis — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:28:33 +0000

We’ve all been there. Day after day we awake with our constant companion. It sits on our chest when we lay down, suffocating our experience of peace and hope. In the day, it rides on our shoulder like a backpack full of rocks. The whispers of its voice become the constant hum in the background of our hearts. Every decision we encounter carries its flavor, as if everything has been contaminated. Our contemplations are fruitless in seeking relief, and to expect a casting off becomes more and more a distant song that plays only to tempt our downcast heart.

Weariness and heart burdens are plagues upon our active, and fast-paced society. Both are real and obviously effective, as some days seemed marked by each of them in more ways than others. Over time, we learn to cope with their presence, never really gaining relief, nor expecting a life beyond them. It is here that we embrace the lie – “just move on” everyone says…”it will get better”. But better never comes, at least like we hope for.

Certainly life brings times when we are weakened by the journey and troubled by the burdensome weight we carry, whether self-imposed or received from others. But in spite of this reality, there is another truth that is greater. I wonder if we’ve missed it because we expect to do something ourselves or change the circumstances to gain the rest we seek? What if the answer lies not in something we do, but in someone we lean on?

Digging his feet into the soil of the earth and facing the growing crowds of Palestine, Jesus stood contesting the ways of our realm with the supernatural power of His own. I imagine every face he saw told a story that only he could hear in the deepest sense. Some were filled with joy, and some shared the heart wrenching pain of burdens too great, and tiredness too chronic. Into this tide of discouragement, He spoke…

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NLT)

The answer for our weariness and burdens lies not in doing something different, creating a new environment or even in running away. No, true rest comes in the embrace of a person who cares, loves, and esteems your life. Like you, He too has been weary and burdened by weights. He knows the experience of it at every level of his being – body, soul and spirit. However, it was His own Father’s love that brought the confident rest He sought, and now He offers the same to us.

No experience of weariness or burdens will ever grow stronger than the overwhelming influence and power of Jesus’ presence. He IS life, and His life IS greater. Everything bows before Him, even weariness and burdens. The light He brings reveals that each are only meant to be short-lived, as true life comes with joy, love and peace.

The invitation circles the globe every second. Jesus stands before us, arms opened wide, ready to embrace our tired and troubled hearts. His rest comes not as a answer for our present questions, but as a new vision for our life. We were fashioned to live in and through His rest, even in the midst of difficult times.

“Come to Me,” He calls to our hearts. Will we respond?

Company in the Desert

Mark Francis — Fri, 28 May 2010 23:59:58 +0000

Unpredictable and mysterious, desert experiences come as differently as the seasonal winds shift the sand designs upon its floor. Questions abound more than answers, and even when we think we understand, the unfolding of time provides insights we could have never known. However, for most of them, these times in our lives transport us to similar surroundings – dusty, dry conditions that expose our superficial securities. They are not easy paths, and probably not meant to be. Yet, they can be incredibly life-altering where our hearts become sensitive to that around us which has seemed invisible.

When living in the midst of the desert, the aloneness can become overwhelming. Acutely aware of our circumstances, we search for companionship to share the experience as well as for promises to sustain us. While most of the time humanity remains at a distance, there is a discovery that awaits us.

The Old Testament King David shares an amazing promise for our journey during these times…

“Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts, whose name is the Lord and exult before Him.” Psalm 68:4, NASB (emphasis mine)

We are not alone in our “desert” times. The Lord Himself comes to the very place we find ourselves. Whether we’ve come because of our choice or not, He becomes our company and our promise. His presence sustains and nourishes our heart, gives direction to our wanderings, and serves as the final answer for drawing goodness from our experience. The desert times are mostly about deeper union with Him. Despite what we may see around us, He who shares our road as we pass through these times of parchedness makes all the difference.

Silent Presence

Mark Francis — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:49:42 +0000

In the face of trials and problems, the pressure to have answers for those we walk with is strong. We sit listening, feeling their pain, and search desperately for something to share that will bring relief. Sometimes, our focus turns to diagnosing the reason they are in this position as if this somehow helps. But most of the time, it doesn’t. Truthfully, we know we have nothing to offer in the way of a complete solution. Still, our hearts want to be useful, even in these challenging times.

Flipped around, we all have been on the other side, experiencing similar low points. Everywhere we look, the road seems blocked, or worse, nonexistent. We have no answers, and without thinking, we begin hoping to find them in others. Answers to our questions dominate our attention. However, deep down we discover there is another cry. We want to know others are with us, especially in these trying times. And maybe that’s all we need for the moment - just having someone willing to stand by our side.

Similarly, I wonder about the same in my relationship with God. Seasons arrive in my life where I am desperate for direction. I pray, declare, believe, and so one, only to hear next to nothing in return. Hours and days pass with little tangible insight. Yet, the comfort I receive surprises me as I begin to realize something else is happening. In those moments, God holds me, but offers few words. My heart settles down, and peace comes with unexpected hope.

Just as God offers His silent presence at times in difficult seasons, we too can offer the same to those important in our lives. Moments will come where answers are scarce. As they do, we must never forget that our staying by their side, even without answers, may be what they need to find their way.

Refreshing Streams in our Valleys

Mark Francis — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:47:27 +0000

We all have them. Times in our lives that are marked by difficulty, trial, testing, challenges, or whatever descriptive word you may use. Still, knowing that others encounter the same does little for our own hearts as we walk through them. We wake up surrounded by darkness, as if we are standing at the bottom of a deep valley with nothing but sheer rock walls on every side. At first glance, we feel small and insignificant compared to the enormous scene before us. Even the sun above remains hidden, covered by both the depth and hiddenness of our plight. And worse of all, our hearts grow weary, stabbed by the pain of abandonment. How can I get through this? Am I alone? What do I do?

God’s answer to our many questions surprises us. Amid the oppressive scene and our personal discouragement, He asks us to look again at our valley. But this time, He encourages us look for His Presence and provision. With a mystified gaze, we obey. Astonished and awakened with new hope, the scene transforms. We now stand in a flowing river of crystal clear water. Stooping down, we scoop the water into our mouth with both hands. Cool and refreshing, it tastes wonderful. Slowly, but surely, the ominous quality of the valley gives way to the power of the river as light begins to fill what once was the narrow and darkened space. Prompted by a silent, but loving call, we begin taking steps and follow the river’s flow. Trust builds in our hearts as we give ourselves to the one greater than our circumstances.

Like a river in the deepest valley, God’s promise of Presence and help becomes more apparent in our valley seasons. In the natural world, water flows the greatest in the deepest recesses of the land. And with God, He does the same. Our darkest, most overwhelming time cannot compare to God’s provision of refreshing life and direction. He created us with the capacity to receive Him and His heart. Doing so equips us with eternal hope and courage as we see what He sees. Valley seasons are truly special opportunities to become defined not by what we encounter, but by God’s promises for our journey through it.

If you’re standing in a deep valley today, look for God’s river of living water. He promises His best for times like these, desiring to make us stronger and more trusting of His true heart of faithfulness and kind love. When you find His water in your valley, drink long and deep. The effect on your heart and life will surprise you. Courage and hope will be restored as you experience His Presence in a fresh way.

Living in Wonder

Mark Francis — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:34:01 +0000

Our hearts were made for wonder. The vitality and freshness of life we experience has much to do with the wonder that captures us. And wonder dwells in the largeness of life relative to our own understanding. We like to think that increased knowledge brings expectant life. But in reality, when we are amazed beyond our knowing, our gaze is directed to author of all life.

What about the wonder that surrounds us? A day never passes without it. The question is do we see it? Do we stop long enough to be consumed by the wealth of wonder of our lives? Consider the following wonders…

The reddening streaks upon wispy clouds as the sun sets;

The perfect formation of a v-shaped flock of geese soaring high in the sky;

The contagious laughter of young children playing together;

The sound of our own breathing, methodical and life-giving;

The deep peace of stillness;

The way of a hummingbird alighting and drinking the nectar of its passion;

The vibrancy of infinite color that fills our world;

The gripping power of a great story;

The emergence of a new life being born;

The raw power of thunderous storms with pounding rain;

And the list goes on…

Hope and strength mingle with wonder to arrest our hearts for He who gave us life. Every thought of God’s heart exudes wonder, and the greatest wonder of all comes in His desire to share them with us. His knock comes faithfully each day upon our heart’s door waiting for our invitation. As we invite Him in, heaven’s atmosphere of wonder changes everything.

Hugs and Kisses

Mark Francis — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:56:39 +0000

Over the past few days, my 3-year old daughter has struggled with my leaving the house and being separated from her. Whether I’m going to work or running an errand, she genuinely becomes emotional at my absence. Paining my heart, my leaving has become harder and harder.

In response to these trying moments, I have sought to simply hold her tightly, kiss her on her cheek and tell her how much I love her. I let her know I will be back, and at times, this seems to help. At other times, I shut the door in my leaving to the heart-wrenching sounds of her crying for me.

In one sense, my heart is deeply touched over her affection and desire for my presence in her life. But in another, I am pained in knowing that my separation affects her in this manner. Yet, I have also realized that emotions aside, something more important is happening. Our exchange of hugs and kisses is growing abiding security reflecting the deepening union of our hearts as father and daughter.

God’s interaction with us is no different. Each day brings His own hugs and kisses, able to fill our hearts with surpassing joy, peace and encouragement. Beyond our successes or failures, He peers deep into the fabric of our hearts seeing the truth of our lives as He created them. And everyday His message to us remains unchangable – “I love you more than anything!”. So vast and powerful is His love that all the universe orients itself to welcome our drawing near.

The intensity of God’s response to our longing for Him surpasses that of my own towards my daughter. And yet, my own pained, but joyous heart gives a dim picture of what the Father in Heaven experiences with us. The worth of our lives moves Him with abiding love more than we can imagine. And like that of my daughter, our own hearts can be established with more security as we receive His daily hugs and kisses.