Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Find Us Faithful


We are given many to help us along the journey of our life. For those of us who have chosen a Christian walk, we can count many mentors in Scripture from whom we garner counsel. 
As I look to the Old Testament and the life and times of Abraham, I find encouragement. I decided to write him a letter. 
Dear Abe,
It is the year, 20012 A.D...many millenniums past the days you were here on earth and leading your life with faithfulness and trust in God. So much has happened and among the best of things is that we now have God’s Word written down. You are right in that book and I have come to know and admire you. I decided to write you a letter and tell you why.
Well, maybe I should explain the new name I’ve given to you. One custom in our day is that folks who are good friends often give each other what is called “nicknames”. Since you are acquainted with having your name changed, I did not think you would mind my boldness in giving you this one. I think we are kindred souls. That  might just help you smile as you wander up there in the heavens enjoying your eternal reward and understanding more fully all of the trials you faced here on earth.
 One of the things I admire about you, Abe, is that you were called a friend of God. God Himself told you that!  He spoke to you and you listened. Those of us who follow Him all these years later are also called his friends. But I think you were the first to hear Him say such a wonderful thing as He called you into a personal relationship.
I am so grateful that He blessed you and called you righteous just because you believed in Him. You trusted Him, learned to hear His voice, and were willing to follow His guidance as best you could. I also love that you did not always get it right. I don’t either. But you persevered and walked into many foreign lands not knowing what awaited  you and your family but just because God said to go.  He knew His plan. He trusted you. I, too, have wandered through  many mysterious times. I, too, have learned that God’s grace is there to sustain and, eventually, He can bring good out of whatever happens. 
I can view your life looking back upon it. You had to live your life moving forwards and, as you know,  it is not so clear to see the outcome. I know that you sacrificed your son, Ishmael, by sending him away. God brought good out of that and a new nation. I know that you were willing to sacrifice the son of your heart, Isaac,  but God intervened and honored your obedience and spared Isaac. All those descendants He promised you.....the ones that would number more than the stars He showed you in the sky...well, we are here and we grow day by day. I am one of your spiritual descendants. No wonder I can call you, Abe.
Many, many years after you lived, God Himself sacrificed His only  Son...only this was a completed sacrifice and we, His followers, are  now called righteous because of that sacrifice.That does not make my journey any easier than yours, but both of us have the experience of God’s Presence helping us to listen and learn. You have been a good mentor. 
 Thank you for helping me remember the value of believing in God’s promises, of trusting Him, of waiting even when my eyes cannot see and my heart aches for what seems impossible.
Well, Abe, I can be a gabby one when writing to a friend. It is best I get this flung up to the stars so you can read it. But I want to end with a little piece of  writing done by another one of God’s friends. I think that he must have also been a kindred soul of yours. He expresses so well more of what I have learned by reading about you. Here is what he said:
“It is your future,
Don’t back into it.
Don’t grope into its mists blindfolded.
Put the hand of your faith into the Hand of God.
Get used to His voice.
He warns you of dangers and strangers.
He leads you to experience His prepared future.
He does not disappoint.
There is always more for those who walk with Him.
He straightens question marks into exclamation points.”*
Okay, Abe, watch those stars. Here  comes a letter from one of your fans!
*To the best of my remembrance, this quote that is on a scrap of paper from a church bulletin I cut out 25+ years ago, was written by Chuck Swindoll.


music/lyrics: Jon Mohr, recorded by: Steve Green


Watercolor sketch by Dave Peterson, friend of Lynn's. Thank you, Dave!

34 comments:

  1. This is beautiful, Lynn. I hope you'll share more letters with us. Maybe Abe is reading this one over our shoulders and smiling. :-)

    Love you!

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    1. Lisa - I found YOU and where the comments are.
      Wow - thank you for that help and your kind comment.
      Love back -
      Lynn

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  2. LYNN! This is AWESOME! So glad you started a blog! YAY! Can't wait to see more!

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  3. Thanks, Mare - I think it is going to be fun, like openng a present on Christmas. Even I don't know what may be popping up! Stay tuned.

    Oh, I did not meant that as a pun - "staying tuned as we sing" - LOL

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  4. What a beautiful perspective on father Abraham! Thank you, Lynn. Looking forward to reading more—I'm signing up!

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  5. Nancy, I am elated to see you here and read your words of encouragement.
    Welcome aboard this new venture - new to me!
    I hope you were able to sign up easily.

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  6. Wow, Lynn. I agree with all that's been said so far. Looking forward to reading more about what you have to offer. May your gift shine!

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  7. Thanks, Jan! I am happy you stopped by and left your kind thoughts.
    I guess I'd best gather some more words to post! HMmmm --- what's next?
    Hugs to you!

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  8. So glad you're "here"...welcome to the blogosphere!!!

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  9. So glad you stopped by, Sis!
    Thanks for the helping hands as I get used to being "here"!
    Love you -

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  10. Hi Lynn, this is such a great idea, one that I have often thought of doing as well, if I ever found the time. Thank you for putting this together I love the title too as I think of our Nation this week in prayer. Love Cindy! Talk soon!

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    1. Thank you, Cindy - found this comment late so am just now responding. I appreciated that you stopped by to read my first blog entry. I am enjoying this when I get an idea to post!

      Love, Lynn

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  11. Lets see if this works Lynn, been trying to post about your wonderful blog and have not been able to with my google acct. This is such a lovely dedication to Father Abraham and I can tell your future writings will be such a blessing to so many. God Blessed you with a wonderful gift. I am so happy to know you and be part of this. I look forward to more.

    Kristin

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    1. Kris - hope you return to know that your posting got through!
      Thanks for your efforts to get through the maze to put on your kind remarks.
      You are a special friend and defiitely a part of my journey.
      Bless you!
      Lynn

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  12. This is wonderful that you have a blog Lynn! What a very beautiful letter. Thank you for sharing with us. I look forward to reading a lot more from your blog!
    God Bless!

    Margie Scott

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    1. Hi Margie - I think my eyes passed over this a bit ago when I was on site.
      Yes, I took the plunge and here I am.
      Stay with me - we are going "somewhere" and we will be singing as we go!
      Bless you, too!
      Lynn

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  14. As always, I look forward to following your writings via this blog. Thanks for sharing with us your inspiring writings. God is truly working in your life.

    Blessings of Peace and HOPE,
    Belle

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    1. Belle - so glad you came to visit! God is at work and I am not always sure what He is doing but I know it is putting me on an adventure!
      Thanks for your encouaragement and walking the road with me!
      Hugs to you -
      Lynn

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  15. Lynn-this is wonderful! Your blog made me feel like I am in our Bible study again. I can't wait to read some more of your blogs. Thank you for sharing your gift.

    love,
    violeta

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    1. Violeta - I am getting the hang of responding to these comments. I deleted a few as I had made them as comments on the blog rather than a reply to individuals. Now I have them under the person who responded!

      Yes - this was a writing I did when we did "Seniors in Scripture". It took me back also to those fine times. I am so glad you are here and following me along this new trail!
      Love,
      Lynn

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  17. WOW, Lynn what a blessing this is! You have a true gift of inspiring us to see God and the life lessons of the Word with your insights. . .like a bright shining star shedding light to the world! I love the letter format set in today's time bridging the gap because really God doesn't live in time and we can step out of our little boxes and see a much bigger and richer picture! The poem, music and art add a beautiful exclamation point to your message, HIS message! Thank you for sharing and I will look forward to what is to come ~ You are truly blessed to be a blessing my dear cousin! Love YOU!

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    1. Sweet Cousin - how nice to see your fingertip-typed words of care here. You set me to singing with the joy you express. I am glad you stopped by and look forward to talking with you soon. Blessings back to you - love, too! Lynn xo

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  18. This is great Lynn. I will try to figure out how to sign up. HUGS

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  19. Woo hoo I'm in. This is wonderful Lynn. I know you will make it well worth the time. : )

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  20. I read them all, Lynn... Wonderful! I will look forward to receiving more in my subscription!

    GBU,
    Sylvia

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  21. Hi, Sylvia!
    How nice it is to read your comments. I look forward to writing "more" so you can receive more!
    Bless you back -
    Lynn

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  23. I am enjoying your blog, Lynn, and will be returning frequently. God bless you!

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    1. Thanks, Carol - so glad you enjoyed being here!
      I look forward to your returning.
      God bless you, too!
      Love,
      Lynn

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  24. Hi Lynn. I signed up to receive e-mail reminders
    when you put something new on your beautiful blog. It went through with no problems at all. Your writings are so inspirational. HUGS ~ Nancy D.

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    1. Thank you, Nancy! I am glad you signed up. I am never sure when I will do any postings. I have to wait for the inspiration to "hit"! But I am very happy when it does.
      Love ya'

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