Making the most of a mundane task of washing dishes, I listened to “The Grit Factor” podcast by Lisa Bereve. I replayed the video multiple times as I towel dried my hands to scribble down this nugget of truth: “God is kind but He is not soft. In kindness, He takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life change.” –Lisa Bevere
I pondered her words in my mind, swirling the truth the way I savor my last sip of coffee. The message of God’s kindness, firm hand, a radical life, and His leading all resonate with my current circumstances.
I need God’s secure and steady arm to cling to in moments of physical weakness. I need His firm hand to lift my chin and infuse encouragement into my heart and mind with each cycle of pain and despair. I need His everlasting arms to wrap around our family as we continue navigate the uncharted waters of this intruder called chronic illness, the financial strain of me not working, the hormones and drama with two kids in middle school, and the additional burden placed on my husband.
Ponderize = [Ponder + Memorize]
Ponderize is a word I learned from my west coast friend Mary Black, co-founder of Parsnips and Paisley dot com. She credits the word ponderize from Devin Durant who explains to ponderize is to ponder on and memorize Biblical scriptures.
During the past several weeks, I have ponderized the firm grip of God’s leading hand and my desperate need to hold on tight.
If you need a new grip of faith, I implore you to ponderize these verses:
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24, NIV)
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. (Hebrews 12:12, NLT)
Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.’ (Isaiah 41:13, Message)
Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. (Hebrews 10:23, Message)
Your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:10, NIV)
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. (Psalm 73:23, NIV)
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. (Hebrews 4:14, NIV)
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Hebrews 6:19, NIV) * My verse for 2015
But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory. (Hebrews 3:6, NIV)
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9, NIV)
If you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. (Colossians 1:23, NIV)
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave m
e a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2, NIV)
Today’s Red Chair Moments is on location at Duke Medical Center. Please join me in praying for clarity, direction, insight, and possibly new treatment options. My tired hands are taking a new grip in faith. I know God’s firm hand will steady me and it is well with my soul.
~April Dawn White
*All Scripture is NIV or The Message from Bible Gateway. *Images courtesy of Pixabay.
© 2016 April Dawn White, All rights reserved
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