shadow

I See the Moon

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” 
Matthew 9:26

 “I see the moon, and the moon sees me. God bless the moon, and God bless me.”

The moon fills me with awe and wonder. I’ve looked upon it, walked by the light of it, and fallen in love under it. As a child, it would’ve been easier for me to believe in the man in the moon, than a man on the moon. As of today, twelve men have left footprints on its powdery surface and have planted six American flags in its lunar soil.

In 1972, Astronaut Gene Cernan of Apollo 17 was the last man to walk on the moon. Before climbing the lunar ladder for the final time, he etched his daughter’s initials in moon dust. Because the moon has no atmosphere those initials will remain until the moon is no more. Unbelievable, but true.

As residents of Cape Canaveral in the early 70’s, my husband and I witnessed several Apollo launches—all remarkable and memorable experiences—ones that centuries before would have been considered impossibilities. Even then, there were naysayers. Some stated that the live television feeds of the lunar missions were simulated and the moon landings were hoaxes. Though their eyes saw, they didn’t believe.

The disciples walked with Jesus for three years. They witnessed many miracles, yet their doubts still surfaced. Jesus addressed their confusion. “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it” (Matthew 19:26 MSG).

Do you face a seemingly impossible situation? Is it hard for you to believe your hopes and dreams will materialize? Do voices of naysayers ring in your ears? Trust God. What we think is impossible is no challenge to the God of impossibilities.

Next time doubts arise, look at the moon. The footprints, the flags, and the initials are still there.

Do you see them?

Didn’t think so.

But I bet you believe.

Starr Ayers

The King and I

“Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” 
Esther 4:14, NIV

Queen Esther and her elder cousin Mordecai could have despaired when Xerxes, King of Persia, issued the decree to annihilate the Jews. Instead they recognized that God had placed them in their positions for a purpose and sought his direction.

Esther considered the lives of her kinsmen more important than her own and appeared before the king without a summons. Because she stepped out boldly in the face of uncertainty, God gave her favor in the eyes of the king. Xerxes extended his golden scepter for her to approach his throne and granted her request—one that resulted in the salvation of God’s people.

What has God asked you to do? Do you hesitate because of an uncertain outcome? God’s favor was yours at his call. The outcome is his. Seek his direction and step out boldly. Know your King has called you for such a time as this and experience his favor. It’s always worth the risk. Trust him.

Blessings,

Starr

A Matter of Perspective

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” 
Romans 8:18 NIV
Made with Repix (http://repix.it)

Getting from Point A to Point B is seldom by way of a straight path. Life throws in a few curves to keep things interesting, then the unexpected happens. Our choices of whether to respond or react are where the rubber meets the road. We can choose to lean in or freak out. Skirt by or sideswipe. Hold it in the road or hit the wall. Our attitudes will make or break us. Check your Tude-o-Meter by considering the following list. Will the gage read half-full or half-empty?

problem or opportunity
necessary or unnecessary
limited or unlimited
qualified or unqualified
sense or nonsense
valuable or worthless
secure or insecure
obstacle or challenge
possible or impossible
satisfactory or unsatisfactory
bitter or better
freedom or captivity
privilege or entitlement
serious or trivial
simple or complicated
rich or poor
capable or incapable
competition or personal best

As you walk through your day, view potential stumbling blocks as stepping stones to elevate your thinking.

Go ahead. Step up. Take your time. I’ll wait…

There now. Better?

Look around you. How’s the view? Do you see a hopeless end or an endless hope?

It’s all a matter of perspective.

 

Blessings,

Starr