Biases and Jesus Yesterday I found myself in Philippians 4 for my Bible reading. Two small verses caught me. In verses 2 and 3, we find Paul pleading with two women in the fledgling church at Philippi, to “be of the same mind in the Lord.” These two women had “contended for the Gospel” alongside Paul – laboring and struggling to make the Good News known. They loved Jesus. And yet, now they found themselves in a place where they could not see eye to eye.  At odds.  In conflict. How easily we can find ourselves in a similar place. At least, I can. Especially when I have a strong opinion about something. Something I believe in, or believe is right. I can step into a conversation or decision-making process unaware of the bias quietly shaping my perspective. When that happens, I may push for my own agenda or become so attached to a certain outcome that I stop truly listening to others…and Jesus. This creates division between me and a brother or sister. I begin to dismiss their views, silently writing them off in my heart…discounting their perspective. Recently, I read a suggestion that challenged me: “Pray for indifference.” Not the apathy kind of indifference, but a posture of surrender—where I become indifferent to my own ego, position, comfort, or need to be right. Instead, my heart is fully set on what God wants. His will. His purposes. His agenda. A question that helps me is: “What must I surrender within myself for God’s will to be fully realized in and among us?” Paul urges the same mindset when he calls the two women in his letter to resolve their conflict—not by one overpowering the other, but by each choosing to think with the mind of Christ. To agree because they are both in the Lord. Agree. Hold my hands open. Loosen my grip on my agenda, and seek His instead. It’s about surrender—offering up my opinions and submitting my idea of what is “right” to the One who truly is. The only way I can do this is to stay close to Jesus. Stay so close to Him, so yielded to Him, that I have the same attitude Jesus did. “He humbled Himself. He did not demand and cling to His rights as God. He laid aside His mighty power and glory, He became a servant…” In Philippians 4:5, Paul urges the women to “let your graciousness be known to everyone.” Oh, that is what I want to be true of me! Not insisting on my way, but yielding, gentle, kind…gracious. My “graciousness evident to all.”  May it be true of all of us. Thank you, Amy!

This Cat’s Meow shelf-sitter, a gift from my very musical friend Kathy, stands on my desk, a testimony to God bringing together the plot and the theme of my life.

The Plot: the different chapters, the events, the story-line.
The Theme: the message communicated throughout the story-line.

“He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.”
Psalm 40:3

For many years this is one of the scriptures that has caught my attention. It is recorded in my purpose section of my journal. Each time I review it, it reminds me that God wrote, and is continuing to write, a song in my heart and that He’s going to use it to attract others to Himself.

Really? My song? Now that is a miracle!

I am NOT musical! I laugh even thinking that a scripture that speaks of a song, of music would capture my attention. Yes, God has a sense of humor.

But God indeed has personally encouraged me with the promise of Psalm 40:3.

When I think through the plot of my life, I see the theme of Psalm 40:3.

From the stumbling, bumbling early days of my toddler faith, to the insecure days of my teen-age faith, to the loooooong quarter century of comparison in ministry, to who I am becoming now, the theme is consistent.

God did do something in my heart. He gave me a new song, a song based on His character, not the plot lines of my life. He is developing His theme. Others are hearing the theme, the new song, and are attracted and invited.

The more clearly I see this theme in my various plot lines, the more humbled I am. Only in Jesus do our plot lines and our theme coalesce.

The plot is reality.
The plot has purpose.
The plot bows to the theme.

In the short 4 chapter Ruth narrative, Naomi didn’t begin to understand the theme of her story until the end of the second chapter. In her mind, the plot line was pretty negative: a heathen culture, being widowed, both her grown sons dying, Ruth’s insistence of returning with her to Bethlehem. Naomi re-named herself Mara “for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” Ruth 1:20. Although she acknowledged God, she didn’t see His theme at work.

“Blessed is the man who took notice of you.” Ruth 2:19. Now Naomi is beginning to get a glimpse of God’s theme in her life. As her story unfolds, God’s theme is revealed, to her and to us. She experiences the theme song God is writing through her story.

Recognizing the theme, is recognizing God’s love in action. It provides hope and confidence for the future. The plot will continue to unfold. Sometimes it will be a joyful plot; other times it might be a difficult plot. But the theme, the promises of God will remain constant.

Only in Jesus do our plot lines and our theme coalesce!

What is the theme God is writing in your life?

1) “I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2) He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3) He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.”
Psalm 40:1-3 (italics mine)

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, May 2025

 

 

TWO BIG MINISTRY TRUTHS …

“And he said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter see on the ground.
He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.‘”
Mark 4:26, 17 (italics & underline mine)

First:  You know, I have no idea how God plans to use one of the gals in my Bible Studies I facilitate in significant ways in His kingdom, for His glory.

Patricia was in the very first Bible study I led as a one year old college student believer. I’m awed by the ministry she and her husband have had over the years in the states and Eastern Europe. Patricia has been involved in the English language camps developing programs, writing Bible studies, and training the small group leaders to study the Bible for themselves while improving their English at the same time.

I think of Linda, a neighbor during our Illinois days. We met one day as I was praying  while pushing our son in his stroller. As I passed Linda’s home, I noticed her Swing-o-matic in her front window. We both had sons named David about the same age. We started reading the Bible together. Linda’s heart for God shines as she is involved with the women in her local Catholic church.

 

And then there is Paula. We landed in the same Bible study in our local church and she and I connected deeply. She calls me her mentor. In reality we mentored each other. Paula has had amazing influence in her family, her church, and through the ministry of TrueFace. She calls herself a visionary connector and she lives that out well! I’m honored to call her my friend.

This week, Bill and I had breakfast with Erin, a recent college grad. She shared some struggles and we were so encouraged by her vulnerability and her desire for spiritual growth. We’re excited for how God will use Erin. We know not how.

Because I have no idea how God will use my friendships for His kingdom and His glory, I’m very motivated to be generous with affirmations, to notice God’s work in the lives of others and to verbalize it to them.

“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
Psalm 138:8

Secondly:  It’s not about me and my friendships. It’s not about my ministry. It’s not about what I do. God is the one who is at work!

“I planted,
Apollos watered,
but God gave the growth.”
I Corinthians 3:6

God offers me the privilege of planting. God sometimes allows me to water. But God is the one who takes my planting and watering efforts and brings the growth. And God is able to do far more abundantly than all that I ask or think! Ephesians 3:20.

And this leads to a third truth: I may never know what God is up to in my friendships; and that’s okay. Jeremiah 29: 11 is still true, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Brandon said it well, “As the dance floor thrummed and the people mingled, I had a striking realization. This wedding, these people, would not be here if we had not followed the Lord’s leading to move to the Northeast.” Bill and I are very thankful for Brandon and Ashley and the amazing influence they have had among college students and others because they moved from Iowa to Connecticut.

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW!

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, May 2025

In His wisdom, God has created us with needs — needs, not weaknesses!
Love is the process of meeting needs.
Affirmation is love.

I desire to be generous and intentional with affirmation.

A while ago I attended a two-day conference where we were asked to do an affirmation exercise.  We were divided into groups of two and given of list of over 150 affirming words.***  We were asked to circle all the words that would affirm our partner and then choose five to verbally share with stories to back up our choices.

I learned three big lessons about affirmation that day.

Josey (not her real name) was my partner.  She and I had a fairly new friendship having met only three months previous.  There are many of those new friendship details that I didn’t know about her.  However, I found it easy to affirm her.  What a delight.  First affirmation lesson, I don’t need to know a person well to affirm them. 

Josey’s choice to attend the conference demonstrated her heart for God, the heart to grow as a Christian, and her desire to continue to build our friendship. These qualities allowed me to verbalize to her who God created her to be, affirmation. 

Later in the day on one of our breaks I was visiting with a young wife.  Her words were, “my husband is not good at affirming me”.  I felt sad that that was her experience.  And I also wondered if she was missing some of her husband’s affirming ways.

I have experienced words of affirmation voiced by my husband Bill. And often I experience his written words of affirmation.  I love the cards he chooses for me and personalizes. Often those cards stand on my dresser for months!  I wish I had saved those early letters he wrote when we were just beginning to know each other.  I need to be more of a romantic!

Second affirmation lesson, affirmation takes many different forms, like …

Serving another, they are seen and affirmed.
A hug can communicate affirmation. I remember one day … I.WAS.MAD! I was stomping around the kitchen. I looked at Bill and said, “Do you even believe I love Jesus?” He smiled and wrapped me in his arms and said, “Of course I do.” I melted with his physical affirmation and words.
Stories communicate affirmation. Especially those stories we are unaware of. Twice in the last 7 months, my husband heard stories from long-lost friends sharing how his ministry has resulted in the transformation of hundreds. He never knew!
Affirmation can be shared ahead of time — and understood later. Our son makes it a habit to write liturgies for the family on their special days. I’m quite sure 4-year old Leah didn’t understand her Dad’s words when he noted how her actions affirmed who God created her to be.
As I spend time with God in His word, I often hear His affirmations. I call this, affirmation by meditation.

A third lesson on affirmation is a hard one and also displayed itself during the weekend.  Another friend was sharing about her experience with the affirmation exercise over a meal. The affirming words had ignited her shame. She shared when her friend affirmed her artistic bent, she heard that as “I’m not organized”.  Every word used to affirm her, she had a “not” for.

I can be guilty of that as well.  Many times others have recognized my strength in hospitality.  Often I have put their down with this sentence, “No big deal, that’s easy for me”.  How dishonoring to God who created me to be hospitable and is delighted when I use my home to minister to others. Third affirmation lesson, even a positive thing like affirmation can ignite shame and feelings of unworthiness.

 I’m learning to not let the response of others affect my affirmations.

I enjoy affirmation. I need affirmation to help me live out who God created me to be. God is the ultimate affirmer and He often uses others to communicate His love. Because I desire to grow in godliness, I need to grow in affirming the good things I see in others, and to humbly receive the good others see in me.

Could it be that affirmations are God’s messages to me?
Could it be that affirmations are something I need to trust and develop?

I desire to be generous and intentional with affirmation!

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well”.
Psalm 139:14

“It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ,
and all for your upbuilding, beloved.”
II Corinthians 12:19

*** I have copies of this affirmation exercise. Would you like one? Respond in the comments.

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, May 2025

 

 

 

 

Choking on My Tears is the original name of the article I wrote for Praying Through Loneliness. 

Although a totally different application, these words spoke the truth my heart needed to hear. Thank you Janine. Your words continue to minister. Please read on. Are you identifying?

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18

I was brokenhearted and feeling very alone.

The speaker finished. The pews were emptying; the ladies smiling and chatting with each other as they walked from the sanctuary – except me. I sat glued to the pew, my head in my hands, my tears flowing.

Janine waited patiently. She didn’t ask. She didn’t hold my jacket and nudge me into leaving. She recognized God at work.

I felt so alone. Why were they so upbeat? Am I the only one using Kleenex after Kleenex? It seemed so.

But I wasn’t alone. Not only was the Lord close, my friend Janine was too.

Choking on my tears, I began to gulp out my story.

She listened quietly.
She didn’t ask questions.
She didn’t share a scripture.
She didn’t try and coax me out of my reality.
She allowed me to be me.
She responded, “Awareness is huge!”

Awareness is huge. How did that help?

I wiped my eyes once again as I pondered her words.  

And I heard from God. Janine’s words were the encouragement I needed; they offered hope.

Through the message from the speaker, I heard again of God’s great love for me. I also realized I had been trying to prove my worth to God by my doings. That night, I became aware. Awareness is huge. The message and Janine’s words set the stage for transformation.

I was brokenhearted in a good way. I’m so thankful I invited Janine to come with me.

I dried my tears, my loneliness dissipating. My next steps of spiritual growth were showing themselves. I was aware. Grace!

Lord, thank You that you use our friends to speak encouragement and truth. Thank You for the speaker that night. Thank You for Janine. Thank You for Your great love that opens the door for transformation. Thank You that You meet us in our aloneness.  Amen.

Sue Tell

Awareness is the first step towards transformation.

God uses His family to transform feelings of loneliness.

 

 

This is me and our pastor’s wife, Karen Hodge, a few years ago after enjoying coffee at the Glen Eyrie castle. They were new to our church and we were getting to know each other. In the process of Karen sharing her story, she called herself “a hinge”. As a door is connected to its frame by a hinge (or three); Karen’s heart is to be a hinge connecting others to opportunities that fit them. Note the hinge in the above photo.

I appreciated her analogy that day, but didn’t internalize it.

Sometimes you just need to hear something more than once for it to click.

Last month Bill and I were part of a retreat for the Navigator collegiate staff from our Central Plains region that includes campuses from Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

The Sunday morning speaker called our staff team on those campuses hinges. They were the key, the hinge to college students hearing about Jesus. This time I internalized it.

In this chapter of my journey, I don’t often connect with college students. But I do often connect with women who do connect with students. And I too am a hinge as I steward my calling.

I am a hinge for them connecting them to Jesus as affirm them in their calling.
I am a hinge for them connecting them to Jesus as I connect them to the Word.
I am a hinge for them connecting them to Jesus as I encourage them in their journeys.
I am a hinge for them connecting them to Jesus as I share pieces of my story.
I am a hinge for them connecting them to Jesus as I steward my calling.

I’m a hinge as I facilitate Bible studies for ladies in our church.
I’m a hinge on our cul-de-sac as I live and share the gospel with our neighbors.

Karen has been a hinge for me several times. I’m so thankful for the opportunities she has opened for me.

We are all hinges. As we all walk with Jesus, as we steward who God created us to be, we have opportunities to influence others for the sake of the kingdom, to be a hinge.

Perhaps it’s in our churches. Perhaps it’s in our neighborhoods. Maybe it’s in the workplace or at the gym or book club. Maybe it’s in our families with siblings or with grandchildren.

Another phrase my pastor’s wife uses is we’ve been entrusted to invest. God has placed us in relationships, opportunities to invest or be a hinge for that person. They NEED you!

“You then, my child, be strengthened
by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
and what you have heard from me …
entrust to faithful men
who will be able to teach others also.”
II Timothy 2:1 & 2

Timothy was Paul’s hinge!

Where are you living your hinge responsibilities?

 

Copyright:  Sue Tell, April 2025

 

“Do not lie to one another,
seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed in knowledge
after the image of its creator.”
Colossians 3:9 and 10

My resurrection journey has been a journey of ongoing transformation by continually putting on my new self. 

A friend once said to me, Sue, stop being so hard on yourself. One area I tended to be hard on myself was in my doubts. I too often identified with the father of the of the young boy with the unclean spirit in Mark 9. In his desperation the father pleads with Jesus to heal his son. You hear his heart in his words, if you can do anything … have compassion … help us. Mark 9:22.

The man’s belief and his doubt coexisted and collided. He was human. He was honest. I get that. I’m glad in his honest humility, belief won out. “I believe, help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24. Jesus healed his son.

Like the father in Mark 9, I have doubts.
Like the father, I’m growing in faith.
Both can coexist and collide

I am hard on myself when I let my feelings run wild, override truth, and corrupt my beliefs. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, “Most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself.”

The disciples struggled as well. When Jesus appeared to them after the resurrection, he said, “These are my words that I spoke to you … He opened their minds to understand the scriptures … Thus it is written …” Luke 24: 44, 45, 46 (Italics mine). Jesus was reminding the disciples to remember and to trust what they’ve seen and heard.

I believe in the resurrection. I always have. I love celebrating it every Easter. The resurrection is the key to the gospel! Without the resurrection, there is no life!

And like those first disciples, I need to continually remind myself of what Jesus has said, of the scriptures, of what was written. I need to remind myself of gospel truth.

Paul Tripp said it this way, “No-one is more influential in your life than you are, because no-one talks to you more than you do.”

In my humanity, I can often listen to my doubts instead of talking truth to myself. God reminds me of my need to listen to him, to listen to and trust truth. “It is impossible for God to lie,” Hebrews 6:18.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13

The scriptures are full of promises, of hope. God has offered us the privilege of trust.

I’m experiencing new peace, new joy, new hope, and a new steadfast anchor for my soul. I’m listening to and trusting the truth recorded for me, for us.

“The Resurrection is the victory of love.”
Pope Francis

One of my favorite Easter songs is Rise My Soul; The Lord is Risen. You might want to check it out.

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, April 2025

 

 

Similarities and differences.

“‘Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.'”
John 11:32 (italics mine)

Mary’s first words to Jesus are the same as her sisters Martha’s first words (verse 21), if only you had been here …

The tone behind their words elicited different responses.
Their hearts communicated.
And they received a response in line with their hearts.

With Martha, Jesus reminded her of truth. With Mary, Jesus wept.

Mary and Martha responded similarly when Jesus visited them previously as recorded in Luke 10:38-42. After welcoming Jesus into their home, Martha is distracted by preparations for the dinner. She is annoyed that Mary, who sits at Jesus’s feet to listen to him, isn’t helping with the meal. “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” Luke 10: 40, NLT.

In both narratives, Mary is at Jesus’s feet. “Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening …” Luke 10:39. John 11:32 records, “When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet …”

Mary honored who Jesus was. I imagine her sitting and listening grew her trust in Jesus. It set a precedent that helped her respond appropriately when Jesus visited on the occasion of Lazarus’s death.

With both sisters, Jesus met them where they were. Martha needed to be reminded of truth; Mary needed the softness and the kindness of Jesus.

How has Jesus met me where I am? How have I experienced resurrection?

At church that evening, Jesus knew I would respond to the message of the singers. I heard the gospel and responded, new life, resurrection.

A few years later, Jesus met me with the truth from the Word; Romans 15:5 & 6 set a new path for me, resurrection.

Several years later, Jesus met me in the hard of my reality. My path was a three year wait. It felt like a Friday, but resurrection was coming.

Jesus met me through my tears and the guidance of counselors helping me to understand my identity, resurrection.

Jesus continues to meet me as I practice being a “Mary” sitting and listening at his feet, resurrection.

What have your resurrections looked like?
How have you experienced Jesus meeting you?

May this Resurrection Sunday remind, encourage, and bless you.

He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, April 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha is very sick. Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Jesus were close friends. (This is the Mary who poured the very expensive perfume on Jesus’s feet as recorded in Matthew 26:7 and John 12:3, not the woman in Luke.)

So when Lazarus fell ill, it was natural for Mary and Martha to send for Jesus. “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” John 11:3. The NLT translates the relationship as your dear friend.

However, Jesus did not come right away. Odd! He loved Lazarus, and Mary and Martha. He had the ability to heal him. He healed many who he did not even know. In the very beginning of his ministry, Mark 1:32-34 records his healing of many who were sick. But Jesus did not immediately come.

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” John 11:5 and 6. Is that how you would have responded? Is that how love demonstrates itself?

But when word arrived that Jesus was on his way, impetuous Martha ran to meet him. This same Martha who previously when Jesus came to visit, ran to meet him and greeted him with, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” Luke 10:40.

This time she greets Jesus with, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21. An if only story line is a narrative of regret. It shifts the story from what is to what might have been.

Martha’s expectations didn’t line up with her reality. But she seems to back pedal with her next words. “But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” John 11:22. Please Jesus, heal our brother. I know you can!

Jesus assures her, “Your brother will rise again.” John 11:23.

But Martha’s understanding was limited. Even the Pharisees believe in resurrection.

I can often be a Martha. If only … 

If only I hadn’t chosen to accept that job …
If only I had invited her to come along …
If only I was chosen for …
If only we had gotten to the doctor sooner …
If only they knew what I had to offer …
If only I was more tech savvy …

A story line of regret. A story line of not trusting. A story line of questioning the sovereignty of God. My understanding can be so limited!

Twice in this narrative, at the beginning and at the end, Jesus declares Lazarus’s illness and death is to show the glory of God. John 11:4 and 40. Twice Jesus declares that Lazarus’s story is for the sake of the sake of others. John 11:15 and 42. Jesus’s heart if for me, for us, for our good.

There are no if only’s in God’s economy.

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
but to your name goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.”
Psalm 115:1, NLT

Last week, April 4, was Resurrection and the Disciples. If you missed it, scroll down.
Next week, April 17 is Resurrection and Mary. It’s interesting that Mary also uses the phrase, if only. But there is a difference.
April 24, Resurrection and Me.

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, April 2025

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.
Whoever believes in me, though he die,
yet shall he live,'”
John 11:25, ESV

John 11 records the narrative of Lazarus’s death anchored by Jesus’s words, I am the resurrection and the life. 

Verses 1-16 record the narrative of the disciples and their reaction to Lazarus’s death.

But before we’re aware that Jesus is with his disciples, Jesus makes this bold assertion to Mary and Martha, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God” John 11:4. As the story plays out, we see that not only did Mary and Martha experience the glory of God, so did the disciples.

I get Mary and Martha’s desire. They know Jesus can cure the illness. I often look at the hard swirling around, and I want Jesus to change it. I know he can. And Jesus’s plans are far better than my desire for short-sighted change because of his love. (More on that next week.)

The narrative switches to Jesus and his disciples. Jesus’s ways don’t make sense! He makes the decision to stay where he was with the disciples for two more days. I’m thinking Mary and Martha don’t understand. Where in the world is Jesus? Lazarus is his dear friend and is very ill. John 11:3. The disciples don’t understand. Jesus deciding to wait doesn’t make sense.

“Finally (after two days), he said to his disciples, ‘Let’s go back to Judea.'” John 11:7, (parentheses mine). This course of action definitely doesn’t make sense to the disciples. They reminded Jesus that only a few days ago the Jews there were trying to stone him! Why return to Judea? Why are we not heading to Bethany where Lazarus is lying in bed sick? I imagine questions such as these flying through their minds. The disciples were possibly not only concerned for Jesus, but also for themselves.

Jesus was concerned about the faith of his disciples. “and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you (disciples) may believe.” John 11:15.

I’ve spent many hours pondering Jesus’s claim.
Many days I’ve prayed, God, help me to live with the expectancy of resurrection power. Help me believe.

It was time to soak in the narrative recorded in John 11 and make it my own.

Jesus’s heart included more than his three good friends and the disciples. “... I said it out loud on account of the people standing around, that they may believe…” v.42.

As I read this narrative, I’m one of those standing around. I’ve heard the words of Jesus; I’ve seen the ways of Jesus, and I don’t get it.

But Jesus is more interested in my faith than in my understanding.

Jesus was willing to be misunderstood, to grow faith. Jesus orchestrated the details to lead to God’s glory. Jesus was living his identity.

It was the late ’90s. I was frustrated … well perhaps more than frustrated. Like the disciples, I didn’t understand God’s ways. I had a big desire to minister to women. And in my limited perspective I didn’t see that happening. So I gave up. Although not literal death, I decided to die to that dream. My wait was not two days. My wait was three years. Three years of wearing a mask and pretending, I was okay with life.

But God. God had planted that desire in my heart. I was misunderstanding his ways. After three years, I experienced the resurrection of that desire. For your sake, Sue, for your faith, I waited all the while working in the background to bring resurrection to your reality. 

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for:
it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”
Hebrews 11:1, NLT

The question became personal, Sue, have you experienced resurrection? Sue, is your faith limited to your experience? Sue, do you believe?

If my faith is limited to experience, I do not have faith. I do not know resurrection.

I identify with the disciples who walked with Jesus 2000 years ago. As a follower (a disciple) of Jesus now, I still struggle. And in the midst of the struggles, I’m learning to pray, God, what does it look like to trust your resurrection power today?

“Jesus told her, (Martha)
‘I am the resurrection and the life.'”
John 11:25, NLT (parentheses mine)

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, April 2025