The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Held Up to the Light" for Thursday, 10 November 2016 with Scripture: Ephesians 5:6-14

The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Held Up to the Light" for Thursday, 10 November 2016 with Scripture: Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty talk; for it is because of these things that God’s judgment is coming on those who disobey him. 7 So don’t become partners with them!
8 For you used to be darkness; but now, united with the Lord, you are light. Live like children of light, 9 for the fruit of the light is in every kind of goodness, rightness and truth — 10 try to determine what will please the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the deeds produced by darkness, but instead expose them, 12 for it is shameful even to speak of the things these people do in secret. 13 But everything exposed to the light is revealed clearly for what it is, 14 since anything revealed is a light. This is why it says,
“Get up, sleeper! Arise from the dead,
and the Messiah will shine on you!”
-------
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new![2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV)]
Recently I came across a pile of vintage tablecloths that I had collected over the past several years. A cherry-print tablecloth caught my eye. As I unfolded it and ran my hands across the fabric, I felt a rough patch. I walked over to the window, holding it up to the light.
Oh! Look at those small holes! What had been hidden when the cloth was folded among the others was totally exposed when held up to the light. When I examined each cloth individually, I found tiny holes, water stains, and fabric frays. Like the tablecloths, I look pretty good when I am in a crowd. I blend in, and my imperfections are hidden fairly well. My sharp tongue and critical spirit don’t stand out. When I compare myself to others, I seem okay. But on my own, I realize I am far from perfect.
I am comforted by the promise in the verse quoted above. The light of Christ makes all things new. What a good and gracious God we have who re-creates our lives! I continued to examine the tablecloths, no longer disappointed. Some were still table-worthy; the stains on others would wash away; and others could be cut and reshaped, made over for another use. In the same way, Jesus offers us new life and a new purpose.
Read more from the author, here."More from Connie Gochenaur"

Hey, friends, thanks for joining me today. I’ve been thinking about what I’d like to share with the few words I have in this space. I recently attended a Christian Writers Conference where I heard over and over again, "Stick to what you know." That really narrows the field. I decided to give you a peek at the journey I’ve been on for the past couple of years and how God has worked in my heart through those circumstances.
Three years ago, one of my daughters walked away from the Lord. There is a lot of backstory to that decision, and in retrospect I can see warning signs. However, on the day she said, "I just don't believe it anymore," I was blindsided. Not only was I shocked, but I was hurt, ashamed, and I felt rejected. How could God let this happen?
We had done many things intentionally as Christian parents in the rearing of our children. I could list all the Sunday Schools, Children's Churches, Vacation Bible Schools, and Christian camps our kids attended. I “policed” the television they watched. We knew their friends. We talked about God and the importance of obedience to the Bible all throughout their childhood. I thought we had done it right. I was mad at my daughter, and I was mad at God.
One day, when this news was still very fresh, I was crying out to God. Besides anger and hurt, I also felt worry, fear, and anxiety. As I lamented that morning, I said something like, “I know this is her test.” And in that very moment, I heard God speak to me. He didn’t speak audibly, but still I heard God's voice louder than I’d ever heard it before: “Connie, this is your test too. Who are you going to be in this trial? Are you going to trust me?”
Who was I going to be? Was I going to be a whining, complaining mother who wrings her hands and cries? Or was I going to believe God? Was I going to worry and fret and be overcome with anxiety? Or was I going to trust God and praise him for what he was doing in her life and mine?
My perspective shifted the moment God whispered in my ear, and after the initial jolt of that question, I answered, “Yes, Lord, I will trust you.”
Since I surrendered to the Lord, he has taught me lessons about arrogance and humility. I’ve come to realize there is no perfect recipe for raising children. I’ve learned to pray boldly. I praise God for what he is doing in my daughter's life because I know he is working it out for good. I thank God for the testimony she will one day have.
“Stick to what you know.” What I know is this: As I praise God, he gives me hope and peace. Praying this way has changed my focus and strengthened my faith. My eyes are on the Lord. That is the woman I want to be.
Are you worried about someone in your life? Won’t you join me today and trust God with your loved one?[Connie Gochenaur, Read of Connie's writing on her blog: https://mydayswelllived.com.]
The Author: Connie Gochenaur (Indiana, USA)
Thought for the Day: No matter my sins, God can restore me.
Prayer: Light of the World, reveal our sins, and make us into your new creations. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE WHO KNOW THEIR HIDDEN SINS

-------