Comments on: Stories From 70 Weeks of Prayer – Under Construction

By: Jody

Jody — Mon, 08 May 2023 04:03:35 +0000

Darla, what a picture you paint with these words! As I read your description of all of the trying in all of these areas, I can relate to so much of it. I’m so glad it doesn’t depend on me, in the end. (Though I do still get caught up in the idea that I can do everything right or fix everything if I just try hard enough–why is it so easy for me to forget God is really in charge of all of the remodeling and He is the only All-righteous and All-powerful One?)

This bit of Psalm 127 is a good reminder that popped into my thoughts as I read your vivid description of the struggle.

“Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”

Oh! And this from Matthew 7:24-25 – “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

It’s good to remember whatever efforts we might make, it all depends on that solid foundation of Christ. And the Lord is the one building the house (and remodeling it, too!). What amazing grace that He is the Someone who, to borrow your words, Darla, “comes in and sets the structure upright.”

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, my friend.

By: Jody Evans

Jody Evans — Sat, 06 May 2023 10:28:58 +0000

In reply to Carol Ruth Loewen. Yes, Carol. I love how you phrased that. His desire is for our holiness. That can be a hard thing to grasp when the desire for immediate comfort is so strong. A challenge indeed!

By: Carol Ruth Loewen

Carol Ruth Loewen — Sat, 06 May 2023 04:47:54 +0000

Thank you, Jodi. What a challenge to trust when we turn something over to God, and it doesn’t get fixed as we expected. And yet he is still working out his purpose in us, and our sanctification. His desire is for our holiness. Bless you.

By: Darla J Brown

Darla J Brown — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:27:57 +0000

Wow my remodeling has been going on for years I suppose. Each new illness adds to the pile as does each failed attempt at physical or spiritual fitness. The gym is closed right now very much under construction. The physical fitness did not work in a year of 3 times a week workouts of almost 3 hours each…1 hour water exercise…45 minutes strength training and the rest of the time cardio..I have not only gained more weight then when I started but now have uglier looking legs and middle. People say you build muscle which weighs more then fat and first you have to flab up to tone up..well it’s been a year..I am thoroughly discouraged and still fat. The only thing that did work in the year is my arthritis felt better so I guess that’s something. As far as spiritual construction well that happens on a daily for me. You see I was saved when I was a teen in junior high so it was new and fun and cool we were pioneers not only in our spiritual lives but in our lives in general. We were driving for the first time..dating..sex..you get the drift..and add in being a Christian to that mix well let me tell you I learned alot…failed alot..rebuilt alot and set my foundation for the next chapters of my life. I made mistakes lots of them learned about forgiveness and forgetting….again rebuilt..I made more mistakes and tried like the Dickenson to keep my faith in the hard hard hard times. Now in this twilight chapter of my life..or as I call it ..the God nearing days..I am a little afraid of my choices I made were they right were they wrong will I be able to stand before God and be judged at least a little righteous..I mean I am not expecting perfection because I did not make that..not sure middle of the road either…heck not sure on side or the other..I am just not sure..I mean I know I tried but did I try hard enough did I do the right steps the right work was I a good friend wife mother sister( well that one I failed I know but it wasn’t my fault)..did I at least try to be that faithful friend..I know I was a faithful wife I have never cheated or thought about cheating..have I been the best mother I can be..my kids are fine I guess none of them go to church but not from lack of trying on my part I took them but when they were old enough to make their own choices I had to stop begging and resign myself that they had their choices and I had mine but I still pray for them continuously and faithfully that they will change their minds..was I a good grandmother..goodness knows I am trying unfortunately for them they get the older, sore, more needing of naps, version of me, but I try I do I show them the things they need to know I teach them what I can and I am here always for them trying desperately to be non-judgemental and impartial when they talk..more construction needed here…I try to help them with their crazy schemes and ideas..follow where they want to wander become tourguide when I can..but I still am not sure I am doing enough or have done enough..not sure my walls are standing straight and steady not sure I haven’t already pulled the wrong support beam so everything’s sagging. I guess I will only be sure I built a strong house when I see God and he tells me good job carpenter job well done…or so sorry boss but you failed your forman duties big time..or middle line hey you left alot of cracks in your foundation but you left enough for someone to come in an set the structure upright you tried you really did so pat on the back go sit on a cloud.

By: Jody

Jody — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 21:07:10 +0000

In reply to Sheri. I'm so glad it encourages you, Sheri! The dust will settle someday and the remodel will surely be beautiful in the end : )

By: Sheri

Sheri — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:02:06 +0000

Thank you for this image of home improvement. It gives me great encouragement in the season I am in.