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What Are You Looking Forward to This Christmas?

December 10, 2019 by Tracey 4 Comments

We’re just about to mid-December, and it’s an exciting time of year!

There are lots of words we could use to describe these weeks leading up to Christmas.

Frantic. Joyful. Crazy. Cheerful. Busy. Sparkly. Commercialized.

We can all likely relate to most of those. But the word I’ve been focusing on during this season is anticipation.

It’s that feeling you had as a child in the days leading up to Christmas. There was total excitement about what was coming on December 25th. You were filled with hope that one particular box under the tree held exactly what you’d asked for.

Perhaps we still experience some of that Christmas anticipation today. Let’s face it, though – it’s more likely to be the excitement we hope to see on our children’s faces when they open that special gift than it is about what we ourselves are receiving.

But as we move beyond the giving and receiving of gifts, I hope we take a few minutes to really anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Anticipation is the act of looking forward. It’s expecting something good to happen. It includes an eagerness and an expectancy about what’s going to take place.

It reminds me of what can happen when we as women are in a serious dating relationship. At some point, you begin to anticipate that this special guy is going to ask you to marry him. You don’t know exactly when or where or how, but you know you’ve reached that point in the relationship.

This example reminds us that anticipation also involves an element of preparation. Because you believe something is going to happen, you do something to get ready. In this case, maybe you dress up and do your hair every time you get together. After all, you want to look nice since you never know when he might pop the question – and there are likely to be pictures involved!!

I think about the Jewish people who for so many years looked forward to the birth of the Messiah. They believed God’s promise to them and spent a long time anticipating His arrival.

One of those people we know about specifically is Simeon. We read about him in Luke 2:25-32.

“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”

What an exciting day for Simeon when what he had been anticipating came to pass! Not only did God fulfill all those Old Testament prophecies for the entire nation of Israel, but He kept His promise to this one individual.

We have a lot to anticipate in these next couple of weeks. Enjoy the Christmas parties, the gifts, the family gatherings, and some yummy foods.

But let’s make time to anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Let’s do some preparing of our hearts spiritually.

Maybe that looks like doing an Advent reading or devotional every day. (I use Ann Voskamp’s The Greatest Gift.) It could just mean dedicating a few minutes each day to getting still and being quiet long enough to ponder what Christ’s coming really meant for our world and for you as an individual.

Look forward. Be ready. For unto us a Savior is born.

P.S. After writing this post, I looked up previous Christmas posts I’d written to link up below. And do you know what I posted about around this time last year? The word anticipation. Guess I still need to work on my Christmas focus!

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small percentage from any sales. This does not affect your price in any way. Thank you for supporting Girls to Grow through your purchases!

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He’s the Lord of Our Ruined and Empty Places

November 26, 2019 by Tracey 7 Comments

Way back in January, I decided to choose an audio program to help me listen to the whole Bible in a year. I chose the Bible in One Year 2019 plan in the YouVersion app on my phone. It includes a portion from Psalms or Proverbs, then a New Testament and Old Testament passage each day. I usually listen while I’m getting ready in the morning – putting on makeup, doing my hair, etc.

I’ve been in Ezekiel lately, and I’ll be honest, there are days it’s hard to focus. But one morning last week, I heard the following verse, and it caught my attention.

“Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.” ~Ezekiel 36:36

The Israelites had been through some tough times. They mostly brought these difficulties on themselves because they followed false gods and refused to obey God’s commands. Yet in this passage, God promises to restore what has been lost.

While we live in a totally different culture than those Israelites, we, too, face troubling things – some of our own making, others not. So today, do you have any ruined places in your life? Are there parts of your life that feel desolate?

Maybe it’s a dream you’ve held on to for a long time that’s finally collapsed. Perhaps you’ve been hurt emotionally and are having a hard time recovering. It could be that some area of your life has been devastated and you don’t think it will ever be repaired. When you look around, there’s only a pile of rubble left.

What about desolate ground? Are there relationships that used to be sweet that aren’t anymore? Maybe a place where you used to be flourishing is now empty and barren. As you look ahead to 2020, your outlook is dreary and bleak. For some reason, you could feel isolated and abandoned.

If any of those thoughts resonate with you, do you know what we can find in this verse that Ezekiel penned?

Hope.

God is the builder of ruined places. If it were left up to us, we’d only flounder around and make a bigger mess of things. But our all-wise God says that He will build the ruined places. And we know we can trust Him to do it well.

“Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” ~Psalm 3:2-3

Then I love the thought of God planting in ground that was seen as desolate. He can take what is abandoned and barren, and cause new life to grow. Will it be exactly what was growing there before? Maybe, maybe not. It could be even better. It could be that what was there before was not best for us. The old growth needed to be uprooted so that a new thing could grow.

“The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” ~Lamentations 3:24

What God chooses to do is always as a testimony for His honor and glory. He rebuilt and replanted for the Israelites so that the heathen around them would know that He had done it.

If you’ve lost hope today, take heart. The God we serve can rebuild from the ruins, and make something that’s even more glorious. He can cause beautiful things to regrow from ground we thought could never be used again.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” ~Romans 15:13

10 Things to Be Grateful for This Thanksgiving

November 21, 2019 by Tracey 4 Comments

It’s just one week away. I’m so looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday when the four of us will be gathered around our dining room table for the first time in three months. There will be plenty of food on that table, but the best part of the day will be the people around it.

I’m sure we can all find plenty to be thankful for, not just during this Thanksgiving season, but all year round. Our life circumstances may look quite different from one another, but certainly, we are all blessed in many ways.

I decided to list out some of the things I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving. These are likely on your list as well! Just for fun, they all start with the letter P.

1. People.

There’s the obvious, our family and close friends. But go beyond that. Remember that teacher who impacted you as a child, the high school coach who poured into you, the friend now moved away who helped you through the first days of new motherhood.

So many people touch our lives over the years. Be grateful for them. And maybe find a way to let them know about it.

2. Providence.

Thank God for His hand in your life. We’d likely be amazed if we knew how many circumstances He arranges, the people He puts into our lives for a specific purpose, and how He uses events to prepare us for bigger things in the future.

3. Promises.

How wonderful and reassuring are the promises of God! The one who never changes says He will never leave nor forsake us. He will meet our needs, give us wisdom, and is even now preparing a place for us in Heaven.

4. Purpose.

We all have a purpose. Maybe, like me at times, you lose sight of that. Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.“

Let’s be thankful that God has a work laid out for each of us to do. May we find and do His calling.

5. Peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that when we bring our concerns to God in prayer, He will give us peace. Recently I prayed several times for peace about a specific situation, and after a few days, I realized that I have it! Not much has changed, but I’m no longer worried about it.

That was a great reminder to me that peace is an immeasurable gift. We can’t earn or buy it, but as children of God, He gives it freely.

6. Pardon.

If we’ve accepted Jesus as our Savior, our sins have been pardoned, forgiven. Salvation through Jesus Christ provides us a home in heaven, a place where we will live with God for all eternity. This is the greatest gift for which we can give thanks.

7. Prayer.

It’s how we talk to God. I’m sure I underutilize this honor we have to approach God and communicate with Him. Let’s be thankful that we don’t have a God who is far off. Rather, we can approach Him with our fears, worries, and needs at any time, and He will hear us.

8. Provision.

God provides for each one of us. Likely none of our lives look exactly the same, but He meets our needs. Matthew 6:31-32 says, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.“

9. Present.

Nope, not as in a gift – Christmas is still a month away! Present as in today, right now, this very minute.

Be thankful for where you are, not just thankful for what happened in the past or looking toward when you can be thankful in the future. Give thanks for where you are right now. And be present in the present, with the people around you today.

10. Pumpkin pie.

Or pecan or sweet potato or apple! It does start with a p, so I couldn’t resist! But seriously, most of us in America will be surrounded with a bounty of food on Thanksgiving Day. Between the turkey, dressing, and mashed potatoes, let’s be thankful for food that not only sustains us, but that we enjoy eating.

Please let me know something you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving. (And bonus points if it starts with a P – ha!)

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2019 Christmas Gift Guide for Teen Girls

November 15, 2019 by Tracey 3 Comments

I have a countdown app on my phone. It tells me how many days till our oldest daughter comes home from college for Thanksgiving (12) and Christmas break (27). I don’t have a countdown to Christmas day, but I’ve seen lots of people on social media already doing their Christmas decorating, so I know it will be here before we know it!

Our 16-year-old has started playing Christmas music in the car, though we won’t do any decorating here until the day after Thanksgiving. We still get a live Christmas tree every year, so our older daughter wants us to do that together while she’s home.

I used to be great about getting most of my Christmas shopping done early. That changed when my girls became teenagers. For one thing, they’re likely to change their minds on what they want fairly frequently. They’re also at the point where they usually choose exactly what they want and I just buy it and wrap it!

However, if you’re shopping for teenage girls this Christmas, I thought I’d share this list of things we either already own or that are on my girls’ list for this year – at least the initial version of it!

We recently re-did our 16-year-old’s bedroom, and she’d like to add this set of Photo Clip String Lights to her room

We bought this Lighted Vanity Mirror for my daughter when she went to college. She can put makeup on while sitting on her bed or at the desk in her dorm room if there’s limited space at the bathroom mirror.

Speaking of makeup, she bought herself this Makeup Brush Set and really likes it.

Our younger daughter is definitely into larger earrings, and leather ones are nice and light! (The Leather Earrings she currently owns I found on Etsy.)

One of our girls has requested a bar necklace that can be personalized with her name or initials.

I considered getting my daughter this Reversible Tote Bag when she left for college. I didn’t make the purchase then, but I’m thinking it might make it under the Christmas tree!

We have a small collection of hair tools already, but I’ve heard good things about this Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush.

Since their dad’s a Georgia Bulldogs fan, this NCAA Women’s Hoodie would be a popular choice for either one of our daughters. (Lots of other teams are available as well.)

This Cable Knit Pom Pom Throw looks so cozy!

Our 18-year-old’s college roommate has a gravity/weighted blanket, and now she wants to try one! Let me know if you have any experience with these.

Another item for the college girl – rain boots!!

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera is a pricier item that’s at the top of our younger daughter’s list at the moment.

Both of our girls like to write, so this cute Llama Journal would be a nice gift.

Our older daughter already owns a version of this Journaling Bible and now our other daughter wants one.

Our younger daughter went through this 3-Minute Devotions for Teen Girls: 180 Encouraging Readings awhile ago and really enjoyed it.

I hope you will find some of these ideas helpful as you shop for the teen girls on your Christmas list!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small percentage from any sales. This does not affect your price in any way. Thank you for supporting Girls to Grow through your purchases!

3 Prayers to Pray As We Learn to Let Go of Our Teenagers

November 12, 2019 by Tracey 5 Comments

It’s a good thing that letting go of our children is a gradual process. First, we walk them into kindergarten. Later, we drive them to their first sleepover, and eventually, they take off for a week at camp.

Our oldest daughter has been away at college for almost three months now. I confess that I’m still in the process of learning to let her go. Over the weekend, my husband and I were discussing a decision she will be facing at some point, and he said, “You do realize how little control you have over this situation, don’t you?”

Well yes, yes I do, but that doesn’t make it easy! However, I’m so thankful I have him to keep me grounded about these things. And I realized the truth of what he said – that I was fretting over things I couldn’t control. When that happens, I know it’s time to take it to God in prayer.

I’ve written before about praying God’s Word over our children and about journaling prayers for our children. As I thought about how I wanted to apply that to this process of letting go, I took three of my favorite – and very familiar – verses, and wrote out prayers from them.

1. Philippians 4:6-7

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

These were the first verses that came to mind because I KNEW I was worrying over a particular situation. Here’s my prayer (or at least the general idea of it. The one I actually wrote out has a few specific details that I’m not sharing here.)

Dear Lord, Help me not to worry about this decision our daughter is making. Thank you that I can bring it to you in prayer. I’m also thankful that she is learning to be independent. Please give her wisdom and discernment as she handles this situation. Most of all, may you be honored and glorified with the outcome. Give me your peace regarding this area of my daughter’s life, I pray.

2. Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

These verses have been such an encouragement to me through much of my life.

God, I trust you to work in my daughter’s life and to do what you know is best for her. I may not understand your ways, but I believe that you love and care for her even more than I do. May she seek your will and allow you to direct her steps. Help her to follow the commands in these verses and know the peace and joy that come from trusting you.

3. Romans 8:26-28

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Sometimes I know exactly how I need to pray about something. But there are other situations I’ve faced in life in which I haven’t been totally clear on how I should pray. But the Holy Spirit knows the mind of God, and He can intercede on my behalf.

Heavenly Father, I’m not even sure how to pray about this situation in my daughter’s life. May your Holy Spirit guide me in how to pray and direct my prayer. You know far better than I what is best for her. I ask that your will would be done. Thank you for the assurance that you can work all things together for her good and for your own honor and praise.

We will always be parents and hopefully will continue to have influence in our children’s lives. But as they take steps toward independence, may we be faithful in turning our concerns over to God in prayer and trusting Him to do His work in them.

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8 Thanksgiving Bible Verses to Teach Your Children

November 1, 2019 by Tracey 4 Comments

November is here!! We’re heading into the final stretch of 2019.

With the Thanksgiving holiday ahead, many of us focus on cultivating grateful hearts this month. No matter what our circumstances are, we all have so much to be thankful for!

If you’re like me, gratitude is an important trait I want to make sure our children are developing. One way to focus on this is by helping them memorize related Scripture verses. This can open the door to family discussions about these verses, especially in a season where everyone seems to emphasize being thankful.

Below I’ve listed eight Bible verses that talk about thankfulness. You’ll notice that several of them are from the books of Psalms. Apparently David has a lot to teach us about being grateful! (If you want suggestions for helping your child memorize Scripture, check out these ten ideas.)

Check out these eight simple Bible verses you can teach your children during this Thanksgiving season.

1. “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.” ~Psalm 69:30

What a great reminder that praising God often involves singing! Maybe part of encouraging grateful hearts this month could include singing songs as a family. This verse also points out that our purpose in giving thanks is always to glorify God.

2. “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” ~Psalm 95:2

Both this verse and the next one emphasize us being thankful when we enter into God’s presence. It can be uplifting to begin personal prayer time by thanking God for specific blessings in our lives.

3. “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” ~Psalm 100:4

Thanksgiving naturally leads to praising God. When we give thanks, it shouldn’t be a generic expression of gratitude, but specifically directed to God.

4. “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” ~Psalm 107:1

We can always thank God for His specific traits like goodness and mercy.

5. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~Ephesians 5:20

We’re to be thankful for everything. We may not always feel like giving thanks, but we can make the choice to do it anyway.

6. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” ~Colossians 3:17

Whatever we do should be done in His name, for His glory, and with a thankful heart.

7. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

There’s no verse more convicting than this one. It is God’s will for us to give thanks in everything, from the normal days to the really difficult ones. That’s hard, but it can be done with the Holy Spirit’s help.

8. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” ~Hebrews 13:15

I love the phrase “fruit of our lips.” How neat would it be if giving thanks just naturally flowed from our mouths!

However your day has started, there’s no time like right now to start being thankful. Not only could our children benefit from memorizing these verses, but we as adults could, too!

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3 Truths About God from Psalm 91 to Encourage Us Today

October 23, 2019 by Tracey 4 Comments

God’s blessings are many in my life these days. I’m so grateful. My family is in good health, and our needs and many of our wants are being met.

Yet even in the midst of good times, I can struggle. Emotional, mental, and spiritual battles aren’t necessarily seen on the outside. And many friends are going through hardships that have me praying to God on their behalf.

I’m still doing my study through Psalms in which I’m writing down specific things I learn about God from each chapter. I came to Psalm 91 last week and started digging into verse 4.

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.“

We can find comfort and consolation in this verse!! I’m sure I won’t do it justice, but here are three thoughts to encourage us.

God protects us.

As birds protect their young from harm, so God protects His children. No matter what threatens us, He is there. Whether it’s an illness, a financial problem, or a broken relationship, God is able to shelter us and keep us safe.

His power allows His care to extend into every area of our lives. His mercy and tenderness cause Him to draw us close to Himself. There’s no better place to be when life’s storms are raging.

MacLaren’s commentary on this verse says “…protection consists, not in averting the blows, but in changing their character.” I love this thought because we know that God’s protection doesn’t mean we’ll never suffer. But through every struggle, He is right there beside us and can use it for our good.

God is our refuge.

We can find safety and security when we run to God. When I’m missing my daughter and loneliness creeps in; when I get a bad medical diagnosis; when some aspect of the future worries me, I can find the haven I need in Him.

I’ve found that it’s usually the hard times, the difficult trials that drive me closer to God. He is always available as our refuge, but it’s up to us to flee to it. When doubt and temptation assault us, His presence is exactly what we need. It is where we will find the peace that can seem so elusive.

The verse says that while we’re under His wings, we can trust. We may not understand all that is happening around us, but we can trust in His grace.

God’s faithfulness surrounds us.

It encircles us on every side. It is the shield that protects us from danger.

Because of the truth of who God is, we know we can trust Him. Since He is faithful, we don’t have to wonder if He will really come through for us this time.

His faithfulness is our defense against the enemy, Satan. When he tries to get us to doubt God, we can stand on the truth that His Word has never and will never fail us.

Whether you’re in peaceful waters or riding out a storm, meditate on what we learn about God from this verse. He will protect you, be your refuge, and surround you with His faithfulness.

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Saturday Salutes ~ Seven Soups for Fall

October 19, 2019 by Tracey 2 Comments

Our temperatures dipped in coastal South Carolina this week, and I pulled out a soup recipe to celebrate! I decided to take a different spin on our regular Saturday post and “salute” my favorite soups for this time of year.

At the top of my list is this Corn and Potato Chowder. Several years ago, friends invited us over and served this soup. I immediately asked for the recipe, and have been making it ever since.

However, if I’m looking for convenience, this Slow Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder is very similar, and I love that I can put it in the slow cooker in the morning to be ready when we walk in the house for supper. (If you’re in the market for a slow cooker, I recommend this one.)

Our younger daughter and I really enjoy this Loaded Potato Soup. I’m not sure where I got this recipe originally, but I posted it here on the blog MANY years ago!

I’ve tried several of Trisha Yearwood’s recipes, and one of my favorites is Trisha’s Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Here’s another one for the slow cooker. Spicy Beef Vegetable Soup is now labeled as a stew but was called a soup when I first printed the recipe. It definitely has enough liquid to feel like a soup.

If you’re looking for a classic, this is my favorite Roasted Chicken Noodle Soup. However, I do make some changes to the recipe. I leave out the celery (which no one in our family likes) and potatoes, then substitute broken-up angel hair pasta for the egg noodles.

It doesn’t get much easier than this Taco Soup. Christy includes instructions for gathering all your ingredients into a bag ahead of time to really streamline the preparation.

Let me know your favorite type of soup! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small percentage from any sales. This does not affect your price in any way.

What Elisabeth Teaches Me About Disappointment

October 15, 2019 by Tracey 4 Comments

Have you been disappointed lately? I was reflecting on some disappointments I’ve experienced and recalled writing about this one when it happened. It was several years ago, but I still remember it vividly. (It involves a long travel delay and our 25th wedding anniversary.)

We’re never too old or too mature to experience unfulfilled hopes and unmet expectations. No matter our age or stage, life continues to deliver disappointments.

That sounds really dreadful (!), but hopefully we can learn some lessons from the story of Elisabeth, wife to Zacharias and mother to John the Baptist, in Luke 1. If disappointments are going to come anyway, hopefully we can grow through them!

I admit to making some assumptions here. Scripture never specifically says that Elisabeth was disappointed. But it would make sense that in the midst of a culture that placed a high value on producing children – especially sons – and continuing the family line, Elisabeth experienced disappointment when she didn’t bear a child.

Children were seen as a blessing from God. Barrenness was seen as a curse or a punishment. At least at some point, I can see Elisabeth feeling like she’d failed at her primary responsibility.

Our disappointment may not be related to having a family…or it may. I’ve been there myself. But regardless of the nature of our disappointment, I hope we can take to heart some of the lessons below.

Suffering disappointment doesn’t mean we’re out of fellowship with God.

“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” ~Luke 1:6

Elisabeth’s barrenness didn’t come about because she was living in sin. Scripture says she was righteous and blameless. Obviously she wasn’t perfect, but she sought to follow God and obey Him.

This reminds us that some difficulties we experience are just part of life. All are God-allowed – and certain disappointments can be a result of our own foolish decisions. Regardless, God knows and cares about each one.

Humility is often grown in the soil of disappointment.

“And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.” ~Luke 1:7

Years and years went by with no son or daughter for this Godly couple. How difficult it must have been to see their relatives and friends growing families, yet realizing as time went by that that likely wouldn’t be their story.

If everything is going great and all our needs and wants are met, we can be tempted to slide over into self-reliance and pride. A humble spirit comes a lot more easily when we’re in or have been through a situation that we can’t control.

In the midst of disappointment, keep on praying.

“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” ~Luke 1:13

We have no idea how many times Zacharias and Elisabeth had prayed for a child over the years. But we do know that in His own time, God chose to answer that prayer. Not only did He answer, but Elisabeth became the mother to the greatest prophet born of women. [Luke 7:28]

Continue to have faith through a season of disappointment.

As far as we know, Elisabeth didn’t get the angel experience that Zacharias did. Likely she found out from Zacharias sharing the story in writing since he was unable to speak after his encounter with the angel. Yet in spite of her receiving the news second hand, we don’t see any indication of a lack of faith. Perhaps seeing what had happened to Zacharias due to his unbelief led her to accept the news right away!

If God fulfills our desire and alleviates the disappointment, recognize His hand and thank Him for it.

“And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” ~Luke 1:24-25

God chose to give Elisabeth a son and she acknowledged it as a gift from Him. What had been a reproach would be no longer. She rejoiced in God’s notice of her, and gave Him glory for this display of His power.

Whatever your situation, rejoice in the good news of others.

“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” ~Luke 1:41-45

Elisabeth’s news was uber exciting! She was way past child-bearing years, but she was finally going to have a baby. Then here comes her young cousin Mary with the news that she is going to bear the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior!

What is Elisabeth’s response? She rejoices with her. If there were any feelings of being overshadowed, we don’t see them. She is only full of excitement for what is going to take place in Mary’s life.

It can be easy (at least speaking for myself) to outwardly rejoice in someone else’s good news while wishing on the inside that my own situation was different. But with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can be genuinely happy for the other person as we trust that God is in control and working what is best for us in our own lives.

When disappointments come, may God give us the grace to walk through them in a way that brings honor and glory to Him.

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