He reigned then & He reigns today

We are currently studying ancient Rome in history.  I just recently finished the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, which was an incredible series set in ancient Rome, so it has been fun learning along with the girls in more detail the facts of this ancient civilization.  Today we learned how Mt. Vesuvius erupted and basically buried the city of Pompeii alive.  We read how the ancient city was then re-discovered.  Is it coincindence we are learning about Pompeii at this very exact moment in history?  No...because I don't believe in coincindences.  I was struck by some of the unique parallels between ancient Pompeii and the tragedy that has hit Japan.  I am finding that as I get older fear can grip my heart faster than a hummingbird flutters its wings.  Okay, well, that is pretty fast so maybe not quite but it sure seems like it.  I really think it has something to do with becoming a mother, especially a mother of little girls.  Anyhow, I have been really shaken by the tragedy in Japan.  Look how the Lord has been preparing me and surrounding me with His comfort during this time...

• My mom sent me several scriptures to encourage me because she is simply awesome!
• I am currently doing a Bible study entitled "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow (again!).
• My friend posted the most incredible story on her blog, full of truth and focus (see below).
• We studied Pompeii today.  Can you even imagine what the people were thinking who escaped?  Can you even imagine what the people were thinking who witnessed this catastrophic event?  I can't.  God reminded me through the study of this historical event that He reigned then...and He reigns now. 

From my friend Kole's blog....
A recent post by author Marlo Schalesky got me thinking. Her post talked about the summer her daughter caught a grasshopper and put him in a bug container. After a few days of lost interest in her bug, Marlo prompted her to let the grasshopper free before he died. When then opened the insect container, the grasshopper wouldn't leave. They left it out on the deck for three more days. He was still there. Finally, Marlo coaxed him out on a stick and once outside the cage he hopped away. He had freedom but didn't take advantage of it. He would have died with freedom only a hop away.



How often do we "cage" ourselves with fear and seemingly forget our faith? Why do things concern, worry, and frustrate us? Aren't we free to cast our cares on the Lord? Isn't His grace more than sufficient for all our needs? Can't we do all things through His strength? So why do we choose to live in the cage?


I think we forget who we are. At least, I do. I was reminded today that God put me here on the earth and this time and at this place for His reason. He saved me and entrusted me with His hope to share with others. That is what my job is. Regardless of where I work, what I do, I am His influence at this time, in this place. What kind of job am I doing? How can I be an ambassador for Him if I am choosing to say in the cage of the world? I am free from worry and fear of economic and earthly disaster. I have hope. I know the world will end. I see it coming, but I have hope because I know the end of the story. I have trusted Jesus for salvation. Now more than ever, I need to live free in Him so that my influences are bringing others to Him.


Lord, people are watching me. They are watching my reactions, listening to what comes out of my mouth, reading my blog, listening for what I say about other people, watching the choices I make and how I live. It is rather frightening to be entrusted with that responsibility, so help me do it well. Remind me of it every morning when I look into the mirror. Whisper words in my heart and give me ears that hear and a heart that will listen and do what you want me to do.