Posted by Posted in Bible, Bible characters, do hard things, faith, God, Living for God, words

If I: The Do or Die Statement

Today I have selected two passages that have a do or die feel to them. Both of these passages have similar wording and I think they have something that we can all learn.

The first passage is found in Genesis 43:14b. It reads like this:

“And as for me, if I am bereaved of children, then I am bereaved.”

As for the second, it is found in Esther 4:16b. It says:

“And if I perish, I perish.”

These might not seem like much but just wait until I give you the background.

In the first passage it is Jacob speaking. Yes, the same Jacob who stole his brothers birthright and blessing, married Leah and Rachel (Labans daughters) and had a son named Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers. Now Jacob is old, he still thinks Joseph, his favorite son, was killed by wild animals and so he clings even more closely to Joseph’s brother, Benjamin. There is a severe famine in the land, the same one that Joseph, a prisoner in Egypt, had foretold through Pharohs dream.

Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy food and they come back with a story. Joseph (although they didn’t know it was him) had been testing them and told them that he would not see them again until they brought Benjamin with them.

This posed a problem. Jacob would not let them take Benjamin. But this turned into a life or death situation. The famine was severe and they had no food. So finally, Jacob said this line: And as for me, I f I am bereaved of children, then I am bereaved. Jacob had lost Joseph, Simeon was a captive in Egypt and he did not want to lose Benjamin. But he knew that this was a do or die moment and he decided to follow God and trust God with his children. And if they died, they died.

The second is spoken by Queen Esther. Esther, a Jew, was chosen as the Queen of Persia. Hamaan hated Jews and came up with a plot to kill all of them. This would be a total wipe out of Jews. Esther was the only one who could stop this plot. But she had to go into the King, without an invitation. If you went into the King without an invitation, he could raise his scepter and you would be killed. Or he could find favor with you and let you enter. It was a risky thing and no doubt Esther was a bit scared. Her words? If I perish, I perish.

Both of these phrases show a choice. This is do or die. These are do-what-must-be-done words. These are complete laying it in God’s hands words. These are words of trust. Jacob didn’t want to give up his childeren but he put them in God’s hands and if God chose to take them away, then He took them away. Esther didn’t want to give up her life, but she laid it in God’s hands and if she died, then she died. So be it. God gives and God takes away. So. Be. It.

What happened to Jacob and Esther? Let’s look at the Bible to find out.

Jacob found out the amazing truth that Joseph was alive. In one fell swoop he had all his children with him. Here are God’s words to Jacob in Genesis 46:4:

“I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again and Joseph’s hands shall close your eyes.”

Esther went in to the King and was successful. The King didn’t kill all the Jews and God used Esther to save His people. Listen to what Esther 8:16 says:

“The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor.”

God blessed both Jacob and Esther and He used thier trust to accomplish great things and save His special nation.

So whatever God wants to do with your life, so be it.

Priscilla Joy

Posted by Posted in adventures, do hard things, faith, God, gospel and outreach, Living for God, Mexico, missions, Rancho3M

When God Says No

I read “Do Hard Things” two or three times. Yes, it is that good. Our youth pastor preached a series about doing hard things. The idea changed my teen years.

The last time I read the book (a month ago maybe?) I felt like God had a hard thing for me to do. What was it?

Then I realized it. Doing hard things isn’t always planning an outreach or fundraiser, saving someones life or even diligently doing chores at home. Somethimes a hard thing is just to say yes when God says no.

I recently had this experience.

I had the oppurtunity to go down to Mexico for a week to serve at the Rancho3M orphanage in November. In fact a week from now I would be in Mexico.

Now if you really know me you know that serving down there is the highlight of my summer and that I really have a heart for that ministy. Oh and I love all the kids down there to pieces.

I REALLY wanted to go.

But God shut the door.

I was disappointed although I didn’t show it outwardly. I missed it down there. And that is when I realized that I have to say Yes to God even when He says No to something I desperately want to do.

His plan is always better. Isn’t it? We don’t always know why He gives us that answer. Sometimes we see it after and sometime we don’t. We just have to leave it up to Him.

Priscilla

Posted by Posted in 100 Hard Things Challenge, Bible characteristics, challenges, character, do hard things, faith, Family, myth of adolescence, teens, teens doing big things, the rebelution

#34- Made a List of Requirements For My Future Spouse

I think it is important that we have a picture of what we want our future spouse to be like. They aren’t going to be perfect but if we know what we want them to be like we won’t settle with the first thing the world throws at us. We will only settle with God’s best for our lives and marriges. So here is the challenge. Make a list of requirements for your future husband/wife. Examples of requirements include: being a Christian, having a strong prayer life, comitted to no divorce, being a wise steward of what they are given and more. Then make a list of wants, things that are not necessarily needed but would be good to have. Examples include: coming from a Christian home, being bilingual, plays an instrument, has some of the same interests. My sister and I made a list as well as our Dad and Mom. You can then compare lists. Also, try to work on your list yourself so you can be that sort of person too.
We got the idea for the lists from the book: “Before You Meet Prince Charming” by Sarah Mally.

Thank you!

Priscilla

Posted by Posted in 100 Hard Things Challenge, abortion, challenges, do hard things, Living for God, myth of adolescence, teens, teens doing big things, the rebelution, words

#33- Took Steps At Abortion Clinic

So I have not been keeping up with my hard things as much as I would like. Sorry! But yesterday I did a couple hard things while at the abortion clinic (hard thing #2) with my family. I talked for the first time with a mother going in. I was standing by the driveway trying to hand out booklets when someone actually rolled down the window. My mom was right there and together we talked to her. She ended up going in and getting an abortion but it was cool to see how God can use your holding up a booklet to open a conversation.

Priscilla

Posted by Posted in 100 Hard Things Challenge, challenges, character, do hard things, Family, Home, myth of adolescence, teens doing big things, the rebelution

#32- Took Care of the Household

My mom went on a road trip with a friend for two days, so me and my sister stepped up to the plate and became “Mom” for a couple days. 🙂

We cleaned dishes, did laundry, cooked meals (no catastrophes!), cleaned up messes, (NOT a result of our cooking), did school with William, and fulfilled all the other tasks that Mom would have done. Not only did I gain an appreciation for what my Mom does, I also learned about running a household. Our parents want us girls to be able to successfully run a household by the time we leave this household. Things like this are a step toward that goal. What goals do you have for when you leave your parents household??? When we do leave we want to be prepared and not just living by trial and error. We are arrows that are shot out into the world after we have learned from our parents.

Thank you!
Priscilla