In This Newsletter:

Thought: In the Middle of the Story
Story: Moment by Moment
Homeschool Tip: When It Gets Tough
Hymn/Poem: All the Way My Savior Leads Me

Thought: In the Middle of the Story

There was something immensely satisfying about finally reaching the end of the movie. Perhaps it was watching the sorrows at long last get swept away by joy…or finally seeing how all the seemingly unrelated pieces tied together. Perhaps a good ending just resonates with our hearts, as each of us has things in our lives we long to see tied together in a happy ending.

Good news—if we’ve been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, there is a happy ending in store for us. There’s an eternity in a perfect world in God’s presence—the ending couldn't be any more perfect than that.

We just haven’t made it to the grand reunion yet—we’re still on the battlefield. But we’re not there alone. If we belong to God, He’s given us His Spirit, strength, and joy. We don’t know what twists and turns still lie before us before we reach the end of the story, but we do know our Shepherd is with us each step—a Shepherd who knew before the beginning of time that man would rebel against Him and bring suffering and death into this world, yet who had a plan. A Shepherd who gave His own life to redeem us. A Shepherd who works all things for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). A Shepherd who leads day-by-day, and step-by-step.

The end is certain (and beautiful for those who belong to Christ), and God is with us in the middle. Now there’s a thought full of strength and joy.

“…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20b

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13

Story: Moment by Moment

John flattened himself in the trench as much as he could. His unit had been attacked on all sides for days now, and he was weary. So, so weary. He closed his eyes, wishing he could just escape the battle for a moment—just one. To rest at home in his own bed without the bullets whizzing by for a little…ah, that would be so fabulous!

Instead, he reloaded his gun with a fresh round. It didn’t look as if they’d have a respite for some time still. He wasn’t sure how he could make it much longer.

John looked around him. His fellow soldiers were all weary too. It had been a long couple of weeks. (Or had it been months? He’d lost track.)

“A little weary, there, are we?” John turned in the direction of the voice. It came from a friend serving in another battalion—Andrew by name.

John nodded in answer.

“Cheer up, it will end,” Andrew said confidently as he reloaded his gun.

“Easier said than done,” John replied.

“I know it. But we’ve got to remember the truth. We’re not alone here. See the Captain’s standard over yonder? He’s here with us, even when the smoke of the battle makes it hard to see anything. He’s leading.”

“But where? Where is he going? How much longer will we have to endure this continual fire? I don’t think I can make it much more.”

“Well, good news. The Captain knows what we don't. We’re to just keep looking to him and living moment by moment, leaving the rest to him. Now honestly, did you ever think you could make it this far?”

John shook his head. If he’d known the battle would be this intense for this long, he would have thought it impossible to survive.

“You’ve only got strength for right now. Leave tomorrow in the Captain’s care. Come on, I’ll help you back to your feet. There’s a battle to fight.”

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Ephesians 6:10

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

Homeschool Tip: When It Gets Tough

Life has it ups and downs like everything else. We get used to the everyday downs. We learn to discipline a disobedient child, and give comfort to our child with a cold. We can put together a meal for a friend in need and deal with a schedule change.

But what happens when after months of dealing with the same issue, another is added, and then another? What happens when "things" completely outside your control happen to you and to those you love in rapid succession? Whether the issues are learning glitches, disobedience, schedule upsets, church family problems, extended family problems, health challenges, livelihood difficulties, etc., when these "things" come and stay--or grow in severity--it’s easy to be discouraged.

You may remember intellectually that God is working all things for good for you, and maybe you can even see the good--but it's still hard. You are hurting. You feel as though you have been wounded in battle.

Recently this happened to me. I felt totally discouraged. Every family member was facing yet another challenge that seemed insurmountable.

As I cried out for help, the Lord answered with the phone call from a friend. She quickly picked up the fact that I was battle weary and said, "Since you are on the ground anyway, go all the way down and just worship Jesus."

As I began to thank the Lord for all He has given me through Jesus, the discouragement gave way to hope. I became more aware that faith in God is not based on circumstances or what He does for us, but it is based on who He is and His truth.

While my circumstances have not changed, I am no longer discouraged. God is happy to fight my battles for me. I can trust His care and praise Him from the battlefield.

"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me...My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." Psalm 57:1-2, 7

Hymn/Poem: All the Way My Savior Leads Me

Fanny Crosby. Taken from NetHymnal.

All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way.