First Lutheran Church - Fargo, ND

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28

Happy Labor Day from First Lutheran - we hope everyone has had a great weekend and you're turning to Jesus to find the true rest only he can provide! Friendly reminder that our church office is closed today - Monday September 2. Have a great day!

Today's devotion by Pastor Marty Tollefson:

"The Better Part"

"Jesus said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.'" -Luke 10

Jesus and his disciples are walking along the road. They come to a village where a woman named Martha welcomes them into her home. Suddenly, she has a house full of people. At this point, Martha becomes distracted by many tasks. She is scattered, stressed, anxious, and has a loss of focus.

This scenario is not hard to imagine. We live busy lives. Things are moving 100 mph. Kids. Work. Home. Volunteering. Appointments. Travel. Busy. Sometimes we like to be busy. Sometimes we let our busyness define us. Other times our lives become so cluttered with demands and expectations that we get stressed. We get all worked up. Meanwhile, Martha’s sister Mary, is at the feet of Jesus listening to what he was saying. Martha is irritated because she is the one working, she is the one doing stuff. Not fair!

She dimes Mary out in front of the guests. Martha says to Jesus, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” That takes a lot of brass, right? She embarrasses Mary. She dimes Jesus out, too. She questions Jesus’ empathy – do you not care? Tell her to help me – Jesus, do something. Oh, my goodness, Martha is all worked up, distracted, scattered, stressed, anxious, and it is spilling out everywhere. She is a bit sideways. Sometimes we are Martha.

Jesus says to Martha, “You are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” The better part was Mary being really present…listening to what Jesus was saying. Jesus, I don’t think, is rebuking Martha, but rather, issues an invitation to be fully present in that moment with him. What does it look like to be fully present with someone? A family of four sitting down for dinner with each of them holding a cell phone? Fully present – Nope. You are visiting with someone, but in your mind, you are thinking about 12 other things. Fully present – Nope. Have you ever had a conversation with someone and they are looking at everything else but you? Fully present – Nope! Worry, anxiety, stress, and jam-packed calendars have the capacity to distract and steal us away from living in the moment. Being distracted prevents us from being really present.

The better part is when Jesus invites us to be caught up in the joy of being in his presence. That is the better part of the day, the better part of life – it is simply, the better part. This better part is to know that you are a child of God, deeply loved, and clothed in his promise. This better part is being invited fully invited into his presence. This better part is receiving God’s word, and then, to work that word out in daily life. This better part allows us to worship as we work. To be fully present with Jesus can happen anywhere, everywhere, and in any moment.

So, enjoy the better part of life!

-Pastor Marty

We've had such a fun summer here at First Lutheran - as we reflect back, the Summer Concert Series on Wednesday nights in June and July was a definite highlight! ☀️🎵

We have so many people to thank - thank you to the First Lutheran Foundation for sponsoring the event, to the talented bands and musicians, to the volunteers who helped in countless ways. And thank you to everyone who came to the concerts and purchased a meal to give back to a good cause (our mission partners!) We appreciate the variety of ways you give to reflect Christ's love and make our community stronger! ❤️

Today's devotion from Pastor Stephanie Tollefson:

Holding on.

The fall mums are in bloom, and so are the petunias I planted this spring. School has started, but summer does not end for a few more weeks. Football season has kicked off, and the swimming pools are still open. The neighbor put a pumpkin on the porch, but I am still holding on to flip flops and sunscreen.

How long do you hold on to a season before you let it go and fully embrace the next? Our daughter starts high school today. I am ready for it, and yet I am not. Where did the time go between the tiny toddler and the teen, between the summer solstice and Halloween?

I do not know the right measure of holding on and letting go, but I do know that there is a time for every season, and a purpose for everything under heaven. If I hold on to summer too long, my feet will freeze in flip flops, and I will miss out completely on the joys of autumn. When we stay stuck in a season or jump too quickly to the next, we rob ourselves of the purpose God has laid out for us in the gift of time we are given.

Some of us hold on to careers, houses, nostalgia, even our children too long, because of the uncertainty of what the next season holds; and some of us run into the next season long before the last one ends. Either way we are missing the purpose God has for us in the moment. I am choosing today to live in the middle. Not the future and not the past, but in this moment, believing that this moment is enough.

To all of us living in a transitional season, the only thing to do is to hold on to Jesus, the one who is holding on to you. The love of the Lord will lead you into what is waiting for you in the next chapter of your life. “Do not worry about tomorrow,” Jesus said. “I have plans for you,” says the Lord. That is enough. For everything there is a season.

-Pastor Steph

Today's Devotion from Rollie Johnson...

River Monsters

The evening was gorgeous, with warm sunshine basking the Minnesota side of the river creating long shadows while we remained in the cool shade of the North Dakota oak, ash and basswood trees. Post supper, Shane and I had chosen a new spot to try our hand at fishing the benign looking Red River of the North. We headed over to Matt and Cari’s who always open their doors with warmth and inviting hospitality. I frequently bow hunt their river-bottom backyard in the fall. Matt texted back that I should use their pontoon that was girded to the west bank. “The key is in the ignition. Enjoy!” How awesome is that?

Shane has found a new love of fishing this summer, and so we have spent a couple of dozen nights out fishing the Red and Buffalo rivers and having a blast. Most evenings have been a hilarious mix of foul ups, witty banter, snags, tree catching, laughter and occasionally catching fish. We have also caught everything under the sun in addition to fish! Twice I’ve caught full clam shells, Shane caught an old, rusty # 1 long spring trap, and lots of logs and river trash. Some nights we’ve been skunked, but one thing that hasn’t lacked is abundant conversation and copious amounts of laughter at all our faux pas. The “Oakport Boys” YouTube channel will be coming soon!

I claim limited knowledge or skill sets in the fishing department. So, we’re really a couple of hacks just gunning for whatever is willing to jump on our lines. And we keep heading each week to Runnings or Walmart to buy more fishing gear, hooks, leaders, weights, line, worms, doodads, and gizmos and then we ever so unselfishly chuck them into the river! I think we’ve generously given to the river a hundred dollars in free give away gear on snags! But Holy Cats…the fun we’ve been having!

Mostly we’ve been catching catfish, golden eye, and occasional sheep’s head. Last night Shane landed a decent small mouth bass in Buffalo River State Park. Some nights Shane thinks he keeps catching the same 8” catfish over and over in the Red. But our hearts have been set on landing the big lunker, a leviathan of the deep and muddy waters of the Red. One cool thing about fishing the Red and Buffalo, is you NEVER know what you’ve caught until the final seconds of reeling in and then…boom…out pops a surprise from the chocolaty and murky waters!

Back to our sacred evening. Well, last week the stars must have aligned. Jupiter must have been in the seventh house. Strong in us was the force. A spectacular orange full moon rose over north suburbia and karma had landed in our little nape of the woods. And it brought with it a hilarious action-packed night of fun and craziness! I invite you into our evening aboard the U.S.S. Minnow for a three-hour tour, a three-hour tour.

We descended the aluminum ladder Matt had placed to descend the muddy and steep embankment to gain the pontoon. Shane kept cautioning me to be careful with my new hip, just a few weeks old. All went fine as he tossed me all the poles, tackle boxes, night crawlers and hotdogs. We were going to try hot dogs tonight on bigger hooks. A new Oakport Boys theory; big hooks, big bait, big fish. Go big or go home.

Upon stowing the gear and prepping the poles, I cranked the key to the motor… but not much crank came. Just a few clicks. Most likely a dead battery. Oh well, we can just fish from the good platform of the pontoon which will put us another ten’ deeper into the river. A positive vibe to start to our evening.

All was normal, quiet, and serene for the first half an hour. And then the insanity began! Shane got a hit out of the back of the boat, downstream. “I got one on” he shouted! Awesome, I thought as I set down my pole and leaned it against rear wall of the pontoon. I stood, both hands free, to help Shane land his fish. Shane had a good fighter in his hands as he hauled in a decent sheepshead. I leaned over to help him unhook his new prize.

In a millisecond, a true heartbeat, my entire rod, and reel flew out the back of the boat and dove into the murky abyss of the Red. Whoa!! Shane and I stood mouths agape, laughing at what just took place! I was half laughing half crying for having lost a nice rod and reel and possibly a monster fish! This must have been Little Nessy of the North that grabbed my line and disappeared. I was stunned, heartbroken, and still laughing in disbelief!

Shane excitedly pointed to the water and noted, “Dad, your reel is caught on the back anchor rope 15’ away! You can see the fish jiggling the pole and the rope.” It appeared the cranking handle of my reel had caught on the anchor rope. I quickly pondered jumping in to save my gear and possible fish. Shane cautioned me against that and noted that he thought he could reach the anchor line tied to a nearby tree on the bank. Maybe he could grab the rope and pull it in. Where is Jeremy Wade when you need him! I’ve got the gray/white hair but neither the catchy British accent nor the experience!

Shane stood on the back pontoon, leaning out, and extended his arm grabbing the back anchor rope. It worked, now…if he could only pull it all the way in. Hope was growing in Mudville!

As the rope and pole neared the motor, I stooped low and grabbed my rod! It worked! And on the other end was a beast that was fighting for his life! I quickly handed the rod to Shane to reel in so I could help try to land my Moby Dick. (we’re not smart enough to bring a net!)

My pole bent over in a giant arc as Shane, laughingly, fought to gain ground on the fish. I shouted at him to move to the riverside of the boat and keep walking towards the bow where I could kneel on the deck and attempt to grab the mysterious creature. Slowly inch by inch, Shane reeled for all he was worth. I thought briefly that he was on “Wicked Tuna!”

Even as the fish neared the end of the line, we still couldn’t tell what it was until if finally flashed the surface next to the pontoon. I quickly grabbed him by the gills and hoisted the largest fish I’ve ever caught onto the pontoon.

video: https://vimeo.com/1002889225

Shane and I were giddy with laughter and disbelief! This primitive monster of the deep was huge and powerful! It took all I could to hold him as he flipped and flopped to gain his freedom. His almost foot long whiskers and giant wide head gave him a true dinosauric appearance. I was ecstatic with my newfound friend! After a few photos and videos, we gently slid him back into the murky abyss to live another day.

video: https://vimeo.com/1002889263

My adrenaline was still pumping 5 minutes later when Shane shouted, “Got one on! I think it’s the same one! It’s huge.”

video: https://vimeo.com/1002889239

We hit the repeat button as we both performed the same maneuvers with similar results. I landed this fish and presented Shaner with his largest fish to date. Slightly smaller than mine, but huge none the less. The look of shock, excitement and gratitude on his face was priceless! Wow! What a crazy chain of events! But we’re not done yet!

We both settled down enough to rebait our lines and tossed them out the back. After a time, I felt like I got a bite, and I je**ed my pole to set the hook. Dang, I think it’s just a snag, and a solid one to boot. I gave one more big pull to release the snag and in fraction of a second, my pole snapped in three pieces!

video: https://vimeo.com/1002889202

Shane and I once again stood in disbelief laughing our butts off at the strangeness of our evening. My pole was lost, but now it was found. My biggest fish. Shane’s biggest fish. And to end our evening my pole shattered in three pieces. You can’t make this stuff up!

We gathered our gear and headed for home under the mesmerizing glowing orb of a harvest moon. We were still laughing at all that had taken place. I went to bed but could hardly sleep for all the adrenaline and positive memories created.

Being part werewolf, that full moon had me up and thinking all night. I couldn’t help but be full of gratitude. That full moon was a good reminder of my full life. It had been a full evening.

One of the best things about silence, solitude, prayer, and quiet time is seeing and realizing the full cup of life.

I had much to give thanks for. Back in December I had the privilege of receiving two back surgeries at Mayo. I have been healing nicely. Four weeks ago, I had the privilege of receiving a new hip surgery. I have the privilege of a good job, that gives me a good income and provides good insurance that has allowed me access to superb, modern medical care. Not everyone has that privilege. I’m blessed as I recover and move forward into better health from these surgeries. I gave thanks for our gracious hosts Matt and Cari, who for years have invited me to share their woods and waters so freely with me. What a gift for me an outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman. That’s quite a privilege. And then there’s this beautiful end of summer we’re having, warm days, cool nights, gorgeous sunshine, and refreshing breezes. And let’s not forget the beautiful woods that surround the banks of the life-giving Red River. They give life giving oxygen, sweet scents on the breeze, and filter my waste carbon dioxide, and provide food and shelter for the bucks that I’ll soon pursue. These woods and farm fields that surround us give us space, and openness, and freedom and frequently fill my spirit. And let’s not forget the river itself, our source of drinking water, life, and showers. That is all quite a privilege that many in the world do not have. And how could I not give thanks for the privilege of sharing all of this with my son Shane. To laugh at ourselves, and each other. To converse about the trivial and the depth of the meaning of life. That is a privilege that many do not have. I give a thousand thanks for that privilege. OH, did I mention that we each caught the biggest fish of our lives? That too, was a remarkable thrill and privilege.

A full moon rising over the corn and suburbia was a beautiful reminder to me of a full evening, and a full life.

There is so much to be grateful for, so much to inventory, and give thanks for. Maybe you too, can set down your phone, be still and quiet, take inventory, and name and give thanks for the fullness of your life.
-Rollie J.

The greatest of human freedoms is the ability to choose ones own attitude. Victor Frankl

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Psalm 150

And Whatever you do,
whether in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- Think about such things! Philippians 4:8

Be joyful always; Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

There is nothing wrong with happiness. It’s wonderful. The only problem is that it’s based on circumstances, and circumstances tend to shift. Joy is not a feeling. Joy is a choice. It is not based on circumstances; it is based upon attitude. Pain is inevitable but misery is optional. We cannot avoid, pain, but we can ovoid joy. God has given us such immense freedom that he will allow us to be as miserable as we want to be. Joy is simple(not to be confused with easy) At any moment in life we have at least two options, and one of them is to choose an attitude of gratitude, a posture of grace, a commitment to Joy. Tim Hansel, You Gotta Keep Dancing

When we enjoy what God has done for us, and when we express that enjoyment to God, it brings him joy- but it also increases our joy. God said “” it’s time to get on with your life! Do the things I designed humans to do. Make love to your spouse. Have babies. Raise families. Plant crops and eat meals. Be humans. This is what I made you to be. Every human activity, except sin, can be done for God’s pleasure if you do it with an attitude of praise. You can wash dishes, repair a machine, sell a product, write a computer program, grow a crop, and raise a family for the glory of God. Every act of enjoyment becomes an act of worship when you thank and praise God for it. Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life

You are in charge of your own attitude-Whatever others do or circumstance you face. The only person you can control is yourself…Worry more about your attitude than your aptitude or lineage. Marian Wright Edelman

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. WE cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. WE cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you… You are in charge of your attitudes. Charles Swindoll

We love our students and teachers! Thanks to everyone who came to both services for the Backpack Blessing at church on Sunday. From pre-kindergarten to college students (and teachers!) - we're praying each and every one of you have a wonderful school year! ❤️🎒🙏🏽

Today's Devotion from Pastor Marty Tollefson:

"It is possible to prepare for the future without knowing what it will be. The primary way to prepare for the unknown is to attend to the quality of our relationships, to how well we know and trust one another." -Margaret Wheatley

"The Indian woman…has been of great service to me as a pilot through this country." -William Clark, July 13, 1806, Journal Entry

Each year, at about this time, I grieve a bit for the passing of summer. Once we get past Labor Day, game on, right? Fall schedule has arrived. Lake life is winding down. School is beginning. College students have settled in. We are entering a new rhythm! To be sure, we will miss those summer days, but it also feels like we are beginning something new. New opportunities! What will the fall bring? What will we experience. To begin again brings both excitement and nervousness. The best way forward, into this new year, is to take the advice of Margaret Wheatley, “The primary way to prepare for the unknown is to attend to the quality of our relationships, to how well we know and trust one another."

Her name was Sacagawea. She helped Lewis and Clark explore unfamiliar territory. She was an interpreter and negotiator. When they needed horses to cross the Rockies, they turned to her. She brokered a deal with the Shoshone. The Shoshone begged her to stay back but she insisted on continuing their journey west. Sacagawea was invaluable to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. When one is exploring unfamiliar territory…it is critical to attend to the quality of one’s relationships! In many cases, that is all there is!

The Apostle Paul spent a lot of time in a boat. He went from place to place, people to people, always being assured that the future was unknown. A quick survey of Paul’s travels, in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28, underscores that his itinerary was always unpredictable, and his future was routinely called into question. Paul, however, attended to the quality of his relationships. Here is a short list: Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Lydia, Aquila, Priscilla, Luke, and John Mark. Moreover, in Romans 16, Paul identifies 30 people by name who seemingly are integral to his missional journeys. He could not do it alone. When exploring unfamiliar territory…it is critical to attend to the quality of one’s relationships! In many cases, that is all there is!

Fall is coming! Excitement is in the air. Game on!

We don’t always know what lies ahead. It is, perhaps, a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The only thing that we know, as we venture forward, is our relationship with God and with each other – that is all there is! Fall is soon here…

Welcome forward!

-Pastor Marty

Friendly reminder - this Sunday August 25 we will do a Backpack Blessing at First Lutheran! Students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 (and teachers!) are invited to bring their backpacks for a special blessing during either worship service before the start of a new school year. Each student will receive a gift to remind them that they are loved and prayed for! 🎒💚🙏🏾

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me...'" -Matthew 19:14

We hope you'll enjoy this sweet photo of our Children's Ministry Director, Kayla, spending time with her little disciples yesterday afternoon. We love walking with kids and helping them grow in their faith at FLC! ✝️☀️

P.S. If you'd like to help kids know the love of Jesus this fall, there's still time to sign up as a small group leader! Follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Yt7KiO

Today's Devotion from Pastor Stephanie Tollefson:

Back to school sales abound! “Buy one get the second one half off” sales or “Spend $75 and get $15 off your total purchase” kinds of sales. This time of year, I spend more to save less, but hey, “I got a good deal!”

How many times have you said, “I paid full price for that.” Even if you did, there is something in us conditioned to say otherwise. We all like a good deal and when we find a good deal we are not shy about sharing it. “Oh, you like my jacket? Thank you! I found it last year on clearance at Scheels.”

We are by human nature always on the lookout for a good deal or a deep discount. I am not ashamed to tell you I have taken my family out to eat at a restaurant that offered free kid’s meals with every adult meal purchased, or that I like to take Rollie Johnson out to lunch because he gets senior pricing. I’m not cheap, I just find satisfaction in getting a good deal.

If you have never thought of your life of faith as getting a good deal, here is your sign. The best deal in this world is the goods Jesus offers to you and to me. It is better than a BOGO sale (Buy One Get One); it’s free! Jesus offers us the gift of faith to believe that he is for us; the gift of forgiveness of sin and the freedom to believe that our sins are erased. Christ exchanges his death for our eternal life. He alone spends more to save us. He alone can say, “I paid full price for that!”

“You see, at just the right time when we were still powerless, Christ died for us. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” -Romans 5:6-8

-Pastor Steph

As we gear up for a new season, are you looking for a church family? You're invited to take the next step with First Lutheran! We're hosting a Belong Session next Tuesday August 27 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Come to learn more about joining our faith community, meet others, and discover fun ways for you to connect. A light dinner will be included! Registration required - you can do so in-person at the Welcome Desk or by following this link: https://bit.ly/3YTfdb7

Hope to see you there! 💚

Today's devotion from Rollie Johnson...
Treasures from Trials

Sixty miles deep into a ten-day backpacking trip, my eldest daughter Karina and I were struggling through the toughest and most demanding part of our trip. We had been bushwhacking and brush busting our way down a steep valley for the better part of our day six in the heart of the Wind River Mountains of western Wyoming. Adding to our frustration and exhaustion of thick forest cross-country travel, was the fact that we had entered an area that had been burned sometime in the past 4-6 years. The burn and following wind storms, winters and snowfall had wreaked havoc on the forest leaving blowdowns as far as we could see. Covered in soot, and weary from crawling over and under the endless maze of trees and brush we stopped to catch our breath and get out bearings. The rush of the nearby stream brought white noise to my already dulled senses. For a brief moment I glanced down and left, and through my thickened and slowed brain I perceived and object that grabbed my attention. “Yes” sure enough… it was and elk antler and upon further observation I was thrilled to discover its matching mate was also present and attached to the original skull! I was ecstatic with my new discovery and I shouted at Karina as I smiled from ear to ear! How cool! A beautiful 6 x 6 perfectly symmetrical elk-rack! What a rare and gorgeous find! Karina came a running and was also quite impressed by my find, but certainly not nearly as enthusiastic as me. I soon realized I couldn’t take such a large treasure with me especially given the current tangled terrain, difficulty of our situation and long distance we must still travel. But this great treasure-find had brightened our spirits in the midst of a trying day.

I soon realized I couldn’t take such a large treasure with me especially given the current tangled terrain, difficulty of our situation and long distance we must still travel. But this great treasure-find had brightened our spirits in the midst of a trying day.

I immediately dug out my multi-tool and extended the plyers. I flipped over the skull and proceeded to extract the two ivories from the upper pallet that are so prized by hunters and our Native American predecessors. Most non-hunters are unaware that elk have actual ivories. It is thought that ivories are possibly a left-over remnant of prehistoric elk that had tusks.

Karina appeared a bit grossed out by this process and thought me a bit crazy and the task unnecessary. I simply nodded and said that “These were treasures and how ironic that we’ve found them on the most difficult and challenging day of our trip.” I mumbled something along the lines of “I’ll make something out of them.” Anyway, our day had been brightened by this wonderful surprise gift in the midst of our hardship and ordeal.

A few days before Christmas I meandered down to our local Jewelers, and asked my friend Steve what he could create with these two elk ivories. He showed great excitement and scratched out a simple design with pencil and scratch paper. I was thrilled with his concept. A week later I received a message from Steve saying my project was finished and I grew giddy with anticipation to see his final creation.

As he lifted the lid on the box, a huge smile grew over my entire being! The earrings were absolutely gorgeous! They would be a perfect tribute to our memorable journey we had shared in the mountains of Wyoming. A fitting token to honor what we had shared together as father and daughter in the wilderness. This unique gift is on its way to once again surprise and hopefully delight Karina and remind her of both our struggle and triumphs in the mountains.

These earing would also serve to remind us that out of difficulty, struggle, anxiety, pain and confusion God can surprise us with wonderful and unexpected gifts and treasures if only we have eyes to see and a sense of wonder to appreciate that God is present in both the ups and the downs of our life’s journey.

Imagine the chances of us finding this little treasure in the midst of the vast, rugged and isolated wilderness of the Wind River Mountains? One in a million… or more most likely? I think this discover of the antlers and the ivories was nothing more than a specific, packaged surprise gift to a specific pair of weary and worn life’s travelers. And I know the Giver… personally.

It is most often easy to see and experience God in the highs, on the mountain tops when beauty is all around, and you can see with your eyes all that surrounds you and you know where you are and where you are going. When success and triumph are yours for the taking. It is another thing altogether, to understand that God is real, is present and is watching over you in the midst of being lost, lonely, afraid, anxious, worried, exhausted and confused.

Jesus states quite simply and bluntly: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 He also promises; “… surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 So if you are weary and worn, struggling and lost in the forest of endless struggles, or straining to overcome the mountain of debt, grief, and pain, or heavily burdened by a failed or broken relationship, know that God is present, God is at your side, God is working on your behalf and that God is working on your character to build stronger muscles of trust. And if you are open to the leading and guiding and mentoring of the Holy Spirit, you will even find beautiful and wonder filled treasures, right at your feet… Even in the midst of your confusion, lostness and suffering. Keep your eyes open!
-Rollie J.

but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. “Do not fear, for I am with you Isaiah 43: 2 & 5

Are you in difficulty about your way? Go to God with your question; get direction from the light of his smile, or the cloud of his refusal… get alone, where the lights and shadows of earth cannot interfere, where the disturbance of self-will does not intrude, where human opinions fail to reach-… wait there silent and expectant, though all around you insist on immediate decision or action- the will of God will be made clear; and you will have… a new conception of God and a deeper insight into his nature. Max Lucado Facing Your Giants

Go now with God.
Be not tempted to stay in the safety of known places.
Move from where you are to where God points.
Go now with God;
be not tempted to go only in your time,
when it suits, when it is sure,
for now is God’s time. Go now with God;
choose not to go alone.
Go in the faith that there is not
wilderness so vast,
that God is not already there
to show you the way.