I don’t feel pretty ∙∙

I don’t feel pretty ∙∙

He has made everything beautiful in its time. – Ecclesiastes 3:11

Ecclesiastes 3:1-12

1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.

4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.

I feel pretty (Maria – Westside Story)

I feel pretty, Oh, so pretty, I feel pretty and witty and bright!
And I pity any girl who isn’t me tonight.

I feel charming. Oh, so charming
It’s alarming how charming I feel!
And so pretty that I hardly can believe I’m real.

Feeling Beautiful

Many of us face the challenge of feeling unattractive; we don’t feel pretty! Sometimes, we wonder if our heavenly Father did not make a big mistake when He created us. But the truth is, He has a plan to make EVERYTHING beautiful in its time. This includes us. Every child of the King is a masterpiece in progress, shaped with love by the hands of our Creator.

The Father’s Creative Vision

The Father is an artist, and we are His canvas—His work of art in progress. Every child of the King is touched by His creative hand. We are His canvas, each of us a masterpiece in the making.

Watch an artist in their element. They commence with a concept, a vision, perhaps a doodle, or a reference image. They draft on a fabric or digital platform, infuse it with hues, and create depth and harmony. Gradually, they refine their work until it aligns perfectly with their vision.

It’s not a far stretch to imagine that the Father created and shaped everything in existence in a similar fashion. However, there’s a fundamental distinction. For Him, no time was required. There was no process involved. The entirety of creation unfolded instantly – as His thoughts were spoken into existence.

Psalms 33:6,9

6 The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
9 For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.

He created matter and time, landscapes and mountains, seas and galaxies. If He took care to craft something as fleeting as a rainbow or as grand as a galaxy, how much more does He care for you, His beloved child?

Beautiful in His Time

The phrase “beautiful in its time” comes from the Hebrew word yapheh, which initially referred to “visual beauty—something lovely to behold.” Over time, the meaning expanded, signifying “something good, right, or perfectly appropriate.” This reflects the Father’s work in creation and us.

As we move through time, the Father is at work to make everything proper and correct, that is, beautifully appropriate. We can translate this phrase as “God makes everything happen at its proper time” or “Everything God does, He does when the time is right” (UBS).

The Father is a sovereign King. He governs not only the physical world but also the realm of time. What the Father does, He does at the right time. He is working steadily to make all things proper and complete. You may not yet see the end result, but He is creating beauty within His timeframe, shaping you for His perfect purposes. The Father works wisely and lovingly, weaving the intricate threads of our lives into something extraordinary.

Trust the Process

A transformation of our thinking and perspective is required. Think of the difficult times in your life as part of His refining process. Shift your point of view and see that Father is carefully and thoughtfully adding the final touches to the complex tapestry of your life. These phases are opportunities for growth and development under His care. The Father is creating something extraordinary through our challenges. Trust His vision, wait for His timing, and take heart in knowing you are His masterpiece in the making.

“A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” (Mary Poppins).

We are simply passing through time. Our experiences, no matter how intense, are often brief in the larger scope of our lives. With a few exceptions, they are fleeting.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father is always at work in every child of the King. He is crafting masterpieces. His artistic endeavors in our lives are a work in progress. He is simply not finished yet.

Father, I acknowledge You as the great artist, and my life is but one of the countless canvases upon which You work. Your goal is to make everything beautifully appropriate in its time. Thank You.

INSIGHT

Clarity amid uncertainty

Human beings are bound by time, caught in its unrelenting flow. We have no control over it, no power to halt or alter its passage. Amid this reality, we often struggle to make sense of the events that shape our lives. Are they mere coincidences, the chaotic outcomes of chance? Or are we simply adrift, at the mercy of an unpredictable universe?

The Scriptures provide clarity amid this uncertainty. Time was not an accident of creation but a deliberate act of the Father God. He brought time into existence with purpose, crafting it as a framework within which His eternal plan unfolds. Each individual holds a place within this intricate design, woven together by the Creator’s hand. Unlike us, the Father is not confined by time; He rules over it. He orchestrates and intervenes within its boundaries at moments of His choosing, fulfilling His purposes with both precision and intention.

Far from being arbitrary, the events of our lives—both profound and mundane—are infused with meaning under His sovereign care. They occur within a divine order, one that harmonizes time and events in ways we may not yet comprehend. “Every event has its definite place in the time-order; the event is inconceivable without its time, and vice versa” (von Rad). Nothing is random; no moment is wasted. Though we live within the mystery of time, we can rest in the assurance that the Author of time is also the Architect of our lives.

God’s Masterpiece in Christ

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” This Scripture reflects the Father’s intentional work in shaping our lives according to His purpose and calling. We are not accidents; we are carefully crafted by His hand, created anew in Christ to carry out the good works He envisioned long before time began.

The Father’s Perspective on Time and History

Ecclesiastes offers a profound glimpse into the Father’s perception of human history. His view is one of supreme understanding and purpose. This divine perspective invites us to place our confidence and optimism in Him, tempered with humility and gratitude. Throughout the space-time continuum, the Father is actively at work, implementing His eternal blueprints. Every moment and every life is part of His grand and sovereign plan.

Crafted as Unique Masterpieces

Each of us is a unique design in the tapestry of creation. Like a master artist, the Father intricately crafts every child of the King, revealing their unique calling and value. While we can marvel at the beauty of His handiwork, we cannot always grasp the brilliance or creativity behind it. Our understanding deepens as we observe the wonders of Earth, the cosmos, and the personalized craftsmanship He invests into each life. Yet, His genius remains far beyond our complete comprehension.

A Hunger for Meaning Within Our Limits

The Father has instilled in us a desire to understand life’s meaning and purpose. He reveals glimpses of His plan to inspire awe and faith, yet He also places limits on our understanding. We remain finite beings, unable to fathom His eternal thoughts and ways fully. This tension between longing for understanding and confronting our limitations brings both humility and reliance on His wisdom.

Comprehensive understanding and perfect contentment will elude us throughout this lifetime. Seeking perfection, though a noble pursuit, is unattainable in this world and can lead to disillusionment if we obsess over it. Instead, our privilege is to continually seek Him, to explore His nature and essence to the extent that He allows. We are invited into a lifetime of discovery, marveling at His greatness and finding joy in what He reveals.

Time is the Father’s Creation

Although we may feel trapped in time, it’s crucial to remember Who made it. The Father is not confined by time. As its Creator, He reigns over it. He orchestrates every moment according to His perfect will, and we, as His children, can trust in the ideal order He established. Our purpose is to live by faith within this framework, confident that He is always working for our good.

Finding Confidence in the Creator

No matter how mysterious or confining life may seem, we can rest in the truth that the Author of life has an eternal plan. He is not a distant observer but an active and sovereign Creator. Seek Him, trust His design, and take comfort in knowing you are His masterpiece—uniquely and wonderfully made.

Are you feeling pretty?

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© Dr. H 2025

The illusion of control ∙∙

The illusion of control ∙∙

For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me if you know so much. – Job 38:4

Job 42:2-6

1 Then Job answered the LORD and said:
2 “I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;
6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

The Illusion of Control

Humans often cling to the belief that they can control or at least influence outcomes that are clearly beyond their grasp. One vivid example is the lottery. Many think that choosing their own numbers somehow grants them more control over the result than if they accepted randomly assigned ones. This false perception of control feels reassuring, even when it defies logic.

The Research Behind the Illusion

Psychologist Ellen Langer identified and studied this phenomenon in 1975, calling it the “Illusion of Control.” Her experiments revealed that people were more likely to behave as if they had control when tasks or events appeared to involve personal skill or experience, even when no real influence was possible. The effect has been observed countless times, consistently showing how deeply this illusion is embedded in human behavior.

The question that needs to be asked is, Why? But why do rational, well-meaning individuals regularly deceive themselves in this way? What lies at the heart of this tendency to pretend we have control?

The Search for Security

Could it be for many that the illusion of control stems from a longing for security? People crave predictability, personal peace, and safety, often constructing rigid boundaries in an attempt to feel at ease within their comfort zones. The idea of relinquishing control feels foreign to some—maybe even terrifying. Words like “surrender” and “flexibility” aren’t part of their vocabulary. When the unpredictable inevitably enters their carefully defined world, panic often follows.

A Better Way Forward

Instead of clinging to illusions, we are called to trust the wisdom and sovereignty of the Father. Flexibility and calm acceptance of His will bring peace where rigid control cannot. When we face the truth and humbly admit, “I have no control over this,” we can redirect our energy toward things that truly matter— issues we can influence (Sandra Sanger).

Recognizing the Father’s love and omniscience invites us to release the illusion of control. With deliberate and conscious submission, we can trust Him with the things we cannot control, resting securely in His perfect plan. Every day, we have the chance to purposefully choose trust, knowing His heart and mind are steadfastly loyal to each of His children.

Trusting the Sovereign Lord

The Lord Jesus Christ once addressed the city of Capernaum, saying, “For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today” (Matthew 11:23). This striking statement emphasizes that Sodom, known as the “sin city” of ancient Canaan, represented the height of debauchery and rebellion, and might have repented had it witnessed His power. However, that opportunity was never afforded.

The lesson is clear—God alone is Sovereign. He knows the details of every event, the unspoken permutations and possibilities of what could have been, and the reasons behind His ultimate choices. We might struggle to comprehend it, but His wisdom surpasses all understanding.

Resting in His Sovereignty

The “Illusion of Control” fades when we fully acknowledge the Father’s authority over all things. Surrender isn’t about loss—it’s about freedom. True peace is found in trusting His knowledge, love, and power. We don’t have to live in a frenzied struggle to control life’s outcomes. Instead, we can rest in the secure and loving arms of the One who knows all and chooses what is best.

You, too, can purposely choose to relinquish the need to control and submit to the One who never fails.

REFLECT & PRAY

Who is in Control? Lord God omnipotent reigns! (Revelation 19:16).

Father, I know my understanding is limited, and my questions often feel endless. Help me to accept Your eternal wisdom, to trust in Your sovereign control, and to find peace in Your perfect will.

INSIGHT

When we are in the midst of difficulties or hardship, and our world seems to be collapsing, and our hopes and expectations are dashed, when we are disappointed and sad, when we are betrayed, let down, or abandoned, the Father is still in control.

The fact that we are given the ability to make free moral choices provides us with control over a smidgen of what happens in our lives. This contributes to the illusion of control. Each morning, we make conscious decisions about what clothes we wear. None of us doubt that. But at the same time, somehow, in the eternal and infinite mind of God, He has made the same choices before the foundation of the world.

We have the right and are encouraged to ask the Father tough questions. We can do this out of curiosity and wonder but not out of disillusionment, pride, or arrogance. The Father often answers our queries with probing challenges of His own. This is precisely what transpired between Job and the Father.

Job 38:4 Where were you [Job] when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me if you have understanding.

The Father rules in the affairs of men. Napoleon lost his final battle at Waterloo and lost his empire. Years later, in exile on the island of St. Helena, chastened and humbled, Napoleon is reported to have quoted the words of Thomas a Kempis: “Man proposes; God disposes.”

This is the lesson with which history confronts us all. The Father is able to work His sovereign will – despite man. It is like holding onto a water balloon. The more tightly you grasp it, the more likely it is to burst.

The Father is sovereign! He is the King of the universe. His rule and authority are all-encompassing. The Father has unlimited power. He has sovereign control over the affairs of nature, man, and history. He has created all things. He has made the earth and all of its environs. He has created all of the life forms which occupy them.

He is the creator God and, as such, rules over all of His creation. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Revelation 19:16 Hallelujah for the Lord God omnipotent reigns.

God is sovereign, and He is in complete control. Sometimes, He delegates leadership responsibility and its consequent control to others. But He can take it back at any time. Human control is delegated control. Human control is transitory and illusionary.

Two young girls were talking, and one said she had ten pennies. The other girl looked at her hand and only saw five. She said, “You only have five pennies.”
The first girl replied, “I have five, and my father told me he would give me five more tonight. So I have ten.”

She understood that her father’s promise was as good as done (Green).

1 Peter 5:6-7

6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

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© Dr. H 2025

I am meek ∙∙

I am meek ∙∙

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart. – Matthew 11:28-29

1 Peter 3:3-4

3 Don’t be concerned about the external adornment . . .
4 but let it be the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a meek and tranquil spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

A Countercultural Virtue

Modern Western culture often does not generally see meekness as a virtue. Traits like assertiveness and dominance frequently take center stage, while qualities such as meekness and humility are usually sidelined or misunderstood. Interestingly, even in biblical translations, “meekness” is sometimes replaced with words like “humility” or “gentleness.”

Yet, a few centuries ago, meekness held a place of deep spiritual significance. It was seen as foundational to a godly life. Matthew Henry described meekness as a state of “calm confidence, settled assurance, and rest of the soul. It is the tranquil stillness of a soul that is at rest in Christ. It is the place of peace.” Charles Wesley echoed this sentiment, stating, “The person who bears and suffers evils with meekness and silence is the sum of a Christian man.” Clearly, meekness was once regarded as a hallmark of spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.

Understanding Meekness

What exactly is meekness? It’s often misunderstood as weakness, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Wiersbe clarifies: “Meekness is not weakness; meekness is power under control.” This word in ancient Greek was used to describe things like “a soothing wind, a healing medicine, or a wild horse that had been tamed” (Wiersbe). Each of these examples reflects great power—but power that is harnessed and directed.

Meekness is not about lacking strength. Instead, it’s about submitting your strength to God, allowing Him to guide and refine it for His purposes. It’s the ability to restrain destructive instincts, choosing instead to act with grace and humility.

The example of Tamed Power

When wild animals are tamed, they don’t lose their power or strength. Instead, what changes is their independence and unrestrained instincts. They learn to accept guidance and trust their caretaker. For instance, a wild colt, once broken, becomes responsive to its rider. Its natural “fight or flight” impulses are set aside and replaced by trust and obedience.

The same is true for meekness in the life of a child of the King. By submitting to the Father, we place our instincts and will under His control. We do not lose our strength; instead, we gain a strength that is refined and purposeful.

Lessons from Parrots

The difference between wild and hand-raised parrots illustrates this concept very clearly. Parrots in the wild are fearful and quick to flee at the first sign of human presence. Their instincts for self-preservation dominate. By contrast, parrots raised in captivity that are hand-fed and tamed are completely different. They lose their fear of humans. Instead of fleeing, they draw near. They desire to be with those that are closest to them. They develop love and affection for them and learn to enjoy their touch and “friendship.”

This transformation mirrors the life of someone who embraces meekness. By placing their trust in the Father, they set aside their natural tendencies for self-sufficiency or fear, allowing His presence to replace it with peace and intimacy. Like the tame parrot, they grow to find joy in the nearness of their Creator.

Meekness Reflects Christ

Meekness, at its core, radiates the character of Christ. It grows from a heart of humility, creating a fragrance of peace that sets the children of the King apart. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself described meekness as a blessed virtue, saying, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Christ exemplified ultimate meekness—strong yet incomplete submission to the Father’s will, choosing gentleness and grace over force.

A Call to Reflect

Consider a deeper understanding of meekness. Are there areas in your life where you’re holding onto independence or striving for control? How can you surrender these to God and let Him nurture meekness within you?

Meekness isn’t about weakness; it’s finding your strength in Christ. It’s about trusting His guidance and discovering the calm confidence of a soul at peace.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Meekness recognizes that the Father is in control and whatever is going on as part of a larger plan. We all need rest, and Jesus promises to give it to us when we find our rest in Him. He will not scold us for being weak or scorn us for being foolish. He promises to gently and humbly refresh our weary souls” (Stanley).

Father, I long to be tamed by You. For me, “power under control” is a work in progress. Regrettably, it is painfully slow work.

INSIGHT

All Authority Belongs to Christ

The Lord Jesus Christ was granted all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Beyond this, the Father appointed Him with the authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). He is not weak; He is all-powerful. Yet, what makes Jesus extraordinary is how He chooses to exercise His power—with perfect restraint and control.

The Epitome of Meekness

When Jesus described Himself, He emphasized His meek nature. He said in Matthew 11:29, “Learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.” To Jesus, meekness was one of His most appealing and approachable traits. It was through His meekness that He invited others to draw near, assuring them they would find safety, kindness, and understanding.

Jesus does not shame or reprimand those who come to Him burdened. Instead, He tenderly meets them where they are, gently lifting the weight of their weary souls. His meekness creates the perfect atmosphere for restoration and peace.

Meekness as “Power Under Control”

The Greek word for meek, praus, captures “a unique balance of strength and poise.” It can be summarized as “controlled power.” When associated with animals, it means “tame”—an animal that retains its power but is directed and restrained. Praus embodies strength paired with gentleness and in response to the weakness of others. It reflects inner calm, patient self-control, and a serene strength that does not lash out but instead responds with care.

A Picture of Meekness

The image of a lioness with her cubs provides an excellent metaphor for meekness. Picture the firm but gentle way a lioness moves her cubs, tenderly carrying them without harming them. She possesses the power to crush in an instant but chooses to be restrained, embodying calm strength and self-control.

Proverbs 16:32 adds to this idea, saying, “Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.” A meek person displays strength, but it is always controlled and directed with purpose.

Meekness Versus Resignation

When we face hardships we can’t control, our reactions often reveal the state of our hearts. Some may respond with passive resignation, giving up in despair. This attitude mirrors characters like C-3PO from Star Wars: “We’re doomed” or, “We seem to be made to suffer. It’s our lot in life.”

But meekness offers a radically different path. It is not passive, nor does it accept defeat. Rather, meekness is a deliberate, active choice to trust in God. Meekness is possible because of our confidence and trust in the Father’s goodness and control of the situation.

The Path to Meekness

Meekness isn’t something we can cultivate on our own. It begins with yielding ourselves fully to the Father. As William Barclay so aptly put it, “No man can lead others until he has mastered himself; no man can serve others until he has subjected himself; no man can control others until he has learned to control himself. But the man who gives himself into the complete control of God will gain this meekness.”

Geoffrey B. Wilson adds, “Meekness is the mark of a man who has been mastered by God.”

Reflection on Meekness

Meekness is more than just a desirable trait—it is evidence of a heart transformed by God. It comes when we allow the Father to tame our spirit, redirect our strength, and cultivate within us calm confidence. Surrender to the Master who tames His children with care. True meekness, far from weakness, is strength anchored in trust and guided by grace.

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© Dr. H 2025

My Father’s house ∙∙

My Father’s house ∙∙

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. – John 14:2

John 14:1-6

1 Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with me where I am.
4 And you know the way to where I am going.

5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

Longing for Home

Antonin Dvořák, the celebrated Czech composer, found powerful inspiration during his visit to America in the late 19th century. Out of that experience, he crafted one of his most renowned masterpieces, Symphony No. 9, widely known as the New World Symphony. One of the most moving parts of this composition is the hauntingly beautiful Largo, where the English horn conveys deep longing. This poignant melody reflects Dvořák’s own homesickness and yearning for the familiar comforts of home. Dvořák captured the deep sense of nostalgia and the human soul’s profound “longing for home.”

The beauty of this symphony touched President Ronald Reagan so much that he made a heartfelt request for it to be played at his funeral. Honoring his wish, the New World Symphony rang out as a solemn tribute to the memory of the esteemed President, echoing across the ceremony.

A Promise of Hospitality

This longing for home is not unique. It mirrors one of the deepest desires of the human heart. Even the Lord Jesus Christ, as He faced the cross, anticipated and longed for His return home to His Father. Yet, His love for His disciples was so great that He turned His focus to them, revealing an extraordinary truth—His home would one day become their home. He shared that His Father’s house was vast and filled with room for every child of the King. They were all invited! He was going ahead to prepare a place, promising to return and bring them there to dwell with Him forever.

William Barclay beautifully explained this promise, noting that “An earthly house becomes overcrowded; an earthly inn must sometimes turn away the weary traveler because its space is exhausted. But it is not so with our Father’s house, for heaven is as wide as the heart of God, and there is room for all.” The Lord Jesus Christ reassured His disciples and us with these words. Though the world may shut its doors and reject us, the Father’s house will always be open. “Do not be afraid,” He told them. “I go to prepare a place for you.” His promises overflow with tender love and assurance—they would forever have a home with Him.

Comfort for the Hurting

For those of us who understand the joy of a loving home, the thought of heaven as the Father’s eternal dwelling is deeply comforting. For others whose earthly homes may have been painful or unwelcoming, the promise of God’s perfect, welcoming home holds even greater hope and wonder. Imagine the overwhelming joy of being embraced by your Father, not as a visitor, but as His child. His home will become your home. We will bask in His loyal love, enjoying His company forever.

A Glorious Homecoming Awaits

One day, each of us will step into eternity and experience the life to come. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself is preparing this place, uniquely and lovingly, for us. When that moment comes, we’ll be welcomed into the Father’s house—a home without limits, filled with warmth, joy, and the eternal presence of our Savior. There, we will dwell in His love forever.

REFLECT & PRAY

What a fantastic thought. Each child of the King will have their own special place, lovingly prepared in the Father’s house.

Father, thank You for having such a big heart and welcoming me into Your Forever Family. Being in Your presence promises pleasures forevermore. I can hardly wait to experience it.

INSIGHT

The Disciples’ Confusion

The disciples, even after walking with Jesus for over three years, were grappling with confusion and uncertainty. They struggled to understand where the Lord was going. Their lack of comprehension came to a head when Thomas asked a question that many of us relate to in moments of doubt.

John 14:5 – “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

This question arose out of genuine bewilderment. Jesus had told them repeatedly that He was returning to the One who sent Him, but the disciples struggled to grasp this truth. He said, “I will be with you a little while longer, and then I am going to him who sent me” (John 7:33). Yet, they could not reconcile His words with the coming reality of the cross.

William Barclay explains, “At this moment, the disciples were bewildered men. There was one among them who could never say that he understood what he did not understand, and that was Thomas. He was far too honest and far too much in earnest to be satisfied with any vague, pious expressions. Thomas had to be sure. So, he expressed his doubts and his failure to understand, and the wonderful thing is that it was the question of a doubting man that provoked one of the greatest things Jesus ever said. No one need be ashamed of having doubts, for it is amazingly and blessedly true that those who seek will, in the end, find.”

Takeaway: Never be ashamed of your doubts, confusion, or nagging questions. Like Thomas, your honest questions can lead to life-changing answers.

A Promise of Certainty

Jesus’ words carried assurance. He promised to prepare a place for His disciples, and this wasn’t an empty declaration—it was a certainty. Faith in Him would be their key to security, no matter how overwhelming their fears might seem (Tenney).

John 14:2-3 “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

What makes this promise so extraordinary? The glory of that place isn’t only in its splendor—it’s in the presence of Christ Himself. “Christ’s presence would make the place glorious. Eternal companionship with Him is the expectation of the saved” (Tenney).

Imagine stepping into the eternal dwelling He’s lovingly and uniquely prepared just for you—welcomed, loved, and never turned away. What an incredible homecoming that will be!

Lean into the security of this truth. He has gone ahead to prepare your eternal place and one day; you’ll join Him there. Forever welcomed. Forever home.

Going home – Bill Gaither

Many times in my childhood when we’ve traveled so far
By nightfall how weary I’d grown
Father’s arms would slip around me and gently he’d say
My child we’re going home

Going home, I’m going home
There is nothing to hold me here
I’ve caught a glimpse of that Heavenly land
Praise God, I’m going home

Now the twilight is fading, the day soon shall end
Lord, I get homesick, the farther I roam
But the Father has led me each step of the way
And now I’m going home

Going home, I’m going home
There is nothing to hold me here
I’ve caught a glimpse of that Heavenly land
Praise God, I’m going home

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© Dr. H 2025

Mormon crickets and adversity ∙

Mormon crickets and adversity ∙

I will restore to you the years that the locusts have eaten. – Joel 2:25

Joel 2:18-26

18 Then the LORD will pity his people and jealously guard the honor of his land.
19 The LORD will reply, Look! I am sending you grain and, new wine, and olive oil, enough to satisfy your needs. You will no longer be an object of mockery among the surrounding nations.

21 Don’t be afraid, my people. Be glad now and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things.
23 Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem! Rejoice in the LORD your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more, autumn rains will come, as will spring rains.
24 The threshing floors will again be piled high with grain, and the presses will overflow with new wine and olive oil.

25 The LORD says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.
26 Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the LORD your God, who does these miracles for you. Never again will my people be disgraced.

Mormon crickets are known for the incredible destruction they bring when they swarm. Despite their name, they aren’t true crickets but large, wingless katydids. These insects range in color from black and brown to red, purple, or green, and they grow about 2 to 3 inches long. Although they cannot fly, they crawl and jump, covering over a mile in a single day. When they invade, the devastation is catastrophic. They eat everything in their path—even their own dead.

The name “Mormon cricket” comes from a famous event in May 1848 when they invaded the crops of Mormon pioneers in Utah. By June, their destruction seemed unstoppable—until huge flocks of seagulls appeared on June 9. Over two weeks, the seagulls devoured the crickets, sparing the communities from complete loss.

Even today, Mormon crickets present challenges. Swarms can number into the millions, covering up to 100 insects per square yard and destroying miles of farmland. During a plague, no plant life is safe, and infestations can persist for years. Then they move on. For example, in 2021, Mormon crickets—and grasshoppers—ravaged 10 million acres of rangeland in Oregon. In May 2024, they swarmed Nevada. Their presence even creates hazards beyond farming; in June 2003, crushed insects turned roads “blood red” with slick carcasses, making some paths impassable.

A swarm of insects like this is a vivid image of total devastation—and it’s the kind of picture the prophet Joel painted to warn the people of Judah. Because of their disobedience, God sent an “army” of locusts as judgment, leaving their land stripped bare. Joel described an invasion that caused devastation, unlike anything they had ever experienced. The people of Judah faced terrible famine and poverty.

Joel’s warning is clear. However, he doesn’t stop at judgment—he offers hope. When the people of Judah would repent, seeking God’s forgiveness, the Father promised restoration. What was destroyed would be replaced. What was lost would be returned. Joel 2:25 records the Lord’s powerful declaration of His mercy: “I will restore to you the years that the locusts have eaten.”

This moment points to the very heart of God’s character. But with judgment would come mercy and restoration from the same source. When the people turn from their sinful ways and seek forgiveness and redemption from the Father, it will be given to them.

Habakkuk echoes this truth in Habakkuk 3:2, praying, “I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe at your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your wrath, remember your mercy.”

There are times in our lives when we feel stripped bare, much like the aftermath of a plague of locusts. Perhaps sin has left us spiritually empty. Possibly, loss or hardship has eaten away at our hope. But God does not abandon us there. When we turn back to Him, He restores what we’ve lost. He redeems our brokenness, pouring out new life where devastation once ruled.

Are there areas of your life where the “locusts” have left their mark? Take heart in the promise of Joel 2:25. When we seek the Father with repentant hearts, He will restore what’s been taken. His grace is sufficient, and His mercy always prevails.

REFLECT & PRAY

What a paradox, if not an oxymoron: the Father is a God of all grace and lovingkindness, yet He is also a God of justice and retribution.

Father, help me to see and recognize my sin and rebellion. Encourage me to repent and seek restoration.

INSIGHT

Even when human life feels marked by losses that can never be regained—“the years that the swarming locust has eaten”—God, who allows hardship, is also the Lord of mercy and grace. He declares, “I will restore to you” (Joel 2:25). What an incredible promise (ESV notes).

Psalm 90:15 echoes this hope, asking, “Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good.”

The pain we carry—whether emotional, physical, or spiritual—can feel almost unbearable. But in God’s kingdom, brokenness often leads to strength, blessing, and growth. Without faith in our gracious and merciful Father, it’s hard to see how being crushed could result in anything good. Yet, God’s work through suffering transforms everything.

Hebrews 12:11 reminds us, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

The apostle Paul knew this truth firsthand. His life was filled with discouragement, hardships, and trials. He proclaimed, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31), facing constant challenges that required him to lean on God. Yet, Paul understood how trials develop character, faith, and perseverance in him. For Paul, it was worth it.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 reveals his perspective:

8 “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair.
9 We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.”

Paul saw trials as tools in the hands of God. They weren’t punishments but opportunities for God to refine, reshape, and refocus his life. And that truth applies to us too.

When we cling tightly to our own desires, insisting on what we think is best for our lives, we often prolong the pain of brokenness. But when we trust God with our suffering, even when we don’t understand, we open ourselves to His more excellent plan—a plan to position us for freedom and blessing. He disciplines and guides, not to confine us but to prepare us for what is ahead (Stanley).

As Jim Elliott once declared, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Surrendering our plans to God may feel costly, but the life and restoration we gain in return are far greater than anything we give up.

Take heart in His promise of restoration. The Father sees your pain, and He will use it to accomplish something beautiful in your life. Trust Him to restore what you thought was lost.

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© Dr. H 2025