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He Hears – Lisa A. Gavin
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I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me (Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them). Psalm 57:2 Amplified Version

Whales know how to listen. Our family went whale-watching off the Massachusetts coastline this summer and while we looked for an 80-90 foot humpback whale to surface and entertain us, we learned these magnificent creatures can really hear. A whale swimming in the Atlantic Ocean can send out a signal heard by another whale swimming in the Pacific Ocean. A calf, separated from its mother and swimming with the wrong herd, sends out a distress signal that she recognizes from miles away.

At times I’ve drifted off, lost my way in life. I’ve been confused about an issues I faced and even found myself in the wrong crowd. It doesn’t matter how far away I feel, God still hears my cry for help. His word promises He has a purpose and a plan for me and one for you too. He will bring it to pass in our lives if we trust and follow Him.

God is a loving Father who listens for the cries of His children and seeks after each one, lost or not. He does this because He is a God of promise and a Creator who loves His creation.

None of us follow perfectly, but He has taken care of that too. He sent His son on our behalf. With all these things in place we can rest assured we are carried in His palm.

Do you feel like you and God are an ocean apart? He knows your voice from every other, and hears you when you call. You are never too far away. In His care, you are never lost.

Lisa Gavin lives in central Illinois, 2½ hours south of Chicago, with her husband Dan. They have three children, a son-in-law, and an adorable grandson. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. Through her interest in American history, she hopes to encourage others to appreciate and value all God provides for their lives today through modern conveniences and medical advancements.
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Patterns – Lisa A. Gavin
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Jesus said to him, you do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later on. John 13:7 (Amplified Bible)

The date was October 10, 1934. The young bride-to-be was from a poor family and the wedding celebration would be held on her childhood farm. There would be one professional photograph taken of her in her floor-length wedding gown. The dress was made of white satin, the lace bodice adorned with a red corsage. None of the guests could have known that the young bride in the picture had made the gown herself, with no pattern.

My grandmother’s wedding dress symbolizes what life can be like for the Christian. We are fearful or lacking in faith because we can’t see what God is doing—we want to see the pattern that shows us how things will turn out. This is where faith comes in. God is the creator, piecing together the fabric of my life and yours. In the end, we will see the finished work. We simply have to trust the Creator of all things with the “later on” mentioned in John. Jesus said to him, you do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later on.

How many times do we look back on our circumstances and see what God was doing all along? In the end, He makes something beautiful of our circumstances when we serve Him. Just like my grandmother, an excellent seamstress, knew how to create a beautiful wedding dress, God creates beauty with the circumstances of our lives. Trust Him when you don’t see the finished product.

Lisa Gavin lives in central Illinois, 2½ hours south of Chicago, with her husband Dan. They have three children, a son-in-law, and an adorable grandson. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. Through her interest in American history, she hopes to encourage others to appreciate and value all God provides for their lives today through modern conveniences and medical advancements.
Read Lisa’s devotions.

Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

Seeing His Goodness and Mercy – Lisa Gavin
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“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works (the entirety of things created.)” Psalm 145:9 (Amplified Bible)

My mind envisions the slow, sorrowful walk to the country cemetery, two young cousins carrying the small homemade coffin while the grieving father and uncle lead the way.

God is good to everyone—all His creation. He shows His goodness and mercy to each of us in different ways. Sometimes it is through someone else’s tragedy or hardship that we understand God’s mercy and goodness.

My great aunt left a copy of her journals to our family before she died at age 92. My great-grandfather’s brother and his wife were blessed with 15 children. It was the 1920’s, and medical care was scarce in their rural area. This young family lost 4 of their 15 children in infanthood, including a set of twins.

My great-grandmother helped deliver the tiny twins. My great-aunt was a young girl, watching as her mother washed the little babies and dressed them in “pretty” outfits. My great-grandfather and his brother made a small casket “all decorated in satin.” The babies were buried together in a quiet country cemetery.

Our family has always had a strong belief in God. I know they trusted His goodness and relied on His mercy in this tragic loss. History provides a wonderful place to look for God’s mercy and goodness towards us. When we face trials today, it is wise for us to look at where we’ve come from and be encouraged by God’s provision.

What are you facing today? Is it grief? Discouragement? Hopelessness? His mercy and goodness are with you!

Lisa Gavin lives in central Illinois, 2½ hours south of Chicago, with her husband Dan. They have three children, a son-in-law, and an adorable grandson. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. Through her interest in American history, she hopes to encourage others to appreciate and value all God provides for their lives today through modern conveniences and medical advancements.
Read Lisa’s devotions.