Swinging High, Swinging Low
Dear Sisters in Christ,
When I was only 4 years old, I was swinging on an old metal swing set in my cousin Holly’s back yard. There was a small field behind the chain-link fence, and across that field was the city’s power plant. Every once in a while, a deep voice would come over the intercom system, loud and booming.
In my little-girl mind, it was God’s voice.
At one point, I stopped swinging and turned to my 2-year-old cousin. In the most reverent voice I could muster, I said,
“Next time God speaks, we have to stop swinging and say, “Yes Lord.'”
Of course, my younger cousin who looked up to me, nodded without question. We kept swinging until we heard the deep voice again.
Then, we both stopped, bowed our little heads, and said, “Yes Lord.”
What I love most about that memory, isn’t that I thought it was God’s voice coming over the intercom, but my unquestionable willingness to stop what I was doing and simply say “Yes Lord.”
Why is it so difficult to have childlike faith in the highs and lows of life now?
Like me, do you find it easy to say “yes” to God when things are easy, but struggle when life gets complicated? Are you compliant to the Holy Spirit when you are swinging high in the world, but full of excuses when the swing comes to a stop?
Let’s face it, my friends. Life is full of highs and lows. It can sometimes feel like we are swinging without a care. Other times, it can feel like a struggle to even move at all. We move our feet back and forth, but the swing of life doesn’t seem to budge.
I have a suggestion.
I suggest we stop swinging for a moment.
Stop kicking our feet.
Stop striving to go higher in life.
Stop trying to make things happen.
You know, even Jesus’ disciples didn’t always know what direction to go. But they waited on the Lord and were ready to respond when He called.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:2-3
It’s important to note that Barnabas and Saul didn’t just sit around and do nothing. They gathered together, worshiped, and fasted.
Sisters, those are actions we can take in every high and low of life!
When you are swinging high, worship God!
When you are barely able to move the swing at all, fast and pray.
When you are somewhere in the middle, gather with other sisters and encourage one another.
No matter what, listen for the Lord’s will and simply say “Yes.”
I realize there may be some misconceptions about “hearing” God’s voice. And if you’re like me, you tend to err on the side of caution. However, with God’s wisdom, we have the discernment to test every voice in the light of Scripture. Here is an amazing passage on how God speaks to us today:
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power.
Hebrews 1:1-3
I don’t know about you, but I could read that passage a hundred times and still get all goose-bumpy and want to shout “Hallelujah!”
Here are the beautiful truths from that one passage:
God speaks to us by His Son, Jesus.
Jesus is over ALL things.
He is the radiance of God’s glory.
He is the EXACT imprint of His nature!
Jesus upholds the entire universe by the power of His word!
(Am I sensing some a few “hallelujahs” here?)
In my book, Prioritize Your Life and Get All Your Ducks in a Row, by Following the Imprint of God, I talk about the duckling who follows after the first creature she sees upon hatching. We, too, can choose to follow after God– our Ultimate Imprint.
It was more than a dozen years after my swing set experience, that I finally recognized my need for a Savior and surrendered my life to Jesus. But I never forgot about that day.
And now, at the age of 40-something, (almost 50), I wistfully recall that child-like faith…that innocence of belief…that ease of surrender…
Sisters, I want to be a grown-up girl who still says, “Yes Lord,” in ALL the highs and lows of life. What about you?
Here are some common things that may be getting in the way of that child-like response:
You’ve been working so hard, you haven’t stopped to ask yourself if you are working to please God or man. Are you working to please the Lord?(Colossians 3:23)
You’ve been preoccupied with a serious issue that has demanded all of your time and attention. Don’t you think God can handle it far better? (Proverbs 16:3)
You’re out of tune with the Holy Spirit because you’ve started listening more to your flesh. Won’t you begin walking in the Spirit?(Ephesians 5:16)
You’re doubtful of God’s voice, unsure of what He is trying to tell you. Are you seeking Him with all of your heart? (Jeremiah 29:13)
I pray you will find your child-like “yes” to whatever God is calling you to do. He may even be calling you to STOP swinging for a time and simply be still.
Be encouraged today. No matter what highs and lows of life you’re in, God is pressing something beautiful on your heart. He is whispering words of life and purpose. The question is, are you listening?
P.S. In what area of life are you struggling to say “yes” to God? I would love to know how to pray for you!
