Echoes of Grace
by Sharon W. Betters
Today’s Treasure
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Matthew 6:28-30
Dear Friends,
This week’s guest writer, Sue Tell, whose blog is Echoes of Grace, sees God’s glory in the mundane and discovers hope and confidence in the Lord through His creation. Sue was one of our first What She Said guest writers and it’s fun to welcome her back for this series.
In tomorrow’s devotional, Sue asks us to consider what bridges God will use to lead us into His Word. Sometimes what seems inconsequential is actually a priceless bridge designed to take us into the richness of our Father’s gracious love and Word. Her challenge reminded me of the way the Lord sent “treasures in the darkness” after my breast cancer diagnosis and even more after the death of our son, Mark. What might seem mundane and insignificant to someone else were priceless treasures reminding me that not only is the Lord omniscient and holy other, but He is so personal, He calls me by name.
I especially resonate with Saturday’s devotional: Older Women Still Need Older Women. The book of Titus is a picture of an older man mentoring a young pastor – Titus. Chapter 2 includes critical, practical instructions on how to pass on a genuine faith to the next generation, including spiritual mothering:
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Titus 2:1-8
I fully embrace the value of older women teaching and training younger women. But what about the value to an older woman (me) of an older woman whose friendship also teaches and trains me? Almost twenty-five years ago I wrote Treasures of Encouragement where I talk a lot about older women mentoring younger women. This passage in Hebrews 10 was the core Scriptural basis for the value of encouragement:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25
But at seventy-two years old, I also think more about the importance of encouragement in this season of life. Every call to obedience in Scripture is for our good and if followed, the mandate to encourage others reaps great rewards, especially in the context of friendship. The older we grow, the smaller our circle of genuine friends often diminishes. Not long ago, one of my dearest friends, Diane, stepped from earth into heaven, leaving a huge emptiness in my soul. To this day, I think about calling her, and then quickly remember she is gone. Her absence reminds me of the pricelessness of women in my season of life. Diane’s presence soothed and guided me in some of the murkiest waters I experienced. She jumped into the raging waves and I held on to her for dear life. My older friends continue to give me a sense of belonging and time with them minimizes my stress as we share our similar burdens. We walk with one another through the crises of life, including the mutual loss of dear friends. Their life journeys give me hope as they share how the Lord continues to encourage them in this season of life. I’m grateful for Sue’s reminder that:
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Sue ends her week with these questions:
Who are the older women in your life?
How can you create opportunities to connect with them?
Is God asking you to be an older woman to another woman?
Sue and her husband Bill are passionate about equipping others to not only serve in ministry, but more important is to embrace the freedom of growing in our understanding of our identity in Christ. For many years they have worked as partners in ministry with The Navigators. Sue enjoys pouring herself into the lives of women over a cup of coffee, online, or when filling her role as adjunct faculty for Trueface. She touches hearts not only through relationships, but also through facilitating retreats and writing on her blog or other platforms.
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
In preparation for this week’s devotions, spend some time in Hebrews 10:24-25. Ask the Lord to bring to mind an older friend who might be feeling lonely in this challenging season in our world. I know I am tired of the sheltering in place and long for some real contacts with real people. Who might be experiencing deep loneliness and needs to be reminded she is loved? Your first reaction might be that you wish someone would reach out to you! If so, this is an opportunity to die to self and give to someone else what you wish for yourself. And I’m pretty certain your need for a human touch will be met as well.
Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness and co-author of Treasures of Faith. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
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Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.