Author Darlene J. Conard

Let’s talk more about God’s mysterious ways. Mysterious is defined as difficult or impossible to understand, explain or identify. God has a secrecy about Him. He withholds some things from us for reasons. Trusting Him is vital. Paul knew this. That’s why he wrote in his letter to the church, “For we walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

If we were aware of all He planned to do our faith wouldn’t grow.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV) This is one of many verses that are used to kick discouragement out the door. I’ll be the first to raise my hand as being guilty. Faith is a challenge when I’m not feeling well. One trail after another is set ablaze by fire only leaving you standing still. I get It! Then again, some paths are destroyed since it leads to our destruction.

“O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23 KJV)

Intimate moments are a treasure. Trust transpires in depths unexplainable. Our time with Him is our lifeline.  

We often than not pray about things expecting answers to be how we would do things. This quote revealed how off my ways are compared to God’s. 

“I prayed for God to protect me from my enemies and I started losing friends. I asked for courage, God gave me difficulties to make me stronger. I asked for wisdom, God gave me problems to solve.”  I don’t know who wrote this but so much truth is in it. Some problems are solved through our capability and possibilities. For example, there are people that challenge me and are problematic. Years ago, I would have avoided taking the risk of coming in contact with them. Now I don’t, unless God tells me to. God used this challenge to bring me out of my comfort zone.  Timid or uncertain, no more. Yes, unexpected challenges will come to lure us even further out or tempt us to go backwards. I encourage you to ask God for wisdom concerning all things. He may ask you to proceed with a completely different approach.  

Author Darlene J. Conard

Bright red peeped from behind the crisscrossed branches of a nearby tree. It’s certainly not a bloom, nor leaves, summer is still here, I thought sitting and waiting in my office chair for the red to reveal itself.  Shortly after a red cardinal leaped from his pavilion quarreling at an intruding squirrel. Honestly the sight was humorous, worth watching! He must be guarding a nest. 

Seeing the feisty little fellow in action made my day. I believe he would have declared war on any creature within limits.  He wasn’t protecting his nest but territory. Cardinals are very territorial birds. His chosen space became invaded by an outsider.

A lesson came from that incident.  There comes a time when I’m seeking God, His direction, His will for my life that I have to shut everything down. I need to hear from God. An example is Abraham.  

He laid the offering God requested in an orderly manner. The problem was the fowls of the air came down to consume it. Abraham stayed busy driving them away. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have received insight.  

Abram (Abraham) fell into deep sleep at the lowering of the sun. The Bible speaks of a great horror of darkness falling upon him. (Genesis 15) In that deep sleep received the prophecy living from generation to generation.

I guarantee without hesitation the moment you submit prayer, worship and thanksgiving, that an evil intrusion will take place. Some evil thought or action is going to divert us from receiving the heavenly flow promised.

Whatever it is that God is requiring of you, do it. Drive away all negative influences. Don’t allow it to cross into your space.    

“Surely, he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;” Psalm 91:3-5 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

“God works in such mysterious ways.” My friend and I discussed how our circumstances went beyond our physical involvement. “Lord I’ve done the possible now You’re going to have to do the impossible.” (Luke 1:37) Driving down the highway continuing our conversation we both agreed we had to stand firm on faith. He’s working out the impossible. My downfall is, I like for things to be over with. The mental battle is exhausting. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but principalities of the air as Ephesians 6:12 reveals. Paul wrote about the war against his own will. (Romans 7:23) Then there are those we deal with that are set on their own principles. 

She began telling me a story of how God moved in a situation in His own way on time. The sweet fragrance of anointing oil and God’s presence filled the vehicle. Tears of gladness slid down my face while she praised Him. The next day that situation she had been praying about for over six months settled. Her husband got the position he’d been promised. 

I understand that it’s difficult but God makes it good. Doors that should be closed will be closed on His terms. When He opens a door no one has the power to close it.

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” Revelation 3:8 KJV

I listened to a lady giving her testimony that encourages waiters. Her ideas were dismissed by the CEO, she was dismissed as well.  Later several company owners came to her saying they wanted her to come work for them. She explained she’d been dismissed by the CEO. That CEO was fired and they came to her to fill the position.

God works in mysterious ways! Believe me, trying to figure out how He’s going to do it will shut us down quickly.

If you are praying for the impossible don’t give up hope. Let God do what He needs to do!

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:” Isaiah 55:8-10 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

The donkey said to the tiger, “The grass is blue.”

“No, the grass is green.”  replied the tiger. The discussion became heated so they took the matter to the king of the jungle. The donkey shouts out to the lion, “Your highness, is it true the grass is blue?”

“True the grass is blue,” he replied to the donkey.

“The tiger disagrees with me and contradicts and annoys me. Please punish him.” The king then declared,” The tiger will be punished with five years of silence.” The donkey jumped cheerfully and went his way. The tiger accepted his punishment. Before leaving the tiger asked the Lion, “Why have you punished me? After all, the grass is green.”

“In Fact, the grass is green.” Replied the lion. “Then why are you punishing me?’

“That has nothing to do with the question of whether the grass is blue or green. The punishment is because it’s not possible for a brave and intelligent creature like you to waste time arguing with a donkey. On top of that you bother me with such a question.”

The moral of this story is, time is wasted arguing with a fool and fanatic that doesn’t care about truth or reality: only the victory of his beliefs and illusions.  

As soon as I read this the scripture came to me. “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Matthew 7:6 KJV) So many individuals are deeply rooted in what they believe is truth, though it’s not even close to truth. Illusions are things created through distortion to draw one into believing what they see is true. It applies to spiritual sight as well.

“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”  (Proverbs 14:15 KJV)

“The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:18 KJV)

I’ve learned such a hard lesson trying to convince others of things I didn’t say or do that I was supposed to have done. As this story teaches, there is a time to be silent.

God is our defender. If we are rooted deep in Christ, truth and the illusions and false beliefs will not prevail.

Author Darlene J. Conard

Before my conversion getting personal with God, I thought, was impossible. I didn’t know His ears stayed opened listening for my voice. I didn’t know He cared that heavy tear droplets stained my pillow through the night. I didn’t know He could do the impossible such as moving on a stranger’s heart to fulfill a need only He knew about. I just didn’t know God Himself will reveal the secret things through dreams and visions. God Himself whispering in the ears of mankind? Yes, if we are opened to Him, we will hear.

Those feelings developed from being deprived, limited as a child. Oh, but once you come in contact with a glory carrier, that’s it! Someone who projects the love of Jesus shifts the atmosphere! Out of frustration with myself I ask, “Will I ever learn?” Yes, we learn through failure. We learn by watching others, not with a faulty mentality, but an open heart.

One cool afternoon I took a walk with my route taking me past the Day Care playground. A toddler with bouncing platinum curls comes running toward the security gate with his hand stretched out holding flowers. His little fingers entwined the wired gate as he stretched upward proudly with one to give me the bouquet he picked. “Fo’ ‘ewe’ ‘wady.” Innocence portrayed him well. His porcelain face, soft rosy cheeks and sparkling ocean blue eyes ministered to me.

 “Thank you, sweet heart.” My hand reached over the gate to take his sweet little, valuable gift. The fact that he chose to give them to me made me feel special to God. My friend and I often talk about God winks. This is one of them.

I yearn for a deeper experience with Him. I’ve found that every trial has a door that Jesus holds in His pocket.

If you are struggling rest assured it’s a time to get up close and personal with God.

“I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: “Job 5:8-9 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Linus, the character in the Charlie Brown cartoon, couldn’t give up his security blanket. Many failed attempts by Lucy and the unseen grandma revealed the strong attachment. He felt lost without it. The subject leaves room for our imagination to fill the gaps. At what age exactly did he pick up the habit?

One thing is certain, it was entwined with an emotion so much he fought for it. His friends and family saw an unhealthy habit. To Linus though it was far from the truth. The character quickly demonstrates anxiety without the blanket. Nightmares, safety and loneliness emerge.

Linus would have to come to an understanding emotionally. The blanket didn’t have anything substantial, no power whatsoever: only what Linus gave it.  

All this refused to leave my spirit as the Holy Ghost dealt with me concerning what I was holding on too. Condemning speech and actions came bursting through my door, delivered by those who were once close to me.  They at times revisit. For me, withholding my company from others gave me a sense of security. “Darlene, you cannot use this as a security blanket.” I heard the Lord loud and clear in my spirit.

Often, we think of material security, such as blankets, other people, and so forth. The truth is we have a spiritual entanglement that’s not of God. Help is ours to acknowledge and take, if we will just take that step. We are here to help one another, not be partakers of further suppression.

I called my friend to apologize to her for not being as strong as I used to be for her. She assured me we are to bear one another’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

I’m so grateful that I don’t need the security blanket called, the past, to be safe. It’s far from safe and healthy.

 The blood of Jesus is all the security blanket we need! Cover us, Lord Jesus!

“Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.”  Psalm 122:1-9 KJV

Author Darlene J. Conard

Sarah’s (Sari) impatience tapped unmercifully at her shoulder. The law of nature reminded her she was ninety years old. She dismissed the words “appointed time.” Hagar, her maid, was the perfect candidate to bear her child through Abraham (Abram). That must be what God meant. Hagar the surrogate mother, perfect plan!

As days turned to weeks, weeks becoming months Sarah watched life from within Hagar’s womb.  Bareness taunted her, she perhaps wondered why God awakened a desire she buried long ago.

It should’ve been her heart dancing with joy. She should’ve been the one filling the empty slot. Not Hagar. She is the one who made vows to Abraham as a wife. She was right but she wasn’t.

In the spirit of fury, she sent Hagar running into the desert. In fairness Sarah created something due to impatience. She developed a plan, she went with it. Nothing about it had anything to do with God. Truth said she would bear a son. Flesh said, “God’s way isn’t good enough so I’ll do things my way. The thing tapping at her shoulder, “Well are you going to do something to get what is rightfully yours or sit by while time passes by?” Faith found itself held captive far from Sarah. Genesis 18:1-15

As it is written Sarah did become one with faith.

“Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.” Hebrews 11:11 KJV

We are all guilty of needing to take control. Yes, there are things we have the ability to do. Pray, worship, seek Him during the season of waiting. Acknowledge Him as Lord in your life. Thank Him for His blessings.

If we aren’t careful, we will create something in the flesh that only brings delay and pain. It’s certainly not pretty! God can and will take the mess and reconstruct it for His glory.

If you are waiting on a promise from God, don’t take His instructions in the waiting lightly. Obey His every word and watch. Your promised season will flourish. 

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Hebrews 10:23 KJV

 

A message from author Darlene J. Conard

I am not the author of this story. I’m relaying a message to you that it may minister to you.

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years, this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you”.  The bearer asked, “Why? What are you ashamed of?”  The Pot replied, “For these past two years I am able to deliver only half of my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you don’t get full value for your efforts”.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion, he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”  As they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it somewhat.  But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way, you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

The moral of this story is our flaws and brokenness become a foundation for God’s work. Brokenness is a beautiful thing.

I’ve learned that in these past years it’s okay to be broken. I’m no longer ashamed to let others see my tears.

I’ll never forget reading this story for the first time. Remember God is looking for broken vessels to use for His glory.

“For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:16-17

        Author Darlene J. Conard

Diligently I’ve been seeking God for direction in my life, which way to go how to minister to this one and that one. My life revolves around caring for and helping others. Servanthood is planted deep in my heart. There’s no feeling greater than seeing a life change because God chose you to do it!

Our effort to be everything God intended is never in vain. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Whatever we reap we will sow. That’s the reason we remember why we do good, but not be a door mat. Christ didn’t all himself to be trampled by people. Yes, we do get hurt but there are still those who need us.

Jesus said, “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:42-44)

God didn’t call us to be a doormat! Jesus did speak up when He needed too. He didn’t react with aggression. He still had compassion for them.

Be encouraged God makes us aware who to reach out to want to change.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 KJV

The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first.

Robert K. Greenleaf

Author Darlene J. Conard

As I scrolled through to catch up on friends’ Facebook posts, a picture caught my attention. It appeared that a cow stood on a fence pole. It was absolutely convincing! Out of curiosity I read further down thinking the photographer photoshopped it. No, it wasn’t photoshopped nor filtered. Everything legit? Not exactly. The photographer’s position created an illusion. Perspective makes a difference.

Behind the scenes the distance between the cow and the wooden pole made a tremendous difference! How many times do we look at our situations thinking impossibility? God is fully aware of details.

Often, we hear messages of Sarah laughing when angels delivered the message, she would bear a son in her old age. (Genesis 18:12-14) Abraham laughed as well. (Genesis 17:17) We concentrate on Abraham’s stand firm faith. How could he laugh? The truth is we’ve all laughed thinking our situation is too farfetched for God to answer. Maybe it’s been years that’s passed or we can’t unroot believing He has power to change the matter. It could be someone is praying for you and I to change for God’s glory. Change seems impossible to the ones standing in the wrong perspective. My friend, we simply can’t allow our natural eyes to direct us to spiritual matters.

… “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7 KJV) This verse is referring to Samuel’s assignment from God. Jessies sons lined up, one would be anointed king. God rejected every one of them. The true king wasn’t present. “Are these your only sons?” Samuel asked. Noone thought of David, after all why would God want a shepherd boy?  (1 Samuel 16:1-13) He was anointed and the Spirit of the Lord was upon David in the midst of his family.

We cannot see what God is doing on the inside of people. God is doing a miraculous work in the lives of the people we are praying for. 

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Romans 4:16-17 KJV