In last week’s post,  the analogy of choosing a house illustrated the importance of selecting scripture as a foundation or a home from which to build our lives. But where do we turn when life isn’t what we expected or wanted? What happens when (not if) disappointment enters our lives?

One of my heroes in the faith is Susanna Wesley. Susanna was the youngest of 25 children. She grew up listening to her older siblings recite and discuss their lessons in languages, math, science, and religious studies. She had an extensive education that included robust Biblical knowledge and led to a solid Christian faith.

Susanna married Samuel Wesley, a pastor. Together they had 19 children. Nine of those children did not survive infancy. Samuel was a poor money manager and was often absent for long periods. Susanna was left to raise ten children with little support, monetarily or otherwise. She educated all her children at home and scheduled an hour each week to spend with each child individually. In that hour, she discipled and mentored them in their Christian walk. Two of her sons, John Wesley, an evangelist, and Charles Wesley, an evangelist and hymn writer, are recognized as the founders of the Methodist denomination.

One of my favorite stories about Susanna is how she managed to find ways to spend time studying scripture and praying in such a busy household. She would throw her apron over her head! She taught her children that when she sat with her apron over her head, she was not to be disturbed. Unless there was an emergency, her children would play at her feet, work on their school work, or complete chores. When she couldn’t find a room for private conversations with God, she created one!

In a busy, noisy, and chaotic world, I want to learn to throw my apron! What if we could create a space to commune with God in even the most chaotic circumstances? Places of rest and refreshment in the busiest and harshest times in our lives. I believe we can, and I think it begins with scripture. Creating a purposeful moment to meet with God starts when we decide to carve out time with Him. Throwing our aprons begins with teaching ourselves the discipline of thinking about those things that are “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, or admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

Do you see the promise? And the God of peace will be with you. Not that He will fix the situation. Not that He will remove that troublesome element. Not that He will snap His fingers and send you to a perfect environment. No, He promises to be with us- in our mess, chaos, cramped quarters, and emotions. He promises to be Emmanuel, God With Us.

As you have read, has God been prompting you? Where do you need to build in a “throwing my apron” moment? Do you have a favorite method or tool for meditating on scripture? Share in the comment section and encourage others in their walk.

Serving alongside you,

Carla

Excerpt from: Choose To Live On Philippians Way(2024).