God

Give Me Eyes to See! – A Story

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Bartimaeus stopped counting the days he had been sitting in the streets of Jericho, begging for money. He was blind for so many years that he couldn’t remember what the world looked like.

Born into a poor family in Jericho, yet he was happy with all he had. Like other children, he enjoyed playing and running around. He was curious and inquisitive about almost everything. He loved to learn. As he grew up, he began noticing difficulty in his eyesight. At first, things seemed a bit blurry when he looked at something from a distance. Then, it became difficult to focus his eyes on objects that were closer. His parents could not afford to take him to a doctor and only prayed that God would heal him. Within a short period of time, as his eyes continued to deteriorate, and it became apparent to Bartimaeus and his family, as well as all who knew him and were close to him, that he was suffering from an illness that affected his eyesight from which there was no known cure. Eventually, Bartimaeus lost his ability to see and he became completely blind.

His parents were overcome with a sense of helplessness and then, with a feeing of hopelessness. Despite the deep love that they had for their son, they had to place him daily in the streets to beg for money, to help pay for the cost of caring for him at home. Bartimaeus resented them for it at first, but soon came to realise that the few coins he received throughout the day helped in providing food for him to eat. Every evening, his mother or father or one of his siblings, would come by, help him to get up and bring him home with the few coins he received. For several years, he sat alone in his little corner, begging, until one day another blind man was seated next to him. “This is the blindman’s corner”, he thought. At least they kept each other company and over time, they became friends.

“Did you hear about the leper who was healed?”, asked the other blind man one day. “A leper? Healed?” Bartimaeus queried. “Impossible, no leper has ever been healed in Israel. Where did you hear such a thing?” he asked. “Well,” began his blind friend, “as I was being led here this morning, I overheard a conversation in the street about this. I asked the person helping me to stop so I could listen, and I heard with my own ears that truly, a leper in Israel had been healed!”, he exclaimed with a sense of amazement. Bartimaeus’ curiosity was peaked. “Tell me more,” he asked. So, his friend began to share about this man, called Yeshua, who had come from Nazareth and was performing miracles of healing of various illnesses all across Israel. As he came to the story of the leper and heard of how Yeshua reached over and touched the man, Bartimaeus’ heart began to beat faster. “Do you think this Yeshua could heal two blind beggars?”, Bartimaeus asked his friend. “I know he can”, the friend answered. “But what business will he have in Jericho?”, he sighed hopelessly. Both men sighed and only prayed silently in their hearts that somehow, someway, Yeshua might pass their way.

This was the first time Bartimaeus had heard of Yeshua. He made an effort to keep his ears attuned to this name, that was mentioned by more and more people every day. He heard of lepers being healed, of the dead being raised up to life, of demons being cast out of people, of lame men walking. Both men were now spending much of their time together talking about Yeshua. And, as they spoke of him, their seeds of faith began to increase in them and they both knew in their hearts this One, Yeshua, was the promised hope of Israel.

One day, there was a commotion taking place not far from Bartimaeus and his friend. They were used to noise from the market in Jericho, but this sound was definitely different. It was the sound of excitement, of anticipation. They heard many footsteps pass them by and knew something was going on. Bartimaeus asked the people who quickly answered as they continued to walk past him, “Yeshua of Nazareth is passing though”. Bartimaeus and his blind friend got excited. “This is our chance, Bartimaeus, we must call for him”. Both men began shouting as loud as they could, “Yeshua Son of David, have mercy on us!”. The passersby tried to silence them. After all, Bartimaeus and his friend were blind beggars. They had no standing in society. But the more people tried to silence them, the louder they shouted. “Yeshua Son of David, have mercy on us! Yeshua Son of David, have mercy on us!”. The urgency of the cry reached the ears of Yeshua. He stopped and turned towards the two men, asking that they be brought to him. Suddenly, it was as if the whole world changed. People reached down and surrounded the men, who were both now standing. They held on to the people who were helping them to walk towards Yeshua, while telling them, “Be encouraged, He is calling for you!”. The men quickly walked, not seeing but trusting as they were being upheld and led by others, their hearts beating faster than ever before. Their daily prayer had been answered – Yeshua came to Jericho and now, He wants to see them!

The men escorting the blind men stopped, and so did the blind men. Although they could not see, they knew that Yeshua was standing right in front of them. “What do you want me to do for you?”, Yeshua asked, His voice filled with gentleness and compassion. Bartimaeus did not hesitate. “Lord, give us eyes to see!”. Unable to see Yeshua’s face, Bartimaeus and the other blind man kept praying and hoping that as part of their prayer had been fulfilled, so the remaining part would also be fulfilled. Yeshua said to them, “Go, regain your sight, your faith has made you well”. Immediately, both men were able to see. Bartimaeus and his friend looked at their hands, then at each other and then looked at Yeshua, who only smiled, nodded his head and kept on walking. Suddenly both men leaped together with joy and cried out, “I can see! I can see!”. All those around praised God as they saw a miracle taking place before their very eyes.

Bartimaeus and his friend sat down with their families together that evening. They all recalled the amazing events of the day. Both men understood the profound words of Yeshua, “Your faith has made you well.” Indeed, they believed in Him long before they ever met Him, long before they knew He had arrived in Jericho, long before their eyes would behold the sight that would be etched forever in their memories. Everyone openly expressed thanks to God and Bartimeus and his friend continued to share with all they knew, of the miracle of that allowed their sight to be restored to them.

Not long after that, more news of Yeshua arrived in Jericho. This time, the news was not of healing nor miracles performed by him, but rather of his arrest by the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. “Why would they arrest Him? He did nothing wrong!”, Bartimaeus exclaimed. “I agree”, his friend answered. “We know that we have seen Him and know what He is like. But I heard they are accusing Him of stirring up a revolt and that He claims to be God himself”. “Maybe He really is?”, Bartimaeus found himself stating out loud. “We both know He is the Son of David; we both believe He is the promised Hope of Israel. I even heard that He opened the eyes of a man born blind! Only God can do what He does”. Bartimaeus’ friend nodded in agreement. “True, yet the Pharisees and Sadducees see Him as a threat and have decided that He needs to die”, he responded with sadness in his voice. Bartimaeus and his friend decided to go up to Jerusalem, not knowing what to expect, only praying and hoping.

Jerusalem was all in commotion. The number of people in the city was greater than ever because of the Passover holiday and more and more filtered in because of news of the trial of Yeshua. Bartimaeus and his friend asked around as they walked through the city, trying to gather information about Yeshua. As they neared the house of Pilate, they heard multitudes shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him! Crucify him!”. The men looked at each other with horror. They hoped the shouts were not directed at Yeshua. Minutes later, they saw Yeshua being led outside. The sight of Him who gave them their sight, was more than they could bear to watch. He was beaten, scourged, almost unrecognizable, and was being led to the hill of Golgotha while forced to carry His own cross beam. The crowds increased the closer they came to the place where the crucifixion would take place. They had heard of this place when they were still blind, but this was the first time that they actually came to it and were able to see it. At some point the two men saw Yeshua collapse on the ground from the weight of the cross and the physical beatings. The Roman soldiers quickly pulled a man from the crowd and forced him to carry Yeshua’s cross instead.

Both men drew nearer and watched as their healer was nailed to a cross and suffered. Yet, even in his suffering, they noticed his eyes were filled with compassion, almost as if He was looking down at them with understanding. “Yes”, they thought, “He knew their pain in seeing Him now”. The men cried as they stood near the cross, looking at their Lord, the Hope of Israel, who opened their eyes that they might see. They heard Yeshua ask His Heavenly Father to forgive those who brought about His pain and suffering and listened intently to the conversation with the other two men who were being crucified along with Yeshua. They saw the heavens darken, they heard Yeshua say “It is finished” and were close enough to hear the Centurion state loudly, “truly, this man was the Son of God!”. And they understood! They knew the truth even when they were blind and were able to see with spiritual eyesight what those with full physical eyesight could not.

Three days later, the Hope of Israel was restored. Yeshua rose from the dead. His many appearances became known around Jerusalem and throughout all of Galilee. Bartimaeus and his friend heard of this and, for the first time since they witnessed the crucifixion, they smiled. They knew that Yeshua had truly given them eyes to see, not only physically, but to see that He is the One Who Was, Who Is and Who Is To Come!

Tis mine to obey, tis His to provide

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I am currently reading a book by Andrew Murray about abiding in Messiah. It is written as a daily devotional for the duration of a month. One of the things that left an impression on me is the statement: “Tis mine to obey, tis His to provide”. Murray elaborates on this in the succeeding devotions, but, in essence, the point is: We don’t need to worry about how we will be able to serve and do all that the Lord asks of us, because the strength and ability to do all these things, come from Him.

As I prepare for the new school year, these words have taken on an added meaning for me, especially in the context of “sowing and reaping” which have been in my mind since becoming a homeroom teacher. There was so much work to do during this week which filled up so quickly with meetings for the beginning of the school year. My mind has been racing with ideas for activities and topics that I want to share with my class. I hope these ideas will encourage them in their personal faith so that they will not only see their personal need for a savior, but also how they can grow in Him.

All this preparation can be overwhleming and may seem like a lot of work. But, when it’s all done, there is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. Still, there is a danger of relying on all the work and effort we have done as teachers, as people, as workers in the field, hoping that the seeds that were planted, will not only grow but grow as we had hoped. I am reminded of an important fact, namely, that although we sow the seed, we are not the ones that make the seed grow. Our duty, is to work the field faithfully, knowing that this field, or whatever field we are working in, is not ours. It is His. So the growth of the seed is not our responsibility, it is His. Our responsibility is to sow and water, but it is God who causes the seed to grow and brings about the increase. He provides all that we need to work HIS field.

Another thing that I am learning is what I do with the field. Although my thoughts and ideas for my class seem to me to be good and useful, I still need to pray and see if this is what I God would have me do. Proverbs 19:21 says: “Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the advice of the Lord will stand.” We can have many plans in working a field and we should be diligent in our work and do it with joy and desire in our hearts. But, we need to always remember that the work we are called to do is in God’s field, so the work in it has to be accomplished according to His plan and will.

Working a field requires effort, consistency and faithfulness in all circumstances, both when things are fun and easy as well as when things are unclear, difficult and tiring. In all circumstances, God provides for us all that we need, to do that which He called us to do. Keeping that in mind helps us to rely completely on Him while laboring in the place where He has assigned us.

Whatever may be the field of your service, let us obey all that He asks us to do and remember, it is His to provide.

Working the Field

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The themes of preparing a field, sowing and reaping keep coming up in different contexts recently, especially with regard to teaching. I teach at a junior high school and am a homeroom teacher. I enjoy it and love what I do, despite the challenges of teaching during covid times. 

Teaching during regular times has its challenges: encouraging kids to learn, doing their best and investing in their studies for their future. I discuss these things with students all the time, as well as with parents. But, not many see the importance of doing their best now in order to reap later on the results of their efforts and be satisfied with them. It makes me sad to see students who genuinely don’t care, sometimes even to the point of showing disrespect to what they are learning. They know they can do better, but don’t want to. It’s just like food. I can prepare it for them and encourage them to eat it, but I can’t force it on them. 

It’s not easy doing our best in something but not always seeing the results we anticipate. Sometimes, we need to wait a bit. Sometimes the results are there, only not in the way we wanted them to be.

I am learning through teaching that I have a responsibility to do what I can. There are things I can’t control. But, there are other things that I can control, such as preparing a field and sowing the seeds. I can’t control how the seeds grow or the fruit they produce. All I can do for those things is pray. God is still in control of all things and what is impossible for me is not impossible at all for Him.

Have you been given a field that you need to sow? Be encouraged to continue to be faithful in that and pray over that field. Then wait for the rain.

© Hannah Kramer

There is a higher throne

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People disappoint. We have all experienced that kind of disappointment. We have certain expectations of people, think we know them and maybe even regard them as close friends. And then something happens that not only surprises, but disappoints us. And, the worst thing about the situation is that the people who did the offending or who disappointed us didn’t even realise that they did something wrong or improper, or failed to do what was reasonably expected of them.

Why is that? I think people often tend take others for granted, especially if it’s someone that they have know for years, or that they’re close to. Sadly, it is so easy to do and, if we’re honest with ourselves, we will admit that we all fail in that respect. One moment those people need you and are close to you. At another time they don’t and you aren’t beneficial to them now.  What would cause such a shift in relationships? The answer could be multi-faceted. Certainly, pride could blind them from saying so or even from realising it. But, they expect that when they need you again, you will spring into action for them. I think we’ve all experienced that? I certainly have – on both sides of the fence. At those times, when I am on the receiving end of the offense, I try my hardest to understand how this person could behave like this. I often find myself saying that I shouldn’t expect from people to behave in one way or another, so that I wouldn’t be disappointed when they don’t. But I think that attitude is wrong. People are not perfect and no matter how hard they try to be good, human nature is corrupt and, as a result, it will disappoint. The only questions are “when” and “under what circumstances”?

We have a tendency to exalt people and place them on a pedestal, even those we consider friends. But, shouldn’t we look to a higher throne – the throne on which the King of Kings sits, Who knows how we feel as people, as human beings. He knows how weak we are. We disappoint other people, but we sadden Him more by our sinful behaviour. I choose to look to Him who will never let me down, instead of to people. He knows our frame and despite our sinful nature, He longs to be gracious to us. At this season, we need to remember: our redemption is closer today than ever before. Let’s focus our eyes on the higher Throne, because He Who loves us with an everlasting love is seated there.

© Hannah Kramer

Crossroads

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“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27)

I spent the weekend with some friends hiking and camping. It was a fun time, as well as sweet time of fellowship. After worship in the evening, some opened up about what they were going through in life, and a common theme that emerged was that many were at a crossroad. There were many decisions that needed to be made, some more important, some less important. Some of those decisions would affect their lives for the next several months, others for the next few years.

It was interesting how in a way we all reach a crossroad and, while we may know the general direction in which we want to go to, it’s the actual roads that need to be taken to get there, which are hard to choose. Sometimes, even the general direction is unknown.

I’m finishing my studies for a Master’s degree soon and am hoping to hand in my thesis in the next couple of weeks. It’s an exciting time, yet in a way both peaceful and frightening . I am glad to be finished with it, yet the road ahead seems a bit unclear. I am glad to have the extra time to do other things I need to get done or want to do. People keep asking me what my plans are for next year and what I want to do with my degree. Honestly, I don’t know. One friend described a decision she had to make for something she wanted to do during the summer. It would affect where she would live and work and it was hard for her to reach a decision. She half-jokingly said how easy it would be if God just sent her a note telling her what to do. I guess we all wish that in a way. It would be much easier to choose a job, studies, know who your spouse would be, where to go and what to do at every crossroad. Yet, God wants US to choose. Yes, He knows beforehand what and how we will choose, but He wants us to trust Him in the roads we take. After all, He didn’t create robots.

One verse that I remember learning as a child and which appears at the top of this post, was “let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid”. We all have concerns about the future, worries that we might take the wrong turn in the road, perhaps even fears. But God wants us to trust Him, not to be worried or afraid. I know this is easier said than done, but this is where faith comes in. My dad has a saying which exemplifies this perfectly: For All I Trust Him.

Whatever the crossroad you face right now, whether it is work, studies, having a spouse, traveling, or ________ (you fill the gap), know that God is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will show you which road to take. It may be before you reach the crossroad, or when you stand right at it.

Are you at a crossroad? If you were, what helped you decide what to do?

© Hannah Kramer

A Stone’s Eye View – A Poem

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“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40

A little stone, aside near the rubble, lay there in silence, all covered with stubble;

bearing witness to much, in the city’s great days, when the stone was much bigger, more worthy of praise.

“What wonderful buildings” the stone heard some say, “yet these will be broken, none spared on that day”;

thus answered the King as He gazed and He looked, at the grandeur of stones, so carefully put.

The stone was a witness, as the King came its way, royal and lovely, as the crowd cried “hurray”;

“glory in the highest” and “blessed is the King”, the people proclaim as they joyfully sing.

Yet some tried to silence the voices that rose, angry and jealous of the praise that it shows;

so the King made it clear, for all men to hear, that the stones would cry out, though others would sneer.

And the King wept and cried at the city’s wrongdoing; He longed to draw near, the sons who were booing.

So before long, great darkness befell, and the stones heard a cry, while the earth seemed to yell;

the King was crowned, then nailed to a cross, and hope for salvation appeared to be lost.

Yet stones in a garden saw a miracle unfold, the King rose again, beating death as foretold.

And oh, how they’d shout, if only they could, to tell of the story so wonderful and good.

Years went by, and the grand buildings tumbled, the magnificent stone, was now shattered and humbled.

A fire consumed both Temple and city, the city of Gold, was now left without pity. 

Though some stones had fallen, were burnt and in pieces, they were renewed and their splendour increases.

But the small stone remains, still unseen and unheard, with stories to share, for our hearts to be stirred.

If stones could talk and their stories convey, I wonder if we would hear what they say!

© Hannah Kramer

When answers the heart

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“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” Ezra 7:10

This has got to be one of the busiest months I’ve had in a long time. In addition to my studies and soap business, I’ve been preparing for a community fair where I will have a display table for my soaps. In addition, I have at least one conference every week, sometimes even two. Yes, I do mean EVERY WEEK this month. And it’s only mid May 🙂

Last weekend, I attended a young people’s conference, where we briefly talked about Nehemiah. I say “briefly“ because this book is so so rich and full of things to learn and talk about, that one day of sermons was not enough. I feel we barely scratched the surface of the treasures this book has to offer. The speakers talked about how we can all be Ezras and Nehemiahs, in that we can all be people who can lead in the places where God put us – among believers or among those in the the secular world. Then they asked what we had on our hearts that we would want to see happening in our land.

I don’t believe we are all called to be an “Ezra” or a “Nehemiah” in the sense that every person will hold a public, on-the-front-line position. But, I do maintain that each and every believer has a unique role in building the body of Messiah, so that it would a praise to the Lord. Both “Ezra” and “Nehemiah” had a heart for their work. But first and foremost, before their work, they had a solid faith in God and belief in what God wanted them to do.

Back to the conference – Thinking about the question that was posed, my initial thought was to see the nation circumcise their hearts (spiritual circumcision), in accordance with various passages in Scripture (for example Deut. 30:6, Jer. 4:4). Then I thought about what Ezra and Nehemiah actually did. One of my favourite verses is the one at the top of this post, about Ezra preparing his heart for the Lord. He prepared his heart to seek the Lord. How amazing is that? Thinking about it, I realised one must have his heart circumcised (the preparation) prior to seeking the Lord. This allows for seeking the Lord with all our hearts, which would allow Him to be found by us (Jer. 29:13-14). After all, the matter of the heart is heart of the matter.

There are many gifts in the Body, all meant to build, encourage and strengthen the Body. Some exercise their gifts “upfront”, while others do so behind the scenes. The calling to get the work started is something the Lord lays on people’s hearts. Just as He laid it upon the heart of king Cyrus to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, so today God awakens His people. In that sense, we are all called to be an Ezra or Nehemiah and answer God’s call. But, not everyone follows through and completes the work assigned, even after a good start.

Yet, just as Ezra was awakened by God, he also prepared his heart to know the Lord intimately. That is something I wish for myself and I know many others do as well – to prepare to seek the Lord, to do it, to rise to His calling and encourage others to be obedient to Him. And this causes me to wonder: when our hearts are stirred by the Lord, how will we respond?

© Hannah Kramer

Interceding with Compassion

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“And He saw that there was no man, And was astonished that there was no one to intercede; Then His own arm brought salvation to Him, And His righteousness upheld Him” Isaiah 59:16

I returned from a two-day youth conference Saturday night. It was such a special time, getting to see people I haven’t seen in a while, as well as meet teens from all over the country.

The theme of the conference was “transparency”, a subject which concerns all of us, but which was particularly applicable to the youth. The speakers exhorted them to be transparent in their walk with the Lord Yeshua, to reflect the light of the Lord and be honest in their spiritual life – with God and others.

As counsellors we noticed that there is an increase in the boldness the teenagers and soldiers have, in sharing their faith. They are not ashamed of what they believe in and actively share their faith with others, knowing well the price they could pay (and some do) for doing so. As some increase in boldness, others still remain hesitant.

Reflecting later on the events of the first day, the verses in Jude 22-23 came to mind: “And have mercy on some, who are doubting, save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh”. While there are many who are bold and courageous in their faith, as counsellors we always emphasize that there are others who need to be pulled out of danger, like a girl I talked to who had a non-believing boyfriend. We talked about the slippery-slope dangers regarding compromise and relationships with non-believers. We continued our conversation the next day and as the conference drew to a close, she expressed a desire to meet together, although it would require travel (she’s from a different city). May that opportunity to meet be soon.

We prayed during our counsellors’ meeting that morning, as we did throughout the conference, for ways to help the youth, without pushing them away and for wisdom in all our conversations with them.

The last message of the conference focused on Isaiah 60, verse 1: “Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you”. Suddenly I realised the exhortation to arise and shine for your light has [already] come, is a direct continuation from chapter 59, where it says people looked for light yet there was darkness – darkness of deeds, of injustice and lack of truth. Yet, the Lord would save by coming with His glory. Arising and shining must be done in relation to all these things and more and, when doing so, the glory of the Lord reaches us. The person or nation in this case must act because God has already acted and has done His part to shine His glory on the nation.
It seemed relevant to the previous discussion with this girl.

It was a relatively full conference. There were many teens present whose love for the Lord Yeshua was evident. And, there were others there who claimed to be saved, but who had little or no understanding of what it meant to have a relationship with the Lord. As for the latter, the answer for “snatching them from the fire” seemed clear – we needed to intercede for them, to have compassion and mercy on them, while encouraging them to seek the Lord and to draw close to the Throne of Grace.

Many counsellors this past weekend were people of compassion and they were fervently praying for the teens, both during the conference and privately when at home and serving them at their congregations. Yet, there is much work that needs to be done and, sadly, the workers are few. This weighs heavily upon my heart and others as well, and I solicit your prayers for the youth and teens in your own communities. Today’s generation faces a multitude of challenges and temptations in a spiritually dark world. It is becoming harder to live “transparently”. But, it needs to be done.  “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even His enemies to be at peace with him.” (Prov. 16:7). May we extend ourselves beyond our comfort zones and reach out, however we can, to those who are being prepared to carry the mantel of responsibility. And may the Lord help us to be so transparent in our walk with Him that others would see right through us and see Him in us.

Just a fig picker…

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“I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs” (Amos 7:14)

Have you ever thought about this statement that Amos made? I recently started studying the book of Amos and this prophet’s life just intrigues me. Although he was not a prophet nor the son of a prophet, still, he had a grasp of the times and events. I sometimes laugh as I think of his knowledge of world affairs, while here I am pursuing a Master’s degree in “International Relations”, learning how to dissect strategies and behaviour of states. Yet, it seems that what Amos knew and how he implemented the understanding he had, was something that no school of political thought can teach.

He knew God’s heart.

Amos spoke before the king of Israel. He prophesied judgment on the surrounding nations, as well as Israel. God called him from shepherding sheep and picking sycamore figs, which was common work among the poor, in order to speak before the policy makers of his day. How could he speak judgement on these mighty nations who were the world powers of the time? Wasn’t he afraid? Clearly, God spoke through him and enabled him to do so. We desperately need people like that now – people who will  speak what God has to say to the nations and their rulers. At a time as this, when nations are quick to declare war, parliaments are falling apart and election is in the horizon at what is considered the world power of today, Amos’ words need to be proclaimed anew loud and clear.

The judgments which Amos declared were frightening, so much more because of the transgressions which are still going on today. “…they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron… they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border” (Amos 1:3,12). These were transgressions of two different nations. Yet upon reflection, it is clear they exist also today. How silent the world is to the scream of those who suffer and the silent scream of the unborn?  The description in this passage is so horrific, but so is what is done today in many countries around the world. So is what is done by abortions throughout the world today. So is what is done by our self-centered society, which seeks to enlarge its own borders for its pleasures. Where are the Amoses to speak out against this?

The people are there. Yet the work is great and they need help as the world covers its ears tighter and tighter from hearing God’s word. Learning about Amos encourages me to know God’s heart better, so I may be a vessel to share His word. Amos didn’t have a “status” or come from a known circle or family. He was just a fig picker. Yet he was available for God to work through him. Today, my prayer is to be and do the same. Here and Now. Any of you “fig pickers” out there feel led to do the same?

© Hannah Kramer

A Love Story Written in Heaven

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“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“So…how old are you? Oh…ok”; 

“That person just broke the age barrier. Now she’s old” (said of a 30 year old); 

“I’m getting old” (said a 29 year old); 

“And you’re not married yet?!”; 

“Those poor single and old people” (said of those over 25)

I went to a conference two months ago, which discussed the topic: “Being a Godly Man and Woman”. The turnout of people was amazing and the discussions were very good. The topics of being single, yet satisfied, and what it means to be godly, as a single or a married person, were discussed. 

Some of the things that came up for discussion among the young people were sobering; others disturbing. Many expressed despair from being pressured by family, friends, work and generally their surroundings, about getting married. They were in their mid- to late- 20’s, some already in their 30’s, and the pressure for some became unbearable and they resorted to entering into relationships with people from the world who showed interest in them. Some said that if they wouldn’t be married by a certain age (like 30), they would die (meaning, they could not look beyond that age for a meaning in their life and could not see or plan for their future beyond that). 

We should rejoice at every age, not frown upon it. Life itself is a gift from God and every age is one that can be used by God for His glory, if we allow Him do so.

The message in the conference was clear: whether you are single or married, you are special in God’s eyes and He has a unique plan designed for you from before the foundation of the world. Marriage does not make you more or less of a complete person in Messiah Yeshua. 

The expressions at the top of this post have been made by many and heard by many more. I think it’s time we change our lingo. Enough treating unmarried young people (mainly women), as poor, old and miserable creatures for being older than a certain age and single. To those who are unmarried young adults – stop treating yourselves and others like that. It does not build up our brothers and sisters in the Lord, but has a discouraging effect. Did you ever think that God might have a different plan for those people than what you may think? “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). 

I know people who were married at 19, others who were married at 30 and still others who married close to 40 and even 50. Each one is happy and would not trade a moment in their lives for what God gave them, when He did. 

Two days ago, I turned 28. I have single friends for whom I pray for that God would bring a spouse. And when I see a friend getting married, I rejoice for answered prayer. I didn’t expect to still be single, but I know God has a plan and a purpose for this time. I don’t know what it is, but I do trust Him for it. 

God gave me a loving family for which I am eternally grateful, wonderful friends who, with just a small note or word, can make my day. God wrote my love story and it is still being written. He gave me my prince charming, my Lord Yeshua, who’s love I wouldn’t trade for the world. If He chooses to bring me a husband, I know it will be in His time and place. He is the centre of my life and I am able to rest in His love. 

If you are single and reading this, be encouraged. God is writing your love story, and if you trust Him to complete it the way that He wants, it will have a truly happy ending.

© Hannah Kramer