Marybeth Whalen
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)
A few months ago, my husband and I attended a Dave Ramsey seminar. Dave is known for his financial topics, but on that day he said something that I have been pondering ever since. Dave said that he taught his children in their teens to establish “no matter what’s” in life. He was referencing a situation in dating, but this principle could be applied to many different situations. I wondered what my “no matter what’s” are. After spending some time thinking about that, I thought perhaps I should share it here, so you could also be challenged to set up your “no matter what’s.”
In the area of finances, my husband and I have determined to never again go into debt, no matter what. This means going without and planning ahead. It means staying in a house that is cramped, and driving older cars. It means taking large portions of any money we receive and socking it into the debt we currently have until we have paid it off.
In the area of marriage, my husband and I are committed to each other, no matter what. This means letting some things go when I really want to say something. It means embracing each other’s insecurities and inadequacies. It means loving each other even when we don’t like each other. It means forgiveness in some pretty hard areas. We are married, no matter what. We are committed to that fact—even when we don’t feel very committed to each other.
Most importantly, I am focused on God, no matter what. God and His word are what I turn to for wisdom and instruction in how to do life. God provides my comfort and strength. He grows and stretches me when I need it. He rocks me in His arms when I need it. I find rest and hope in Him. I have learned what it means to lean on His everlasting arms, as the old hymn says. I must walk out His call on my life no matter what. As I have learned to do this, I have also learned I can rely on an unchanging God as the culture seems to spin faster out of control.
God has used my “no matter what’s” to shape who He wants me to be. I know, above all else, I will continue to stay focused on these “no matter what’s” as the future unfolds. Have you considered how your “no matter what’s” could affect the lives of others—your children, your co-workers, your spouse or your neighbor? Look at where God is leading in your life, and how He might use you to help someone else form some “no matter what’s” of their own.
Dear Lord, Please show me what my personal “no matter what’s” should be. I want to live a life of conviction and commitment to the things that matter. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do you know Him?
Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey
Living Life on Purpose by Lysa TerKeurst
Application Steps:
In your journal, write down some “no matter what’s” that you already have in place.
Now write some that you would like to implement in your life.
What actions can you take this week to begin to do so?
Reflections:
Are you being tossed about by the waves? Or are you living a life of conviction? How are you modeling this for the people you love?
Power Verses:
Ephesians 6:11, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (NIV)
James 1:6, “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (NIV)
Psalm 119:104, “I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.” (NIV)
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)
A few months ago, my husband and I attended a Dave Ramsey seminar. Dave is known for his financial topics, but on that day he said something that I have been pondering ever since. Dave said that he taught his children in their teens to establish “no matter what’s” in life. He was referencing a situation in dating, but this principle could be applied to many different situations. I wondered what my “no matter what’s” are. After spending some time thinking about that, I thought perhaps I should share it here, so you could also be challenged to set up your “no matter what’s.”
In the area of finances, my husband and I have determined to never again go into debt, no matter what. This means going without and planning ahead. It means staying in a house that is cramped, and driving older cars. It means taking large portions of any money we receive and socking it into the debt we currently have until we have paid it off.
In the area of marriage, my husband and I are committed to each other, no matter what. This means letting some things go when I really want to say something. It means embracing each other’s insecurities and inadequacies. It means loving each other even when we don’t like each other. It means forgiveness in some pretty hard areas. We are married, no matter what. We are committed to that fact—even when we don’t feel very committed to each other.
Most importantly, I am focused on God, no matter what. God and His word are what I turn to for wisdom and instruction in how to do life. God provides my comfort and strength. He grows and stretches me when I need it. He rocks me in His arms when I need it. I find rest and hope in Him. I have learned what it means to lean on His everlasting arms, as the old hymn says. I must walk out His call on my life no matter what. As I have learned to do this, I have also learned I can rely on an unchanging God as the culture seems to spin faster out of control.
God has used my “no matter what’s” to shape who He wants me to be. I know, above all else, I will continue to stay focused on these “no matter what’s” as the future unfolds. Have you considered how your “no matter what’s” could affect the lives of others—your children, your co-workers, your spouse or your neighbor? Look at where God is leading in your life, and how He might use you to help someone else form some “no matter what’s” of their own.
Dear Lord, Please show me what my personal “no matter what’s” should be. I want to live a life of conviction and commitment to the things that matter. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do you know Him?
Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey
Living Life on Purpose by Lysa TerKeurst
Application Steps:
In your journal, write down some “no matter what’s” that you already have in place.
Now write some that you would like to implement in your life.
What actions can you take this week to begin to do so?
Reflections:
Are you being tossed about by the waves? Or are you living a life of conviction? How are you modeling this for the people you love?
Power Verses:
Ephesians 6:11, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (NIV)
James 1:6, “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (NIV)
Psalm 119:104, “I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.” (NIV)
Labels: Marriage, Patience, Relationships, Serving, Spiritual Growth
2 Comments:
No matter what I am committed to loving my children unconditionally and allowing them to be themselves. I want to provide a home that allows my children to grow and flourish in the things that interest them. I want to support there endeavors. I don't want ot sway them to do something becasue they think it will make me proud, but because they are interested in it and want to pursue it furhter. I want to not miss opportunites to encourage them in there lives. No matter what I support my children in their choices and encourage them to seek God's will for their lives.
No matter what I am committed to my marriage. I choose my husband every day and will continue to choose him each day despite rough patches and mountaintops. He is my husband and I love him and I choose him.
No matter what I choose to have God direct me in my life. He is the author and finisher of my faith and I know he knows what is best for me. I want to hear from him and know what steps i am to take.
Dear God,
I pray for my children that you direct their lives. Draw them close to you show them what talents you have given them and direct them in ways to use them. Help us as parents to tune into our children and help them discover what it is you have for them. Give them the mindset that they have great possibilities. Give Peter and I wisdom on how to draw out what you have put in them. Help us to be encouragers. Help me to commit time to you and seek your face and your will. Help me not to let the evil one infiltrate my thoughts and scare me. I know that what you have for my children is amazing and great and I donot have to be afraid. I ask that you take this fear from me and give me peace and joy that you have them under your wing of protection and they will stay there. Forgive me for short temperedness and for harsh words. Help me not to be judgemental of Andrea and her son. I donot know them help me to see them through your eyes. Give us direction on church I need your guidance here.
amen
Dear Lord,
Please help me to remember to talk to my grandchildren about 'no matter whats'. Thank you for this reminder.
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