God’s Word Is True – An Example From My Life

Today, I was doing some research for an article on Mark 11. This is where Jesus curses the fig tree, and then gives one of the most important lessons on how to release your faith. Both His actions and explanation are so simple a child can understand it. The entrance of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130) So it was quite surprising to stumble across a scholarly paper that harshly rebuked Believers for taking Jesus’ Words literally. After a whole thesaurus of 300 point words, the crux of the argument came down to Believers have it wrong. We are not supposed to have the God kind of faith, nor speak to the obstacles in our life. The religious among us are shocked by such boldness. “Who do you think you are?” They will ask. And quite calmly Believers respond, “New Creatures in Christ, made alive and complete in HIM, children of God and led by the spirt, with a command to imitate our Heavenly Father.”

My Mother’s Faith

Both my parents were Spirit-filled Christians. My Father was the oldest of 13 kids, and was raised in a country Baptist church where his father was a deacon. A love for God and the Word was established early on in the family, and it would be instrumental in getting him, and 4 of his brothers, safely through World War 2 and back home.

While my Father had a love for the Bible, it was my Mother who took it further with a love for Truth. Her father was a Methodist minister, and she was eager to truly KNOW God and follow His Will for her life. They were a good fit, with My Mother always wanting to pull my Father deeper into the Lord. He was quite content to live a peaceful life, teach Sunday School, and go to work. But my Mother yearned for more. She devoured the Word, attended crusades, prayer meetings, and supported evangelists as led by the spirit. And it was during this period of growth she learned a few things about how faith works.

Their marriage produced three children, two daughters, and then myself. There was 5 years between the oldest and the middle child. And then 4 years between my middle sister and me. It was a family tailored made for the college experience, being spaced just right so as not to have two children in college at the same time. If this was planned, they never confirmed it.

As a wee lad, I naturally gravitated to the things my Father liked. He graduated from the University of Texas in Austin. So naturally, I became a Longhorn fan before I even knew what that meant. But I was also very close to my Mother, spending hours with her. She had an answer for everything, and needed it, because I had questions about everything. It was during one of these moments I first heard my Mother say, “All of my children will graduate from Southern Methodist University (SMU)” I didn’t really know what that meant, but if she liked it, I must like it.

About the time I started grade school, my oldest sister was involved in UMYF, which is the Methodist Church youth group. Once a year, they would load up a bus with a few parents and go watch an SMU game. My parents went as chaperones, and of course I was dragged along with them. I watched SMU beat TCU, one victory out of 15 straight that would end when I graduated from SMU in 87. The seed was planted, I was no longer a Longhorn, but full on supporter of the Red and the Blue!

There is no telling how many times my Mother said that her children would graduate from SMU. I heard it dozens of times in my life. But there was absolutely no certainty – in the natural, that it would be possible. My Father had a good job, but not a big salary. My Mother went back to work doing everything from Church secretary to book editor. On more than one occasion, we prayed for lunch, when the pantry and refrigerator both looked empty. And somehow, my mother would find enough food to put a meal on the table.

When it was time for the first child to go to college, she decided that SMU was the place for her. My Mother did what she always did in these situations, go to throne room and seek the wisdom and finances to make it happen. And when it came time to enroll, everything was covered. My parents had to help with some expenses, and my sister did work as well, but she was a Freshman at SMU, and the first step to what my Mother had believed for all these years was taken.

If You Take Enough Left Turns, You Will Eventually Be Heading In The Right Direction

After three years, my oldest sister was exhausted and decided to take a break from college. She left SMU and moved back home. My Mother was disappointed, but not discouraged. My sister took a few classes at schools nearby, but soon something else became more important. She fell in love and got married. And then came three children. It appeared to my Parents that she might never get her degree.

During this time, my middle sister started college, going first to a small Methodist Junior College called Lon Morris. She did very well there, graduated and headed to SMU for her last two years. I followed her path. I realized I was not mature enough to go straight to SMU and Dallas. Lon Morris gave me a chance to develop my independence, get many classes out of the way, and save a few dollars, with tuition that was a fraction of the cost of SMU.

I graduated from Lon Morris and arrived at SMU as my middle sister was wrapping up her degree and doing student teaching. Both girls in the family studied music, and were very Blessed in that area – which thrilled my Mother. I studied advertising management and history, which received a sigh from my parents, and pat on the back.

I had a rough relationship with my parents during college. I accused them of not appreciating my accomplishments, and having a significant preference for my sisters, and everything they did. It was quite the dramatic moment when I dumped my awards and trophies in front of them, claiming that they didn’t care. It was immature, and very hurtful. I regret it to this day. I felt so much pressure to succeed and it seemed like whatever I did was not nearly as impressive as the new grandchild, or their recent musical performance. I had to grow up and understand that there was no competition. It was my own insecurities that needed attention. It also helped in my understanding of the Body of Christ. We all have our part to play. Like stones, there are no two alike. In God’s family, we are not conformed, but TRANSFORMED into what God has planned. The full Revelation would come later, but I was on my way.

My last two years at SMU were especially difficult because my Mother was diagnosed with Cancer. She made it through the surgeries and treatment and everything seemed to go back to normal. My Senior year she drove to Dallas and typed a couple of papers for me – she was wicked quick on the typewriter. We then had dinner and a wonderful evening together. It was like being back sitting in her lap, experiencing unconditional love. It was because of my Mother, that I could better understand God’s Love. She knew me inside and out. I could be completely honest with her knowing she was always forgiving, always desiring the very best for me. It was those few days in Dallas that our relationship became stronger than ever.

Satan Comes Immediately To Steal The Word

I was so excited to begin my last semester at SMU. I did take 2 classes in Summer school to graduate. But at that moment I saw it as my final semester, the last chance to enjoy college before the proverbial 8 to 5 class every day. I visited the office to make sure everything was in order and to get my schedule, only to find out that I was several thousand short. The friendly young lady asked, “How would you like to pay?” I had about $200 in my checking account. And I knew my parents did not have that much cash in the bank. I said excuse me and walked out into the quad. I thought I was enduring the news calmly, but by the way people were avoiding me, I assumed there must have been a few expletives and violent gestures. I took a couple of deep breaths to calm down, and then found a phone. Both my parents picked up and listened patiently as I recounted my experience. Both parents prayed and then had me agree. My Mother – God Bless her, told me exactly what to do. “Go back and don’t leave until everything is resolved. Everything will be alright.”

I loved my parents, especially my Mother. I trusted her more than anyone. But that just sounded foolish. I repeated that a few times in my head as I walked back to the office. But then I said a short prayer, “Thank you Lord!” And faced my mountain. I spoke to four or five people, assuring them that everything was “alright”. And Praise God, in just over an hour, a man emerged from the back with a folder. Inside was a scholarship that had been awarded to me that would cover my balance. They profusely apologized and sent me on my way. They were likely as shocked as I was. But that was it. And that was not an isolated experience. On more than one occasion, my parent’s intercession saved my butt from my own stupidity and demonic attacks. But I’ll save those for another time.

My Children Will Graduate From SMU!

You might be wondering why my Mother insisted on her kids going to SMU. I’ve thought about that. She and her siblings had gone there in the 40s. She had lots of fond memories and received an outstanding education – not common for women in the 40s. Then of course there was the Methodist family connection, which has been largely severed. The school was very secular when I attended, as there were more Catholics on campus than Methodists. But knowing the spiritual maturity of my Mother, I truly believe she prayed over all three kids and God revealed the future to her. It was not presumption, but honoring God’s perfect Will. It was the Holy Spirit and angels working behind the scenes making things happen as necessary. It was God giving each of us the “desires of our heart” – that desire to get a degree from SMU. Both to honor God, but also our Mother’s faith.

So what was the end result? My middle sister graduated first. Approximately four years later, I received my degree from SMU. The family generally assumed that would be it, but Mother kept confessing, “My Children Will Graduate From SMU!”

My Mother died in October of 1991. She witnessed two of her children get their degrees from SMU. However, faith is Eternal. A few years later my oldest sister had the urge to get her degree. And even though she was working and raising a family, she managed to attend evening classes and finished all her requirements. In December of 1996, She received her degree from SMU. I can’t prove this, but I suspect my Mother already knew – such was her confidence in the Lord.

You can speak to your mountain, and if you believe what you say, and do not doubt in your heart, it will move. Don’t let the religious folks talk you out of your faith. And don’t let satan steal the Word. Speak and Believe the Word BOLDLY. Trust the Lord with ALL your heart, lean not to your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God Bless You!!

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