Susan M. Watkins is an award-winning multi-published author, sacred storyteller and scriptwriter; who formerly interviewed guests and wrote for CBN's worldwide The 700 Club television program produced at their international studios. Entering her initial writing competition at age eleven, Susan secured first place and ignited her passion as a surrendered scribe. She is best described as "a literary artist painting with the stroke of a pen" whose readers immerse themselves in her vibrant storytelling. Whether untangling the complexities of theological issues or offering an oasis of understanding and levity; her focus remains centered on those seeking a fresh perspective on life delivered through her literary gifts. Her published work appears in Angels All Around Us, God’s Comforting Ways,Miracles Do Happen, Heaven Sightings, Life-Changing Miracles, Gifts From Heaven, Jesus Talked to Me Today, Encountering Jesus, Relief Notes, We Will Survive, I Believe in Heaven, Life Lessons From Dads, America Remembered, Praying from the Heart, Heartfelt Inspirations and The One Year Life Verse Devotional. Additional credits include CBN.com, CBNAfrica.org, CBNAsia.org, CBNEurope.com, CBNLatino.com, HisIsMine.com and Praise.com. Susan has likewise penned several columns; one being voted “Best of the Best”, been featured in major newspapers, varied newsletter publications and written website content. As a five-time winner in diverse writing competitions, expanding avenues await her arrival. To sample additional publications, her work can also be found here: https://www.amazon.com/author/susanmwatkins
It’s easy to miss this miracle. When documenting the history of Noah’s life, Moses wrote something incredible. The LORD, not Noah, closed the door on the ark. Another version says He “sealed them inside.” Once all occupants were safely aboard, God closed the door. His main purpose was protection. He separated the inside from the outside and alone knew the extent of the volume of water that was coming, along with its duration. He knew the behavior of animals stampeding in fear and the curiosity of humankind when bored. Had God not passionately loved the contents of that ship, He’d have never closed the door Himself. It is a blessing to be locked in by our Heavenly Father.
But what of our desires to go somewhere or do something admirable in our lifetime? We all experience these longings as they’re intentionally placed within us. We’ve been given purpose along with chosen, innate gifts to successfully accomplish our goals. Like everything in life, focus is paramount so valuable energy isn’t wasted in the wrong direction. For you are the only one who can finish the work assigned you, therefore, it must be protected. Watch how He works.
“Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them.” (Acts 16:6-7
Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia,* but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.
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Given Paul and his fellow missionaries had no access to mapping services of where to share the Gospel, they were completely dependent on the Holy Spirit’s leading. Like us, they had specific callings that were orchestrated by The Almighty. He knew when and where to send His disciples so they’d be most effective, and guided them twice using closed doors. Allowing Paul to wander haphazardly would miss waiting hearts and opportunities. Earth’s evangelization carries a divine itinerary. It is a blessing to be locked out by our Heavenly Father.
Likewise, our lives and their mission are precious in the Lord’s sight. We’re needed exactly in the position He’s created for us. Other people have tried to unlock the door only we can and He’s wisely held it closed. The gifts and personalities He’s thoughtfully woven into us are designed for us alone. No one else is qualified to do what we’ve been born to do and therefore He jealously guards our spot in life.
We all carry purpose at infinitesimal levels. While we were being knitted together in our mother’s womb, God chose the specific threads He wanted represented in our lives. He delights in both our structured discovery and the unwrapping of His multiple gifts over our lifetime; which frequently includes unexpected but deeply satisfying changes within our decades.
I’m grateful my Shepherd hasn’t allowed someone else through a door meant solely for me. Because He’s not trying to stifle my dreams; just fulfill my heart’s desire with their completion.
Remember, Christ identifies Himself as the Door. So whether He closes you in or closes you out—it’s the perfect time to praise Him.
Another version reads, “You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.” Powerful words and imagery. Dare we believe it’s possible? That God spreads a table with His finest accouterments in the very center of our enemies? Not beside a dancing stream amongst verdant fields or in a cavernous stone dining hall—but in the very midst of our enemies? The Almighty invites us to dine on the battlefield.
Peace. Be. Still. All warfare must cease as He readies our chair near His; extending His arm inviting rest. Time to sheathe our sword, remove the armor, and sink heavily into the comfortable chair. Glancing around at angry enemies; the scene appears illogical.
It’s critical to learn God’s ways are not our ways as the Bible declares. Who would prepare a table on the battlefield, lion’s den, fiery furnace, or garden tomb? The same One who would sleep soundly in the boat’s stern on stormy seas. Every single situation in life is under His control and He’s not troubled.
The Lord will pause our combat to nourish us and renew our strength. He’ll also demonstrate our favor in the presence of our enemies. He’ll anoint our head with oil as our High Priest from an overflowing cup, directly in view of our adversaries.
Because God knows our frame, He’s aware we must have times of refreshing and encouragement. That our opponents need to witness His love for us while comprehending the outcome of their contentions. But there is a secondary purpose to our battle fatigue and unanswered questions in the fray. A much higher goal awaits.
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
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Perseverance rewards eternal crowns. Trials are the red carpet to blessings. They gift us strength and resolve to graduate to the next level. Odd as it sounds; our enemies are a blessing to us. They open doors of greatness that none else could. Our trials are designed to advance us; to galvanize our earthly journey. To give us deep understanding of God while forging our crown of life that admits us into eternity.
Every single trial we will ever face is tailor-made for our spiritual maturation. While an attacker may think they’re weakening us, they are literally empowering us and promoting us from glory to glory. The Lord intentionally uses our trials to deepen our faith and trust in His steadfastness; highlighting His unwavering love.
Our mortal enemy entices us to believe God has utterly abandoned us. He hasn’t. That’s Him over there—walking across our battlefields.
I’ve spelunked America’s caves, and without artificial light, you can experience thick darkness. The kind that existed before God commanded light to shine. Because these elements are part of His toolbox, He maneuvers through darkness without difficulty. Just like light. While we fumble and stub toes, He’s busy answering our prayers and comforting us; performing the miraculous in our darkest moments.
As often happens under the right circumstances, people are known for igniting conflict. When the Hebrews were forming their new government following their freedom and “dry” water baptism through the Red Sea; problems arose with whose tribe would serve God directly in His tabernacle. The Lord’s solution was darkness. Each tribe submitted their rod to Moses, who placed all 12 in the tabernacle. God informed He would select the rod of His choice and everyone went off to sleep. In the quiet darkness with a dozen sticks, God famously went to work.
"Now on the next day Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds.”Numbers 17:8
When he went into the Tabernacle of the Covenant the next day, he found that Aaron's staff, representing the tribe of Levi, had sprouted, budded, blossomed, and produced ripe almonds!
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In complete darkness, God did the miraculous for His children. Like us, they sought direction and He made it unmistakable. A severed branch came alive and bore buds, blossoms, and ripe almonds. An impossibility became reality in three separate lifecycles. God condensed the growing season when displaying His desires in darkness.
We can likely relate to seasons of uncertainty, experiencing fruitlessness, or feeling severed ourselves. The Almighty gently teaches that being cut off, out of season, or left alone is not the end. While we are limited by the natural, He’s limitless as our Creator. We often question while struggling in the dark, while He moves about unencumbered.
God has no hindrances. Nothing prevents Him from helping or finding us. It’s easy to keep our eyes on the waves instead of Him, and sinking rather than walking results. Fortunately, our Savior is right there to rescue us with a mighty arm.
I’ve found misunderstanding Him will assuredly happen along with forgetting He can operate outside of our boundaries. How reassuring to identify His movements in the darkness; even performing miracles for us there.
Imagine Moses’ joy when entering the tabernacle on the morrow. Stepping inside to find 11 smooth sticks next to one teeming with life though wholly disconnected from it. That single rod pointed the way for generations yet to come; including ours.
Now when faced with decisions that require the Lord’s pristine oversight for my life, I readily take a page from Scripture to point me in the correct direction. God can answer me from anywhere He finds me, and in that cocooned darkness, He quietly prepares my answer.
Perhaps we need to take our concerns to this undisturbed haven more often. A safe place where we can lay our greatest needs before Him in the darkness of His tabernacle before going to sleep. Then share the delight of Moses in finding Heaven’s directives in three different categories.
For in God’s economy, He commands the lifeless to come forth from darkness—and it is so.
As elementary as this sounds, it’s the cornerstone of obedience. It’s unnecessary to choke myself pulling against His precepts when they’re for my benefit. Obeying God isn’t like obeying humans. There’s no concealed agenda at which we bristle; He genuinely has our best interests at heart. Obedience actually precedes greater freedom and importantly demonstrates our trustworthiness to God.
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22
But Samuel replied,"What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
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God’s laid the groundwork for incomprehensible blessings. While sacrificial offerings mattered—the release pin is obedience. This is our Shepherd’s priority. It’s critical to our happiness to trust Him fully; especially when it’s hardest to understand what remains unanswered. Obeying Him becomes our living sacrifice and secures peace with genuine safety around His guarded perimeter.
My loving relationship with my dog caused us to move in concert together. He knew my utmost purpose was caring for him and keeping him safe from harm. Be it external circumstances or wrong choices, I positioned myself between him and danger. I was prepared to act swiftly to protect, but his obedience to my rules was for his benefit not mine. Likewise, God’s there to intervene for us but the overflowing blessings arrive through our obedience. The more I trusted Samson to heed my voice, the more freedoms he enjoyed until proving my fenceless yard quired no leash. He enjoyed unlimited freedom because he earned my trust through his obedience. The ultimate celebration.
Coming full circle, I graduated into God’s richest bounty when discovering His motivating love each time He calls my name.
Cue the 21st century. Texting, social media, 60-hour workweeks, aging parents, worn brake pads, family illnesses, missed deadlines, and more month than money. An overabundance of Martha maladies. And if we stop, dare to slow down, what disasters will result? Who’s going to complete it if we don’t do it ourselves as galvanized taskmasters?
God lovingly calls us out of our hot kitchens to the cool oasis of His presence. Offered long overdue relaxation, He motions to a soft pillow beside Him. It’s the only way to recalibrate from life’s demands, for our Good Shepherd knows we must be made to lie down in green pastures for soul restoration.
It’s true; mankind cannot live by bread alone. We’re not mere humans but spiritual beings as well; needing to feed on every word that proceeds from God’s mouth. Everyone must satiate the Mary factor woven into us that nourishes our deepest needs. Bake Martha’s bread and savor its provision, but the menu items of hungering and thirsting after righteousness hold utmost priority in God’s economy. This is the good part—Christ referenced to all Marthas—that cannot be taken away.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God* above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
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The cares of this world will assuredly be overseen by its Creator, while He invites drinking deeply of His living water. Wisely invest in your Mary side. Your Martha is depending on it.
Sparkling diamonds against black velvet skies. Stars used to tally a new nation. Abram stared up in wonderment as celestial promises were made regarding his posterity. From the expanse of heaven, Israel twinkled down, illuminating the darkness. Holy astronomy.
Sometimes, I stay indoors too long. Life's demands keep me busy. So busy, that I'm focused inward with restricted vision; trained only on what's before me. Like He did with Abram, I'm led outside, into the fresh air of purpose and inhale deeply. My eyes need adjusting to the view. His view. I'm invited to leave earth's confines and move freely about God's domain. Everything looks different from this vantage point. Suddenly, what appeared as insurmountable problems are now reduced to manageable sizes. Worries and concerns melt away in God's majestic presence. Weights and pressures drug about like millstones become airborne as His faithfulness envelops me. My outlook assumes His, and I find myself lying down once more in His contented green pastures.
There are times the Lord must take us outside and separate us from what has become our routine, to look up instead of down, and reestablish His pristine rhythm. He must change the status quo and shift the gear for our acceleration. After all, His reputation is on the line. Over the decades of knowing Him personally, I've received numerous promises from Him. Hope for things unseen, yet authorized for fulfillment. A hallowed "Purchase Order" already in hand but the transaction incomplete. In this silent interim, we grow. Likened to pregnancy, each month, each trimester brings us closer to birth. We are secluded inside our tent. Waiting on a word we sometimes question will manifest. It's easy to believe the promise, but what about the prolonged delivery?
"Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass." (Joshua 21:45
Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.
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Just like Abram, we must exit our tents and look up toward heaven, counting the innumerable. For unless we're willing to change our geography and go outside, we'll never see the stars. Our destiny is not inside the dusty tent, but rather in the open and displayed above us. God intentionally chooses the dark to reveal His light. Have you tried looking at the stars in the daylight? It's in the dark, the secret places, that the Lord shines brightest and we see Him clearest. None are tasked to find stars at noon, only to exit our pre-conceived expectations that often lead to misunderstanding God's movements. Without that shift, our purpose is hidden in plain sight and we can become hopeless. Or worse, think that God has stopped working on our behalf. He hasn't. It's all about perfect timing. We simply need to unfold that yellowed, dog-eared paper and reread our personal promises. After all, time crawled long before Isaac ever did. Let God take you outside. Maybe it's time the two of you went stargazing again.
God makes it known that He protects the weak. Weakened only by circumstance. Perhaps you've never considered that one as busy as God has time to be concerned with the small details of the fatherless child. It is here we see His sterling character sparkle yet again. It's far too easy to think the Lord's uninvolved with our struggle; hasn't got the time or interest for those that society's forgotten. Yet look how He taught His disciples by the widow's mite or the boy willing to share his fish sandwiches with 5,000 men. It moves God. Deeply. Passionately. Protectively.
"Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
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It bears repeating, "Like sheep without a shepherd." Notice, they were distressed and dispirited. Did my dad, uncle, and grandmother struggle? Yes, we have tribulation in this world. But were there people that rose to the occasion, allowing their hearts and hands to be an extension of God's? Absolutely. Despite hardships, my dad remembered a happy childhood filled with people willing to pause for involvement. Mentors available to lead and point when my grandfather's voice was silenced.
Perhaps you know a child in this very predicament. Perhaps you are that child. Perhaps your dad is living but you still feel fatherless. Grown or young, the void is there. I would encourage all to step up and make a positive difference in the fatherless around us. It doesn't have to be earthshattering. My father recalled the kindness of being given oranges after going months without fresh fruit; a simple candy cane at Christmastime, or a street vendor's hot baked potato on a snowy winter's night. Small acts of love confirm our heavenly Father's goodness, and the tangible proof He cares and works through people. This is the religion that Jesus' brother James wrote about as being pure and faultless … to look after widows and orphans in their distress. It's a loving embrace received by the child whose hair is no longer tousled by an absent father.
How like God. No matter how much love we give away, He's ensured we'd never run out. This Father's Day, let's remember to thank God for being our Abba Father and keeping us from being spiritual orphans. And let's relentlessly search for that one who's whispered prayers for fatherly love and kindness.
How could God reference Himself as a protective mother, lest He’d poured His compassionate nature into the mother’s heart? His maternal temperament continues:
“…He will rejoice over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” (Zephaniah 3:17
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior.He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears.* He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."
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“Quiet in His love,” duplicates the tenderest moments between mother and child, referencing the child being fully contented and simply enjoying the closeness of its mother. The child wants nothing more than its mother’s presence. It’s a time of quiet love. Drawing powerful strength from her proximity alone. Again we see His mothering side:
“Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb?” (Isaiah 49:15
"Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!
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Who better than the Designer of mothers could explain this nurturing side of Himself? The nourishing definition of Jehovah Jireh. Our Provider. His provision in limitless care was famously spoken to Moses. Asking a yet unnamed God His name, He replied, “I Am.” A statement begging to fill in the blank. “I AM everything. I AM infinite. I AM all powerful.”
Until my mother’s passing, I took full advantage of my family membership and went straight to her for comfort. Dad understood my running past him to reach her arms. With advancing years, hurts changed, but the source of my consolation didn’t. I still went to Mom for comfort. For through her kindness, forgiveness, and never-ending compassion, I came to wholly trust God. He was easily recognizable in her and I deeply valued God’s mothering heart woven tightly into hers.
The birthing process is God’s idea. He’s maternally given birth to the universe, birth to our planet, and birth to us. Most importantly He’s given us re-birth, calling us into reconciliatory relationships with Him. Nicodemus needed clarification. He knew it impossible to reenter a mother’s womb a second time. God’s way was easier with no gestational period. Being born-again in the Spirit granted restoration with the Father; enjoying unbroken intimacy.
Our Father in heaven is solidly our Father. His maternal nature guarantees attendance at every bird’s funeral. Keeps track of 7.2 billion heads of hair. Tallies innumerable thoughts about us exceeding grains of sand. Stills our storms, heals our diseases, binds our broken hearts. The most potent attribute of His mother’s heart is His lavish forgiveness of our sins. Black sins, washed in red blood, producing robes of white righteousness. Like the mother that deliberately forgets her child’s shortcomings, He casts our sins directionally as far as the east is from the west, until sinking to the floor of the Sea of Forgetfulness.
Simply stated, He is Father God with a mother’s heart. Waiting to wipe every tear; sitting up with us through the night; and listening to our troubles—solving them while we are yet speaking.
The mother’s heart is best defined by her unselfish generosity in ongoing, unconditional giving. Thank you, Mom, for letting me feel God’s love radiate through you.
