Where Is Our Hope?

We are living in times of unprecedented stress.  Our families, society, and world are in a constant state of upheaval despite our best efforts to restore control and stability.  Many of us feel betrayed by our government, abandoned by our loved ones, and fearful of all the circumstances we cannot control.  The stress of it all is debilitating and the burdens have become unbearable.  Why is all this happening?  Has God finally turned his back on us?  These questions are as old as time.

Most of us have felt abandoned by God at one time or another.  We have tried—and failed—to control situations we were never meant to control.  Even though we might be saved, many of us find it hard to fully surrender every aspect of our lives to God and to give him control of the heartbreaking circumstances in which we find ourselves.  We have become slaves to sin, believing that “if it’s to be, it’s up to me.”  How arrogant of us to think that we know better than the One who created us and sent his one and only Son to die on a cross for our sin!  How might our pride and failure to surrender ourselves, problems, and loved ones keep God from accomplishing his will in our lives?   

The apostle Paul wrote, “We are experiencing all kinds of trouble, but we aren’t crushed.  We are confused, but we aren’t depressed.  We are harassed, but we aren’t abandoned.  We are knocked down, but we aren’t knocked out” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, CEB).  As a Christ-follower, he knew that his hope could be found in Jesus Christ, the power of God, and the truth of God’s Word.  He knew that God can turn our trials into testimonies so that others may come to know him.  He goes on to write, “We always carry Jesus’ death around in our bodies so that Jesus’ life can also be seen in our bodies.  We who are alive are always being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake so that Jesus’ life can also be seen in our bodies that are dying…So we aren’t depressed.  But even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day.  Our temporary minor problems are producing an eternal stockpile of glory for us that is beyond all comparison.  We don’t focus on the things that can be seen but on the things that can’t be seen.  The things that can be seen don’t last, but the things that can’t be seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:10-11, 16-18).

“It is for freedom that Christ set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1, NIV).  God only wants his best for us, yet we live as if we know better than God.   True freedom comes from being fully surrendered to God.  

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:8-12, NIV).

Jesus is our ONLY hope!  Will you trust him enough to surrender your life to Jesus, who died for your sins, and begin your life of victory through a personal relationship with him?  He is waiting.  He has promised never to leave or forsake you, but you must take the first step by inviting and placing your trust in Him.

Copyright 2025 © by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com

What Next?

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” — Psalm 71:18, NIV

Recently I announced that I am retiring early from the best job I have ever had, serving as Church Office Administrator to a beloved congregation who have become family to me.  To some, the decision does not make sense — I am middle-age, healthy, at the top of my game, and well-paid.  I am good at what I do, and enjoy it most days.  So, why now?  What next?

Why now?  It’s a simple answer, really.  I want more time — more time with family, to take care of my home, and to nurture my body and soul.  I have worked in many positions over the past forty-plus years meeting the needs of others, and it is time now to take care of the people and projects that matter most to me.  Losing my mom and brother, being separated from my other siblings and family, and realizing that we are all getting older have heightened the sense of urgency to retire so I can have the freedom and flexibility to prioritize what is truly important.

What next?  That’s a question only God can answer.  There are a number of things I’d like to accomplish in retirement — write another inspirational book, become a better musician, spend more time with family and friends, and volunteer for causes near and dear to my heart.  More than anything, I want to continue growing in my relationship with God, to see where He leads, and to do what He would have me do.

Retirement will be an adventure — thrilling and challenging and fulfilling.  Having no idea what to expect, it will be a time of walking by faith in my God, who will supply what I need to serve and thrive from day to day.  My heart for ministry has not changed — God is simply moving me to minister to my family, friends, and neighbors while I still have the health to do so.





Copyright © by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com

Trust God No Matter What

This (2023) has been a year of unprecedented hardship and heartache for so many.  Just as we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, global warming and gun violence blindsided us and took the top spot in the news. Mental health issues, addiction, chronic illness, financial hardship, unprecedented natural disasters, war, human trafficking, and immigration have all escalated as well, making ever more certain the reality that we live in a fallen world that is careening toward death and destruction.  But there is hope!

Those of us who know God, know that we can TRUST GOD NO MATTER WHAT.  We know that He remains in control, sovereign over all, and that this world is not all there is.  We have the hope of heaven and the assurance in His Word that in heaven, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, ESV).  Praise God!  What a lifeline He has given us in the midst of a stormy sea!  His is the Unshakeable Kingdom.  His is the peace that surpasses all understanding, promised to those whose mind is fixed on Him.  “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV).  Although circumstances may be unbearable at times, we can have joy knowing that God the Father cares for us, that Jesus still saves, and that the Holy Spirit lives and moves within each of us who have called on the name of Jesus for salvation.

Many people, including me, believe that we are living in the last days, but no one truly knows how long “the last days” will last or when Christ will return for His Church.    Even Jesus doesn’t know the day or hour of His return.  In Matthew 24, Jesus said, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only…Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (vs. 36, 44). 

Are you ready?  Have you received Jesus as Savior and surrendered your life to His Lordship? Are you reading His Word and living in the light of His promises?  Are you actively engaged in worship and fellowship with a Bible-teaching church?  If not, I pray you will invite Jesus into your life today by acknowledging your sin (we are all sinners, by the way), seeking His forgiveness purchased for you on the cross, and receiving His salvation.  It will be the best decision you ever make.  Then look for a Bible-believing church where you can be taught and built up in your newfound faith and enjoy the fellowship of likeminded believers.  As one separated from my own family, I wouldn’t take one dime for my church family!  I know that when things get tough they will be there to pray for and encourage me.

But what about those who don’t know God?  How can we who believe reach the ones who have no hope?  We need to live out our faith with authenticity, love others as Jesus did, pray for them without ceasing,  give and serve to meet their needs, and be obedient to God’s Word, not only as it pertains to us but also as it pertains to them.  God’s Word has much to say about the lost and how we are to treat our fellow humans.  Sadly, we sometimes fail to exhibit the winsome character attributes of Christ by choosing what the world values rather than what Christ values and teaches, and in so doing lose the opportunity to reach and impact those who are lost.  How tragic for them and shameful for us!   

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.  Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace…You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.  (2 Peter 3:9-14,17-18, ESV).

As believers and Christ-followers let us resolve to TRUST GOD NO MATTER WHAT.  May our faith in a good, gracious, loving Heavenly Father be the light that draws the lost to Jesus and brings hope to others in these troublesome times.

 

Copyright © 2023 by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.blogspot.com

Life Doesn't Have to Be This Way -- Hope for the New Year

Happy New Year!  I really mean that.  There is not a reason under the sun why we must experience another year of misery as we did in 2020.  Sure, many of us had the dickens kicked out of us by adversities and loss, sickness and suffering.  We couldn't see coming everything that life dished out.  But, the past is past and if we change our focus a little, I truly believe we can live above our circumstances and experience joy in 2021.

Here are a few of the things that 2020 taught me:

1.    God is in control.  Now it may not seem that way to you, but nothing takes him by surprise.  Neither is God to blame for all the bad things that happen to us.  God doesn't cause natural disasters, racial riots, political misconduct, or anything else that man brings on himself or his neighbor because of his own sinful nature and willful misconduct, but he does allow us to suffer the consequences of those choices.  

        The Bible is filled with scriptures that attest to the sovereignty of God (Proverbs 19:21), his presence with us (Joshua 1:9), his promises for protection (Isaiah 41:10), and the assurance that he works all things together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).  We know, and have seen, that God can take what man has intended for evil and use it for good (Genesis 50:20), increasing the faith of those who believe, saving those who are lost, and fostering generosity toward others.  Think of 9/11 or recent natural disasters and the many ways communities came together to help one another rebuild lives and homes.  Even in the midst of this pandemic, communities are working together to provide food for the hungry and meet the financial needs of those who have lost jobs.   

2.    God is faithful.  If God is faithful, then why did my husband lose his job?  Why did my loved one get sick and die?  Why did ________ (you fill in the blank)?  There isn't a single one of us that hasn't asked the "why?" question in recent months.  I'll even go so far as to say that we don't deserve what happened to us in 2020.  But does the adversity we experienced mean God is not faithful?  All through history good people have had bad things happen to them.  Look at Job.  He was a man of great faith yet God allowed Satan (yes, the devil himself) to strip Job of everything -- his family, his great wealth and possessions, and even his health.  God allowed all of it.  Let that sink in.  Jesus certainly didn't deserve to die a criminal's death on the cross because of our sin.  In Matthew 26:53-54 (ESV), Jesus said:

 53Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

Jesus was faithful to the promises of scripture that a Messiah, a Savior, would die on a cross and be raised from the dead to forgive our sins and assure us of an eternal home with him in heaven.  I'm so glad that Jesus was faithful even when it cost him everything!  

3.    The difficulties we face should not define us; our faith should.  The world is watching us to see how we handle the hard circumstances of life.  People need to know that this ugly, broken, sick world is not all there is.  We need to believe that too.  Christians are not immune from life's troubles. In John 16:33 (ESV) Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."  Why, then, should we be surprised by anything that happens or by circumstances we cannot control?  Jesus said, "you will have tribulation."  

        As people struggling to reclaim our faith in these difficult times, may we be reminded that Jesus has overcome the world and that one day, those of us who know him will join him in the holy city, the new Jerusalem, where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4, ESV).  Let us be defined by our faith in Christ, not in the circumstances and heartbreaks we will experience in our time here on earth.

There are some reading this who may not know Jesus, or who may have wandered from the faith.  If that is you, please know that you can never wander too far from the loving embrace and forgiveness of our great God.  Jesus didn't just die for my sins.  He died for yours, too, in order that you might have a personal relationship with him in the here and now.  Eternal life with Jesus doesn't begin when we die, but rather when we ask for his forgiveness and invite him into our hearts to be our Lord and Savior.   

My prayer for you in 2021 is that you will experience the joy of a personal relationship with Christ by receiving his free gift of salvation (you don't have to earn it, just ask for it) and by choosing to surrender your life to his leading.  I learned a long time ago that life is so much better when lived God's way instead of my own.  God's word will tell you everything you need to know to live joyfully and victoriously if you will make reading the Bible a part of each day.  Living God's way and discovering his purpose and plan for your life is the greatest adventure you will have!

        

Copyright © 2020-2021 by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com

A Prayer for More of God

Lord, as we close the book on all the sorrow and sadness of 2020 and anticipate with hope a better year ahead, give us more in 2021.  Not more stuff.  Not more happiness.  Not more money or jobs or security.  Give us more of you.

Without you we are nothing but hopeless, miserable creatures struggling to get through the challenges and heartaches of living in a fallen world.

With you all things -- even impossible things -- are possible.  Because of you we have hope.  You are Immanuel, God with us, not just during Advent and Christmas but throughout the year, in good times and in bad.

You are our Provider, Protector, Peace, Healer, Savior, Redeemer, Strong Tower, Deliverer...the God who works all things together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purpose (Romans 8:28).

You forgive us when we sin, weep with us when we are sorrowful, and rejoice with us when we are happy.  You get us, because you created us.

The greatest thing we can pray for in the coming year is to know you more.  In knowing you more we will love you more, and in loving you more we will love others more.

Lord, open the eyes of our hearts to see others as you do and more importantly, to see ourselves as you do -- holy, pure, and beloved because the blood of Jesus has made us so.

Lord, give us more in 2021.  Not less heartache, not less stress, not less illness, but more faith in the One who will never leave us or forsake us, no matter what may come.  Lord, give us more of you.  

In Jesus' name and for your glory, amen.

Copyright © 2020-2021 by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com

Reflections on Christmas 2020

To say that 2020 has been a difficult year is the understatement of a lifetime, certainly of mine.  We all have witnessed the unthinkable -- a pandemic that has changed our lives in ways we could never have imagined and taken the lives of those we know and love.  It is safe to say that most of the families I know have been touched by sickness, sorrow, and loss.  Ours certainly has, but one thing has not changed this Christmas -- the Savior whose birth we celebrate.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Steve and I are celebrating our first Christmas as empty nesters.  Our son moved out in July, 2020 and our daughter moved back home to Tennessee Thanksgiving weekend.  Because of the pandemic we made the decision not to travel out of town, or even across town, to visit family for Christmas, opting instead for a quiet holiday at home.

Rather than buying for each other, Steve and I decided to bless our kids and those less fortunate, as generously as God's provision would allow.  Even though Steve lost his job in October because of pandemic-related downsizing God provided another job so that we would have the resources to give even beyond what we thought was possible.  We learned this year that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive.

Many friends and family lost loved ones this year, even as recently as in the days leading up to Christmas.  My prayers that God would provide the comfort and healing they and their loved ones need are coupled with the awareness that I will eventually face the same kind of heartaches that so many have this year.  It is not something I fear -- I know the heartaches will come -- but I pray daily for the grace and faith to meet those challenges in such a way that others will know Jesus truly does save and care for his own.

The year we thought would never end will soon be behind us. Sadly the days ahead don't look to bring any meaningful relief.  More than ever we all need to press hard into God because he is the only hope we have.  

God's word is filled with promises of his presence, peace, grace, power, and provision.  If you don't spend much time reading the Bible or talking with God in prayer, then resolve in 2021 to make doing so a daily habit.  It won't cost you anything but a little time each day -- an investment that will pay you the rich dividends of a closer walk with God and the peace which passes understanding.

Copyright © 2020-2021 by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com

Moving Day

Six years ago my family and I began a two-day journey to the place we now call home.  We left behind a church family, many friends, close relatives, and the city where I had lived a lifetime.  Apprehensions were few because we knew this was what God had ordained.  As we celebrate our new life here and the many blessings we been gifted since our move we cannot help but give thanks to the One who orchestrated it all.

Three months after we changed our address I stepped into a job that became a ministry and a great source of joy.  I found a new family and friends who have loved and supported our family in so many ways, and I am blessed beyond measure.  We all are.  But just as God saw fit to move our family away from everything that was familiar, He has been stirring something inside me and calling me to leave home once more in search of His next assignment.

Today I officially step down from a dream job to move on to whatever God has in store next.  The move has been prayed over for many months and the pandemic has brought clarity in the decision-making process as I have had much time to press in to God and really seek His heart.  I realize that there are many people who will not understand my decision to leave a job which was such a perfect fit, and I pray they will know that they are the reason the decision did not come easily.  I will always love the congregants I served and look forward to maintaining and nurturing the friendships that have been made these past six years.

Time does not stand still for any of us.  There is work to be done for the children of God, wherever we find ourselves.  The coronavirus pandemic and the protests raging across our nation this very day ensure our job security as prayer warriors on the front lines.

I don't know what the future holds in terms of my work, but I entrust my future and the care of my church family to the Lord who holds us all in His hands.

To my Bethany church family, know that I am stepping away in obedience to God's call -- not for lack of love for our church family or because of any of the challenges we have faced.  You are my family and I love you.  But God has said it's time for me to "leave home" and move on to the next assignment.  I covet your prayers for His provision and guidance in the days to come, and I will be praying daily for you.

Finding the Good in Life When the News Isn't

As I wrap up my fourth week of working remotely, knowing that there are possibly several more weeks of isolation ahead of us all, I pause today to give thanks for the unexpected blessings of the pandemic that has affected so many of us.  Not only has COVID-19 adversely affected most of the world, but it has also caused many of us to reassess the things we value and to focus on the simple joys that we overlooked before this plague descended upon us.

Among the simple joys for which I'm thankful:

• The technology and ability to work remotely and continue my ministry to the church.
• The joy of riding out this season of social distancing in our new home, where we have a little more room to distance ourselves from each other and a lovely, usable yard to work in and enjoy when the walls begin to close in.
• The view outside my sliding glass door, which affords me the opportunity to enjoy bird watching and seeing the beauty of spring while in lockdown.
• Additional time with family and my cat, who loves to bird watch too. 
• The new ways I am learning to connect with others in our church and community....ZOOM!

Even bigger reasons to give thanks:

• My salvation through Jesus Christ, and my relationship with God the Father through Him.
• The guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
• The promises of God's Word to encourage and strengthen us when our faith is weak.
• God's provision of our daily needs, especially when the economy is in such turmoil.
• The knowledge that God is still in control, ever-present, all-knowing, with grace sufficient for every circumstance.

But what if COVID-19 resulted in the illness or death of a family member, or the loss of my job, or the loss of things I count as blessings?  Would I still be thankful?  Would I still believe in the goodness of God?  Or would I succumb to despair and lose all hope?  

As Christ followers we are not exempt from trouble, heartache, sickness, and death. In John 16:33 (ESV), Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."  

In Philippians 4:11-13, the apostle Paul writes:  "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me."  Is there anyone out there who doesn't feel brought low by the coronavirus pandemic?  In our struggles, are we allowing God to teach us the secret of being content in any and every circumstance?

Despite all that is happening around us, those of us who follow Christ have hope because we know whose we are, that God sees us where we are, and that Christ through His death and resurrection has already won the victory!  

Friend, if everything you are facing right now seems too much to bear I encourage you to pray, seek God's face, turn to His Word for the answers to your questions, and trust in Jesus for salvation if you have never done so.  Rest in these assurances from 1 Peter 5:6-11 (ESV):

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  Be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.  And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.  To him be the dominion forever and ever.  Amen.

Copyright © 2020 by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com