Lutheran Woman's Quarterly
Spring 2022 "Enduring"
Editor's Note
Have you heard something like this: “It’s one thing to trust God in the light and another to trust Him when it’s dark”? Trusting God when it’s darkest is the faith the world needs to see. Have faith to endure, to go through, to press on, and to be strong, because we have an enduring God who will be with us, who is abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
In this life, God’s people endure many different experiences. One or many of the experiences written in the following pages will resonate with you as they did with me.
When I read the articles, devotions, and the Bible studies in this issue, I was reminded of the Word of God which has helped me endure: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28–30).
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act (Psalm 37:3–5).
And the story in Luke 5, where, after toiling all night and catching nothing, at Jesus’ command the overtired disciples let down their nets which became full to the point of breaking.
Struggle is not limited to a select few on this earth. My struggles may not be the same as those told in this issue — or the same as yours. How long will this (this time, this illness, this sin, this problem, this annoyance) last? The time of enduring may not end with the results we think we want. What aspects of the abundant life are we showing to the world as we endure this time — or the next time? God never promised that our lives would be free from these situations or feelings, but He does promise to be with us always — while they last — to the last.
Sheila Lutz, Editor-in-Chief
Features
2 | Enduring (introduction and excerpt)
8 | Enduring … and Flourishing … by His Grace
In Every Issue
| Editor’s Note
1 | Praying the Psalms
13 | INK Spot
14 | Grants at Work: Water and the Word for Rural Schools in Kenya or read it online here.
28 | Shop LWML
29 | President’s Page
| About the 2022 LWML Prayer Service
Bible Studies
available to download and print
16 | Promise. Power. Peace. — Leader Guide
18 | Balancing Life's Challenges — Bible Study
| Balancing Life's Challenges — Leader Guide
20 | Last — Leader Guide
21 | Último — Bible Study
| Último — Leader Guide
Upcoming Issues
Share your stories with us at editor@lwml.org.
FALL 2022: Lord, Teach Us to Pray
(deadline May 1, 2022)
- Misconceptions about prayer.
- How do I pray?
- What is a “prayer warrior”?
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26–27).
WINTER 2022: Faith: That No One May Boast
(deadline August 1, 2022)
- How do I share and speak my faith?
- Unity in faith, in Christ, in doctrine.
- Relying on God.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8–9).
