Unintended Consequences

How could I have known

Of the unintended consequences

From a decision I made, an action I took

At that moment

It felt like the right thing to do

But now, I see a ripple effect

Which seems like a tsunami

Washing away what I hold dear

Though all around me, everything is slipping away

You alone O Lord will never leave, nor forsake me

Oh Lord, I cry out to You

As the waves crash in, help me hold on to the Anchor of my soul

Help me to trust You Lord Jesus, in the darkest night

Though my words fail, the Holy Spirit intercedes for me

My compassionate Savior prays for me and the merciful Father hears

Susan Bunts Wachtel

December 3, 2017

Sometimes its easier to see things in the lives of others, only to look back and see similar seasons in my own life.  When I look back and see the trials the Lord has brought me through, I stand amazed.  Thank You Jesus for not wasting one trial, or temptation or difficult season.  Thank You for the growth that can take place in the most difficult circumstances.  Though I can’t see the unintended circumstances that may come from something I do or say today, You can.  Help me to look to You, listen and obey You as you guide and direct me. 

Healing at the Gate Called Beautiful

Like the lame man 
At the gate called Beautiful
I too, have been raised up by Christ Jesus the Nazarene

Unlike the lame man
My healing was not physical
Instead it was far greater, a healing of my soul

I went from being spiritually dead, dead to God
Dead in my trespasses and sins
Unable to even look upon or respond to Him of my own accord

He raised me up and forgave my sins
Now I am alive to God
May I praise and glorify God for His marvelous work

With feet and ankles made strong by the LORD
May I walk just as I was raised
By the power of Christ 

May those who recognize me
As the woman dead in her sins at the gate called Beautiful
Be amazement at what Christ can do


By Susan Wachtel
September 28, 2017

For those of us who have family and friends who don’t yet know the LORD, persevere in prayer for their salvation. 

An Unexpected Journey

The day our family grew by one
So very unexpected, certainly not planned
Not pregnant, but it’s every bit as exciting

We thought we would welcome into our home
For a few weeks one summer
An orphan from a land far away

Little did we know
Our hearts would be knit together as one
Our children would embrace this precious child

This little one had a hard beginning
While still so young, was now alone
But LORD willing, not for long

Far too soon the day would come
When we had to send this young one back
This child whom we’ve come to love

What better way to celebrate and remember
Than a picnic, together as a family
On a beautiful warm summer day

Of course, we took pictures to remember
When we beheld the photos in our hands
We knew, this child was meant to become our own

Sadly, the day came for a tearful goodbye
We embraced, declared our love
Made promises to write and stay in touch

Thus, our unexpected journey began
Covered with prayer
Dependent upon the wisdom and guidance of God

We will rely on the support of family and friends
The loving care of our dear church family
As we walk the path of adoption, one step at a time

Seemingly endless paperwork to be completed
Funds to save and raise
To make what seems impossible happen

We will watch and pray
Delays may come
But our hearts will remain full of hope

Dependent upon God
Who goes before us
For His heart is close to the orphan


by Susan Bunts Wachtel
August 2, 2017

Have you ever heard a story and felt inspired and moved by what God was doing?  This poem was inspired by a story I recently read.  While I don’t know the all the details about what the family has experienced, I rejoice at the work the LORD is doing to give a precious orphan a family and change a life forever for good.  

Steadfast Faith

Lord grant me a faith

That remains steadfast in the face of trials

Faith that does not wither or fade

But one that looks beyond this present trial

To find joy in the greater work You will accomplish

Mature and grow my faith and trust in You

When I don’t know what to do or what step to take

In faith, let wisdom be my plea

Instead of deliverance from this trial

May I ask with confidence

Knowing that God who is all wise

Gives wisdom generously to those who ask in faith

Let me not doubt You

Or turn back, only to resort to my own sinful ways

Like Christ, give me a single-minded focus

Be not double-minded and tossed around like a wave

Driven by the wind of this stormy trial

But firmly believe God as revealed in Scripture

May I trust God with confidence and unquenchable faith

Know there is a crown of life that awaits me

All because Christ bore a crown of thorns

Was crucified and died for my sin

The One who rose victorious

Will help me steadfastly persevere under trials

By Susan Wachtel

June 9, 2017