Excuses to Not Trust

Excuses to Not Trust

Exodus 4: ¹⁰ Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”

 

¹¹ So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? ¹² Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”

 

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After GOD showed HIS power three times, Moses said to GOD that he was not a good speaker. GOD replied to him in a comforting way.

 

My Observations:

• Moses ended up being one of the greatest leaders in history, yet he had insecurities.
• Moses was ambivalent to the calling of GOD.
• GOD reveals that HE knows when people are sick and is involved with health.

 

When GOD’s calling collides with human free will, it seems to be a battle. Moses had a comfortable life and wanted to simply live with his wife and kid(s). He didn’t seem like he wanted to protest, fight or face any issues, yet GOD was sending him to face a human who was powerful, antagonistic and worshipped as a god.

 

Moses may have gotten scared. Wouldn’t you? BUT GOD said something we all can learn from “I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” GOD does not seem harsh here, rather HE is concerned about the people in Egypt and seems to want humans to interact with human problems. HE carefully allows free will to be managed by humans, but intervenes enough. GOD wants our trust.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation regarding Moses’s excuse?
• Has GOD ever clearly given you a promise that you started making excuses not to trust?
• What thing is GOD withholding to compassionately develop a greater trust in HIM?

Ownership

 Ownership

2 Thessalonians 3: ¹¹ We say this because we hear that there are some people among you who live lazy lives and who do nothing except meddle in other people's business. ¹² In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command these people and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living.

 

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Frustrated with how things were going, I quickly assessed it was someone else’s fault. If this boss would simply act right, then I could climb the ladder faster and higher. I left that job in pursuit of the perfect group, only to be met with zero success. “What is wrong with me?” I finally shouted out.

 

• I could not fix my problem until I realized I had a problem.
• I was so busy looking at everyone else, that I took my eyes off of myself.
• I got comfortable blaming other people and did not own my choices, mistakes or path.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy give some harsh words to those who refused to work and who were meddling in other people’s business. They provided a solution to “Lazy lives” and “Meddling”, namely ownership.

 

My Observations

• My complaint about other people is usually a problem within myself that I need to give to the LORD.
• Any tendency to live a “lazy life” will backfire in my face.
• GOD wants me to confess ”my” sins so HE will cleanse “me” of all unrighteousness.

 

Ownership starts and stops with me. I mean, when I hear a sermon, it is not about someone else, rather I need to hear the words to grow in areas I am weak. GOD speaks to me daily through HIS word and convicts me in areas HE wants to grow me.

 

When I own my deficiency, HE gives me a workout plan to exercise to. Trial after trial, GOD strengthens me in areas I need to grow. When I can stand up in that area, GOD says “Well done!” I am glad GOD examines me and shows me that I need a perfect GOD to help me with “my” imperfections.

 

Challenge

• What complaint were the writers trying to address?
• Have you ever just wanted to be lazy or speak to other people about someone else?
• Will you take ownership of your relationship with GOD and confess your sins to HIM so HE will be faithful and just to forgive you today?

Hesitance

Hesitance

Acts 9: ¹³ Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children^[c] of Israel. ¹⁶ For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

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“Come serve with me in a country in Africa” was the challenge posed to me. The image that popped in my mind was a starving baby with flies circling, for that was the primary image chosen from the country I lived in.

I hesitated in my response. “Get up and go” was the overwhelming feeling inside me. Family added to the fear with questions about the unknown. When I arrived in the country for the missions trip, it was a booming metropolis with skyscrapers and fast food joints. What was I worried about?

• There were times when the situation made me hesitate on my decision.
• There were times when the unknown made me think twice about doing what I was called to do.
• There were times when the circumstance seemed dismal and made me stop and think “should I do this?”

Ananias seemed hesitant in going to Saul. Whether it was his own safety or the fact that he was serving a known killer, he questioned the calling. BUT GOD confirmed the mission.

• GOD wants me to trust in HIS plan regardless of the circumstance.
• GOD wants me to believe HE has a larger picture than the one I can see.
• GOD wants me to obey HIS calling even though I may have questions.

“Are YOU sure?” is a question that pops in my head sometimes when I hear from GOD. I mean, usually the question comes because I am asked to do something beyond what I thought I should be doing.

GOD’s power is endless and mine is nothing. GOD wants me to believe in HIS power, protection and provision whenever HE calls me to serve HIM. I am grateful HE calls me.

• Are you being called and are hesitant?
• Does the circumstance seem dismal, yet GOD wants you to serve HIM anyway?
• Will you accept HIS calling and obey the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Excuses

Luke 14: ¹⁵ Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!”

¹⁶ Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, ¹⁷ and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ ¹⁸ But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ ¹⁹ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ ²⁰ Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ ²¹ So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’ ²² And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ ²³ Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. ²⁴ For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ”

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“Will you tell people about GOD in a 30 second message?” someone asked me. Afraid of offending my following and for fear of my job, I said “Not this time, I believe someone else should do this.”

• I remember times when I was too important to speak about GOD.
• I can recall moments when I could have spoken about GOD, but did not.
• I reflect on times when GOD wanted me to speak on HIS behalf, but something “I” wanted got in the way.

JESUS seems to be telling a statement rather than a story as HE speaks to the crowd. HE spoke of three people who made excuses for not coming to the “Great Supper.” Possessions, business or jobs and family were the excuses made for not answering the Master’s call. What should I do when GOD calls me?

• GOD wants me to respond when HE calls me to do something for HIM.
• GOD calls me to serve HIM daily, all I have to do is listen.
• GOD wants me to be excited about speaking about HIS SON, especially to those who will hear it.

Age, race, gender, time, health, finances or worry are all great reasons for me not to speak about GOD. I mean I’m only one person right? Kinda. GOD wants me to see I will always have an excuse not to speak about HIM. There will never be a good time for me to talk about HIM. BUT GOD is still worthy to be praised.

HE wants me to see opportunity to speak about HIM on a daily basis. No longer am I ashamed of JESUS and HE is no longer ashamed of me.

• Are you making excuses for not speaking about GOD?
• Do you speak about GOD only during times of plenty?
• Can you stop being ashamed of GOD and speak of HIS grace today?

If Not Me

Matthew 21: ³⁸ “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ ³⁹ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

⁴⁰ “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

⁴¹ “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”

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“Will you serve this particular Sunday?” was the question. “Yes” was my answer, because it was easy and I had nothing planned. “Will you teach?’ was the question. “Yes” was my answer, because it wouldn’t take up too much time.  “Will you go with us on a mission’s trip?” was the question posed to me. Many reasons came to mind as far as why I could not go, all of which were excuses.

• There are times when I think someone else should do “that.”
• There are times when I am called and I hang up the phone.
• There are times when I want life easy.

Wanting an easy life is not exactly the problem in this parable, but it is related. The tenants, Israel, rejected JESUS as the Messiah. They killed HIM thinking they would inherit HIS kingdom, namely heaven. Unfortunately they would never believe and would meet a wretched end.

Same goes for me. GOD wants me to do something. I don’t mean HE wants me to work my fingers to the bone trying to gain salvation. What I mean is HE wants me to do “something.” “If not me then who?” is the question. GOD wants me to serve someone at some point in time. HE may even call me to do something extreme for HIM and I should be ready.

• GOD wants me to serve others even when it is inconvenient.
• GOD wants me to pray for others even when I don’t like them.
• GOD wants me to speak well of others so HE can speak well of me.

The story ends with the tenants being replaced by others who are willing, by those without excuses. Unfortunately I have passed up my opportunities to serve others many times. BUT GOD has other opportunities ahead. I should be ready with “Yes.”

• Are you being called?
• Do you think someone else should do “that?”
• Can you listen to GOD’s calling and respond? 

Knowing Doing

Matthew 21: 28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

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“Tell that person about ME” GOD said to me. “I can’t, they won’t listen to me.” The moment passed. “Tell that person about ME” GOD said to me again. “I can’t, I am at work.” The moment passed. “Tell that person about ME” GOD said on another occasion. I can’t, I’m at a club looking at, well I won’t go into that. The moment passed.

• Many times I know what I should do and not do it.
• Many times I have an excuse for not doing what I am supposed to do.
• Many times I have said “Yes I will do that” but wind up not doing it.

“Stop talking and start doing” is what I heard from someone. It did not have a profound message at the time but I did remember it. After a while I pursued CHRIST, seeking HIS way. I then heard someone say, “If you only had two weeks to live, what would you do differently?” Many answers came out and I thought about “tell people about CHRIST.” The conference leader then said “Then why don’t you do live like that each day?”

• GOD tells me what to do every day; it is up to me to listen.
• GOD gives me direction daily; I get blessed when I follow HIM.
• GOD talks to me on a regular basis, I only have to open my heart in order to hear HIM.

Clouded thoughts, fear, bitterness, lust, greed and other things got in the way as excuses for not serving GOD. BUT GOD was graceful enough to keep asking. HE knew HE could penetrate my stony heart and enable me to follow HIM little by little. GOD calls me to “do” all I have to do is obey.

• Are you ignoring GOD when HE is talking to you?
• Do you have too much going on to hear HIM?
• Can you slow down for a moment and listen to HIM today?

Childish Praise

Matthew 21: ¹² Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ¹³ “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

¹⁴ The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. ¹⁵ But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

¹⁶ “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.

“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,

“‘From the lips of children and infants
    you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”

¹⁷ And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

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Looking under cars for coins, I missed the beginning of the church service. I wanted to buy a doughnut and did not have any money. I didn’t want to ask anyone for money and those tasty morsels were calling my name!

“Ministry costs money” is what I have heard over the years as justification for selling books, CD’s, DVD’s, fashion shows and fancy dinners in the church. For years this has puzzled me because at the end of the “fund raising” thing, I rarely heard if people accepted CHRIST or were healed or turned their life around.

• GOD said to me “Your ministry does not have to cost a dime.”
• GOD said to me “You can pray for people for free.”
• GOD said to me “You can go to people, tell them about ME and have them return to ME for free.”

Ministry does not cost money, buildings do. Please don’t get me wrong, I think it is wise to have a building for people to meet. Sometimes the building’s expenses get in the way of ministry.

The Pharisees enjoyed their buildings. They enjoyed their titles and in order to keep the building and human programs going, they needed money, lots of money. Even though JESUS healed people for free, the Pharisees groused. Meanwhile the children praised JESUS in their innocence. They had no motive, no manipulation.

JESUS wants me to praise HIM like these children. HE desires me to do “ministry” for free each and every day. HE wants me to assemble with others regularly, sometimes in a building. My praise should be as childish as these children.

• Are you stuck thinking your lack of money is why you cannot do ministry?
• Are you praying for money more than praising GOD?
• Can you praise GOD with childish innocence today?

Being part of it

Matthew 14: ¹³ When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

¹⁵ As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

¹⁶ Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

¹⁷ “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

¹⁸ “Bring them here to me,” he said. ¹⁹ And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹ The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

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 Amazing life in abundance is what GOD wants me to have. When HE has something for me to do, HE will not only provide HE will multiply. The strange thing about this slice of history is the JESUS told the disciples to feed the people with inadequate resources. They even questioned HIM.

• GOD expects me to do amazing things with my limited resources.
• GOD expects me to feed thousands without having the means to do so.
• GOD expects me to be part of HIS solution rather than constantly voicing the problem.

Being part of it means I have to trust GOD when HE tells me to do something huge and I don’t even know where to start. It means being diligent when there is nowhere left to turn. GOD wants to do some amazing things with me and through me. All I need to do is trust HIS provision.

• Is GOD calling you to do something amazing yet you don’t have the resources?
• Do you feel GOD is leading you to do something and you don’t know how to do it?
• Will you allow GOD to provide the resources while you provide your willingness? 

Deep Devotion

Matthew 8: ¹⁸ When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. ¹⁹ Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

²⁰ Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

²¹ Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

²² But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

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After a long stent of being away, going to church was now a regular thing for me. I said “No” to more and more things that I used to do and say. I was finally getting my life back on track. When the sermon was about money, however, I did not want to hear it. “These preachers are always talking about money!” I thought to myself. “I already increased my giving from One dollar to Five dollars, what more do they want!?

• My thoughts of money have gotten in the way of my relationship with GOD.
• My thoughts of things have been a major problem with GOD.
• My thoughts of comfort have been a war between GOD’s servanthood and my desires.

JESUS had no worldly possessions, no money and no place to live. HE lived like this to show us that life is so much more than these things. Just because a human is alive does not make that person “deserving” of more stuff. HE wanted me to learn about following HIM.

• GOD wants me to follow HIM unimpeded so if I have “stuff” then HE wants me to put it second to HIM.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM without distraction so if my worries are on “stuff” coming or going then he wants me to change my thinking.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM with all my heart so if my heart is on “stuff” then HE wants me to ask for a clean heart which may mean losing my “stuff.”

Even in the example of “burying” the father, JESUS interjects “Let the dead bury their own dead.” I thought this was harsh at first. You mean leave the rotting corpse on the street? No, not quite. I believe JESUS was shortening the mourning period up for this person. Estate handling, amongst many other details could impede service for quite a while.

JESUS wants service to HIM now, not after I retire or after the business is up and running well or after I graduate eighty years from now. HE knows I can make excuses for not serving HIM and any excuse is nothing but an excuse. I can serve those around me wherever HE places me.

• Are you making excuses for not serving JESUS?
• Do you say “I have too many bills” or “I have to do this before I serve?”
• Can you stop making excuses and start serving CHRIST right where you are?
• Will you stop asking for stuff for just a moment and ask “Who would you like me to serve?”

Greatness out of Small Places

Micah 5: ² “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
    one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
    from ancient times.”

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⁴ He will stand and shepherd his flock
    in the strength of the Lord,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
    will reach to the ends of the earth.

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Eloquent was his speech and solid was his direction. I watched this person rise from nothing to become the CEO of one of the largest companies in the world. I asked him where he lived when he grew up. Surprisingly he answered “the projects” or “slums” or “ghetto” to others. I thought to myself, “Someone this fantastic can come out of a place that is looked down upon by the masses?”

• Sometimes I underestimate the people in small places.
• Sometimes I overlook the people in places that are categorized as off limits.
• Sometimes I protect myself by labeling places and people instead of searching for bright spots.

When I went to serve in a neighborhood that was classified as dangerous, I found people who had aspirations of becoming a doctor, lawyer, and famous musician. These individuals had something in common, they all followed GOD.

• JESUS chose to become a human in a town that was overlooked.
• JESUS chose to be born in a place where people would classify it as a slum or a ghetto.
• JESUS chose to provide HIS redemption through a small place called Bethlehem.

GOD told me to teach these people about HIM and as they sat in my class I could see them grasping onto HIS message in their own way. They were hungry for the LORD and HE did enable them to become what they sought out to be! GOD raised them to their place and they have not forgotten HIM. I learned a lesson, never label a place or person that GOD has a plan for, including myself!

• Are you labeling people in order to protect yourself?
• Have you labeled people so much that you refuse to serve them?
• Will you remove your label and serve people who do not look or act like you?
• Can you realize that you may serve a person who will be used by GOD to bring millions to HIM?

Help the Oppressed or Else

Jeremiah 21: ¹² This is what the Lord says to you, house of David:

“‘Administer justice every morning;
    rescue from the hand of the oppressor
    the one who has been robbed,
or my wrath will break out and burn like fire
    because of the evil you have done—
    burn with no one to quench it.

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One person in need called me and I had to “evaluate” the validity of their need. I mean, did they think of “this” or “that?” I kept my money. I went to a convenience store and on my way in a person asked me for money because their car “broke down a couple of blocks away.” I said, let’s go see the car, they walked away. I kept my money. I went downtown and a myriad of people were asking for money on one street. I changed my route and kept “my” money.

• When the oppressed approached me, somehow I found a way to keep “my” money.
• When those in need were sent to me, somehow I found a way not to help them.
• When poor people were placed in my path, somehow I found a way to change my path.

Being rich meant I had to make the hard calls. I mean I had to pay for some expensive stuff right? Well sort of. Blindness to the poor is what got entire nations in trouble. It is easy to place blinders on, missing out on many opportunities to serve those around me. My justification for not going to serve was true in my mind. I was too busy at work, making money, so I could not give. I was too deep in debt, spending money, so I could not give. “That” person isn’t doing XYZ, so I cannot give, keeping money.

• GOD says to me “Administer justice every morning” meaning HE will give me an opportunity to serve someone each and every day.
• GOD says to me “Rescue from the hand of the oppressor” showing people the way back to HIM.
• GOD says to me “Rescue the one who has been robbed” blessing them with safe haven.

Now when GOD places a person in front of me I try my best. I see their oppression and I feel for them, because I too have been oppressed. I may not always have the money, but I always have GOD to give a person in abundance. The Good Samaritan helped when no one else would, but sometimes I don’t even have the money to carry out this wonderful example. GOD wants me to plea on other’s behalf in that instance.

GOD wants me to “seek the lost” because they run and hide when trouble hits. I know, I felt like hiding many times. Blessings only come from GOD. I should never squander what has been bestowed on me.

• Are you avoiding serving people?
• Are you too busy to help someone?
• Can you take a moment to ask GOD who he want you to serve today?
• Will you stop avoiding people and seek them out in order to bring them closer to GOD?

HE is Calling You

Jeremiah 1: ⁴ The word of the Lord came to me, saying,

⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
    before you were born I set you apart;
    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

⁶ “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

⁷ But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. ⁸ Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

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¹⁶ I will pronounce my judgments on my people
    because of their wickedness in forsaking me,
in burning incense to other gods
    and in worshiping what their hands have made.

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“Teach MY people” was the overwhelming desire that came over me. I felt this sensation to teach about GOD, but I had not read the Bible. How in the world was I qualified to “teach?” I asked.

• Sometimes when I am called I do not want to answer.
• Sometimes when I am called I make up all kinds of excuses.
• Sometimes when I am called I think of ways to get out of my calling.

Putting GOD in a box means I can only see what I can see. If HE is inside a box, then I cannot see HIS wonderful power working inside of me. I also cannot see the wrong things I am doing. “The Man Upstairs” or “The Universe” are labels I can put on GOD to make HIM useless, unattached and uncaring. BUT GOD wants a different kind of relationship with me.

• GOD wants me to talk about HIS word no matter what knowledge level I have.
• GOD wants me to speak about HIS SON to bring everyone HE sends me back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to tell people about HIS word no matter how difficult the words may be.

When GOD calls me I should answer. HIS route is usually more difficult, more embarrassing and one that I would not have taken. BUT GOD blesses me each time I choose HIS way. HE opens my eyes to my own sins meanwhile consecrating me to do HIS bidding. HE blesses each step and carries me to the finish line. GOD has a wonderful plan for me!

• Are you turning away from GOD?
• Are you making up excuses?
• Will you allow GOD to change your life for HIM?

Playing See-Saw is Dangerous

Psalm 106: ⁹ He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up;
    he led them through the depths as through a desert.
¹⁰ He saved them from the hand of the foe;
    from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.
¹¹ The waters covered their adversaries;
    not one of them survived.
¹² Then they believed his promises
    and sang his praise.

¹³ But they soon forgot what he had done
    and did not wait for his plan to unfold.
¹⁴ In the desert they gave in to their craving;
    in the wilderness they put God to the test.

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“Please, please, please let me pass this test” was my cry. When I got my results back, not only had I passed, I got a very high grade! I rejoiced and ran around like a crazy person! The very next semester I returned back to my habits of playing cards all night with the other people who should have been studying! I wound up on probation again.

• Sometimes I cry out only when I’m in danger.
• Sometimes I scream for help when I face problems.
• Sometimes I state my situation when things aren’t going so well.

Out of danger, out of mind was how I treated GOD. I mean HE’s there when I need HIM and when things are going well, I don’t need HIM as much, right? Wrong!

• I need GOD more when things are “going well” because that’s when I am tempted to follow my own ways.
• I need GOD more after the trial than during because I will be tempted to relax and possibly run away from HIM.
• I need GOD more during prosperous times because it is harder for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven than a camel going through the eye of a needle.

Looking back I can see times in which I let GOD slide out of my life, little by little, during prosperity. I wasn’t doing “huge” sins, but I wasn’t worshiping HIM or thanking HIM the way I do when I’m in a trial. In fact when the crowd of complainers gathered, I was in the middle, joining in on the rants. I thought sin could be measured so I stayed away from “big” sin and held onto, what I would call, “little” sins.

GOD doesn’t like a “see-saw” relationship with me. Up one day and down the next. GOD wants me to remain even keel with HIM and worship HIM daily in spite of what is going on. Problems or prosperity, GOD deserves my praise!

• Are you wondering why your trial is so long?
• Is there something that needs to change in your life that GOD is preparing you for?
• Are you letting go of GOD during prosperous times and returning to your old ways?
• Will you practice praising GOD today or will you die in the desert by GOD’s hand?

Is Service to GOD Temporary?

1 Chronicles: ³¹ As for the Hebronites, Jeriah was their chief according to the genealogical records of their families. In the fortieth year of David’s reign a search was made in the records, and capable men among the Hebronites were found at Jazer in Gilead. 

³² Jeriah had twenty-seven hundred relatives, who were able men and heads of families, and King David put them in charge of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king.

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After returning from the church convention, I felt I should be doing “something.” I mean shouldn’t I be going out and preaching and teaching? I had just publicly announced I was following GOD and I wanted to get started!

A few years later I ran into problems. I didn’t like the people who were supposed to be followers of GOD and I stopped going to church.

• Some circumstances make me question “Why do I follow GOD?”
• Some situations make me question “Does GOD really care?”
• Some lengthy trials make me ask “Why serve if all I get is punishment?”

Each of my questions had to be answered by “maturity” in GOD. HE never said life would be easy. In fact HE said there would be many trials. HE warned HIS disciples that the world would hate them and people who follow HIM would go through many trials and tribulations.

• GOD wants me to know HE loves me and strengthens me to handle trials.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS power even in the midst of chaos.
• GOD wants me to trust HIS ways and allow difficult situations to pass in order to see HIS perfect plan unfold.

Following GOD is not a temporary thing. Once I chose to follow HIM I became a new creation. The battle began. HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT in me and now my eyes are open to when I choose to do right and wrong. I still sin, but JESUS is my advocate and HE encourages me to get up and serve again.

• Are you trying to manipulate GOD by being good?
• Are you getting burnt out by serving GOD?
• Can you evaluate whether you are serving GOD or are you trying to get accolades from humans?
• Can you stop trying so hard and just “be” with GOD?

Waiting for Perfect Conditions

1 Chronicles 20: In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, Joab led out the armed forces. He laid waste the land of the Ammonites and went to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and left it in ruins. 

² David took the crown from the head of their king—its weight was found to be a talent of gold, and it was set with precious stones—and it was placed on David’s head. He took a great quantity of plunder from the city ³ and brought out the people who were there, consigning them to labor with saws and with iron picks and axes. David did this to all the Ammonite towns. Then David and his entire army returned to Jerusalem.

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Training was phenomenal and I felt ready to tackle new issues! “This is my chance” I thought to myself.  The conditions were perfect for me to move ahead.  I mean I was the only one in the department trained on this particular platform.  I also had years of experience and to top it off, my boss not only liked me, she was excited about my work.

Then I got the news… She was leaving the company. “Well, that’s okay, I am still trained” I thought. Then they announced they were moving on to a new platform and my training was obsolete. Now how am I supposed to behave? Do I have to wait some more?!

• Many times I have waited for the conditions to be perfect and they have fallen apart.
• Many times I have wondered when it will be “my” turn to be on top.
• Many times I have cried out in a tantrum, “Please let me move ahead and I will start being generous and serving ant etc.”

It seemed like I was trying to bargain with GOD. “If YOU let me get my way then I will serve YOU with excitement” as if to say I wouldn’t if HE didn’t. Instead of advancement after waiting for years, I received more trouble, more worry and more pain.

One reason I think David was a man after GOD’s own heart was he never waited. The current conditions were always perfect to serve GOD. When a bear attacked him, he fought, knowing GOD was with HIM. The same with armies and foes who had the odds stacked against him.

• I must realize that the current conditions are perfect for serving GOD.
• I must realize that I can be generous in the middle of having little.
• I must realize that I can praise GOD loudly and excited in the middle of the storm.

The old saying is “GOD isn’t done with me yet” meaning I’m still growing in HIS grace and HIS marvelous plan. HIS plan is awesome and far greater than I could ever imagine.

• Are you in the middle of the storm?
• Are you facing another giant right after fighting a bear?
• Do you think you have to do it alone?
• Can you place your reliance on GOD and trust that HE knows where you are?

GOD blesses people through broken people

1 Samuel 10: ⁹ As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. ¹⁰ When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying. 

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“Go on a mission’s trip” was the sense that came over me, but my excuse was I didn’t know the Bible well enough so I almost didn’t go.  “Go tell the neighborhood about JESUS” was the thought that popped in my head, but I almost didn’t go because the crowd wasn’t interested and besides, I sin just as much as everyone I would talk to. Why would they listen to me?

• Sometimes I make excuses so I won’t have to serve others.
• Sometimes I make excuses so I won’t have to take the hard road.
• Sometimes I make excuses so I won’t have to change.

Impossible situations seem to pop up in my life and my blindness can’t seem to find any way out of them. Fear, worry and doubt enter my heart, then my own plans kick in and it seems like things get messed up further. BUT GOD has taken my heart into account when developing the plan for me.

• GOD put’s situations in my face to change my heart.
• GOD places circumstances in my way so I can only depend on HIM and HIM alone.
• GOD installs people in my life to keep me praying instead of depending on my own wit.

GOD owns my heart and HE sees the junk I want to add to it.  HE placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in it so I would always turn back to HIM, no matter how many times I run away from HIM.  HIS love is abundant and HIS faith is everlasting. HIS grace is sufficient and HIS mercy is unlimited.

• Is your heart hard?
• Are you blind to your hard heart and see no way out?
• Can you drop your plan and allow GOD to grow you HIS way?

Excuses

Judges 6: ¹⁴ The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

¹⁵ “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

¹⁶ The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

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Distracted was the word that described my pitiful efforts. As I floundered through my classes I was stuck in a perpetual “I can’t do it” mode. I had no discipline, resources or focus and people expected me to graduate?! I didn’t even know where to begin.

• When I see nothing but problems ahead I am probably making up excuses.
• When I can’t think and I feel lost I am probably making up excuses.
• When I feel overwhelmed because the task at hand is huge and I feel small I am probably making up excuses.

Back then I couldn’t see how I was going to accomplish the task at hand because I made excuses. Everything was a barrier and I couldn’t find my way around, over or through them.  At one point I just sat in my apartment and stared in despair. BUT GOD had something different in mind.

• GOD says “Go in strength” meaning not my strength but HIS.
• GOD says “I am sending you” meaning HIS plan will work no matter what I will encounter.
• GOD says “I will be with you” meaning HE will be with me!

It is never my plans that succeed rather it is GOD’s plan that will never fail. When HE says “go” I must listen. When HE says “I will be with you” I should drop my fear and know HE is there to protect me. GOD tells me to “go in the strength I have” for in my weakness HE is strongest!

• Are you trying to do things with your own power?
• Do you have a very large task facing you?
• Won’t you ask GOD to take over your plan?
• Can you add trust to your plan?

Threatening GOD

Deuteronomy 1: ²⁹ Then I said to you, “Don’t be terrified. Don’t be afraid of them. ³⁰ The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will fight for you. With your own eyes you saw how he fought for you in Egypt.

³¹ “You also saw how the Lord your God brought you through the desert. He carried you everywhere you went, just as a father carries his son. And now you have arrived here.”

³² In spite of that, you didn’t trust in the Lord your God.

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For months our lives were put on hold.  Every decision was based on the possibility of moving to a new city “if” I got the top position in the company. I felt extremely nervous during the interview and did not get the position. I do remember pouting.

“LORD, what’s the purpose of being ‘good’ if nothing comes out of it? I’m done serving!” I said during my tantrum. Little did I know HE had much better things in mind for me and I was busy making HIM an enemy!

• When I have trials placed in front of me I sometimes pout.
• When I have obstacles placed in front of me I sometimes kick and scream at GOD.
• When I am not getting “my” way I sometimes throw a tantrum, threatening GOD in the process.

Like a four year old who wants to run away from home I looked around and realized, where will I go? I mean everything and everywhere and everyone is HIS. You would think I would become rational at that realization. Instead I thought, “well, YOU are GOD, of course ‘YOU’ would say don’t be terrified and don’t be afraid, but I’m human what can I do?”

• GOD says “TRUST in the LORD with all your heart in all your ways and do not lean to your own understanding.”
• GOD says “Put aside childish things” and “have faith in your GOD for I delivered you.”
• GOD says “the fear of GOD is the beginning of wisdom.”

In other words, why am I yelling at GOD for not getting my way?  GOD has a better plan that I could never dream up.  HIS ways are solid and I can be free to be “me”, not what everyone expects me to be. I don’t have to threaten HIM or coerce HIM into getting something I probably didn’t want in the first place.

GOD knows what’s best. HE wants a solid “trust” from me. I Believe!

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Are you ready to throw in the towel because life is getting difficult?
• Why do you have to be convinced over and over that GOD is faithful?
• Won’t you get rid of you pride of needing GOD to prove HIMSELF and show HIM your trust?

Get your “But” out of here!

Numbers 13: ⁷ They gave Moses their report. They said, “We went into the land you sent us to. It really does have plenty of milk and honey! Here’s some fruit from the land.

²⁸ “But the people who live there are powerful. Their cities have high walls around them and are very large. We even saw members of the family line of Anak there. ²⁹ The Amalekites live in the Negev Desert. The Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the central hill country. The Canaanites live near the Mediterranean Sea. They also live along the Jordan River.”

³⁰ Then Caleb interrupted the men who were speaking to Moses. He said, “We should go up and take the land. We can certainly do it.”

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“Please represent us” was the cry at work from a group of people who seemed to have no voice. Who am I to speak to senior management about issues the employees were having. I mean they are savvy, have short attention spans and besides, our issues are big to us and small to them. I sat there wondering if I should speak up to these giants.

• People in high positions have made me nervous.
• People who seem stronger than I am have made me cringe.
• People and situations that seem much larger than me cause me to want to shrink back into the shadows and do nothing.

When I am faced with a large task I begin playing the outcomes in my mind.  I see what barriers there are, calculate the effort and multiply the time and money needed, subtract the bank account and it usually equals worry! “How can I do this” is usually what I wind up asking myself!

• All tasks are large to me without GOD.
• Even the easiest task is impossible without GOD.
• What seems impossible to me is extremely simple for GOD.

GOD doesn’t want me to think I can do anything without HIM.  In fact HE wants me to depend on HIM to deliver me into the “promised land.” I only need to recognize that if it is HIS plan, it won’t fail! Today I use GOD’s words given to Caleb… “We certainly can do it!”

• Are you facing a very large task?
• Do you feel overwhelmed?
• Can you seek the power of GOD instead of depending on your power?
• Won’t you bow to HIS plan, grace and might in order to accomplish what HE want you to?

Is it time to do something else?

Exodus 36: ⁶ Then Moses gave an order. A message was sent through the whole camp. It said, “No man or woman should make anything else and offer it for the holy tent.” And so the people were kept from bringing more offerings. ⁷ There was already more than enough to do all of the work.

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Sitting in the church office I listened to the sermon on the speaker as I plowed through the books. Later I made sure all of the offerings had been entered into the accounting system.  I then scheduled meetings to discuss the crumbling infrastructure, new parking lot, meetings with the city and hiring a new construction company.

At home, I documented new ways to do outreach, ordered items and toiled over a list of problems that seemed a mile long. I was exhausted! Good thing I was working for the LORD right? Maybe not.

• Sometimes my service is not based on GOD, rather I’m doing busy work.
• Sometimes my service is not based on GOD, rather it’s bathed in achievements to receive accolades.
• Sometimes my service is not based on GOD, rather it’s laced with complaints that other people are not pulling their load and “I’m” doing all the work!

Burn out is common in those who serve in churches and I was a casualty. No one else was stepping up and the corporate motto I learned was “failure is not an option” so I plowed ahead. BUT GOD has another thought.

• GOD says “come unto ME all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
• GOD says “take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME for I am meek and lowly at heart.”
• GOD says “and you shall find rest unto your soul for MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”

I’m not saying I will be on vacation the rest of my days, but I will say I will do something controversial and that is pace myself. As badly as I want everyone around me to be saved, I will speak to those GOD delivers to me and I will serve at work, when driving and at the building we call “church.” 

Instead of looking at one portion of my life as GODS’ I will give HIM my entire life, sin included. I can actually give myself permission to say, I have done enough or given enough or prayed enough so I won’t experience burn out and end up in a worse place which is not doing it at all. I must keep in mind though, I am doing this to keep going!

• Are you working hard for GOD?
• Does it feel like you are serving and getting exhausted?
• Is GOD saying “it’s time for you to change ministries?”
• Can you get some “rest” so you can keep going for the long haul?