Healing Brokenness Plan

Healing Brokenness Plan

Ephesians 1: In all his wisdom and insight ⁹ God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. ¹⁰ This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.

 

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Plans are wonderful to me! I love getting a plan from people who have been where I am trying to go. I can get the steps, follow them and celebrate when I make it to the destination.

 

• Plans make it easier for me to keep going when things seem to be going wrong.
• I feel more confident when I am following a plan.
• Some of the steps of many plans did not make sense until the entire plan unfolded.

 

Paul talks about GOD’s “secret plan.” He explains that one part of the plan as been revealed to humanity, namely JESUS died for the sins of the world. What looked like a FATHER punishing HIS SON for being perfect turned out to be only part of the story. The true plan was to “bring all creation together”  with CHRIST as head.

 

My Observations

• GOD saw my brokenness and decided to do something about it.
• JESUS volunteered HIS life to heal me forever.
• All of creation waits on the rest of GOD’s plan which includes placing everything under JESUS.

 

This plan is amazing! I mean, it shows unimaginable love for a creation who turns its back to the creator at a moment’s notice. GOD could not depend on our faith, so HE devised a plan to redeem broken, lost humans through JESUS. JESUS volunteered to lose everything and in the process, gained everything.

 

One part of the plan is still in motion. One day JESUS will return and everything that is broken will be healed under HIM. All questions about “Why did GOD do this in the first place?” will be answered. Until then, I gladly accept the incredible love HE has shown for me.

 

Challenge

• Does the plan the writer speaks of, make you nervous or excited?
• What part of your actions do you see in this plan?
• If you are trying too hard to please GOD, will you accept that HIS plan includes your life and will not fail, because HE has already given everything to JESUS whom you believe in?

Getting Wiser

Getting Wiser

Acts 18: ¹⁸ Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. ¹⁹ They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰ When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. ²¹ But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. ²² When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.

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“How dare they!” I felt with anger. Ready to fight, I went and found people who would back me up. Throwing aside consequence, I wanted to right this wrong and was willing to punch someone in their face. Fortunately, the fight did not break out.

• There was a time when I was quick with anger.
• There was a time when I felt rage when someone said the “wrong” thing the “right” way.
• There was a time when I reacted before I considered if I should even react.

Paul had faced a lot of hardship. From fall of being a Pharisee to rise of being a true follower of JESUS, Paul faced beating and near death spreading the gospel. He wanted to stand out, so he vowed to remain bald. He then did something uncharacteristic by declining a request to stay with a group. “I will come back if it is GOD’s will” he said.

• GOD wants me to mature in my trust in HIM.
• GOD wants me to grow in the examples HE gave through JESUS.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom and let HIM do the fighting.

After getting beat up enough, I say to myself “There has to be a better way.” GOD knew Paul had to suffer. Paul, at one time, pursued murder in the name of GOD. He was growing with wisdom and sought a better way to convince people and allow GOD to do the fighting. GOD wants me to do the same.

HE wants me to plant the seeds of HIS love and allow HIM to bring someone else to water the seeds and HE grow the seeds. HE also wants me to see how slow HE is to anger and how graceful HE is with me daily. I appreciate HIS patience with me.

• Are you filled with rage?
• Are you quick to anger and react often?
• Will you allow GOD to slow your anger so HE can speak through you today?

First Thought

Matthew 15: ²⁹ Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. ³⁰ Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. ³¹ The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

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From a distance I could see the trouble coming so I made plans. When my plans started to disintegrate I made mitigation plans. When they failed, I cried out to GOD! “LORD, What?!”

• Sometimes I try to handle things on my own.
• Sometimes I try to fix problems using my wits.
• Sometimes I try to jump in and modify the situation.

I was amazed when GOD stepped in and answered my prayers, even ones I hadn’t asked. Amazed and shocked, I walked away delighted. This lasted until the next problem came up. I could see the trouble coming. “Wait, I have been through this before. What should I do?” was my thought.

• GOD says to me “I AM the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega.”
• GOD says to me “Seek ME first and you will be blessed.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the way, the truth and the life.”

Great crowds brought their hurting, broken and ailing friends and relatives to JESUS, maybe as a last ditch effort. They were amazed that this even worked!

I have noticed a difference in trouble patterns when I add CHRIST first. When I see the trouble coming from a distance, GOD wants me to cry out to HIM first, even if it is a false alarm. HE wants me to cry out with tiny issues and large. During the storm, GOD wants me to praise HIM!

• What is your first thought when trouble hits?
• When you see the slightest sign of trouble, can you turn to GOD?
• Will you seek GOD first today instead of following your own plans?

Plans for Success

Proverbs 16: To humans belong the plans of the heart,
    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

² All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
    but motives are weighed by the Lord.

³ Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.

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Seated by last name I would most times end up in the back of the class. I was labeled as “The Professor” and my neighbors spied my tests with gaping eyes. One day, the teacher moved me next to the “smartest” in the class. She naively left her test uncovered. “I wonder if I should copy a few answers from her test” ran through my mind.

• Sometimes my plans were not pure.
• Sometimes my plans were not based with the right motive.
• Sometimes my plans were not innocent as they seemed.

Desire does not provide an excuse for me to do things the wrong way. I mean just because the road is hard doesn’t mean I should cut corners or slack in my plans. What should I do?

• GOD says to me “I want to bless all of your plans so put them in front of ME first.”
• GOD says to me “I can see your motives so I will bless your plans based on them.”
• GOD says to me “Give me your desire and I will make your path straight.”

My plans may not have the right motive. Instead of asking GOD for clear sight to be able to copy from my neighbor’s test, I should ask for a clear mind to prepare me for my own. In my life, GOD has never given me an easy route. It seems like HE won’t allow me to prosper when I think about stealing, cheating, lying or cutting a corner.

GOD wants me to place my plans in front of HIM and no matter how hard the situation, believe HE will guide me through the difficulties. GOD will establish my plans as long as I give them to HIM.

• Are you planning something?
• Do you have a certain picture in your mind of how things should go?
• Can you ask GOD if the way you are going is right?
• Will you ask GOD for direction, resources and fortitude to continue?

The Craziest Plan

Joshua 6: ⁴ Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. ⁵ When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”

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Spreadsheets, calculators and meetings were my tools to predict what “could” happen. Based on past events and current activity, I developed a mitigation plan that was foolproof! I submitted my plan along with my budget requirements.

Months later I had to request more money because my plan didn’t include another department head pouting nor did I foresee one of our suppliers providing inferior parts. My plan was in shambles!

• GOD laughs at my plans when they don’t include HIM.
• GOD scoffs at any prediction I make for the future.
• GOD looks at my pitiful plan and mocks it when I don’t include HIM.

It seems like even the smallest plan I have won’t come to fruition without GOD. I mean I can work my fingers to the bone but without GOD my plans will fail miserably. On the contrary, it seems like GOD’s plans won’t work. I mean pray, wait and watch don’t seem like a good plan. Maybe GOD needs my help.

• GOD tells me to stand still so I won’t get in the way.
• GOD tells me to watch HIS deliverance so I won’t think I did the work.
• GOD tells me to believe and trust in HIM so I won’t try some crazy tactic that HE will have to clean up later.

GOD’s plan sometimes doesn’t make sense to me. HE tells me to give when I don’t have, trust when things are falling apart and believe when I don’t see. I’m not always successful at it but when I do HE blesses me!

• Are you trying to get out of your trial?
• Why do you think GOD has you in this trial in the first place?
• Can you let HIM work HIS plan in you while you remain “anxious for nothing?”
• Won’t you relax, take a deep breath and believe?

The LORD guides me

Exodus 13: ²¹ By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. ²² Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

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Rushing water sound was getting closer and closer as we hiked deeper into the woods. It was getting very hilly and the canopy of the trees was thick so even during the day it was dim. Something within me said “watch your step.” As I cautiously moved forward the next step was off a blind small cliff high above rocky rushing water.

• When I stop listening to GOD HE allows me to fall into danger.
• When I fight to get my way I am blind to the pitfalls ahead.
• When I keep going on my path instead of following GOD I end up broken and beat up!

I have said this many times “GOD speaks to every person every day but many times I choose not to listen.” In fact, after ignoring HIM for long enough it seems like I can’t hear HIM at all.  When I can’t hear HIM it seems like my eyes grow dim and I can’t see the people HE wants me to serve. Then I find myself “lost.”

• GOD wants me to spend time with HIM daily so HE can guide me to a better place.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS ways so I can follow them daily.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to see people in need to serve them.

In spite of my sinful nature, GOD guides me anyway.  Day and night HE leads me to HIS kingdom. I may run away but HE gently brings me back to HIS path.

• Are you letting GOD lead you or are you planning by yourself?
• Can GOD say “no” to your plan or are you stubborn?
• Won’t you ask GOD “where do YOU want me to go?”
• If you are in deep trouble, can’t you cry out to HIM to lead you besides still waters?

Make me successful today

Genesis 24: ¹² Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.

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Ancient Latin must have been the language my professor spoke because I didn’t understand the material. As I sat and studied I realized I didn’t comprehend a thing. I prayed “LORD please help me on this test” and guess what… I failed the test.

• When I’m in trouble I reach out to GOD but sometimes I’m too late.
• When I’m lost I reach out to GOD but sometimes I’m already in a world of hurt.
• When I’m in peril I reach out to GOD but sometimes the road I was going down is closed.

Wait a minute… you mean not all my prayers will be answered the way I want them to be answered? Yes! BUT GOD does want me to include HIM in my plans to make them successful.

• Before I go on my journey, GOD wants me ask HIM for success.
• Before I start with my plans GOD wants me to ask HIM for success.
• Before I move forward with my desires GOD wants e to ask HIM for success.

Moving ahead before GOD gives me permission seems to be my mode of operation. GOD wants me to slow down and ask HIM for “success” the way HE wants it and in HIS time.

• Do you desire something?
• Are you working hard on trying to achieve your goal?
• Won’t you ask GOD to be successful today the way HE wants you to be successful?

My plans mean nothing without GOD

James 4: ¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.

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“Business plan” check… “Service to sell” check… “Business Cards” check… “Tools” check… “Customers” a few so “CHECK!” As I halfheartedly proceeded in my first business venture I began with what I thought were the right components. With baby on the way and a very demanding job, I wanted to strike it out on my own to “be there” for the family so my intentions were honorable.

Weekends were now spent away from the family and with my band of one I had no time to grow my business plus my job was sending me out of town next week. The business failed before it got started. What went wrong?

• When I plan without GOD my plans are headed for failure.
• Even if I have reached a level of success that is recognized by many, if the achievement was without GOD my plans are headed for failure.
• When I look into the future and develop contingency plans to thwart catastrophe, without GOD my plans are headed for failure.

Now that I am in business again I recognize something very important, GOD has the ability and the right to say “NO” or “not at all” to my plans. I could have, what I think are the best intentions but when I have not accepted the fact that my plans may not be aligned with GOD’s plans then I am prone to pout “when” they fail.

• GOD has a plan for me that is complex, purposeful and perfect.
• GOD’s plan will always be done; my plan can be done more if aligned with GOD’s plan.
• GOD knows the future of my plan and its success hinges on my dependence on HIM.

Saying “if it is the LORD’s will” means I am willing to accept “NO” for an answer. I am not rolling over and dying and preparing for a crash and burn blamed on the LORD rather my eyes are wide open to the fact that GOD has all I own. I can’t protect my family, stuff or business. GOD owns it all and has a right to do with it as HE pleases.

• Do you believe your abilities came from you?
• Do you have plans for yourself, thinking you can control your situation?
• Won’t you start your next plan by asking GOD what HE wants to do?
• Can you stop bragging about “your” accomplishments and credit them to GOD?

Is my plan better than GOD’s?

Acts 27: ²⁹ Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. ³⁰ In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. ³¹ Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” ³² So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.

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Sleep has eluded me many times over the years. In college I wondered if I was going to pass that class. There were medical episodes that had me question what GOD was doing. Then when I tried living for GOD they eliminated the position I worked and suddenly some who were close questioned my every move. LORD can’t I just get in a lifeboat and win the lottery or something?

• When I am going through trials I want to get out as quickly as possible.
• When I am going through problems I jump in “my” plan without consulting GOD first.
• When I am going through tribulation I get up and start doing a lot of activity and exhaust myself.

Being the driven person that I am, it’s nearly impossible for me to “stand still” and watch GOD deliver me especially when the storm is prolonged. Paul told 276 people on that broken ship that GOD spoke to him and they would be rescued.

Two weeks later they still were in danger and had not eaten. I bet they thought “Did GOD really talk to you?” Those who did not believe in GOD may have had a very difficult time understanding the tactic of waiting on HIS deliverance so they developed their own plan.

• My plan is useless without GOD.
• My plan will not work without GOD’s power.
• My plan needs to be GOD’s plan in order to succeed.

“How do I know GOD’s plan?” you ask. It definitely takes a while to be able to discern between my selfish thoughts or the enemy’s tactics or GOD’s soft still voice. For me the only way to hear HIM is to slow down or even “stop,” stand still and listen to what HE says to me through HIS Bible or through other people HE has sent to me. When I listen HE gives me faith to watch HIM work.

• Are you trying to get out of your trial?
• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Can you hold on longer and watch GOD’s deliverance?
• Won’t you seek GOD’s plan instead of following your own?
• Will you stop focusing on your problems and help someone with theirs?

The plan for evil will fail against me.

Acts 23: ²⁵ He wrote a letter as follows:

 ²⁶ Claudius Lysias,

   To His Excellency, Governor Felix:

   Greetings.

 ²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. ²⁸ I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin.

²⁹ I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. ³⁰ When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.

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Rumbles of headcount reductions rippled through the organization stifling any productivity. Rumors of who was going to stay or go had many paralyzed. Some of my peers resorted to “slander” as their defense and they even attacked me just as the nation had been attacked by terrorists just weeks before.

I got a phone call that said, “I would like for you to come with me to the west coast.” Wow, they chose me over those who were trying to slander me!

• I will never know how many evil plots GOD has protected me from.
• I will never know how often GOD steps in to keep HIS plan intact.
• I will never know how GOD uses someone’s evil plan to complete HIS good and perfect plan.

Paul was defenseless against the plot to kill him. His message of JESUS’ salvation threatened the lifestyles of the Sanhedrin rulers and forty men vowed to not eat until Paul was killed. GOD intervened and had believers and those who did not believe in JESUS, help Paul to safety.

In other words GOD said, “MY plan for Paul isn’t finished!” HE does the same for me.  There is no evil plot that can go against me until GOD’s plan for me is complete. Yes, some lies against me may work for a minute and I may fall down a couple of times with their sin and sins of my own, BUT GOD’s plan cannot be stopped!

• GOD’s plan for me is definite.
• GOD’s plan for me is unpolluted.
• GOD’s plan for me is impenetrable by evil so I can have no fear of failing!

Every plot against me will fall back on the plotter, maybe not right away, but it will. I don’t need to see the revenge, I just have to believe GOD’s plan is great!

• What is GOD’s plan for you?
• Are you being attacked?
• Can you realize that your attacker means evil BUT GOD will use the plot for good?

I must plan the right way

Acts 18: ²⁰ When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. ²¹ But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.

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“I will call” or “I will be at that event” or “I will achieve that certain level within so many years” was my style of talking in the past. The funny thing was I didn’t call, or I may have achieved the level but the grass was dead at the top and I missed “that” event I promised I would attend.

Why is the future so uncertain?

• When I plan without considering GOD, my plans fail.
• When I plan without considering what GOD is doing, I get in the way of what HE is doing in my life.
• When I plan without considering how GOD has blessed me in the past, I move forward with fear.

“If the LORD is willing and the creek don’t rise” was a statement my elders used to say. This colloquialism is to say “If GOD allows me to.” Many times I failed in my plans because I didn’t see what GOD was doing. I ran fast and steady while being blind to GOD.

• “If it is GOD’s will” should be said before I make my plan.
• “If it is GOD’s will” should be said when a desire pops into my head.
• “If it is GOD’s will” should be said about any movement I make.

What happens when I do something without it being “GOD’s will?” GOD allows my plan to move forward and HE allows the consequences of my failure to fall on me. HE doesn’t do it in an “I told you so“ fashion like I would rather HE has already been in the future and doesn’t want me to run into the wall.

GOD’s plan is full of compassion for my mistakes. When I follow my own plan it’s like telling GOD “YOU are stupid and I know better.” GOD wants me to ask HIM “LORD what do YOU want me to do?” rather than telling HIM “I’m going in this direction, will you please help me?”  Acknowledging HIS plan is the best way for me to make my plan.

• Are you planning something?
• Have you asked GOD “do YOU want me to do this?”
• When you get the thing you are praying for how has it benefitted the growth of GOD’s kingdom?
• Are you sure your prayer isn’t an attempt to manipulate GOD into following you?
• Are you willing to accept “no” or “try this thing instead?”

How can I hear GOD?

Acts 13: ² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

 

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“Man, the women are going to be premium!” a coworker said to me. I had never been to a strip club before so I said “sure, why not?” It had been years since I went to church and I was fresh out of college. Then I heard “that” voice say to me “Don’t go in there.”

 

Of course I quickly ignored the voice because I didn’t want to look like a punk and I wanted to see what I was going to see. After seeing the sad scene of married men ogling over women who really seemed miserable I heard “that” voice again. “Leave and don’t come back.” Okay, this time I better listen.

• GOD speaks to me all the time I just refuse to listen.
• GOD speaks to me all the time I simply ignore HIM to get my way.
• GOD speaks to me all the time I just don’t want to hear what HE has to say.

When the HOLY SPIRIT was placed inside me because I believed JESUS took my punishment in my stead, I now had a leader who speaks softly but firmly. The HOLY SPIRIT tells me exactly what to do and what not to do. All I need to do is listen.

• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I show grace when it’s clearly the other person’s fault.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I pray for the person who doesn’t deserve prayer.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I step away from the sin I am about to commit.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I serve people out of love not obligation.

Fasting doesn’t make me any holier than anyone else only hungrier, but when I fast, my hunger reminds me to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT. Prayer doesn’t change GOD’s mind, but when I pray I can hear the HOLY SPIRIT calming me down and taking charge of the situation. Praising GOD doesn’t take my problems away, but when I praise HIM, the HOLY SPIRIT clears my thoughts to face each problem head on!

 

The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me that GOD is so much more powerful than any person, any situation or any sin I have committed. HE is my guide to whom I need to seek and listen to.

• Can you hear GOD?
• What is HE saying to you?
• Have you tuned HIM out to get your way?
• Do you believe HE can use your broken body for some marvelous works?
• What are you doing to “seek” GOD today?

I’m no longer scared!

Acts 2: ²⁴ But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. ²⁵ David said about him:

   “‘I saw the Lord always before me.

   Because he is at my right hand,

   I will not be shaken.

²⁶ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

   my body also will rest in hope,

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Future situations seemed to cause this gripping fear that would cripple me. It was the unknown making me ask “what if I fail,” “what if it doesn’t work,” “what if I lose my life,” “what if I get hurt.” Fear of the unknown seemed to hold me back.

• The future can be quite unsettling when I look with my own eyes.
• The future can look quite bleak when I pay attention to the news.
• The future can seem quite depressing when I lose my way to my dream.

I guess in my past training I was taught to consider the worst case scenario but in doing so I can’t seem to see a good scenario. I panic and only see the bad BUT GOD sees beyond this place of wrath and tears.

• With GOD on my side, nothing can go wrong.
• With GOD on my side, I can face all situations head on.
• With GOD on my side, I can be filled with joy which causes me to rest.

GOD is the one who has the plans and HIS plans never fail. As long as I keep my mind focused on HIS plans I will never fail. HE already suffered the agony of death and was too powerful to remain there. HE is always before me, protecting me and leading me. HE gives me “hope.”

• What are you placing your hope in?
• Are you waiting for more money?
• Are you waiting on situations to change before you start serving GOD?
• Will you place your hope in GOD and know your situation has been overcome?
• Can you start serving others in the middle of your situation, showing others you have hope in GOD?

Tired of being on my own power

John 6 ¹⁸ A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. ¹⁹ When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” ²¹ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

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Adversity was a staple when budget time came rolling around. How am I going to keep this large headcount while providing value? Attacks from other ancillary departments had to be considered so we put our heads together to strengthen our position.

It was an exhausting season that sometimes had neither fruit nor friendships but our plans got us through the conflict. Many came out wounded, sometimes fired, but we got our budget.

• When adversity comes I try working a little harder thinking I can triumph over GOD’s trial.
• When adversity comes I think I can “plan” my way out of the trouble, only to find more trouble.
• When adversity comes I try to turn my fright into courage but this usually wounds many around me.

An unexpected storm caught the disciples by surprise. They didn’t have any options it was either row or die. They tried with all their might but nothing was working. JESUS showed HIS GODLY power by doing the impossible for any human, HE walked on water. This supernatural act frightened the disciples more. What were their expectations?

• GOD is always with me in the middle of the storm, it takes me to open my frightened eyes to see HIM.
• GOD is always ready to do supernatural things right in front of me if I am willing to accept how and what HE will do.
• GOD is always willing and able to rescue me if I use my power to focus on HIM and not the storm.

Just because I’m good at planning my way out of some adverse situations doesn’t mean GOD won’t put an obstacle in front of me to show me “I need HIM.”  In fact running the race of life can be quite tiring without GOD.

When I invite JESUS into “my boat” adversity cannot touch me and while the turbulent waves of life are still there, HE enables me to make it to shore unscathed.

• Are you trying to change your situation yourself?
• What tactics are you using to manipulate GOD or the people around you to get your way?
• Can you let go of your life and ask GOD “what do YOU want me to do?”
• Won’t you let GOD change “you” instead of changing “that” person?
• Will you give up your worries about “that” situation for a moment to praise GOD?

Kill “the unknown” monster!

Luke 22: ⁴¹ He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ⁴² “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” ⁴³ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. ⁴⁴ And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

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My first camping trip, going away to college, moving into my apartment in another city and moving to another region of the country all have the same thing in common. I faced “the unknown.” “The unknown” is a scary thing that can easily be exploited by the enemy.

Questions rapidly pop into my mind when I faced “the unknown.” “How will you make it?” “You’ve never faced this before, what if you fail?” “You may lose everything then you will be on the street, what then?” “What if you get sick?” “What if you DIE!?”

• “The unknown” is a scary thing for me that does nothing but drives fear which is not from GOD.
• “The unknown” leads me to some wild fantasy of my demise rather than focusing on GOD.
• “The unknown” tempts me to dream up a plan that doesn’t include GOD.

I can’t tell you the wild thoughts I have had over the years. I thought everyone was against me when my high paying job was eliminated. I thought I was going to be eating flies when I went on my first mission’s trip. I thought my life would come to an end when the dean of my college approached me and said you are no longer in college. (I did graduate!)

• GOD has a way of putting a situation in front of me that causes me to depend on HIM.
• GOD has a way of allowing me to go through the trouble to make me stronger.
• GOD has a way of getting my attention to really, really communicate with HIM in earnest prayer.

You mean even JESUS who is GOD the SON asked GOD the FATHER to not die for the sins of the world? Yes, but obedience trumps discouragement. The FATHER had to send an angel to strengthen JESUS because this voluntary act would mean JESUS would be blamed for every sin ever committed.  Someone had to take the fall for my sins.

JESUS said one important thing namely “not my will but YOURS be done.” When I give up my will, I can’t fail. In fact when I ask GOD to take control of my plan I give HIM the right to smash it to the ground or to take it to heights I never would have dreamed. Giving up my will kills “the unknown” monster.

• Are you facing a very difficult time?
• Do you have fear of the unknown?
• Can you realize GOD is in control of the unknown?
• Will you let go of your plans and say “not my plans but YOURS?”

I’m due for a “crash.”

Matthew 7: ²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

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School troubles, girl troubles, parent troubles, money troubles were just a few troubles that year.  I hadn’t prayed much, but when I did things seemed to clear up. “I got it from here LORD” I said but I went on my own plan.

A year later, car troubles, money troubles, health troubles arose. I hadn’t prayed much… I guess I got too busy doing my plan. I prayed and things cleared up again. “I got it from here LORD” I said but I went on my own plan again!

• Following my own plan does not take foundational faith in the LORD.
• Following my own plan usually excludes GOD and winds up in some variety of lust.
• Following my own plan makes me miss some crucial elements that would get me through problems.
• Following my own plan leaves me to depend only on me and when I get into trouble I “crash.”

It truly takes faith to follow the words JESUS said and if I don’t depend on this “foundation” then life will truly get to me.  People will attack my character, money will ebb and flow and my body will have aches and pains. Now what will I do? Will I depend on GOD or fall apart?

• Depending on GOD means I understand and agree with HIS word.
• Depending on GOD means I put into practice the same grace, mercy and love HE has shown me.
• Depending on GOD means I reduce complaining, reduce sin and reduce retreating from GOD.

GOD wants me to have a true relationship with HIM which means in spite of my sin I will humbly bow to HIM daily. My prayers will change from demanding HIM to do things the way “I” want them to be done, to asking HIM “what would ‘YOU’ like me to do?” This is a foundation that won’t let me “crash.”

• Are you following your own plan?
• Do you get disappointed at GOD for not doing things “your” way?
• Have you asked GOD “what would YOU like me to do?”
• Do you “Believe” HIS plan is the best plan for you?

I have no idea what’s in store for tomorrow!

James 4:  ¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.

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Our conference call was going well. We were planning the next years’ projects to move the business forward. I took the conference call from home so I watched the news on silent as we worked. As soon as the call was over, I saw a plane crash into a building. “What a tragedy” I thought to myself. Then another plane crashed into the other building.

In that moment everything changed for everyone in the United States and perhaps the world. All of our plans were for naught.

• Planning is necessary but without GOD it has no future.
• Planning without GOD can only bring on disaster.
• Planning helps me get a good perspective on business, but what business can survive without GOD?

Just yesterday, I was talking about my business plans and didn’t mention GOD. I have no idea what’s in store for tomorrow! GOD could whisk me away in the blink of an eye then where would my plans be?

GOD did me a favor by leaving the past in the past and the future in HIS hands. I shouldn’t worry about either because HE is the one with a great plan for me.

• GOD said “I have a plan for you.”
• GOD said “I will not harm you.”
• GOD said “I want to prosper you.”

Planning is necessary in most projects, businesses or vacations. The problem comes when I brag about “my plans” to become successful as if they were my plans in the first place. GOD has my life in check so I can’t brag about myself. The only statement I can truly say is “if the LORD says so then ‘it’ will happen.”

• Do you have big plans for tomorrow, next month or next year?
• Have you asked GOD if this is the plan HE has for you?
• Are you ready for something to go wrong with those plans?
• Will you be alright if GOD thoroughly changes your plans?
• Do you know that GOD has plans for you that are all for good?

Make a decision, follow GOD or follow you!

2 Timothy 3: ¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵ and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

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Our meeting was finished and some of the men huddled over in the corner discussing where they would go for the night’s festivities. “Come on and go with us to the strip club” they said. “Nah” I replied. Then they asked the question that is always so profound… “Who will know you are doing this?”

• When I rely on my own thinking I follow my lusts instead of following GOD.
• When I rely on my own thinking I follow the crowd to get my way.
• When I rely on my own thinking I follow my plan and never once ask GOD “what do YOU want?”

There comes a time in every person’s life where they will have to decide to follow GOD or follow themselves. This was one of those moments and I had to decide whether I was going to hide something in my marriage for my own pleasure or follow GOD. I decided to follow GOD this time but unfortunately there are many other times in my life I have chosen sin instead of GOD.

The scriptures have been given to me as a guide to follow through this murky thing called life. With most people following their sin nature instead of GOD, it gets difficult for me to sometimes make the right decision, especially when the crowd is going one way and GOD says go the other.

• GOD wants me to read and follow HIS Bible to teach people the right direction.
• GOD wants me to read and follow HIS Bible to rebuke those who can listen to me in order to change their ways.
• GOD wants me to read and follow HIS Bible to correct who are about to choose a different path that is opposite of GOD.
• GOD wants me to read and follow HIS Bible to train people in righteousness to equip others and myself to do good works.

GOD’s bible is “breathed” or inspired by HIM so it cannot be wrong. Instead of following the crowd, I choose to follow GOD.

• Are you following your plan without consulting with GOD?
• Is your plan better than GOD’s plan for you?
• Do you come crawling back to GOD when your plans go wrong over and over again?
• Can you proactively follow GOD instead of following you today?  

How to get "hope."

Romans 5: 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.


6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

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I sure don’t like going through trials. I like when times are peaceful and things are going “right.” Unfortunately I don’t appreciate the good times enough and during those times I act like a spoiled child to GOD. 

During good times, I saw people in need and I would judge their situation. Were they worthy of my help? Do I really have time to help this person? What’s in it for me if I help this person? All of these questions come back to haunt people either in this life or the next.

GOD sees my motive and knows if they are pure or not. HE sees through my schemes and shakes things up for me so that I can see HIM and HIS glory. GOD takes me through trials to strengthen me. Is HE punishing me? Well, I believe HE does correct HIS children, but the correction serves another purpose.

• GOD takes me through trials to get my attention. 
• GOD takes me through trials to show me others who are in need. 
• GOD takes me through trials to show HIS power over trials. 
• GOD takes me through trials to strengthen my faith. 

GOD speaks through Paul when HE said suffering produces perseverance which produces character which produces HOPE. This is a process that cannot be modified.  

• I have to suffer in order to become strong. 
• I have to persevere in my suffering for a prolonged time to become a better person. 
• I have to be a person of character in order to receive hope. 

Paul then goes into a great analogy. He tells me that I can count on the “hope” GOD gives me to handle my trial well. He says I can count on this hope because GOD did a magnificent thing that in the middle of my sins, CHRIST died for me. 

CHRIST could have punished me for my sins, yet HE took compassion on me and showed me mercy instead. Since HE did this while I was in the middle of my sin, I can trust that HE has a great plan for me. The trial is only temporary and I have to trust that it is a process.

The longer the trial, the greater the task GOD has for me when the trial is over. I have a responsibility to tell people about the HOPE they can place in JESUS. I can tell people their suffering is temporary, but life in CHRIST is eternal. I can tell people I am rescued even before it happens.

GOD helps me persevere which makes me a better person who sees other suffering people. HE then gives me hope that relief will come in this life or the next.

• Are you going through a trial?
• Do you need rescuing?
• Have you trusted GOD and put your hope in HIS rescue plan?
• What do you put your HOPE in?