Headed to Something New

Headed to Something New

James 1:1  From James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:

Greetings to all God's people scattered over the whole world.

 

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Being “let go” did not feel good at all. No matter how it was phrased, I could not wrap my mind around “Why did this happen to me?” “The position was eliminated” were the only words of comfort.

 

• I felt lost and directionless.
• I was not prepared to be out in the world.
• I did not know GOD had something much better in store for me.

 

James, human brother of JESUS, writes a letter to “GOD’s people scattered over the world.” The scattering did not come easy. In fact, because of belief in JESUS, many people were persecuted. They had to leave their homes, ill prepared, not knowing the future.

 

My Observations:

• GOD scatters HIS people for HIS purpose.
• Change is usually difficult for me, BUT GOD has a reason for it.
• Humans may not provide the right words to comfort me, BUT THE COMFORTER makes it clear that being scattered is not a bad thing.

 

Sometimes it feels like GOD is just not there. I mean, why in the world would HE push me out into the world with no plan? HE replies, “This is MY plan.” When I see HIS plan unfolding, I usually don’t like it. BUT GOD is doing something amazing that I don’t know.

 

GOD addresses my deepest fears by putting me in situations I need.  Ugh! Another problem? Yes. HE keeps allowing me to be scattered so I can be sent somewhere that I would not have otherwise gone. HE then tells me to stand firm for HIM in other places. I am glad GOD has a great and wonderful plan for me that includes “this” situation.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer write a letter to people scattered all over the world?
• Why do you think James refers to himself as a servant of his brother JESUS?
• Have you ever been in a difficult situation and wondered where is GOD?
• Will you look at your current situation as an area that GOD is trying to address so you can look forward to HIS plan for you today?

Gain Strength Today

Nehemiah 8: ¹⁰ Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

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“My new car” I cried out! Someone had broken out the window and stolen items in the car. I was miserable the entire day. ”Relax” someone said to me. “Relax, what do they know?” I thought to myself. I mean this is “my” car! They are just saying relax because it is not their car.

• Sometimes the day to day worries distract me from peace.
• Sometimes the day to day troubles distract me from solitude.
• Sometimes the day to day trials distract me from tranquility.

It was difficult to see GOD with joy with fresh glass on my seat. I mean I have to call insurance, police, take the car to get it fixed. This is a huge inconvenience. My mind kept racing towards calamity. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to let go of my stuff so I can see HIM in the middle of calamity.
• GOD wants me to walk in peace as a practice because trials will appear out of nowhere.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIS strength as the center of my joy.

As I matured I saw the car situation was only a minor thing compared to what life had in store for me later. There are two things I can be sure of, life will have trials and GOD will always be there so I can have joy in HIS strength.

• Are you in the middle of a trial?
• Are you grieving about something?
• Can you take a moment to enjoy a meal and feed someone who does not have the means?
• Will you look to the LORD as your strength today rather than focusing on today’s calamity?

A Little Relief

Ezra 9: ⁸ “But now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage.

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Happy with the house, we closed with a smile. All the paperwork was done and boxes put away. It was a moment of relief. At the other house a young man was dealing drugs and stealing my newspaper daily. I wasn’t mature enough to stay and fight so I moved. Now that trial was done!

I worked hard in the yard one day to get things right and I looked up and saw a strange looking cloud. It was very dark then turned green, like split pea soup. The sirens went off and suddenly my relief was over. There was a tornado headed towards the new house.

·         GOD does not want me to squander my relief periods with evil.

·         GOD does not want me to think that just because I have a moment of relief, there isn’t another storm brewing.

·         GOD does not want me to think that HE is beating me up, rather preparing me for storms to come.

The Israelites were sent into captivity for turning away from GOD. I believe HE still acts the same way. I mean I believe GOD will let me feel the consequences of my sin. BUT HE provides moments of relief when I turn my face back to HIM.  It is during those times I should not take HIM for granted.

·         GOD wants me to focus on HIM continually.

·         GOD wants me to believe in HIS ways and not take HIM for granted.

·         GOD wants me to bask in HIS relief and understand that life will have difficult times and great times.

When I have my “moments” of relief I should be very thankful and praise GOD for HIS blessings.

·         Are you in a peaceful time?

·         Do you think everything will remain peaceful?

·         Do you believe you can sin without consequence?

·         Can you stop what you are doing in your peaceful time to focus on GOD’s grace?

Committed versus Perfection

1 Kings 15: ¹¹ Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done. ¹² He expelled the male shrine prostitutes from the land and got rid of all the idols his ancestors had made. 

¹³ He even deposed his grandmother Maakah from her position as queen mother, because she had made a repulsive image for the worship of Asherah. Asa cut it down and burned it in the Kidron Valley. ¹⁴ Although he did not remove the high places, Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life.

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Tired of things going “wrong,” I decided to dedicate my life back to GOD. I mean everything else had failed, why not try this. I actually felt a load fall off of my mind. I could breathe again.  A couple of years into my renewed life things seemed to go extremely well.

But one year I hit a small blip as a family member’s health came into question. Then I got news of a friend who was dying. My car was broken into and other areas of my life were shaken.  “Wait! I thought life would be easy if I were to put my trust in GOD!” I huffed in disappointment. Maybe I’m not trying to live for HIM hard enough! I wonder if I need to give up on GOD.

• GOD understands the times when I feel discouraged.
• GOD understands the times when I feel like giving up.
• GOD understands the times when I feel disappointed.

Many times I thought “Nothing should go wrong because I’m living for GOD.” That statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Because I’m living for GOD, things will go seemingly wrong.

• GOD says there will be many trials in my life but HE wants me to trust HIM anyway.
• GOD says HE wants a simple relationship with me, not one where I expect the wrong things from HIM and get disappointed at the drop of a hat when HE doesn’t yield.
• GOD says love one another as I have loved you.

Sometimes I overcomplicate my relationship with GOD.  When things go wrong, I try to analyze my previous moves so I won’t fall into that type of trouble again. BUT GOD knows that when I live for HIM, the enemy will try to tear me down, accuse me and break my faith. GOD wants me to be committed. This means accepting there will be trials and keeping my trust in HIM.

• Have you lost your trust in GOD?
• Are you wondering where GOD is with you right now?
• Can you put your trust in HIM that HIS plan includes this trial?
• Can you help someone increase their faith in GOD today by telling your story?

Life’s Boot Camp

1 Samuel 17: ³³ Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”

³⁴ But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, ³⁵ I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. ³⁶ Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. ³⁷ The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”

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“Get up and go see the dean” was the thought that popped in my head as I was sitting balled up on my couch in despair after failing out of school. “Get up and work hard” was the voice I heard as I sat on my couch licking my wounds after being rejected for the job I wanted.

“Get up and do something” was the voice of someone as I traveled the murky road of being in transition for the first time in my career. What is my lesson during disappointing times?

• Sometimes I fail and it seems very difficult.
• Sometimes I fall on my face and it hurts.
• Sometimes I can’t see a bright future so I just want to sit and do nothing.

Life can deliver some difficult punches and I have been through many. It seems like as soon as I get my footing another blow knocks me down and I sit on the ground wondering if I should just stay there. BUT GOD wants more for me.

• GOD allows trials in my life for training purposes.
• GOD allows obstacles in my life to grow and mature me.
• GOD allows difficulty in my life so I can empathize with others to bring them to HIS kingdom.

In every difficult situation, GOD has said to me “Get UP!” Looking back, each situation seemed bleak but HE delivered me and gave me a story to talk to others who have been in the same situation. I can encourage people and explain the wonders of GOD. HE delivers and that grows my faith!

• Are you tired of your situation?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you explain to others how GOD has delivered you in the past and HE will deliver you now?
• Won’t you mature in your faith and trust GOD today?

Keep going

Deuteronomy 31: ⁸ The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

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Slam went the trunk of my massive old car as I set off towards my destination. I had only been there once but this time was different, I was moving there.  I studied the map the night before (the internet didn’t exist then) and the route seemed easy enough. Upon arrival to the city I soon realized I was alone there.

I didn’t know where anything was so I drove around. I had a strange feeling to turn down “this” street, so I did. I saw signs for apartments and made mental notes but something wasn’t quite right. After finding where I would work I got lost and turned down an obscure street. I found a set of apartments that were tucked away. “This is the place” I sensed. Funny, this is the place where a neighbor challenged me to go to church.

• Venturing into the unknown can be scary.
• Venturing into the unknown can seem discouraging.
• Venturing into the unknown can be full of obstacles that seem difficult or impossible to overcome.

Looking back I can clearly see I was not alone. It was GOD who guided me through the ambiguity as HE gently nudged me in the right direction. GOD isn’t a punisher or bully, in fact HE is quite loving.

• GOD said HE would be with me and HE has, even through my sinful times.
• GOD said HE would never leave me nor forsake me, even through my doubt and lack of faith in HIM.
• GOD said to me “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” because HE holds a bright future for me knowing HIS plan is marvelous!

Life is full of mountains to climb. It seems like treacherous trails and endless rocks at times and as I go further and further, not knowing what’s around the next bend, I grow weary at times. BUT GOD said “I’M right here. Keep going. You are on the right path. MY plan is worth the tough road.”

• Are you feeling a bit discouraged?
• Do you doubt GOD?
• Are you feeling a bit frustrated?
• Can you drop your frustration and let GOD gently nudge you?
• Can you stop looking for signs of HIS presence and know HE is ALWAYS with you?

Remember and Respect

Deuteronomy 4: ⁹ Don’t be careless. Instead, be very careful. Don’t forget the things your eyes have seen. As long as you live, don’t let them slip from your mind. Teach them to your children and their children after them. 

¹⁰ Remember the day you stood at Mount Horeb. The Lord your God was there. He said to me, “Bring the people to me to hear my words. I want them to learn to have respect for me as long as they live in the land. I want them to teach my words to their children.”

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Slippery and slushy snow caused my footing to fail as I slipped under the oncoming bus. The wheels stopped and I was unscathed. Dark back roads, sitting on the trunk of my broken down jalopy not knowing where I was, a couple picked me up and asked me if I believed in GOD.  I was safe and only 10 miles from the city.

Sirens blared as I stood outside finishing my hard work and when I turned my head a tornado was two blocks over. Our house was untouched.

• Sometimes I forget what trials I have been through.
• Sometimes I forget what scary moments I have encountered.
• Sometimes I forget what difficulties I have faced.

Looking back, I see GOD has been there all along even when I was too scared to notice HIM.  It’s not a testament to my faith at all, only GOD. In all the situations I had no control of the outcome nor did my talents or abilities make a difference. It was GOD that brought me through the trials.

• GOD wants me to respect HIS power that HE’s used to protect me over and over.
• GOD wants me to respect HIS word and keep it to the best of my ability even though I sin.
• GOD wants me to respect HIS decision because HE is sovereign.
• GOD wants me to respect HIS SON for HE is GOD who died for me and was raised to life.

Remembering and respecting GOD is quite important to HIM. I believe it’s because HE doesn’t want me to fear the unknown because HE holds it. HIS ways are far above mine and HIS power shines through any circumstance!

• What has GOD taken you through?
• Do you remember a situation where you know only GOD brought you through it?
• Can you respect GOD’s power to bring you through this trial?
• Won’t you teach others what GOD has done for you?

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?

Going through the fire!

Numbers 31 ²¹ Then the priest Eleazar spoke to the soldiers who had gone into battle. He said, “Here is what the law the Lord gave Moses requires. ²² All of your gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin and lead ²³ must be put through fire. So must everything else that doesn’t burn up. Then those things will be ‘clean.’ But they must also be made pure with the special water. In fact, everything that won’t burn up must be put through that water.

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Headed to the “plaza” to do some shopping, my sister and I had a conversation. I don’t know how fast I was going but by the time I noticed the stopped car it was too late.  I slammed on my brakes and the car went into a skid. We hit a pole instead of the stopped car. My sister’s head hit the windshield and fortunately she walked away with only a major headache! Why did this have to happen? I thought to myself!

• The troubles I face feel rotten at the time.
• The trials I face seem devastating at the moment.
• The tribulations I face seem difficult when I am going through them.

“Why me” is a question I’ve muttered to the LORD on many occasion. I mean, I’m trying to live right and do the right things but it seems like trouble is all around me is how I feel during the situation. BUT GOD knows more.

• GOD knows it takes the fire of trials to burn away parts of my character that won’t help HIS kingdom.
• GOD knows it takes the fire of trouble to burn away any thought of me not needing HIM.
• GOD knows it takes the fire of tribulation to burn away to get me out of my comfort zone and follow HIM rather than my own plans.

Fire purifies. Fire burns. Fire engulfs. GOD uses fire to grow me and I should not be afraid of it rather enjoy watching the change in my character.  GOD knows what is best for me and HE wants to grow me. Praising HIM for my trials makes me stronger!

• Are you going through difficult times?
• Do you feel GOD has left you alone?
• Can you look at what HE is taking you through as a growing period?
• Won’t you praise HIM in spite of your situation?

Think before complaining

Numbers 11:The people weren’t happy about the hard times they were having. The Lord heard what they were saying. It made him burn with anger. Then the Lord sent fire on them. It blazed out among the people. It burned up some of the outer edges of the camp.

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“What is it” I jokingly sneered at the dorm food plopped on my plate! It looked funny, smelled funny and tasted not so funny but bad! I passed on that meal knowing another was on its way in a few hours. I complained about the food.

The next year I had my own apartment. I stepped into the kitchen waiting on someone to hand me my meal and there wasn’t anyone there. I looked in the refrigerator and there was no food there either. I begged to get into the dorm cafeteria and couldn’t. When I got out I had a ticket on my car and had no money to pay it!

• I sometimes forget GOD doesn’t like complaints about HIS plan.
• I sometimes forget GOD doesn’t like grumbles about HIS gifts to me.
• I sometimes forget GOD doesn’t like protests about HIS creatures.

When times were difficult, I complained to GOD and guess what… things got worse! Wait a minute, you mean GOD doesn’t like it when I have a request? A request is different than a complaint.  When I grumble about my situation, no matter how bleak it is, I am saying “GOD you don’t know what you are doing and I DO.”

• GOD cannot stand any form of pride from me especially when it’s wrapped in a complaint.
• GOD does not like it when I have my life all figured out and pout when I am not getting my way.
• GOD will not yield to my rants or complaints because HE is GOD.

Making GOD “GOD” means I have to accept when HE will say “No” or “No” or “NO!” I may have a plan in mind but without HIS blessing, nothing will come to fruition. If it is HIS will HE will bring me through difficult times and lead me beside still waters, if not the HE will provide the endurance and testimony to draw many to HIM.

GOD doesn’t want me to be phony and pretend to be “happy” but HE does want me to respect HIS choice and “joyfully” serve HIM and those HE chooses to send to me.

• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Why does GOD have you in this position?
• Don’t you understand HE knows where you are and what’s best for you?
• Can you turn this difficult time into a testimony instead of burying the opportunity in a complaint?

My little help can be powerful

Exodus 38: ²⁵ The silver that was received from the men in the community who were listed and counted weighed four tons. It was weighed out in keeping with the weights used in the sacred tent. 

²⁶ It amounted to a fifth of an ounce for each person. It was weighed out in keeping with the weights used in the sacred tent. The silver was received from the men who had been listed and counted. All of them were 20 years old or more. Their total number was 603,550.

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Darkness appeared in the west but we were hungry and wanted some dinner. I felt a drip hit my head then is starter to drizzle. Four miles into the trip it began to rain, but not too hard. Winds picked up and leaves blew off trees, then twigs then branches.

Finally, trees were lying in the street, on cars and in houses. The wind was strong but a drizzle or light rain hit this territory every day for the prior month which caused the ground to be saturated making it easy for the trees to topple over. How powerful is a drizzle?

• Major problems don’t happen all at once.
• Serious issues don’t happen right away but over time.
• Big trouble seems to happen with tiny issues complied.

Sometimes the issues with mankind seem too big for me. I mean large groups of people are doing what they want to do. I seem so tiny compared to the issues mankind is facing. Besides, I have my own sins that I’m dealing with. Maybe I should give up. BUT GOD says different.

• GOD says do a little and I will do the rest.
• GOD says I made you with a purpose but MY SON did the ultimate purpose.
• GOD says since I am with you who can be against you?

Each person gave less than five ounces of silver which is easy to carry. When put together it weighed four tons! GOD doesn’t want me to save the world, that’s HIS job. HE does want me to reach “that” person because HE made me special and I am the only one who can.

• Are you trying too hard to please GOD?
• Do you think you have to save an entire nation?
• Can you just reach the person GOD sends you today?
• Won’t you encourage someone to do a little instead of doing a lot?

GOD has pinpoint precision

Exodus 9: ³ the hand of the Lord will bring a terrible plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys and camels and on your cattle, sheep and goats. ⁴ But the Lord will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and that of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die.’”

⁵ The Lord set a time and said, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this in the land.” ⁶ And the next day the Lord did it: All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died.

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Fascinated, I stood outside as the bright sky quickly turned dark. This was not a normal darkness rather the clouds had an eerie color to them. Olive green mixed with grey is the best description I can give the squall. Some of the clouds began to move faster then they started to spiral. It was time to take cover!

As I ran into the basement, the lights went off! Hard rain, wind and loud thunder rocked the house but eventually it passed. Our house was spared but the tornado did touch down with a wake of damage.

• I cannot explain the times where things happen all around me and I am spared.
• I do not understand the moments when problems are going on all around me and I am spared.
• I cannot fathom why a trial happens to some and I am spared.

Many other situations have happened that I cannot explain. From my car spinning out of control and touching nothing to lightning striking feet away and not harming me I have seen many situations where it could have been me but wasn’t. I wonder why GOD has spared me. What does HE want?

 GOD spares me because HE wants me to tell people about HIS SON.

• GOD spares me because HE wants me to show compassion to others just as HE has for me.
• GOD spares me because HE wants me to help those who hurt and show them a way to peace.

I can’t just say thanks for saving me and go about my business.  GOD wants me to interact with others to make sure they are alright.  HE protects me and makes me whole so I can help others focus on what HIS SON did for me.

• Have you been spared from the storm?
• Did something happen to the person right next to you and you were spared?
• Can you realize GOD has a purpose for you?
• Won’t you ask GOD what HE wants you to do today?

Waiting for something?

Genesis 29: ²⁰ So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

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Patience has never been an attribute of mine. I would wake my parents at two o’clock in the morning asking about Christmas. When I started college I wanted to be finished so I could start working! Yeah, I think I’m crazy too. It seemed like the days and hours would drag by and when I looked at the clock, time would stand still! Seems like trials are the same way.

• When I really want something that seems unobtainable I pout as I wait on it.
• When I really want something but it’s not the right time I get impatient dreaming about it.
• When I really want something right now that isn’t going to be available for a while I get frustrated.

Just because I want something doesn’t mean I am ready for it. I remember wanting a management position but I had never managed anyone. When I got the opportunity I found it harder than I thought. I am glad I only had a small group so I could mature.

• GOD has told me to wait many times so I could get fully prepared to handle HIS plan.
• GOD has slowed me down many times because HE knows I would have stepped out too fast with things incomplete.
• GOD has placed obstacles in front of me to grow me for the task otherwise I would be too weak to handle the problems I will face.

Patience is definitely a virtue and whether I like it or not it is something GOD wants me to have. With patience, better things happen to everyone involved. Not only do I grow others do as well.

• Are you waiting for something to happen?
• Are you losing your hope?
• Can you understand that GOD wants you to keep on going to get stronger?
• Won’t you focus on HIS strengthening instead of looking at gloom?

Spiritual personal trainer

1 Peter 1: ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

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“Are you going to the general graduation” a friend asked me. “You better believe it” I exclaimed! I wanted to sit and savor every moment because I was finished! My college experience was now complete and I didn’t have to face sleepless nights studying again.

I could now look back and see how painful it was to go through many situations and failures. Whatever went wrong actually helped prepare me for “the real world.”

• When I am in pain I only want relief.
• When I am in a circumstance I can’t see anything else but that circumstance.
• When I am in a world of hurt I beg for liberation and want to give up!

Each trial I have faced seemed like it would never be over but looking back at them I can honestly say I needed them.  Struggles don’t feel good but, just like exercise, builds me up in ways I can’t express.

• GOD knows how much pain I can handle and motivates me to hang in a little longer.
• GOD knows how much suffering I can take and says to me keep going you’re almost there.
• GOD knows how much anguish I can face so and HE uses difficult circumstances to develop spiritual muscles.

Faith is like a muscle, the more it’s used the stronger it gets. Trials, while uncomfortable and unwelcome, build my character, perseverance, endurance and patience. GOD has placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me to comfort me and lead me “through” trials, refining my faith so it shines as bright as purified gold.

• Are you going through trials?
• Is it difficult for you to keep going?
• Can you stop looking at the trial for a moment and ask “what am I being prepared for?”
• Won’t you begin seeking the new ministry GOD is giving you no matter how young or old you are?

Wait a minute or maybe a few years

James 5: ⁷ Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. ⁸ You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. ⁹ Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

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“Dark, dinky, dank road” I thought to myself. As the highway curved and curved it seemed like the cars in front of us were not only getting slower, they seemed to be going backwards! It was early so it was still somewhat dark and I could probably see the glow of headlights coming at me.

I know what I’ll do, I will take a chance and pass all these cars in the no passing zone! As I moved into the oncoming traffic lane I revved the engine and we took off! I can make it, I thought… then a car was headed in our direction but I hadn’t finish passing all the cars. Fortunately for us, the drivers let me back in and we avoided a collision! My coworker said “don’t do that again!”

• When I am impatient I actually make mistakes.
• When I am impatient I sometimes make rash decisions.
• When I am impatient I don’t wait on the result of what others can do or become.

Sometimes I just want GOD to be done with the lessons HE has for me.  I mean can’t HE just zap wisdom, knowledge and understanding in me and be done with it already? Can’t I skip the trial? Can’t I just leap into a life of luxury without having to endure life’s pressures?

• My view on life should include the understanding that my situation is temporary.
• My view on life should include the knowledge that life will be a little uncomfortable but GOD’s “valuable crop” is worth the wait.
• My view on life should include the wisdom to recognize when I’m judging others harshly versus looking at my life and its crop.

GOD is extremely patient with me. HE watches me sin every day and doesn’t just zap me to hell rather HE shows mercy and grace. HE expects me to show the same patience to others.

• Is there someone who is annoying in your life?
• Do you find yourself irritated at what “that” person says or does?
• Can you show a little patience today?
• Won’t you slow down or even stop to wait on the LORD and watch HIS deliverance?

HE is building me.

Ephesians 2: ²² And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

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My parents told me I couldn’t go outside that day. “I can’t wait to grow up” I said to myself. My professor said I need to study more in his class. “I can’t wait to be done with college” I said to myself. My boss chose some crazy direction to go in. “I can’t wait to become the boss” I said to myself. After achieving all those things I am still waiting. When will it ever stop?

• Life has difficult moments and sometimes I feel like giving up.
• Life has struggles and sometimes I just want it to be easy.
• Life has pain and problems and sometimes I just want peace.

Why do I have to go “through” problems? I mean can’t GOD just zap my problems away and make everything wonderful? So far, in my life it hasn’t worked that way.

• GOD uses every situation to build me and grow me.
• GOD uses every circumstance to guide me and lead me.
• GOD uses every incident to mold me and shape me.

GOD has a plan specifically for me that includes trials and tribulations, kind of like a personal trainer creates a fitness plan to make a person stronger.  Every bump I face in life makes me stronger and I can proclaim HIS name a little louder each time.

When someone looks at me like I have it all together I can share with them that I am a mess and HE isn’t finished building me yet.

• Are you tired of the struggle?
• Do you think you are being punished or polished?
• Can you accept GOD’s love and realize HE has a great and wonderful plan for you?
• Can you stop thinking you can “arrive” and focus on HIS love for you?

A way out of the fire

2 Corinthians 1: ³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

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It seemed like the year of “death” was never going to end. We had attended more funerals than we could count on both hands and it just did not stop. Meanwhile bills mounted higher and the demands kept coming. Is there any relief?

• There are times when troubles get to me.
• There are times when life presses me on all sides.
• There are times when I just want some relief from the trial.

During these pressing times it seems like GOD doesn’t hear me or care about me. I mean why do I have to go through the trial anyway? Can’t GOD just zap the lesson I’m supposed to learn in me without the trial?

• When I go through trials it isn’t just to learn a lesson of discipline it is to learn empathy.
• When I go through trouble it isn’t just for punishment it is to strengthen some weak areas.
• When I go through tribulation it isn’t just for evil to “win” this time it is to show others what comfort GOD has shown me when I come out the other side.

GOD is the GOD of compassion.  HE knows what I’m going through at all times. HE definitely knows what trials I’m facing and what I’m worried about. HE knows I seek comfort and HE is ready to give it to me in abundance but it may be in a different way than I think.

HE may take me through a trial just to bring me through it to help someone else with that same trial. GOD has an abundance of comfort for me. HE tells me to hold on through this trial because HE is with me.

• Are you going through trials?
• Are you facing some trouble that seems like there is no way out?
• When the trial is over can you tell someone how GOD brought you comfort?

I want hope

Romans 15: ⁴ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

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Towards the end of a track meet I wanted to give up. I was tired of running. Towards the end of school I wanted to give up.  It seemed like I had been in school forever and I was tired of learning. Towards the end of a major project I wanted to give up and just crawl into some hole and watch the world pass by for a while.

• Life will have difficult moments that I must endure.
• Life will have tough situations that I must go “through” not around.
• Life will have extreme circumstances that sometimes make me want to “give up.”

Every once in a while I survey the horizon of my life and see holes, land mines and snipers in my way. Where did all these obstacles come from?  I mean at one point in my life it was smooth sailing. GOD knows I will face challenges and HE has made provisions for my safety.

• GOD knows I will face difficult circumstances so HE sent the COMFORTER to help me.
• GOD knows I will face trials and I will want to give up so HE gave me HIS promise that HE would be with me always.

There is not a single problem that GOD is not aware of.  HE knows every circumstance and has listed similar circumstances in the Bible. When I go back and see how other people felt like giving up and how GOD rescued them at the right time, it gives me hope.

I see the extreme situations people endured and it makes my circumstance seem smaller. GOD brought them through and HE will do the same for me. HIS promises give me hope.

• Are you going through a trial?
• Are you facing a difficult circumstance?
• Do you realize there is nothing more powerful than GOD and HE knows your circumstance?
• Will you place your trust in HIM?