When GOD’s Vision Seems Broken

When GOD’s Vision Seems Broken

Exodus 5: ²² So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me? ²³ For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all.”

 

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Moses was content in the desert. He got married and had kids. Then GOD appeared to him and gave him HIS purpose to tell Pharaoh to let HIS people go. Moses reluctantly obeyed and went to the children of Israel and performed the miraculous signs GOD was going to do to the Egyptians. Moses told Pharaoh the message and life got harder for the Hebrews. Moses went to GOD to ask “Why/”

 

My Observations:

• Moses expected immediate positive response from Pharaoh because GOD gave him the mission.
• Pharaoh’s cruelty got worse and now Moses felt that he was the cause and now everyone would hate him.
• Moses asked, “Why?” as if to say, “Do something about this!”

 

Questioning GOD’s motive was not the problem here. I believe Moses was questioning the response to his obedience. Things got worse when Moses obeyed. He went to GOD and said that when he spoke in GOD’s name, Pharaoh did more evil to the people. “This is YOUR vision,” is what I would imagine Moses saying to GOD. I have said this as well when things look like they are getting worse.

 

Moses may have gone all the way back to Mount Horeb, otherwise known as Mount Sinai. During the walk, he may have rehearsed what he would tell GOD. Unlike Noah, GOD did not physically walk with Moses. GOD knew Moses thoughts, but chose to appear in a specific place. This journey took time. Meanwhile the Egyptians were treating people worse and worse. The urgency was great. GOD had warned Moses the Pharaoh’s heart would be hardened.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about his return and how he expressed his concerns to HIM?
• Has GOD given you a vision and things seem to have gotten worse?
• Even though things may seem worse, will you believe GOD’s plan accounted for it and HE is in control?

Scars of Life

 

Scars of Life

Galatians 6: ¹⁷ To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus.

 

¹⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, my friends. Amen.

 

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With tears in my eyes, I accepted CHRIST as my Savior. Afterwards, I was able to speak about HIM at a young age. But life happened. I grew up and became an adult. Broken pocket, Broken concentration and broken relationships left me scarred and wounded. Where was I to turn?

 

• Life dealt me many blows.
• Life wounded me and changed my words of praise.
• Life scarred me and I had a troubled heart.

 

Paul wrote this letter of love out of anguish. He had been beaten so badly for preaching about JESUS, that at one point, he could not even physically write. He had dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel of JESUS and faced extreme persecution. He concluded the letter by warning the readers not to report quarrels or troubles any longer, but to turn their lives to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• When life scars me, GOD is there to give me grace.
• When my heart is troubled, the HOLY SPIRIT is there to give me comfort.
• When I fall to sin, JESUS is there to forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

 

Life can be difficult at times. I mean, even when I am speaking about the love of GOD, the world seems to throw another dagger at my heart. BUT GOD is the remedy. HE loves me dearly and offers me a gift, namely JESUS. When I accept the gift, my wounds heal.

 

HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me, which makes me see life differently. I now know there is an adversary who seeks to rob, kill and destroy any possession of GOD. Of course I will face persecution from the world that belongs to Satan. But this persecution is temporary. I am glad JESUS gives me and many others grace.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by being a “slave of JESUS?”
• Have you felt anguish or persecution?
• Will you respond to trials with grace and peace instead of letting troubles keep you from praising GOD today?

Amazing Interior

Amazing Interior

2 Corinthians 4: ⁷ Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us. ⁸ We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; ⁹ there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed. ¹⁰ At all times we carry in our mortal bodies the death of Jesus, so that his life also may be seen in our bodies. ¹¹ Throughout our lives we are always in danger of death for Jesus' sake, in order that his life may be seen in this mortal body of ours. ¹² This means that death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

 

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There is a show that displays a normal looking house on the outside, but on the inside, the owner has transformed it into something wildly amazing! This reminded me of people I met along the way who, at first glance, seemed common. They had no distinguishing features nor did they wield a title. It was their inside that amazed me. They could not be shaken no matter the circumstance.

 

• I met people who could face life’s doubts but never losing their stride.
• I met people who have been troubled but kept going.
• I met people who have been fired, hurt by people or hurt physically, yet they kept a song of praise on their lips.

 

Paul describes the body people spend so much time adorning as a common clay pot. Nothing special. The real beauty comes from the inside is what he eluded to. He mentions that we “carry in our mortal bodies the death of JESUS.” This hope is an amazing interior!

 

My Observations

• Hope is a spiritual treasure GOD has gladly given me.
• Perseverance is a spiritual treasure GOD provides me to keep going when I feel like giving up.
• Purpose is a spiritual treasure GOD bestows on me to face life’s difficulties so others can receive JESUS.

 

Troubles, doubts, enemies and pain seem to be more of the norm than I would wish in life. I mean, when I accepted JESUS as my Savior, I really wanted an easier life. Instead, when I chose HIS side, it sometimes felt life got worse. The greedy got greedier and the selfish got more selfish, deliberately causing pain for their own power and pleasure.

 

BUT GOD saw it all and placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me to show others HE is in charge. HE does not mind when I doubt, but wants me to get back up. HE knows people will deliberately try to hurt me, but wants me to seek friends for prayer. HE knows I will feel pain, but not the pain JESUS felt while dying for me and me blaming HIM for my sins. I am glad HE lives in me!

 

Challenge

• Have you ever beat yourself up because you doubted?
• Are there people you admire who are not celebrities yet carry themselves with great character?
• Will you allow GOD to live in you and be seen through your life so HE can bring everlasting life to all you speak to? 

Exercise Worth Doing

 Exercise Worth Doing

Romans 5: Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ² He has brought us by faith into this experience of God's grace, in which we now live. And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God's glory! ³ We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, ⁴ endurance brings God's approval, and his approval creates hope. ⁵ This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to us.

 

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Malnourishment set in because I did not like most food. In gym class I could not do most of the exercises because I was too weak. I tried climbing the rope, but did not make it far. “Why are we climbing ropes anyway?” I thought to myself. This exercise was not worth doing.

 

• There were some circumstances I avoided because I felt it was not worth it.
• There were some situations I did not want to face because I was too embarrassed or proud.
• There were some troubles I faced and did not want many people to know about it.

 

Paul switches from explaining the Law of Moses to talking about how JESUS has brought us by faith into the experience of GOD’s grace. He emphasizes that since we have peace with GOD we can excitedly share hope to many people. We can also see our trouble differently. Trouble is our new exercise that brings on GOD’s approval when we excitedly share it with the same hope.

 

• GOD knows I will face difficult times.
• GOD knows the way out of difficulty is through the prayers of many.
• GOD wants me to share my trouble with those who will pray with me and for me.

 

Sharing trouble is not fun, especially if there are a lot of them for a long, long, long time. BUT GOD knows this exercise of sharing brings on endurance. HE needs people who can endure long enough to bring others to HIM. The world is busy trying to emphasize trouble and keep people focused on “their” cure.

 

GOD wants the focus. HE knows that when I see my trouble as exercise, HE approves my faith as righteousness and fills me with the HOLY SPIRIT. This is exciting enough to share with the world. Yes, I face many troubles, but I am glad GOD approves of me, even if I am afraid, ashamed or worried.

 

• Are you in trouble and afraid to share your troubles with a group you feel will judge you?
• Are you tired of facing, yet another, trouble?
• Will you take a fresh look at your trouble to see if GOD is giving you an exercise in an area of your life HE wants to strengthen so you can joyously share HIM no matter what storm comes?

Adversity

 

Adversity

Acts 27: ⁴ From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. ⁵ When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. ⁶ There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. ⁷ We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. ⁸ We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.

 

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After waking up, I noticed it was brighter than usual. I looked outside and to my dread, it was snowing very hard. I quickly cleaned up, collected my things and plodded through the snow in hopes of catching the early bus. The snow was so deep that it hindered my effort.

 

I missed the bus so I walked a mile to the next bus only to have that one pull off without me. After many delays, I finally arrived at school after two hours, only to be told all schools were closed due to the blizzard. It took longer to get back home.

 

• There have been many times when it seemed like everything was against me.
• There have been many times when the journey seemed treacherous and difficult.
• There have been many times when I arrived at the destination only to find yet another barrier.

 

Doctor Luke is the assumed writer of the book of Acts. He continues his observations as he writes to Theophilus  again. Luke wrote about the adversity they faced as he, Paul and others tried to get to Rome. The winds were against them every step of the way. They continued anyway.

 

• GOD wants me to know there will be problems in life.
• GOD wants me to know I will face difficult times.
• GOD wants me to know HE is with me even when I feel HE is not.

 

When difficult times arise, I sometimes ask “Why?” I mean as a believer in JESUS, shouldn’t every day be easy and problem free? It seems like the more I believe in JESUS, the more difficult life becomes. GOD assures me I am on the right path.

 

JESUS faced adversity and said I would too. HE said “You will be hated by all for MY name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” JESUS faced hatred, lies and being misunderstood. HE continued anyway. I am grateful JESUS faced adversity for me.

 

• Is life difficult for you?
• Are you facing adversity and it does not seem to end?
• Will you believe GOD is with you even when you cannot see what HE is doing today?

Looks Different

Looks Different

Acts 7: ⁹ “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him ¹⁰ and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. ¹¹ Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. ¹² But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. ¹³ And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. ¹⁴ Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. ¹⁵ So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. ¹⁶ And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.

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Headed to a party, I got excited over the music playing in the car. I sat in the back seat, dancing a little, looking forward to the festivities to come. A friend, who was driving, said “Something looks different.” We drove and drove. Soon my anticipation dance turned into boredom. We were lost, so we headed back.

• There have been times when I did not get a chance to do some things I probably should not have done in the first place.
• There have been times when I tried to go places I should not have been and things looked different.
• There have been times when I got lost because something was different than the path in my head.

Stephen continues with his discourse. He talked about Joseph’s history of being sold into slavery and delivered from many catastrophes by GOD. Stephen used this example for a purpose, to show how greatness looked different.

• GOD has a plan for me that looks different than the one I would choose.
• GOD has a plan for me that sometimes seems difficult but includes HIS great reward.
• GOD has a plan for me that seems like a field of obstacles, but HE is with me.

Greatness looks different to GOD. I mean when the obstacles are too big for me to remove and GOD removes them, I have to rejoice and tell people about HIM. Then, after a while, I realize HE removes the small obstacles I thought I was handling.

GOD’s power looks different than I could ever imaging. Each trouble I get into, I can see HIM there, suffering with me. The ONE who has infinite power, infinite wisdom and is everywhere, stops, sits and cries with me. HE then does something unexpected. HE raises me up at HIS time. I am grateful GOD’s greatness looks different than what I expect.

• Are you desiring something and everything seems to be going wrong?
• Do you think the situation has gotten the best of you and you have nothing left?
• Will you accept the fact that GOD loves you dearly and is with you, even through the difficult times, so HE can make you great in HIS way?

Strife Overcome

Strife Overcome

John 16: ²⁹ His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! ³⁰ Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.”

³¹ Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? ³² Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. ³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

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When I went to a certain neighborhood, I was chased out because of my race. When I got back into my neighborhood, I was chased home by a few thugs in an otherwise nice place. “Where can I go?” I wondered.

• There have been times when I searched for an accepting group and could not find it.
• There have been times when I felt unloved by enemies AND those who were supposed to love me.
• There have been times when I felt like no one cared.

The disciples said to JESUS “Now YOU speak plainly to us and we believe.” JESUS replied, “Now you believe?”, as if to say “What about all of the miracles?” JESUS did not scold them, rather HE warned them of things to come. “You will leave ME alone.” HE said.

• JESUS knows I have and will leave HIM when I seek “my” own way.
• JESUS still wants me to have peace so I can return to following HIS way.
• JESUS desires that I place my faith in HIM so I can “be of good cheer.”

Overcoming the world meant JESUS did not commit a single sin while HE was alive. HE fulfilled every prophecy and was now eligible to become the perfect sacrifice to pay off the tremendous debt to mankind. I cannot fathom how much pressure it was to know the sins of every human. I can’t even remember my own.

JESUS loved me so much that HE died for me. The FATHER loved me so much that HE allowed HIS only SON to die for me. The HOLY SPIRIT loved me so much that HE lives in me and watches me sin and begs for forgiveness for me. My strife is overcome.

• Are you feeling alone?
• Do you think on one cares about you?
• Will you turn your life over to JESUS so you will never be alone again?

Inside Out

Luke 7: ³⁶ Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. ³⁷ And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, ³⁸ and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. ³⁹ Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.”

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Garnished with a smile, I stepped into church. With worries as high as a mountain, I dare not smile and say “everything is fine” in front of the group. No one asked how I was doing, no one checked in the next week.

• There were times when the hurt outweighed the wealth.
• There were times when something inside just had to come out.
• There were times when I wanted to cry out, but had not place to do it.

The woman had a reputation of doing sinful things. She may have even been wealthy as she held an expensive alabaster flask of fragrant oil to anoint JESUS’s head. She was so hurt that she used her tears and hair to wash HIS feet. The Pharisee on the other hand criticized her lifestyle.

• GOD wants me to throw away my criticism.
• GOD wants me to stop looking at what other people are doing and tell HIM about my sin.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM when I am hurting.

The phonier the church, the more masks are worn by the attendees. Pharisees criticize people for their imperfections, BUT GOD sees through this. HE wants the sinner to be able to confess their sin without being damaged more. HE also does a wonderful thing by allowing me to come to HIM with any problem.

• Are you hurting?
• Is life up one day and down the next?
• Can you seek GOD directly with your hurt, worries and problems today?

Sorrow Gate

Matthew 26: ³⁶ Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” ³⁷ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. ³⁸ Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

³⁹ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

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Deeply troubled about many things, I could not rest. I woke up in the middle of the night with my mind racing over all the things that were going on. Maybe if I work, then I can get my mind off of stuff. I could not work because of all the thoughts.

• Sometimes I get worried.
• Sometimes I get troubled.
• Sometimes I am so full of sorrow, I cannot even think.

As JESUS approached HIS death HE was sorrowful and troubled. Only HE and the FATHER knew what it meant to be blamed for every sin of mankind and JESUS was going to do just that. HE faced deep sorrow but did something amazing.

• JESUS showed me how to pray in the middle of my sorrow.
• JESUS showed me how to ask for the FATHER’s will and not mine.
• JESUS showed me how to bring friends along to watch over me in my sorrow so I won’t stay there.

Deity wrapped in humanity was JESUS’s makeup. HE knew HIS plight and HIS humanity felt sorrow. It’s alright to feel this way but not stay that way. GOD wants me to open a gate to HIM and pray. HE wants to take my sorrow, guilt and shame. All I have to do is pray.

• Are you full of sorrow?
• Are you troubled?
• Will you pray to the FATHER about your troubles so HE can give you peace?  

In loving memory of cousin Curtis.

A Passionate Prayer

Psalm 69: ¹³ But I pray to you, Lord,
    in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
    answer me with your sure salvation.
¹⁴ Rescue me from the mire,
    do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
    from the deep waters.
¹⁵ Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
    or the depths swallow me up
    or the pit close its mouth over me.

¹⁶ Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love;
    in your great mercy turn to me.
¹⁷ Do not hide your face from your servant;
    answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
¹⁸ Come near and rescue me;
    deliver me because of my foes.

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“LORD Help!” were the only words I could think of as my car began to skid. One moment I was driving steady the next my car began to wag and almost spun out of control. The car skidded through a red light of a usually busy street. No one hit us.

• Sometimes I am in immediate danger.
• Sometimes I need help right now!
• Sometimes I am in trouble and the situation is dire.

David was sick and tired of being sick and tired. At one time he was praised and at this moment he was being hunted for execution. I feel the same way at times. I chalk up life’s lessons as something to store up in my memory but there are times when trouble really seems to get heavier and hotter. What can I do?

• GOD says to me “In times of trouble call to ME and I will save you.”
• GOD says to me “No matter where you think you are I have MY arms open wide for you.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD.”

Some trials make me go into action and I put my hands into things GOD should be handling, but there are other times when I have no time to plan, grab on or fix my trouble. Only GOD can handle the situation and all I can do is say “GOD Help!.” Just like the Psalmist said, “GOD knows my folly and my guilt is not hidden from HIM.”  GOD’s grace is the focus in times of trouble.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you feel you are running out of time?
• Can you focus on GOD’s deliverance?
• Will you rely on GOD rather than your power?

Endure with Delight

Psalm 1: ¹ Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
² but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

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“Trust in the LORD and lean not unto your own understanding” is what my mother would say to me. “Yeah, yeah” I thought to myself. I did not ponder these words until I had to experience them myself. Soon real trouble came and I was on my own with no one to turn to. “What was she trying to tell me?”

• Words in the Bible were more “poetic” to me than experience.
• Words in the Bible were more “mysterious” to me than fact.
• Words in the Bible were more “interpretive” to me than a means to grow.

Now that the waters of trouble have pounded against me for years, I can say “I understand.” Each day is faced with new challenges and I need something to hold onto. What should I delight in?

• GOD gave me a path that I can choose to be on each day.
• GOD gave me relationships that I can show HIS love.
• GOD gave me HIS Word that if I believe and trust in HIM I will have everlasting life.

Trouble comes in waves pounding against my soul, BUT GOD gave me a way to endure. If I pay attention to what HE says through my Bible, my church and my relationships, I can hear HIM clearly. I can delight and meditate on HIS deliverance in spite of what’s going on around me. This plants my soul deep in trust and absorbs the nutrients of faith, love and hope that is provided by GOD’s river.

• Is your mind troubled?
• Do you have situations that seem utterly impossible?
• Can you meditate on GOD’s ways?
• Will you look at HIS word and read peace into your soul today?

A Very Bad Day

Job 1: ¹³ One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, ¹⁴ a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, ¹⁵ and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

¹⁶ While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

¹⁷ While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

¹⁸ While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, ¹⁹ when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

²⁰ At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship ²¹ and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
    and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
    may the name of the Lord be praised.”

²² In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

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I have had some bad days, but not nearly as bad as the one Job had where in a moment his entire life was turned upside down. They say “Trouble comes in threes” meaning if you are having trouble, just wait, more trouble is around the corner so get ready.

I pondered, why did GOD allow Job to have his stuff taken and his people killed? Then I noticed something interesting.

• My sinful view of life makes me think “my stuff” is “my stuff.”
• My sinful view of life makes me think people around me should never be hurt or scathed.
• My sinful view of life makes me think GOD is to blame when things go wrong.

I also noticed Job did not ask “why” in this passage. Well, not yet. Job probably did not feel like praising GOD, yet he was obedient to the task. He knew that GOD is the only refuge rather than the center of blame.

Praise GOD for all HE has done!

• Are you blaming GOD?
• Are you mad that you are not getting your way?
• Can you see that GOD has a wonderful plan for you if you would just hold that complaint back?
• Will you seek to praise GOD during your trial?

Angry at GOD

2 Chronicles 28: ²² In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord.

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Bills mounting and car broken down, I quickly said these words “I’m not going to serve YOU anymore!” I mean what’s the use? It seems like when I try “GOD” things get worse. I wasn’t serving GOD anyway but this one Sunday I went to church at the request of friends.

The next day the sheriff knocked on my apartment door with a summons to appear in court for a variety of tickets. “Why serve a GOD who brings on nothing but trouble” I pouted.

• When trouble comes I sometimes want to throw GOD out the window.
• When trouble comes I sometimes want to blame GOD for all my ills.
• When trouble comes I sometimes want to give up on GOD because I am not getting my way.

Trouble makes me irrational. When I see no way out and I use GOD as a “last resort” my mind cannot comprehend when HE doesn’t just swoop in and fix the situation to my liking. My doubting leads to pouting. BUT GOD understands.

• GOD knows when I am weak and encourages me to turn back to HIM.
• GOD knows when I feel like giving up and wants me to keep going with HIM.
• GOD knows when I am frustrated, HE came into the world and faced more scrutiny than any human.

GOD understands how difficult life can be. HE knew the depth and breadth of HIS curse on the heavens and the earth. When HE said to Adam “You will now work from the ground you came” HE knew just how difficult it would be to produce fruit where it was once easy. BUT HIS grace abounds.

Before the curse GOD developed a rescue plan for all humans. JESUS volunteered to take the blame I cast on HIM even before HE made humans. HE hears my blaming words as if I were saying “YOU didn’t do enough for me” and forgives me anyway with these words “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” GOD is there with me and wants me to know HE loves me dearly.

• Are you pouting at GOD?
• Is there an obstacle in your way that seems insurmountable?
• Can you trust GOD totally and allow HIM to take you through the trouble?
• Will you praise HIM today for being GOD who loves you and has a plan for you?

Success in the Makings

1 Chronicles 18: ⁵ When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of them. ⁶ He put garrisons in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him and brought him tribute. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.

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¹² Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.¹³ He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.

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Boss number twenty two came through the revolving door and was super zealous and quite curt in her discussions. She was very demanding and it seemed like I needed to saddle up for the very long journey of oppression. After staying up most of the night, I was able to get the presentation just right but traffic prevented me from delivering it on time.

“I’m going to be fired” I thought to myself. I hurried into the meeting, late. I turned on my laptop in hopes that I could slip the new presentation in, but the look from my boss made it known I was in the toilet.

• When trouble comes I feel distressed.
• When the pressure is on and I miss on my delivery I feel pain.
• When I am surrounded on all sides and there seems to be no way out I feel like giving up.

One of the high ranking officials in the room asked about some detail from the area I was responsible. I quickly responded and it actually was better that my presentation was not shown as it kept down the number of follow on questions. “Good job” grunted my boss afterwards.

• Sometimes trouble is placed in front of me by GOD to help me grow.
• Sometimes obstacles are placed in front of me by GOD because HIS plan is better than mine.
• Sometimes barriers are placed in front of me by GOD to prevent me from messing up.

There is a way that seems right to man but GOD’s ways are far above any thought humans can have. GOD knows just when to place a barrier in front of me to slow me down when things aren’t aligned with HIS plan. I must recognize and appreciate the barrier because that may be GOD saying “It’s not ready yet.”

• Are you anxious?
• Are you tired of waiting for “it” to be ready?
• Can you recognize when GOD is slowing you down to prevent you from crashing and burning?
• Won’t you try again, but this time ask GOD for HIS victory to shine through whatever you are doing?

When GOD’s plan doesn’t seem to be working

1 Samuel 19: ⁹ But an evil spirit from the Lord came on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the lyre, ¹⁰ Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape.

¹¹ Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t run for your life tonight, tomorrow you’ll be killed.” ¹² So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped. 

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“Another ticket” I thought to myself furiously! The No Parking zone had gotten to me again by a couple of feet as my car edged over the line. I snatched it off the windshield, jumped in my car and desired to speed away only to the dismay of my car not starting. “Oh no, If I’m late for work, I will be fired!” “Why is this happening to me?” I exclaimed!

• In the middle of trial it’s hard for me to see GOD.
• In the middle of the problem it’s hard for me to sing praises.
• In the middle of the situation it’s hard for me to be excited.

David was chased and had very few places to run. With men on every corner he fled for his life. This doesn’t seem like a plan for someone who was destined to be the king.

• GOD has a plan for me that includes’ trials and peace.
• GOD has a plan for me that includes’ obstacles and blessings.
• GOD has a plan for me that includes’ poverty and wealth.

Like David, many times I wondered, “Where is GOD?” I mean can’t HE see I’m in trouble right now, would be my thought. Looking back I can see GOD strengthened me through these trials. Each obstacle I have faced has made me stronger than before. GOD has blessed me with faith to face the next trial. HE is my fortress.

• Are you facing a trial?
• Does the trial seem like it will never end?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you and has a great plan for you?
• Can you stop being angry at GOD and others and praise HIM at least once today?

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?

Is the obstacle a test?

Judges 3 These are the nations the Lord left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan² (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience):

³ the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. ⁴ They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses.

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“Why am I not getting promoted?” ran through my mind on my second and a half job out of college.  It seemed like I would get hired, but not elevated.  “What’s the problem?” I asked someone.  They gave me some tips that I followed to the letter, still no promotion. In fact many people gave me tips here and there and nothing happened.

Finally I met a few mentors who taught me how to face obstacles with resiliency. I got promoted.

• When I want things to come to me easy I have a wrong expectation.
• When I give up too early because it is too hard I have a wrong expectation.
• When I want to sit back and let the plan work itself out I have a wrong expectation.

Obstacles seem to pop up at the worst time and I used to think the Devil was the cause of problems and GOD was in charge of solutions, but I left one person out of the equation, me.

• GOD sometimes wants me to grow so HE places obstacles in my way that I can handle.
• GOD allows me to face the consequences of my sin here on earth so I won’t have to face eternal consequences.
• GOD uses obstacles to get my attention when I have forgotten about HIM or when I think I can survive on my own.

There is a way that seems right to me, but the way of the LORD is far above my thinking. Instead of running away from the obstacle, I must face it no matter how large it may seem because GOD has a plan for it.

• Are you facing obstacles?
• Do you think GOD has left you on your own?
• Can you stop sulking about the obstacle for a moment and look to GOD’s power?
• Won’t you recognize where your talent and abilities come from and thank GOD for the gifts HE has given you?