Unexpected Answer

Unexpected Answer

Hebrews 5: ⁷ In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him. ⁸ But even though he was God's Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient. ⁹ When he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him, ¹⁰ and God declared him to be high priest, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.

 

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“LORD please take this problem away” was my cry. I had just started following GOD’s ways and it seemed like my request went unheard. Eventually I stopped crying out because it seemed like things were just not going to change.

 

• I wanted “my” way.
• I wanted the problem to be solved the way I thought it should.
• I wanted a solution to “my” trial to be put in place where, when and how I thought it should.

 

Paul, the assumed author is revealed that even JESUS cried out, wanting something else to happen, but did not get that desire fulfilled. HE was willing to die, but did not want to go through the agony of death, nor be blamed for every sin. HE wanted to be saved from death. BUT GOD had another answer to HIS cry.

 

My Observations

• I don’t want to go through the pain and agony of life, BUT GOD allows it so I can do something greater
• I cry out to GOD to take away any pain that I or anyone I know may go through, BUT GOD understands why I need to go through pain versus going around it.
• I ask GOD to take away any trial, trouble or tribulation, BUT GOD has a purpose for anything I go through and it always ends up better than I expected.

 

Let me say out loud that growing up is hard! I mean, when I have to go through pain, I usually want to whine about it and tell a lot of people about the agony I am going through in hopes of comfort or sympathy. BUT GOD has a different plan that grows me up from being a child, spiritually.

 

HE takes me through the trial instead of me going around it. HE does something better… HE goes through the trial with me. JESUS went through pain, suffering and agony, just for you and me. HIS obedience “taught” HIM that the pain would be worth it because the bigger plan would save everyone. I am grateful that JESUS stayed the course, so maybe I should too.

 

Challenge

• What thing was “learned” as the writer puts it?
• Have you ever gone through a trial and realized you were better off because of it?
• Will you look to GOD and know HE has the best plan for you to grow your faith and to prosper you to HIS rewards today?

Expect It

Expect It

2 Timothy 3: ¹⁰ But you have followed my teaching, my conduct, and my purpose in life; you have observed my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, ¹¹ my persecutions, and my sufferings. You know all that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, the terrible persecutions I endured! But the Lord rescued me from them all. ¹² Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted; ¹³ and evil persons and impostors will keep on going from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.

 

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Walking a certain route home was the norm, but I deviated this particular day. I ran into some thugs who summoned me over. I ignored their request and started walking faster. I could hear then say “didn’t you hear me? Get over here!” my walk turned into a trot. I then heard someone say “Leave him alone!” It was a tough kid I knew who protected me.

 

• I did not expect to be ambushed.
• I did not expect any problems that day.
• I did not expect anything different to happen just by doing something innocent.

 

Paul warns Timothy that he will be persecuted. He then tells Timothy to remember all the times he personally had been persecuted. Paul recalls the suffering he went through and gives Timothy these harsh words. “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted;”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to expect persecution in this life.
• Persecution will come from nowhere and I should be ready.
• Deceit is the norm for those who do not follow the LORD.

 

Following JESUS is tough. I mean, when I declared publicly that I follow JESUS, I thought life would be so much better. It sometimes got worse. Those who pretended to know HIM used deceit to gain my trust and proceeded to pour out their harm.

 

GOD wants me to be as wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. In other words, I should expect life to have deceitful people who pretend to follow GOD but really are deceiving themselves and others. I accept the fact that life will bring persecution and I am glad GOD gives me strength to endure.

 

Challenge

• What persecution do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever tried to follow JESUS and things went wrong?
• Will you expect trouble in life and ask GOD for strength to endure today?

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?

Cured by Encouragement

Cured by Encouragement

Acts 20: When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. ² He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, ³ where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. ⁴ He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. ⁵ These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. ⁶ But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

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Feeling lost, I attended a meeting with other out of work people. “What am I going to get out of this?” I asked myself. I mean, I should be meeting people with jobs, not people who are down and out like me. Someone approached me and introduced himself. He had been out of work for a year. He smiled and encouraged me. I felt better. Maybe this group isn’t so bad.

• Many times I needed to hear encouraging words.
• Many times I just wanted to hear that it would be alright.
• Many times I desired to hear I was on the right path.

Paul gathered the disciples after the riot. Some were probably a little shaken, especially those who were grabbed and put in front of the public. He encouraged them without making the situation seem lighter than it was. Paul left and went to other places, spreading encouragement.

• GOD gives me access to people who can encourage me.
• GOD sees my troubles and heals me when I encourage others in the middle of my troubles.
• GOD grows me to encourage people who are going through something I have been through or I am going through right now.

People need relief, especially when difficult times seem to go on and on. Encouragement is in short supplies these days. When I am feeling low, sometimes the best way out is to speak life and encourage someone. When I hear the words I am saying, it ministers to me, sometimes more than the person I am speaking to. I am grateful GOD has sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me.

• Are you troubled?
• Does it seem like there is no way out of your situation?
• Will you be encouraged that GOD hears your cry and wants to use this situation to bless many people through you and only you?
• Will you encourage someone today even in the middle of your troubles?

Surrounded

Matthew 26: ⁴⁷ While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. ⁴⁸ Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” ⁴⁹ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

⁵⁰ Jesus replied, “Why have you come, friend?”

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. ⁵¹ With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

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Finally the day was over, or so I thought. I paid my fare and sat down on the strangely open window seat. I figured someone got up and I was the fortunate soul to ride in bus comfort. 

When I sat down the person behind me said something but I could not discern what he said. Then someone sat next to me on the aisle and then two more stood in the aisle. I was being robbed with no way out!

• There were times I felt surrounded.
• There were times when I looked around and I could not see friendly faces.
• There were times when I had no choice but to give in to the difficult situation.

JESUS faced the same thing. An army came to arrest HIM because they thought they were in control. They had seen miracles and chalked it up to JESUS being a person who got lucky and they were going to make HIS luck run out. BUT JESUS knew.

• JESUS knew HE was going to be arrested and allowed it anyway.
• JESUS could have stopped them with a mere utterance of a word, but HE chose to be taken.
• JESUS saw how far HIS betrayer went and still called him “friend.”

Later in life I was surrounded again, only this time it was corporate bullies and thugs. GOD opened my eyes to see that I may be surrounded again and again in life so I should expect it, like HE did. HE taught me to trust HIS protection even when it seems like there is no way out.

• Are you surrounded by your trouble?
• Do you see problems on all sides with no way out?
• Can you calm down for a moment and allow GOD to protect you?

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.

Good Old Days

Matthew 23: ²⁹ “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. ³⁰ And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ ³¹ So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. ³² Go ahead, then, and complete what your ancestors started!

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Sitting in my car, I found it difficult to get out this particular day. Looking back on simpler times made me wish I could go back and relive life at a slower pace.

• There have been times I have looked back in the past and wished I were there.
• There have been times I have looked back and thought those days were better than the present.
• There have been times I have desired to be in the “Good Old Days” versus these difficult days.

Whenever trouble pops up my mind wants to go on vacation back to a time when things were good. Unfortunately some of those “Good Old Days” caused these bad days. I easily forget that trouble existed then too. I also forget that I sinned then as I do now.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIM rather than the past.
• GOD wants me to desire a wonderful outcome rather than living in a place I cannot go.
• GOD wants me to dwell in HIM and not the past.

JESUS points out that the Pharisees and Sadducees were trying to clean the sins of their ancestors but in fact they were associating themselves with rebel mongers.

It’s funny how the mind scrubs clean my past. I mean I was rescued from myself many days by GOD and going back and reliving them would be disastrous. GOD took me through the right circumstances to grow me and HE is not finished yet. HIS plans for today are just as good as they were then,

• Are you longing for the “Good Old Days?”
• Do you think you were less of a sinner then?
• Can you focus on what GOD is doing today and praise HIM?

Help in Troubled Times

Habakkuk 1: ⁷ The Lord is good,
    a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him

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 Sitting on the edge of my bed, I worried about my “future.” What would it be like? How will I make it with the debt I was carrying? I ignored those who spoke about all that “GOD” stuff and went on my way.  I mean they don’t seem any better off. In fact, I have seen some people who spoke about “GOD” who were even more in debt than I was!

• There were times that I worried about “my future.”
• There were times when I did the math and my future looked bleak!
• There were times when life did not seem to provide enough money so I thought everything was bad.

“Trust in the dollar with all your thoughts and all your future plans and all your ways” was my way of thinking. I would talk about where I was with others and they would put on a pity face with me. There seemed to be no way out! BUT GOD said something different!

• GOD said to me “Put your total trust in ME and all will be well with you.”
• GOD said to me “Seek ME in times of trouble and you will find refuge.”
• GOD said to me “Give me your worries, fears and doubts and I will make your paths straight.”

I had reached the end of my rope, or so I thought. I went to a small church and the preacher asked “Is there anyone here who wants to give their life back to GOD?” Something inside me said, “Get up!” so I did. As I walked down the aisle, I could hear clapping and cheering. Tear flowed down my face as I reached a group who prayed for me and with me. I finally felt at peace!

• Are you troubled?
• Do you think there is no way out?
• Can you place your trust in GOD today?
• Will you give HIM your fears, worries and doubts?
• Can you place your total trust in GOD and stop looking at the past and the future?