In Harper Lee's classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem Finch confronts his Aunty Alexandra's prejudiced and shallow opinions of those "less desirable," by quoting his father, Atticus... "Aunty...Atticus says you can choose your friends but you sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don't." There's a lot of truth in that little quote. In the context of the novel, it confronts the condescending and "better-than-thou" thinking that people can have toward others they deem less acceptable than themselves. For Aunty Alexandra, it was that certain members of the community were not welcome in her house due to their socio-economic status, even if they were members of her own family...certainly an attitude to be challenged. However, there's another aspect of the quote I want to use as the focus of this Mother's Day post: "...you sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not..." You can't choose your family...they are still kin. Family...the family we have, and the role we have in that family, are probably the most influential things in our lives...impacting our childhood development, teaching us our core values, instilling our core beliefs about ourselves, others and the world around us. The family to which we belong, has the potential to be the greatest influence on who we become and the life we pursue...that's nothing to take lightly. Mother's Day is a reminder of this. This day has been set aside to honor the mothers' who have played such an important role in our lives. More than 50 countries around the world have a day designated to celebrate mothers, signifying that the role of the mother is such an admired and revered one in families, no matter the culture. Such sentiment was portrayed in the poem by William Ross Wallace, the title of which speaks volumes, "The Hand that Rocks the Cradle is the Hand that Rules the Word." An Example of a Mother's Influence Susanna Annesley was born the youngest of 25 children to a London clergyman. She was brought up with a strong Christian education in her English home. When she met Samuel Wesley, it was through the visits of he and his pastor father, among many who came to the Annesley home. Susanna and Samuel married and she became the wife of a minister as well. Through many heartaches, challenges of ministry, tragedy of the death of 9 of her children, marital conflict and loss of all material possession through a fire that destroyed the rectory, Susanna was a stalwart wife and mother of strong faith. She reared her 10 surviving children, educating them in their home, while supporting her husband in ministry and managing household financial affairs. One may say that Susanna Wesley was a tremendous success, as she worked as a partner to her husband in his ministry. She even conducted worship services for parishioners in their home, during an extended absence of her husband, that was very popular with the members of the church. She was resilient, strong-willed, of deep spiritual faith and a meticulous organizer and manager of the household. However, perhaps author Anne Adams put it best when she wrote of the true success of Susanna Wesley: "Susanna’s place in Christian history is indeed based on what her sons accomplished but it could be said to have been her example and influence that helped them to do what they did. Susanna’s best legacy was indeed her children, particularly John...Indeed, a great legacy from a woman who expressed a simple desire: 'I am content to fill a little space if God be glorified.”' Our Family and Our Purpose The question we consider today is, "How does the role we have in our family inform how we pursue the God-given purpose that we have?" Does it? Should it? I contend, there is really no way to avoid it. Spousal Role As a husband or wife, we have made a commitment to that marriage partner that changed our lives the day we said, "I do." That means that we no longer make decisions with consideration only for our own interests. Pursuing our purpose as a spouse includes that commitment and the way we integrate our faith with one another. One of our Purposed 365 community members, Tim Johnson, put it this way, "One of the purposes in my marriage is to be a student of my wife." I like the way that is stated. I am fulfilling my purpose as I learn all I can about the person with whom I have committed to journey through this life. I can't hope to relate to her, understand her and care for her effectively if I don't know the person she really is. The Scripture instructs husbands and wives, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21), and "In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered" (1 Peter 3:7). Submitting ourselves to one another, understanding and living with one another in a partnership, requires that we know one another. As P365 community member, Erica Renee Cox McKinney, stated, "I feel more in my purpose when my family life is taken care of...I find it brings order, unity, less stress and chaos." I couldn't agree more. When we focus on our spousal role and prioritize that relationship, fulfilling our purpose naturally flows out of that priority. Parental Role I believe the best fulfillment of my purpose, in partnership with my wife, was bringing up our daughter in the ways of the Lord. We are proud of the woman she has become, and the role of wife and mother that she is fulfilling in her own purpose. In commenting on this topic, she (Emily Simpkins) shared, "...Mothering represents laying down your life for another, which represents the Gospel. WOW! That really caught my attention, what greater purpose can I have than to be a clear representation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? So, I would say being intentional in not only my words and actions, as a mother and wife, but in my thoughts as well. I am striving (and still failing most of the time) to approach motherhood as kingdom work and as one of the most important ways I can fulfill my purpose right now." Community member, Kimberly Hall described her intention to teach and model what is right as she strives to influence them positively, "As my children age, I feel the purpose to keep them grounded. Hopefully, I have raised them to know right from wrong. I try to always be a positive influence. As your children watch what you do, you are their example and they learn as they look up to their parents." The Apostle Paul wrote to his protégé, Timothy, commending the faith-filled rearing from his mother and grandmother, "I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you" (2 Timothy 1:5). He knew that it was crucial in Timothy's development, that he have a mother and grandmother who accepted it central to their purpose, to bring him up in the nurture of the Christian faith. This enabled Timothy to learn and prepare to fulfill his purpose in ministry. Let me hasten to add, however, a very important point. The comments of our community members, and the reality of my own experience, remind us that fulfilling our purpose as parents is one of imperfection, requiring grace and constant seeking of the right way to guide our children. There were times, as our daughter was growing up, that I had to pray for wisdom and work to keep communication open and use teachable moments. It was a learning experience for us that required a lot of grace and help of the Holy Spirit. Whether we are bringing up our biological children, step children, or a blended family, keeping our focus on the wisdom that God gives, will enable us to purposefully parent those whom God has commended to us. Community member, Angie Melson, expressed this challenge, "Being a stepmom to adult children and a child of aging parents feels overwhelming at times. I struggle with finding my 'sweet spot' in parenting adult children. I don’t want to be too hovering to them but I also want them to know I’m here and I love and think of them daily." It isn't easy, and there's no "one size fits all" approach to the challenges of parenting. As our children grow older, our parenting relationship changes. It takes care and wisdom to traverse that phase. There are two things that should be constant, however. One is that we continue to love them unconditionally and the second, that we continue to seek God's wisdom to discern how to adapt to change and communicate effectively. We are reminded in James 1:5, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." Children of Aging Parents For many of us, our parenting experience goes through several stages...not necessarily in this particular order. We start our family with the birth and early development of our children. They go through adolescence, which can have its unique challenges. Then, they begin to leave the nest and move into young adulthood...college, career, marriage. We may become grandparents as our own children grow older and start families of their own. At some point, then, we begin to transition in our relationship with our own parents as they enter their elder years. We may find ourselves, in some ways, taking on a parental role to our parents...securing their safety, managing their finances, planning for and providing day-to-day care. It is new territory for most people and can be very challenging, especially if it comes at a time when you are in the busiest phase of your career, or while being pulled toward supporting and engaging with your own children and grandchildren. Again, Angie Melson wrote, "With aging parents, it’s tough to navigate that relationship at times as well, because, like you mentioned, the roles are a bit reversed, but we will always be their children. So...I’m working on finding my purpose in this stage of life I find myself, and looking for ways to experience joy and gratitude for the blessings of having these beautiful family members in my life." That is a beautiful way of expressing the challenge of the journey. In the midst of this season, we can know that we have purpose...caring for those we love...supporting them in their declining years...helping them feel safe and valued and loved. That purpose in itself brings joy...for, what a privilege it is to care for the ones who spent so much of their lives caring for us. "Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). The words of Jem Finch echo in my mind, "You sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not." If I could choose my family, I would choose the very ones I already have. In each season of my life, whether as a spouse, parent or child, I want to live my purpose as I integrate my faith into each of those relationships. In the words of Susanna Wesley, "I am content to fill a little space if God be glorified." How has your mother influenced your pursuit of purpose? What has your family role taught you about purpose? How are you living your purpose in your family role in this season of your life? Comment and share!
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Erwin Wullschleger, Jr. (Mr. W, I'll call him). You probably don't know him, but hearing the name, it sort of sticks with you. Speaking of sticking with you, Mr. W continues to stick in my mind even though the last time I saw him was in 1973. It was a sunny school day in junior high school. I remember vividly being called out of class that afternoon and asked to take a walk with my English teacher, Mr. W. I wasn't sure what this was all about, but it was okay with me, because I trusted this teacher. He proceeded, as we strolled the school grounds, to express his concern that my grades had dropped recently and I didn't seem to be putting forth my usual effort or engagement in class. All of the teachers had noticed it. As he shared and asked for my feedback about what I thought was at the heart of the problem, I felt safe and knew that I could be open and honest with Mr. W. I began to open up and tell him that things were tough at home. My parents had not been getting along very well and I was upset about how things were going. I found it hard to concentrate on my homework and classwork because of the sadness and fear that was constantly on my mind. I wasn't neglected at home and I was provided a safe and supportive environment. Family members knew what was going on and provided support and comfort in ways that they could. However, the emotional impact of what was happening felt overwhelming. That day, walking with my junior high English teacher made a difference. It helped me to know that he and other teachers would be supportive and take measures to help support my functioning at school. It didn't change what was happening in my life, but it added one more aspect of support to better equip me to cope and keep moving forward. It is important to note, however, that his gesture was not the beginning of Mr. W's impact upon my life, it was the culmination. There was a reason that he could have that important conversation with me that day. Rewind almost two years to the beginning of 7th grade. Mr. W was a new teacher at our school. He came to our small southern town from Cleveland, Ohio. Being from the north, his accent and mannerisms were a little different from that to which I was accustomed. He was firm with classroom control, but, as I recall, he was creative and liked to provide unique learning opportunities. Other teachers did this too. But there was something different about Mr. W. He was also very open about his interest in impacting kids outside the walls of King Springs School. It wasn't long into that 7th grade year that Mr. W took notice of me. He seemed to believe that I had promise beyond the average junior higher. I'm not sure what he saw in me...and he did not limit this to me...but the way he engaged with me, and the things he told me, sent the message that I had great potential and could achieve significant things in my life. I won't take the time to detail all of the ways he invested in me, but they were significant and many. Just let me summarize...he encouraged me to participate in an oratorical competition and coached me two years in a row. I won district 2nd place and 1st place respectively in that contest. He asked me to join an effort to create a community service organization we called Group Action Project (GAP) in which we secured an empty house in a poor neighborhood and hosted fun activities, provided snacks and offered tutoring to children of the area each Saturday morning. He took me to a local youth camp to introduce me to the facility and dream about how it may be used to further the work with the underprivileged youth. He invited me and a girl from our class to come to his home and have dinner with him and his wife...to help us develop social skills in a more formal setting. You see, that stroll on the school grounds in 1973 wasn't the first time that Mr. W and I had a serious conversation. He had spent time intentionally investing in me over months, that had earned him the right to speak into a tough situation. It has been a long time since I last saw Mr. W as I lost track of him and he has since passed away. However, because of his intentional investment in a naïve, simple junior high student, his impact and legacy have been lasting. I'm quite sure he probably had similar influence in many lives over the years. I can tell you, however, his investment in me yielded good returns. Since then, others have made investments as well...an aunt and uncle, Rosella and Oscar Huffman, Pastor Tommy Maines, Theater Professor Joe Jones, Education Professor Dr. Ken Riggs, Music Professor Vernon Whaley and entrepreneur John Saddington. Each of these, and others whom space does not allow me to mention, have made investments in my life that have reaped great returns. For their investments, I am deeply indebted. Perhaps that is why I have taken seriously the opportunities that God has given me to invest in the lives of others. No matter how I have lived out my purpose of making a difference in the lives of others, through sharing the good news of Jesus, it has been most effective when I am engaging in an incarnational ministry relationship with another person. This may have been with a student, working with a youth or college-aged person through student/campus ministry, counseling in the local church or agency, life coaching, accountability relationships, or doing therapy with foster kids. It all involves investment. Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 Why Personal Investment in People is a Profitable Strategy We hear much in the media and marketing about investing for our future...for retirement. There are many options available for anyone to grow their financial wealth in preparation for those later years. Whether we consider individual stocks, mutual funds, 401k, Roth IRA, employer retirement plans, or even cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, it can all be rather confusing and sometimes risky. Perhaps risk is always something to consider...some investment instruments offer more risk than others, as we are always concerned about the Return on Investment (ROI). When it comes to investment in people, considering a few important benefits makes it clear that the returns are worth any risk that may be involved.
There is also a return for the one who is investing. Jesus has told us that we can live in such a way that we are making heavenly investments. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). Where we invest ourselves will determine where our hearts lie. When we invest in the eternal welfare of another, we are making deposits in our heavenly retirement account. The good thing is, it's not the FDIC that guarantees that investment, it is God Himself!
What is the Next Step? If you agree that investing in people is not only biblical, but urgently needed in our world, what will you do about it? What is your purpose? Generally, as a Christ follower, it is to glorify Him and to point others to Him as you love Him supremely and love others as yourself. Specifically, however, your purpose...the unique context in which you carry out that general purpose...that is where you can focus to determine what investing in others looks like for your. Is it your children at home because you're in that season of life, or that coworker or supervision report that needs you to take them under your wing? Maybe it is that youth of a single parent at church, or a college student you know. Ask God to show you who may need your investment...praying for awareness and guidance often opens our eyes to the people who are right there before us and we may not have noticed before. A willing heart is the first step. Erwin Wullschleger, Jr. may never know what an impact he had on a junior high student in whom he took the time to invest. I've often wished I had looked him up and shared my appreciation for what he did for me. Nevertheless, I think he has some idea now, as he has laid up treasures in heaven. Who has made significant investments in your life? Share a story of how they impacted you, in the comments below. Share this post to spread the love!
Childhood music lessons are something that many of us have experienced/endured...take your pick. For me, it was guitar, starting at about third grade. For my sister, it was trumpet in elementary school and, later, piano. Guitar and piano aren't too difficult to tolerate in the early stages of learning...trumpet, on the other hand...well. Sorry Angie :-) At least the trumpet phase didn't last very long as I remember. Can you imagine the budding percussionist practicing? Ear plugs, please! There is something annoying about a screeching violin, buzzing trumpet or crashing cymbal. It grates against the auditory nerves. It sends us running from the room with hands on our ears. It is unpleasant and we want to escape it if we can. This means no disrespect to the young musician in their formative years, but it is what it is. Photo by Manuel Cossio on Unsplash Those clanging, screeching, squeaking instruments, as annoying as they are, have a message for us in our fulfillment of purpose. They teach us a very important lesson as we seek to engage our gifting in the purposed living we pursue. You see, it is important that we understand how our gifting informs, supports and empowers our purposed living. Whether you have the gift of teaching, shepherding, or administration, for example, that gifting will be an integral part of the purpose you have for your life. We have talents of all kinds to enable us in the work we do, but as a follower of Christ, you have spiritual gifting that is endowed by the Holy Spirit who indwells you. He empowers you to make a difference. However, there is another aspect of our gifting that trumps all else. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 As we read in this passage, that aspect of our gifting that overrules all others is LOVE. Yes, love. Without it, we are like those annoying, clanging, squeaking instruments. So, it is not enough just to be gifted. We must exercise our gifts in the context of love. Miraculous Communication without Love No matter what your perspective on the gift of tongues, one thing is central...it was intended as a sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:20-25). We can see then, that the use of this gift outside the context of love, makes it like the babbling of pagan worshipers much like the indiscriminate sound of a gong or cymbal. There is even the connection that could be made of the use of gongs, cymbals and trumpets in pagan ritual. Therefore, if we exercise a miraculous gift of communication without the motive of love, we are just a noise to those who hear us. No benefit will come of it. Prophecy, Knowledge and Faith without Love Prophecy is a gifting of both foretelling and forth telling. The prophets, for example, wrote the Holy Spirit inspired prophecies of things to come. But, every time a person declares the Word of God...any time the Gospel is preached...they are engaging in prophesying. Related to this, is the gift of knowledge...to understand the mysteries of God. Finally, the gift of faith...a faith that comes out of one's preaching and knowledge...opens the door for God to move and work in miraculous ways, is highlighted. As we declare the truth of God's Word and the good news of salvation...as we plumb the depths of the deep mysteries of God...as we exercise a miraculous faith that moves mountains...if we do so without the saturation of love, we are nothing. We have nothing for which to be recognized. We have nothing to show for our efforts. Extreme Generosity and Self-Sacrifice without Love The apostle Paul reaches the height of religious expression as he brings this paragraph to a close. Neither would volunteering to give all of your possessions to feed the poor, or offering your body to be burned, produce any spiritual benefit if not done out of love for those who are being served. Such efforts would be fruitless and empty. It wouldn't purchase acceptance with God and it would result in little impact for eternal benefit to others...all because of the lack of the motivating factor of love. Is love really that important? Does it really make that much of a difference? The answer...yes. When you listen to the words of God, you find very quickly that love drives everything He has done. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:7-12 Love drives the plan of God to redeem His creation. Therefore, love is to drive all that we do as we fulfill our purpose in the master plan of God. How will you love through the purpose to which you've been called? We must ask ourselves what drives our passion and life? If it is anything less than love, we will find that our lives have become noisy clanging that accomplishes nothing. How has God's love impacted your life? How do you want to make a difference through living your purpose in love? What challenges you to love well? Comment and share!
Have you noticed how basic home design has transformed in the last 10-20 years? Front porches have gotten smaller and patios and fenced-in back yards have grown larger. It is possible to come home from a day out in the world, remotely open your garage door, pull in, and close the door behind you...all without interacting with your neighbors next door, or across the street. It is a growing trend...notably, more significant among Millennials in their 30s. A survey by the Ownerly Team revealed some interesting results:
What is the significance? People have a decreasing sense of community in our culture. At the writing of this post, we are emerging (hopefully) from a worldwide pandemic that has kept people in lockdown for months...isolating us from neighbors, friends and family. This survey was done just prior to the beginning of the pandemic...I wonder what the numbers would look like after a year of isolation and social distancing? There was a day when the sense of community was woven into the fabric of our lives. Neighbors would sit together on their porches and share stories of the day. Kids would play in the street or gather in a neighbor's yard for a friendly game of baseball or hide-n-seek. It was not unusual for a family to leave their doors unlocked when they left home for a few hours, because they trusted one another and everyone looked out for their neighbors. Any parent in the neighborhood could parent, correct and guide any child in their yard or home...everyone felt they were a part of a community. Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash God has created us for community. Think about His nature and character, as reflected in who He is and how he has worked to accomplish His plan.
This only scratches the surface, but I think it is clear that God values relationship and community. He is a God of relationship and He has called us to enjoy and thrive in community. We are at our best when we are together...better together. Many of the struggles of our world can be traced to the division that comes through hatred, distrust and fear. The opposite is also true. When the people of God come together and selflessly love one another and those around them, God does some amazing things to heal and redeem his fallen creation. It only stands to reason that God would use community in our lives to help us understand and pursue His purpose for us. That is the reason we have established Purposed 365 as a community of encouragement and inspiration! We are better together! Here are a few reasons why we believe engaging in relational community is valuable in living our purpose. The Value of Relationship in Living Our Purpose
Maybe tonight, as you drive in from your long day at work, park in the driveway. Get out of the car and walk across the street...introduce yourself to your name, and start working on learning those names. You never know when you may meet a friend that will become your Paul, Barnabas or Timothy. So, go ahead...step into community...into relationships that will enhance and facilitate your pursuit of your God-given purpose. Allow the voice and partnership of others help you fulfill a life that you may never know otherwise. Live purposed in community! Who is speaking into your life? Where do you find partnerships in pursuing your purpose? How have you benefitted from community? Like, share and start a conversation in the comments...we need one another!
Photo by Kind and Curious on Unsplash He has a good sense of direction so when there's a traffic back-up, he tries the back roads to get around it. It doesn't matter that it doesn't eventually save any time, it's just the fact that he can keep moving. Even though it takes just as long, and involves more miles, he feels satisfied that he is able to be "making progress" instead of sitting still in traffic on the interstate. His wife has come to realize this is sort of his method of operation on road trips and sometimes, she will say, "Don't you want to just be patient and wait in out?" But, most of the time, she just humorously asks, "Do you know where you're going?" Undaunted, however, he revels in his achievement when he emerges triumphant in bypassing the back-up and gets back on the original route beyond the jam, and moving once again at highway speed. Does this sound familiar? I can speak so well of this scenario because this guy is me. I think it may be a man thing, but maybe many of the females reading this can relate as well. Sometimes my endeavors serve me well, and sometimes it gets me into a situation where I'm no better off than I was sitting in the creeping line of cars. Sometimes I get off the original route because I consciously choose to try a different route. However, at other times, I missed a turn, requiring me to recalculate my route and ultimately losing time in reaching my destination. The reality?...we all get sidetracked sometimes. What do we do when it happens? Just this week, for example, I missed publishing this post on Tuesday as I have been doing weekly all year. You're seeing this post become available on Friday, three days later than usual. How do I deal with that? Maybe your'e thinking, "That's no big deal." But, for some of us, just getting off track on even a little thing in life can cause our rhythms to be upset and we end up spiraling in some way. This could be simple and short-lived in something as basic as a diet, or something as serious and impactful as an addiction. So, here are a few principles I've learned that you may find helpful to recalculate your route if you get side-tracked. Unhelpful Thinking
Intentional Thinking There is a better way. It is to think intentionally, to look at things realistically and to give yourself permission to keep going without expectations that are irrational for yourself.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. Proverbs 24:16 How have you had to recalculate your course when sidetracked? What unhelpful thinking are you most vulnerable to? Are there strategies you can share to help others in this situation? Share in the comments and like our posts. We are so happy you are engaging in our community.
In the summer of 2000, my family and I made a trip from middle Tennessee to Los Angeles, crossing the western states by car. It was our first time making this trek and we loved seeing the beauty of the terrain, the mountains, the rock formations and the desert. As we passed through Kingman, Arizona, we approached the stretch of highway that crossed the Mahave Desert. For all of us, this was our first experience being in the desert environment. I remember feeling a little nervous about the drive as we stopped to make sure our fuel tank was full and our water supply was sufficient. The beauty of the landscape was breathtaking. Even in an area that was so barren and hot (116 degrees F), it was awe-inspiring to see the mountains, cacti, and the colors of the terrain. We stopped at one point to take a break, pulling off into a small town along the way. As we stepped out of the vehicle, the heat and warm breeze felt so different from anything I had ever experienced. As we always say, "It was a dry heat." There was no humidity in the air that made it feel muggy and sticky, as we were accustomed to in the southeastern part of the country. Instead, it was dry and arid. There was almost an eerie feeling of being caught in this oven, where, if your air conditioner failed, you would not survive. These were not necessarily rational thoughts, but felt real just the same. It is hard to imagine that flowers could survive in such harsh conditions. Yet, it is possible...and even natural...for flowering plants to exist there. It is a beautiful illustration of being able to bloom where you are planted. Even the same desert place in different years can produce very different vegetation. When the rainfall varies between 0.2 inches and 4.7 inches, as these two photos show, the same location can look very different (photos from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum). In this week's podcast, Jasman interviews award-winning contemporary gospel artist, Chesternique, about the seasons of life and how God works through them in our journey (take a listen here). As she unfolded her journey that has led her currently to the work and ministry of serving as a social worker, I was struck by her sharing of three things she has learned, that can be summed up as "blooming where you are planted." Humility - Sprout Before You Can Bloom (Contentment) Every beautiful rose, or towering oak, starts out as a tiny sprout. Small, easily overlooked, and seemingly insignificant, they break through the soil and poke their heads into the sunshine to start their life of destiny...being the American Beauty or the acorn-producing home of the squirrel family. But, the beginning is a humble one. Just as Chesternique spoke of the season of being a background singer and what she learned in that experience, in our journey of fulfilling our purpose, we will likely find ourselves in the background at times. We may see that our journey is taking us through a season of serving and wondering, "How does this fulfill the purpose to which God is calling me?" (I wrote about that in a previous post). In those seasons, if we will find contentment in humbly being our best in that role, we will be able to soak in all of the nutrients and resources that will enable us to thrive and bloom when our time comes. These seasons are just as important as the others. We can be just as productive and influential. But, it is all about our attitude and approach to that time in our life. Humility and contentment is the key. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 Time is Valuable - Give Yourself Time to Grow (Development) I remember learning the "Laws of the Harvest" many years ago. They are simple truths that are valuable to learn early on in life. I have found them to be true...both for the positive and negative outcomes they represent. They are: 1. You always reap what you sow. 2. You always reap more than you sow. 3. You always reap later than you sow. That third law is the hardest. I remember the few times that I attempted my hand at gardening, as a kid. I loved the tilling, preparing and sowing of the seed. Waiting for the harvest was excruciating to me. I guess I was a little impatient. But, when those plants started to break through the soil, or when those plants started to produce blooms that were going to bring fruit, I got excited. As we pursue our purpose in life, we often expect results and a great harvest right away, not thinking about how much time is involved in growing into that place of abundance. One of the struggles of many newly married couples is the expectation that they should immediately enjoy the lifestyle and amenities that their parents afforded them at home. They forget that it took decades for their parents to be in a position to provide the blessings that they enjoyed while they were at home with them. Give yourself time...time to grow, time to learn, time to develop into the person God intends for you to be. Waiting doesn't mean being idle, it just means being patient and being willing to work well with all that God has placed within your hands at that moment, making the most of it for His glory. He will take care of the rest. “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! ’ Matthew 25:21 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 Your Gift is Valuable - Value What You Have to Offer (Opportunity) There are currently approximately 374,000 identified species of plants in the world, with approximately 80% of those being flowering plants. Can you imagine all of the varying flowers that represents? When most of us think about flowers, we have maybe 10-12 variations that come to mind, which we plant in our flower garden or use to adorn our patios and homes. However, if you used all 295,000 flowering plants to decorate your home and garden, you would be overrun with a jungle and no place to sit, eat or sleep! But, think of how beautiful all of those flowers would be. Each one unique, exotic and colorful in its own way. You are a unique creation of God. He has designed you, gifted and equipped you, with all of the special traits, abilities and characteristics to be the person He has called you to be! That means your gift is valuable...the gift you have to offer and the gift you are to the world...to His kingdom. Don't sell yourself short, or underestimate the person He is making you to be, and the great things He wants to do in and through you for His glory. I've said it before, but it bears repeating...you are a masterpiece. Just as the Stradivarius has the sweetest sound and the most expensive price because of the master who made it, you will exhibit the most beautiful life with the highest value because of the Master who has made you and who has called you to a special role in His plan...a plan to bring eternal life to the world. Whatever your gift...whatever your role...it is valuable, and God wants to use it in amazing ways. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 So, there you have it...bloom where you're planted...whether you are just sprouting, in the growing season, or filling out your life with beautiful flowers for all to enjoy. It is all a fragrant aroma to the Father who has planted you and continues to nourish your growth for the harvest that He has ordained. Bloom beautifully, my friends! Your beauty is needed in our world! Check out the biography and music of this week's podcast guest, Chesternique at her website: www.chesterniquemusic.com. In what stage of growth do you find yourself? There are cycles of seasons, so you may have been in full bloom, and now find yourself back at the sprouting stage. How are you handling the transitions and the process? Let's share in the comments below and get the conversation going! Please comment and share, if you find our content inspiring.
It was September 18, 2010. My wife and I had traveled from our home in central Arkansas to middle Tennessee, for a weekend of ministry. We had been invited back to the congregation we had served for 10 years, as they were dedicating a new facility to serve their community. As I prepared the message I would share that Sunday morning, I had no idea how the truth God showed me would be a test of my own trust in His sovereignty. The dedication message on that Sunday would come from Joshua 4:1-11. It was a challenge and encouragement to stack the stones of life that represent how God has worked in us, so that they offer a memorial/testimony of praise to His glory. I encouraged the people to glorify God because He is faithful, honor Him as the Great Provider, and to glorify Him for the sake of future generations. ...“Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:5-7 God has a knack of bringing the truth of His Word into the reality of our daily lives in ways we might not expect. Saturday night, prior to my sermon presentation, the process began to do just that. I would have the opportunity to have my trust in God's sovereignty tested and tried and proven. That evening I received a call from a pastor of one or our churches in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. As the call unfolded, I learned of the tragic accident that resulted in the death of one of their high school students in the church and school. The loss of this young man was having a ripple effect among the students and the community. They needed someone to come and provide crisis/grief counseling to their students and families. He asked if I would come and help. Take Charge and Get Things Planned Time was of the essence. The students, staff and families needed support and counseling as soon as possible. There was no time to waste, so we went to work trying to plan the logistics of getting me to St. Croix and getting my wife back home. I had to re-pack and arrange my flight out of Little Rock, once I returned home on Monday. It was a 7-hour drive back to our home, the best I could do was to arrive on the island on late Tuesday evening. This was at least 24 hours too long. But, what could we do? How could we make it work? We were working as hard as we could to come up with a plan. Nothing seemed to work to make the timetable meet the need. Our best efforts were coming up short. Life is like that sometimes...we think we have it figured out, or we give our best effort to make things work out as needed. Our best efforts sometimes fall short. But, when we trust God's sovereignty, things come together in ways we can't imagine. That's because He isn't limited by the same things that limit us. God Already Has It Worked Out As we were developing the plan, it was in a conversation with the travel agent with whom we were working that it suddenly occurred to us...we were thinking about this all wrong. The agent pointed out to us that we were already in an ideal location to make the timetable work perfectly. Flying out of Nashville provided a flight schedule that was perfect for our needs. So, I booked my flight for 6:00 am on Monday morning, heading to St. Croix. My wife booked her flight to Little Rock for 6:30 am. Our vehicle was left at the airport for me to drive home upon my return. Friends picked her up at the airport to get her home. I was on the ground on Monday afternoon in St. Croix, at 2:45 pm...over 24 hours earlier than we could have made possible with our original plans. What about my clothes (I had only packed for a two-day trip)? The ministry in St. Croix purchased clothes for me to wear during the week I was there. You see, God already had me in the ideal location at the ideal time to make it possible to go and minister to the needs of hurting people. God's sovereignty is perfect as He goes before us to prepare the way...His faithfulness is sure, His provision is enough and His timing is perfect. Does God Need Our Help? I was reminded that week, that God is always at work to accomplish His plan. He isn't surprised by the unexpected circumstances of our lives. I've found that there is tremendous comfort in the reality that God is already present in the moments we have yet to experience. He is already there to be present with us when we arrive. That means He already has it under control. He is already there with the resources we need to be sustained and equipped for the moment. The next time we face those unexpected challenges...the struggles or opportunities that life presents...let's lean into His sovereignty and trust His goodness. He doesn't need us to help Him out. He just wants us to look for His hand at work...and find peace. That is how we know we are living a life of purpose. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 How have you experienced the sovereign hand of God...working in your circumstances? Are you in a place right now that you need to trust the guidance of God's Spirit? Share your thoughts and experiences to encourage or be encouraged. We would appreciate if you would like and share the post as well.
[This post is a companion to the podcast, episode 5, by the same title. Hop over here to listen before you read on.] The sun was just beginning to set over the hill that overlooked our subdivision. The smell of freshly cut grass lingered in the air and the shouts and laughter of us kids floated above the pulsing din of the cicadas. Our parents watched from the back deck of our neighbor's house as we zigzagged across the yard, mason jars in hand, trying to capture as many fireflies as we could. Those elusive insects were here, then there, and we darted toward each flashing light, trying to catch another one before it disappeared into the fragrant wall of honeysuckle that bordered the grass-carpeted playing field of our childhood antics. We finally collapsed onto the lawn, laughing, sweaty bodies itching from the grass in which we rolled. Our parents called us to come in as the last glimmer of light faded from the summer sky. Summer...it is my favorite season of the year. It was as a child, and it continues to be so now. I love the sunny days, the warm nights, the comfort of being outside and all of the fauna and flora that come with it. Some of my fondest memories are associated with summer. Conversely, I don't like winter. It may be overreacting to say I hate the winter season, but not too much so. I don't like the cold, damp days. I don't like the short days that go from dreary to dark all too quickly. I don't like the dead look of the vegetation. I don't like to walk on brown grass that crunches under your feet. Snow...well, that's the only redeeming element of the season. But, here's the thing...we don't get summer without having winter...at least here in North America. You see, after enduring the harshness and unpleasantness of winter, I get to see everything gradually come to life in the spring...trees budding, flowers blooming, birds singing, young wildlife running about. Then, spring gradually transitions into those lazy, hazy days of summer...at least in a perfect world. But, you get the idea. Bottom line...seasons are all necessary and each one serves its purpose. The same is true in our lives. We go through various seasons over the course of our lives and each one fits a need in the linear process. Sometimes they build upon one another, at other times they provide transition, and still others, they place us on a sort of hold to give us a chance to reset. These, and many others, are the reasons that seasons exist in our lives. Photo by Krzysztof Maksimiuk on Unsplash I was just finishing up the season of college life when I was preparing to get married. My fiancé and I had spent months planning, dreaming and expecting the big day that would start the next season of our lives. She had another year of college to complete and we would make our first home together in Nashville while she finished up. Everything was set, except for one thing...I needed a job to support us as we embarked upon married life. I was sweating it as the wedding day was only two weeks away. However, just at that moment, a job came through. God answered our prayers. My Dad was happy, as he had suggested just a few weeks before, that we might want to consider postponing the wedding until I had a solid income. God always shows up on time. Here's the kicker though...my job...it was working at a funeral service college, as the staff assistant. That meant a lot of things, but one of them was that I would be interfacing with deceased people and grieving families. I learned a lot about the funeral industry and how to help those who were hurting, and I came to understand more about those who would be serving their needs. At the time, it was just a job. I needed to pay the bills...to pay our $180 monthly rent, buy our $40/week groceries and the gasoline for our one car that my wife and I shared between our jobs and school. The on-call nights, transporting of bodies from hospital morgues to funeral home prep rooms, the removal of deceased family members from their homes and even the occasional graveside service conducted for a person who had no family or friends to come and pay their last respects...these were the day-to-day of my job. To some, it was a morbid occupation. To others it was weird. At the time, for me, it was just a way to pay the bills. It was a season that was a transition to what God had called us, or so I thought. It would not be until later, that I would look back and see just how important that year of struggle and adventure was as it prepared me for the season of life and ministry that would come. Here are a few of the things that I learned during that year: Dependence Upon One Another as a Married Couple During our first year of marriage, my wife and I lived 5 to 7 hours away from each of our families. While they were supportive of us during those months, giving us groceries and treating us to meals out when they came to visit, they were not there with us day to day. That meant that, when we faced a conflict or challenge, neither of us could run to parents for support or consolation. Instead, we had to figure it out ourselves...we had to lean into one another and strengthen our relationship through communication and understanding. That strengthened our marriage a great deal during those first 12 months and laid a foundation that has been strong ever since...even through the harshest of tests. Money Management and Faith for Needs That first year of marriage was filled with wonderful things for my wife and I. We experienced so many firsts and it was a year of growing in our relationship, learning how to be on our own and dreaming about our future. To say it was a challenge for us financially that first year, is an understatement. With my minimum wage job and the money my wife earned by cleaning a couple of houses, we had just enough money to meet all of our obligations. Every two weeks, we even had enough money on Friday to go to Mr. Gatti's Pizza for dinner...our splurge! We learned to be faithful in giving our tithes first, and we learned how to make a little go a long way. Those lessons have served us well all of our married life. How to Comfort People Who Have Suffered Loss Dealing with death and dying is not something that every person is comfortable with, nor with which they have experience outside of their own loss. As someone who would be involved in pastoral ministry and counseling, having this experience was invaluable for learning how to care for people who are hurting. I was miles ahead of my peers as a young minister when it came to being there for our people who were facing the loss of a loved one. Flexibility As I mentioned before, part of my responsibilities in this position was to serve on-call duty on a rotation schedule. When on call, I had to leave, whatever hour of the day or night, to go to a hospital, nursing home or private home and remove the body of a decedent and transport to the funeral home. This required me to be flexible with my schedule. It taught me that it was necessary to be available at a moment's notice when people are facing tragedy. I would be called to that duty many times over the years. Organizational Leadership and Planning While at the funeral service college, my duties were varied...I basically served to support the Dean in whatever way needed. One of those responsibilities was to schedule the clinical rotation for the students. While it was not a complicated task, it helped me to learn about planning and working with personnel. Getting my feet wet in this process would give me experience that provided a foundation for the many organizational planning and leadership roles I have fulfilled over the years. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:28-29 God Wastes Nothing So you see, this season of life turned out to be more than just a year of waiting for life to start. It was a training ground in so many ways. It proves that God wastes nothing. This is a truth that we all need to understand when it comes to pursuing and fulfilling our purpose in His master plan. He uses everything in our lives as a part of His shaping and forming process, so that we can fulfill His purpose for us. For each of us that is unique, and for all of us it is the same. What I mean is, He molds us into a vessel of honor as He prepares and uses us to fulfill our unique role in His Kingdom. He molds us into the image of His Son, so that we can all become more and more like Jesus until we arrive at our ultimate destination to spend eternity with Him. We will never understand how to fully pursue our purpose without understanding that simple truth. And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. Isaiah 64:8 The prophet Isaiah cried out on behalf of the people of Israel to confess their sins and seek mercy and grace from God who loves them. In the midst of his plea, the prophet acknowledges the thing that they need most...God's recreative work to be displayed in them. As the Master Potter, God will shape our lives to make them beautiful pieces of art that are useful in a world that needs our beauty and light. Like those fireflies glowing in the mason jar. We become vessels filled with His light to shine brightly in this world. How is/has God used a particular season in your life to shape you for His purpose? What have you learned in certain seasons of life that had equipped you well in your journey with Christ? What season do you find yourself in right now and how do you believe God is going to use it? Let's get a conversation going and share your thoughts in the comments.
What do you get when you cross a cognitive psychologist, a neuroscientist, saxophone player and record producer? You get Daniel Levitin, a American-Canadian university Dean of Social Sciences and Professor Emeritus. Levitin has written extensively on the impact and integral thread of music in our lives. In an interview on NPR's Morning Edition, he talks about how he fed over 500 musical scores into a computer and discovered that musical compositions that spanned centuries actually reflect a rhythm we find in nature. He says, "You can see it in a snowflake or the leaf of a fern, where the smallest part of an object repeats itself over and over again to create the whole. Scientists call these patterns fractals, and that kind of pattern is buried in the music's rhythms, whether it's Bach or Chopin."
Think about it. Rhythms are so imbedded in our experience that we may not give it a lot of thought at first glance. However, consider how rhythms permeate our daily lives. There is the cardiogram that assesses the rhythm of our hearts. Biological rhythms manage and coordinate the functions of our bodies (Circadian Rhythm and REM cycles of sleep), the behavior of animals (bird migration, salmon spawning), and marine life that reacts to the lunar tidal cycles of the oceans.
We also have the seasonal rhythm of our year. For those of us in the mid-latitudes of the earth, we experience four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. Those who are in areas closer to the equator, experience less variation and have the rainy season and dry season. The latitudes near the poles, generally have colder, less variable seasons that are more discernable by the amount of daylight and darkness they have. Regardless, however, of where you live on the globe, you can see a rhythm of the seasons that creates a predictable cycle...therefore, a sense of cohesion and continuity.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
God inspired King Solomon to write about the seasons of life when he stated, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." He goes on to talk about all the varying "seasons" that we experience in life. While he lists a vast array of "opposites" in our life experiences, the purpose is simply to teach us that things change in various seasons of our lives and to assure us that it is natural. Whatever those varying seasons, God remains the constant through them all. That gives us peace. When we see that creation is replete with the rhythms that reflect God's design, that gives us security and a sense of the bigger picture of His Plan. That is the perfect context in which to pursue our purpose...fitting into God's big plan and depending upon His faithfulness.
Reflecting the Rhythms in Our Daily Lives God has designed rhythms into His creation. Doesn't it make sense that developing rhythms in our daily lives, reflecting the rhythms in creation, would create a sense of cohesion and security? The more in touch with God's plan that we are, the more potential we have for understanding how to live out our purpose. Life feels more balanced when we develop rhythms that support our wellbeing. God's rhythms in creation make things operate in concert. When something gets out of sync, the operation of the system is thrown off. We all know when our life gets out of sync. It shows up in a lack of peace, feeling incompetent in fulfilling our purpose and experiencing dissatisfaction in general. On the other hand, living our purpose is enhanced as we develop certain rhythms, because a balanced life is an effective life.
Worship is the act of giving ourselves to the One who has redeemed us through his gift of love, and Who's Spirit lives in us and draws us into relationship with Him. We thrive as we develop a rhythm of daily personal worship and weekly corporate worship. In doing so, we maintain our relationship and intimacy with our heavenly Father through His Son...we commune in the quiet place that we set aside for that connection. Through praise and prayer, we practice the presence of our God. Starting the day with Him, seeking Him throughout the day and ending the day with Him creates a rhythm that keeps us connected to the One who loves us radically.
Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8
Reading after others, studying in groups, taking courses, whatever fits your lifestyle and circumstance, incorporate growth rhythms in your life. In our information-saturated age, take advantage of the myriad options to read, learn and grow. Do it regularly.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path...I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
Psalm 119:105, 147-148
H - hungry A - angry L - lonely T - tired All of these signs of vulnerability to temptation are addressed through self care. Whether it is the rhythm of getting enough rest daily, or taking a break to rejuvenate weekly, or a "sabbatical" of vacation annually (or semi-annually), rest and recharging is essential to healthy living, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Give yourself permission to rest! Don't buy into the lie that the successful and fruitful life is the one that is lived non-stop. If you crash from fatigue or from a failure in sin, your ability to live your purpose will be limited or damaged. Take care of yourself...your family will appreciate you, your Father will affirm you, and your future self will thank you.
And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the LORD, who had set them apart to be holy.
Ezekiel 20:12 And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27
What are the rhythms you have developed in your life? How have rhythms of worship, growth or self care made a difference in your life? What rhythms do you want to create? Share your thoughts in the comments...our community is eager to engage!
I stood at the end of a road that used to lead to one of the most popular resort areas on Mindanao, Philippines. This road was well traveled because it led to the mountain resorts that Filipinos and international tourists would flock to in search of relaxation, leisure and escape from the heat, in the mountains near New Bataan. But, this day, the road was not traveled by tourists and people on holiday. Instead, it was a dead end, as the roadway literally disappeared into a sea of boulders (some the size of an automobile), tree trunks, mud and debris. There was an earie quiet as people stood, or slowly milled around among the scattered items that had been left in the aftermath of the raging avalanche of water that had devastated this region just a month earlier. On December 4, 2012, Typhoon Bopha, nicknamed "Pablo" made its way across the southern Philippines island of Mindanao and left a path of destruction that wiped out coastal villages, flattened banana plantations and destroyed the homes of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos. After the storm had passed, and days of search and rescue, and weeks of recovery efforts were made, this category 5 storm had killed over 1,000 people and displaced more than 400,000. Standing there in disbelief at the destruction I was viewing, trying to imagine this massive river of water, a mile wide, that had swept boulders, trees, structures and people from the mountains into the valley, two filipino men walked up to talk with our team (I was with a Christian humanitarian aid team from the U.S.) and share their stories. With them was an older man, who was blind, being led by his grandson, a young man in his twenties. As they told the story, they described the impact of the storm, the chaos of its violent force as 160 mph winds ripped through their house and uprooted trees. They talked about loved ones who were swept away and never found. The elderly gentleman, who spoke no English, shared with us through a translator, how he had been swept from his home and family and carried by the flood waters for miles before being rescued, along with his grandson. They were the only two surviving members of his family. As we stood in awestruck silence, listening to their stories, we were astonished at their survival. Because we were obviously not Filipinos, they knew we were there as a part of recovery and support efforts and they thanked us for our work. In a bit of a spontaneous response, we stopped to pray aloud for the victims and their families in the aftermath of this catastrophic experience. When we uttered the final "amen," one of the young men picked up a small smooth stone and handed it to me. "Take this with you to remind you of the people of New Bataan," he said. I smiled and assured him I would do so, and to continue to pray for their healing and recovery. We shook hands as he smiled and thanked me once again. They're called "the smiling Asians," I'm told...Filipinos. Typhoon season is an annual experience in southeast Asia, and especially among the Philippine islands. Every year they brace themselves for the storm systems that make their way through this region of the world. It is a part of life in this country that ranges from remote primitive villages to sprawling, modern cities. If there is one word I would use to describe the Filipino people, it would be resilient. My job as part of the humanitarian team was to do crisis counseling with the people who came through our mobile clinic. After receiving medical care, they would meet with me and (usually through a translator) I would explore their support network, provide mental and emotional processing for grounding and spiritual counseling of hope and the gospel. I always offered to pray with them, and I don't recall anyone refusing. But, one thing struck me through all the hundreds and hundreds of people I met over those days of ministry...it was the HOPE that they held in spite of immense odds against them. The experience taught me what hope looks like and, because many of them found their hope in Jehovah Jireh (The God who Provides), that lasting hope comes from the One who has us in His hands. It was a beautiful intersection of purpose...I was living out my purpose in serving the needs of the Filipino people, and they were living out their purpose in demonstrating the powerful hope of the Savior in the midst of trials! What a lesson in God's sovereignty! Though this storm was the most powerful to hit the Southeast Asian islands to date, they had no idea that, just a few months later, on November 3-11, 2013, super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) would strike further north in the islands of the Philippines bringing destruction. Haiyan resulted in over 7,300 casualties and over 28,000 injured. Yet, the faith and hope of the Filipino people remained strong. Take a moment to watch the video below and note the hope that is expressed by those who were in the midst of suffering! I'll wrap this up on the others side. Without hope, all is lost. It is hope that has kept people strong and resilient through the most difficult of circumstances. Prisoners of war survived their captivity because of hope of rescue. Cancer survivors have persevered because they had hope of healing and recovery. The greatest obstacles we face in life can be overcome because of hope. This is no surprise to those who have experienced the redemption of Christ. The good news of Jesus Christ...Messiah...is a story and message of hope. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:18-20 You see...God has made a promise and, as the scriptures tell us, He cannot lie. In Him...that is in Jesus Christ, we find refuge, hope and access to the Father, therefore, His eternal life. That is the hope that anchors our souls. Perhaps a quick acrostic will help to drive it home for us. We have hope, no matter our circumstances, because... Honesty Opens the Door to Hope In the video clip above, and in my experience in talking with the Filipinos I met in 2013, I realized, if anything, they were brutally honest with themselves and with God. They didn't sugar coat their situation, or try to explain it away, or live in denial. They faced their situation head on and were honest enough to say, "This is how it is." But, those who followed God (or at least acknowledged Him) were also honest enough to look to Him rather than blame Him. That's a huge lesson for us...when tough times come, honesty with ourselves and God is the first step to seeing our situation through eyes of hope. Openness to God's Plan God is always working out His plan in our world. He desires that all people come to Him and receive the salvation Jesus purchased (2 Peter 3:9). God is also working out His plan in and through you as His follower. Our hope is predicated upon the reality that we are in His hands and we are a part of HIs plan. Knowing that He is in control and is working all things for our good, provides hope in the bleakest of times. Perseverance Through the Tough Times Perseverance is both learned and enabled. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that we do our children a disservice by "rescuing" them from every tough moment that comes their way. When the going gets tough, parents sometimes step in and remove the struggle or remove the child from the struggle. That is the worst possible thing to do in those moments. Our children need to learn to persevere through hard things and to learn to wait, push through, figure it out, and ultimately, trust God in those circumstances. Paul recognized this value when he wrote the message Jesus gave him about persevering, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Hope enables us to persevere, and perseverance sustains our hope. Entrance is Made Possible by Jesus Christ The writer of Hebrews 6 (above) informs us that when Christ died for us, He tore the curtain that separated the Holy Place, from the Holy of Holies, in the temple. That area (Holy of Holies) was the most sacred place in the temple. It contained the Ark of the Covenant, atop of which was the Mercy Seat. This was the place where God exhibited his presence and where, twice a year, the High Priest would go in to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice to atone for (seek forgiveness) the sins of the people. This most holy place was so sacred that the priest would wear a bell on his garment so that those outside would know that he is still alive, and would have a rope tied around his ankle so that, if he went in without having been cleansed from his sin through repentance, he would die and they would have to pull him out with the rope. Suffice it to say, going into the presence of the Most High God was a serious matter. However, when Jesus paid the final sacrifice, doing away with the animal sacrifices that had only pointed forward to His ultimate provision, that curtain that separated all people from the presence of God, was torn down. He made it possible for all of us, through His redemptive work, to have access directly to the Father. We no long have to have another man go to God for us. This Hope we have in Jesus has delivered us directly into the presence of our heavenly Father and we can communicate with Him directly. So, in life...through all of our ups and downs...no matter the situation...we can go to God with our needs and our hurts and our failures...we have hope because we have access to the One who gives abundant life through Jesus Christ. That is a hope that endures...the anchor for our souls! If you haven't done so, hop over to our podcast and listen to the latest episode as Christian Hip-Hop artist, Kyren Monteiro, shares his story of "Hope for the Broken." How has hope sustained you in the dark times? Where did God show up in life to bring hope for you? How have you had the opportunity to fulfill your purpose and share the Hope of Jesus with someone? Share your stories in our comments and let's get the conversation going!
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AuthorWith over forty years of ministry experience, Randy Kinnick continues to live a life of pursuing the purpose for which he was created. Whether teaching God's Word to adults, coaching youth and young adults in finding their purpose, or caring for the hurting and abused in Southeast Asia, the adventure has taken him around the world in ways he could have never dreamed. The adventure continues! Archives
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