Trust in A Time of Mistrust

From Israelis and Palestinians, to politicians, CEOs, corporations and institutions of every kind, even to telling our kids not to trust strangers, mistrust is everywhere.

According to Gallup poll in July 2022 Americans are less likely to trust the media, Congress, the Presidency and educational institutions than a year ago. One third of the 40 million people looking for someone online are married, but they don’t put that in their profile. So, it’s understandable that people struggle with who to trust.

Lets’ face it we all have trust issues, yet we all want to hear, ‘I trust you.’

“Generally speaking, a loss of trust created by a violation of character (integrity or intent) is far more      difficult to restore than a loss of trust created by a violation of competence (capabilities or results).”                                                                                                                                  Stephen Covey

All of us have been wounded by a lack of trust from an institution or more importantly a person and it’s impacted how we perceive people and our relationships. I’ve told my kids regarding their social world to trust the people who prove they’re trustworthy.

Now, that is reasonable, but what does that look like? What is the basis of trust and how can I develop or restore trust without having a cynical perspective? Especially after having been lied to and hurt as a result? Though it may be difficult, in most cases, lost trust can be restored and often even enhanced.

If you want to increase your relational trust in your life and have more rewarding relationships then there are a few things to consider.

We can trust God
I know that seems cliché to some of you, but it helps us to trust others by trusting God. The concept of trusting God has been so trivialized, overly simplified and misunderstood that many have a skewed perspective on what it means to trust God.

Trusting God and others is not easy. Unfortunately, some have even stigmatized God by the bad examples of His followers. They’ve been given an inaccurate spin and developed their own presuppositions of what God is like or even if there is a God.

It’s not surprising trusting God is a common theme of the Bible with the words trust, faith or belief used interchangeably from cover to cover. The Bible makes it very clear that trusting God is a response to who and what He does. To trust Him with your life is the result of His revealing Himself to us through creation, His deeds, His Word, His faithfulness to keep His promises.

God is not a man that He should lie (Heb.6:17-18) or repent. What a refreshing reminder considering the lack of truth telling today. God never needs to make an excuse for what He has said or done.

The Bible goes on to say that it’s impossible to please God without faith (Heb.11:6). So, the Bible is clear that we cannot have a relationship with God without trust (John 3:16) Who needs a dead religion when you can have an intimate trusting relationship that matters and will last forever? Now hopefully, most of us would not trust someone we do not know unless we’re being rescued from a burning building or they’re handing out cash…

Yet, God is altogether different, transcending the boxes we put Him in. He desires us. He has and still is relentlessly and passionately pursuing us even if we think otherwise.  He has initiated trust with us not the other way around.

Trust implies a relationship. From the Hebrews’ backs against the wall at the Red Sea, to Daniel in the Lion’s den, to David and his slingshot, to Job’s suffering, God has not deserted His people and He never will. God has proven He is trustworthy. Grappling and understanding God’s unfathomable love for us enables us to not only trust him but others as well.

 “The great spiritual task facing me is to so fully trust that I belong to God that I can be free, to be free to receive love from people and be grateful for all the signs of God’s presence in the world. I am convinced that I will truly be able to love the world when I fully believe that I am loved far beyond it’s’ boundaries.” Henri Nouwen

We can trust others.
Yet, our relational histories, to a large extent, can hinder us in trusting others. Whether we recall intentional or unintentional wounds from others they impact us in how we perceive others’ intentions.

Some find it extremely difficult if not impossible to trust others. They just haven’t seen enough integrity that would merit trust. An individual’s capacity for trust depends on their childhood, background and experiences. They have been let down countless times. I get that. 

 Yet, Jesus told His disciples, “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” He had been walking with them for a few years and trusted his friends with his life. Even in the garden when He asked for prayer, they fell asleep and hours later would deny Him. Yet he loved them.   

How can we build bridges of trust in an age of distrust?  
“Demonstrate a propensity to trust. Extend trust abundantly to those who have earned your trust. Extend conditionally to those who are earning your trust. Do be quick to forgive-whether or not we choose to trust in the future, we always need to forgive.” John McGee

The more trusting we become the easier it is for another to trust us in a personal relationship.

Improving our listening will help immensely
Listen before you speak. Understand. Diagnose. Listen with your ears and your eyes and heart. Don’t assume you know what matters most to others. Don’t presume you have all the answers or all the questions. We need to be patient with other’s progress. If we judge others on how far they need to go according to our criteria we quench trust and we unintentionally drive them away.

If we want to develop trust and enjoy people today, we need to allow room for their growth Intimacy builds on trust, but an initial risk must be taken before trust can develop. There is no intimacy without risk. The risk is an intelligent leap of trust. Once taken, the more one puts into a relationship in trust, the more commitment increases.

We want people to be trustworthy, yet we fail to realize our role in developing trust. It is so much easier to expect change from others than to work on transforming our own hearts to trust not only God, but others as well.

 

 

Is Normal Just Around The Corner?

Is normal just around the corner? What is normal? Is it when you can extend a handshake or hug someone again? Depending on where you live, when you can get back to work. Take off the mask and attend a concert, sit on the beach, attend a major league baseball game? When the economy comes back? Regardless of your perspective things are going to be different.

Is back to normal when you get your job back? When you can pay your bills or your kids get back to school or you can see your elderly family members. When you can go to a restaurant or take a vacation. Fill in the blank.

Hopefully, as a result of COVID millions have had time to think about their lives and what’s important. Some hope their lives will change in some significant way. Maybe we’re hoping for something different, maybe even an adventure, but we end up settling with the usual. 

No one planned on COVID or any other personal tragedy. Things happen that are out of our control. In the middle of adversity we can develop a different perspective. Recently some of us have or are going to discover a roller-coaster adventure that we didn’t plan on. We need to hold on.

Thousands of years ago God asked Abraham to leave all the things he was familiar with and go to a land he had never seen and winds up wandering for years. Jacob and his sons go to Egypt looking for groceries and four hundred years later Israel pulls up stakes and heads for home. 

The fishermen Peter, James and John heard the master’s voice and threw their nets aside to follow Him. Get ready, the old is past and the present and future are going to get interesting. Saddle up your horses.

Is an adventure a thing we make happen or something we choose or does it choose us? 
An adventure is, by its nature, a thing that comes to us. It is a thing that chooses us, not something we choose.” C.K. Chesterton

Abraham was not looking for the one true God, but God showed up with an invitation. Many of us can miss God moments so easily because our plans and expectations can become our hindrances to seeing what is and what can be.

As a result, we can get stuck in perpetual discontent and think, “This is the way things ought to be!"
We can get so committed to arranging our happiness that we miss precious moments right in front of us. We don’t think of what might be around the corner because we think we know what’s coming. We seek our happiness in temporal things because our hearts have nowhere else to go. Sad, it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Could it be that we’ve missed something along the way? Has trivial distractions and the tyranny of the urgent clouded our vision of what is important?  Do we make so little of eternity by magnifying the significance of our own lives and diminish the reality of the next life to come?
                     
                       We make nothing of eternity and an eternity of nothing.  Blaise Pascal 
          
Embrace what God has said about the life to come and how it impacts us today
Set your affections on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
If you read history, you’ll find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were those who thought the most of the next world. CS Lewis

He has set eternity in our hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:11

No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no human mind has conceived the things that God has prepared for those who love him. I Corinthians 2:9

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:19-21

Even though eternity could be just around the corner for you and me it is to be lived today!
I saw a big frontier in front of me and I heard somebody say let's go. Saddle up your horses. We've got a trail to blaze. Through the wild blue yonder of God's Amazing grace  let's follow our leader into the Glorious unknown.

This is the life like no other. This is the great adventure. So come on, get ready for the ride of your life. Gonna leave long faced religion in a cloud of dust behind and discover all the new horizons just waiting to be explored. This is what we were created for.   The Great Adventure - Steven Curtis Chapman

Mary's Song

What kind of winter are you having right now? Some of us are in a long difficult winter season of our lives that seems to last forever.

During this season we hear inescapable Christmas music and carols everywhere we go, on TV, radio, and malls. Some don’t feel like singing along. Most of us sing when things are going great, but what if they’re not, can we still sing?

For Israel it had been in a very long season of winter
It had been 400 years since God had spoken to them by the prophet Malachi, but God’s plan of redemption was not over. They were waiting for their Messiah. As prophesied by Isaiah God sent His only Son into their world to bring light and hope into their season of discontent.

The singing of songs and hymns goes way back to the Old Testament. Only Luke’s gospel includes four songs that have been sung for centuries by real people in real times of disappointment just like you and I. 

Luke’s four songs were sung by the quiet ones of Israel who were its’ real strength. People like Mary, Zechariah and Elizabeth and Simeon who kept the hope of Israel alive.

In those days the pheasant girl Mary had an amazing miraculous visitation from the angel Gabriel declaring she will give birth to the Son of God conceived by the Holy Spirit. While that was extremely good news for Israel Mary was understandably “greatly troubled” with the announcement. That’s putting it mildly. It was more like completely overwhelmed.

Imagine Mary thinking, “My parents are going to kill me when I tell them I’m pregnant.” Can you imagine the response of Mary's parents when they asked her who was the father and she told them the Holy Spirit? ”What, excuse me, come again, repeat that?” When the news hits her home town it will get even more painful for Mary.

Mary will endure harsh criticism, accusations, slurs, and incessant whispering from her friends and neighbors. Not just then, but for years. Before Mary breaks into her song she asked Gabriel, “How will this be since I am a virgin?”Gabriel told her, “For nothing is impossible with God.” What was Mary’s response?
                                       
                                           “May it be as you have said?” 

Can you hear Mary’s heart surrender to God? Whatever you say Lord, whatever you desire that’s what I want. She let go of that which she could not control. That’s hard isn’t it? Maybe I think I got to straighten things out on my own, especially if I’ve messed things up? I’m going to get myself out of this somehow. I’ll figure it out on my own. I think I have control.

In the midst of your winter of discontent who or what is your resource? Perhaps you think that God is unaware or detached from your life story? In the midst of deep discouragement the prophet Isaiah comforted Israel with these words:

Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:27-29

Maybe I’m hesitant to come to God because I’m not sure if He cares or can really do anything about my situation? Yet, He wants us to come to Him.

God wants us be honest with who we are and who He is
He wants us to realize that we are dependent upon His grace and ability to do for us what we cannot do on our own. 
“God designed us to run on Him! He is the fuel our spirits are designed to burn.” John Eldredge

Mary could sing in the midst of her winter season because she knew that God had the desire and the power to see her through her difficult season of life and she understood his amazing grace.(Is.40:25-26; Col.1:16-17) Mary freely admitted she needed God’s power and grace. She could say, 'I need you God.' She could sing in the midst of her winter.

What about you? Can you sing like Mary when you’re frozen in your winter of discontent? It is possible by understanding His power and grace and telling God you need Him. Perhaps you can say along with Mary, “May it be as you have said.”   

Is Loneliness a Solvable Problem?

Millions think that loneliness is a solvable problem and the solution is usually a person.

The reasoning goes something like this, ‘When’ I’m in a relationship or ‘when’ I get married I won’t be lonely anymore.’ So, each week over 40 million American lonely hearts pursue someone online to take their loneliness away. This pursuit takes a lot of time and it can be empty and exhausting.

In the movie Jerry McGuire, Jerry’s girlfriend said, “Jerry, you can’t be alone, you don't know how to be alone, you’ve never been alone.” Many believe the same thing about themselves. Four out of ten Americans admit frequent feelings of intense loneliness.

Loneliness has been described as: assuming others have it together, but you; taking inventory of your life and feeling you’ve made many wrong choices; you’re hurting, but no one understands your pain or it’s an aching to have someone to share your life with.

The reality is that all of us experience loneliness regardless of our relationship status.

A different perspective about loneliness can possibly change your life
There are a lot of reasons why people feel lonely and I’m sure you could provide your own list of reasons or definition. It is extremely helpful to know there is a difference between loneliness and aloneness. 

Loneliness is an emotional state of feeling disconnected from others
The problem is that we have unspoken assumptions about loneliness. We attach meaning to loneliness from our families and societal assumptions. I am unlovable. I am undesirable. I am a social failure. I am a bad person. Nobody could ever want to be with me. I am not a whole person unless I have a partner or spouse. I just can’t be alone. I deserve a relationship. I have to have some romantic relationship in my life. I’ll settle for bad love than no love at all. What would you add to the list?

Whatever the cause loneliness has very little to do with being single. Some of the loneliest people are married. Loneliness is not solved by marriage. Saying ‘I do” does not solve loneliness or guarantee intimacy. A study of 3,400 married couples by the University of Michigan revealed that 65% are profoundly unhappy and 70% said they wouldn’t marry the same person. While that survey may reflect today’s ‘selfie’ culture, it is what it is.

Aloneness is the physical state of being separated from others

All of us regardless of our relational status experience a sense of aloneness and yearn for relationships. Yet, loneliness is not dependent upon the lack of people in our lives. We can still feel lonely in a crowd as Albert Einstein said, “It’s strange that you can be known all around the world, but be so lonely.”

Extroverts can laugh and be around people constantly and still be a member of the lonely hearts club. For introverts aloneness can be less intimidating, but they have a greater risk of isolation and subjective introspection. Alone could simply mean, “I’m alone right now, no big deal, I have friends, family and co-workers.”

What do you do when you’re alone and feel sorry for yourself?After a tremendous victory over the false prophets of Baal the prophet Elijah was stretched to the max by the confrontation on Mount Carmel. His nerves were fried and he was hungry, thirsty and weary. Deeply distraught he prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,take my life.” Maybe you've said that before?

Elijah left his servant behind and journeyed into the wilderness all alone which made his situation even worse. Now alone, he had a pity party telling God he was the only faithful Jew in Israel. No wonder Jesus sent out the disciples in twos.

In times of fear and aloneness we need somebody to talk to and pray with to help give us clear perspective on our situation.  Like Elijah we can make poor decisions when we’re alone. In times like this we are especially vulnerable to the culture’s exploitation of relationships.

God is patient and worked with Elijah and brought him back to reality. God provided for him right where he was at and spoke to him in a still small voice. Thank God He is long suffering towards his children and speaks to us when we are feeling hurt and alone. He can do the same for you!

A Song of Hope for You

Were all marked by songs aren’t we?
Some songs bring back memories or bring us to tears. Songs can leave an impact upon us. Songs can change things. Certain songs stand out when we’re celebrating or grieving. Most of us sing when things are going great, but what if they’re not, can we still sing?

Zechariah sang from the depths of his heart for his love for his son John and the hope of Israel. Miraculously Zach’s wife gave birth to their son and Zach broke out into his celebrative song, Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:  “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed his people.”   Luke 1:67-68

Notice Zach’s three words about Israel’s long awaited Messiah, ‘He has come’ John 1:1-4, 14 

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God is with us) Isaiah 7:14.

After years of waiting, God’s divine visitation had ‘finally’ come to Israel just as God had promised! Israel had been wondering when their God would speak again? After four hundred years of silence since the prophet Malachi spoke God fulfilled His promise as he said He would!
How long have you been waiting for something or someone?

Are you in a long winter of waiting and are feeling kind of hopeless and losing your sense of purpose? Maybe you’ve become cold and numb and in desperate need of a touch from God? Maybe you’re feeling guilty about something you’ve gotten into? Maybe you’re worried about your future?

Then, you need to hear Zechariah’s chorus, He has come to redeem His people to give us hope for today and our future! He has come to reveal His Son to show His extravagant love to you. He wants to assure you that He knows everything about you and cares about you. You are His work of art that is yet to be completed!

In the midst our winter of discontent sometimes we can’t see clearly.
We might not even be able to see our own reality. We might be blinded by our own grief and tears. If so, hear the encouraging words of Isaiah.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.  Isaiah 42:16

When things seem hopeless and uncertain be encouraged that, ’He has come’ for you too! Yes, He has come to bring light into your darkness and mine. Jesus came to live and die for you so that you could truly know Him and be His now and forever!  Now, that is something to sing about don’t you think?

Everyone sings something. What will your song be? May you join me this Christmas season in knowing that Zechariah’s chorus ‘HE HAS COME’ can be your song too!

A Very Warm Merry Christmas to you,

Mark

Looking Up With Patience and Prayer

In the blog It’s Not Too Late to Look Up we looked at one of the choices we can make to look up with hope despite how dire our circumstances may be. Let God’s love to be your life preserver.
Let Patience be your Priority.

Let Patience be your Priority
We want our problems solved now or at least really soon. Here’s the problem and here is the quick solution, but God sees thing differently. Our problems are what God uses to bring hope. We trust in things that aren’t going to last. God may test us to grow us, but not to grade us. Growth and hope aren’t guaranteed results from problems. It takes patience. Romans 5:3-5

And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised… We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:15, 19

Yes, being patient with our problems is easy to talk about, but hard to do. No matter how big or small our problems are they will not usually be solved overnight. We live with them every day and some of them can wear us down whether we think they should or not.

One of the ways God helps us to face our problems with patience is not facing them alone. Let wise trustworthy friends help you.  By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ.
                                                                                                   Galatians 6:2
Let prayer be your pressure release
It’s helpful to talk to others, but we need to talk to God. O LORD, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from an honest heart. Psalm 17:11

The psalmist is not phony and pietistic, but honest with himself and God. Be honest and you’ll get an honest answer, but you might not get what you’re asking for. Thank God He doesn’t give us what we deserve, but what we really need, grace.

God is never too busy to hear your prayer. He is always listening to you.
Hurry with your answer, God I’m nearly at the end of my rope. Don’t turn away; don’t ignore me! Psalm 143:7 Everyday carve out some time at home or in your car and talk to God.

It's Not Too Late To Look up

When our circumstances do not turn out the way we hoped and dreamed we have three choices.
We can look down with discouragement and despair OR look around and find blame OR look up to God in hope. Maybe you feel that time is running out and it’s too late to... Maybe you can relate to the psalmist when he said,

I’ve had my fill of trouble; I’m camped on the edge of hell. I’m written off as a lost cause, one more statistic, a hopeless case. Psalm 88:3-4 (TM)

Not exactly the verse to have on your frig. Yet, no matter what’s happening in your life, no matter how grim, it’s not too late to look up and experience hope. Maybe you’re like a lot of others who wait for the circumstances to change when they’re hungry for hope? What if your situation doesn’t change then what? You might be in very hard place right now, but you don’t have to live without hope.

In Genesis 12 God told Abraham to leave the security of his homeland and go to the promised land and there God would make his name great. Note that God promised His blessing, but on that God directed trip Abraham encountered extreme hardships and relational conflict all throughout his long journey.

Abraham eventually got deeply discouraged. He had been waiting for God’s promised heir for over 25 years. Maybe like Abraham you’re wondering how much longer can I wait? What do you do when you don’t know what to do?

The good news is that in the midst of Abraham’s mistakes and deep disappointment we read, “When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn’t do but on what God said he would do.” Romans 4:18 TM

God wants us and the people we know to have hope.
Where or what do we direct people to? What do we tell people when they ask us where to find hope? Go online and find someone to put your hope in, have another drink, get a change of venue, just be positive… and on it goes.

So, how can we look up with hope despite our desperation? There are some choices we can make when were in this place. The first choice is to…

Allow God’s love to be your life preserver.
Hold unto Him when you don’t have anything else to hold unto. For so many it’s so easy to give up hope and distract ourselves with every imaginable thing that simply doesn’t help. It just prolongs our hopelessness and disappointment.

Don’t allow your job or a significant other to be your life preserver. Yes, your friends and family can help you with encouraging support, but to make them your life preserver is expecting from them what only God can do. Who do you look up to as your life preserver? Only God’s love is there at every moment.

I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth!  Psalm 121:1-2

It’s never too late to look up to God triumphantly in trust and surrender.

But I have hope when I think of this: The LORD’S love never ends; his mercies never stop. They are new every morning. Lamentations 3:21-23

Okay, how do you do that? Every day and every morning even when you feel helpless and hopeless remind yourself that God’s love is your ultimate life preserver. Tell yourself before you get out of bed, “no matter what He loves ME!”

In order to look up to God with real hope we have some other choices to make as well, but they’re harder.  Stay tuned for those other practical choices next time.  

Shelter From the Storm

We started out backpacking on a beautiful cool sunny August day in the gorgeous Grand Tetons. About five miles in the sun gave way to a light nonstop rain which turned into a very heavy snowfall. The puddles on the trail were beginning to freeze. Slipping on the icy trail, we were wet and our toes were going numb.

It would be getting dark soon and too late to turn back. We looked to pitch our tent anywhere possible, but the terrain was way steep and rocky. We had heard there was a big cave along the trail and hoped it was just ahead.

While quickly hiking and almost sprinting up the trail we came to an abrupt stop by encountering a huge adult moose right near the trail. We quietly sat behind a rock whispering, freezing and waiting for the moose to leave hoping that the cave would be just be around the bend. We were asking, “Are we there yet?”

We all need shelter from the storm. We all need someone. We all need some place we can go when life takes a turn we didn't ask or plan for. 

We all inevitably come to place where we ask the same kind of question. How long will this ache of disappointment last? How long will I have to go through this? How long do I endure this relationship? Will this sickness ever go away? How many resumes do I need to send out before I’m offered a job? How long until we get to the cave for shelter from the storm?

Within a few weeks after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt the Israelites began to complain about their condition. It was very dry in the desert, but very fertile for complaining. They had had enough. They were done. They made it very clear that they were sick of their situation and the manna protests broke out, cars were overturned and people were arrested. It wasn’t pretty.

It wasn’t the best of Israeli history, but there are two truths we can learn from their wilderness journey. When we’re struggling it’s easy to play the blame game, so the Hebrews blamed Moses.

Breakdown Happens
Have you known someone who had a breakdown when they’ve been discarded or treated like thrash? It seems all of us will inevitably come to this place. Moses was deeply exasperated with the incessant complaining of his fellow Jews. He didn’t ask for this. After all, it wasn’t his fault. It was intolerable. He just couldn’t take it anymore. Maybe you can’t either?

He asked the Lord, "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors?

Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”  Numbers 11:11-15

Can you relate to Moses’ heavy heart? How am I going to make it through this? While it’s dry in the desert it’s also fertile ground for God to provide.

God’s Provision Happens
By the way, when we finally found refuge in the cave we discovered there was already twenty people keeping each other warm around a huge fire. Gods knows what we need and when we need it and He does provide.

The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.”  Numbers 11:16-17

How will you provide Lord? Sometimes God provides financially through our diligence at work or by telling us to scale back. Some of us need to grasp that certain luxuries that use to be normal are now out of the question. Sometimes God’s provisions come from a place we least expect, but God can provide you contentment.

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.  Philippians 4:11-12

What To Do In Overwhelming Challenges

Ever felt like you were up against a wall? Like a cold, hard, unyielding barrier with absolutely no way out? Stuck? Stymied? You can’t go back, you can’t go sideways and it’s too high to climb. What do you do? Read on…

Last week we explored how we can overcome our overwhelming giants by how we respond to two personal challenges. The last two personal challenges can give us more insight to overcoming life’s hardest obstacles.

The Challenge to Resist Conformity
King Saul dressed David in his own armor to prepare him for the face-off with Goliath, but it was like Andy DeVito in Shaquille O’Neal’s clothes. David told Saul, “Are you kidding me I look ridiculous, I can’t go in these. Saul, this may work for you, but not me."Instead, David picked up five smooth stones.

Sometimes we have to face our Goliath alone. At the end of the day we have to choose who we will battle. We can read all the books on a particular subject and listen to all the experts. We may want someone to make decisions for us. It doesn’t work that way.

No family member, friend, teacher, boss or mentor can choose your armor for you. Your heart, skills, gifts and possibilities are yours and no one can choose your armor for you. Romans 12:1-2

Resist conformity and stand up and be who God created you to be.

The Challenge of the Crisis Moment
Everyone was watching the scene in the ravine between Goliath and David. Reality TV doesn’t get any better than this. What are you facing today? Your giant may overwhelming, but it’s not bigger than God.

Imagine the shock of Goliath? This unlikely victory is all about God and that’s enough! Have you been successful in fighting your battles on your own? Aristotle said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to operate in the face of fear.” Courage is having the right amount of fear directed to the right object for the right reason. Is that the kind of courage you desire?

Face your fears and doubts and then be willing to trust in spite of those things. Goliath wasn’t ready and in fact he never saw it coming up. He didn’t get it until it finally sunk in. Nothing like this ever entered his head.

We all face fear and anxiety.  What Jehovah did for David he can do for you! Whatever the obstacle you face God will meet you there! Is there fear and uncertainty in your future? Maybe there is a deeper fear in you? Maybe you think that God doesn’t really care about you? Maybe someone is more worthy of God’s love than you? Please don’t buy that lie.

If you allow circumstances and people to run your life rather than God’s love and grace you won’t overcome the giants in your life. Your Goliaths can intimidate and convince you to cower and run. If you runaway day after day and you’ll die a little each day and lose heart. Life is way too precious to go down that road!

One stone of God is stronger than anything else thrown at you. So, grasp your stone and realize the battle is the Lord’s. This was not about David’s skill and strategy, but about how God operates.

Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6

There’s no need to be eloquent, brilliant and good looking when you place your trust in God. Don’t try to control your giant or trust in your own strategy and ingenuity, but trust Him. I don’t know how big your giant is, but it’s not bigger than God. So, pick up that stone of faith and believe in God’s grace and His ability to help you overcome your Goliath.

Facing Your Giants

While tending his father’s flocks David was unaware of the intense battle scene in the valley of Elah. Concerned, David’s father sends him to bring food and see how his brothers are doing on the front lines. This day will be a turning point for David, King Saul and Israel. These kinds of days come to us as well.

Some have the illusion that they will successfully overcome their giant in the heat of the moment. But, the truth is if you’re unprepared to face your Goliath you won’t do too well. The way you live your life day in and day out is the preparation for your future challenges.

Israel had Goliath Phobia. After forty humiliating and exhausting days they died a little each day and each day they grew more cowardice. Yet, David was not intimidated. David’s focus was on God and NOT in his ability or even on the enemy! He wanted please to God the best he could when his people had forgotten that God had fought for them over the years. They had seen it and heard about it all their lives. Maybe you have too.

You can overcome your Goliath by how you respond to four personal challenges:  
1.The challenge of criticism and opposition has the potential to develop heartfelt courage. David’s brother Eliab railed at his youngest brother, “I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle."

David’s response: "Now what have I done?" said David. "Can't I even speak?" 

Why the cheap shot? Was Eliab jealous because the prophet Samuel had anointed David with oil in the presence of all his family? Eliab’s criticism and opposition was not even close to being accurate! We all get inaccurate and hurtful cheap shots in life.

Many people do their best to avoid criticism at all costs! David knew who the real enemy was. His brother was not the giant, Goliath was. He knew who to fight and who to leave alone. Do you?

If criticism is not accurate stay focused on what’s most important and if it is accurate then deal with it. Lets’ face it, criticism and opposition is inevitable.

2. The challenge of everyday choices, the daily mundane stuff of life (I Samuel 17:33-37).
David was faithful in watching over his father’s flocks. No one from all of the Israeli troops was willing stand up against Goliath. Yet, David, just a young teenage boy persuaded King Saul to let him face the giant by saying,“Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them.”

Whatever our challenges there are no easy routes, but we can get a little bolder when we face the not so glamorous stuff that builds courage and character. If we wait until we see the whites of the eyes of our Goliath we will run just like everyone, but David didn’t. The kind of everyday choices we make can develop our ability to overcome the greater challenges around the corner.

Rosa Parks, an African American woman boldly refused to go to the back of the bus and ignited the 1955 bus boycott in Montgomery Alabama. The boycott became a key victory in the civil rights movement. While her decision appeared to be a spur of the moment act, it was anything but.

Parks spent the previous twelve years helping lead the local NAACP chapter. For years she was studying other bus boycotts and had already been arrested in Baton Rouge two years earlier.

Join us next time as we explore  two more personal challenges.

Not Your Typical Hero

Liviu Librescu didn’t fit the hero mold. As a child, he survived the Holocaust. As an adult, he survived persecution for defying Romania’s brutal communist regime during the cold war. At last, with his children grown he seemed to find a safe haven as an engineering professor at the quiet Virginia Tech University in rural Virginia. 

But trouble found him once more when gunfire rattled through Norris Hall. Lebrescu, 76, closed the classroom door and urged his students to escape out the windows. As they fled, Lebrescu held the door shut with his body as the gunman 23 year old senior Cho Seung-Hui tried to force his way in. 

Moments after the last student leapt to safety Cho succeeding in forcing the door open shooting Lebrescu to death. Lebrescu’s act of heroism saved lives in America’s bloodiest massacre (32 killed and 17 wounded) inflicted on an American campus by a lone gunman. 

Livia didn’t fit the typical bravado view about heroes and heroines. You’ve heard it. If you set your mind to it you can do anything! Your sheer assertive determination is enough. It’s the survival of the fittest and victory to the strong.  And so it goes.

We all can have moments of courage, but consistent courage is another thing. How’s your courage doing? Are you ready when the heat is on? Are you quick to quit when facing your challenge?

Maybe you’ve observed along with me that courage is not found in just the one BIG climatic event, but in the everyday choices we make in life. Will I daily stick to my core values or cave in to the convenient wisdom of the day?

Like Liviu, the little shepherd boy didn’t fit the hero stereotype either. He was radically over-matched with his challenger. You just couldn’t ask for a greater contrast between David and Goliath. Regarding outward appearance Goliath had it all. He exuded self- confidence. He was used to winning and at over nine feet tall and 125 pounds of armor you didn’t want to mess with this guy!

Scene #1 – The Israeli troops and King Saul were absolutely consumed with fear after 40 days of the Philistine giant’s daily embarrassing humiliation of Israel. He was taunting the Israeli defense forces by shouting, “You want some of me?” across the other side of the valley of Elah. 

Our giants shout out to us as well from a person, a pressure, or a situation that’s too overwhelming for us. Inevitably, we all will need to face up to our Goliath.

I invite you to join us for our next blog as we discover how we can overcome our Goliath by how we  respond to four personal challenges. 

Receiving Unwanted Gift

Today even before we open a gift often the giver will say, “Don’t worry I have gift receipt. If you don’t like you can return it.” For many Christmas can have a way of intensifying our highs and our lows. We can celebrate our highs yet our lows can seem lower.

Part of the Christmas story is one of an unwanted gift. |
There is not much mentioned about Joseph. There are no recorded words of Joseph, but he was not a passive bystander. He was faced with one of the most unwanted gifts anyone could ever imagine. His response changed his life and has the power to change yours’.

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was ‘pledged’ to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.  Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph was ‘pledged’ to Mary, in other words they didn’t meet on Match.com or dated to see if their relationship would develop into something more serious. Their marriage was arranged by their families. It’s possible they didn’t know each other all that well. Their betrothal period lasted six months before the consummation of their marriage.

We read that Joseph was a ‘righteous’ man. He was consecrated in his Hebrew faith. He faithfully attended the synagogue, he knew, memorized and kept the Torah and observed the Jewish feasts. Being called a righteous man meant he was well respected in his community.

Joseph could have heard rumors about Mary’s pregnancy before Mary told him the father was the Holy Spirit. It would be understandable that Joseph was deeply disappointed in Mary and hearing the news from the village gossip. His parent’s dreams for him and his own were absolutely shattered at the news of Mary’s pregnancy. Joseph was heartbroken and dismayed.

The consequences for an adulterer would be a public stoning. After hearing the news no wonder Joseph was considering divorcing Mary, but to save her from public humiliation and disgrace he kept his vow to marry her. He was a good man. There was no requirement for Joseph to bring Mary on the long difficult journey to Bethlehem. Could it be that he took her to protect her?

Before the angel confirmed Mary’s explanation Joseph was afraid of what would happen next. Why was he afraid? His mind was racing knowing his decision would be extremely costly in taking on a wife that was thought to be an adulterer. He knew that his son was not his and would be constantly called nasty names growing up.

Perhaps Mary’s family and friends would shun her and or worse yet disown her? Maybe their families would not attend their eventual wedding day? Would his good reputation be mired forever in scandal?  There was a lot on the line for Joseph. He was in a place of, ‘I don’t understand God, I’m afraid, what are you doing here? I really need to hear from you.’ Have you ever been there? Most of us have.

There are three observations that we can apply from this Christmas story:
Don’t be afraid, verse 23 “and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)
God did address Joseph’s fears through the angel that God was with Him in his overwhelming situation even though it would continue to be very hard for him. God promises that He is with us in whatever situation we’re facing no matter how long and despite how difficult.

Take a riskJoseph took an unbelievable risk in taking Mary as his wife. To choose to love Mary knowing that the future would be hard for both of them, but somehow God would make a way. Joseph’s love, faith and perseverance deeply mattered to God. So does yours’ and mine.

Commit yourself to GodDo you think Joseph regretted his decision in taking Mary as his wife? He didn’t have a gift receipt to return the gift he didn’t want or ask for. Despite all the tribulations Joseph would endure because of his decision do you think he regretted seeing his son grow up and teaching him his carpentry trade?

Do you think he regretted the long walks and conversations with his son? Do you think he regretted seeing his son’s gracious wise counsel to those he met? It was hard to hear the slurs about his son, but do you think he regretted seeing his son redeem people’s lives? God rewarded Joseph’s commitment to Him.

What about you? Like Joseph will you trust God that He will be ‘with you’ in your difficult circumstances? Trust that whatever is on your plate God is more capable than you expect. 

Although you might not see it now if you take a risk to commit to love someone God will reward you in ways you never imagined. Perhaps like Joseph you’ll see your commitment bear fruit that will change people’s lives forever.

Interrupted With Good News

Most of us don't like being interrupted, but it's inevitable. While interruptions can be rude and unintentional others are a welcome relief. We've all been interrupted  with good news like when your favorite team just won or with some bad news you wish wasn't true.

I don't know if you've heard some good news lately, but there'e plenty of domestic and international bad news to go around. The world has more than enough of trouble, there's always some kind of trouble, SoCal fire trouble, financial trouble, political trouble, sexual harassment trouble, health trouble and relational trouble. The list goes on and on. As Bob Dylan once said "there's trouble, nothing but trouble."

It was into a world of trouble when God interrupted a lowly group of shepherds thousands of years ago.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10

Where is the good news? It’s been diluted and hijacked by merchants and marketers. It’s interesting how the world looks at the birth of Christ. It’s as if much of the world has taken Jesus out of Christmas by Santa, jingle bells and the media. It seems like He’s missing in the news, He’s kind of glossed over in many of the programs, Christmas songs, nice sayings, decorations and debt.

But Christmas is a story of contrasts. To God and millions of others the good news that,
        
“today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11
is the greatest news the world could ever hear in a world of bad news! As Luke says this good news is for the ‘all the people.’ You see God intended it for all, but it only makes sense and is only accessible for those who realize they need this good news.

God got the attention of the shepherds who were blown away when the night’s sky lit up when the ‘glory of the Lord shone around them.’  What does it take for God to get your attention? Is it an illness, a broken heart or dream, the loss of a loved one?

Why did God show His glory to the shepherds? How did they rate? Because they did with God, He chose them. It had nothing to do with who they were. The shepherds were the bottom rung of Jesus’ day; they were those you didn’t want your daughter to marry. They had no position or reputation and didn’t even own the sheep. Don’t you love it? God came to those who others sized up as insignificant, but not God!

Maybe we are not aware of it, but we’re the shepherds. Yes, you and I. Years later, the Apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthians about God’s utterly amazing grace that was given freely to those who responded to God’s call.

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth…He chose the lowly things of this world to confound the wise. I Corinthians 1:26, 28

Luke tells us that, a great company of angels appeared with the angel praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

From a Jewish perspective to be in ‘God’s favor’ was to be one of His chosen. But this was not automatic for all, but only for those who responded to God’s grace. Jesus came for all, but not all will benefit from His coming.

This amazing good news proclaimed in such an unforgettable, breathtaking and dramatic way completely blew the shepherd’s minds. It radically interrupted the shepherd’s daily routine. It was a ‘holy interruption.’

Are you ready to be interrupted in your daily routine? Will your heart's posture recognize a God interruption during this busy Christmas season? God has a way of getting our attention.
Notice that part of the angels’ song was,”on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Oh, how desperately we need peace in our world, but peace begins in the human heart.
Even as Jesus told His disciples, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

The peace of God comes only to those ‘on whom His favor rests.’ God’s favor, His extravagant undeserved grace comes to those who are ready to receive it and allow it to change their lives.
When the Christ that was born in the manger is born in our hearts we will then truly experience His satisfying peace and favor.

The babe in the manger grew up to suffer and willingly give His life to show His incredible love to you! He came to have a relationship with you. Take the Christ out of the manger and allow Him to take up His rightful place in your heart. When you do He’ll wrap His arms around you and let you know how much he loves YOU! Now, go out and share the 'good news' to a world who really needs it!

Merry Christmas and May You Experience His Shalom This Season,

Mark