The Cradle and the Cross

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The Christmas season is once again upon us. The hustle and bustle of last-minute preparations, presents and planning seem to monopolize our time. Yet as I sit and ponder both the reality and meaning of this season, I wonder if we have fallen into the trap of the busyness and gift-giving, that we have forgotten what makes this season so great. I’m not against giving gifts and planning our gatherings with friends and family, frankly I love these aspects of this season. But I would like to take a moment, in between the phone calls, keystrokes and internet searches to direct our minds toward “the Gift”—the Greatest Gift ever given in the history of mankind.

Unfortunately, in many ways, Christmas has been hijacked by some reindeer who supposedly can fly, pulling a sleigh filled with presents to be delivered to every “good” child in the world, in one evening, being driven by a jolly old man, who clearly has had one too many cookies, dressed in a red suit, who slides down chimneys to deliver presents even in homes with no chimneys. Quite a believable story, right?!

Somehow, in many homes, this story has replaced the story of the birth of the Child born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. The story of the Greatest Gift ever given. The story of grace and mercy, hope and love. The story of humility and sacrifice. The story of the God of heaven looking down upon His creation and sending His Son to be the Gift of life to a lost and dying world. This amazing story is the story of Christmas. It is the story of the cradle and the cross.

“Cradle” and “Cross” — What do these words mean to you? A cradle brings memories to parents of the early days with their children. Memories of anticipation of “what this child will become” among the sleepless nights and delirious questioning of my own abilities as a parent handling this great responsibility. The cradle is a picture of innocence and expectation. The cross, on the other hand, brings to mind pain and suffering, torture and death.

How can these two words be brought together especially in the context of Christmas? Truth be told, the greatest story the world has ever known is wrapped up in these words, of innocence and expectation, of pain and suffering, torture and death.

These two words, when boiled down reveal a profound contrast yet powerful and life-giving reality. The cradle is a picture of new life while the cross is a picture of death. As we consider the cradle and the cross, we see the true reason for this Christmas season—it is all about CHRIST.

The story unfolds as the angel Gabriel comes to Mary, a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph.

And the angel said unto her, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. ”—Luke 1:30-33

Talk about anticipation and the weight of responsibility this announcement brings. Yet Mary humbly responds as a willing servant, saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38).

Next, we find Joseph struggling with the news of his pregnant fiancé and what he should do.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she [Mary] shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.”—Matthew 1:20-21

I remember back to those days as I was anticipating the birth of our first child. The thoughts of this soon-coming responsibility of fatherhood, at times, were heavy and oppressive. I can only imagine what went through Joseph’s mind as he hears this announcement. I’m sure to some degree, this put Joseph’s mind at ease, yet he too has just received a heavenly announcement, filled with anticipation, being weighted down with the greatest responsibility—“I will be raising the One who will save His people from their sins?” But yet, without delay, he obediently took these steps of faith.

In the second chapter of Luke, additional characters are brought into this narrative. The anticipation finally reaches a crescendo with the birth of this Child, followed by more angels, this time singing and praising God, making a heavenly announcement of the birth of the Lamb of God to some lowly shepherds.

And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”—Luke 2:10-12

The cradle is the focus of the first act in this Christmas narrative while in the second act the curtain opens revealing the purpose for this cradle as the cross takes centerstage.

One of my favorite Christmas hymns was written by Ron Hamilton titled, “Born to Die.” The message of the third verse with the chorus sums up the message of the Cradle and Cross.

From His throne Jesus came, laid aside Heaven’s fame
In exchange for the cross of Calvary;
For my gain suffered loss, for my sin He bore the cross—
He was wounded and I was set free.
Born to die upon Calvary, Jesus suffered my sin to forgive;
Born to die upon Calvary, He was wounded that I might live.

In these words we see the cradle and the cross. The cross cast its shadow over the cradle as Jesus was born and laid in the manger. This was the purpose for which Christ was born—He was born to die. Remember the angel’s words to Joseph, “And [Mary] shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins”?

Jesus was born so that He could die. This sounds quite depressing as far as stories go. Clearly this wasn’t written for any awards or block-buster movie deals. Up until this point it captivates our attention. It is filled with twists and turns that make for a good story yet at this point many choose to disembark this story train—Jesus was born so that He could die! See, if the story ended here then I would agree but give it a chance, keep on reading and see how this story is for you. The great reality is that Christ’s death was not the stories’ end but a pivotal moment within the narrative of Christ’s provision for our salvation. It was part of the process of securing our salvation. The cross is empty and so is the tomb as it could not hold Him. Christ has conquered death and has risen from the grave, just as He said He would (Matthew 16:21).

The purpose for which Christ came to this earth was to die, to pay the penalty for our sin—which He did. BUT then He rose again the third day, claiming victory over death leaving the tomb empty as evidence of a risen, living Savior.

Don’t overlook the journey from the cradle to the cross. Stop and look upon the empty cross and see all the suffering Christ bore on your behalf. Then keep going from that tree to the tomb. Again, stop and look inside and see Him there no more and rejoice for He lives! But there is more…continue on from the grave to the glorious mount as He ascended, returning to the Father.

From the cradle to the cross we see how Christ lived as a perfect Example and He died as a perfect Sacrifice. In that He triumphs over the tomb, we see that He lives as a conquering King and He saves as a perfect SAVIOR.

Remember that there is a Christ in CHRISTmas for a reason. HE is the REASON for this season. Celebrate HIM as the Greatest Gift ever given. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus], that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Because of Christ’s death on the cross, we can enjoy the cradle of a new birth in Christ—a life with Christ that never ends—a life with Him here on this earth and in heaven for eternity.

Do you have a relationship with Christ? Have you received this Greatest Gift that is eternal life? Consider Christ’s words to a religious man searching for answers about life. Jesus answered and said unto him, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again [from above], he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) The Bible says elsewhere, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Have you responded to Christ when He says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest [peace]” (Matthew 11:28). Christ’s invitation demands a response. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) “But as many as received Him [JESUS], to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:” (John 1:12)

If you haven’t placed your faith and trust in CHRIST alone for salvation won’t you consider doing that today? This Christmas enjoy the Greatest Gift ever given—His name is JESUS. He will never fail you for in Him alone is contentment, peace, joy, and love that truly transcends all understanding. In Him alone is true life that never ends.

Join with me this Christmas season and make JESUS the center—put CHRIST at the center of your CHRISTmas.

For more information, consider reading “How do I get to heaven?” and
“God Loves You!”

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Christmas Sunday Worship—To go or not to go? That is the question!

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This year, Christmas Day falls on a Sunday. Are you planning on taking your family to church this Christmas Day?

For those who have been eternally blessed by the greatest Christmas Gift ever given, here are a few questions to prayerfully consider in light of Christmas Sunday. PLEASE PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER THESE!

  1. The reason for the season: When we cancel church services on Christmas Sunday or choose to stay home, are we, as Christians showing that JESUS is truly the REASON for the SEASON? What then are we showing is most important about Christmas?

In the gospel of Matthew we read, “And she [Mary] shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The reason for this season is the gift of the Gospel—the Good News of salvation to those who place their faith and trust in this “Jesus,” the One who saves people from the penalty of their sin.

  1. The value we are placing: What are we showing that we value? How do we show that we value our Savior when we cancel Christmas Sunday service or choose to stay home on the day we claim to celebrate His birth? What value are we placing on Christ?

The value of Christ is spiritual life to those who place their faith in His perfect sacrifice on their behalf. Attending Christmas Sunday service then is a bold statement to an observing world that Christ is supreme over all that is precious to us.

  1. The message we are sending: What message are we sending to our children and unsaved family members when we choose to stay home instead of going to church just because Christmas falls on a Sunday?

When the message of Christmas is, Christ putting on flesh, dwelling among us in order to one day be our PERFECT SACRIFICE, shouldn’t we take this opportunity to celebrate this message with our church family and also invite others who normally don’t attend church to hear this life-changing message so they can receive the greatest Gift ever given?

  1. The love we are showing: The message of Christmas is the message of God’s amazing love for us displayed through His sacrifice.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus], that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation [the atoning sacrifice] for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

We display what we love through what we are willing to sacrifice. What love are we displaying when we cancel Christmas Sunday or choose to stay home?

Making a sacrifice to go to church to celebrate the birth of our Savior shows the importance that we place upon the first advent of Christ and the purpose for which He came to this earth. It is a way of displaying our love for Christ. After all, our gift of eternal life is the precious gift of the Son. Shouldn’t we show Him how much we love Him?

I want to urge you to consider attending a Bible-believing church this Christmas Sunday and celebrate the birth of the greatest Gift ever given—God’s greatest Gift, the gift of His Son.

“O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!”

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Peace in the Storm

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“When shadows fall and the night covers all, there are things that my eyes cannot see. … When I’m alone and I face the unknown, and I fear what the future may be …”

Hymn: “How Can I Fear” by Ron Hamilton, Majesty Music, 1984

These are such fitting words for such a time as this. Uncertainty looms heavily upon our every thought as though a dark storm cloud has set in. The “What If” monster knocks at our door bringing thoughts of fearful possibility though unrealized. But what if it does happen to me or to someone I love?! How could I ever move on?

What do you do with thoughts like these? What do you do in times like this? What can you do? Do you start to wonder if God is still there? …if He cares or has He just forgotten about you?

This past Sunday, I preached to an empty church. Pews normally filled with laughter and smiles were quiet and cold. Where souls normally sit in anticipation of how God would minister to their hearts, the air was still and lifeless. It is a sign of the time we find ourselves in. I found it difficult to preach God’s precious Word to a camera. What gave me encouragement was knowing that those same faces that normally fill the sanctuary were still there. They were waiting, watching, and listening in anticipation of how God would minister His precious Word to their hearts, albeit through the lens of a screen. I love this privilege that God has given me to minister His Word to souls who love His Word just as much as I do and also to those who need it just as much as I do. I stepped forward—I pressed on… this message of the “Peace in the Storm” is a message of hope and love. It is a message of life and truth. It is a message of calming rest to noisy souls that are faced with uncertainty.

The battlefield of the mind is filled with pathways of thought upon which we have repeatedly walked. These are often debilitating thoughts, tempting us to doubt God’s love and goodness promoting defeat instead of leading us to victory. Far too often, in trials, we find ourselves wandering these heavily worn paths of “what if” questions with no answers.

“What IF” vs. “What IS”

The “What IF” Monster of Terror needs to be replaced with the “What IS” Minister of Truth. The “what if” monster brings a message of fearful unknown possibilities while the “what is” minister brings a message filled with stabilizing realities. The first looks outward in anxious fearfulness while the second looks upward in fearless faith. The first leaves us often paralyzed in doubt and worry leading us to anger and despair, feeling that everything is out of control while the second meets us with hope, encouraging us to press on, trusting the One Who controls the storm.

The second verse and chorus of the hymn, “How Can I Fear” by Ron Hamilton, read,

When I’m alone and I face the unknown, and I fear what the future may be, I can depend on the strength of my Friend—He walks along with me.

How can I fear? Jesus is near. He ever watches over me. Worries all cease; He gives me peace. How can I fear with Jesus?

The Invitation that brings Peace

Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28, when He says,

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Those who “labor” are worn out feeling beaten down by the storms of life. Those who “are heavy laden” are overburdened by the cares and concerns of this life. The seemingly never-ending beatings and burdens of life wear us down. The uncertainty of “when will this end?” or “will I or a loved one get sick?” or any other host of concerns oppress us like a hovering raincloud of cold, dreary darkness.

Those who “labor” are worn out feeling beaten down by the storms of life. Those who “are heavy laden” are overburdened by the cares and concerns of this life. The seemingly never-ending beatings and burdens of life wear us down. The uncertainty of “when will this end?” or “will I or a loved one get sick?” or any other host of concerns oppress us like a hovering raincloud of cold dreary darkness.

This word, “rest,” carries the idea of quietness. It literally means to cease. There is relief in this word similar to the moment you pillow your head at night, exhausted from the day, and you simply breathe out a sigh of relief realizing you made it through another day. When we are being terrorized by the “what if” monster there is no rest—there is no quietness as we strive to make sense of life without God or we seek to control the storm. Jesus is saying that when we receive His invitation, He will give us “rest” because we cease from our efforts of trusting in ourselves as self-sovereigns. In this verse, we see the rest given in salvation. Jesus’ kind of “rest” is found in reliance upon Him. This “rest” can only be enjoyed when someone fully places their faith and trust in Jesus as their Savior. The next verse clarifies that this “rest” is of the soul. To find this “soul rest” is to be free of the burden of the penalty of sin. Notice that this “soul rest” is a gift that cannot be earned.

Paul wrote to the saints in Rome about this precious gift saying,

“For the wages [what is earned because] of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Later in this letter, Paul states,

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

It is important to understand that this relationship with Jesus Christ is where true “soul rest” begins. If you have never placed your faith in Christ alone for your salvation, please consider doing this today.

Jesus stated, the night before He died that He would give His followers His kind of peace. He said,

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

The world’s peace is the absence of conflict or struggle. It is a lack of war where everybody gets along. This would be great but this isn’t what Jesus is speaking of. He understands human nature in that as long as we are filled with pride, demanding our own way, there will always be conflict. Solomon spoke of this in Proverbs 13:10 writing,

“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.”

Jesus speaks of a different, other-world kind of peace. It is a peace that transcends our troubles. It is a peace in midst of our trials. It is a peace that doesn’t make sense as it transcends our ability to understand it.

Notice what Jesus continues to say in His invitation in Matthew 11:29. He says,

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me;” He is saying, “follow My example; for I am meek and lowly in heart.”

Keep in mind that one who is “meek and lowly” is gentle and humble. In contrast to pride, which demands its own way, humility submits to God’s way. It yields to Him as the sovereign authority over one’s life instead of fighting for control.

Do you see the promise Jesus makes to those who yield in obedience; He says, “and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Soul rest is the kind of quiet inner peace that one can have in the midst of any storm. It is an inward tranquility that is not based upon our circumstances but is rooted in the unchanging stabilizing truths of God.

The prophet Isaiah wrote,

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed [or fixed] on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

This soul rest that Jesus speaks of—His kind of peace—comes through diligence in meditating upon Who God is and Who He is to me. This is the kind of peace that Paul speaks of in Philippians 4:6-7 where he calls it “surpassing” or transcendent “peace.”

The Prayer that brings Peace

In these verses he gives us the Biblical principle for peace which contains a precept to be obeyed and a promise that we can enjoy as a result.

He first states the precept that we are to follow in obedience. He says, “Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in everything by prayer [worship] and supplication [attitude of humility] with thanksgiving [attitude of gratitude] let your requests be made known unto God.” Paul tells us to not be anxious about anything but instead, pray about everything. He gives us this pathway of prayer that leads to Jesus’ kind of peace being a reality in our lives.

Notice the order that Paul lays out in this prayer. He first directs us to worship in prayer. Think of the Lord’s prayer where Jesus directs the disciples to begin prayer with worship saying,

“After this manner therefore pray ye: ‘Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.’ ” (Matthew 6:9)

The profound impact of Biblical prayer is that it redirects our worship as it takes our eyes off of our circumstances and places them on our Almighty Creator Who sovereignly rules and reigns in righteousness. This prayer leads us to bow in humble worship in submission to our God Who

“is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us,” (Ephesians 3:20)

We are to then pray with thankfulness which has a view of the past, present, and future. In this, we are reminded to be “thankful” for Who God is and what He had done for us while encouraging us to be “thankful” for what He is going to do through this difficulty that is tempting us to be anxious.

Finally, after our heart is redirected in worship, ruled in submission, and anchored in thankfulness, we are ready to ask—to

“let your requests be made known unto God.”

This helps us to avoid the pitfall of

“ask amiss [with wrong motives], that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:3).

Paul then gives us the promise that we can enjoy when we obey the precept.

“And the peace of God, which [sur]passeth [transcends] all understanding, shall keep [guard] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

This is a beautiful, reassuring promise when we are confronted with the storms of life. The storm is not given to destroy us but to draw us closer to our great God. These trials and tribulations of life are meant to display the greatness of our God as He provides for our needs and He carries us through. It is God’s desire for us that we would enjoy His transcendent peace while the storm is raging.

Remember: to know God is to know peace.

William Cowper wrote, “God moves in a mysterious way! His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm!

Hymn: “God moves in a mysterious way” by William Cowper

verse 2: Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill, He treasures us His bright designs and works His sovereign will.

verse 3: Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take! The clouds ye so much dread! Are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head!

verse 4: Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.

verse 5: His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour, the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower!

verse 6: Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter and He will make it plain.”

The times of dark and daunting clouds are the times designed to lead us to joy as they break open and display the mercy and grace of God. The bud may have a bitter taste, but be assured that God desires to replace it with a sweet flower.

During these times “When shadows fall and the night covers all, there are things that my eyes cannot see” we need to heed the command of Paul to be anxious for nothing but pray about everything. Then we will be able to say, “I’ll never fear, for the Savior is near; my Lord abides with me. How can I fear? Jesus is near. He ever watches over me. Worries all cease; He gives me peace. How can I fear with Jesus?”

I’m so grateful for the truths of God’s precious Word! I am also grateful that God has gifted others to write these hymns of praise to minister to our hearts for such a time as this. May our faithful God keep His promise and give you His transcendent peace as you worship Him in humble prayer.

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“EMBRACE THE TRIAL”

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“Why me?” The question often asked, when confronted with a trial.
But is this the right one to be asked when facing the upward mile?

“Embrace the trial,” God says to me, “and fight not My design.
My way seems hard, the road unsure when questioning the line.”

“My fight is not with you, my God, but why my path so hard?
My Lord, is this the best for me, Your frail and weary child?”

“Embrace the trial,” my Lord responds, “Surrender to My way.
Truly it’s for your best, you’ll see, My blessings’ on its way.”

“But Lord, this path is quite unclear and only if I knew,
The length of time to see it through I’d surrender all to You!”

“Embrace the trial, my dear child, I want what’s best for you.
I love you more than you can know just trust Me, this is true!”

“But why, O Lord, is this so hard for me to yield to You?
If only but a glimpse of view to bear this burden through.”

And then with loving, gentle voice, the pain He cuts right through,
“My Son will come alive in you when yieldings’ what you do.”

“Look up and see your Savior’s face, and gaze upon My Word,
In time, you’ll be the change I see, committed to your Lord.”

“Look up and see My eyes of grace, I look from up above,
Fear not, My child, the pain you feel is sent because I love.”

“Rejoice! My mercy never fails, enduring to the end,
My grace you’ll find sufficient in humility you bend.”

“The best is not the question ‘Why?’ but better yet, just ‘Who?’
For when you see Me, Who I am, you will surrender too.”

“So, embrace the trial, My dear child, My best is what you’ll see
Beyond the suffering you feel, My Son they soon shall see.”

Read the story behind this poem here as well as other lessons on Embracing the Trial here.

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“Well Done!”

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On March 22, 1996, Mom stepped into the arms of her precious Savior, enjoying His loving embrace. I had seen her the previous night but it was unlike any time before. Instead of feeling her warm and loving embrace, seeing that precious smile and hearing her gentle voice speaking words of love and grace, she lay there almost lifeless—a shell of her former self. She had finished her mission and she was getting ready to stand before her Master. She had one leg of the journey left to take. What was awaiting her was a glorious sight and the gracious sound of her Savior saying, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful. Enter into the joy of thy Lord.” She had “fought the good fight,” she had “finished [her] course,” she had “kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

This answer comes from the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. The message gives us a great challenge to consider as we consider ourselves. As I meditate upon these words in light of the memorial of my mother’s passing I ask the question, “What does ‘well done’ mean?” As the master commended his servant with these words, he described his servant by saying that he was “good and faithful.” In this passage, the word “good” speaks of being beneficial, profitable and useful. The word “faithful” speaks of being trustworthy. The master commends his servant for being “good” because of his usefulness, being profitable to the cause of his master. He also was commended for being “faithful” as he showed himself to be trustworthy in obedience to his master’s commands. Following this phrase, “good and faithful,” the master says, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things.” The “few things” are the “five talents” that he had been given the responsibility of. This servant had proved that he was faithful and could be trusted to execute the commands his master had given him. He simply did was his master would have done if he had done it himself.

The next question that comes to my mind is, “Am I being a ‘good and faithful servant’?”

Thinking back on mom’s life I see a “good and faithful servant.” She was a “good and faithful” wife who sacrificially loved my dad. They were a great team, working together to be “good and faithful” in their God-given responsibilities. Mom was a “good and faithful” mother, raising us children with sacrificial love often putting our needs in front of her own. We knew that we were loved.

Alongside my father, she was also a “good and faithful” missionary, advancing the cause of her Master, Jesus Christ, as they took the Gospel to the Banwaon (ban-wa-own) people located in the mountains of Mindanao, Philippines. These people had never heard of Jesus Christ until dad and mom stepped out in obedience to God’s call for them to go and take His most precious Word—the message of the hope of eternal life—to a group of people living in fearful bondage. They practiced animism, worshipping the evil spirits and sacrificing animals to them. Now, these same people are free, living with great joy instead of great fear. They also, enjoy a relationship with Jesus as they seek to live as “good and faithful” servants advancing the cause of their new Master Jesus.

Mom was also “good and faithful” as she taught these people how to read and write in their own language, which up to that point had been an unwritten language. Today, they can read the very Word of God and soon will have their own copy of the New Testament in their own language thanks to the tireless efforts of Albert and Lynne, other “good and faithful” servants of the Lord and others before them.

One of our prayer cards

As I look back on Mom’s life, I am grateful to God! He gave me the privilege of being raised and cared for by my parents—these “good and faithful” servants of God. I realize that, with these words, Mom sounds like a saint who never did anything wrong. The truth is, she was a just like us flawed souls making mistakes and needing to trust God at every turn. During her last couple of years of her life, she would lay in bed weakened by cancer and I would quietly go into her room and kneel down beside her bed. In these moments she would often say, “I’m just a dumb sheep.” This wasn’t a statement of discouragement but the reality of someone who knew that there were more areas of their life that needed to be addressed. She knew that she had flaws. She knew that she had so much to learn. But she also knew her Shepherd. She knew that He loved and cared for her. She knew the reality of His love as her Good Shepherd carried her “through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4), knowing there was something beyond the suffering she was enduring as He was carrying her “through” this valley. Because of this truth, she was able to rest in Him—she “feared no evil”—because she knew her Shepherd was ever-present carrying her “through,” providentially orchestrating the details of her trial, her pain, her suffering. She knew “Who” her Shepherd was! She knew that He gave His life for her in the greatest demonstration of love as He paid the penalty for her sins (Romans 5:8). He was not only her Shepherd but also her Savior.

Some time ago I heard a poem by Linda Ellis called “The Dash,” which speaks of the little line between the dates of our birth and death. This little “dash” represents our life and how we are living it. She writes, “For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.”

During the 19 years that I had the privilege of knowing Mom, I can honestly say that she spent her “dash” well. She was a “good and faithful servant” who sought no glory for herself but glory for her Savior—her Master Jesus Christ. The “proof is in the pudding” as they say. Her fingerprints of memories, of how she touched the lives of others, remind us of how she “lived and loved and how she spent her dash.” We give testimony of her tenderness, her grace, and love and most importantly how much she loved her Savior and wanted others to know His love as well.

Mom was “good and faithful” because she was useful to her Master. She was trustworthy with the responsibilities that He had given her. She was profitable to the cause of Christ.

God has called His followers to be “salt” and “light” in the world (Matthew 5:13-14). The Bible tells us that He “works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). His “good pleasure” for each of us is to be good image-bearers reflecting His light to the world in which we live.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”—Matthew 5:16

God desires to use those who are receptive to His working in them to influence others to respond in kind. God has placed within each of our lives those whose fingerprints remind and encourage us to look outside ourselves seeking to show kindness, blessing others.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted [compassionate], forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”—Ephesians 4:32

With this thought in mind, my reflections turn inward asking, “Father, can I look forward to hearing, ‘Well done: thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful’? Am I living a life that points people to Christ and His love? Do others see me living and loving and spending my dash to Your glory? Am I being “good and faithful” in my service to You?”

How about you? How are you spending your dash? Are you seeking to live a life of God-honoring praise? When you stand before your Maker, will you hear the words, “Well done: thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord?”

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“Embrace the Trial” – Part 8

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Understanding more of the “What” Question – “Embracing ‘What’ God Delights In”

Understanding Who God is leads to knowing what He desires of me, but also what He delights in. Right knowledge leads to right living. With the privilege of knowing God comes the responsibility of obeying God. A proper understanding of Who God is should lead us to ask the contrary question to the natural question: we naturally ask “Why me?” while God desires us to ask the question, “Why not me?”—ultimately, “What are you seeking to teach me?” A right understanding of God’s purpose leads us to see our ministry through the trial and continues after the trial’s conclusion. This truth should encourage us to embrace the trial even more. We are to “comfort [others] which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

God’s desire is that we would live a life according to our design of bringing Him glory (1 Corinthians 10:31; Revelation 4:11). As we seek to understand the what question, we seek to embrace the ministry of the trial as we embrace what God desires. Now let us consider the what question further and seek to embrace what God delights in by embracing God’s leading us in His way.

I looked back through what I had journaled during those first days, back in July of 2017. In my devotions I was reminded of Psalm 37 which blossomed into a time of great encouragement and hopefulness, rich with meaningful purpose. It was like a road map was laid out before me, showing me the pathway through this temptation rich battlefield of the mind. This became clear as I read that

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23

David tells us that the Lord “delights” in the way of the “good man.” I knew that I wanted the Lord to delight in the way that I would take through this trial, but how? How could I be someone whom my God delights in, especially as I anticipate the unknown twists and turns of this path that is before me? The more I studied this passage the more the Lord began to peel back the layers unfolding the powerful and transforming truths.

Near the end of the chapter David writes,

“Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.”— Psalm 37:37

What jumps out to me here is that “the end” or outcome “of that man”—the “perfect” and “upright man”—“is peace.” This catches my attention because this was exactly what I needed. I needed peace—God’s kind of transcendent peace—the kind that doesn’t make sense given the circumstance (Philippians 4:7).

I see that I am commanded to “mark the perfect man” and I am also to “behold the upright.” These words, “mark” and “behold,” carry the idea seeing such value that we pay close attention so as to learn from them and follow their example. I believe the “good man” from verse 23 is the same as the “perfect and upright man.” The Lord “orders” or makes his steps firm because he is submissive to the Lord’s leading. The “good man” is marked by humility and dependency in obedience to the commands of God’s Word. This is the “way” of peace that God “delights in.”

Let us consider the commands of Psalm 37 starting with the first. Psalm 37 begins with a negative command—don’t do this! David writes, “Fret not thyself…” (verse 1). This word “fret” carries the ides of getting consumed with anxiety and anger over something that we have little or no control over. The reality is that a trial gives us plenty of things to “fret” over. The “what if” monster seems to peak around every corner tempting us to doubt God’s goodness, love and leading. We can begin to fret about an endless number of things that can draw us away from God instead of drawing us into greater dependence upon Him through His Word—His stabilizing truths. This fretful way is the way of inner turmoil and conflict, instability and fear. It is NOT the way that God delights in.

So how then do we obey this command and keep from “fretting”? Encouraging ourselves to “not fret” is an effort in futility for it keeps reminding us what we are not supposed to be doing while we are trying not to do it. I find that my mind gets stuck in painfully contorted positions as I perform all different kinds of mental gymnastics—it is a vicious cycle that has a snowball effect which only makes my situation worse.

The beauty of God’s Word is that when we find a negative command we often find positive commands and promises to help us obey the negative ones. So how do we learn to “fret not”? Read on in the chapter and find the positive commands—the “do this” commands. Pay attention to the “good man” and see what he is marked by so as to learn from him.

The “good man” of Psalm 37 is submissive to the Lord’s leading by being obedient to His commands. He is a good steward of God’s leading. Here in Psalm 37 we see five specific marks of the “good man” who is a good steward of God’s leading. What I find fascinating is how each one builds upon the other similar to the process of building a house.

Be STABLE—“TRUST in the Lord.”

The first mark of a “good man” is found in verse 3 where we see his STABILITY. This first positive command is to “TRUST in the Lord.” In the building process we must begin with a solid foundation. This word, “trust,” speaks of a deep abiding reliance. Trusting is calmly confiding in Him. It is being at peace, knowing the Biblical revelation of God. These truths will stabilize the soul. This command is rooted in the character of God—knowing Who He is. The truths of God are foundational to a life that God delights in. As I consider the pathway of this trial, I can be sure that His way is trustworthy only when I know Who He is. I must learn more about God in order to trust Him so as to be led by Him. The “good man’s” way is marked by a mind that is stabilized in the Lord because he knows that he can trust Him.

Be SATISFIED—“DELIGHT thyself in the Lord.”

The second mark is found in verse 4 where we see his satisfaction. This command is to “DELIGHT thyself in the Lord.” Our trusting God—being stabilized in Him—leads to being satisfied in Him. Often this verse is used to explain the means by which we get what we want from God. This is not the way to get your hands upon God’s provision, but instead how you get your heart where God’s purpose is. When I know that God’s way is motivated by His unconditional love for me, desiring my best for His glory, I can find my satisfaction in Him.

This satisfaction comes from saturation—being saturated with God’s Word as my mind is renewed in Christ. This process changes our desires, bringing them in line with God’s desires. A right attitude transforms our delight in trials.

“Count it all joy when ye fall into [various trials] knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”—James 1:2-3

Rejoice in Him and His righteous and loving way. Rejoice knowing that this is the good way—that God will use this to “work all things together for good” to conform me into the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:28-29). The “good man’s” way is marked by a heart that is satisfied in the Lord because he is saturated with His Word.

Be SURRENDERED—“COMMIT thy works unto the Lord.”

The third mark is found in verse 5 where we see his surrender. This command is to “COMMIT thy works unto the Lord.” The idea of this word “commit” is to roll a burden onto something that you believe can carry the weight. I must know Him in order to trust Him with the burdens of my life. The idea here is that of surrendering my heart, yielding my desires to Him—surrendering to His leading. The more I know Him the more I can see that His ways are always best. His way is the perfect way.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”—Isaiah 55:8-9

The command to “trust in the Lord” is to surrender our thoughts, bringing them in line with God’s thoughts which leads to obedience. In the book of Proverbs, we see a precept and a promise. The precept is, “Commit thy works unto the Lord” while the promise is, “and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3). We must surrender our way to the Father and He will stabilize our thoughts. The “good man’s” way is marked by steps that are surrendered to the Lord because he sees, with the eye of faith, that God’s way is best. This is the way that God delights in because it is His way.

Be STILL—“REST in the Lord.”

The fourth mark is found in verse 7 where we see his stillness. This command is “REST in the Lord.” The idea of this word “rest” is that of quietness. “Be still” before the Lord, knowing that He alone is God (Psalm 46:10). My resting is based upon my trusting, knowing Who my God is.

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.”—2 Peter 1:2

It is because of WHO I know that I can be still. As I commit my way to the Lord my burdens are lifted and I can rest being still in perfect trust even though the storm still rages. The “good man’s” way is marked by a mind that is still before the Lord, no longer fighting for his own way, because he knows and trusts his God.

Be SUBMISSIVE—“WAIT upon the Lord.”

The fifth mark is found in verse 34 where we see his submission. This command is – “WAIT upon the Lord” (v. 34) – “Waiting” carries the idea of patient confidence. Whereas our surrender is to cease from fighting for our way, submission is intentionally bringing our way under God’s way. Our trusting the Lord is evidenced in our submission to His will and His way, knowing that His timing is perfect. I must wait in submission for His process to come to fruition to complete God’s intended purposes. The “good man’s” way is marked by a soul in submission to the Lord because he is trusting that God’s way is best as he yields to God’s control.

Obedience to these five positive commands enable us to “fret not.” They enable us to be still though the storms of the trial rages all around. Though the circumstances remain unchanged our heart can rest. This is the way that the Lord delights in.

“So, embrace the trial, My dear child, My best is what you’ll see,Beyond the suffering you feel, My Son they soon shall see.”

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Embrace the Trial – Part 7

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Understanding the “What” Question – “Embracing‘What’ God Desires”

The “Who” question leads us to the “What” question. Understanding more of Who God is brings us to the place of seeing our trial through the lens of Scripture from God’s perspective. From His vantage point we can begin to see what He desires—what He desires us to do.

Looking back on the days immediately following my Emergency Room visit, I lay in bed trying to come to grips with what exactly was taking place. During those first few days the Lord was challenging me to embrace the ministry of this trial. This tends to be a foreign concept in the way that we naturally think. The reality is that these custom designed trials are meant to impact far more than just the one it was specifically designed for. God seeks to use our personal trials in the lives of others as we seek to be used of God to minister to them. Consider Paul’s words to the saints at Corinth when he writes,

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”—2 Corinthians 1:3-4

A ministry to others?! I admit that in the throws of a trial this can be quite a challenge to wrap our minds around but I have found that there is a tremendous blessing in embracing the ministry of this trial. The Lord has given me a hope beyond simply enduring this trial—just trying to make it to the end. The reality is that, what if there is no end? What if these health struggles are God’s providential path for me to walk for the duration of my life? Simply enduring this trial would be unbearably frustrating and discouraging. I am convinced that God’s desire is NOT that we endure our trials but truly embrace them for our best and for His glory. To simply endure a trial is resignation to a never-ending reality while embracing the trial sees the value of the trial.

To simply endure the trial takes on a mindset that this is being done “to” me while embracing the trial takes on the mindset that this is being done “for” me.

I remember that I had many questions in those first few days, yet one overarching certainty was that God had a purpose in all of this (Romans 8:28-29). From this truth the Lord laid on my heart this purpose statement.

“Embrace the trial, that I may KNOW Him and GLORIFY Him.”

It was within these first few days I was drawn to the book of Job, finding this study to be both exhausting and refreshing. I sought to plumb the depths of truth in this Biblical account of Job’s suffering and was reminded that God’s desire for each of us is to respond in worship when confronted with adversity. It is true that there are certain lessons that can only be learned in the schoolhouse of suffering. Even still, I believe it is imperative to seek to learn all that we can through the trials that others go through. From Job’s experience, one of the precious truths the Lord has shown me, is how the Godly man responds to adversity—He worships! (Job 1:20-22; Job 2:10). This clearly stems from his right view of God. The book of Job shows us a wonderful example of God’s desire for us to ask the right questions in our trials. Job responds incredibly well, in fact, extremely well when he is confronted first, with the loss of all his possessions and his children (Job 1) and secondly, with the loss of his health (Job 2). In both instances he falls down and worships the Lord. This is a Godly example that we all should strive to emulate.

As I stated in part 2, “I genuinely believe that when we learn to look at our trials in the light of Who God is and what His purpose for our trial is, we will then embrace our trials, understanding that they are for our best and for His glory.” Although these trials often come with great difficulty, we must seek to never lose sight of God’s praiseworthy purpose that Peter speaks of in his first epistle.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”—1 Peter 1:7

Through the trials of life, God’s desire for each of us is to respond to adversity in worship, giving Him glory, not only as an initial response but consistently and faithfully even as the trial wears on.

The purpose statement—“Embrace the trial, that I may know Him and glorify Him”—contains both a command, a purpose, but also a privilege. Obedience to the command to “embrace the trial” leads to the privilege of knowing the greatness of our God more intimately which guides us to the purpose of glorifying our heavenly Father more consistently. Embracing the trial is a spiritually maturing process. The more I learn about Who my heavenly Father is, the more I will grow in His grace and be more inclined to surrender to His perfect plan for me. This is a way of worship which glorifies Him.

Consider our Savior in the days leading up to His crucifixion. The shadow of the cross looms larger and darker over His path with each step He takes to fulfill His foreordained rescue mission He was sent from heaven to accomplish. He understands the full extent of the agony He would endure as He is to be crushed in this looming crucible of affliction. He embraces the reason for this mission, knowing each soul whose sin He will bear but also each soul whom He would save (Hebrews 12:2).

As He anticipates this impending suffering in sacrifice He does not, even for a single moment, rebel against the will of His Father. It is under this weight that He speaks these words;

“Now is My soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify Thy name”— John 12:27-28a

He embraced the trial because He knew His Father and desired to glorify Him at all costs.

Christ asks the question, “Should I ask to be delivered from this hour—this crucible of affliction?” The very reason for which He came to this earth was to walk this path of humiliating suffering; to die the cross-like death; to bear the sins of the world as our Chief Substitute; and to endure the wrath of a just and holy God against the sin of the world. He came to “seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10) and glorify His Father with each step of obedience He took to complete this rescue mission.

The question He asks brings a startling rebuke to my own heart as I consider the thought of refusing what God says is best for me. The Father had determined Christ’s painful path and He has also providentially determined my path. Should I say, “Father, save me from this hour—this trial”? Jesus’ heart’s desire was that His Father would be glorified at any and all costs. Nothing was too great a sacrifice to see His Father magnified. As a recipient of God’s amazing grace and mercy and object of His immeasurable love, should my desire be any different?

What then will be my response? When I surrender daily to God’s Word, “grace and peace [are] multiplied unto [me] through the knowledge of God” (2 Peter 1:2). These transforming truths—knowing the heart of my heavenly Father Who has lovingly designed this path for me brings me to respond, “Father, glorify Thy name”! When I take on the mind and heart of my Savior and follow His example of obedience, my response will be, “Father, glorify Thy name”!

This journey is marked by mountains and valleys. It is marked by paths riddled with twists and turns, with paths that seemingly have no end, accompanied by temptations to doubt the purposes of God. With each step I must, in reliance upon God’s Spirit, remember that this path is one that leads to heights of truth that only this trial will bring me. Yet on this journey the Lord has also brought me to depths where I have seen the heights of the mountains of truth before me. The perspective is different in the valley. From the valley these truths seem even more transcendent as if reaching to the heavens from which they come.

I must embrace both the beautiful sights from the mountain top as well as the beauty of God’s perspective in the valley below.

What then is the path that will bring my heavenly Father the most glory? What opportunities are laid out before me—opportunities to display God-honoring attitudes and actions—opportunities to speak God-honoring words and think God-honoring thoughts? On this foreordained journey laden with obstacles and opportunities how will I respond? I must learn to allow God’s all-sufficient grace to be a practical reality in my life. I must daily surrender, intentionally letting Christ’s “strength [to be] made perfect in [my] weakness.” Then and only then can I begin to echo Paul’s words saying,

“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”— 2 Corinthians 12:9b

Through this process the Lord shows Himself mighty and will advance His kingdom through my story. This is an amazing thought to consider.

Do you find yourself in a similar narrative of difficulty with different characters and circumstances? How are you responding? Let me remind you, of what I so often need to be reminded of myself.

Know somethings about God

Know that our loving God in His sovereignty (His absolute control) and His all-wise providence (His purpose and plan to complete that purpose) allows all things to take place at their exact moment in time. The problem is that we want to be in control having things done when and how we want. Yet as we learn to wait on God, because of Who He is and Who He is to each of us personally, we will then see that all things are done at their beautiful and right time and we can truly rest quietly while we are waiting.

Do something about what you know

Embrace the process as you see it from to God’s vantage point. Refrain from simply enduring the process for with this mindset we miss so much of what God intends for us to learn—truths that we will only learn when we truly see the worth of the trial and therefore reach out and whole-heartedly embrace it.

When I know and trust Who God is—that He will not make this suffering last any longer than is necessary and that He desires my best for His glory—I can submit and wait for His perfect time to complete the process. Again, this is a continual, repeated exercise of the mind as I daily re-embrace the trial that God in His loving providence and sovereignty has custom designed for me.

When “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear,” fret or fold. For as we learn to trust the Lord and let Him be our “refuge and strength” we can “be still” because we “know that [He is] God,” we see the reality of His trustworthiness. The result is that He will be “exalted” and glorified in and through our trial (Psalm 46:1-2a,10). This is what God desires.

“So, embrace the trial, My dear child, My best is what you’ll see, Beyond the suffering you feel, My Son they soon shall see.”

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Christ’s Walk of Love

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Nearly 2,000 years ago Jesus met with His disciples in the Upper Room. He ate with them, communed and fellowshipped with them, and served them. He loved them in such a selfless way that it simply is hard to take in. He ministered to their aching souls as they were overwhelmed with the thought of what they were about to lose.

When I consider His actions and words during this time, I find it helpful to consider the context. His selfless love transcends my understanding. Jesus fully knew what He would endure over the course of the next few hours, yet His heart was set to take each obedient step moving closer to cross. Each step was one of submission, love and sacrifice as He walked in the shadow of the cross. This shadow loomed, oppressing His every step, yet each step was filled with love—love for His Father and love for every soul, whose sins He would carry to the cross. Every soul who would betray Him, deny Him, reject Him, beat and mock Him.

His message to His disciples that night was one of selfless love as He sought to prepare them for what would come that night and, in the days, and years to come. His message is still one of selfless love preparing us for this life of faith. His prayer in John 17 further displays His amazing love as He prays for His disciples, but He also prays for those who would believe.

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.”—John 17:20

One of the steps that Jesus took was to pray for me the night before He died! This is true for anyone who has placed their faith and trust in Him alone for their salvation as well as anyone else who will do the same. This is hard for me to comprehend. At a time when He was about to endure the greatest agony any human has ever endured, He was thinking about others—He was thinking about those whom He would save.

Again, the oppressive, looming shadow of the cross was casting its darkness upon every step He took. Christ knew full well what was wrapped up in this sacrifice. He knew the extent of the physical suffering—the agonizing pain He would endure by bearing all of mankind’s sin upon Himself on that cruel cross. He knew, to the fullest degree, the excruciating emotional suffering of being forsaken by all those He loved as well as the social suffering of being mocked and scorned by the very people who would facilitate His death. Keep in mind that, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.”[1]

But most of all He knew the spiritual suffering that awaited Him as His eternal fellowship with His Father would be severed for a time. You can hear it in His words upon the cross, as He cries out, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is to say, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”[2]  The fellowship and communion that He had enjoy from eternity past would now be broken because of sin that would be placed upon Him.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”—Isaiah 53:6

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”—2 Corinthians 5:21

This is such an amazing reality! Meditate upon the fact that God the Father would love His sinful creation enough to send us His greatest Gift—the Son—in order to meet our greatest need—our sin deabt.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus], that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16

Continue that thought and consider the fact that God the Son would love us to the degree that He was willing to take our sin upon Himself—to become sin for us, dying a shameful death upon our cross, as our Substitute. He did this so that we could enjoy His righteousness and life eternal in a loving relationship with our Creator. He was sent to be “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”[3] and He became the sacrificed Lamb of God providing life eternal for those who believe.

The One who never sinned became “sin for us” so that we could be made righteous in Him. The awe and wonder of this Gift of God is that through the death of Christ, He was seen by God just as we are so that we could be seen by God just as He is. This is a truth that floods my soul with unspeakable joy and peace that surpasses my understanding. Jesus Christ walked this path for me! He was crucified for me! He was forsaken by the Father for me! The amazing truth is that Jesus endured this death and separation from the Father so that I would never have to experience the same. This is love beyond degree.

Take a walk with me from the Upper Room to the Tomb. This is a journey through the pages of Scripture as we follow Christ on His walk of love. On this path you will see the tragedy of your sin and His triumphant selflessness on your behalf as your Substitute.

We begin in the Upper Room, watching as He selflessly serves His disciples by washing their feet[4]. Listen to Him as He teaches them to love others[5] as He prepares them for the trials before them. Walk with Him on His way to Gethsemane and hear His call to abide in Him as a branch abides in the vine[6]. Listen to His prayer to His Father[7] and see His heart of love for those who were with Him[8] as well as those who would believe in Him[9]. Spend time with Him in the garden watching Him in agony as He submits His will to the Father[10]. Listen to an approaching mob and see the glow of lanterns against the darkened night[11]. See the great “I Am”[12] betrayed with a kiss from a “friend”[13] for a meager 30 pieces of silver[14]. Instead of standing with Him, like you said you would, you run in fear.

Gaining courage once again you follow the mob as they take Him to be tried and condemned. Stand with Peter in fearful denial that you even know Jesus[15]. See the false witnesses brought against Him[16], the repeated physical assaults upon Him[17], the mocking and scorn deriding Him[18]. See a guilty criminal released while an innocent man is condemned[19]. Stand by as they mercilessly flog Him in preparation for crucifixion[20], yet you do nothing but watch being paralyzed with fear.

Follow Him as a cross is placed upon His back[21], a cross not His own but deserving of the one following His every step on this walk of love. As He stumbles under this burden you are forced to help. See before you, Mount Calvary, the place of a skull[22]. See Him as they nail Him to your cross. Listen to the last words of this dying man. Hear Him ask forgiveness for those before Him[23]. Hear His heart of compassion for His mother’s provision in His absence[24]. See the mocking and scorn continue by those around Him[25] and those crucified with Him[26] yet hear Him offer salvation to the repentant thief beside Him[27]. Hear His triumphant words, “It is finished!”[28] as He dismisses His life from His ravaged body[29]. Walk with Joseph and Nicodemus as they take His body and prepare it for burial and place Him in a borrowed tomb[30].

You begin to walk away, but where will you go? You notice your blood-stained hands, realizing that although you helped carry the cross, it was your cross that He bore for you. Your blood-stained hands remind you of your culpability in His death[31]. With this reality you drop to your knees trembling at the thought of all the pain and suffering your sin brought upon Jesus.

This journey from the Upper Room to the Tomb has left you emotionally and physically exhausted with all hope gone. As you take a few moments to regain the strength to walk again, the words that Jesus spoke flood your mind but you can’t seem to make sense of any of them. In despair you slowly find your way home.

The time slowly inches by with sleepless nights. Yet as Sunday morning dawns you find the courage to make your way back to the tomb. Looking for the dead among the dead you find the tomb opened and empty[32]. Looking around you see something strange and then you hear the voice of this angel ask, “Why seek ye the living among the dead?[33] He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.[34]”

With those words you turn in disbelief only to see a Man who calls you by name[35], your eyes are opened and now you finally see and believe. Your despair and disbelief fade replaced by unspeakable joy that floods your soul. He truly is alive, just as He had said!

This walk of love, as you followed Jesus, brings sorrow and joy. You witnessed your sinful actions against your Savior yet with each step He took you see that they were filled with love—love for you! You saw His submission and sacrifice, taking your sin to your cross and paying the death you owed. Now you stand before the One that now lives again who conquered your sin and death. With a loving embrace your sorrow turns to joy, knowing the forgiveness of sin through faith in the shed blood of your Savior. Your sorrow brings you to the cross but with joy you leave the tomb. The cross is not the end! An empty tomb is just the beginning. A risen Savior calls you to action. Spread the Good News, He has conquered sin and death! He is risen, just as He said He would!

Question: Where does the reality of Christ’s walk of love bring you? What thoughts begin to flood your soul? As you consider the magnitude of Christ’s suffering for your sin, does it awaken a sorrow for that sin? My desire is not to condemn you or shame you but to encourage you to see the price that Jesus paid for your sin. From there, see all that He was willing to go through because of the magnitude of His love. See what He was willing to give up for you and me. See how much He values your soul.

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.”—1 Peter 3:18

Once we begin to sorrow over our sin, in seeing what it did to Jesus, don’t stop there. Let it move you to unspeakable joy in seeing what Jesus accomplished for you, knowing the transcendent peace of a right relationship with Christ. He died to set you free! His sacrifice is a gift of eternal life.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”—Romans 6:23

Just like any gift, it does you no good until you receive it and open it. The same is true with God’s Gift.

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”—John 1:12

God’s greatest Gift—Jesus Christ and His perfect sacrifice—is received by placing your trust in Him alone for your salvation. Acknowledge your sin and that His sacrifice paid your sin-debt in full.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”—Romans 10:13

If you currently are not trusting in Jesus alone for your salvation, would you consider doing this today. Consider Christ’s walk of love for you and embrace His love, knowing He died for you so that you could enjoy eternal life in a relationship with your Creator. Call upon Him to save you by trusting in His perfect sacrifice for you. Then walk with Jesus in newness of life!

For those of you who claim Jesus as your Savior, rejoice! for He is risen just as He said He would. Share this Good News of what Jesus has done for you. Live a life of worship that honors Him and brings Him glory. Isn’t He worthy of this?

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped Him that liveth for ever and ever.”—Revelation 5:12 & 14b

[1] John 1:11
[2] Matthew 27:46
[3] John 1:29
[4] John 13:1-15
[5] John 13:34-35; John 15:12-13, 17
[6] John 15:1-11
[7] John 17
[8] John 17:9
[9] John 17:20
[10] Matthew 26:42
[11] John 18:2-3
[12] John 18:4-7
[13] Luke 22:48
[14] Matthew 26:15
[15] John 18:15-18, 25-27
[16] Matthew 26:59-61
[17] Matthew 26:67-68
[18] Matthew 27:28-29
[19] Luke 23:18-19
[20] Matthew 27:26-31
[21] Matthew 27:32
[22] John 19:16-17
[23] Luke 23:34
[24] John 19:25-27
[25] Matthew 27:39-43
[26] Matthew 27:44
[27] Luke 23:40-43
[28] John 19:30
[29] Luke 23:46
[30] John 19:38-42
[31] Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21
[32] Matthew 28:1-3
[33] Luke 24:5
[34] Matthew 28:6
[35] John 20:14-16

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God Loves You!

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How much do others know about you? Do you find that people begin to shy away from you as they get to know you more? How much do you want others to know about you?

I find it interesting how much some people are willing to publicize about themselves on social media or just in general conversation. Yet, in general, people do seem to be guarded about how much they share with others. Some “skeletons” just seem to be best kept in the closet away from the public eye or at best only known to few people.

Have you ever stopped to think of how much God knows about you? The Bible tells us, “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He pondereth [carefully] all his goings” (Proverbs 5:21). Does the reality that He knows everything about you, even all of your shortcomings and “skeletons,” lead you to the conclusion that “He must not love me because of them?” or even, “He must not love me because I’m just not good enough?”

The challenge for each of us is that we often depend upon how we feel and in turn allow our feelings to determine our sense of reality. If we are not careful, we can allow our circumstances to define our theology—Who we see God to be—and in turn shrink Him down to a size that is too small for our problems. What good is a small God?

Keep in mind that what you know and rely upon to be true about the Lord will transform your life! The Precious Truth that we need to consider is that God knows EVERYTHING there is to know about each of us and yet He still loves us!

If others knew you to the degree that God knows you, how would your relationships with them change? If you knew your best friend to the degree that God knows you would you continue in that friendship? Sometimes the more we get to know someone the more we wish we didn’t know them.

Consider David’s words in Psalm 139,

“O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”—Psalm 139:1-6

David realize that God knew him to the fullest extent that he could be known—even more than he knew himself. From this and other passages it is obvious that David was in awe of the fact that God even knew him. Consider what he says in Psalm 8.

“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful [think about] of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest [to pay special attention] him?”—Psalm 8:3-4

Picture David, the shepherd boy, lying on his back looking up at the starlit sky speaking to God saying, “Lord, As I consider the great expanse of the universe that You made, how do You even know that I am here?” David was moved in worship that his infinite God took notice of his finite life. In the great expanse of God’s creation, the fact that He is intimately aware of each of our lives speaks of His greatness that is so far beyond my comprehension.

In Psalm 139, as I have pondered the reality that God knows everything there is to know about me, I am amazed to think that He still loves me. How do I draw this conclusion?

First, consider what God knows about each of us. David tells us in verses 1-4, “O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether.” David acknowledges God’s full & complete knowledge of him. There is nothing hidden from God. He knows all the secrets that only we know about ourselves. He knows all our thoughts, desires, intentions, and motives. He knows the hypocrisy and lies that we may live with thinking we are fooling everyone into believing we are someone that we truly are not. In verse 2 we read, “You understand my thought afar off.” God even knows the thoughts that we have yet to think. He knows more about us than even we know about ourselves. These are the actions of a God who loves us!

With all of this knowledge that God has about us, IS it a wonder to you that HE still loves you?  It is to me! He knows all the times that I have failed Him and all the times that I will fail Him yet that does not cause His love for me to diminish.

The Precious Truth to consider here is that God’s love is not dependent upon who I am or what I do but upon WHO HE IS! God’s love does not change, “for God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Next, consider what David concludes that God has done for him while possessing this knowledge. “Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me” (Psalm 139:5). With this knowledge God has not run from us but, instead, has drawn near to us. He knows that we need Him—we need His grace and mercy; we need His love and compassion; we need His wisdom and protection; we need His presence—we need HIM! God knows our needs and in turn, through His grace and mercy, has made provision for those needs.

Consider what He has done for us. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus], that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “But God commendeth [proved] His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, ‘Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee’” (Jeremiah 31:3).

God acted upon this knowledge and sent His only Son to make provision for our ultimate need—our need of salvation. Through faith in His Son, Jesus, we can be united to God in a personal relationship for all of eternity. Through faith alone in Christ alone my heart was changed—my sins were forgiven—my guilt was removed and I came to understand the loving relationship that my heavenly Father has always desired for me to have with Him. Consider reading “How Do I Get to Heaven” for additional insight on how you can enjoy a personal relationship with God.

As David ponders this truth he erupts in such unrestrainable joy and worship as he says, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it” (Psalm 139:6). This knowledge was outside of his realm of comprehension. It brought David to his knees in humility and awe as he worshipped his all-knowing, awesome God.

Get to know the God of the Bible. Read God’s Word and then take God at His Word. He means what He says and He says what He means! Our understanding of the knowledge of God should bring us to our knees in worship of Him. It should humble us and in turn we too should be in awe of Him.

As you consider what God knows about you also realize that He continues to stay with you and draw you. When others may distance themselves the more they learn of you, consider how the Lord draws near, fully knowing who we are. David continues in the following verses saying, “Whither shall I go from Thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:7-10).

Our intimate knowledge of God will shape our response to the trials of life. In spite of all our shortcomings God promises, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed [or disheartened as you consider your circumstances]; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

Is this “knowledge too wonderful for you?” Does it move you to worship your God as it fills your heart with joy? Let us seek to be intentional about remembering who our God is. Jeremiah writes, “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope” (Lamentations 3:21). “This is what I intentionally remember about my God, therefore I have patient confidence.” The truths of God will stabilize you as you meditate upon them.

“GOD LOVES YOU!” Let this transforming truth settle your heart.

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Embrace the Trial – Part 6

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We are talking about the process of embracing our trials. In part one we discussed the “poem challenge”. In part two we sought to understand the “Why” question and why it is the unproductive question. In part three and part four, we considered God’s character—“what God is like” and “what God knows is best.” In part five we sought to understand the struggle of the ongoing trial. Here in part 6 we come to the topic of contentment in the trial.

Understanding Contentment – “Embracing God’s Sufficiency”

Recently, I was in the process of preparing a Sunday morning message when I found myself struggling with being content.

In the midst of my current trial, as I battle with a number of health concerns, my three-year old accidently poked me in the eye and scratched my cornea. I found this painful and discouraging, but I also found myself on the wrong end of discontentment. This incident coincided with a busy week with a tight schedule and no room for distractions, let alone poor eyesight and additional visits to doctors and waiting rooms.

Looking back on the timing of things I see the wisdom of God. In my eyes this was absolutely the worst timing possible, but in God’s infinite and perfect wisdom He knew I would gain the most from having this personal object lesson to pave the way for change. I also see God’s humor as it made me the object lesson for the message I was preparing. A few weeks prior to this, the Lord had laid on my heart His will for our church to study Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. In the fourth chapter of he writes,

“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”—Philippians 4:11b

I contemplated on the setting where these words were written and my heart was struck with rebuke. I know that the trial the Apostle Paul endured was far greater than my own, yet saw how he surrendered to God’s way and submitted to God’s wisdom and understanding. How did he do this? How could he write these words with such honesty without even a hint of underlying sarcasm or bitterness? Instead there is obvious peace and joy.

As I meditated upon this passage, a simple outline rose to the surface which explains Paul’s contentment. It begins with the premise that I can be content in any circumstance no matter what (v. 11). It is then followed by two simple yet profound promises which speak of God’s sufficiency regarding His strength (v. 13) and His supply (v. 19). The reality of profoundly obvious truths in Scripture is that unfortunately they are often practically obscure in our lives.

Often what appears so simple and clear on the pages of God’s Word and even in our minds remains hidden in our lives.

This was clearly the case, as I meditated upon this passage and was struck by how practically obscure these truths were, right at that moment in my life. With this realization I bowed my head in repentance. Then knowing God’s forgiveness, I smiled seeing God’s perfect timing, bringing me into a head-on collision with the details of my life and these truths that were so absolutely necessary to confront them and bring my heart to rest. The encouragement came as these truths began the twelve-inch journey from my head to my heart where they found a resting place and where my heart found the much-needed contentment even though the circumstances had yet to change.

Paul begins with a premise that on the outset is bold and daring. He says, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” It is a statement that, at first, comes across as “too good to be true” or may be only something that is for the “elite Christians” like Paul. But after further consideration and drawing in the promises that follow I see that this premise statement is meant for me—it is meant to be one of the statements of my life. It is meant for each of us “ordinary Christians.” God desires that my heart would rest content “in whatsoever state I am.”

Before we consider the promise, keep in mind that Paul’s statement isn’t a lesson that just came naturally to him but was one that he “learned” by experience. It was through trial after trial as he “learned” to rest in the stabilizing truths of God that he was able to, with a clear conscience and genuineness of heart, speak these words that, most often, seem to defy reality.

Now consider the promises, as pillars of truth, upon which the house of contentment is built. The foundation of these pillars is the sufficiency of God. Paul writes,

“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.”—2 Corinthians 3:5

The key to contentment begins first with a proper understanding of our inadequacy. Until we find ourselves to be lacking in our own ability to sufficiently deal with every detail of life we will never look outside ourselves and look to God. It is through the trials of life that God brings us to the end of ourselves—to the end of the façade of our own sufficiency and sovereignty as we turn to Him in dependent trust finding Him to be sovereign over all things and sufficient for our every need.

The first promise of God’s sufficiency from Paul deals with God’s power—learning to rest in the strength of God.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”—Philippians 4:13

This verse gives us both the strength and the source of contentment, which is the Power that comes from within—the indwelling Holy Spirit Who enables the believer to do all that the Lord calls upon him to do and go through.

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure”—Philippians 2:13

It is God working in us giving us the desire to do His “good pleasure” but also empowering us as well.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work”—2 Corinthians 9:8

This is the grace of God at work in our lives as we humble ourselves before Him, for “God giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

Learning to rest in this truth of the sufficiency of God’s strength for every situation of life is vital to our contentment in life. When the temptation to give in to sin is seemingly greater than your strength to fight, run to Christ and remember that He has promised that His strength will be sufficient. Remember the promise that “I can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Whatever state you find yourself in, trust Him to be sufficient to carry you through. Remember,

“Faithful is He that calleth you who will also do it.”—1 Thessalonians 5:24

The truth is that I can be content in every circumstance because God’s strength is more than enough. His strength is sufficient for me to stand fast against the temptation of discontentment and trust His providence to be right and best.

The second promise of God’s sufficiency from Paul deals with God’s provision—learning to rest in the supply of God.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 4:19

In this verse we see the supply of contentment. I find it interesting to consider our American definition of the word, “need” as defined by how we use it. Quite often we use the word “need” where we should be using the word “want” instead. God has not promised to supply our wants but our genuine needs or those things that He defines as necessary. Once He stops providing it, it is no longer necessary.

It is important to keep in mind that our needs come in positive and negative qualities. The positive side of our needs are those things that God provides that we are lacking such as financial or health needs. On the negative side we see those things that are painful which God uses to teach us wonderful truths but also help us to deal with specific sin.

The truth is that I can be content in every circumstance because God’s supply is more than enough. His supply is sufficient to help me rest in His providence and stand fast against the temptation to doubt that I have what I need or that God will fail to provide it in His perfect time.

In summary: Biblical contentment becomes a reality in the believer’s life when we become humbly dependent upon the Lord for both His strength, to endure our trials, and His supply for our every need. Biblical contentment is learning to thank God for our troubles while we are still in them.

 “So, embrace the trial, My dear child, My best is what you’ll see,
Beyond the suffering you feel, My Son they soon shall see.”

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Embrace the Trial – Part 5

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Understanding the Struggle – “Embracing the Tragedy or Triumph”

“I give up! This is too hard! What’s the use in trying anymore!”

I don’t recall having actually stated these words, but the truth is my attitude, at times, has spoken these words loud and clear. Although my prayer and desire is to “embrace this trial,” the reality is that it is a continual, and grueling struggle. Embracing the trial is not a one-time-event-kind-of-lesson-learned where you “get it” and never have to go back to it. This is a process—a continuous, repeated action, repeated commitment, repeated surrender. My desire is to be faithful in this process, but often my attitude and actions betray my intentions.

We have considered the why and Who questions which help us to embrace the trial, yet I am reminded of the need to understand the almost ever-present struggle of this process. With this understanding comes the reality of the choice of whether to embrace the triumph or the tragedy, dependent upon my embracing the truth.

As the trial continues, there are days of frustration and defeat. Often, at the end of the day, as I pillow my head, my thoughts are arrested by the battle between my flesh and my mind. The emotional, physical, and spiritual struggles of any trial often bring noise into the soul. Through this process, God in His mercy, seeks to rescue us from these noisy areas of defeat that emerge, seemingly at every corner. For me, He is using this trial to open my eyes to areas of sin that I need to address. Like curtains, He is pulling down to reveal something in the dark corners of my heart that I have yet to realize or have been refusing to address. This “ripping down of curtains” is part of the painful, purging process by which God uses to refine us, purifying us like gold.

At times I feel overwhelmed by this process, as if it will never end and it’s just no use in trying. I feel like Paul in Romans 7 where he bares his heart’s struggle in his battle against his flesh. It is a tiring battle—one that is strong and unrelenting—one that seems to gain the upper hand when I am the most vulnerable, one that has no mercy. Paul writes,

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will [the desire] is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would [I want to do] I do not: but the evil which I would not [I don’t want to do], that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. O wretched man that I am!”—Romans 7:18-20, 24a

Maybe go back and read those verses again. It has taken me some time, repeatedly reading, meditating, and asking the Lord for understanding about them to be convinced that I finally have a handle on them.

With these words, Paul express what my heart seems to say, all too often in this trial. Frankly, even when I am not in a trial like what I am going through now. It is the tug-of-war of my flesh and mind. I know what I am supposed to do, the attitudes I’m supposed to have, the example I’m supposed to set, but all too often I find myself doing what I know I shouldn’t, having the attitude that is opposite of what I should, being the example that is against what I should set. This battle is real and it rages with such strength that often victory seems hopeless and beyond the horizon, so far out of sight and beyond my reach, while defeat seems all too real, breathing down my neck, with its death grip embracing me.

What can I do? The truth is that I’m often simply tired and worn out with no fight left—or so it seems. Paul concluded, “O wretched man that I am!” The idea is that Paul cries out in exhaustion, as if he has been exerting his fullest effort in hard labor in this battle. Does this sound familiar? It is at these times that we fall prey to half-truths that can lead to whole-untruths. These are the times where we are often tempted to wonder, “Does God really care or even know what is going on?” Or maybe, “Is there really a purpose to all of this pain?” We might even ask, “Is the praiseworthy purpose of Christ-likeness even worth it?” These are the times that we need to fight these lies with truth.

Consider Paul’s word as he cries out for help, desiring victory for a problem that only presents defeat. He says,

“O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”—Romans 7:24-25

In these verses I find great hope and encouragement. Paul sees victory in Christ. I picture in my mind as the great apostle lifts his eyes heavenward and asks the question, “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Then with a sigh of relief he smiles giving thanks for this transforming truth with which he triumphs, saying, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” It is through Christ my Lord, as I surrender to His way that I triumph.

And then with loving, gentle voice, the pain He cuts right through,
“My Son will come alive in you, when yieldings’ what you do.”

What is the way of Christ that Paul is thankful for? Notice the triumphant path that Paul speaks of here at the end of Romans 7. He says, “So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Paul draws attention to the question of masters. The key to triumph or tragedy is determined by whom I choose to serve. With a renewed mind I serve my Savior but with the natural mind I will give into my flesh and serve self.

The truth is that I can either embrace the tragedy or the triumph. I can either serve self as I give in to my flesh or serve my Savior as I embrace the truth of Who He is.

The realization that I am reminded of is that in order to faithfully embrace the trial, I must faithfully embrace the truth. This exercise at times, is moment by moment. This is the deliberate exercise of my mind being renewed with truth, as Paul writes in Romans 12:2 that we are “transformed by the renewing of [our] mind.” In Colossians 3:10, he uses the illustration of changing clothes as he writes, “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after [or based upon] the image of Him that created him.” This renewal process is a replacement process.  The old mind needs to be exchanged with a new mind—just as dirty garments needs to be replaced with clean ones, thoughts of sin and deception must be replaced with thoughts of truth and righteousness.

There is a positive and negative side of this truth. The negative side is that I must embrace the truth that this struggle is real and relentless, raging stronger at times more than other times. There is one who seeks to defeat, destroy, and devour us, using our flesh as the battering ram to bring us to our knees in surrender. Jesus warns us of the devil’s intentions saying, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy”[1] while Peter calls for vigilance “because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”[2] We must never forget, “that we are [not] sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.”[3]

The positive side of embracing the truth answers the painful reality of the trial. Yes, the truth is that our struggle is real and relentless, exacerbated by the enemy who roars and rages, yet our loving Savior stands ready and answers saying, “I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly: I AM the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.”[4] Our great “I AM” further infuses words of truth saying, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.”[5] He is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.”[6] He says, “Be still, and KNOW that I AM God.”[7]

With these words, my tired soul is strengthened, my hopeless heart is revived, my depressed mind is renewed to once again take on the fight.

I must deliberately “Cast down,” destroying these “imaginations” or deceptive thoughts, “and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”[8] I must daily, “set [my] affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”[9] I must be diligently “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of faith”[10] “holding fast the profession of faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised).”[11]

In obedience, I can triumph instead of becoming the tragedy of wasted suffering. With my mind renewed and stabilized upon Christ, the Rock of Truth, I can once again lay hold upon the trial, embracing the struggle, choosing triumph over tragedy.

“So, embrace the trial, My dear child, My best is what you’ll see,
Beyond the suffering you feel, My Son they soon shall see.”

[1] John 10:10a
[2] 1 Peter 5:8
[3] 2 Corinthians 3:5
[4] John 10:10b-11
[5] Isaiah 41:10
[6] Psalm 46:1-2a
[7] Psalm 46:10a
[8] 2 Corinthians 10:5
[9] Colossians 3:2
[10] Hebrews 12:2a
[11] Hebrews 10:23