“Well Done!”

Posted on March 22, 2019 by John Lashuay

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.

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?”

“Embrace the Trial” – Part 8

Posted on November 6, 2018 by John Lashuay

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.”

Embrace the Trial – Part 7

Posted on September 14, 2018 by John Lashuay

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.”

Embrace the Trial – Part 6

Posted on November 20, 2017 by John Lashuay

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.”

Embrace the Trial – Part 5

Posted on October 13, 2017 by John Lashuay

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

Embrace the Trial – Part 4

Posted on September 12, 2017 by John Lashuay

Understanding the “WHO” Question – “Embracing more of ‘Who’ God is”

“It is in our acceptance of what is given [whatever that may be], that God gives Himself.”

This quote comes from her book, “These Strange Ashes,” where Elisabeth Elliot writes,

“Faith’s most severe tests come not when we see nothing, but when we see a stunning array of evidence that seems to prove our faith vain. If God were God, if He were omnipotent, if He had cared, would this have happened? Is this that I face now … the reward of my obedience? One turns in disbelief again from the circumstances and looks into the abyss. But in the abyss there is only blackness, no glimmer of light, no answering echo …. It was a long time before I came to the realization that it is in our acceptance of what is given [whatever that may be], that God gives Himself. This grief, this sorrow, this total loss that empties my hands and breaks my heart, I may, if I will, accept, and by accepting it, I find in my hands something to offer. And so I give it back to Him, who in mysterious exchange gives Himself to me.”

As I read these words, I am struck by her raw transparency as she struggles to reconcile Who God is with the reality of the pain of her suffering. God giving Himself to us in the trial speaks of His attitude toward His children, as He reveals more of Who He is. The truths of God bring great comfort in the trial, when we learn to embrace Who He is.

How will my attitude toward my trial change when I embrace the truth that God gives Himself? What changes in my mind when I embrace this truth? How will my response to my trial change when my focus shifts from off my pain to the Person in control of the process?

The shifting of our perspective from off the painful process to the Person Who is providentially seeking to bring about His loving purpose results in worship. In part 3, we considered God’s character—“what God is like” and “what God knows is best.” We considered Paul and his response to God’s negative answer to his prayer. His response is one of surrender as he embraces the trial in worship. The reason? He knew and trusted his loving, heavenly Father.

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

The night that Jesus was betrayed and arrested, He tenderly taught His disciples, seeking to prepare them for His departure, which was their greatest trial up to this point in their lives. Over and over He teaches them life-changing, stabilizing truths about His Father.

In John 15 we see a comforting word picture of the purging process. It illustrates for us both the purpose and the process of trials, but it also shows us the Person orchestrating the process for His good purpose. Take a few moments and read through these verses noting the Father and Son, as I have highlighted them to draw our attention.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.”—John 15:1-5

Amongst the many stabilizing truths in the passage, two great truths stand out, bringing great encouragement. In this passage Christ speaks of the loving relationships between the Husbandman and the Vine and the Vine and the branches.

The first, in illustration form, is that God is a vinedresser lovingly pruning His vine branches. What I find so encouraging about this word picture is the attitude of God the Father, the husbandman, going about pruning His branches. Picture in your mind a vinedresser coming alongside each vine with his pruning shears as he gets in close to the vine. He is very deliberate and methodical about where he cuts. He desires to maximize the fruit-bearing potential and quality of each branch so he cuts off only what is necessary—he applies only necessary pain to the branch. In this we see the careful attention the Husbandman gives as He wraps His loving arms around the Vine and prunes each branch—like a loving father embracing his child. The truth is that God is never closer to you than He is in the trial. This realization warms my heart and encourages me to press on.

The second great truth is Christ’s desire for union and communion with His branches. Through this purging process Christ, the Vine, is ever present and calls for us to “abide in Him,” ever seeking to draw us into closer, more intimate fellowship of dependency. From these words we see God’s attitude of love pouring forth like an unending fountain.

Consider what the Bible says about God’s love: “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:9). “But God commendeth [proved] His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This is the heart of our God in every action He takes—He is the unchanging, loving God.

In the book of Jeremiah, God speaks of the 70 years of judgment, in Babylon, that the nation of Israel will suffer through. He then reassures and reminds them of Who He is. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” saith the LORD, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected [desired] end” (Jeremiah 29:11). He is saying, “Remember Who I am! I Love you, and desire peace for you and not evil. I desire a good and purposeful end to this process. Trust Me, I love You!”

A few chapters later Jeremiah writes, “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 [He lovingly encourages His people into a closer relationship with Him]’” (Jeremiah 31:3). God reminds His servant that His painful actions toward His people are rooted in a love that will never end. It is with this love that He draws His people closer to Himself through the trials of life.

A second word picture has been helpful for me as I consider God’s praiseworthy purpose. Paul writes, “For we are His workmanship [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

I find it helpful to keep in mind that God is a master sculptor skillfully sculpting His masterpiece. A.W. Tozer wrote,

“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply. If God sets out to make you an unusual Christian He is not likely to be as gentle as He is usually pictured by the popular teachers. A marble sculptor does not use a manicure set to reduce the rude, unshapely marble to a thing of beauty. The saw, the hammer and the chisel are cruel tools, but without them the rough stone must remain forever formless and unbeautiful.”

This illustration pictures for us the process that is necessary to fulfill God’s praiseworthy purpose. It is a painful process but never forget that it is always with purpose from the hand of a loving God. Remember, “God never wastes the sufferings of His saints” (Warren Wiersbe). It is always for a good purpose.

Just as a master sculptor takes the necessary time to complete his masterpiece, so too, God the greatest, all-wise Master Sculptor takes only the necessary time, and necessary cuts to bring His masterpiece to completion. Remember the end goal for this painful process, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose […] to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:28-29).

Let’s keep in mind that God’s masterpiece will only be fully completed once we see our Savior face to face, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2), “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6). Until that time, God is seeking to sculpt us into the image of His Son, day by day, trial by trial.

“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.”

Embrace the Trial – Part 3

Posted on August 21, 2017 by John Lashuay

**Understanding the “WHO” Question – “Embracing ‘Who’ God is”**

We are talking about the process of embracing our trials. In part one we discussed the “poem challenge”. In part 2 we sought to understand the “Why” question and why it is the unproductive question. We concluded that this question is often asked with a wrong perspective and theology. With this question, the focus is on the painful process instead of the praiseworthy purpose. The focus is on “what I don’t like” instead of “what God is like” and “what God knows is best.” The focus is on my self instead of on my God.

In considering this why question—“why is this happening to me?”—my prayer is that we would learn to embrace God’s answer to this question as we seek to understand the Biblical purpose for our suffering. My prayer, also, is to help us see that this natural question proves to be unproductive once we understand God’s purpose and His Person. In part 2 we looked at the Biblical purpose for suffering, while here in part 3, we will consider God’s Person. My hope is to encourage us to understand our need to move beyond the “why” question and learn to start with the right first question—“Who are You, Lord?”

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

The first question you and I need to ask is, “Who are You, Lord?” This question invites us to get to KNOW Him through this difficult time. This is what God “delights in.”

“But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:24).

Have you ever read a passage of Scripture and been so struck by the faithful response of one of your Biblical heroes that you simply take it for granted? You think, “Well, that is just what Biblical heroes do, otherwise God wouldn’t have chosen them?” as if they have some quality about them that sets them apart on a higher level than we could ever achieve. 2 Corinthians 12 was one of those passages for me and Paul is one of those heroes. Paul writes about his prayer for God to remove his “thorn in the flesh” because he saw it as a “messenger of Satan” which would hinder his ministry of exalting Christ. In verse 9 we see how Christ responds as He eloquently says “No!”

“And He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness’. …”

The sufficiency of God’s grace is an amazing reality. This is a stabilizing truth that when, in humility, we surrender to God’s way, His grace truly is all we need for it is more than enough. Consider 2 Corinthians 9:8,

“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.”

But also notice how Paul responds to Christ’s answer, from 2 Corinthians 12:9, when he says,

“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9b-10)

Do you see how Paul responds to this negative answer to his prayer? Instead of reacting in anger because he doesn’t get his way, he rejoices. Let that sink in—He rejoices! He responds, “Most gladly will I therefore glory in my infirmities, … I take pleasure in infirmities, …”. How can anyone in their right mind respond this way? The simple answer is that he understood God’s providence and sovereignty in light of His goodness, love, righteousness, wisdom, power, etc.

In the old hymn, “God moves in a mysterious way,” William Cowper (pronounced Cooper) writes,

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

His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour;
the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flow’r.”

Often we judge the situation based upon our “feeble sense” instead of judging based upon the truth of God’s Person—Who He is. We often operate on faulty theology resulting in the wrong responses to our trials. God desires that we see His love for us in the trial and respond in worship by embracing the trial. He orchestrates the very details of the trial not to destroy us but in order to draw us closer to Him. This is a truth we often need to be reminded of as we journey through these “bitter” times. Yes, the process usually is often a “bitter taste” but God purposes to bring about a “sweet” and beautiful flower to His glory. In the aforementioned hymn, the writer states, “behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.” The truth behind this statement is that the lovingkindness of God is often cloaked in painful grace. But it’s not until we know Him that we begin to understand this powerful truth.

I believe that it is paramount for us to learn to rest in God’s providence and sovereignty. In His providence, He orchestrates all things while, at times, God also allows things to happen to us. In His sovereignty, He controls all things. The amazing reality that I am learning to embrace, is that God is always both planning and directing the very details of my trial. The very minute details are not overlooked by Him. This gives me great confidence and peace, only when I know other truths about Him.

The truth is that we often have two very different responses to our trials, even knowing these attributes of God. On the one hand, we can become angry with Him when we realize that He controls the very details of our trial yet He still allows us to go through the pain and suffering. Our focus is, “why me?” On the other hand, God’s providence and sovereignty bring great peace when we keep in mind that He is good in all He does. He is also loving and gracious as well as righteous in all things. He is all-wise, knowing all things as well as all-powerful, in that there is nothing that is too hard for Him. Because of a well-round Biblical understanding of God my soul can rest in Him. It is when I cherry-pick, slant in one way or another, or even forget key truths about God that I find my soul troubled.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed [fixed] on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Most importantly, when I fail to intentionally fix my mind upon these stabilizing truths, and focus upon the storm that I am engulfed in, I begin to sink and feel like I am drowning. This is similar to Peter in Matthew 14:28-31 when he walked on water and focused on the crisis instead of Christ.

Keep in mind that any god that I put my trust in, short of the Biblically defined God, will be lacking in his ability to righteously and providentially rule over the very details of my trial.

Therefore, he would be incapable of being the source of rest and peace through the trial.

“Be still [relax in perfect trust], and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10a)

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

**The more I am still before Him, the more I will be changed to be like Him, because I am taking time to behold Him.**

This was the apostle Paul’s mindset. His consuming passion was…

“That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death;” (Philippians 3:10).

He “counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus [his] Lord” (v. 8). This is how he could “take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions for Christ’s sake:” (2 Corinthians 12:10a). He understood that in these trials, Christ would be displayed through his weakness, “for when I am weak, then I am strong” (v. 10b).

He had “learned, in whatsoever state, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11), because He knew his God—he was intimately acquainted with Who God is which allowed him to rest, with contentment, in any situation he found himself in. That is a powerful and stabilizing truth.

As you consider the trial you are in, the difficulty you are facing, or the reality of future trials, can you rest because you know Who God is? Do you have God’s kind of peace that “surpasses all understanding?” I urge you to drink deeply from the fountain of God’s Word. Get to know Him. Embrace Who He is and embrace the trial He has custom designed for you.

“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.”

Embrace the Trial – Part 2

Posted on August 6, 2017 by John Lashuay

We are talking about the process of embracing our trials. In part one we discussed the “poem challenge”.

Here in part two we consider the “why” question.

Understanding the “WHY” Question – “Embracing ‘Why’ I Am Going Through This”

“God never wastes the sufferings of His saints.”—Warren Wiersbe

Is this statement true? Or could there be times when we go through unnecessary suffering? Is it possible that God could overdue my pain and suffering? Are there times when God steps back and just allows our times of suffering to go too far or for too long? How would you answer these questions? As you read each question, do you feel a growing sense of uneasiness asking, “Could God actual fail at something or do something wrong?” Maybe these questions echo those you have already heard yourself asking or maybe just tempted to ask.

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 asking the unproductive question “Why?” instead of the questions that lead us upward to victory.

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

When we face a trial, the biggest question we struggle with is “why?” more specifically, “Why is this happening to me?” As I sought to come to grips with embracing this trial, I am seeing the necessity to look beyond this question of “why me?”. My desire is to encourage us to learn how to get beyond this question by considering its Biblical answer and in turn asking the better question of “Who is God?”.

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 trials is, we will then embrace our trials, understanding that they are for our best and for His glory. When we see our trial from God’s perspective we will see the value of the trial and in turn gain from it God’s best for us.

I am confident that “God never wastes the sufferings of His saints,” but what I am also sure of is that we can often waste our times of suffering, in spite of God’s best intentions. Often when confronted with a time of difficulty, whether financial, relational, physical or any other kind of trial, we can become angry and in turn bitter. Often, we rebel against the trial, fighting it at every turn. Instead of allowing God to draw us closer to Himself, we become distant to God and others.

Considering the trial before me, I know I need to be led by God in order to not “waste this suffering.” But how? What is necessary to be a faithful steward of this trial? What is necessary to gain from this trial the truths that God desires to show me and the lessons He desires to teach me?

The first step is understanding what’s wrong with asking the question, “why”? What’s wrong with genuinely desiring to understand the reason why something difficult is happening to me? I believe that in and of itself this question can be innocent, yet it really depends upon the heart and mind behind the question.

The reason this question is unproductive is because it’s often asked with the wrong perspective. Unfortunately, all too often when this question is asked, it is with a heart that is really asking, “Why me”? When asked this way, we are implying that we don’t deserve this trial based upon any number of reasons that all make sense to us at the time. We may be tempted to say, “I haven’t done anything to deserve this!” The question, “why me” truly is the natural first question but asked with the wrong perspective and attitude. With this statement, the focus is on the painful process instead of the praiseworthy purpose. The focus is on “what I don’t like” instead of “what God is like” and “what God knows is best.” The focus in on my self instead of on my God.

Another reason that this question is unproductive is because it’s asked with the wrong theology. When our trials are due to punishment or chastisement, in our heart of hearts the answer seems more understandable. It is easier to see that God is dealing with a specific sin. But when the trial seems beyond our understanding, or when it continues on with no end in sight, in weariness we are tempted to doubt the wisdom of God in allowing this to take place. If we are not careful, we can allow the pain of the Refiner’s fire to redefine our theology about the Refiner Himself. We therefore question who God is by questioning His love for us because it doesn’t feel like He loves me. There are other things that we question, but usually we start with His love. This is where we begin to waste the suffering. It is important to listen to what God is saying to us.

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

God responds by encouraging us to surrender. He wants us to stop focusing on the painful process and instead look to His praiseworthy purpose.

The next step is understanding the Biblical answer to the “why” question? Biblically, the why question has a simple answer which gives our times of suffering great purpose. Consider what Paul says in Romans 8:28-29, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose […] to be conformed to the image of His Son.” God’s purpose for our suffering is the development of Christlikeness.

Why would He desire this purpose, one might ask? The answer comes from Revelation 4:11, which reads, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” We were created for God’s pleasure—“that we should be to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:12). The way that we can accomplish this purpose is by submitting to God’s process—His process of developing the likeness of Christ in us, through the trials we face, in order to faithfully display the likeness of Christ, to others we face.

Sometimes this answer isn’t enough for us. Sometimes we still want to know “why me?” As the struggles of the trial continues, we plead with God for answers. We often plead with God, “I can’t do this! This is too much for me! Why does this have to be so hard?” Our conversation, with Him, may go something like this…

“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.”

It is in these times that we must yield our will to the will of God and trust Him. I find that a right perspective, based on right theology, is vital to overcoming this ongoing struggle against embracing the trial.

So, what’s the right perspective?

The right perspective comes from a proper understanding of Who God is—He is the Divine Refiner skillfully purifying His children like gold.

As I study through God’s Word I am amazed at the word pictures that are used to help us learn important truths. Peter speaks of a refiner to illustrate the process of the “trial of our faith.” The refiner heats the gold with fire to reveal the impurities—speaking of the areas of our lives that need to be changed. He then removes those impurities, purifying the gold. The purer the gold, the more reflective it becomes. God, as the Master Refiner, desires to see His own reflection as He looks into the lives of His children being purified in the furnace of suffering. His praiseworthy purpose is to see the likeness of His Son clearly displayed as His children respond in obedience to this painful process.

“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.”

Next time we will seek to begin to look at the “Who” question, embracing “Who” God is to help us as we embrace this “why” question.

Embrace the Trial – Part 1

Posted on July 9, 2017 by John Lashuay

“Honey, I think we need to go to the hospital!” This was a statement I had heard four times before, as we anticipated the arrival of each of our wonderful children, God has blessed us with. This day, I found myself on the other side of this statement—I was actually saying these words!

At times, in life, we find ourselves looking squarely into the head-on collision of an unforeseen trial that may appear overwhelming in its uncertainties. What do you do? How do you respond? Is there purpose? How can we know? The list of questions seems daunting as we ponder the endless possibilities.

The words, “embrace” and “trial,” when put together, seem so foreign and contrary. Yet these two words were on my mind. A “trial” speaks of a hardship, something unwanted and unsolicited. An “embrace” speaks of warmth and love. For me it brings memories of my mother’s loving embrace—something I long for. So, how can these two words coexist in the same thought?

As I began the process of coming to grips with this current trial, the phrase, “Embrace the trial,” kept repeatedly coming to mind. It was something I couldn’t get out of my head. Soon I found myself taking this before the Lord to find His purpose of this seemingly contradictory phrase. What the Lord showed me was both refreshing and humbling. The fog began to burn off with the view before me coming into focus. And then with great clarity this purpose statement came to rest at the forefront of my mind. “Embrace the trial—that I may know Him and glorify Him.”

In the process of coming to grips with this trial, a dear friend of mine challenged me to write a poem. Naturally, I laughed at the thought. Actually, I think I laughed out loud when he said it. Writing isn’t my area of expertise, although I enjoy sharing God’s truths through the written word. Later that evening, I found myself actually considering his challenge.

So, with pen in hand I began to pour my heart out on the page. I was amazed at how therapeutic I found the process, as it was good medicine for my soul. What came out was the struggle of the trial expressed in a conversation with my loving, heavenly Father. I was amazed at how easily the words flowed. With the recurring line “Embrace the trial,” God has been reassuring me of His love, like the tender reminder of a father encouraging his son to embrace what is best, despite the painful process. With His gracious Word of truth, He was reminding me to trust Him because He is trustworthy. Paul states, “Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Through these words He continues to remind me of His sovereign purpose of conforming me into the image of His dear Son.

God’s GOAL for me is to KNOW HIM, in order to GLORIFY HIM, as I am changed to be LIKE HIM. This is His goal for every soul in every trial. This is the purging process—the crucible of affliction that God, in His loving providence, sees fit to bring about the change that He desires. It has been said that this is the process by which the Spirit of God, takes the Word of God and transforms us into the likeness of the Son of God.

Paul writes about this process of change, saying, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). We are changed into the same image that we spend time gazing on. The challenge is to spend time gazing upon the image of the Son of God found in the Word of God so as to be “changed into that same image from glory to glory.”

I love the results, David writes of in Psalm 40:3, that God brings about. He writes, “And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” In my case, “He has put a new poem of praise in my mouth.” My prayer is that those who read it shall “worship and shall trust in the LORD.”

Here is what the Lord spoke to my heart about. My prayer is that it will be a special blessing to you, wherever you find yourself, whether needing to embrace a trial or simply continuing life’s journey.

“Embrace the Trial”

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

In case you were wondering…No, I’m not through having this conversation but I am truly grateful for how we have begun. I know the road ahead will be marked with areas of failure and repentance. I know there will be times where I am tempted to misplace my trust. I know there will be times that I will need to refocus my perspective on my loving Savior’s face and the purpose that He is seeking to accomplish. The bottom line is that I know that I will need to “embrace the trial,” time and time again in order to achieve the goal for which God has purposed. His will is for me to know Him, in order to glorify Him, as I am changed into the image of His Son. By God’s grace and with the prayers of His saints I will “embrace the trial—that I may know Him and glorify Him.”

Can you relate? It is very possible that you have had a similar conversation with the Lord. Or maybe it is time to have this conversation with our good and loving God. I want to encourage you to read over and meditate upon the truths of God’s Word, then take Him at His Word. I want to encourage you to “embrace the trial.”

“Look up and see God’s eyes of grace, He looks from up above. Fear not, God’s child, the pain you feel is sent because He loves.” And then “Rejoice! His mercy never fails, enduring to the end. His grace you’ll find sufficient in humility you bend. So, embrace the trial, God’s dear child, His best is what you’ll see, beyond the suffering you feel, God’s Son they soon shall see.”

Precious Truths

Category Archives: Adversity

“Well Done!”

“Embrace the Trial” – Part 8

Be STABLE—“TRUST in the Lord.”

Be SATISFIED—“DELIGHT thyself in the Lord.”

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

Be STILL—“REST in the Lord.”

Be SUBMISSIVE—“WAIT upon the Lord.”

Embrace the Trial – Part 7

Know somethings about God

Do something about what you know

Embrace the Trial – Part 6

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

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

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

Embrace the Trial – Part 5

Embrace the Trial – Part 4

Embrace the Trial – Part 3

**Understanding the “WHO” Question – “Embracing ‘Who’ God is”**

Keep in mind that any god that I put my trust in, short of the Biblically defined God, will be lacking in his ability to righteously and providentially rule over the very details of my trial.

**The more I am still before Him, the more I will be changed to be like Him, because I am taking time to behold Him.**

Embrace the Trial – Part 2

Embrace the Trial – Part 1

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Be STABLE—“TRUST in the Lord.”

Be SATISFIED—“DELIGHT thyself in the Lord.”

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

Be STILL—“REST in the Lord.”

Be SUBMISSIVE—“WAIT upon the Lord.”

Share this:

Know somethings about God

Do something about what you know

Share this:

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

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

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

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Understanding the “WHO” Question – “Embracing ‘Who’ God is”

Keep in mind that any god that I put my trust in, short of the Biblically defined God, will be lacking in his ability to righteously and providentially rule over the very details of my trial.

The more I am still before Him, the more I will be changed to be like Him, because I am taking time to behold Him.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

**Understanding the “WHO” Question – “Embracing ‘Who’ God is”**

**The more I am still before Him, the more I will be changed to be like Him, because I am taking time to behold Him.**