God Mixes It Up

"Consider what God has done:

Who can straighten

what He has made crooked?

When times are good, be happy;

but when times are bad, consider this:

God has made the one

as well as the other.

Therefore, no one can discover

anything about their future."

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

There are so many plans I could make and attempt to carry out in order to give me the life I want.  I recently read about a high school graduate who has his life planned out until he was 43 at which time he believes he will become President of the United States.  While this culture applauds such confidence and ambition, (evidenced by the fact that his story was printed on the front page of the local paper) is it a godly approach to life?  Can any of us really predict the future?  

Only God knows for certain.  Consequently, how should we live?

Control.  My grandmother did it before me and I have inherited her habit.  We share an affinity for weather reports.  While I don't record each day's conditions like she did, I am fascinated by forecasts.  A day is just not complete until I see what the weatherman thinks is headed our way for the coming hours.  The one thing I have noticed is that no one can predict the weather with 100% accuracy. I chalk this up to the sovereignty of God.

In the same way that rain can come on the day of the picnic even though sun is forecast, my own plans can be messed up by an unforeseen event.  Whether it is sickness, an accident, a natural disaster or some other crisis, God could allow hardship and suffering into my life at any time.  As a child of the King, I can be assured that whatever He approves of for my life will test my faith and grow my character (James 1:2, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Romans 5:3-5).  It all is part of His glorious design that will bring about His best for me while pointing others to Him (Romans 8:28).

As I live my life, peace will come when I rest in the truth of God's sovereignty: He controls my future.

Formula.  "God will give you a good life because you are taking care of children."  My Muslim friend confidently proclaimed this belief to me when my family ran a free afterschool program in our neighborhood.  Her faith taught her that good deeds produces a comfortable, carefree life and that Allah, her god, would reward endeavors performed with a pure heart by shielding her from hardship. 

The One True God does not follow this kind of mindset.  In fact, if I want to live on Easy Street, I had probably better avoid following Jesus (John 15:18-25, Malachi 3:3, John 16:33).  The blessings of God do not always translate into worldly or physical blessings.  Rather, the reward often comes later, after this life is over when I will enter into the presence of God by faith in Jesus (Matthew 5:12, Hebrews 10:35).  If I'm looking for the good life now, I may be disappointed.  If I'm hoping for all that He promises me in eternity,however, I will not be let down.

As I live my life, I'll learn to cope with hardship when I realize the struggles are not necessarily a result of my failures, but often a part of living a life in relationship with Jesus.

Blind.  After I go through a hard thing like a crisis or difficulty that brings pain and suffering, I often feel a bit gun shy, wondering what this present day will bring.  As I consider the hardship I just went through, I think it would be nice to know what's coming down the pike so I could brace myself.  In reality, though, such knowledge would be too much for me to bear.

Thankfully, God knows it is better for His image-bearers to live life blind to the future.  In His wisdom, He only reveals what I need to know at the time that is necessary so as not to overwhelm my frail being with unnecessary heartache.  Therefore, it is vital that I trust Him, realizing if He is wise enough to guard me from knowing too much about what is to come, He is also wise enough to know how to get me through tomorrow's untold sorrows. In fact, I can rest in the fact that He is already there.  His grace is all I need to withstand any heartache; upon this truth I can stake my life (2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:12-13).

As I live my life, I can rest in the knowledge that it's enough that God knows what is coming my way, and I can trust that He will get me through tomorrow's unknown.

I can make my plans but only God holds the blueprint for my life.  Therefore, I'd be wise to acknowledge that He is in control, there is no formula to living a stress-free life, and that living blind to the future is God's best for me.  While I'd love to have my life all mapped out so I know what to expect, I've found that God mixes it up.  What an adventure life with Jesus is!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to let Him control my tomorrow.

When do I attempt to be the master of my own destiny?

How am I frustrated with my inability to control my days? 

  

Hook, Line and Sinker

"The high places, however, were not removed,

and the people still had not set their hearts

on the God of their ancestors."

2 Chronicles 20:33

The people of Judah had enjoyed a godly, devoted leader for 25 years.  While this man did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, the people weren't all in.  They hadn't bought into God's ways completely.  Instead of fully swallowing Him and His teachings, hook, line and sinker, they only nibbled, accepting what sounded good but discarding what was uncomfortable and retaining that which offended Him.

I am not so different.  What are some high places I have retained where idol worship often takes place (Psalm 78:58, Deuteronomy 5:8)?

Self-love.  Above all things, I want to be accepted by others.  My rights and liberties are very important to me and I will fight to defend them.  If I'm called to step outside of what I feel comfortable doing, I'll probably choose to stay where I am.  When it comes right down to it, I have placed myself and my sovereignty above God.  My love for myself has been elevated to the position of a god; it rules my life.

Since fitting in is so important to me, I end up choosing to go with the flow instead of taking a stand for God and His Word.  As a result, I have exposed my dedication to my own well-being as more important than the Truth.  Because I value my rights I defend myself whenever I feel threatened, revealing my belief that my liberties are of higher worth than God's glory.  As I work so hard to carve out the good life, I make decisions that cut God's purposes out since they might take me to places I never intended to go.  Consequently, I show how my comfort means more to me than obeying God.

My love for myself has become an idol, distracting me from wholly living for Christ.

World-love.  I take all the advice I can get, figuring that the more I can learn, the wiser I will grow.  Soon, I begin to take on the beliefs of the world, buying into its alluring messages.  Success, popularity, financial security, age prevention; they all become more and more important to me as I fall further and further away from God and His Word.  I can't buy into what the world is selling and devote my heart to the Lord.  It's either one or the other (1 John 2:15-17).

When I turn my attention toward the Lord, making Jesus my sole pursuit, He will change the way I think so that my opinions and beliefs line up more with God's will (Romans 12:1-2).  Unless I dedicate my heart to Him, however, the lure of the world will always be too strong to withstand.  Once I see Jesus as a treasure to be held onto, nothing will be able to tear me away from Him.

My love for the world can become an idol, distracting me from wholly living for Christ.

Control-love.  I would never choose a position that would stretch me beyond my limits.  I am careful to avoid what I don't like, to direct the conversation to topics I'm familiar with, to protect myself and my family from harm.  I have a strong desire to control my own life.

The problem is, I'm not in control.  God is in complete control of all things.  He is sovereign over all of His own creation (Psalm 33).  This is His world, not mine!  I have only fooled myself into thinking I have some semblance of dominion over the affairs of my life.  As soon as illness strikes, tragedy hits or the unforeseen comes my way, I realize how little control I really have.

Thankfully, God is a loving God who has my best interest at heart.  I can trust Him to sit at the helm of my life, directing my ways and guiding me to the path of life.  Only He knows the best plan for me so I would be wise to seek Him out wholeheartedly (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

My love for control can become an idol, distracting me from wholly living for Christ.

There are many high places erected in my life, providing opportunities for me to worship something other than God.  My love for self, the world, and control can steal my heart away from the Lord.  If I am to accept God's best for me, I must swallow His truth hook, line and sinker.  Until then, I will not fully be living!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can completely accept God's plan for my life.

How do I hold back, reserving some parts I'm not ready to surrender to Jesus?

When do I fail to trust God completely?

The Profile of a Pharisee

"While the Israelites were in the wilderness,

a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. . .

Then the LORD said to Moses,

'The man must die.

The whole assembly must stone him

outside the camp.'"

Numbers 15:32,35

His hand was useless, hanging limply by his side, unable to perform even the simplest of tasks.  Suddenly, Jesus was there.  "Stand up in front of everyone."  The man looked around.  Is He talking to me? the man wondered.

Meanwhile, the Pharisees were lurking in the shadows, watching Jesus intently, hoping He would heal the man so they could nail Him for working on the Sabbath.  Jesus, however, knew their thoughts and intentions.

"Which would be lawful; to do good or evil, to save life or to kill?"  No one knew what to say, but anger burned within the heart of the Healer as He surveyed their stubborn hearts.  "Stretch out your hand,"  Jesus said, and then He restored the man's hand to normal.  It was then that the Pharisees knew they must kill Jesus, and they plotted how they could do such a thing.  (Paraphrased from Mark 3:1-6)

Reading this Gospel account of the healing of a broken man, it's hard to understand why the Pharisees would be so zealous when it came to enforcing the Sabbath law.  In the context of the Old Testament passage found in today's reading, however, it's easy to see why they might have become so obsessed with this pursuit.  In their effort to protect people from the righteous wrath of God, the law grew to be more important than people.

I must be careful to avoid this same pitfall and myself become like the Pharisees in the way I think.  In an effort to uphold God's standard, I could end up missing the point.

Sin

The debate over homosexuality rages as followers of Jesus struggle to know how to handle such an affront to God's holiness.  While God is pretty clear about how He views this practice, believers don't agree on where to stand when it comes to the Gay community. (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Take a hard stand and ban practicing homosexuals from church as a way to honor God and His righteousness?  Let them worship side-by-side with others in an effort to show God's grace?  Welcome them wholeheartedly, even to the point of placing them in positions of leadership so as to demonstrate our shared sinful nature and how God can use anyone to accomplish His will?

While I'm not here to debate the issue of homosexuality in the Church, I do think this dilemma brings up a good point.  It is easy to get to the place where I am quick to condemn sin but slow to extend grace and let the truth of the Gospel convict another.

When Jesus was faced with a similar problem in the Jewish Temple, He handled it in a way that surprised everyone.  The Jewish leaders brought in a woman who was caught committing adultery, according to the Law.  As she stood before the group, these leaders said to Jesus, "Teacher, here is a woman who was caught in the act of adultery.  According to the Law of Moses, she must be stoned.  What do you say?"

Instead of responding, Jesus bent down and wrote in the dirt at their feet.  The men looked at each other, perplexed.  "Did you hear us?  What shall we do?  The Law is clear on this point!"  Slowly, Jesus stood up.  "Whoever is without sin can throw the first stone."  Then, He squatted down and again wrote in the dusty soil.

These pompous men lowered their heads.  The fight left their bodies and slowly, one by one, they dropped their stones and left, knowing that not one of them was completely innocent.  When all the accusers had left, Jesus stood and faced the woman.  "What, no one condemned you to death?"

"No one, sir."

"Then neither do I.  Go and leave your life of sin."

(paraphrased from John 8:3-11)

God did not send His precious Son down into this broken, darkened world to find us guilty.  Rather, He came to save us from the death penalty our sins earned. (John 3:17)  Therefore, I should likewise be in the business of loving people enough to share the Truth of the gospel in love, leaving the job of convicting to God.  The salvation of each individual person is what I must find important, not the kind of sin by which they are enslaved.

When I am quick to condemn sin but slow to extend grace, I am in danger of becoming like the Pharisees.

Revenge

The Pharisee invited Jesus to dine in his home.  As He reclined at His host's table, a woman approached Jesus from behind, weeping deeply.  Jesus had changed her life as she listened to His teachings, encouraging her to turn from her sinful ways and walk on the path of life.  Her gratitude was deeply felt and she looked for a way to honor Him for what He had done in her heart.

She bent and, through the tears, kissed His feet, wiping them with her hair.  Then, she produced an alabaster jar of perfume with which she proceeded to anoint His feet.  Meanwhile, Simon, the host, looked on in disgust.  If this man whom I showed kindness to by inviting Him to my table really was a prophet, He would know what kind of a woman it was who made such a shameful display, he thought, clucking his tongue.

Knowing his thoughts, Jesus addressed His host.  "Simon, suppose there were two men who owed a certain lender some money.  One owed a year-and-a-half worth of wages, while the other owed about a months' worth.  Since neither had the means with which to pay him back, the lender forgave both the debts.  Who do you think would love him more?"

"Probably the one whose debt was larger,"  Simon replied.

"Exactly, "  Jesus replied. "Ever since I came to your home, this woman has washed my feet with her tears and liberally covered them with kisses while anointing me with perfume.  You, however, did not even extend the courtesy to wash my feet, give me a kiss of greeting or anoint my head with oil.  Her great love shows how her sins have been forgiven.  Whoever has been forgiven little, loves little."  (Paraphrased from Luke 7:36-50)

Simon was quick to want God's wrath to fall on this "sinful woman," believing in his heart that she was deserving of punishment.  He did not, however, understand the darkness of his own heart and thus his own need for forgiveness.  

There is no doubt that I live in a dark world where sin runs rampant and God and His ways are consistently trampled upon.  It is easy, then, for me to develop a callousness against those who are caught up in the trap of the devil, believing the lies that sound so good to their sin nature and who are living to please themselves. (2 Timothy 2:25-26) Instead, I must understand the heart of God and His desire for each of His children to turn from their wicked ways and be saved.  He is never slow to deliver judgement, but rather merciful.  (2 Peter 3:8-9)

When I am quick to call for God to unleash His fury against a sinful world, I am in danger of becoming like the Pharisees.

Control

Jesus delivered the man who had been living in darkness since birth.  Once he could see, the Pharisees questioned him.  "How is it that you've been healed from your blindness?"

"The man they call Jesus put mud on my eyes and asked me to wash in the Pool of Siloam.  Once I did, I could see."

The Pharisees began to argue among each other, some claiming He could not be from God since He healed on the Sabbath, others acknowledging the miracle He performed.  They asked the former blind man what he thought.

"He must be a prophet."

These leaders questioned the parents and the man, trying to prove Jesus' guilt.  All they could conclude, however, was that a man once blind, now could see.  Still, they were determined to convict Jesus in some way.  When they later encountered Jesus, He told them they were the ones were truly suffered from blindness.  (paraphrased from John 9)

These Pharisees were convinced that they stood on the side of God, believing it was their job to convict those who opposed them.  Unfortunately, they had it backwards.  It was they who were guilty and completely oblivious to this fact.

I easily fall into the same trap, leading a crusade against what I judge as wrong yet completely blind to the ways I am fighting against God.  Instead of pointing the finger at others, then, I would be wise to pay more attention to the three fingers pointing back at me.  When I focus on submitting to God's leading in my life, I will be less likely to notice the sins of others.  

Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs me to not depend on my own understanding or way of thinking, but to completely submit to God's will in every area of my life.  This means that when I come up against a godly teaching that doesn't make sense to me, I must go against my own thinking and embrace what God is showing me.  When I do this, He'll make it clear where to go from there.  If I don't, however, I'll end up going out on my own, against God.

When I am quick to follow my own lead, essentially rejecting God's,  I am in danger of becoming like the Pharisees.

When I read about the Pharisees in the New Testament, it is clear how they oppose God and His ways.  I could never imagine acting in such a way, I tend to think.  In reality, however, I am always at risk of reverting to their way of thinking.  Therefore, I must value sinners above the need to condemn the sin, forgive liberally while resisting the urge to enact revenge on a dark world, and submit to God's leadership instead of insisting on doing what seems right to me.  In these ways, I'll guard against the tendency to live like a Pharisee.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be sensitive to my sinful ways, thus realizing my need for God's mercy.

How do I focus more on the sins of others instead of my own?

When do I desire to take the lead against the sin around me instead of submitting to God's authority?  

Arrogance of Assumption

"Now listen, you who say,

'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city,

spend a year there,

carry on business and make money.'

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.

What is your life?

You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes.

Instead, you ought to say,

'If it is the Lord's will,

we will live and do this or that.'

As it is,

you boast in your arrogant schemes. 

All such boasting is evil.

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do

and doesn't do it,

it is sin for them."

James 4:13-17

It is easy to count on that which may not happen.   Pastor and writer John Piper once challenged my arrogance of this kind of assumption when I heard him say that I shouldn't be surprised when someone dies.  Instead, I should be amazed when I am blessed with another moment to live.  

If I am to live as if my life is not my own, as disciples of Jesus are called to live, then there are some basics I must accept. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Life is a Gift

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  

You may recognize this familiar phrase as taken from the Declaration of Independence.  Americans rely on such rights as members of a free society where our liberties are vital to the welfare of the people.  This right to life extends also to the unborn, whose claims to life have been taken away in the country since 1973.  While God upholds the sanctity of life, I'm not sure that He would agree with the assertion that I have a right to live.

You see, life is a gift.  Every breathe I take is only at the mercy of the Giver of life.  He is the only One with a right:  The right to give, and the right to take. (Exodus 33:19)  He decides the length of my life, and only He knows how long I have left. (Psalm 139:16)  Life is fragile and is completely in the hands of God.

Once I comprehend and accept this truth, I will begin to live differently.  Instead of wasting the time God has given to me, I will look for ways to honor Him and glorify His name in all I do.  (Colossians 3:17)  As a replacement for taking all the good things I have for granted, I will adopt an attitude of thanksgiving.  In the place of living recklessly for myself I will begin to give my all for Him.  

Instead of assuming I'll have tomorrow, I desire to live each day as if it were a gift from God; because it is!

God is Sovereign

My plans were all laid out.  I would graduate from college and use my degree to build a fulfilling career.  After that, maybe I would get married and have children, but that wasn't high on my list of priorities.  As I look back the thirty years that has passed since I graduated from high school when my head was filled with such thoughts of the future, I realize how wrong I was about how my life would turn out.

Instead of building a fulfilling career, I became an Army wife and mom of four daughters.  I would never trade the life I've lived, but it was not the life I would have ever chosen for myself.  Thankfully, God knows better and He has a plan for my life that I could never imagine.  (Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 3:20)

Once I comprehend this truth and let God be in the driver's seat of my life, a peace will flood my heart as I stop trying to find my own blueprint for the days I have left.  

Where once I would try so hard to be the person I thought God wanted me to be, I will find I can move forward onto the path He has cleared for me, free from the self-imposed pressure I place to become someone I was never destined to be.

Instead of working so hard to fulfill my own strategies, I can wait for God to reveal the way He wants me to go.  

Living like I believe that God is sovereign will mean I can stop trying to impress Him and as a replacement simply live in relationship with Him.  He loves me as I am; and He loves me more than I can imagine.

Instead of assuming I am in control, I desire to live each day out of obedience to the One who holds the blueprint for my life.

Obedience

We've all seen it:  The expert dog trainer whose own 'best friend' is out of control.  Or the exercise instructor who can't complete his own workout regime.  Or the financial planner who is going through bankruptcy.  Knowledge is all well and good, but what good is it if I can't apply it to my own life?

Learning more about God by reading His Word is not just to grow my brain size.  Studying the Bible is not so I can retain more knowledge about God.  Rather, spending time sitting at the feet of Jesus as He teaches me His ways through the study of His Word is so that I will take what I have learned and apply it to my own life.  (James 1:22)

If I am not willing to do what I am told, can I really consider myself to be a disciple of Christ?  Instead, it is more like I am an observer, or a student.  A follower, however, is one who does as her leader does.

When God shows me about His compassion, it is so that I will realize my own lack of mercy and forgiveness toward others, seeking instead to extend grace liberally wherever I go.  When God shows me about His rest, I can either find it interesting or I can strive to enter into the rest that comes with trusting Him, putting His Word into practice.  When God shows me about His claim on my life, I can choose to continue to live my life my way, or I can surrender all to Him as my Redeemer.  

Instead of assuming that I can continue to live as I always have, I desire to live each day in obedience to what He is constantly teaching me.

It is all too easy to take things for granted and assume what I should never believe.  Instead, I can live with the understanding that life is a gift, God is in control, and that obedience is important.  In these ways I will avoid the arrogance of assumption.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will never count on that which is out of my control.

How do I assume I'll be here tomorrow in the way I make my plans?

When do I brush off the lessons God is teaching me?

Double Minded

"If any of you lacks wisdom,

let him ask God,

who gives generously to all without reproach,

and it will be given him.

But let him ask in faith,

with no doubting,

for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea

that is driven and tossed by the wind.

For that person must not suppose

that he will receive anything from the Lord;

he is a double-minded man,

unstable in all his ways."

James 1:5-8 ESV

Waves crashed around the mighty ship, threatening to take her under the dark waters.  Still, she steamed forward toward her destination, her forward progress not hampered by the surf.  In contrast, a nearby vessel with less integrity and strength took a beating from the storm.  No matter how hard her Skipper tried to keep her on course, she was tossed around by the waves like a toy boat in a bathtub full of rambunctious toddlers.

I'm like that second ship when I doubt.  I am always seeking God's will for my life, wanting to know which direction I should go next.  The problem, however, lies with what happens in my mind.  I don't always ask with a humble heart, ready to hear whatever He tells me.  Sometimes I've ruled some things out before God even speaks, thinking there's no way I could do such a thing, like forgive an enemy, speak to a group of people or step outside my area of expertise.

I can't expect an answer when I hold onto doubt.  This uncertainty takes on many forms, each as malicious as the other.

Contradiction

I remember watching Zoom on PBS when I was growing up.  One of the regular features on the show was a mysterious character named Fannee Doolee.  She loved anything with double letters, but hated whatever did not, even if it was the same thing.  For instance, Fannee Doolee loves sweets but hates candy, or she loves trees but hates forests.  Basically, she was a walking contradiction.

While Fannee Doolee might inspire kids (and adults) to think creatively, she would drive me nuts if she were a real person.  As silly as she sounds, though, I sometimes act just as irrationally in the way I live my life.  On the one hand I say that God can do anything and that nothing is impossible with Him, but then I go against what I just proclaimed by doubting He can use me in the way He suggests.

In this way, I am a walking contradiction, proclaiming one thing with my mouth yet not quite grasping hold of it in my way of thinking.  Jesus reminds me of the importance of faith when making an appeal to God.  He said I can command a mountain to throw itself in the sea and it will happen if I believe it will come to pass, without doubting.  (Mark 11:22-24)

Doubt leads to a contradictory spirit that cannot hear from God.

Waver

The little lambs followed their beloved shepherd, listening to his gentle voice as he lovingly led them to the green pastures.  Suddenly a different sound accosted their ears; one that seemed quiet and calm but this voice evoked a different response.  The heartbeats of the little lambs beat furiously within their chests and they began to panic, unsure whether or not their shepherd was still there.  Maybe he had abandoned them in favor of another herd.  Perhaps he left them in the care of this new master.  They grew confused and wavered in their mind.

While these sheep knew their leader's voice, the sound of another, similar, shepherd caused them to question.  I do the same thing.  Jesus is my Good Shepherd and I recognize His voice. (John 10:14)  Sometimes, though, I begin to get confused when I listen to other, quite similar voices guiding me in a different direction.  Instead of going where Jesus leads me, I begin to doubt, wondering if maybe that other voice is really the one I should be following.

It's not so much that I intentionally turn away from God as I am lured away by a deceiving spirit that sounds deceptively similar.  Then, I lose my confidence in my ability to pick out my Lord's voice.  I begin to question, Maybe I'm just hearing my own thoughts or wishes; Is Satan playing games with me, disguising himself as God? 

Doubt leads me to waver until I can no longer distinguished God's voice.

Control

He was determined to get his own way and he would stay on the floor crying and carrying on until he lost his voice if that was what it took.  It wasn't really about the candy; this toddler wanted to gain control over his life.  Tempter tantrums can be effective tools for preschoolers, and sometimes even for adults!  If I put up enough of a fuss, people will get tired of my antics and gladly welcome the peace that comes with compromise.

When I try to use this same tactic with God, however, it backfires.  I cannot expect to get my way and desire His will at the same time:  Either I get to be god of my own life, or I let Jesus hold that position.  How many times do I betray my doubt in God's sovereign plan by insisting on keeping the reigns of my life firmly grasped within my fists?

Doubt leads me to seek control so that I cannot hear from God about His plan.

How often I ask God to reveal His plan for my life but I harbor doubt within my mind.  This disbelief comes out when my uncertainty in God as everything I proclaim Him to be is revealed in the way I doubt.  Listening to other voices also throws me off until I can no longer recognize God's voice in the fray.   Finally, everyone can see who is really lord of my life by whose plan I am following.  In these ways I am double-minded and easily thrown off course.  Instead, it is my desire to be wholly focused on Jesus as my Lord.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop thinking two ways and completely surrender to God.

How does my doubt lead to confusion in trying to hear God's voice?

When do I think my situation is the exception to the rule that nothing is impossible with God?    

   

Open my Eyes

"'Don't be afraid,' the prophet answered.

'Those who are with us

are more than those who are with them.'

And Elisha prayed, 'O LORD, 

open his eyes so he may see.'"

2 Kings 6:16-17

Elisha was in a tight spot.  Through the revelation of God, the prophet had been tipping off the king of Israel regarding the movements of his enemy's actions.  Whenever the king of Aram changed positions, the army of Israel had already anticipated their moves.  Frustrated, the king of Aram vowed to capture the prophet, ending their advantage.  

As the enemy troops gathered around the city, Elisha's servant took one look and knew they were doomed.  His courage was gone, his hope had disappeared, his strength had vanished.  They were surrounded!  The army of Aram was strong with horses and chariots, giving them the clear advantage!  There was no escape!

I feel like that sometimes.  I look at the circumstances of my life and deduce that there is no way out.  I am surrounded by problems.  I can see no possible escape from my troubles.  My thoughts turn to feelings of doom.

Then, I look to God, and He opens my eyes to the truth, much like Elisha's servant's vision was broadened.  When my perspective has changed and I see the multitudes that are fighting in my stead, my hope returns.

Broaden my View 

The bills pile up, my health declines, the family grows apart, I fall into despair.  All my problems feel overwhelming; they are taking up my entire viewpoint, blocking out the glory of God.  He is bigger than all my struggles, but my focus is too narrow.  I am concentrating excessively on the issues.

It is kind of like trying to view a majestic mountain from close up.  When I am on the mount, all I see is white snow.  It doesn't seem so impressive because I can't see the whole peak.  Once I descend and take a look at the same mountain from the valley below, I appreciate the magnificence of it's imposing presence.  Up close it just seemed like a vast snowfield.

In a similar way, I can't appreciate the power of God when I am focusing on a tiny part of the picture.  When I only see the here and now and the impossibility of my issues, I forget that God is bigger.  When I am trying to come up with solutions to my problems, I am overlooking the fact that God uses trials to refine me in the same way that a silversmith purifies silver in the fire.  When I dwell on the hardships, I fail to see all the good that God has given me.

The people of Judah found themselves in an impossible situation during the time of King Hezekiah.  The Assyrian army surrounded the city of Jerusalem, and the people were afraid.  But the wise king encouraged them by saying, "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.  With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." (2 Chronicles 32:7-8) Not surprisingly, the people gained confidence from his words. 

Notice that Hezekiah did not deny that the army that laid siege upon their city was large.  He was upfront about the threat that faced them.  What Hezekiah did was to remind everyone that no matter how big the problem, God is bigger!  Like God reminded Abram, "I am your shield, your very great reward." (Genesis 15:1)

When hard times hit, I can remember that God's power overwhelms any force that I can face.  If He is for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31) Who or what can stand against the Lord?

When tough times overwhelm me, I need to broaden my view.

Lighten my Grip

I'll admit it; I'm a control freak.  I like to be in charge.  It makes me feel more comfortable knowing that I make the decisions.  Directing my own path seems natural.  The problem with this tendency is that I am not really in control.  I like to think I am, but the Creator of the universe is in charge.  

When I refuse to let go of my own sense of autonomy, I am in essence saying that I am god and there is no need for another.  My desire to manage my life the way I see fit and in the way that pleases me gets in the way of Jesus reigning as Lord of my life.  As Oswald Chambers said, "He is King of kings and Lord of lords from the day of His Ascension until now."  There is no doubt that Jesus sits on the throne, but does He reign in my life?  Or do my desires, comfort and well-being rule?

Trying to direct my own paths has not worked very well, in my experience.  I tend to obsess over problems, analyzing possible solutions and dreaming up various scenarios until I'm sick to death of thinking about my difficulty.  I never thought of myself as a worrier, but considering the fact that worrying is simply focused thinking on difficulties or troubles, I came to the conclusion that I am a first class worrywart!.

Jesus had something to say to me, the bundle of nerves. He said to watch the rest of creation for a clue: birds never worry because they trust God to provide for their needs.  He knows what I need better than I do, and I can place my confidence in Him rather than in my own wherewithal. Then He advised me to, ". . .seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

Letting go of my desire to control and giving God dominion over my life means I will trust Him to provide my needs.  I will be so secure in His ability to supply that I won't even think about it.  Instead, I'll be completely focused on what He's doing around me and how I can join in.

When my grip is white-knuckled, it's time to let go and give God a chance.

Narrow my Scope

We've all heard it: "He who plans to fail, fails to plan."  The maxim to "plan ahead" is drilled into our minds at a young age.  While it is wise to give thought to my future, if I extend those thoughts to foreseeing possible difficulties and taking part in troubleshooting of future imagined problems, I will work myself into a pile of nervous anxiety.  

John Piper, author and pastor, explained this phenomenon by using the term, "future grace."  He said God gives us a continuous supply of grace, but each day's supply is sufficient only for that day's trouble. That's why Jesus said to, "not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  

I have been given enough grace to handle today's problems, but when I hone in on things that may happen in the future, I am weighed down by the pressure.  I have not yet been given the strength to handle what may come tomorrow.  I am only enabled to cope with today.

As I "borrow trouble" by focusing on the future, I am taking away the grace that was meant for today.  Corrie Ten Boom, holocaust survivor and author of The Hiding Place, said, "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strength."  Using today's God- given resources to attempt to deal with tomorrow's troubles robs me of today's grace.

Instead, it is my desire to maximize the grace God has given me for this day and use it only for today's difficulties. 

When my vision is too far-sighted, it's time to narrow my scope.

There is a lot in this world to keep me anxious.  If, however, I broaden my view to take in all that God is doing behind the scenes to protect me, lighten my grip to give God dominion over my life, and narrow my scope to focus only on the troubles God has supplied the grace to handle, I will live a life of peace that passes understanding.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will live my life with my eyes wide open to God's sovereign work that is happening all around me.

How do I discount God's power by trying to rely on my own strength?

When do I think I can try to tackle tomorrow's problems and thus borrow trouble?

Who is in Control?

"Humble yourselves, therefore,

under God's mighty hand,

that he may lift you up in due time.

Cast all your anxiety on him

because he cares for you."

1 Peter 5:6-7

"I can't do it anymore." These words slipped from my friend's mouth amidst the streaming tears as she poured out her heartache.  She was giving her all to her family, but they were showing nothing but contempt and ingratitude.  Defeat was written all over her face.

As we spoke, poring over scripture and submitting ourselves to God, an amazing transformation took place.  Hopelessness turned to faith.  Despair became optimism.  Defeat was transformed into triumph.  The Holy Spirit was at work.

This kind of progression can be studied in the book of Psalms where David began by crying out to God in despair and ended by praising Him in a spirit of great hope and worshipfulness.  Only God's Spirit can create this dramatic transformation in a person's soul.  

Control

I can make it work, I just need to try harder.  I don't know if you've ever said this to yourself, but I have many times.  Whether it be in trying to control my temper, accomplishing tasks throughout the day, or in strengthening my marriage, the fact remains that I am not the one in control.  

Pastor and writer Dick Rasanen shares this desire to be in command as a prayer.  "Dear God, I find it so easy to try to be the one in charge.  I find it so painful to realize that I am not the one in control.  Help me know when saying "I just work here" that it is a confession and not just a way of evading responsibility."

Isaiah 40 is a good place to start in reminding myself where I stand in the scheme of things.  "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.  The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them.  Surely the people are grass.  The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (v 6-8)  

I am small and fragile in comparison to the mighty, everlasting God who created me!  How can I hope to control anything?

God's message through the prophet Isaiah continues with, "Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor?  Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way?  Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?" (v 13-14)  Not only am I feeble and frail, but I have no comprehension of the workings of things.  

As if that's not enough, God then reminds me of his power as compared to my weakness. "Do you not know?  Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." (v 28-29)  God will never say, "I can't do it anymore."

God is better equipped to remain in control than am I.  

Humble

Even though it is painfully clear that I am ill-equipped and completely unable to direct my own paths, there is a little something called "pride" that drives me to try anyway.  

My pride says I have something to do with my own destiny, whether negative or positive.  My pride pushes my own desires, hurts, and problems to the forefront and all else to the background.  My pride won't let me forget myself.

Humility, however, helps me to realize the truth that God directs my footsteps. Humility elevates others' desires, hurts and problems to the same level of importance as my own.  Humility allows me to forget myself and my desire to defend my reputation, thinking only of God and His Name.

The crazy thing about humility is that if I feel in a rut, if it seems I'm in a pit so deep that I can't climb out, if I think that I can't get any lower, the answer is to lower myself to a position that recognizes that I am nothing without my Creator.  I must admit that all I have, all I am, all I own is a gift from God.  

When I have bowed before the Lord as low as I can get, with my face in the dirt, He does something amazing.  As James wrote in Chapter 4 verse 10 of his letter to God's people scattered throughout the region, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." 

It runs counter to my understanding to lower myself in order to be lifted up, but the key lies in Who is doing the elevating.

Yield

I encounter the familiar red triangular sign quite often when driving around my town.  My first instinct when pulling up beside it is to think how I can dart out into traffic without having to wait.  In reality, this sign means, "it is (my) responsibility to slow down, look to the right and left and yield to oncoming traffic." *

As a driver, I am under the authority of the law of the land.  If the sign says "Yield", then I must let the other cars go first or I am at risk of earning a ticket from a law enforcement official.  

In the same way, I must surrender to and submit to God as the ultimate authority in my life.  Since He says to yield to Him, I must let Him go first, allowing Him to lead the way in my life. 

As David said in Psalm 25:8-9, "Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.  He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way."  Submitting myself to God means yielding to his authority and power in every part of my life and letting Him have His way.  

God has all the answers if I would only yield to His power.

My friend was right, she can't do it anymore.  She never could, and neither can I.  Instead, I can recognize that God is the One who is in control of all things.  I can humble myself before Him, giving me the ability to yield to His Spirit as Lord of my life.

Now I can do it, because it is God who is working it out through me!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will recognize God's dominion over all things.

When do I fall into a pit as I focus only on the mess that is all around me instead of on the great power of God?

In what areas do I rely on my own feeble strength instead of submitting to God's undying strength?

* http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/forms/Signs.pdf