Category Archives: Our Faith Walk

Our Faith Walk

The Audacity of Hope, Part 1

Leave a comment

Why hope?

President Barack Obama authored a book in 2006 entitled, The Audacity of Hope. In the prologue, he shares his personal view of what the audacity of hope looks like.

The audacity of hope. That is the best of the American spirit. I thought it was having the audacity to believe despite all the evidence to the contrary that we could restore our sense of community to a nation in conflict.

Audacity is defined as the willingness to take bold risks, often characterized by confident, daring, or insolent behavior. It can mean courageous bravery or more commonly, disrespectful impudence.

To exhibit optimism amid wars and global conflicts, may be viewed as flip. Trusting God and living by faith when costs are escalating and wages are shrinking, might be seen as daring. However, that is where the audacity of hope comes in.

As believers, our hope is anchored in the Word of God and His promises (Hebrew 6:19). During these uncertain times, we can “audaciously” demonstrate our confidence in the God of hope. We have the assurance of hope.

The Assurance of Hope

The assurance of hope is based on our relationship with the Lord. In Romans 15:13, God is described as the “God of hope”.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

In the beginning of the verse, joy and peace are linked together. Joy is not a fleeting happiness derived from favorable circumstances. Rather, joy is the gladness of heart.

Peace is not the absence of conflict, but it denotes being in “right relationship” with God. This includes access by faith into the grace, in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)

To abound in hope is the result of our relationship with the Holy Spirit.  It is the power of the Holy Spirit that empowers us to do things that can only be accomplished supernaturally (Philippians 4:13). Through these 21st century challenges, we can spiritually mature from our experiences, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope will not make us ashamed. (Romans 5: 3-5)

The Protection of Hope

We need the assurance of hope to hold back the troubles of the world and Satan’s attempts to frustrate us.  The intent of both is to cause us to “give up.”  John Elderedge in his book, Resilient, describes this state of mind as “Desolation.”

I suffered a couple of devastating emotional blows in the summer of 2021. There were things I felt God had promised me that, in heartbreaking ways, did not come through. I felt so betrayed and abandoned. But then, in my vulnerable state, something came over me—a dark cloud, a sort of suffocating fog that urged me to give up my life with God. The symptoms included a sort of dullness of heart, a poverty of spirit, and a bareness of soul. Disappointment, so understandable, collapsed into disillusionment.

 Neither hope nor joy comes easily. Hopelessness infects our faith. We must find the supernatural graces to guard our hearts against both Desolation, and the riptides that pull us away from God.

Giving up will result in missed blessings.  This includes failure to accomplish the purpose God has designed for us (Ephesians 2:10). Worst case, it may cause us to walk away from our relationship with God and His protection. When that happens, Satan has won, offering no replacement except more disappointment and heart break.

The audacity of hope is possible by:

  • Knowing God (Psalm 16:11)
  • Abiding in Christ (John15:5)
  • Filling by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Next week, we’ll continue to discuss the audacity of hope, especially during these chaotic times.

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: When Life KEEPS Happening

Leave a comment

Throwback Wednesday : Life Keeps on Life-ing“Life keeps on life-ing!”

Does it seem as though life is getting harder to navigate?  Well, guess what?  It is!

I understand that “life lived under the sway of sin and Satan”, will continue its path of destruction.  “Life keeps on life-ing”; leading to disappointment,  pain, and suffering (Galatians 6:7-8).

I know that  as long as we live in this fallen world,  we will face trials and tribulations (John 16:33).  However, as believers, our peace, our confidence, and our  expectations can only come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth AND who is aware of everything that we are currently facing (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13).

With these thoughts in mind, I’d like to share for this Throwback Wednesday, “When Life Happens.”  While it was originally written  for a personal application of life happenings, it is most appropriate as we formulate our responses to the events happening  both locally and nationally.

Our Faith Walk

Independence Day 2025

Leave a comment

Independence Day 2025

Remember our roots

June 11, 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed the Committee of Five, to author the Declaration of Independence.  This Declaration was unanimously ratified on July 4th by the delegates representing the Thirteen Colonies in the colonial capital of Philadelphia.   It was designed to end England’s oppressive tyranny, cruelty, and abusive rule.

This week, we will celebrate the 249th anniversary of that occasion.  As we commemorate this event, let us not forget the decades of work and thousands of lives sacrificed to ensure our freedom is protected.

In that same spirit, let us renew our belief and allegiance to God who has made this possible.  This is expressed through the official motto of our nation, In God We Trust.  This Wordbytes is written for our personal reflection and prayer in celebration of this momentous event.

Do we still believe?

As we celebrate Independence Day 2025, do we still believe and trust in God?  If we were called before a judge, would there be sufficient evidence in our current world to support our belief?   Do we honor the teachings of Jesus Christ regarding love for others (even our enemies)?  Do we express “actionable” compassion by helping those in need: the poor, the disenfranchised, and the marginalized?  Or are we only trusting in God to provide OUR family with health, wealth, and influence?

Freedom from what?

Our nation is under attack.  Not from a foreign power or national threat.  It doesn’t require Homeland Security.  It requires healing.  A healing that can only be secured by Jesus Christ.  In 400 B.C.E., the writer of the Old Testament book of Chronicles observed his nation in social and moral decline.  A nation that failed to put their trust in God. Much like our world today.  The chronicler asked God for relief from their situation.  God offered this remedy (2 Chronicles 7:14, Amplified).

 If My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land. 

What should we do?

So how do we show our belief and trust in God in this polarized and divisive world we live in.  The prophet Micah offers this answer (Micah 6:8, Amplified).

He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion),
And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness].

This year as we celebrate Independence Day, let us take a moment to pray for our nation.  Pray that we will return to the Lord and obediently surrender to His plan for our nation.  Let us show the world, that Independence Day 2025, we will trust and serve God.  Then, we will have a real reason to celebrate.

Our Faith Walk

Altars of Earth

Leave a comment

An Altar of Earth

It’s all in the instructions

I am notorious for ordering items online.   When the box arrives, I’m excited to see my item in the perfect spot I’ve chosen for it.  However, when I open the box, all I see are parts and pieces in plastic bags with the INSTRUCTIONS on how to put it together.  Thank the Lord, I have such a kind and knowledgeable husband who is good with instructions.

Today we explore a  set of instructions God gave Israel following His presentation of the Ten Commandments (Exod. 20:24).

An altar of earth you shall make for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you.

 God’s  “thunderous” manifestation of his  presence  impressed upon Israel that He was the “Living God” and not some impotent idol they had worshipped in Egypt  (Exod. 20:18-20). God was the Creator and not the molded creations of man’s idolatrous mind.  God was moving closer to His people.  He would come to them and bless them.

Why an altar of earth?

An altar of earth, a simple structure, or of stone (unhewn), was  to be constructed. God wanted them to build a plain altar of stone with no engraving. I’m sure many of the Israelites had seen the engraving of the statues and monuments in Egypt.  They may have even been engravers themselves.  But God required a higher yet simpler standard that would recognize who He was.   The moment a tool was put to the stone, it would be considered “polluted”.

It should be noted that the primary purpose of the altar was for worship.  That worship was to include specific offerings—a peace offering and a burnt offering.  There was no mention of presenting a sin and trespass offerings which were given to Israel later.

The peace offering revealed man’s need for  sacrifice that would reconcile him to God.  Jesus Christ accomplished that by His blood on the Cross.  The burnt offering speaks of God’s  worthiness and ability to save.  Christ was the perfect sacrifice and the only one able to satisfy the righteous requirements of God (2 Cor. 5:18)

Where’s my altar?

Everywhere Israel journeyed,  they made an altar of earth.  The altar was to be placed  in those places where  “God recorded His name.” One commentary states it this way:   “cause My name to be remembered”.

God would reward Israel’s offerings in those places where God was worshipped in sincerity.

Afterwards, God chose one particular place (Jerusalem) to record his name.  But now that has been taken away under the gospel, when men are encouraged to pray every where.  This promise revives in its full extent, that, wherever God’s people meet in his name to worship him, he will be in the midst of them, he will honour them with his presence, and reward them with the gifts of his grace; there he will come unto them, and will bless them.  More than this we need not desire for the beautifying of our solemn assemblies.[1]

This portion of the Exodus text caught my attention.  I then began to ask myself the following questions.

Where are my “altars of earth” to the Lord?

Where are the places in my life where God has caused me to “remember His name”?

Am I watchful and recognize when I am “out of fellowship” with Him?

Am I presenting offerings that worship God?

Do I bless God for all His benefits? His presence,  power, provision, and  protection?

Altars and offerings are no longer needed to be in right relationship with God.  Jesus’ death and resurrection eliminated that requirement.  However, it is important that we Christians spiritually create our personal altars to worship God in recognition of His love and gift of life through Jesus Christ.

I close with the following  scripture texts in the hope that they  will “cause His name to be remembered” by each of us.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.(Rom. 12:1) 

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. (Heb.13:15) 

Give to the LORD the glory due his name; Bring an offering, and come before him.  Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!  (1 Chron. 16:29)

[1]  Matthew Thomas Commentary

Our Faith Walk

Two Boats and a Helicopter

Leave a comment

 

Two boats and a helicopter

The choices we make

I’m sure you have heard the story about the man who faced imminent danger as a result of a flood that begun to ravage his community.  The flood waters became higher, forcing him to retreat to the roof of his house.  On two occasions, individuals in boats beckoned him to climb into their boats and save his life.  But he refused and shouted back from his roof, “I’m a Christian! God will save me!”

Finally, the waters rose to the edge of the roof.  Suddenly a helicopter appeared and begged the man to grab the dropped latter and be saved.  Well, you know what happened!  The man refused and ultimately died.  When he entered heaven, he demanded to see God.  “Why did you let me drown?”  Instead of striking him down with a lightening bolt, God calmly replied, “Hey, I sent you two boats and a helicopter.”

As we face the challenges and problems in our life, we often fail to watch and follow the leads that God sends us.  Many of these are given to us before we enter our trial.  However, when we’re in that dire situation, so is God!  God is there AND He wants us to use the resources He has provided for us.  Such was the case with Moses as he faced his first hurdle–leaving Egypt.

After Moses and the Israelites left Egypt, Pharoah had “seller remorse”.  God hardened his heart and caused him to regret letting the Israelite slaves leave (Exodus 7:14).  He probably felt like he had been duped.  Who would do the work that the Israelites did?  Egypt’s economy would probably suffer, not to mention their quality of life—who would cook, clean, and serve them?   So much for Pharoah right now, let’s return to Moses’ dilemma.

The dilemma

As Pharoah and his army approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Weren’t there enough graves in Egypt that you brought us out here to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?”

The complaints escalated.  Moses tried to reassure the Israelites that everything would be alright.  He tried to coach them to “stand firm” and “be still”.  God would fight for them! (Exod. 14:13-14).  Moses told them that they would see the salvation of the LORD on that day.  But all they could see were Egyptians bringing up the rear fast.  They could not see God!

As I read this passage, I saw myself when facing hard times and challenges.  I tend to see only what I can look at with my physical eyes—loss of health, injustice, change in relationships, economic uncertainty.

It’s even harder for me to “be still”.  I need to fix this situation and now.  I see only me standing before the Red Sea.  But all is not loss—I’ll tell you why in a few.  Back to Moses.

“Any old help will do.”

I’m sure Moses cried to God.  Exactly what he said is not included in the scripture text.  But the Lord used this moment to speak directly to Moses.  Was God going to tell him that help was on the way?  Was He sending two boats and a helicopter?

The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exod. 14:15).

Moses probably thought, “Really?  Red Sea before me and Egyptians behind me.”  Sometimes when we pray, God’s answers don’t always make sense to us at first. But that’s where our faith in God—His greatness and His goodness—reinforces the need to obey His instructions (Heb. 11:1).

God gave Moses an answer he didn’t expect: “Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.” (Exod. 14:16)  

Moses had the answer to His dilemma “right in his hand” PLUS the power of God.  Moses and his staff would be the conduit God would use to not only deliver the Israelites but also glorify God.  This act of deliverance would spread throughout the countryside including to the potential tribes in the Promise Land whom the Israelites would need to conquer (Exod. 14:18).

When you need help…

From this study, I came to the following conclusions about what to do when I need help.

    1. Assess what I currently have available to address my problem. I will not only inventory what I have with my “physical eyes” (my mind and my intellect) but also with my “spiritual eyes”.  When I read God’s Word, especially His promises and follow that with prayer, I can expect God to show me what to do.  I have learned that God’s ways, methods, and timing are not the same as mine (Is. 55:8-9).  THEY ARE BETTER!
    1. “Lift up to God” the resources He has already provided for my solution. Moses failed to remember that God had told him that He would go with him on the journey to the Promised Land. He had forgotten how God used Moses’ staff in the court of Pharoah (Exod. 4:3).  Sometimes I refuse to move forward until I have “all the information and answers”.  When that happens, it is important for me to call to remembrance (Is. 46:9,10) where God has stepped in to join me in my battles (2 Chron. 20:6-7, 12).
    1. Move forward. I am still learning each day to move forward when directed by God.  I guess it’s part of being human.  I am learning to move “more quickly” when God directs me and learning to trust Him more.

In my moments of prayer and meditation, I ask God to show me those areas of my life where I sin by being prideful or self-reliant.  He uses that time together to gently redirect my attention away from my problems and look to Him.  God is greater than any problem we may face and better equipped to solve them.  Only God can guarantee our success!

When God created us, He not only placed His purpose within us but also placed the ability to complete that purpose (Phil. 1:6).  As God prepares our path, He also prepares us for the path.  It is our responsibility to believe, to trust, and then obey.

Conclusion

The next time you need help, deliverance, or an answer for life’s challenges, don’t always look for a miracle from God.  He doesn’t need to come to our rescue.  God is always with us.  We daily live not in God’s miracles but by His lovingkindness and grace.  He is there to help us see the resources He has already provided for our escape (Eph. 1:17-20).

Prayer:  O Heavenly Father, grow within us the faith we need for the challenges we face.  Train us to look at our problems as opportunities to partner with You in their resolution.  Forgive us when we lean on our own understanding.  Place in our heart an expectation that You are with us and will always act on our behalf.  Lord, finally, help us to “Go forward” in Your name and by Your power.   Amen

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: How Are You Holding Up?

Leave a comment

 

How are you holding up?

How are you holding up?

In recounting the major events of this century, I better understand the severe damage they have had on us, and on our view of life.  Pandemics, wars, terrorism (domestic and foreign), social strife, natural disasters and so much more.  Our personal lives have also been affected as we navigate changes in responsibilities, relationships, and work life.

It has been exhausting!   These shifts, and dips of life, have required more than “pushing through”.  It has necessitated more than “hanging on”.  It requires that we cling even more closely to God.  God’s presence and power is the only true source of resiliency.

In John 16:33, Jesus shares this truth with His Disciples.  We can place our trust in this truth as we move into 2025 and beyond.

 In this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer.  I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD. 

 The Amplified Version of Jesus’ words encourage us even more.

In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Because of “these times” in which we live, it is imperative that we holdfast our faith.  Our trust and belief in Sovereign God is essential not only for our physical and mental well-being, but also for our spiritual perseverance and endurance (Psalm 18:1-2).

To help us on our faith journey, I’d like to share for this Throwback Wednesday, a message that is important to remember when facing 21st century challenges and tribulation:  “Don’t Let Go Your Faith!”

 

Our Faith Walk

Although and Yet: A Prayer of Faith

Leave a comment

 

Although and Yet: A prayer of Faith

Wickedness leads to judgment

The Prophet Habakkuk lived and prophesized in the reign of king Manasseh, when wickedness abound.  Destruction by the Chaldeans was imminent.  God would use them as an instrument of His judgment.

If God were to assess the moral condition of our nation, would we be prepared to receive His punishment? The “sins of Judah” resulted in its fall.  Disobedience is a slippery slide that leads to a continuum of sins (James 1:13-15).  Where are we as a nation on that slide?

What’s in a name?

Before being taken into captivity, Judah would experience the loss of all its material wealth and property.  All the blessings of God (Deut. 28:1-14) would be eliminated because of the wickedness and rebellion of Judah (Deut. 28:15-68).

How was Habakkuk to respond to God’s pending punishment on the nation of Judah? Habakkuk is an unusual name which means “to embrace or cling”. In the final chapter of this book, his name becomes apparent as Habakkuk chooses to cling firmly to God regardless of what happens to his nation.

Although and yet.  These two conjunctions reflect how devoted Habakkuk was to his God and the trust he would need to navigate through the dark days that lie ahead.

Habakkuk’s declaration

In the final chapter of the book, Habakkuk concludes with a prayer confessing his continuing trust in the rightness of God’s dealing with Judah (Hab. 3:17-18).

Though the fig tree may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

And there be no herd in the stalls—

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

May I digress and spend a moment on the grammar Habakkuk used in this prayer.  Though is a conjunction meaning “in spite of the fact that”.   When used at the beginning a phrase, clause, or sentence, it offers a contrast to the main sentence.   Yet is also conjunction that means, in this context, “nevertheless.”  What are you saying, Habakkuk?  Put it in 21st century language we can understand!

In spite of rising costs and inflation,

And drought burned crops and dying cattle in the fields,

In spite of fires, floods, and ravaging storms,

And our shrinking GNP and personal investment accounts,

In spite of doing more with less

And receiving little in return

Nevertheless, I will rejoice in my Lord!

I will be joyful and trust in God.

He is my salvation!

That is the kind of faith we need today. Our world continues to shift from the familiar to the unrecognizable.  These lead to uncertainty and fear.  How will we respond?  Take a moment and write your own declaration of faith.  What is your “in spite of” and your “nevertheless”?

Habakkuk’s faith

Habakkuk concludes his prayer by living up to his name.  He praises God’s wisdom even though he doesn’t fully understand God’s way.  Habakkuk chooses to cling firmly to God regardless of what happens to his nation.

That faith and trust is captured in his closing statement (Hab. 3:19, NLT):

The Sovereign Lord is my strength!

He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

able to tread upon the heights.

In the King James version of this verse, two different words are used for “make”.

  • “He will make my feet like hinds’ feet” or “to transform into”.
  • “He will make me to walk upon my high places” or “tread, bend, or march”.

The deer in this verse was not the domesticated goat we see on farms today but was a wild mountain goat that was equipped the move through the rugged terrain of the mountains.  Narrow openings and ledges, crooks, and jagged rocks.  This is where the deer lived, yet they moved confidently knowing they were created for that world.

Application for us.  Our sovereign God has created us for such a time as this.  He is transforming us and bending us so that we will be able to not only survive but thrive.  But our ability to walk upon “our high places” is dependent on our faith and trust in God—even if we don’t understand His ways.  We must live by faith (Hab. 2:4).  If we do, then we too will be able to walk on our high places (Hab. 3:19).

Our Faith Walk

What in the World?

Leave a comment

What in the world?

What in the world?

What in the world?  As I look around our nation and our world, this  is my “standard response”  to what I see.  Everyday there is new chaos, new debauchery, and/or new calamity to add to my already traumatized brain.

Many of you have asked me where is God in all this confusion?  And why doesn’t God intervene?  Such was the case with the prophet Habakkuk as he looked upon the nation of Judah.

The consequence of sin

The prophetic book of Habakkuk shares the dialogue between a “gracious God” and an “anxious prophet”.  As is true with both the major and minor prophets, we are given great insight as to how a holy God deals with an unholy and rebellious nation.

Although the nation of Judah was God’s “covenant people” (Deut. 7:7), God was now prepared to meter punishment on them like they had never experienced. The prophet Habakkuk has been chosen for “such a time as this”—a time when time has runout!

Judah was guilty of extraordinary sins.  Habakkuk inquired of God how long He would allow the wickedness of Judah to go unpunished.  They would not go unpunished.  God would use the nation of Babylon as His “chastening rod”.

We often think that our wrong behavior is not being seen by others.  While that may be true for a moment, the fact is, God sees!  What is done in the dark, will always come to light (Luke 8:17).  Many of our ousted elected officials and fallen religious leaders can attest to that truth.  However, there are always consequences for sin and it’s usually not good.

The cost of sin

God lists for Habakkuk the sins of Judah in five (5) “woes”.  God “had” indeed taken notice of Judah’s crimes (Hab. 2:5-20).  They included:

      • greed and aggression (vv. 5-8)
      • exploitation and extortion (vv. 9-11)
      • violence (vv. 12-14)
      • immorality (vv. 15-17)
      • idolatry (vv. 18-20)

We live in a world like Judah.  Look at the woes!  We sin both individually and collectively, as a nation.  God’s standard for righteous living has not changed (Micah 6:8; Mal. 3:6). Does God see what we’re doing?  Of course, He does (Ps. 33:13-14; Ps. 139:8-12).  The question is, are we willing to deal with the consequences of our sins?  Are we willing to accept the cost?

The cost is being realized as we see the immediate impact sin has on our children, our families, and our communities.

    • The hungry. Hunger is a very real issue for 12% or 41 million people in the United States.
    • The homeless. Why are people homeless? Because of “lack”!  Lack of affordable housing, income, employment opportunities, and healthcare.
    • The abused. Domestic violence.  Sexual abuse.  Human trafficking.

But what do these impacts have to do with sin?  Re-read the “five woes” and see how they fit in our 21st century culture.  If we are not guilty by “commission”, perhaps we are culpable by “omission”—by what we don’t do to make life better for others (Prov. 3:27).

The just shall live by faith

Although God’s judgment was hard for Habakkuk to accept, he recognized the only “proper response” in the midst of this dilemma.  He was “to live by faith, not by sight” (Hab. 2:4).

As we look at the world we live in, it is easy to be disillusioned and in despair.  Just like Habakkuk, we may question how long God will tolerate sinful and evil behavior from both individuals and nations.

Regardless of who sits in the White House or State House, we as believers in Christ are to do our part to speak truth and justice.  We are to engage in our world to represent Jesus as He ensures God’s will is accomplished (2 Cor. 5:15).  We are to live by faith.

Like Habakkuk, we have an ordained purpose to accomplish (Eph. 2:10).  We are to pursue our purpose trusting that God sees and is always in control.  He is constantly, through every historic event moving us to His divine plan of salvation for mankind.

Knowing that, our purpose should not focus on our personal agendas.  But instead let us join God in His plan.  Like Habakkuk and Esther and all those who have gone before us, we were created for such a time as this.  Let us not be in despair but let us “go forth” in the strength of the Lord (Ps. 71:16).

[1] Wikipedia

Our Faith Walk

What’s Going On?

Leave a comment

What's Going On

A View of 21st Century Life?

In 1971, American soul singer Marvin Gaye released a groundbreaking album entitled, “What’s Going On”.

What’s Going On is a concept album with most of its songs transitioning into the next and categorized as a song cycle. The narrative established by the songs is told from the point of view of a Vietnam veteran returning to his home country to witness hatred, suffering, and injustice. Gaye’s introspective lyrics explore themes of drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War. He has also been credited with promoting awareness of ecological issues before the public outcry over them had become prominent (“Mercy, Mercy Me”).[1]

As we listen to the songs, there is an unsettling similarity with the events of 1971 with those we are experiencing in the 21st century.  However, we can better respond to these tumultuous shifts if we “emphatically” acknowledge who we are and Who’s in control.

Time and chance

We are continually being bombarded with interruptions to our life that catch us unprepared for the inevitable. They are unexpected and usually, unfavorable circumstances that come to take “the wind out of our proverbial sail.”

In Ecclesiastes 9:11, The Preacher (King Solomon) makes the assessment that regardless of personal capacity or ability—speed, strength, wisdom, cleverness or skill.  Life happens!

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all. (NKJV)

The Preacher uses two words, time and chance, to create a figure of speech that represents “life happens moments”.  We call it misfortune (Ecclesiastes 9:11b).  Misfortune nullifies both personal capacity and ability.

In this mad hour on the earth, what story are you telling yourself—or letting others tell you?  Is it a political narrative? We just need to get the right people in power! Is it a social narrative?  The issue is injustice! We need justice!  Is it about the economy?  A new era of prosperity is coming!  Most importantly, is it the story God is telling? [2]

A Better Way

What is our response to misfortune?  “Why me?” We try to do the right thing, make the appropriate preparation, and make the best choices based on “what we know at the time.” So, what’s going on?  What happened?

Life happened! No one is exempt from misfortune.  We all have our day when it gains our full attention. But while we live in this fallen world, we do not have to respond as the world when those “life happens” moments occur.

I’d like to recommend 3R’s that will help us manage life’s misfortune.

#1. REMEMBER our position. We are not our misfortune. Our hope and security lie in our position in Christ Jesus. In Christ, we are heirs of God and therefore, the object of His love. Therefore, despite misfortune, we stand firm on God’s promises and His power (Eph. 1:19).

#2. REFRAME our situation. We are not blind to misfortune, but we know who controls all circumstances. Nothing happens to us that does not first pass God’s examination. Reframing begins with accepting God’s sovereign rule over our lives (2 Cor. 4:8-9).

#3. RECAST our response.  Recasting is accomplished by trusting God and looking for ways to transform misfortune into opportunities that enrich our spiritual life. These opportunities may be more time in personal witnessing, intercessory prayer, fasting, and Bible meditation.    We respond with confidence knowing that God will always be with us (1 John 4:4).

Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to memory a time when you had a “life happens” moment.  Use the three R’s to journal a “better way” to respond when life happens.  Feel free to share your thoughts.

[1] Wikipedia

 [2]  “Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times”, John Eldridge.

Our Faith Walk

A New View of Surrender, Part 2

Leave a comment

 

 

A New View of Surrender, Part 2

What, why, when, how… to surrender?

It is not easy for us to surrender.  It is, therefore, important to understand how surrendering operates in our daily lives.  This is where we will begin today.

As we stated earlier in this study, to surrender means to give up power, control, or possession of a thing.  For believers, that thing is us!  Spiritual surrender is the relinquishing of our will to the will of God.  Each day we are tempted by our flesh, the world, and Satan to give up power, control, or possession of our life (1 John 2:15-17).  That’s why it is important to be alert and watchful to decisions that lead us to death or to obedience (Rom. 6:16).

Why surrender?

This question, for me, was a game changer!  To truly understand “why” surrender, it is important to understand what it means to be “filled by the Spirit”.   While the definition of “filling” or “indwelling” of the Holy Spirit may vary based on one’s denomination, I will share the most common understanding by theologians.

The filling of the Spirit refers to a continual process of spiritual growth and maturity, where believers are constantly controlled by the Holy Spirit in their mind, emotions, and will. It is not a feeling or emotional experience, but rather the yielding of one’s life to the Lord. The filling of the Spirit empowers us to live the surrendered life.

When to surrender?

At the moment of salvation, we surrender to the Holy Spirit who brings us to repentance (John 16:8).  The Holy Spirit regenerates our spirit and we become new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:16-17).  It is at that time that the Holy Spirit takes permanent residence in our life (1 Cor. 3:16).

We continue this process of surrender so that we will “act more like Jesus” or “be conformed” to His image (Rom. 8:29).   This is only possible through our obedience to the Holy Spirit.

How to surrender?

As we stated earlier, the Holy Spirit’s filling is the yielding of our life to the Lord.  Key to this definition is the word, yielding.  Yielding implies an act of cooperation by us as recipients of the Spirit.  Unlike our initial salvation, it is a continual process in our spiritual growth.  This is the daily work of surrender (2 Cor. 3:18).

I offer three “R’s of Surrender” to help us practice this critical element in our Christian walk.

    • Repentance.  Continually examine our life to identify those things that act as idols and influences.  Be brutal in discarding those things that hinder our absolute surrender. (2 Cor. 13:5-6)
    • Realization. Depend wholly on the directions and leanings of the Holy Spirit.  Surrender cannot be accomplished by our “good works” or best efforts.  It is the work of God. (Luke 18:27)
    • Relationship. Understand the will of God by spending time with Him.  Prayer, meditation, and His Word are direct paths to surrender.  Practice His presence throughout the day. (Psa. 42:1-2)
God blesses when we surrender

To live in the fullness God has planned for our life, it is important that we surrender to God.  This means we must give up those things that hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in our life.  This includes not only personal sin, but our self-will, self-confidence, and self-effort.

I close with these insightful words from Andrew Murray as to the blessings associated with our surrender to God.

I say again, God will bless you. You have been praying for blessing. But do remember, there must be absolute surrender. At every tea table you see it. Why is tea poured into that cup? Because it is empty and given up for the tea. But put ink, or vinegar, or wine into it, and will they pour the tea into the vessel? And can God fill you, can God bless you if you are not absolutely surrendered to Him? He cannot.[1]

To be filled, we must empty ourselves.  We must surrender.

[1] Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray