Category Archives: Faith & Hope

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September 11, 2015

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Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, God's Plan, Knowing Him, Peace of God, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets, Trusting God

ON A NEED TO KNOW BASIS

I also saw something else here on earth: The fastest runner does not always win the race, the strongest soldier does not always win the battle, the wisest does not always have food, the smartest does not always become wealthy, and the talented one does not always receive praise. Time and chance happen to everyone. [Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NCV)]

purple coneflower - MHSP087webSometimes, in the hope of protecting the integrity of secret or sensitive information, access to information is limited to a “need to know” basis. Of course, WikiLeaks and a variety of journalists have proven that there’s little that is ever truly confidential. The HIPA Act and all of those forms we sign when visiting a doctor are supposed to keep our medical information private and on a “need to know” basis. Having just learned that my medical insurance records have been hacked, it seems that a “need to know” status isn’t much of a safeguard to one’s privacy. In spite of all sorts of precautions, hackers, whistle blowers, and informants manage to access and leak information whether we need to know it or not!

There are times we think God is keeping certain information from us that we have a need to know. We want to know the answers to “Why?” Why did he get Alzheimer’s? Why did she go into a coma? Why did this child get leukemia? Why does my child have Down’s syndrome? Why the tornado? Why didn’t the driver stop? Why can’t I have children? Why was he at the wrong place at the wrong time? Why is her child in the gifted class when mine struggles to keep up? Why didn’t she listen? Why did he kill himself? Why is there so much hate and hurt? Why did so many die in such a senseless act of terrorism? Why couldn’t you save them? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why?

I freely admit that any sermons I’ve heard that tried to answer those questions failed miserably; they left me dissatisfied and empty. The short answer, of course, is readily available in Genesis: bad things happen because man sinned. That answer, however, is anything but satisfactory. The only sermons that ever made sense were the ones conceding that, while we’re in this world, there never will be an acceptable explanation for why bad things happen.

The answers to the cries of “Why?” are on a “need to know” basis. We’ll only know the facts we need to know at the time we need to know them. If we truly needed to know, God would tell us; but we don’t, so He won’t. It’s in God’s job description to know the answers to those questions; it’s not in ours. Our job description simply requires us to trust in Him and in His plan. It appears that the angels are all rather content with their positions so we shouldn’t count on them leaking any privileged information our way. We just have to accept that when, and if, we ever need to know why, God will supply a satisfactory answer. We don’t need to know why; we just need to know Him!

You are only human, and human beings have no right to question God. An object should not ask the person who made it, “Why did you make me like this?” The potter can make anything he wants to make. He can use the same clay to make one thing for special use and another thing for daily use. [Romans 9:20-21 (NCV)]

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. [Romans 8:28a (NCV)]

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August 27, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, Prayer, Trusting God, Worry

PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES

Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying? [Matthew 6:27 (GW)]

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Eight years ago, we “downsized” which meant selling our home and cleaning out forty years’ worth of “stuff.” I could not believe the amount of knick-knacks, doo-dads, collectibles and seasonal décor I’d amassed over the years. At first, it was difficult to toss out or give away those items, but I soon found I liked the result. I’d spent way too much time cleaning, arranging, and taking care of all of it. Purging our home of those extras was incredibly freeing because it meant I was no longer at their mercy. Of course, there was less to dust and polish but, more important, once rid of so much that had filled our home’s shelves, walls, table tops and closets, it was easier to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of that which remained.

Worries are a little like those items we gradually accumulate that can eventually fill our houses (and storage units). If we could just pack them up in a box and toss them away, we’d certainly have more time. We wouldn’t be spending hours obsessing over our problems; perhaps we’d even find time to solve them! Once the worries were gone, we’d have space for positive thoughts and be better able to see the joy and beauty that exists in our lives right now. Granted, discarding the worry won’t make our problems disappear but, then again, worry won’t either! Worry, like so many of the things displayed in our homes or stored in our attics or basement closets, accomplishes nothing. Worse, worry can manage to take over our lives and even keep us from a right relationship with God.

Once we moved, I was tempted to start accumulating a fresh collection of superfluous items for the new house. So far, I’ve managed to resist, perhaps because I simply don’t have the space for additional things. It’s equally tempting to replace old worries with new ones; in fact, there are some who look for reasons to be anxious or worried the way others search for collectibles in garage sales or antique stores. As for me, I don’t want to spend my time fretting any more than I want to spend it dusting or polishing. Worries, like useless doo-dads, serve no purpose except to rob us of today’s joy and peace. If we keep our minds filled with God’s promises, there won’t be space left for anxiety and worry.

Is there something that is troubling you? Pack it up and give it to God. He’ll know what to do with it.

What’s the use of worrying It never was worth while
So, pack up your troubles in your old kit bag
And smile, smile, smile. [Lyrics by George Asaf]

The seed planted among thornbushes is another person who hears the word. But the worries of life and the deceitful pleasures of riches choke the word so that it can’t produce anything. [Matthew 13:22 (GW)]

Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6-7 (GW)]

 

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August 17, 2015

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Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, God's Plan, Patience & Perseverance, Peace of God

FINISHING THE RACE

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. [Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)]

turtle (western box) - NM1764awebRecently, my son ran a half-marathon on a blistering hot and humid Chicago day. A seasoned runner, he said it felt like the longest 13.1 miles he’d ever run. Fortunately, the water stations kept him well hydrated and then, just when he thought he’d “hit the wall,” he came to a spray station that cooled runners as they ran through the water. My son simply paused for a bit under the mist, feeling the cool water on his skin, until he felt ready to run again. He scaled back on his goal of a personal best—time no longer mattered; he just wanted to finish the race.

Although I’m not a runner, I am a writer trying to run the race God has set before me. I examined myself to see what extra weight could be shed and found the burdens of doubt and fear—doubt that I am up to the task and fear that I will run out of words and ideas. Moreover, it won’t be a private defeat—it will be in front of a crowd of witnesses—my readers. I knew I had to shed my negative thoughts and lighten my load, but how?

I thought about my son’s half-marathon and the water stations and cooling spray that had refreshed him during the grueling race. Rather than water and mist, perhaps I needed another kind of refreshment—prayer and meditation. I sat quietly with my Bible, prayed and read, and felt refreshed instead of burdened. Reading God’s word and sitting quietly in prayer was like a hydration station for the soul—it filled and refreshed me with living water. Instead of hurrying on to my tasks, I followed my son’s example and spent a good long time under God’s shower of peace. I stripped off the doubt and fear—they’ll only hold me back—and replaced them with faith and confidence.

God signed me up for this race. Even though I didn’t get a t-shirt or water bottle, it is a race that has given me tremendous joy and one I want to continue. Instead of sore muscles, there have been a few headaches but, without a doubt, I want to see it all the way to the finish line, whenever that may be. That pause to refresh, however, reminded me that God didn’t say I had to do a marathon—that was my decision. Perhaps, at my age, I’m more a 10K girl. Knowing I need to accept my own limitations, I’m going to run a shorter course of five messages a week and take extra time each day to be refreshed by that living water.

Slow but sure wins the race! [The Tortoise’s comment to the Hare in Aesop’s fable]

Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, “Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.” [John 7:37-38 (NLT)]

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. [Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)]

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August 13, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Faith & Hope, God's Grace & Love, God's Plan, Prayer, Wisdom & Guidance

WAITING IN FAITH – NEON SIGNS

Many plans are in the human heart, but the advice of the Lord will endure. [Proverbs 19:21 (GW)]

A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps. [Proverbs 16:9 (GW)]

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Choices—we all have to make them. In some cases, the correct choice is easy to discern: heaven or hell, life or death, sin or salvation, adultery or faithfulness. Other choices, like American or Provolone, mustard or mayo, whole wheat or rye are unimportant and easy to make. Most decisions, however, fall somewhere in between these extremes: how to finance the house, where to worship, who to hire, what job to take, or which medical treatment to pursue. Wanting to make the best choice, we research options, consult our Bibles, pray, and wait in faith for God to tell us what to do. In spite of all that, there are still times when we can’t discern God’s will. That’s when I ask Him for a neon sign to show me His way.

When my daughter, a dancer, was selecting her college, we couldn’t determine God’s plan and fervently prayed for His guidance. Accepted by several universities, she’d visited them all. While each was good, none seemed quite right. Then the Juilliard School, after seeing her dance, sent her a letter of acceptance without her even making application. This was one option we hadn’t even considered but, since she’d been accepted, we visited New York City to see it first-hand. Once there, our daughter toured the school, spoke with teachers and attended dance classes. Although she was pleased with Juilliard’s dance program, we were hesitant about it being the best choice; this clearly wasn’t the college experience we originally had in mind. “Dear God,” I prayed, “If you’ve shown us your plan, we’ve missed the message. You need to give us a neon sign. What should she do?”

That evening, while walking along Broadway, we passed by the theatre presenting “Cats.” On the spur of the moment, we purchased tickets. Once seated, my husband looked to his left and greeted two young men. By the brightly-colored propeller-topped beanies perched on their heads, it was clear they were tourists. While chatting with them, he learned they were professional dancers visiting from Amsterdam. When asked why they were in New York, they excitedly replied, “New York is the center of the dance world. Anyone who wants to be a dancer has to spend time here!” My daughter and I looked at each other and started to laugh. We’d asked God for a neon sign, but never expected it to be two Dutch dancers with propellers on their heads! That fall, she started at Juilliard.

Did she make the right choice? Was this God’s plan? I think my daughter and I would agree it was. God guided us in a unique and delightfully whimsical manner. Now, some twenty-five years later, whenever we’re facing a dilemma and haven’t been able to discern God’s will, we remember those young men. Along with asking God for a neon sign to guide us, we’ve been known to be on the lookout for a couple of fellows sporting beanies. You never know who God’s messengers might be—He speaks in strange and marvelous ways!

Sometimes God’s ways are mysterious. Sometimes He reveals them bit by bit over long periods of time. Then sometimes they’re just plain bizarre, but immediately clear — picture-perfect. [Cindy McCormick Martinusen]

The Lord says, “I will instruct you. I will teach you the way that you should go. I will advise you as my eyes watch over you. [Psalm 32:8 (GW)]

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August 11, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, Trusting God

HE WILL PUMP US UP!

Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won’t become weary. They will walk and won’t grow tired. [Isaiah 40:31 (GW)]

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I’ve been known to protest to my trainer when he adds more weight as I exercise. Even knowing that I’ll never get any stronger without increasing the weight lifted, I grumble. Fortunately, I trust my trainer and know he’ll never give me more than I can handle. Moreover, he’s right there beside me, ready to help as I struggle with the last few reps. Pretty soon, I find I can manage on my own and, before I know it, the weight I struggled with becomes the weight I start with on my next set. To increase my endurance, rather than increase the weight, he makes me do more repetitions and extends the time I hold the weights.

In His infinite wisdom, God uses those same concepts to build strength and increase endurance in our spiritual lives. He doesn’t want spiritual weaklings; He wants spiritually strong men and women! When we think He’s given us too much to handle, we must trust that He’s there beside us, helping as we struggle with our load. When we wonder how much longer we can endure under the weight of our troubles, remember He knows our capabilities. God won’t ever give us more than we can handle for longer than we can hold it. He is, indeed, pumping us up!

If a man does not exercise his arm he develops no biceps muscle; and if a man does not exercise his soul, he acquires no muscle in his soul, no strength of character, no vigor of moral fiber, nor beauty of Spiritual growth. [Henry Drummond]

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. [Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)]

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July 29, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, Trusting God, Worry

LEAP OF FAITH

This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. … For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. [Psalm 91:2,11-12 (NLT)]

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There are some things a grandma would rather not see and a video of her 15-year old granddaughter bungee jumping off a crane is one of them! I’ve already watched her zip line and fly off a trapeze into a stranger’s outstretched arms, but this one took the prize! Talk about a leap of faith!

How could my son trust his daughter’s life to absolute strangers at a carnival? Was the cord in good condition? Was she harnessed in properly? Did the workers have any training? As I pondered these questions, it occurred to me that for much of our lives we have to trust absolute strangers with our safety. I don’t know the mechanics, air traffic controllers or pilot when I get on an airplane nor do I know the lift operators, maintenance crew or manufacturer when I board the gondola for a ride up the mountain. I don’t know the other drivers as I speed down the interstate or stop at a red light. I’ve never met the people who made or inspected the elevators I ride or the drug company that makes or pharmacist who fills my prescriptions, yet I have to have faith in them all. If I didn’t, I’d be afraid to leave my house. In fact, if I didn’t trust strangers, I’d even be afraid to stay in my house. After all, I don’t know who built and installed the furnace, laid the gas line, or made my smoke and CO detectors. I simply have to trust that my house won’t explode and I won’t die of carbon monoxide poisoning in my sleep.

Every day, we have to trust complete strangers with our lives and safety; most of the time, they are worthy of that trust. Unfortunately, as in the case of the deliberately crashed Germanwings Flight 9225 or the driver who runs a red light, some people aren’t. Nevertheless, while we don’t fly Air Chance and we do drive defensively, we continue to board airplanes and ride in cars. While I don’t inspect an elevator before boarding it, I sometimes glance at the inspection certificate or count the occupants once on board. Although I don’t take my medicine to a chemist for analysis, I do use a reputable pharmacy and inspect my pills before taking them. Nevertheless, no matter how cautious we are, it still comes down to a matter of trust; we have to exercise faith in absolute strangers.

If we can have faith in people we don’t know, why do we have so little in a God we do know? The story is told of a man who went out walking on a dark night. He slipped and fell over a cliff. While tumbling down the mountain, he managed to reach out and grab hold of a small tree. Hanging there, he grew desperate and called out, “God, send help to save me!” A booming voice from heaven responded, “I’m here my son. You don’t need help, all you have to do is let go and drop to the ground.” Looking down into the darkness and unsure of what lay below, the man called out again, “Is there anyone else up there who can help?”

How many times are we like that man, unwilling to let go or take a leap of faith? If we can trust strangers who, even at their best, are imperfect, why do we have so much difficulty trusting our perfect and loving God? When He tells us to let go, will we trust him enough to do it? Will we take a leap of faith?

You can’t learn how to fly if you never take a leap of faith. [Anonymous]

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. [Psalm 118:8 (NLT)]

They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced. [Psalm 22:5 (NLT)]