Category Archives: Trust God

Why Here? Why Now? Why Me? Bible Ballistics: BBs #714

17 Wednesday Mar 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Choices And Consequences, Come To Worship HIM, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Contentment, Dependence, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Lies, Lies That Defeat Us, That They May Know, The Only Way, Trials, Troubles, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Truth

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #714   Why Here? Why Now? Why Me?

 

I would like to share some thoughts with you this morning about God’s faithfulness and His totally trustworthy sovereignty!  We’ve all asked these questions at various time—particularly “Why Me?”!  But scripture assures us that if we will learn to depend fully on our God, our Lord and Savior, we will walk in victory; even when we don’t understand we can take Jesus at HIS Word, for no matter where, or when trials come, we are NEVER alone!  So, let’s start there, and remember ‘conversation’ is a reference to ‘life-style’ not just our speech!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

Are you walking in contentment or are you allowing the enemy to lead you into disruption, distrust, and subtle dissatisfaction?  When we walk in contentment and the confidence of knowing “our God reigns”, we will find that “peace…..which passeth all understanding”!

“But godliness with contentment

is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment

let us be therewith content.”  1 Timothy 6:6-8

And while it seems that “contentment” is the antithesis of the American dream, it isn’t and even if it were, it’s what God has called us to!  In fact, discontent is one of the chief factors that drive us into bad situations (by our own bad choices, more often than not!).  Even as Jesus’ message to John in The Revelation, we must consider our ways in light of God’s Word—and to do that we must be IN The Word.

“Blessed is

he that readeth,

and they that hear

the words of this prophecy,

and keep those things

which are written therein:

for the time is at hand.”   Revelation 1:3

The blessing isn’t promised to those who simply read or peruse the ‘words’ that are written in this message, but to those who read it—hear it (regarding what they hear)—and keep it!  We must heed all of God’s Word and pursue our relationship with Jesus, knowing that like Esther we are here for God’s purposes!

“and who knoweth

whether thou art come to the kingdom

for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:4b

And, my dear friends, if there ever were “such a time as this”—it is now, and we must, absolutely must, “stand fast in the evil day” which is upon us!  But stand in God’s power, wisdom and ways not our own.

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying,

This is the word of the LORD

unto Zerubbabel, saying,

Not by might,

nor by power,

but by my spirit,

saith the LORD of hosts.”   Zechariah 4:6

It’s the how and why of Paul’s encouragement to the Philippian believers.  It’s how we live, walk and have victory in all we do!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me…

… 19 But my God

shall supply all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:13 & 19

Are you wrestling with blame, confusion, uncertainty, or just plain fear of the future?  God has a better way for you!

“For God hath not given us

the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

Don’t succumb to the enemy of your soul, but stand fast in the truth that truly, “our God reigns”!  And Satan is a defeated foe!  Jeremiah is often referred to as the ‘weeping prophet’ because his task was difficult and God told him beforehand that it would be—but God supplied his every need and his burden for truth and God’s people was beyond comprehension, and perhaps these words of Jeremiah’s that mean so much to me in making it through some difficult struggles will also speak to you today.

“Therefore thus saith the LORD,

If thou return,

then will I bring thee again,

and thou shalt stand before me:

and if thou take forth the precious

from the vile,

thou shalt be as my mouth:

let them return unto thee;

but return not thou unto them.

20 And I will make thee unto this people

a fenced brasen wall:

and they shall fight against thee,

but they shall not prevail against thee:

for I am with thee

to save thee

and to deliver thee,

saith the LORD.

21 And I will deliver thee

out of the hand of the wicked,

and I will redeem thee

out of the hand of the terrible.”   Jeremiah 15:19-21

Jesus gave us our marching orders and HIS way is always best, even when the way looks long and dreary (what Oswald Chambers refers to as “the mundane”), or even scary– our God is ever by us, before us, behind us and is causing our steps to glorify HIM!

“Having your conversation honest

among the Gentiles:

that, whereas they speak against you

as evildoers,

they may by your good works,

which they shall behold,

glorify God

in the day of visitation.”  1 Peter 2:12

Jesus’ own words direct our hearts, steps, and our choices:

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

In closing, what do we think and do?  We guard our hearts and minds from the enemy of our souls; and think on the things of God, as someone once said— “Check the enemy at the door of your mind!”  Don’t let the “Father of lies” deceive you into less than GOD has for you!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”  Philippians 4:6-8

I pray that we will all march forward to victory in Jesus (that would make a great song!) each day, knowing that:

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small

and great.

6 And I heard as it were the voice

of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7 Let us be glad

and rejoice,

and give honour to him….”   Revelation 19:5-7a

May you have a blessed week and keep your eyes fixed on the prize—Jesus.  Don’t let the bend in the road distract you from God’s love and purposes!

“…God is love…”!

Amen and Amen!!!

What Do I Do In The Trial??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 25

14 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Ask God For Wisdom, By His Grace, Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Courage, Dependence, Encouragement, Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Fearfulness, Fearlessness, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Harmless As Doves, I Can Do All Things?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Iron Sharpening Iron, Keeping our eyes on JESUS!, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Listening To God, Only Jesus, Perseverance, Power of The Cross, Praise God Today!, Resting In Jesus, Resting Or Wrestling?, Sovereignty, Strong Tower, Suffering With Jesus, That They May Know, The Lord Is My Shepherd, TODAY, Troubles, Trust God, Trusting Jesus, Wait on the Lord, Walk in the Spirit, Walking With Jesus, You can overcome

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 25  What Do I Do In The Trial???

 

I would like to simply share a bit of biblical insight today that I pray will be a useful tool of encouragement that we can all keep around for a boost when we need it.  I’m trying to make it short and in a form that can be copied and kept.

When you don’t know what to do—Ask God—

“If any of you lack wisdom,

 let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.”  James 1:5

When you don’t know where to go—Run to God—

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

When you don’t know how you’ll make it—Bow—

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.”  Philippians 4:6

Where will your confidence settle—in GOD’s peace—

“And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7

When your mind seems to be out of control—think praise—

“Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”  Philippians 4:8

When the way is blocked before you– Be still—

“Be still,

and know that I am God:

I will be exalted among the heathen,

I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10

When you’re afraid of what lies ahead—Look up—

“Fear thou not;

for I am with thee:

be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee;

yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand

of my righteousness.”  Isaiah 41:10

When your flesh is raging with confusion and anger—Come—

“Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16.

When the cupboard/checkbook is empty—seek God’s face—

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

God is sufficient to every need, when we will keep our “eyes fixed on Jesus”!

Don’t be like the man in the flood, who prayed for God to save him.  A neighbor came by and offered to take him to safety, and he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”.  The flood waters rose to the second floor and a boat came by to take him to safety and he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”.  He finally climbed up on the roof as the waters rose, and a helicopter came by to rescue him, and you guessed it, he said, “no thanks, God is going to deliver me”. Well, the man died and as he came before The Lord, he asked “why didn’t you deliver me?”  The Lord quickly replied to his question, I sent you a neighbor, a boat and a helicopter—what did you want?

Remember we are God’s— and HE will supply, just not always in the way that we expect!

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep

in the midst of wolves:

be ye therefore wise as serpents,

and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:16

As Solomon prayed as King of Israel, may we pray in our individual lives for the same understanding in our lives and trials.

“Give therefore thy servant

an understanding heart

to judge thy people,

that I may discern

between good

and bad:

for who is able to judge this

thy so great a people?”   1 Kings 3:9

And as Paul reminds believers on many occasions, may we remember that God is always at work to lead and deliver us.

“There hath no temptation taken you

but such as is common to man:

but God is faithful,

who will not suffer you to be tempted

above that ye are able;

but will with the temptation

also make a way to escape,

that ye may be able to bear it.”   1 Corinthians 10-:13

“And we know that all things work together

for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.”  Romans 8:28-29

And Peter’s great instruction and encouragement to we who follow Jesus.

“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted

for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself to him

that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins

in his own body on the tree,

that we, being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes

ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd and Bishop

of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:20-24

Amen and Amen!!!

What’s Turning Your Heart??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #713

11 Thursday Mar 2021

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Ask God For Wisdom, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Commitment Or Convenience, Compromise, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Dare To Be Different!, Dependence, Encouragement, Erasing The Lines?, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Follow Jesus, God Who Sees, God's Judgment, Good News, Sowing and Reaping, The Little Things., The Word, The Word Or The World?, Trust God, Truth

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #713   What’s Turning Your Heart???

 

“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old,

that his wives turned away his heart

after other gods:

and his heart was not perfect

with the LORD his God,

as was the heart of David his father.

5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth

the goddess of the Zidonians,

and after Milcom

the abomination of the Ammonites.

6 And Solomon did evil

in the sight of the LORD,

and went not fully after the LORD,

as did David his father.” 1 Kings 11:4

What an indictment for us to consider today.  Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (other than Jesus, the God-man Savior) made some foolish choices that cost him dearly.  God judged his sin, and the effects of it reached throughout his kingdom, and eventually resulted in a divided kingdom.  But for today I want us to consider the import of guarding our heart by keeping our eyes on Jesus and running the race that HE has set before us and called us to!  And then I’d simply like to share some scriptures with us about the heart and what a difference a right heart and right choices will make!  I’ve learned from experience and God’s Word that “little foxes” can ruin the crop of our heart and life!

“Take us the foxes,

the little foxes,

that spoil the vines:

for our vines

have tender grapes.”  Song of Solomon 2:15

We must guard the “crop” of our heart, for Satan is ever busy throwing his “fiery darts” to distract, deter and delay us until we’ve missed the opportunities of service to our Lord and King.

“Be not deceived:

evil communications

corrupt good manners.”   1 Corinthians 15:33

Or as the NASB puts it:

“Do not be deceived:

Bad company 

corrupts good morals.”  1 Corinthians 15:33 NASB

May we with the Psalmist ever pursue God and HIS truth rather than the prattle of the world.

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

And again, great counsel from the Psalmist.

“LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me;

give ear unto my voice,

when I cry unto thee.

2 Let my prayer be set forth

before thee as incense;

and the lifting up of my hands

as the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a watch, O LORD,

before my mouth;

keep the door of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart

to any evil thing,

to practise wicked works

with men that work iniquity:

and let me not eat of their dainties.”   Psalm 141:1-4

It is a fulltime job to keep our heart right with God and it requires diligence and determination to keep our eyes set on Jesus.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author

and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.

3 For consider him

that endured such contradiction of sinners

against himself,

lest ye be wearied

and faint in your minds.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

Only Jesus saves and transforms lives—and the transformed heart, while regenerate, is not free from the trials and fleshly temptations that abound around us, but when we keep our hearts, minds and eyes “Looking unto Jesus” we will find the strength and courage to “withstand in the evil day…and having done all, to stand”!

We must be aware of our surroundings and the danger of compromise, for any reason.  We must keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus.  And while HE will deliver when we seek HIS provision and guidance, HE won’t violate our free will.  He is ever at work to conform us into HIS image, but we are called to “walk in the Spirit” and we will “not fulfill the lusts of the flesh”! (See Galatians 5:16 & 25).  Yet we can choose to compromise as Solomon did and reap the consequences of our choices, or we can trust to the care of HIM who completes HIS work IN US!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6

So, my friends, we all have a choice, recognize the dangers of compromise and avoid them, or succumb to the “wiles of the devil”!  What’s your pleasure, to allow the things of this world to turn your heart away from God, or to “stand fast in the evil day”?  Jeremiah put it quite succinctly.

“The heart is deceitful

above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?”   Jeremiah 17:9

God knows, God cares, and HE provides a way, if we will but keep our hearts and minds set on HIM.

“Shall not God search this out?

for he knoweth the secrets

of the heart.”  Psalm 44:21

And as the author of Hebrews put it, the standard is and will ever be The Word of God!  What’s your standard?  Like Solomon’s became, due to the influence of his pagan wives?  What’s drawing you away?  Culture, companions, media, sports, movies, popularity, power, lust…. the list could go on, but you get the point.  What will we choose?  But be careful, choose wisely there is a test.

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul

and spirit,

and of the joints

and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest

in his sight:

but all things

are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”    Hebrews 4:12-13

And if you want to see a picture of the contrast read and consider Psalm 1.  Blessings on you and yours….

Amen and Amen!!!

The Eyes Of THE Lord??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #711

24 Wednesday Feb 2021

Posted by in A Father's Love, Speaking, Speaking The Truth In Love, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Words Matter

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #711  The Eyes Of The Lord???

 

“A soft answer turneth away wrath:

but grievous words

stir up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright:

but the mouth of fools

poureth out foolishness.

3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place,

beholding the evil

and the good.

4 A wholesome tongue

is a tree of life:

but perverseness therein

is a breach in the spirit.”  Proverbs 15:1-4

We live in a “media” culture and while it is most convenient to be able to “reach out” and connect with others near and far away, it can be a draw to behave unkindly, arrogantly or even be a “media” bully!  Our words matter, and I just want to remind us today that what we say, as well as how we say it, can make a difference.  Just because we “know” some miniscule piece of information, doesn’t mean that we have to speak it, write it, or post it to the harm of others.  God makes it very clear that we are called to a higher standard than what my mother used to call “gutter talk”!  Just because it’s popular, or stylish, or the “phrase-of-the-day”, doesn’t mean that it ought to come out of my mouth; and it certainly doesn’t need to be made public to “prove our point” or to “set the record straight”!   Dirty laundry doesn’t gain any appeal when hung in public! God speaks to these issues!

“Recompense to no man

evil for evil.

Provide things honest

in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible,

as much as lieth in you,

live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,

but rather give place unto wrath:

for it is written,

Vengeance is mine;

I will repay,

saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger,

feed him;

if he thirst,

give him drink:

for in so doing

thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome

of evil,

but overcome evil

with good.”  Romans 12:17-21

We seem to have forgotten that “our God reigns” and our job is to “speak the truth in love” not spew out vengeance to justify our own thoughts and decisions.  What is your/my standard of response to others—be they close or distant?

Jesus gave the ultimate answer to Pilate as He approached His own death on the cross.  Jesus knew WHO was in charge and why HE had come!

“Then saith Pilate unto him,

Speakest thou not unto me?

knowest thou not

that I have power

to crucify thee,

and have power

to release thee?

11 Jesus answered,

Thou couldest have no power at all

against me,

except it were given thee

from above:

therefore he that delivered me

unto thee

hath the greater sin.”  John 19:10-11

Peter helps us understand the reality of Jesus’ response.

“For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered

for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile

found in his mouth:

23 Who,

when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him

that judgeth righteously:

24 Who

his own self bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

 by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:21-25

So, my simple question today is: who is in control of your mouth?  The culture or The Lord God Almighty?  To whom are you trusting your difficulties?  Your own wit, wisdom and ability to cut others down?  Or will you trust to God’s wise and loving Holy Spirit to grant you/me the words to speak.  I’ll simply leave you with some scriptures to ponder this week.

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait

to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:”  Ephesians 4:13-15

“Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without,

redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway

with grace,

seasoned with salt,

that ye may know

how ye ought to answer

every man.”  Colossians 4:5-6

And in regard to vengeance—God speaks clearly:

“Thou shalt not avenge,

nor bear any grudge against

the children of thy people,

but thou shalt love thy neighbour

as thyself:

I am the LORD.”   Leviticus 19:18

“To me belongeth vengeance,

and recompence;

their foot shall slide

in due time:

for the day of their calamity

is at hand,

and the things that shall come upon them

make haste.”   Deuteronomy 32:35

“For we know him that hath said,

Vengeance belongeth unto me,

I will recompense,

saith the Lord.

And again,

The Lord shall judge his people.”   Hebrews 10:30

And in conclusion, a word from the Psalmist.

“O LORD God,

to whom vengeance belongeth;

O God,

to whom vengeance belongeth,

shew thyself.”  Psalm 94:1

May God open our eyes to see what HE sees.  May we say with the Psalmist:

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD,

my strength, and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

Amen and Amen!!!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #710. COMFORTABLE

17 Wednesday Feb 2021

Posted by in Comfort, Commitment Or Convenience, Sovereignty, Trust God, Trusting Jesus

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #710  COMFORTABLE???

A Guest Post from my friend Taryn Spurlock

When you search the definition of COMFORTABLE you may find “providing a position of contentment and security.” Eleven months ago, I received a phone call from a sweet mentor asking me to consider writing occasionally for her blog. Eleven months ago, we were facing the beginning of a “historical event” known as The Covid-19 Pandemic. Here I sit today as a witness of another “historical event” all within a year’s time. This time we are facing multiple states experiencing historic cold temperatures and snowfall. This is just plain crazy. You know you have said the exact same thing.

The past few days have brought on so many challenges to stay warm, prevent damage to our homes and businesses, and our personal family favorite (NOT) virtual learning! However, my observations the past 24 hours have stirred my heart to think of the word “comfortable.” Please give me a moment to explain.

Multiple states and millions of people have been asked to turn off as much as possible to conserve energy. They are asking us to look at the “long haul” to avoid long term issues. Here are some comments that I have heard:

    • “Ummm… there are subzero temperatures out there and you want us to turn down the heater? It’s cold! I’ll freeze!”
    • “How do I keep my pipes from bursting?”
    • “How come I experienced my power being turned off but those people over there didn’t? Not fair!”
    • “How come the internet is running slow?”
    • “Don’t they know I pay them to have all the power I want!”
    • “My kids deserve to have fun and not have to do school work!”
    • “I deserve to be COMFORTABLE!”

These words keep coming to my mind:

When God wants you to grow, He makes you uncomfortable.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”                   Matthew 5:3-12

How many times do we find ourselves having those same types of complaints with God?

    • “God, have you seen my schedule? I don’t have time to do ministry and have any time to relax.”
    • “God, you want me to give 10% of MY EARNINGS? Seriously! I worked for that!”
    • “God, I go to church, I teach on Wednesdays, I serve on the welcome team, and THEY get their prayers answered and I don’t?!?!?”
    • “God, I need you to give me an answer NOW! Quit being soooo slow! I don’t have time for this!”
    • “God, I tithed… NOW GIVE ME WHAT I WANT!”
    • “God, I know our family has missed church several Sundays this year, but this team means the world to my kid and they deserve to have a fun childhood.”
    • “God, I deserve to be COMFORTABLE!”

Yep… I’ve said some things like this in 35 years… I admit.

GOD DOES NOT CALL US TO COMFORT. 

We want to serve God, but we also want to remain comfortable. But if we’re honest, true spiritual growth happens in our most uncomfortable seasons of life.

I’m currently going through a study about Elijah. When I read these words today regarding Deuteronomy 29:16-29, they stopped me.

“Despite the fact that these negative results of the people’s disobedience would adversely affect Elijah too — such as the land being “unsown and unproductive” so that “no grass grows in it” (Duet. 29:23) — he was brave enough and committed to God enough that he still prayed for it. Out there in Gilead, in the remote starting point of Elijah’s ministry — the starting point of his process — he had developed such a commitment to Yahweh that he was willing to pray for His will to be done above all else, EVEN ABOVE HIS OWN COMFORT.”   

-Priscilla Shirer, ‘Elijah’

It is my prayer that I take the uncomfortable moments in my life, in the past and in the future, and seek how God wants me to grow instead of complaining or comparing. They are a part of my testimony; therefore, they are part of my ministry. God sees “the long haul” when He takes us to uncomfortable places.

Thank you God, for the cold, gray, and uncomfortable days. Use them for Your Glory and may we seek to see the beauty in those moments.