Endurance

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

In countless ways, our society values endurance. We marvel at couples that have been married for 50+ years. We eagerly buy new phones that promise 50% more battery life. And we run marathon races to test the limits of our bodily endurance. Yet the older I get, the more I find myself deeply moved by the witness of men and women who have followed Christ with steadfast faith for the whole of their lives. 

Though I grew up in Church, have fellowship circles, pastor, and am surrounded by peers who were involved in the rhythms of church life in one way or another, I’ve lost track of how many friends have walked away from the faith, or so deeply deconstructed their faith that nothing remains other than a vague and vapid agnosticism. This trend of deconstruction has been widely studied and extensively documented by groups such as Barna, and it is outside the scope of this blog to dive into it more deeply. I mention it simply to say that in the face of any cultural trend, there is always a counter-trend, an upstream current that can be found for those who take the time to look. 

The life of the believer in Christ demands nothing less than the whole of our life. It is an invitation to die to ourself in order to truly live. As such, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this invitation isn’t accepted by the masses. Like the Rich Young Ruler, many may hear the call of Christ, consider the cost, and simply walk away in order to pursue their own passions and pleasures. Yet there are others who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8), and therefore commit their way to Christ, day after day after day, refusing to let go of their childlike confidence in Him, even when life’s storms leave them battered and bruised. No, theirs is an enduring faith, one that keeps its eyes set on the “heavenly prize” (Philippians 3:14). 

I thank God for the witness of men and women in the past and in our own day who have clung to Christ and, by their example, invite us to do the same. Let us join them, responding with a courageous and enduring faith.

Worth of His Kingdom

 And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. 2 Thessalonians 1:5

The kingdom of God is the aim and destination of every believer’s journey in faith. It breaks into the present and will one day be perfectly known and inhabited as we live eternally under the peaceful rule and reign of God. As such, we must learn to view every moment of life, every season and stage as preparation for our entry into the kingdom of our Lord.

The Lord, in his kindness, gives us many opportunities to encounter the life of his kingdom. When a man and woman come together in marriage, they in a sense become kings and queens of their own tiny kingdom, what we call “a family,” and this tiny kingdom is filled with potential and possibility, either to lose sight of its purpose and be a kingdom of selfishness and discord or to be a kingdom that in miniature reflects the values of the true and eternal kingdom. 

While this may be an easy example to embrace and celebrate, for we immediately see the goodness and virtue of family life, we must remember that our Lord also uses countless other situations to prepare us for eternity, even those that are painful and on the surface unwanted. 

I think of this when I read the words of 2 Thessalonians 1:5, where we are reminded of the truth that the suffering that this early Christian community endured was allowed by the Lord, at least in part, to make them “worthy of his kingdom.” 

It is for this reason that history is filled with stories of men and women who rejoice in their trials, even going so far as to give thanks for them. How convicting this truth is, for so often when we face difficulties in life, they can cause us to grow bitter, confused, and even angry. We may be tempted to wonder if God loves us or is near to us in this time of trial. Yet if and when we learn to see our trials and suffering as a momentary burden that shapes us and makes us worthy for eternity, we not only are set free from grumbling and frustration, we are able to endure with joy, considering it an honor to in some small way share in the sufferings of Christ, who reveals to us the truth that death is defeated and must, in the end, give way to life.

Just obey

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22

My biggest regrets in life are when I decide to do things my way when I know the Lord has shown me another way. I justify my will rather than obey God’s will. One such occasion was an encounter with a new “friend” years ago who had a “business” proposition for me. Having a modest salary as a pastor then, we were open to side hustles as long as it didn’t interfere with our work and family time. Still in discussions, we met over lunch when I noticed our potential business partner took two pieces of fruit instead of the one prescribed by the large sign. I mentioned his minor indiscretion, and he quipped back, “nobody will ever know.” I thought to myself, “well, I know, and more importantly, God knows.” I sensed in my spirit from Holy Spirit, “do not work with this man.” Yet impetuous and with an air of greed, we moved forward. It didn't work out in the long run. My lesson was to obey God, not justify.

Saul, one of the Lord’s chosen leaders, won a fierce battle when God gave him clear instructions to take no prisoners and, instead, slay all the enemy, the Amalekites, including their cattle. Saul, not believing the divine commands very practical, decided a better way was to spare the enemy's leader, the king, and give the victor’s people access to the best of the oxen and sheep. Saul was then called out by the priest Samuel and held accountable for his actions of disobedience. And instead of confessing and repenting…he justified. He even wrapped his reasoning with a spiritual motive, that his plan was to use some of the animals as a sacrifice to God. But Samuel dismissed his religious guise and spoke the truth. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Do things God’s way, not what we think or feel is our better way. If we are not accountable to others, we can talk ourselves into almost anything.

Outward religious activities used to justify an inward disobedience to the Lord mocks heaven. Not a healthy place to live. I’ve been guilty of spending generous amounts of time doing the Lord’s work while neglecting the generosity of time for my family and my health, while justifying with my heart and mind that my sacrifice for God was worth whatever I gave up. Yet, the still, small voice of Holy Spirit was gentle, reminding me of my role as a husband and dad, which required mental and emotional margin to love my family properly. Furthermore, if my body, the Spirit’s temple, was being neglected, I ignored the spiritual discipline of caring for and nurturing my heavenly Father’s complex creation…my body. God’s grace and love called out my disobedience, and thankfully, I have Samuels in my life who remind me to obey and trust the Lord’s best. Our idol of disobedience may look different, yet if it weighs on you…obey now. 

“And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments” (Nehemiah 1:5, NKJV).

Spirit of generosity in the midst of scarcity

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:32-34.

I'm not one to celebrate Halloween but there is a lesson I have gleaned from the holiday that gives those who participate the opportunity to create a great sugar rush.  The sudden influx of candy into a home, and children’s posture of generosity that surrounds it. Specifically, how quick kids were to share their “haul” of goods, especially when it was piled in front of them like a small mountain of sugar. Why sweat one or two pieces when hundreds remained? Yet if we were to find the same kids on a “normal” day with little to no sweets in sight, you’d likely encounter a very different spirit of generosity. 

Now, before I’m too hard on the kids, I should be quick to realize this is not a uniquely childish problem, for in truth, it is a window into every human heart. It’s remarkably easy to be generous when our resources have no end in sight. This kind of giving, while certainly a gift to the recipient and not to be discouraged, fails to truly transform our passions and desires: it touches our wallets while leaving our hearts unchanged.

Fear has an incredible impact on our ability to live generous lives. Specifically, fear of not having enough and being unable to provide for ourselves or those we love. When we allow the threat of scarcity to overtake our hearts and minds, it turns us inward toward ourselves and away from God and neighbor. Yet when we give, especially when it’s hard and we aren’t in a season of abundance, we learn to trust, not simply in our own ability to balance the books and cover all of our needs, but to place ourselves firmly in the hands of the one who promises that he will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Giving out of our scarcity is a bold declaration of faith. It is a way to say that our primary allegiance and loyalty rests not in the material possessions of this world but in the values of God’s Kingdom. We learn through sacrifice to treasure what is truly worthy of our affection, setting us free from fear and worry and instead resting secure in a heavenly treasure “that will never fail” (Luke 12:33).

Holy Spirit my teacher

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

I love the tender heart of Jesus. I love how He loves people. I love how He loves us so much that He will never leave us alone. And, I love that before He went to the cross and ascended to heaven, He told His disciples something like this: “I’m going to give you a Helper to be with you who will never leave you, and He will guide you. He will remind you of what I’ve said, and He will be your counselor, advocate, and teacher." 

What great compassion and what great love the Lord has that He didn’t say, “Well, that’s it. I’m going back to heaven. Now, you’re on your own.” Instead, He gave us His very presence through Holy Spirit. And, how wonderful that we have an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-wise teacher in Him. 

When you aren’t sure which route to take, the Spirit is there to guide you. He is the best teacher. 

When you don’t know the words to speak, He will show you what to say. He is the best teacher. 

When you feel discouraged, the Spirit is there to reveal truth to you and give you the help you need to go on. He is the best teacher. 

“He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

How marvelous that the Spirit, full of truth, will share with you and me what He hears from Jesus. (John 16:14)

But what is it that often prevents us to from receiving life-giving teaching and truth from the Spirit? 

It can be many things such as pride, or a lack of belief in the Lord’s love. But oftentimes it’s simply because of unbelief. We simply don’t take the Lord’s words to heart, that the Spirit is there for us, so we don’t seek Him. We’re simply not listening. 

I recently spoke with a young man who is having some challenges in his personal and professional life. I encouraged him to seek the Lord for answers and that the Holy Spirit would guide him. The Lord said He would guide us into all truth. May we seek Him for the truth He promises! If we do not, what treasures we are forfeiting! Can you imagine what He wants to reveal to you?  

I encourage you today . . . if you believe God still speaks as He says He does in His Word; if you believe He hasn’t forgotten you, and that He is ready to hear you, won’t you seek Him for His truth today? He is listening. He is ready to teach you. 

The Holy Spirit is the best teacher. 

“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).

The discomfort in calling

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

One day as I sat in the airport waiting to board my flight, I spoke with an individual waiting along with me at the terminal gate, a graduate student studying medicine at Johns Hopkins University. “If there was one thing you could do with your life, what would that one thing be?” I asked. “I’d have my own overseas medical lab,” she said. “But I don’t think that will ever happen,” she said. “That’s just too big of a risk and there’s too much to lose.”

I took a second look at them. They where, articulate, young and intelligent. What do you have to lose? I thought. More than you can imagine.

When we insist on ease, when we demand that God’s plan for our life be comfortable, when we want reward and satisfaction without the difficulty of the unknown, we lose more than we imagined. When we will only say yes to Him when it’s easy, we lose the joy of the journey He has called us to. 

The greatest saints of the Bible didn’t experience reward without discomfort or calling without chaos. Moses was mocked and scorned by those he wanted to rescue; Joseph was abused and ridiculed by his brothers, and every one of the disciples was persecuted for their faith. Even Christ was crucified.

Should we expect following God’s plan, and calling, for our lives without discomfort?

Perhaps you’re thinking, “Look at Jesus! He followed God’s will and he was crucified.” Be encouraged: Jesus endured the pain, the discomfort, and the torture of taking on the entire sin of the world because he knew there was “joy that was set before him‚” (Hebrews 12:2). He knew that the punctuation on his page of pain would be turned to exclamation points of joy.

Imagine that you are on your death bed. Your best friend comes in the room and asks you, “What do you wish you would have done with your life?” Would you say that you wish you would have colored inside the lines a little more, lived life more carefully? 

If you’re like most people, you would feel that you should have lived with a little more reckless abandon and faith. Loved more. Dreamed more. Adventured more. Responded to God’s promptings more. Most of us live far too carefully. God places dreams in our hearts and we find every reason under the sun why we can’t accomplish them. He nudges us to act, and we run. Yes, we risk far too little and so unlike Jesus, we experience little joy.

This is the value of discomfort and the redemptive value of pain. When it’s waded through with God, because He is calling you to something redemptive, there will always be a reward and deep satisfaction on the other side too. 

God’s calling and plans for your life will most likely be deeply uncomfortable at times, but you will never experience deep satisfaction without stepping into the unknown. Will you risk discomfort to experience the joy of knowing you are in the center of His will?

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

Transformed Life

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 

Years ago, I spent a considerable amount of time in a large bookstore taking note of the titles. Most of them promised some kind of transformation: how to transform your love life, finances, business, or conversational skills. 

If you spend time talking with people and take note of what they want, everyone wants transformation because we all know that we need transforming. We all know there is something missing this side of heaven. It’s as if we know we were made for perfection, and we want to be, and do, better.   

Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with having the desire to transform your cooking or conversational skills but when it comes to internal transformation, it’s God and His love that transforms. 

Going to church and doing the right things cannot do the work of inner transformation because simply knowing what’s right cannot transform. Only being in right relationship with the Lord transforms. And then (good news!) good actions will flow from a love relationship with Him.  

In Romans 12:2, the Scripture says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

If this is true that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, how can it be that true transformation cannot be absent of love, or a love relationship with Christ? Because, it’s love working together with truth that transforms the human heart but truth minus love is just legalism. 

The Pharisees knew all the answers, but they didn’t love Jesus. They were not in a love relationship with Him, therefore their hearts remained unchanged, and they did not receive eternal life. 

1 Corinthians 13:2 says, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

None of us can transform our own hearts, but if you are in relationship with Christ, you will know Him and as a result you will seek Him and experience transformation. Knowing how to do what is right is not equal to being in a love relationship with Christ. But in knowing Him, you will want to obey. 

I cannot think of anything more beautiful. This means that Jesus isn’t a hard task master. He is a loving God who wants us to know Him and be in an intimate relationship with Him. He wants to know you and me. Wow. And, through knowing Him, our inner man can be transformed. What a magnificent gift. 

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Truth alive

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

Truth applied makes us fully alive. Indeed, most people know enough truth to live a worthwhile life. They know to be honest and not lie. They know to be content and not covet another person’s house, car, or spouse. They know to be patient and wait on the Lord to do a work of grace in the life of others. They know to take responsibility and not blame someone else. They know to believe Jesus and to trust Him with their life.

If we know the truth, why do we sometimes struggle with its application? Perhaps we are self-deceived to think the truth of God's word is needed for someone else, but not for us. Truth is right and good, not just right and good for me to practice, or worse, to think I’m living it out, when I’m not. Feeling good or bad, or being educated doesn’t transform behavior. What alters our actions is an inward change expressed in outward obedience to God's word and Holy Spirit guidance. The wonderful benefit of this practical process is that truth applied makes us fully alive.

Truth is like a vaccination, that when administered, prevents us from being infected with foolish living. It is like a life-saving serum applied to sin’s poisonous snakebite, potentially healing us from relational, emotional, physical and spiritual death. There is no downside to honestly gazing into the mirror of truth—assessing our life, better yet inviting godly friends to look with you, and then by God’s grace, applying truth for change.

 

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

 

Is there a dark area of your life that needs the bright light of truth to expose it and root it out? Are there bad attitudes and habits you blame on past pain and injustice? If so, lean into the truth and do not be satisfied until truth’s application frees you from mediocre living. Truth applied does make you fully alive—it is a dependable friend who walks with you through wise decision-making. Dismiss dishonest living and invite freedom in honest living. Ask the Lord to reveal truth to you and empower you to live out the truth.

 

“When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:21-24). 

Training and mentoring

Then Paul said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.” Acts 22:2–3

What does it mean to be trained and mentored in the ways of Jesus? Over the years men and women invested in me by being my mentor.  We steeped in the Scripture, and like the effects of a potent tea bag, Christ colored my heart. We prayed on our knees before the start of the day and walked with our Savior throughout the remainder of the day. My mentor made time for me.

How can we be mentored or how can we train and mentor others? It may be a role model from a distance; however, virtual mentors have their limitations. We only see them at their best and rarely learn how to handle struggles and disappointments. Some others have influenced us through their writings and inspired us by their insightful biographies.

Do you have a seasoned saint up close and personal, one who can pray with you, instruct you, challenge you, encourage you, and give you wisdom for wise decision making? “My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge” (Proverbs 5:1–2).

Moreover, mentors alert you to sin crouching at the door of your heart and mind. Perhaps they nearly lost their marriage to avoidance of responsibility and being lured away by adultery’s illusion. They can instruct you in what to do and not to do. Paul, Moses, and David’s murderous mistakes did not disqualify them from mentoring and training others out of their repentant hearts. Brokenness is required to mentor well.

However, it is not enough for us to just enjoy the benefits of mentoring without seeking out men and women to mentor. Jesus told His mentees, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2).

Then these reluctant and unproven disciples of Christ were empowered by the Holy Spirit to become workers for God. Pray to the Lord for a mentor, and He will lead and equip you to be an answered prayer.

“And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2

In the quiet place

Therefore, I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.

Hosea 2:14

When our hearts are sorrowful, it can sometimes feel like we are walking through the wilderness. Yet, if you’ve ever gone hiking, walking through the wilderness can often bring a sense of peace.  

As we walk along the path, there is beauty that surrounds us. Often, those walks bring a sense of calm and serenity. We may need this if our hearts are broken and searching for healing. Instead of the wilderness being a dark place, it can be a place where we find peace, direction, and inspiration.

Quiet places can be energizing for us. We live near a lake that has beautiful walking paths winding through the woods that follow the lake shore. On the days when my heart has been heavy, after walking there, I feel lighter. 

It’s also on those walks where I can hear from the Lord clearly. I can feel His peace surrounding me and without the distractions of other things, He can minister to my heart. Something I may not have previously been able to see or hear becomes more apparent and visible to me. 

As one grieves, there is a dark, lonely, and isolating period of walking in the wilderness. Can you imagine what it must have been like to be Moses as He led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 long years? 

The wilderness can be a sacred place. God uses these times to teach us things as He takes us toward something better. From a spiritual perspective, being in the wilderness can be a time of renewal or an encounter with God, like Moses and the burning bush.

When we come face-to-face with sorrow and suffering, we can wonder where God is and why He has allowed certain things to happen to us. Or we can see that He will use whatever challenges we face for His good and what He wants to do in our life story.

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland” Isaiah 43:19

Love

 We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.       

1 John 4:19-21

Love of God is rooted in our love for others. This is the plain and simple teaching of Scripture, though there is nothing simple about putting it into practice. If our love for God does not include the people He has placed in our lives, John is unambiguous in his condemnation, calling us liars. However difficult it may be, this truth is one that we must contend with, for it lies at the very heart of our ability to live faithful and holy lives.

In many ways, it is easier to love God in isolation. You and I have never seen God, and his perceived distance or absence can leave us distracted and forgetful. On the other hand, that family member who always asks you for money is quite visible. Or, that other family member who boldly embraces a way of life that you believe to be for their harm, they too are far more difficult to forget.

The concrete reality of relationships makes them the unavoidable training ground for love.

If you want to love God, start with your love (or lack of love) for your brother or sister. Who are the people in your life that God is inviting you to be in relationship with, not only when it is easy, but when it is profoundly difficult? What does it mean to love them when you get nothing in return? Are you able to love when they don’t deserve it?

These are the questions we must be willing to ask ourselves, especially if we want to know what it means to love God in real and concrete ways. If you want to grow in your capacity for love and encounter with God, begin with those closest to you. And when that is a profoundly hard thing to do, resist the natural impulse to keep brokenness at arm’s length. God is with you, and he may, in fact, want to use you in a surprising way to communicate his love for one of his children in and through you.

Thorny troubles?

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 

When I think of a thorn in the flesh, I immediately surmise something bad, hard, or painful. Yet, the Apostle Paul sees his thorn in the flesh as a blessing, God’s way of keeping conceit at bay and humility ever present. He was a generously gifted person, someone whom the Lord Jesus had revealed Himself in such profound ways that Paul was unable in some cases to wrap words around or even have a release from Holy Spirit to share. Yet he suffered. Paul suffered thirty-nine lashes five times, was beaten with rods three times, stoned three times, and shipwrecked three times. In addition to these afflictions from others, he also experienced a physical ailment. Like a thorn, small, out of sight, pesky with the potential for infection and more severe pain. Like Jesus in the garden, Paul pleaded for the Lord to extract his thorn three times. God said no, “My grace is sufficient for My power will be made perfect in weakness.” Delivered by Satan’s messenger, but God used it for good. Paul learned in his pain that humility boasts of weaknesses while pride boasts of strength.

How can pain in our bodies be a blessing? A rose is one of God’s most compelling creations; its sight and smell ignite pleasure and praise, yet the stem lifting up its beauty is adorned with thorns. The beauty of our Creator's handiwork is on display not where pain is always absent but where pain is ever present, sometimes intentionally inflicted. As Paul describes, thorns are meant to be like trusses that bind our hearts, minds, emotions, and bodies closer to Christ. Unchecked egos run over relationships, taking for granted God’s blessings. So, in the Lord’s wisdom, He sometimes allows evil influences to keep a person’s conceit in check. What’s meant for bad, God uses for good. Spurgeon describes the need for restraints to protect us from pride and conceit:

Let us never desire to be rid of those restraints which God has seen fit to lay upon us—they are more necessary than we have ever dreamed of. Remember how the vine, when bound to the stake which upheld it, judged itself a martyr and longed to be free, but when it saw the wild vine at its feet, rotting in the dampness and pining amidst the heat and producing no fruit—it felt how necessary were its bonds if its clusters were ever to ripen! Be content, dear brothers and sisters, to keep the thorn in the flesh if it saves you from being exalted above measure!

God’s grace is sufficient in whatever circumstance you are experiencing. You cannot control another person’s behavior, but God can give you the grace to approach another’s hurt with a humble spirit and empathic heart. Physical pain may be overwhelming you, but as you commiserate with Christ in His fellowship of suffering, He extends grace, mercy, and comfort in your time of need. A thorn in the flesh has an expiration date, but God’s grace never spoils or runs out. Your body of flesh will one day enjoy a glorified body with God, but while you are in the body, you can pray for God to bring grace and healing to your tired fretful flesh. In your weakness, He becomes strong, so your body becomes a living sacrifice to glorify your Creator.

The Lord's funnel

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

God gave me an open vision. I was awake and my eyes were open, but in my mind’s eye I saw myself seated at a small desk with pen in hand and a journal in front of me. Jesus stood to my right, and he was talking to me. I didn’t hear what he was saying, but I knew he was giving me words to put on the page. In my vision, I was listening to him and writing down what He said. I knew He was showing me that I am simply His funnel and that He will always give me words to write. All I have to do is ask for His help.  

Since then, I cannot tell you the number of times when I have sat with pen and journal in hand, empty without anything to pour out, and I have said, “Lord, please give me something to share. Please give me your words.” Without fail, He has provided, showed up and enabled me to be His funnel.

Being a funnel in life isn’t just for writers. It’s for all people, big and small. 

You can be His funnel when you reach out to others to speak words of grace and truth. 

You can be His funnel when you discipline your children and show them His way. 

You can be His funnel when you share your financial resources to be a blessing. 

You can be His funnel when use your creativity to paint, draw, or sing. 

You can always be His funnel in every situation and every circumstance to do His will, be a blessing, and bring His light into the world. 

Notice the words “can be.” There are times when I have been empty without words to share and I haven’t asked the Lord for His help. I haven’t asked Him to give me His thoughts. I haven’t asked Him to guide me in what I share—and I have felt it. It’s been arduous, difficult, painful, and unpleasant. 

But when I have asked for His help, it’s been easier and life-giving, (definitely for me and hopefully for those who read) as I have been led by His Spirit. 

My question for you today is: Will you be His funnel? If you answered yes, let me encourage you. It’s not that difficult. It only requires three things: 

A humble heart. 

A willingness to ask for help in doing His will. 

Slowing down long enough to hear. 

When you decide to be His funnel and you ask Him to help you do His will, it doesn’t mean it will be easy, but it does mean that it will be easier than doing any task or action in your own strength. 

“For the Kingdom of God is . . . righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

He holds our heart

 Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

When I was told that my mom passed, it took my heart a moment to catch up with the words my ears heard. The first thing I felt was shock, followed by numbness, and then before dealing with this fully I have a church to feed as I received word right before taking to the pulpit. I'm convinced this is the body's way of protecting itself. Looking back on those early hours, I'm in awe that I could function, let alone, preach, then drive after receiving the news. 

It makes you wonder: How does the body even manage when one of the worst things that could happen to you does? As the hours passed and I began to absorb the enormity of the situation, I was sure my heart wouldn't survive. But I discovered that somehow, a broken heart still beats. 

Loss of a loved one is more brutal than anything I've ever encountered. I've been through the death of close friends, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, church members, and other loved ones. But the death of a parent is a loss like no other. I honestly thought my world was shattered beyond repair. However, the sun rose every day, and the moon appeared in the night sky when the day was over. Other people's lives went on when my own had just driven entirely off course. 

When our loved one dies, no matter how many tears we shed or if we cry so hard that we're left gasping for air, our broken hearts still beat.  

Some think we are strong because we managed to survive the loss of our loved one. But really, what choice did we have? We must keep going – one step, one moment at a time. 

Others ask, how do you do it? I attribute every step I've been able to take along this journey to my faith in God. If it weren't for my relationship with Jesus, I would not be able to function, let alone live. We will all go through loss at some point in life. No one is immune to traveling this path. What we do and how we handle the loss is equivalent to how the rest of our lives will unfold. 

Placing our brokenness into the hands of The One who made us is our only hope. He is the healer of all broken things (see Isaiah 41:10). He is our Comforter (see Psalm 23:4). The Healer of every shattered heart is also the Promise Keeper (see Joshua 21:45), who promises to heal the broken-hearted (see Psalm 34:18). And He promises never to leave us nor forsake us (see Deuteronomy 31:8).

There is no specific time frame for grief. Just don't give up. If you're deep in the valley right now, hold on. Help is on the way. Reach out to The One who longs to hold on to you, and He will carry your broken heart that still beats in His gentle, loving hands. 

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” (see John 1:5)

Free from comparison

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

In Philippians 3:14, Paul wrote, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

When I think about this scripture, I envision a man with his eyes firmly fixed ahead. He’s not looking around to see what others are doing in their race. He is simply concerned about his own journey. To do otherwise, to gaze at other runners, not only to see how they are running, but to consider what they are receiving from the Lord and how they are being blessed, is unproductive and can lead to grumbling, a lack of gratitude, and feeling overlooked and ignored by God.

When we begin to compare our blessings, lives, and trials to our brothers and sisters, we are ignoring a simple truth: for the Lord to give to us as He has given to others, in the same manner and in the same timing as He has given to others, would be unfair. Because He has uniquely created each of us, and given us each special assignments, His answers for our prayers and requests must be uniquely answered as well. He knows what each of us need and when we need it. And (hallelujah!) His answers are always rooted in His mercy and love.

In Mark 10 in two separate instances, people asked Jesus for a blessing. In the first instance, James and John asked Christ “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left” (Mark 10:37).

Jesus denied their request.

In the second instance, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting on the side of the road and asked Jesus to give him sight (Mark 10:51).

Jesus said yes. Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

These two stories are a great reminder, that sometimes the Lord will say yes to our requests, and sometimes He will say no. But whatever His response, all His responses are done in love, and all are assigned especially for us. He never answers haphazardly or without care. Remember, as you experience God’s yes and His no, that you have been uniquely created with unique assignments, therefore, His responses for you must be unique too.

Keep your gaze firmly fixed ahead. Do not look about comparing yourself to others, wondering why God has favored them more. That is a lie from the devil. You are also highly favored in a very unique way. Don’t forget it. 

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot” (Proverbs 14:30).