Don't Fear Godzilla

I read a story of a young boy who was being terrorized by a dog.  Not a German Shepherd or Pit Bull… but a Chihuahua.  The dog’s name?  Godzilla.

He would run around the house and the dog would follow him.  The boy played and the dog stared.  In this little boy’s mind, Godzilla was stalking him…waiting for his moment to pounce.  While we know the dog just wanted to play… to this boy… the fear was real and unrelenting.  He was convinced that he was being hunted by a beast that wanted to hurt him.  

Guilt is a lot like that dog.  

Something we’ve done, said, or thought is sitting in wait.   But our guilt is no tiny chihuahua... it’s bark is much larger... and more menacing...  It’s pinned us in a corner and made us doubt the size of our God.  It has chased us through counseling, good advice, and numerous readings of scripture.  It torments our dreams and drops in every now and then throughout our day to remind us that we shouldn’t feel good about ourselves. 

You know what you did.

You know who you were.

You can’t overcome it.  You won’t change.  

And just when it seems like we get away... it sniffs us out again.  The chase continues.  

we’re tired of running.  

So how do we handle that overwhelming feeling of guilt?  We invite another big dog into the hunt... worry.  Guilt and worry... both crushing emotions in their own right.  Together they’re simply terrifying.  They’ve been known to cause sleepless nights, hopelessness, and an overwhelming dependence on our own strength.  

So why do we do it?  Why do we allow what we did to define what we’re becoming?  Why is guilt so powerful?  

We don’t believe this verse.

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”  Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)

If you are in relationship with Jesus... and He is your Lord and Savior... there is nobody holding your past over your head except you.  Scripture tells us that when we confess our sin... when we tell God what we’ve done... He sends it away forever.  Forgotten and over.  That is so hard for our minds to comprehend... that something that once defined us is now voided?  Something that once paralyzed us with worry and fear was one confession away from the feeling of freedom?

We don’t have to fully understand it for it to be true.  God’s thoughts are different than our own (Isaiah 55:8).  He loves us unconditionally, wholly, and without reservation.  When we ask for freedom from the chains on our thought life, Jesus gives us the keys of confession to unlock them.  Today’s the day to breathe without burden... shed the shackles of the past... and leave the guilt where it belongs... with the old you.    

Those dogs... guilt and worry... they’ll stop chasing you with one simple command.  

“Be still...”

God said it to your heart in Psalm 46:10  “Be still, and know that I am God!”

Today can be the day you stop running and be still.  Guilt-free.  Burden-lifted.  Heart deep in love with God again.

I came across a paragraph by an 85 year old woman that I think sums it up best. She wrote, 

"If you live to be 75 years old you will live over 657,000 hours. Did you know that? That’s almost 2/3rds of a million hours that you’re going to live. That’s too much to be anxious about all the time. So don’t worry.  God, if I had my life to live over, I would relax & ramble around and be sillier than I had been on this trip. I would take fewer things so seriously and I would take more chances. I would take more trips and I would climb more mountains & swim more rivers.

"I would eat more ice cream and less prunes.  I would perhaps have some actual troubles but I’m sure I would have fewer imaginary ones. You see, I’m one of those people who have lived sensibly & safely, hour after hour, day after day.  Oh, I have had my moments. And if I had it all to do over again I would have more of them. Just moments one after another instead of living so many years in a big chair, acting like all those persons who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat, or a parachute.

If I had it to do over again I would worry less. I would laugh more, & I would pick a lot more daisies."

Good insight from a burdened life.   Your life can be different.  The last paragraph of your story doesn’t have to say.... “If I had my life to live over...”   Shedding the guilt and worry, you will have lived it to it’s fullest without the weight of “what if.”

Make today the day that you begin to release your guilt and worry through confession... start enjoying freedom... and live the long and purposeful life you were created to.  I’ll be praying for you as you do.

Inside Out

People get angry.  A lot.

One anger management firm stated that “one out of every five Americans has an anger management problem.”

Anger related violence is the reason stated for 22% of divorces of middle-class marriages.

Studies show that 79% of violent children witnessed some form of violence between their parents.

There are as many clients seeking mental health services for anger as there are clients seeking services for depression and anxiety. 

Anger is everywhere... and you’ve probably seen it lately.  Yesterday on the road... a week ago in your boss’ office... maybe even across the dinner table last night.  There doesn’t seem a way to avoid it... people get angry.  And you have to take it... right?

Far too many of us say yes to that question.  

We spend another day making excuses for a person... defending the “way they are wired”... cowering in a corner... allowing those that are bubbling over to ruin our day with their venom.   A boss, a wife, a child, a husband, a teacher, a parent, or an in-law... all angry... all volcano people... 

The volcano needs boundaries.  We may not get to control how they display their emotions, but we do get to decide how much we will let it influence our lives.  Not sure how to deal with someone who is challenged with anger issues?  Read on.

Here are a few tips that may help you establish the all-important boundary with the volcano person in your life:

1)  Don’t get angry in return.  

“People with understanding control their anger;

    a hot temper shows great foolishness.”  Proverbs 14:29

Getting angry back simply escalates an issue that could be solved through other means.   Angry volcanic people are looking for a fight... when we give in and give it to them, we play right into their hands.  This includes throwing back insults, condescension, sarcasm, and the like.  Don’t let people manipulate you into conflict.  Gentle words minimize tension and allow time for rational thinking.

2)  Don’t tell them to “relax”

When volcanos are erupting with anger... they don’t take commands well.  Have you noticed this during an argument?  If somebody is melting down... let them get through it.  Even the hottest fires burn out eventually.  Remember:

“A gentle answer deflects anger,

    but harsh words make tempers flare.”  Proverbs 15:1

3)  Don’t insult them.  

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”  Proverbs 12:18

Oftentimes, people get angry because they are insecure for one reason or another.  Insulting them causes their anger to increase...the insecurities to be validated... and the tension to escalate.  

One of the greatest Biblical examples of an effective boundary against anger was David’s.  In the book of 1 Samuel, he and his men returned to their hometown of Ziklag to find that all of their wives and children had been captured by the Amelekites.  Rather than get mad at the attackers, the men chose to focus all of their rage against their leader, David.  

(Isn’t that the case with volcano people?  Sometimes they might be angry... but we aren’t the cause... we are just the closest available target.)

Instead of David cowering in fear, giving in, or striking back... He simply does this:

“But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”  1 Samuel 30:6

Your greatest answer for the angry people in your life is your relationship with God.  He will give you the words you need, the nudge if you need to retreat and take a breath, the reminder that the anger will pass, the wisdom to know when to intervene, and the strength to confront if it’s unavoidable.   

You do not have to put up with anger in your life.  You were not created to be a verbal punching bag... a target for sarcasm... or the victim of somebody’s inability to cope with life.  You are strong in Christ... a precious and protected child of our intentional Creator.  Decide today that you are going to stay strong, set some boundaries, and reclaim your life from the angry and insecure.   

Climbing Out

I know what the pit looks like.  I’ve been fired by a former church employer, been in and out of the hospital for various serious reasons, and seen my share of challenges that seemed insurmountable.   While I was going through the trials, I couldn’t help but wonder when they would be over...  Ever felt that way?  Ever wonder if you’d ever see the light again?  Ever been in a hole so deep that you just felt like you were doomed to stay there?  You aren’t the only one in that pit... but it sure feels like it.  Foreclosure... divorce... bullying... failure... illness... pride... shame...  

I don’t know what shape your pit is... but I completely understand the feeling of being in one.  

More importantly... so does Jesus.  The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords knows what the bottom of the pit feels like.  The smoothness of the walls... unable to be climbed. The dark so thick that your eyes feel closed even when wide open.  And the bottom of the pit?  Thick and filled with hopeless sludge... guaranteed to grab your feet and slow you down if you have any ideas about trying to climb out.  One step forward... 3 steps back.  Felt that?  

Death is a pit....  and Jesus experienced it for a brief time over 2000 years ago.  The enemy did everything he could to keep Christ in that deep darkness forever.   But Jesus knew His stay was short.  He had a mission and there was nothing that would keep Him away from rolling back that stone and flooding the pit of death with the light from the sun His Father put there.   Jesus would overcome death’s perfect record and emerge victorious.  

It’s because of Christ’s escape from His pit that we have hope.  

And hope is a powerful thing.  

In his book Think on These Things, author and former-Pastor John Maxwell says this about hope:

Hope shines brightest when the hour is darkest.
Hope motivates when discouragement comes.
Hope energizes when the body is tired.
Hope sweetens while bitterness bites.
Hope sings when all melodies are gone.
Hope believes when evidence is eliminated.
Hope listens for answers when no one is talking.
Hope climbs over obstacles when no one is helping.
Hope endures hardship when no on is caring.
Hope smiles confidently when no one is laughing.
Hope reaches for answers when no one is asking.
Hope presses toward victory when no one is encouraging.
Hope dares to give when no one is sharing.
Hope brings the victory when no one is winning.

Hope is powerful.  And maybe you’ve been looking for it for a long time.  Day after day you’ve searched above your head for light... even a pinhole of light that simply hasn’t come.   You’ve struggled at the bottom of your pit... but I’ve got great news... Jesus has a VERY long arm.  Today He’s reaching for you and wants to pull you out... to step into a new light for the first time in a long time.   Jesus is hope.  

Romans 8:24-25 “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

You may not see Jesus today... but rest assured, He’s there.  I know it’s hard to see that beautiful arm in the blackness of the pit... but it’s there.   Ready to pull you up to the light.  Never give up that hope.  Christ hears you calling out in the darkness... and I don’t know what lesson you’ll need to learn in the trial that you are enduring... but cling to the hope and promise that His resurrection was powerful enough to get you through it.  

He’s reaching for you.

And when you finally feel that nail-pierced hand... grab onto it tightly and allow Him to rescue you.  Give your life to Him... read His word... serve in His church... grow by being more like Him.  Never give up hope in the One who promises to always be there.  Hope reminds you that things will get better.  But you know the greatest thing about hope?  It changes.  Jesus never changes... but the hope that got us out of that first pit...  becomes faith. We don’t just hope we’ll be rescued... we begin to know and have faith it will happen if we ever slip in again. 

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Hope keeps you going... It keeps you from not giving up looking for light in the bottom of the pit... 

Faith reminds you that you aren’t alone down there.. and won’t stay there for long.  

Never give up hope... 

live a life of faith...  

And when you are pulled out of that hole (and you will be).... give the credit to God who sent the rescue team of One. 

Get Involved

A young boy was sent to the corner store by his mother to buy a loaf of bread. He was gone much longer than it should have taken him. When he finally returned, his mother asked, “Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you.”

“Well,” he answered, “ there was a little boy with a broken bike who was crying. So I stopped to help him.”

“I didn’t know you knew anything about fixing bikes,” his mother said.

“I don’t,” he replied. “I just stayed there and cried with him.

A sweet story...  but I can already hear you shouting into your computer...

“Crying doesn’t help that kid get his bike fixed!”

“Was it worth worrying his mom just to make somebody feel better?”

“I would have done..... “

“That kid should have....”

I know. Our tendency is to read a story like this and think how it could have been handled better.  Maybe it’s our desire to be problem-solvers.  Perhaps it’s because at the pace of our day, we aren’t able to appreciate just stopping to empathize.  It could be that we don’t see the point of crying... 

Whatever the case, God has a verse written just for us as to how we are to react when we hear the story of or are brought into another’s situation.  

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”  Romans 12:15

Today’s verse from Romans tells how to react when we hear news...both good and bad.      God says that we are to celebrate when somebody else is celebrating and cry with them when they are hurting.  Easier said than done.

When people around you are full of joy and loving life, what is your first reaction?  Go ahead... be honest.  You’re the only one that knows that answer.  I think some people genuinely love to see others happy... And some don’t.  In fact, when they see people celebrating they look for ways to sabotage it.  Maybe it’s feeling overwhelming jealousy, or sharing the “real reason” they got it, or putting on a bad mood so that the attention is brought to them.  Whatever the case, God wants us to return the high-five, put on the party hat, and with a genuine spirit of joy... join in the laughter.  If they are being showered with blessings... run in the rain with them!  Life is too short to experience only your own happiness.  

And if they are saddened, disheartened, feeling overcome or beaten up... cry with them.  Scripture tells us to mourn with those who are mourning.  This doesn’t mean a para-sympathetic tap on the shoulder with an obligatory “it’ll be ok”  God’s telling us to imagine ourselves in their shoes.  I’m talking a feel it WITH them type of reaction.  I know what you might be thinking... Pastor, I have enough troubles of my own.. I can’t take on the pain of others.  

Being a Christ-follower means we are to live each day trying to be more like Him.  The reason He came to Earth was to save us and make sure we knew that He understands.  He’s felt every pain, endured every heartbreak, and taken on every struggle.   If we are going to be more Christ-like... we have to do what He did...and love the people He loves.

Jesus Christ knows how bad it hurts.  He is intimately involved with every circumstance and records every tear.  We need to do our very best to be like that too...  

Get involved.  Get your hands-dirty.  Walk two miles in their shoes.  Share a box of tissues with those that are broken.  Don’t shy away from others’ pain... because one day, you’ll need them and the comfort that comes from the hug of a close friend.   

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”  Romans 12:15

This verse isn’t just a way to make others feel good... it’s the roadmap to our growth in Christ. 

When to Let Go

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

  Philippians 4:6-7

There is a story told about a construction worker. This construction worker was employed on a high-rise building project, which required him and others to work after dark. He was busy on the edge of one of the walls which was many stories high, when he suddenly lost his balance and fell.

As he fell over the edge, he managed to grab the edge of the wall with his fingertips. Desperately he hung on hoping that somebody would discover his perilous situation. He was in total darkness, just about hanging on to the wall, and crying out loud for help. Due to the noise and machinery at the construction site, no one could hear him; all his screams were in vain.

Very soon his arms begin to grow weak and his grip began to slip. He tried praying, but no miracle occurred. At last his fingers slipped from the wall and with a cry of horror he fell! He fell exactly 3 feet and landed on a scaffold that had been there all the time. But he had not seen it because of the darkness.

Sometimes darkness hides the truth.

The construction worker in this story was 36 inches from peace... and couldn’t see it.  All he needed to do was let go and he would have been fine.  But how was he supposed to know that?  How are we supposed to know when to let go...or when to worry...or when to trust?   

How many times have you worried about something so much that it changed?

Ever?  

Me neither.  It’s not possible.  So why do so many of us do it?   Why is worry part of our daily life?  Why are we so afraid to let go and let God take over?  I think the answer can be found in today’s verse with these three questions.

 Am I praying about it?  

 Do I have to fully understand why before letting go?

 Will God really catch me?

Paul tells us that if we are going to beat worry, we need to start with prayer.  Go to God with an open and honest heart...both to petition (ask) and listen.  Prayer isn’t a defensive maneuver or a last resort... it is the strongest and most result-producing thing we can do as Christ-followers. 

I talk to so many who feel that they need to understand why before they can stop worrying.  I think it’s more important to know Who.  Who has the power to change lives?  Who makes the impossible happen?  Who has our best interest in mind?  Who is trying to help us grow through crisis?  God is.  You won’t always understand why things happen... but you should know Who will get you through them.

The last question seems easy.  Will God catch me if I let go?  Will God be there if I truly give up worrying?  The answer is found in the second half of the verse... when we let go... when we pray and give it up to God... He gives us “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding”  We let go... He takes over.  We give up stress... He gives us peace.  We release our grip... He opens His hand.  

God will NEVER let you fall.  

Today... if you find yourself worrying... take a second and pray.  Even when you don’t understand... pray.  Then allow your grip to release.  He promises that even though we don’t see His hand below us, it’s there.  Those beautiful nail-scarred hands are ready to catch us, hold us, and deliver us from where we are to where He created us to be.  

Starting Over

 When I was younger, I used to love to play the original Atari.  Remember it?  One block shooting or hitting something at another block and once in awhile you’d score a point?  I know... it’s old school.  The games were fun but I quickly found out that I didn’t like to lose to my brothers.  In fact, when the game looked like that might happen, I was always tempted to “accidentally” nudge the reset button and start the game again.  

Sometimes starting over is exactly what we need to do.  Look what God says in 1 John:

 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9 

God allows new beginnings... do overs... resets...  He is full of grace, abounding in love, and generous in heart.  He lets us start again with new knowledge of how not to do it.  

But what does He ask of us?  Look at the very first part of the verse today... 

Confession.  

Telling God what He already knows.  So many don’t because they figure if they don’t tell their sin to God... the act remains hidden.  It’s like the child who covers his eyes and tells the world “you can’t see me!”  But of course we can.  When a toddler does it... we smile at their naiveté.   When we do it with our sins to God... we justify it as necessary.  

And the sin sits in the heart and festers... it becomes guilt, which leads to resentment, which causes pain.   Years of unnecessary pain.   Today’s scripture reminds us of a way to mend... tell God.  Not a friend.  Not a Pastor.  Not a journal.  Tell God.  It won’t be pleasant at first... we’re going to want to hide some stuff... and it may be tempting to change the story... but we must come clean.  

Fully. Honestly. Completely.

And if we keep reading the verse... we find that God forgives us.  Time and time again.  God allows us a reset.  Does this give us free reign to sin at will?  Of course not.  There are consequences to our poor choices.  We shouldn’t intentionally break the heart of someone we are in relationship with... and God is no exception.  If we know Him as Lord, we should do our best to honor and worship Him by avoiding sin as much as possible.  

But when we confess what we’ve done...

To our Creator who knew we were going to be imperfect and made us anyway....

We are forgiven.

We are cleansed.

We are allowed a reset. 

We haven’t earned it... but God willingly gives it.  Is there something on your heart that is holding you back?  An unconfessed sin?  Something that has stained your conscience for years?  A blemish that needs to be set right?   Take some time today to confess it to God.  He promises forgiveness to those who know Him as Lord.

Your reset awaits.  

Trusting in God

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; 

      do not depend on your own understanding.”  Proverbs 3:5

D.L. Moody once said, "Trust in yourself, and you are doomed to disappointment; trust in your friends, and they will die and leave you; trust in reputation, and some slanderous tongue may blast it; but trust in God, and you are never to be confounded in time or eternity."

Trust is the cornerstone of any solid relationship... in fact, relationships without trust are not truly relationships.  We have to be able to count on others...lean on others... and draw strength from others when we need to.  The one we trust has to have OUR best interest in mind... to love us unconditionally.  

But today I want to add one more very important fact to this issue of trust.

If we don’t trust God fully... we will struggle trusting others.  

If we don’t think God is coming through for us... we won’t believe that others can (or will) either.

If we don’t believe God has our back... we will begin to believe it’s simply a matter of time before others don’t either. 

Trust in others starts with a solid foundation of faith in God.  Elton Trueblood once said, “Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations.”  Do you fully trust God today?  What is holding you back from believing God when He says that He will always be with us?  That He will provide enough?  That He loves and cares for us?

I talk with many couples who have lost trust in each other over the course of several years.  Time and time again, the root cause is both parts of the marriage losing their faith in God’s ability to heal a heart or change a mind.  When we fully place ourselves into God’s hands... truly believing that He is all we will ever need... we begin to gain a clearer understanding of what trust really is.   As our faith in God grows... our ability to trust others strengthens. 

If you are struggling to trust other people today... don’t worry, you aren’t alone.  Take some time and pray that God would strengthen your faith in Him first... and the rest will take care of itself.  

Dart or Start

A young lady named Sally relates an experience she had in a seminary class given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person’s picture. Sally’s girlfriend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend at the person’s picture.  Sally’s girlfriend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. She was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved. The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of the time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn’t have a chance to throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced. Dr. Smith quoted this scripture…

 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”  Matthew 25:40

No other words were necessary; the tear-filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.

Revenge.  Anger.  Bitterness.  Unforgiveness.  Hatred.  

We all think these emotions can be controlled...directed toward someone who has done us wrong.  Today’s scripture reminds us that as we treat others... we are treating the One who started our heart beating. 

When we serve the needy... we are serving Christ.

When we are hurting someone with our words, actions, or thoughts... we are hurting the heart of Christ. 

He wants what’s best for us... and His Word tells us time and time again to love Him first and then love everyone else.  Today we will have a chain of decisions to make.  Each one, an opportunity to do the right thing (even when it’s hard).  Which will we choose?  Both reflect what we’re feeling on the inside.  

I pray that each of us would choose to not give others who have hurt us what we think they deserve... but, instead, extend to them the same grace we ourselves receive from Christ each day.  

Choose to forgive.

Choose to leave the past where it belongs.

Choose to make the first move toward reconciliation.

Choose to serve.

Choose to love like Christ.

It’s easier to get even... it’s maturity when we can control those emotions and give our challenges to God.  

Remember, as we treat others, we are treating Jesus.  

Will we throw a dart?

Or will we offer a fresh start? 

Slow to Speak

Winston Churchill once said, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Have you ever thought about how much time we spend listening?   Whether it be in a business meeting, a relationship, or even with God?  There are many people today that hear every word... quickly respond... and then have to apologize and repair damage because they didn’t think through the possible consequences of their answer.  Active listening is something we have to choose to do...but did you know it something God wants us to do as well?  In the book of James, Chapter 1 and verse 19 it says this:  

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”

Proverbs 18:13 puts it another more direct way...

“Spouting off before listening to the facts

    is both shameful and foolish.”

It’s much better to spend your time thinking through an answer than mending a fence or repairing relationship damage.  Sometimes you only have one chance to choose the right response in a situation... Be courageous!  Choose to think it through first and answer second... you’ll always be glad you did.  Remember,  two people talking just create noise... one person talking while the other listens creates deeper understanding and connection.  

Fly

I can’t imagine how confused the caterpillar is.  He crawls along the ground... little legs propelling him ever so slowly toward his destination.  But somewhere in his heart he knows there is supposed to be more to life.  He has dreams about it.  Day after day he sees his friends “disappear” and in their place emerge beautiful creatures with brightly colored wings... soaring beyond the restrictions of tiny legs.  

Yet there he sits tethered to the earth by his tiny feet.  

And he begins to doubt the dream.  

What has God made me for?

Am I REALLY supposed to fly?

Wouldn’t it be easier to just give in and stay small?

“No, I can’t.  I was born to fly.”

“No you weren’t.  You were meant to be just like the other caterpillars.  Just go over there, eat those leaves, and give up.”

“But I can’t.  It’s stamped on my soul.  God made me to be a butterfly!”

“If God made you to fly... how come you didn’t start out already doing it?”

A good question.   One that many people ask.  If God created me for greatness... how come I’m not that way by default?  Why do I have to take the long road to my potential... why wouldn’t a loving God give me the shortcut?  Why does it take so long to fly?

Because you need the process so you can handle the progress.   

You need the cocoon experience.  The growth.  The challenges.  The preparation.  The learning.  The strengthening.  And maybe the hardest of all...

The waiting. 

Cocoon time... that time where we develop and change shape... is often the most challenging part of our existence.   We wonder when it will happen... or even if it will.  God says everything happens in His perfect time:

“For everything there is a season,

    a time for every activity under heaven.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1

God’s timing may seem slow to us... but it often takes that much time for us to learn to trust Him more.  He’s not waiting to act... He’s waiting on us.

And while you’re waiting... everyone else seems to be judging you.  But remember, the world sees an ugly cocoon... but God sees the beauty that’s developing inside of it.  

The transformation from scared to secure.

The change from sullen to satisfied

The metamorphosis from shackled to set free.

God sees you.  Challenged...curious... like the caterpillar... wondering if that stirring in your heart will really happen or not.   You’re seeing your friends prosper.   Being blessed.   They’re moving forward and you seem to be going nowhere.  

Make no mistake.  God is working in your life.  He’s just making sure that your transformation is complete.  Everything that is happening right now is for a reason.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Please don’t misread this verse... all things that happen to you won’t be good things.  But, like I said last weekend, God can use them for something positive in your life.   

-  Your pain will build muscles to endure future challenges.  

 That break-up will hurt now... but someday you will learn to trust again.  Only this time, you’ll know more about yourself.

 The financial pit you find yourself in?  An opportunity to re-prioritize and grow.

The cocoon isn’t always pleasant.  In fact, getting out of it can be a struggle too.   Science tells us that if you try to help a butterfly by cutting open it’s cocoon and letting it out... it won’t survive.  It needs the struggle of pushing out... building endurance... strengthening  its wings.  Without the effort... it fails.

Same for you.  Your challenges make you stronger. So you can do more than just survive for the long-term...  the difficulties...the transformation.. the pushing through... all build important life-muscle so you can

fly.  

It’s stamped on your soul.  You were created with a purpose to do something great.  

If you woke up this morning feeling like a tiny caterpillar... spend some time with God and let Him reassure you that you were meant for so much more...  You’re getting stronger with each passing day... and someday soon, in God’s perfect time, you’ll break free and fly.  

North

An old sailor repeatedly got lost at sea, so his friends gave him a compass and urged him to use it. The next time he went out in his boat, he followed their advice and took the compass with him. But as usual he became hopelessly confused and was unable to find land. Finally, he was once again rescued by his friends.

Disgusted and impatient with him, they asked, "Why didn’t you use that compass we gave you? You could have saved us a lot of trouble!" 

The sailor responded: "I didn’t dare to! I wanted to go north, but as hard as I tried to make the needle aim in that direction, it just kept on pointing southeast." 

That old sailor was so certain he knew which way was north, that he stubbornly tried to force his own personal persuasion on his compass. As a result he was unable to benefit from the guidance it offered. 

Sometimes our life gets off course... and we are in desperate need of direction.

So many ask for it.  So few accept the answers they receive. 

The Bible talks about this type of person:

“But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”  James 1:22

I talk to so many who listen to what we teach at Potential Church... read God’s word for further confirmation... and when it comes time to make the decision, decide to go a completely different direction.  

Many blame God for not stepping in and helping... providing no insight or course of action for them.  Not true.  It isn’t God’s unwillingness to lead.. it’s our unwillingness to follow.  

Far too often we know the truth.  We know the way to go.  We understand what God wants us to do. But we don’t want to follow it because it isn’t convenient, easy, or popular.

God has our best interests in mind.  He knows what’s best for us and provides a way for us to live our lives filled with blessings and joy.  Sure there are challenges, but by seeking and following His guidance... He leads us through and strengthens us in the process.

 

God’s word is our compass.  It is always the right way to go.  When we follow it, we stay on course.  When we alter from His direction, we find our lives detached and adrift from His purposes.  North is north and God’s Word will always be the absolute truth.  Feeling lost today?  Not sure which way to turn?  Seek His solution and be bold enough to follow it...  I promise you.. that when you do... where you end up will be the exact right place.

Grab His Hand

I found this passage...written by someone who suffered with cancer....

“When I was diagnosed with Cancer:  

My first friend came and expressed his shock by saying, "I can’t believe that you have cancer. I always thought you were so active and healthy." He left and I felt alienated and somehow very "different."

My second friend came and brought me information about different treatments being used for cancer. She said "Whatever you do, don’t take chemotherapy. It’s a poison!"  So she left and I felt scared and confused.

My third friend came and tried to answer my "whys?" with the statement "Perhaps God is disciplining you for some sin in your life?"  He left and I felt guilty.

My fourth friend came and told me, "If your faith is just great enough God will heal you." She left and I felt my faith must be inadequate.

My fifth friend came and told me to remember that "All things work together for good." He left and I felt angry.

My sixth friend never came at all.  I felt sad and alone.

My seventh friend came and held my hand and said, "I care, I’m here, I want to help you through this."  She left and I felt loved!

-Linda Mae Richardson

God says the same thing to you.

You may not be dealing with cancer today.  But you could still be in need of care.  It might be a broken marriage, a jaded heart, or an empty bank account. 

People will mean well when they try to help.  They’ll use logic, their related past experiences, and researched information.  Some will stick around.  Some won’t.  Even your very best friend in the world can’t do what God does.  

God is different.  He looks past what you’re calling out for and gives you what you need.  He sees your scars and counts the tears that roll down your face...reminding you that He Himself was scarred and wept so that you could ultimately spend your eternity free from pain.  

God is consistent.  His feelings for you don’t change.   You can’t make Him love you more... and He isn’t going to love you less.  You are infinitely flawed and infinitely valuable to Him...and He will never quit on you.  He doesn’t promise you constant sunshine... but He does guarantee His presence in your storms. He won’t leave your bedside.  Feeling alone?  Nothing helping your situation?  Ready to give up?

Don’t you dare. 

If you are going through something today.  Simply stop. Sit somewhere and read through this verse:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6

God is telling you something.  Do you hear it?  He is telling you... 

I care.

I’m here.

I want to help you through this.

Grab His hand and never let go.  

Me First

Me first.  Mine.  Gimme.   

Selfishness.  

Do you know anyone who struggles with it?  Most of us do.  It could be a friend, family member, boss, colleague, or reflection in our mirror... It isn’t something we’ll readily confess to but once it takes root... it’s VERY hard to break free from.

Pastor Bill Hybels (of Willow Creek Community Church) describes a disturbing trend of many in our society:  

"It is a "me-first” mind-set. This mind-set says indulge yourself, fulfill your desires, satiate your appetites, pursue pleasure, take off all restraints. As much as we might want to pretend that this value system died in the eighties, let’s be honest: it is alive and still thriving.

With this mind-set comes an elusive promise: If you seek first your own good and satisfy your own desires, then you will be happy. In print, on television, and in the movies, over and over we hear the lie. The road to contentment, satisfaction, fulfillment, and true joy is marked with a street sign flashing "Me First." ... People are pathologically self-centered and ignore the needs of others.  The "me-first" mind-set is controlling many lives, even the lives of those who call themselves followers of Christ."

The Bible talks about the dangers of selfishness.

“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”  James 3:16

Evil of every kind.  Greed.  Love of money.  Pride.  Ungratefulness.  A hardened heart.  All symptoms of putting ourselves first.   It’s a tough pattern to break.  The enemy will convince us that it isn’t selfishness... 

It’s self-preservation

Getting what’s “ours”

If we don’t look out for us, who will?

Keeping it “fair”

We earned it.  We deserve it.  Right?

As always, God’s word tells us the truth.  Throughout scripture we are told that holding on too tightly to what we think is ours only causes problems.  Our lives fall into depression, we covet, feel envious, less complete, and emotionally uneven.  The desire not to share causes and reveals deep trust issues... that somehow if we hold on tighter, we’ll have more. 

Problem is, our hands are so full of our stuff...there’s no way to catch the blessings that God wants to give us.  So how do we defeat selfishness?  

Give.

“Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.”  Proverbs 22:9

Generosity is the key.  Hold onto what matters tightly... your relationship with God, your family, your health...   Everything else can be given away.  Serve the poor.  Leverage your possessions.  Give with cheerful intentionality.  When we release ourselves to be generous... we unchain the anchor of “more” and replace it with a good night’s rest.   More importantly, we are reminded that what we have really isn’t ours... it’s on loan from God... so that we can change the world for Christ with it.  

Only you know if you have let the weed of selfishness grow in your heart.   If so, take some time to today and pray over it...asking God to help you make the challenging but necessary changes.  I’ll be praying too.