Testing and Trials

It’s when we follow God’s leading to do the unpopular thing that we not only find out who we are, but we find out who our true friends are.

Last year in October, I was praying…asking the Lord where I could volunteer.  Much to my surprise he led me to get a job at Sam’s Club.  I can tell you I was very surprised.  I wasn’t looking for a paying job, but at the same time I knew that I needed to be obedient.  The next day while doing some shopping there, I said to the Lord, “If this is truly where You want me to be, I pray that I will see my friend and that not only will she say hello, but that she’ll greet me with a hug.”  Now this friend of mine does work there, but very rarely did I ever see her.  Literally within 5 minutes of me saying that prayer, she walked by me, said hello and greeted me with a hug!  I had no excuse to keep me from getting a job there.  I can tell you this, working as a cashier at Sam’s Club was not something that was on my bucket list…not because I think I’m above that job, because I’m not.  It just wasn’t something that I thought was in my future.  God is full of surprises!  J

Everything laid aside, I plunged into work there with the idea that working through the holiday season would be it for me…although I did keep my mind open to all possibilities of the Lord’s will. 

Working there, to me, was a great opportunity for allowing the love of God to be seen in me.  My hope is that’s what they saw!  But not only that, it was a time for me to learn to be content with where the Lord had me at that moment.  Let me tell you, although I passed many of the tests, I don’t believe that I passed every test in that area…just sayin’!!  It allowed me to see things in myself that I needed to change and that’s a good thing. But, interestingly…it allowed me to see who my true friends were as well.  I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised to realize that some folks didn’t really want to associate with me while I was in my “cashier” role.  Hmmm…interesting…I’ll leave it at that.

When you find yourself in a place where the Lord is testing and growing you, know that He is doing it for your own good.  He can and will refine us and teach us through the process…that is, if we allow Him to.  He is faithful and wants only the best for us.  Trust Him…He is so very faithful!                    

Be a cheerful giver!

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:7

Many years ago I was mentoring someone who was having all sorts of difficulty in their life.  This person was a Christian and struggling in many areas, finances being one of them.  I helped them to get a schedule for their bills lined up with their pay periods, taught them how to balance their checking account and encouraged them to keep up with it. 

As we were working through all of these things, suddenly this person angrily blurted out that they were tithing and they were sick of tithing because they weren’t seeing a dime of increase from their giving.  I was shocked!  At that point I asked a few questions and then went on to tell them that they might as well stop giving anything.  They looked at me very perplexed.  I went on to explain that God wants us to be cheerful in our giving.  If we cannot do what He has asked us to do with a cheerful heart, we may as well not do it at all. 

In the Old Testament (Malachi 3:6-12), God commands us to give the first ten percent of our gain to the storehouse.  But, the New Testament doesn’t give a specific amount to give.  One example that Jesus used is of the widow giving two mites in Mark 12:41-44.  Even though she had given less than those who were wealthy, she had given all that she had and given it cheerfully and without show.  I believe that Jesus wants us to give with a cheerful heart.  If we give what we have purposed in our heart, but do it grudgingly, we’re not giving freely or with a cheerful heart.  Cheerful obedience is the key.

God doesn’t need our money or things.  Everything in this world is His.  What we have in our personal possession are things that God allows us to have.  It’s our job to be good stewards of what he has allowed in our possession.  Be generous with your time, things, finances, etc.  I remember a time when I felt like the Lord was challenging me to be more generous with my time.  It’s not just finances that we should be generous with.  It’s our lives we should be generous with.  I see myself as being nothing without Jesus Christ.  All I have, all I am I owe to Him and I can never repay Him for His generosity towards me. 

I encourage us all to be generous givers of all that we have to offer…and to be cheerful givers.  That’s what the Lord asks of us.     

To Love Unconditionally Does Not Mean...

To love unconditionally does not mean to agree unreservedly.

What comes to mind immediately for me is just how much God loves me unconditionally…but He loves me…not my sin. (Romans 5:8)  Because He loves me so much, He won’t leave me that way.  He shows me my sin through His word and the Holy Spirit and gives me a way to overcome it through repentance and the blood of Jesus.  He loves me but He doesn’t agree with everything that I do, think or speak…and He lets me know where I falter.   

So often in our relationships, many believe that because we love them that we must agree with everything that they do, think or speak. You see, living life that way would not be living a life that is true to the Word of God.

In John 8:1-11 while Jesus was teaching at the Temple, the Pharisees and teachers of the religious law brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery to Him and wanted to stone her. Jesus told them that any of them who had not sinned to go ahead and cast the first stone.  One by one they dropped their stones and left.  But Jesus, who had no sin, didn’t stone her.  He told her to go and sin no more.

In this situation, Jesus not only pointed out to the woman that she should not sin anymore, He pointed out to the scribes and Pharisees that they were doing something wrong as well.  Because He didn’t agree with those folks…whom He loved…didn’t mean that He had to agree with everything that they did…and…so it is with us.  We, as Christ followers, must learn to love those around us.  But, loving others unconditionally doesn’t mean that we have to agree with everything that others do, think or speak.  We need to learn to stand firm in what God’s word says which means that we must speak the truth in love.  We must have a backbone, but not beat folks up!  God would be doing us a disservice if He didn’t show us where we sin and call us to repent.  Why would we need God if He didn’t call us to a higher place with Him?  If we didn’t need Him, then that means that Jesus would have given His life for nothing!  Oh how we need Jesus!

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 

I encourage you to love others unconditionally as God loves us, but stand firm in what God’s word says about sin.  Just because we love others doesn’t mean we must agree with them unreservedly.    

...serving God as a way to become prosperous...

Fifteen plus years ago I was at a church that began to heavily preach the “prosperity gospel.”  I had been at this church for a year or so and up until then, had been pleased with what was being taught.

I played the guitar on the worship team and when the music part was over, we would sit out in the congregation to listen to the message.  It seemed that every week I would end up sitting next to a person whose body odor nearly gagged me.  I don’t mean to be gross, but my nose is hyper sensitive…and well…let’s just leave it at that!  J I had been acquainted with this person for a while and actually was quite surprised by this.  It wasn’t normal for her.  I was concerned so I asked around to see if anyone knew what had caused this change with her.  Well, much to my surprise, I found out she had fast growing cataracts on her eyes and was suddenly legally blind.  The blindness caused her to lose her job.  She could no longer drive, read, work, etc.  Her life was changed drastically in a matter of a few months.  She was a single mom.  The only money that she was receiving was $350 a month and her rent was $300 a month.  Needless to say, life had become ultra challenging for her. 

I just couldn’t stand back and do nothing.  I decided to talk to the pastor about helping her out.  Since money had become the topic of most of the teachings, I really believed that I wouldn’t have any trouble getting help.  Wow…as a young Christian…I was sorely mistaken!  I won’t go into the sordid details.  Looking back, it was a wonderful learning time for me as far as learning what and what not to do in situations like this.  Some of the women and I did what we could to help her.  The Lord led us and we saw wonderful things take place for this lady.  I’m not sure who was blessed more us or the lady and her daughter. 

I learned at a very young “Christian” age that being a Christian is about serving God through serving others.  Yes, God does prosper us in many different ways which does happen to include finances.  There’s no getting around it.  But “serving God” as a way to become prosperous is not what God intends for us.  Matthew 6:33 states; Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. (See also 1Timothy 6:3-6) As Christians, no matter what our financial status may be, we are wealthy because Jesus is the greatest treasure we could ever attain!  

Be sensitive to the needs of others.  We’re here to serve others, not ourselves.  Be alert to those around you whether strangers, friends or family.  You never know who God may bring across your path that may need the help that only you can give.            
          

I'm but a pilgrim...

 ¹⁵ Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷ And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.  1 John 2:15-17  

I don’t want to be content in this world.  This world is not my home.  I’m but a pilgrim passing through.  When I surrendered my life to Jesus…accepted Him as my Savior…I became a citizen of Heaven.

Life here on earth is not about seeing how much wealth we can amass, how many different places we can vacation to or a competition on how large a house we can own, etc.  It’s about living a life that pleases God…allowing Him to refine us through the journey.  It’s about telling others about the love of God.  His love is so deep, so wide, so powerful and all encompassing that He gave His own Son that we might be saved. ( See John 3:16 ) It’s God’s greatest desire that all would be saved. (See 1 Timothy 2:1-4)  Our purpose is to allow God to flow through us so that the lost in the world will be reached…whatever way God chooses to do so. 

Many years ago I had a conversation with someone and I was talking about going to Heaven and looking forward to Jesus’ return.  This person said that they weren’t looking forward to that time because there were things that they wanted their children to experience here on earth.  REALLY?!?  Even now, years later, I am dumbfounded by that statement.  I am convinced that this is exactly one of the reasons why the Church here in the States is not being as effective as it could be.  There’s too much love of the world…period!! 

Keep your eyes on the prize.  Jesus is the ultimate prize!  There is nothing in this world that can trump being in Heaven with Him!  Don’t allow yourself to grow cold in your love for the Lord.  Don’t be content with the things of this world.  If you are a follower of Christ, your home is Heaven.  Remember…you’re but a pilgrim in this world.  Let your light...the Light of God...shine through you for all the world to see!

...am I being obedient...

I’ve been calling our dog, Stewie, lately and he simply refuses to come to me until I am forced to get firm with him.  Only after I do get firm with him does he decide to obey and come to me.  I find this very frustrating.  I never had this much resistance from my son when he was growing up and it’s strange to have a dog that is so strong willed!

As this was taking place, I began to wonder; am I being obedient to all that the Lord is calling me to do?  Hmmm…when He calls my name, do I continue on with “the important stuff” that I’m doing or do I drop what I’m doing and do what the Lord is calling me to do?  This is something that I continually want to work on as a follower of Christ Jesus.  I don’t ever want to miss out on something that the Lord has for me…whether it is something fun or whether it’s something tedious and challenging.  I know and believe that no matter what the Lord calls me to do, it is something that is needed for me, first…secondly, possibly help for others, and thirdly…if He calls me to do something, I know that He will equip me to do the task at hand.    

I want my ears to be open to hear what the Lord is speaking to me.  I want eyes to see what the Lord wants me to see.  I want to have a heart that is receptive to what God is doing.  I want to be willing to do whatever it is he is calling me to do.  I actually focus on this as my lifestyle. 

So, when I see Stewie acting in this manner, it serves as a reminder for me to be attentive to what the Lord is doing in my life.  I encourage you to do the same.  Be attentive to what God is doing in your life.  Dare to believe that you can and will be all that God created you to be.  And, by being attentive and willing to obey, we can become and be just that.  Trust and believe in God and hope for the best.  He will never lead you astray!  Trust me, the road will not always be easy, but it will definitely be worth it.  He is faithful and worthy of everything that we have to offer to Him…am so much more!         

...weeping may endure for a night...

The past couple of weeks I’ve been calling upon the Lord to continue to fill the void in me that’s there due to the lack of relationship with my parents.  This situation is nothing new to me.  It’s just that sometimes it affects me more than other times.  It’s been my experience that with some issues I’m healed in one moment and with other healing takes place over time.  I believe that this is how the Lord is not only continuing to heal me and make me stronger in this matter, but also growing my trust in Him as my Heavenly Father. 

Just last night, I hit my knees and was crying out to the Lord about this.  I just love that I can tell Him anything on my heart and He is here listening attentively with understanding and compassion for me.  He has never failed me.

…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5

This scripture is so very comforting…and true.  The joy I felt the next morning was indescribable.  God is so faithful and His word is truth!

This same morning, I went on to church and the words spoken by a guest speaker were; “Your Heavenly Father loves you and is proud of you.”  I was so moved.  I needed to hear this.  His timing is so perfect!  It was continued healing for me in this situation…I am grateful!  You see, I’ve never heard those words from my earthly father.  Yes, it does hurt, but I’ve learned to take this to God and let him fill that void in my life.  And when He does this, not only do I feel better, I am stronger and trust Him even more.  It also allows me to have a growing compassion for my dad.  He only acts this way because he, himself, is hurting and hasn’t been healed.

No matter what the issues are in your life, God will see you through it if you call upon Him for help.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. John 14:6  He came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. (See John 10:10)  Trust Him with all things in your life.  He will not fail you and He truly cares about every detail of your life…no matter how great or small.

If I had spoken to my parents...

“If I had spoken to my parents the way some children do now, I wouldn’t be here to share this status.  Some children need to learn the meaning of respect.”

This is a saying that I see on Facebook quite often these days.  Well, I understand that we have a lot of children (and adults!) that don’t have respect for others…but, respect is something that parents should teach their children from day one.

The thing I try to remember when I see folks acting in this manner, is that they are, more than likely, doing exactly what they’ve been taught.

Train up a child in the way and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6

Yikes…and we wonder what is wrong with society today!  We now have generation after generation who don’t know God.  I can tell you that I have absolutely no idea how far back I would have to go in my family to find someone who actually knew the Lord and lived out a Christian life.  Even now, excluding my immediate family, I can count those who are saved on one hand!  That is a sad truth!

When I see situations like this, I know that there’s nothing I can do at that moment in the natural…so I simply pray for people.  I pray that God would intervene in their lives and draw them to Himself.  I feel sorry for the children…they’re only imitating what they see.  They don’t know any better.  And, the parents are probably imitating what they saw growing up and so on and so forth.  Unless one is drawn out of that behavior and makes the choice to stay out of that behavior, this pattern can go on and on for decades, if not centuries in families.

Yes, it’s a shame to see the disrespect in our society today, but there are things we can do.  We can get involved in our schools, churches, children’s activities, etc.  Even if we help only one person, that persons’ life could be changed forever.

I encourage you to pray first and then if led to do so, get involved. 

Check out this minute long video that I just happened upon while in the midst of writing this piece.

As iron sharpens iron...

A while ago, I found myself continually in a situation where a few of the folks I was visiting with always made me feel as though I could not be myself in their presence.  Every word I said was scrutinized, criticized and I was told what I should and should not do.  Now, this was supposed to be a leisurely visit!  I found myself just sitting there, rarely joining in on conversations.  After a great deal of time in this situation, I found it absolutely necessary to exit the group.  I had wanted to exit long before I did, but I had felt guilty.  But the truth of the matter is, I had to do what was best for myself in this situation.

It’s not that I didn’t care for these folks, because I did...or I wouldn’t have stayed connected for as long as I did.  It’s just that this particular situation turned from a fun, leisurely time to a very unhealthy situation every time we got together…for me at least!

It’s important that we’re careful about who we let into our inner circle.  You’re only going to rise as high as those who are around you.  And, if those around you are continuing to learn and grow in the Lord like you are, then that’s great…if not, move on!

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the countenance of a friend.  Proverbs 27:17 

Just as one has a negative attitude towards life, if you stay around that person long enough, that person will bring you down as well. 

It’s all about making the proper choices.  Yes, it was difficult for me to walk away, but I can tell you now, it was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made.  Well, you say…”the Bible says to love your neighbor as yourself.”  Yes, you’re right!  I can tell you now, if these folks came to me in need, I would do what I could to help them.  I do love them.  I just didn’t need to be in their company for my own well being.  There’s nothing wrong with that.  It’s not the first time I’ve had to make a decision like this and it probably won’t be the last time either. 

Make sure that you’re taking care of yourself in a healthy way and don’t let guilt rule your decisions for a healthy lifestyle.