Truthworks

“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.” (1 Peter 4:12-13. The Message).

Sometimes things can get so difficult that even the most ardent believers look heavenward with serious questions about whether or not God is involved in our affairs anymore. Even Jesus Himself cried out on the cross, “My God, why have you forsaken me?”

Sometimes God pulls just far enough away to awaken and alarm us by His absence.

Perhaps we may have grown so accustomed to His blessings and benefits, that we inadvertently began taking them for granted; failing to humbly acknowledge His presence and His provisions in our daily lives. Living presumptuously, without showing our gratitude to God for who He is and what He does.

Nothing snaps us out of that indifferent daze more quickly that a good dose of real difficulty, with a side order of God’s perceived absence. When all hell breaks loose, and heaven is no where to be found — that will get your attention!

But, God is not absent, nor is He distant. He’s just silent; watching and waiting for how we handle the situation. Will be bellow in unbelief like those who know not God at all? Or will we, like Job of old, trust Him though He slay us.

The truth is that the difficulty you are facing is a spiritual refining process; God is separating the gold from the dross in your life. And if you will quietly trust Him through the ordeal you will soon discover it was worth it all — for glory is just around the corner.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thessalonians 5:18).

Perhaps you may be thinking, “In everything gives thanks? Are you crazy!? Some things are just too awful; how can I give thanks for everything?”

Wait just a minute before you blow your gasket — he did not say give thanks FOR everything….but IN everything. There is a difference.

Shall we thank God in the good and happy times only, and then question Him, or worse yet — curse Him — when bad and awful times befall us? Of course not! The Bible says IN everything give thanks — for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. In other words, God wants us to trust Him even when things look completely hopeless. Indeed, to trust Him so much that even then we give thanks.

Thanksgiving is the highest expression that exists, for it acknowledges the hand of God at work in everything — even in the midst of things that are awful.

Faith looks past the obvious and see the actual; it goes beyond what is seen, and sees Him who is invisible working all things after the counsel of His will. Our difficulty comes from the fact that we tend to judge things from our limited perspective. God wants to lift our vision to a higher and broader place, where we may see things as He sees them.

Once this happens — everything changes. We no longer gripe and complain, but rather give thanks. Our hearts are unencumbered with the cares of this world, our minds are free from anxiety and stress, and our conversation is filled with life and healing.

The words of Frances R. Havergal (1879) sum it up best –

Light after darkness; gain after loss.
Strength after weakness; crown after cross.
Sweet after bitter; hope after fears.
Home after wandering; praise after tears.

Sheaves after sowing; sun after rain.
Sight after mystery; peace after pain.
Joy after sorrow; calm after blast.
Rest after weariness; sweet rest at last.

Near after distant; gleam after gloom.
Love after loneliness; life after tomb.
After long agony, rapture of bliss –
Right was the pathway leading to this!

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“Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!” (Daniel 3:27, New Living Translation).

The story of the three Hebrew children — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — being thrown into the burning fiery furnace is legendary. They refused to bow down and worship the golden statue erected by King Nebuchadnezzar and as a result were bound in ropes and tossed into the fire.

But something happened that shocked the pagan world. The king jumped to his feet in astonishment and asked his soldiers — “Did we not throw three men bound into the fire?”

“Yes, O King,” they answered, in fear of their lives.

“Then how is it that I see FOUR men — free, and walking about in the flames; feeling no harm! And the fourth man looks like the Son of God!!”

When the world binds you up and throws you into the furnace for refusing to worship its image of gold, the only thing the fire will burn away are the stocks and bonds which the world has placed upon you. And Jesus Himself will walk through the fire with you!

Nebuchadnezzar ordered the men to be brought forth from the fire. Upon examination it was found that “not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!”

God will bring you through all kinds of fiery trials with no harm whatsoever done to you. You will come forth without even the smell of smoke!

God is able to deliver you….and deliver you, He will!

“Keep you guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.” (1 Peter 5:9, The Message).

There are few things the devil likes more than to get you believing that you’re the only one going through a tough time. He wants you to feel alone, forsaken, and forgotten. If he can pull it off — you will drop your guard, lower your shied of faith and be wide open for his more assiduous assaults. Don’t let him win — keep a firm grip on your faith.

Peter goes on to say, “The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ — eternal and glorious plans they are! — will have you put together and on your feet for good.” (1 Peter 5:10).

So the next time you’re feeling all alone, and deep down inside you hear the rumblings of that old song — “O nobody knows the trouble I seen” — stop right there. EVERYBODY knows! In fact, we are all going through it with you. So stop your whining; it’s embarrassing.

Paul and Silas were in a dungeon chained to the wall and surrounded by rats. They started singing praise to God and the devil started shaking in his boots. He shook so hard that an earthquake happened, which broke the chains and opened up the prison doors — setting Paul and Silas free!

Here’s a happy thought — Instead of moaning about your troubles, start singing praise to God! Why, you never know, you just might be the one that causes a prison break for the rest of us!

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Mat 6:27)

Jesus shows in the simplest of terms the total waste of time and energy that occurs when we worry.

First He shows that worry is irreverent – for it fails to acknowledge God’s love for us and His faithfulness to His Word. When we worry, we dismiss God from the equation of our circumstances and elevate other things which have no power whatsoever to make any difference at all.

This brings us to the second thing Jesus shows us. Worry is irrelevant. It does not change a single thing, and it does not help us in any way.

And then Jesus shows us that worry is irresponsible. It consumes our energy, distracts our focus, marginalizes God, and accelerates our fears and frustrations. Talk about squandering one’s wealth!

When we follow His words we find a peace that prevails in the face of the storm that assails.

The birds of the air and the lilies of the field illustrate the freedom from anxiety that is ours in Christ.

Nothing good ever comes from an anxious mind or a hurried spirit. When we let fear, anxiety and worry crowd our thoughts, we diminish our capacity for recognizing and responding to the work that God is doing in us, to us, for us, and through us during trying times.

This one fact is uncontested – we always find our greatest treasures in life somewhere in the depths of our greatest trials. Diamonds, they say, are made as the direct result of the most intense of all pressures.

Rather than fret and flit about with a scrambled soul during times of personal challenge and difficulty, may we each find that place of unshakable confidence in the Lord. That place where we may rest secure and immovable, knowing that He is totally in charge – and is always thinking about us, and watching everything that concerns us!

“Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.” (1Peter 5:7, The Living Bible)

Years ago I came across an memorable little poem that goes, “Worry is an old man with bended head carrying a load of feathers, which he thinks is lead.” Is that you? Bowed over with a load that weighs more in your mind than it does in fact, laboring under the imagined weight of it all – not realizing that you really aren’t carrying anything at all?

“Consider the lilies of the field,” Jesus said, “they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these.” And again, “Consider the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Somehow we just don’t get it. And rather than trust the Lord to carry our load, we do it ourselves and have nothing to show for it but wrinkled faces and frustrated souls.

Peter tells us that we must let Him have all our worries and cares – and here is why. “For He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.” Notice two words specifically: always and everything.

The Lord is ALWAYS thinking about you, and watching EVERYTHING that concerns you. Do you seriously believe that you can do a better job than Him? Then why not let Him carry the load? Why not trust that He is really looking out for you in all things at all times?

Since He is always thinking about you, and watching everything that concerns you – you no longer need to always be thinking about yourself, and watching everything that concerns only you!

But what then shall you do with all this new found free time on your hands? Here’s a suggestion, in the words of King David the Psalmist: “I am always thinking about the Lord; and because He is so near, I need never stumble or fall” (Psalm 16:8, Living Bible).

Perhaps this old Gospel standard will provide you a melodious way to make the much needed transition from worry to rest, from fret to faith, from trying to do it on your own – to trusting in the Lord who alone can do all things well.

“Leave it There”

If the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold,
And you have to get along with meager fare,
Just remember, in His Word, how He feeds the little bird;
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

If your body suffers pain and your health you can’t regain,
And your soul is almost sinking in despair,
Jesus knows the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal;
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

When your enemies assail and your heart begins to fail,
Don’t forget that God in heaven answers prayer;
He will make a way for you and will lead you safely through.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

When your youthful days are gone and old age is stealing on,
And your body bends beneath the weight of care;
He will never leave you then, He’ll go with you to the end.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

 And Jesus answering saith unto them, “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22).

Jesus says in four words what proves to be the single greatest need of every soul — “Have faith in God.” There is no situation He cannot handle, there is no problem He cannot solve, there is no challenge He cannot overcome.

Have faith in God.

When you consdier the alternatives, the choice becomes even more compelling and clear. Some put their faith in Money, only to see it fail in the economic upheavals of unstable times. Some place their faith in Government, only to be disappointed once again by big campaign promises being broken, and backroom deals remaining the stock and trade of carnal men trying to govern without a clue.

Some people put their faith in themselves, but this proves to be the ultimate mistake — for the smallest package is a person totally wrapped up in him or herself. Some put their faith in others, but time and time again are let down as life hands them one unforseeable setback after another.

Some put their faith in religion, and practice dutifully all that is required of them by the tenets of their particular ideology. They feign peace and contentment, but seethe with resentment and loathing for those who do not subscribe to their beliefs.

And on and on it goes. Let me ask, What is it that you have faith in these days?

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.They are brought down and fallen; but we are risen, and stand upright” (Psalm 20:7,8). Do not put your faith in anything, or anyone other than God.

“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

I can name that tune in four notes: “Have faith in God.”

 And Jesus answering saith unto them, “Have faith in God.” (Mar 11:22)

I thank God for the days of my childhood. Yes, I was placed in an orphanage by my mother when I was six years old, and yes the place was cold and ominous. And, yes, there were many shameful experiences at the hands of cruel and unqualified adults.

On the other hand, however, I was afforded a very unique and individual upbringing, which has shaped much of my life to this very day. Anytime an ordinary person is placed in extraordinary circumstances, there is a great story in the making.

The place was quite large and almost overwhelming to me. (the insert photo is an old aerial shot of the orphanage shortly after it was completed and opened).

As a small boy I was immersed in bigness, which made it easy for a me to believe in big things.

I ate breakfast every morning in a large cafeteria filled with almost 1200 kids. Life in the dorms and on the campus was always bustling with crowds. To this day I am very much “at home” in the midst of the hustle bustle; and crowds don’t bother me at all.

My experiences in the orphanage church also provided me a most particular opportunity to know God as a young boy. I remember the hymns more than anything else, because the poetry of the lyrics played straight to my artful soul. It is hard to say even now which of the old hymns is my favorite, for I cherish so many.

But here’s one that has always stayed with me thorugh thick and thin. It was written by B. B. McKinney, a prolific lyricist who penned such classics as “Let Others See Jesus in You” (1924), “Breath On Me” (1937), and “Wherever He Leads I’ll Go” (1937). One of my favorite is “Have Faith in God” (1934). Read it prayerfully and let its encouraging message reach deep into your soul today. For God is big, and is in the business of doing big things — especially when we listen to and obey the still, small voice.

Have Faith in God

Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely.
He sees and knows all the way you have trod;
Never alone are the least of His children;
Have faith in God, have faith in God.

Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered,
Your earnest plea He will never forget;
Wait on the Lord, trust His word and be patient,
Have faith in God. He’ll answer yet.

Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow,
His heart is touched with your grief and despair;
Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him,
And leave them there, oh, leave them there.

Have faith in God though all else fall about you;
Have faith in God, He provides for His own:
He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish.
He rules. He reigns upon His throne.

Have faith in God, He’s on His throne,
Have faith in God, He watches over His own;
He cannot fail, He must prevail,
Have faith in God, Have faith in God.

She was thinking to herself, “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” Jesus turned–caught her at it. Then he reassured her: “Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well.” (Matthew 9:21,22 The Message)

The status quo requires no risk. Nothing ventured; nothing gained. But excellence, by its very nature, requires that you break out of the pack and pull away from the common and ordinary, shaking off the mundane and mediocre. Hey, the only thing in the middle of the road is yellow stripes and dead armadillos!

The woman knew that there was healing power working in and through Jesus, so much that if she could only place her finger upon his robe – she would be made whole. But she was unclean, and He a Rabbi. She was a woman; He a man. To violate the social protocol could result in her being stoned by the religious zealots of the day.

She took a risk of faith – and it paid off huge!

It has be said many times, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” What this means, then, is if you want something that you’ve never had before, you must be willing to do something that you’ve never done before. And that is where RISK comes into the equation.

Noah built a boat in the middle of a desert —that was a risk. Abraham left his home and went out, not knowing where he was going – that was a risk. Moses forsook the security of Pharaoh’s palace, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God —that was a risk.

Daniel prayed to God though the king had decreed death to any who dared do so—that was a risk. David faced a giant in the open field of battle—that was a risk. John the Baptist confronted the sins of King Herod—that was a risk. Peter walked on water—that was a risk. Paul openly declared to Caesar himself that Jesus Christ is Lord—that was a risk.

These were men of whom the world was not worthy. These are the fathers of our Faith, and we are their sons and daughters. Now it is our turn. Now we have the opportunity and the abilities to not only follow in their steps, but to go beyond where they themselves were able to go. But it will require a definite dose of vision, passion, discipline and risk.

Are you willing to make that leap?

The difference between success and failure may come down to this; one decided to take a risk, while the other chose to take a rest. Let me leave you with the inspiring words of James Ephraim McGirt, a celebrated African-American poet (1874-1930) –

The Farther Shore

Success is a light upon the farther shore,
That shines in dazzling splendor to the eye.
The waters leap, the surging billows roar,
And he who seeks the prize must leap and try.

A mighty host stand trembling on the brink;
With anxious eyes they yearn to reach the goal.
I see them leap, and, Ah! I see them sink –
As gazing on dread horror fills my soul.

Yet to despair I can but droop and die;
‘Tis better far to try the lashing deep.
I much prefer beneath the surge to lie
Than death to find me on this bank asleep.

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22)

It is a rare soul indeed who can make it through just one day without blowing it some how. Some thoughtless word, some heartless action, some selfish deed, some dark and wicked thought – you know what I mean. Just look back over yesterday and you see the trail of debris.

But that was yesterday. You weren’t struck dead by lightning, and you weren’t visited by the Angel of Death as you slept last night. You woke up once again to yet another day.

A new day.

A new day filled with a fresh supply of new mercies and compassions from the Lord. A new day filled with the steadfast, unfailing love of God for YOU.

The prophet Micah asked, “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. (Mic 7:18-19)

Jeremiah himself tells us later on in his lamentation, “For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. (Lam 3:31-32)

Think of it this way, my traveling friend – each morning when you awake the Lord has already pushed the ultimate reboot button in heaven. Why not even now bow your head in humble reverence and deep gratefulness, thanking Him for His mercies and compassions. Then you can step into a new day, walking in the unfailing love of God.

There is true revival in this word for you today if you will only trust Him.