Unveiling Hope

Being or Doing

I've always been performance based; it's all I've really ever understood. Doing my best and aiming at always trying to outdo myself has helped me achieve a lot, but nothing that's ever been of any real value to me or those I love; in fact, sometimes my performance has been costly to me and to those I love. Rather than make me a better person, being performance based has really only served to make me a little crazy and difficult to please. If you really think about it, which I suppose in hind sight I never really have until recently, how can a person do their best and then outdo themselves? Is this possible? Why would anyone even try? 

About 16 weeks ago I began preparing to participate in The Army Run, (a 5k). The first time I ran, I think I managed to get about 2 blocks away from my house before almost collapsing. As the days and weeks passed, I found myself noticing trees and flowers, smelling the bloom of nature and appreciating this time alone. I began speaking to God and I have to say, I learned to do some of my best listening during these little jaunts. About a month ago, I had finally made it to a little over 4k. I was really pushing myself and had come to realize that I had begun running for one reason and over time it just became a great way to spend time alone with Him and focus on nothing but Him; a secondary benefit to me was that I was getting in shape while all this was happening. But on this one day in particular, I kept praying, "Oh, Lord, just let me finish this last leg. I don't need to win the prize but I need to finish. Help me, Lord." I clearly heard Him answer: "You build up your physical stamina and I'll build up your spiritual stamina." 

I was reading the book of Nehemiah this morning before going out for my last run before the official run on Sunday morning. The builders Nehemiah had recruited to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem ran out of steam because they were in performance mode. Nehemiah got them all pumped up to rebuild the wall and then, when things began to go off course, the didn't know what to do and became fearful. Rather than pray or encourage one another, they gave up and stopped. 

What they had begun doing, in rebuilding the wall, was honouring God, but it wasn't the "what" that was honouring Him - it was the "why". I think this summer-long lesson of mine has finally been learned. Many of us often try and "do" our best rather than "be" our best. When we consume ourselves with turning toward Him, to seek Him with all of our hearts, and to do as He commanded, we learn to BE the best we can be - what we DO becomes our best naturally because His favour falls upon us as it did when Nehemiah and his brothers turned toward Him. They approached Him with their hearts and He upheld and blessed what they doing. 

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Cor. 9:24-25.

 

Warrior Power

The Word of God spoke creation into being (Gen. 1:3 – “And God said ...”). This particular use of “word” comes from the Greek “logos” which means a living voice has called forth or decreed something.

John 1:3 reads: “All things were created through Him (through the Word).” That is to say that Jesus – the Word – birthed life.

Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as “living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Words have power – our words have power. Many of us often feel as if there is little, if anything, we can do to change the world, but there is. The power of prayer is the greatest and most powerful gift God has given us by His Mighty Spirit.

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective,” James 5:16.

A Natural Soldier or a Soldier in the Natural

Some people are born “naturals” – called to a profession or trade from the beginning. We may say that they are born with the talent and an innate affinity (passion) for what they do. It takes a special – called – kind of person to be a soldier in this world and I thank God not only for them but for their families.

Any good soldier is always prepared for battle whether engaged in battle or not. They wear not just uniforms but warrior mindsets. We may not always see their weapons but they are highly trained to be effective even without. Being a soldier isn’t a 9-5 job, it’s a way of life.

I think however that while we are not all natural soldiers we are all called to be spiritual soldiers in the natural. We are all called to battle the enemy of God’s creation. We are all called to be prepared for battle – the daily battles that wage war against us in this fallen world – we are to be prepared always to be able to read the landscape and see minefields with our spiritual eyes.

We may be moms and dads. We may be police officers, firemen, we may be teachers, or party planners, clergy or lay. We may be students or grandparents, caregivers or lifesavers. Whatever we are, whatever our calling, we must always be spiritually armed and dangerous while living in the natural.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph. 6:10-12.

One Said "Yes" and One Said "No"

Most people only see one side of us – the side we want them to see. A rebellious people-pleaser is a good term to describe the kind of person I was for much of my life. I’ve spent a good deal of my time on this planet much like the little boy who is repeatedly told by his teacher, “Sit down!” Eventually, he sits – but not without adding, “But I’m standing up on this inside!” That provokes quite a visual doesn’t it? Can you relate? Is someone you know just like that? Of course, not you. That is a fairly accurate description of most of my past relationships, including my relationship with God.

At some point in my life however, my legs, (and my spirit), became fatigued from all that standing; it wasn’t long after that realization that I raised the white flag and surrendered my heart to God.

Hypocrisy in a person’s life can often be a precursor to this type of attitude. You know the old saying, “do what I say and not what I do”. Words hold a world of power but if you really want to win someone over – words need to be backed up with action.

Jesus said, “If you love me you will obey what I command,” (John 14:15). I said yes, but I didn’t. Doing what He commanded required that I sacrifice my physical, emotional and spiritual comfort (I should say, “comfort zone”). The first six months of my surrender were spent standing up – for my rights and for my comfort. It wasn’t until I began studying the Scriptures, studying the people, their circumstances, their personalities and the sacrifices that were made by so many to prove their love by action – in obedience. God required it from The Beginning, and Jesus would require nothing less.

Abraham, Moses, and David all obeyed and, of course, they all had their “standing up on the inside” moments, but for the most part they obeyed and things went well for them, and those around them.

If you think rebellious people-pleasing is an oxymoron, how about surrendered-control? I feel as if my life is under complete control rather than being completely controlled. So, the old me said “yes” and didn’t, but the new me did – the new me prefers to sit at the feet of the Master of the Vineyard. What’s so wonderful is that if, one day, I do stand – I know that tomorrow is a new day.

“There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard. 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?’ ‘The first,’ they answered.” Matt. 21:28-31 NIV.

Hanging On

Hanging on with all one’s might, hanging on by the skin of one’s teeth, hanging on for dear life, hanging on by a thread or a strand ... all expressions we use to describe the desperation in which we hang on to something for a desired result.

Hanging on is a waiting period, it’s the distance between now and then, the time between present and future, the journey through a dessert to springs of life-giving, free-flowing water - the sustenance of life. Hanging on is synonymous with hope. And while it’s true that most often we don’t necessarily enjoy that journey we most certainly always enjoy the arrival at the final destination.

I’ve been on one of these journeys for almost a year now. I don’t know how long I’ll be travelling, but I have finally taken notice of what the Lord has been willing to teach me as we’ve traveled this distance together. He has placed a series of oases from which I am to drink, to refresh myself with, that I would not despise the journey but continue to walk with Him from glory to glory.

There are times when looking too far ahead into the future convinces us that there is no relief in sight – perhaps it’s exactly that which makes us long for the end rather than viewing the journey as a training season – a time of spiritual preparation.

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever,” 1 Cor. 9:25.

I'd Rather Fight than Switch

You’ve heard, no doubt, people use the phrase “I’m a survivor.” There was a period of time in my life when that’s how I thought of myself, a survivor. Many people define a survivor as an individual who lives through adverse circumstances. Yes, I was a survivor for years. I don’t necessarily count that as a good thing however. When I think how I lived through various situations, I have to admit that it wasn’t really living at all – it was more like hanging on by the skin of my teeth – there no “quality” of life; I wasn’t really living.

When a fighter can’t stick it out to the end of the fight his trainer throws in the towel. Throwing in the towel signifies that he has conceded – given up. He’s going to “survive” the fight (which of course is good), but he’s definitely not going to win; he forfeited his chances when the towel hit the mat. He fought toward victory and didn’t just lose the fight, he lost hope; he survived.

A champion, a prize fighter - a warrior – however fights from a different perspective. He’s got the belt. He’s got the title. He fights from a place of victory. The champ may one day meet his match; he may even lose the belt, but every fight – from the moment he took inherited his title – is fought from victory. Case in point: Mohammad Ali – people still refer to him as the champ, “The greatest.”

Today, I’m not a survivor. Today I’m a thriver. Today, I fight my battles from a place of victory – the victory I have in Jesus. The enemy meets me on the mat and tempts me to throw in the towel; he tries to convince me that I’m a loser, that I should switch teams. I’d rather fight than switch. Today, I’m a warrior; I am a champ. I have inherited a title: “Child of God.”

“But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere,” 2 Cor. 2:14 AMP.

Now is the Time and the Season

During my walk this past weekend, I saw a tree dawning a blanket of orange leaves; the ground beneath it was also wearing the same blanket. How can this be? It doesn’t seem to matter to nature that weather-wise, in Ottawa, summer has just begun – how can fall be approaching so soon? To top that off – stranger than strange – it was 42 degrees today with the humidex, (that’s 108 Fahrenheit)!

Any time soon, many will begin to mourn the passing of one season before it has even come to an end. Before fall officially starts, there are some of us who will already be dreading winter. Nature is busy preparing for the coming season, but not at the expense of the here and now. Stores are now displaying their fall and winter lines and it seems to me that only weeks ago I put my winter clothes in storage. If I would have put my winter clothes away before summer started, would I still be feeling as if it just started last week?

There is never a better time to do something than now – I know of what I speak. I’ve spent a great deal of my life putting off plans, hopes, dreams and responsibilities. My fears and ignorance have often inclined me to believe that there would always be a tomorrow – so what’s the rush? What I didn’t really comprehend was that none of us can ever be sure that tomorrow will come. And while it’s important to be prepared for tomorrow – we cannot forsake the day we are in – today – now is the time and the season.

Now is the time and the season for the harvest. Now is the time and the season for joy, for peace, to love with all your heart, to forge new relationships and cherish the old ones, to forgive, to ask the hard questions, seek the Truth, and to commit to whatever your fears encourage you to delay.

But of that [exact] day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matt. 24:36 AMP.

The Strength of One

Perfect wisdom comes from God. Throughout history, God has given knowledge and understanding to those whom He chose to give voice to His message; today nothing has changed and tomorrow be no different – because perfect wisdom does not change.

This morning, pastor unfolded a passage of Scripture found in Deuteronomy 6: 5-9. In this particular passage, God was commanding Israel to love Him with all heart, soul and strength, from morning to night, in everything they did, and to teach their children about Him. His command was given to Israel as one – one nation – one people – one heart, one soul, and one mind.

People say: “there is strength in numbers”. I don’t believe that to be true. In reality, throughout the Bible – the Old and New Testaments – the Word of God teaches that true Strength is found in One. Those who unite as one have far more strength to love than the many who love but are divided. Those who individually and collectively unite first with God, in heart and soul, love and serve in the Strength of One; this is perfect wisdom.

“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, ‘Which commandment is the most important of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.’" Mark 12:28-31 ESV.

Going Through the Motions

Oops! I did it again! There are some things that people do in life so repetitiously that it just becomes second nature, a habit, a routine. There are meals I make for my children that I’ve made so many times I no longer need the recipe. I take the same route to work every day without fail. It has become so routine that I could not begin to tell you which exits or landmarks I pass; I no longer notice them. I’m not complaining – there’s something about my personality that rather enjoys routine – but there are some times, some places, and in some relationships where I have come to appreciate the unexpected . . . and I expect the unexpected . . . as long as it doesn’t upset my schedule.

In my zeal for God, and my desire for an ever deepening intimacy with Him, I seem to have developed a routine. I have a set time for devotionals, studying His Word, and praying. Last week however, I began to wonder if it seemed to Him as if I was just going through the motions – so, I shook things up a bit. OY! What point is there in trying to change something that needs no change?

As I re-arrange my schedule to it’s former way, I can say with confidence that if a person’s “routine” involves heart rather than going through the motions God says, “It’s all good”. I am the way I am which is not to say that the unexpected cannot, or will not, occur during, or outside my schedule. My heart is always open and my spirit always ready to receive. He knows me and that is what’s important.

And while I do enjoy routine in various aspects of my life, my relationship with God – whether in His Temple, within the community, or in my home – is the most important part of my life. In every place, in every situation or circumstance the unexpected is not limited to my schedule; He is so much bigger than that. How things look to me, or others, is not part of the equation.

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Sam. 16:7.

Giving Up - It's Not an Option

When things get difficult – like learning a new job, or language, I can make myself physically ill. Then, the mental battle begins … give up … no, don’t give up. I question my motives for having begun whatever I’ve undertaken. I get easily frustrated.

I’ve been taking Hebrew lessons since March. I don’t know why … it’s just something I really want to do. I don’t think I breathe much during my lessons, which explains the headache after the classes. During a lesson – as long as I’m not called upon – I’m getting it. It’s being rooted. It’s all good. But … by the next day whatever I’ve learned has leaked out of my head … as if it was never there. I could give up. It would certainly free up much of my time. It’s surely the easiest road to choose, but then I won’t be able to speak, read, or write Hebrew. My longing will remain unfulfilled.

If I give up on learning Hebrew what will be next? How would giving up – losing hope – help me in the pursuit of my dreams and desires? Giving up – it’s not an option - no matter how many times I mull it over.

Abraham followed blindly and became a father of many nations. Moses wandered willingly and saw the Promised Land. Ruth remained committed and was abundantly blessed with a new faith, a husband, and a child; and David waited patiently to be crowned. When you put things into perspective hope lives on. Giving up – it’s not an option.

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.” Psalm 39:7.