Category: Faith

God is With Us in Our Doubts

Are you so familiar with the Christmas story that you skip through the details without really thinking about them? Since we know how it unfolds, we don’t let the drama of the events really sink in. Take Joseph, for example. Here’s what Scripture tells us about him:

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”

Before reading what comes next, we need to pause. At this point in the story, it’s clear Mary had already told Joseph she was pregnant. Although she’d probably assured him her pregnancy was an act of God, it seems Joseph had his doubts. Being an honorable man, he decided to end their betrothal without drawing attention to Mary’s status as an unwed mother (which would have been incredibly shameful and punishable by death if he’d chosen to accuse her formally). We don’t always stop to consider the doubts and questions he must have wrestled with before making the painful decision to leave her.

While none of us can identify with Joseph’s unique situation, we can all relate to the idea of struggling with doubt.  Yet so often, we grapple with it silently because we worry what others would think of us if we did share. This is especially true when it comes to doubts about God or a life of faith.

There is nothing wrong with struggling with doubt. However, problems arise when we let it linger indefinitely–when we stop wrestling and allow it to take up permanent residence in our minds. This happens when we don’t press on to pursue answers. If we stop searching for clarity and peace, we acquiesce to being in a state of constant uncertainty.

Sometimes, we hide behind our doubts because it’s easier to stand on the outside and remain critical of things we don’t understand about faith. We feel smart being cynical and shy away from digging deeper and finding  answers to our difficult questions. Sometimes we even develop a sense of identity in being labeled as a skeptic.

I love the example set by one of my favorite doubters in the Bible. His story appears in Mark 9 when he asks Jesus to heal his son. He says, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”  Jesus responds: “If you can?  Everything is possible for him who believes.”  The man replies honestly: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22, NIV) Who can’t relate to that? We want to believe, yet doubt lurks in the background. It’s so much better to admit it and  to be honest before the Lord than to hide it or ignore it.

Contrary to what we may feel, doubt doesn’t need to be a hindrance to knowing God. In fact, when we pursue Him for answers, He delights in revealing Himself to us. The Bible assures us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8a, NIV)

If you’re in a season of doubting, press into God instead of turning away from Him. Seek the wisdom of someone who is further ahead of you on the journey. Let your hunger for answers lead you on a quest for truth. Some of the greatest thinkers in the Christian faith started out as skeptics and have written impactful books inspired by their journeys for answers. (C.S. Lewis, Lee Strobel and Nabeel Qureshi are a few who come to mind).

If you know someone who is doubting, don’t be unsettled by their questions. Instead, offer yourself as a safe person to help them process their thoughts. It’s unlikely you’ll have all the answers, but you can commit to looking for them together. What’s most important is that you listen and share what you’ve learned on your faith journey. Be willing to engage in fearless conversations with them and don’t be upset or shocked when they share things that are contrary to what you believe. Giving a person time and space to explore doubts is one of the best ways to show God’s love. And don’t forget, God is with you as you walk with them. He will supply the wisdom and resources you need to help them. All you have to do is ask.

Let’s circle back to Joseph’s story for a moment. Before he let his doubts about Mary’s pregnancy determine his course, the Lord provided the reassurance he needed:

“But after [Joseph] had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” (Matthew 1:18-23, NIV)

Joseph awoke from his dream with a sense of peace and purpose. He put his doubts aside, followed the angel’s directive, and took Mary as his wife. He rested in the knowledge that God was with him.

The angel’s declaration that the child growing in Mary’s womb was “God with us” was good news not just for Joseph, but for all of us. The truth of those words is so simple and yet so profound. God came to earth in the form of a human so that we could know Him and find constant companionship through His Holy Spirit. Don’t let your doubts or the skepticism of someone you care about be a hindrance to connecting with  God. Remember even in the midst of doubt, He is with us.

The song “A Strange Way to Save the World” sung from the perspective of Joseph gives an example of what it looks like to wrestle before God with honest questions. Listen and let it give you a fresh perspective on the Christmas story.

This post was inspired by a December sermon series at CPC Danville entitled “With Us.” Click here to watch the first sermon by Pastor Tyler Scott.

“With Us” banner on the header provided by CPC Danville.

Keep Walking

The Old Testament book of Genesis mentions a man named Enoch whose greatest claims to fame were that he “walked with God” and that he didn’t experience death (Genesis 5:21 & Hebrews 11:5). While Scripture doesn’t clarify how the rest of us can circumvent physical death and be taken straight to heaven, it does have quite a bit to say about walking with God. The physical act of walking doesn’t involve tremendous skill or fitness, but it does require forward motion. Turns out this is also true of our spiritual walk with the Lord. The pages of Scripture include many words of wisdom–here are a few things I’ve learned about walking with God:

    • Talking about God’s Word is meant to be a regular part of daily life. The Bible isn’t intended to be a reference book on the shelf, but a daily guide for our actions, choices, and relationships with others. It’s meant to be shared and discussed, not kept to ourselves: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”(Deuteronomy 6:5-7, NIV, italics added)
    • God wants to walk with us through our hardships and challenges. His constant presence guides us through our fears and difficulties. He comforts and protects us in painful seasons: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right path for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:2-4, NIV, italics added)
    • Constant acknowledgement of God and awareness of His presence leads to blessing. Staying closely connect to Him keeps us grounded in truth and walking in the right direction: “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.” (Psalm 89:15, NIV, italics added)
    • Walking with God enables us to draw strength from Him continually: “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:30-31, NIV, italics added)
    • Walking with God consistently helps us keep our priorities in the right order. It enables us to align with God’s agenda instead of expecting Him to align with ours, reminding us that He is sovereign and we are His humble servants. His constant companionship helps us determine where to invest our time and attention: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8, NIV, italics added)
    • Walking with God keeps us out of the darkness of evil, confusion, ignorance and sin. Life is truly fulfilling when we walk in the light of God’s love and grace: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12, NIV, italics added)
    • Walking with Jesus purifies us from sin and connects us to fellow travelers on the road of faith: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7, NIV, italics added)
    • Walking with Jesus enables us to be obedient to Him and frees us to love others as He’s called us to do: “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” (2 John 6, NIV, italics added)

The idea of “walking by faith” means that we are striving to see the world through the lens of our belief in God and what we learn by studying the Bible. Instead of taking things at face value, we look for the spiritual implications and opportunities for growth that exist within them. We continually ask God to show us what He wants us to learn through the situations we face.  We expect to see Him at work in our lives and are open to letting Him change us into better versions of ourselves: “So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.”  (2 Corinthians 5:6-7, ESV, italics added)

Ultimately, we don’t just want to be people who talk about faith philosophically once or twice a week at church and Bible study.  We want to display faith through our actions, decisions, and lifestyle.  This happens as we grow in our understanding of God and learn to trust Him more

If any of these things are new concepts for you, don’t fret!  Learning and growing is an ongoing process, not a one-time transaction. Whether you’re taking the first step in your faith walk or continuing the next leg of a long journey, you’re headed in the right direction if Jesus is your constant companion.

“Walk by Faith” by Jeremy Camp provides a great reminder for us to walk consistently with God, no matter what.

God of Creation by Jen Wilkin (week 7), Lifeway Press 2017.

Artwork by Jen Murphy

Dive In

The waves were firing at the Wedge. People were flocking to the iconic spot at the end of Newport Beach’s Balboa Peninsula to watch the twenty foot waves crash on the shore. Because of the location’s fame in the world of wave riding, an eclectic mix of people milled around on the beach. Despite a powerful rip current, some were eager to brave the frothing water to body surf, boogie board, or use a traditional surfboard. Apparently, the thrill was worth the potential pummeling they’d receive.

Standing on the beach, I dug my toes into the sand and counted on one hand the number of heads bobbing in the water waiting to catch a wave. By comparison, there were several dozen spectators on shore despite the early hour and the coastal fog that still lingered. Looking around, it was clear a variety of locals, tourists, and photographers had come to watch the spectacle. They were eager to see those in the water take the ride of their lives or get churned in the rinse cycle and spit out on the sand.

And, as often happens at unexpected times, it got me thinking about what a fitting analogy it was for our spiritual lives. Some of us are like those wave riders. We love the thrill of pushing our faith to the limits and seeing how far it stretches. We accept challenges that force us to trust God because we know we can’t conquer them with our own strength. We believe the promises in His Word and act on them. We seek to align our thoughts, dreams, and goals with the Holy Spirit and invite Him to work in and through us to further God’s kingdom.

Others of us, however, like to play it safe. We value the comfort and safety of Christian community. We like the security of knowing God will never leave us. We see the Bible as a book to study for gaining knowledge and discussing important concepts. Like the spectators on the beach, we’re amazed and impressed when we hear stories of the stunning ways God has worked in the lives of others, but we’re fairly sure those kinds of things will never happen to us (and we’re pretty ok with that, actually). Spectators love to hear inspiring testimonies, but they don’t welcome the events that caused them into their own lives.

You don’t have to look far to see the “wave riders” in Scripture—they’re the ones whose names and stories we know well. People like Abraham, who left the only land he’d ever known to follow God to a new place. Or Moses, whose conversation with the LORD through a burning bush prompted him to lead the people of Israel out of captivity in Egypt. Or Mary, the unwed teen who praised God at the news of her pregnancy instead of fretting over the social ridicule that would surely follow. One of my favorites is Peter, who walked on water while his friends watched in amazement. The story in Matthew 14 describes how Peter and the other disciples were struggling in their boat against heavy winds and rough seas. Around three in the morning, a figure emerged from the storm and walked toward them on the waves. They cried out in fear, thinking it was a ghost. The story continues;

 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. (Matt 14:27-29, NLT)

The other disciples witnessed the miracle, but only Peter got to experience it firsthand. Ironically, even his faith wavered once he got out of the boat and took his eyes off Jesus:

But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. (Matthew 14:29-32, NLT)

Both the spectators (the unnamed disciples) and the participant (Peter) recognized the power of Jesus at work and praised Him as Almighty God. But only Peter would carry the memory of wobbling across the water toward Jesus while his drenched robes threatened to pull him under. Peter’s first inclination wasn’t to try and swim or to shout for his friends to throw him a rope, but to call out to Jesus to save him. I wonder how many times he envisioned that and found reassurance in the challenging years of ministry that would follow.

Maybe you already know the joy of diving into God’s great adventure and experiencing His power first hand. You’ve thrown yourself into the waves, trusting that He would be there to guide you and give you the ride of your life. Or, perhaps you’ve dipped your toes in a time or two but have gotten spooked. Maybe you’ve let life circumstances hold you back or  you’ve been perfectly content just standing and watching. Perhaps you’re not so sure you want to contend with the challenges that come with surrendering and trusting God fully.

Regardless of your experiences in the past, can I encourage you to pray about this right now? Ask God to show you one place where you can step out in faith and trust Him. Then, be alert to where He’s prompting you to act, take a deep breath, and dive in. Live like you believe His Word is true and then marvel at how He works in and through you. Once you ride your first wave, there’s a good chance you’re going to want more. And unlike those brave souls at the Wedge, you don’t have to face challenges alone. You can trust Jesus’ words to his disciples: “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!”

Get some inspiration to stop being a spectator and to dive into the water from Matthew West’s inspiring song “All In.”

Daughters and Sons

Surfers have the reputation of being laid back and relaxed, but don’t let their bare feet and board shorts fool you. Surf culture contains many unwritten rules and subtle shades of etiquette as hopeful riders get in position to catch the perfect wave. Knowing when it’s your turn to paddle hard or to yield to another takes time to learn.  There is a pecking order in the water–those with the greatest skill earn the highest respect and beginners must learn their place or find a new beach.

My friend, Joe, has been surfing the waters of Southern California for several decades. His expertise riding the waves gives him credibility and status with other surfers. A few years ago, it also meant that no one messed with his young sons when they were learning to ride waves. All the locals knew who their dad was, so the boys had the freedom to make mistakes, learn, and improve. Joe’s boys jockeyed for waves under his watchful eye. They confidently waited for swells among seasoned surfers not because of their savvy and skills, but because they were under the protection of their dad.

Recently, Joe shared this story about his boys while speaking to several hundred high school students at our church’s annual summer camp. Using his sons as an example, he explained how people who have accepted Jesus as their Savior are under the protection of their Father in heaven. Scripture explains it this way: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God.” (1 John 5:1, NLT)

Like Joe’s boys surfing the waves of SoCal, believers can walk with confidence because they are the sons and daughters of the Living God–the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When we live like we believe this is true, everything changes. Our identity doesn’t come from how others perceive us or how we see ourselves, but from our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Labels assigned to us simply don’t matter in comparison with knowing that we are sons and daughters of God Almighty.

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1, NLT)

Among the many benefits that come with being a child of God, there are two that stand out to me in Scripture: our freedom from sin and our connection to the Spirit.

Freedom from Sin:  Between the time of Adam and Eve’s first sin in the garden and Jesus’ death and resurrection, the world was held captive by sin: “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” (Gal 4:4-5, NLT)

Although we aren’t perfect after we accept Christ, sin and the devil no longer have the hold over us that they once did. “We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.” (1 John 5:18, NLT)

Connection to the Holy Spirit:  As God’s children, the Holy Spirit lives inside us. He guides us, empowers us, and affirms our worth as His beloved children. He reminds us of our identity as sons and daughters and enables us to demonstrate this in the way we live.

“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, `Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:15-16, NLT)

Remembering WHO we are and WHOSE we are changes everything. It frees us to stop looking for affirmation and validation from other people. It liberates us from seeking our worth from accomplishments and possessions.

Living under the protection of our Father gives us the confidence to become the unique people He made us to be. When we believe we’re loved, we behave differently. We can take our eyes off ourselves and stop worrying what others think because we trust our loving Father. Our identity is rooted in knowing that the One who created the universe calls us “daughter” or “son.” And that is enough.

If you’re like me, you may need a visual reminder of your true identity in Christ. Write the word “daughter” or “son” on a sign and place it somewhere that will remind you daily of this foundational truth. You are His child from now through eternity, no matter what.

Enjoy a reminder of this important truth with Ryan Stevenson’s song “No Matter What.”

Faith and Fear Make Bad Roommates

We’re in that transitional season between spring and summer. Many college kids, including my son, have wrapped up finals and are returning home for a few months. I love bumping into students I know around town and hearing about their experiences during the first year away. Usually, one of the questions I ask them is, “How was your roommate?” The answer to that question gives a brief sketch of the triumphs and troubles they experienced out on their own.

Most of us can vividly remember a roommate or two from an earlier season in life. If my memory serves me correctly, I had ten different ones between the time I graduated from high school and got married. Some became amazing friends with whom I still have relationships. Others provided me with opportunities to practice patience and to give grace. (That’s putting a positive spin on some of the less than ideal roommates I had–I’m sure a few of them could tell stories about me too.) Having a few challenging roommate experiences is a rite of passage as we move towards adulthood, isn’t it?

For most of us, the constantly changing living situations of early adulthood eventually fade as we establish more permanent residences. But even if we’ve lived with the same person for many years, there are still “roommates” that rotate in and out of our lives. Only now, most of them reside in our minds and hearts and influence our thought patterns. Many of them create significant internal conflict as they battle for space in our souls. Two prominent ones are faith and fear.

Here’s how Bible teacher Beth Moore describes these competing metaphorical roommates: “Biblically speaking, fear and faith fight for the same space. Each is territorial….think in terms of your soul being a house and Fear and Faith are knocking at your door. Each desires to occupy expansive square footage in the house of your soul…Any square foot or inch where Fear abides in your life is the precise ground Faith exists to occupy. Fear and faith cannot be roommates. They will not coexist. The one assigned authority automatically elbows the other off the space.” (Beth Moore The Quest pages 33-34)

For many of us, fearful thinking is our natural default mode. It requires intentional effort to trust God and cling to our faith in Him when life throws us curve balls. “If you can find your fear, you can always know where to send your faith. No, faith is not as easy to come by as fear, but it is colossally easier to live with. What faith costs you in tenacity, fear up-charges you in misery.” (Beth Moore, The Quest, p. 34)

I recognized the truth of Beth’s words recently when my husband and I were on a walk discussing a difficult situation in our family. The conversation turned to speculating about how the future would unfold with the challenges we were facing. The scenarios we began painting were not pretty and I soon found myself gripped with fear. At that moment, the Holy Spirit pulled me back into the present and reminded me of His faithfulness. My husband and I don’t know what will transpire, but we can trust that God will be with us no matter how it unfolds. Fear had to be ushered out so that faith could take center stage again.

More than anyone else, Jesus understands the battle between faith and fear. Mark 4:35-41 tells the story of Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee when a furious squall threatens to swamp their boat. After the frightened disciples awaken Him from a nap and He calms the storm, Jesus says, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40, NIV) That question makes me squirm uncomfortably when I think of the different “storms” I’m facing that cause fear to wash over me.

Maybe Jesus’ question convicts you too. The point isn’t to make us feel bad, but to show us that fear and faith are opposites that can’t share mental space in our lives. We need to strive to let faith occupy more real estate in our minds than fear. That’s why I cling to Jesus’ reassuring words, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV)

The lyrics to “Cast My Cares” by Finding Favour have been playing regularly in my mind over the past few weeks. As you listen, let the words reassure you and remind you to focus on God’s faithfulness instead of your fears.

Beth Moore, The Quest: An Excursion Toward intimacy with God, Lifeway Press, 2017.

Light of the World

The little condo wasn’t fancy, but it seemed to have everything we wanted: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small living room and a basic kitchen. It even had covered parking and was within walking distance of downtown. My husband and I were newly married and having fun setting up our home together. However, soon after moving in, we began to discover issues that hadn’t been apparent when we’d toured it with the rental agent. Some problems could be changed, but others were beyond our control. The one that bothered me most was the darkness. Surrounded by towering redwood trees, the condo never got direct sunlight. Over the months, this wore on me and I wanted to be away from home as much as possible.

It wasn’t until we moved a few years later that I realized how much I needed light in my surroundings. I’ll never forget unpacking boxes on the day we moved into our house. Feeling the sun warming my back as I worked in the kitchen filled me with a joyful contentment that I hadn’t experienced at home in quite a while.

So, it’s no surprise when Scripture tells us that the source of all light is God: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5, NIV)

The theme of light and darkness threads throughout the Bible, starting in Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:1-4, NIV)

John’s gospel opens by describing God’s choice to send His son to earth: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (John 1:4, NIV) Jesus took this a step further by making a bold statement followed by a promise: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12b)

When we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our savior, He gives us joyful contentment. God’s light not only shines on us with His blessings, it also shines through us. Jesus explains this in the Sermon on the Mount when He says: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

As followers of Jesus, we are conduits of His light to a world that is mired in spiritual darkness. We are like sacred solar panels, basking in God’s love, grace, and power. Once we soak it in, we’re called to pass it on to others who need it too. Most of them just don’t know it yet.

When we moved to our home many years ago, I began praying that God would use us as lights in our neighborhood. Over time, that prayer has grown in its scope to include any place where my family encounters other people: school, work, sports teams, community events, volunteer commitments, social gatherings, etc. As I pray, I often envision what a gathering of people looks like from a spiritual perspective. I picture myself with the light of Christ glowing from within me. At those times, I can choose to keep the light to myself or to let it shine so that it can bless others.

Imagine a sunset over the ocean. The rays of light affect everything they touch so that the glow of the sun shines on the water and reflects off the wet sand, creating vibrant hues and stunning scenery. In the same way, the warmth and light of the Lord’s love impacts everyone who encounters it. He intends for it to spread from one individual to another. God’s love changes people and colors the atmosphere around us with His grace and peace.

If you’ve never thought about it before, start inviting God to let His light shine through you. Pray that He’ll give you spiritual eyes whenever you encounter other people. Ask Him to give you the strength and courage to shine brightly when you’re the only Christian at a gathering. Pray that He’ll connect you with other believers so you can radiate the warmth of God’s love together. Draw strength and confidence from Christ’s light within you and let it bless others wherever you go.

Christy Nockels’ song “Life Light Up” made a significant impact on my understanding of being a light to the world. Listen to it and let the lyrics become your prayer today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNZ6L6qGR7s

Josh Wilson’s song “Pushing Back the Dark” gave me the courage to ask God to shine His light through me. Listen to the lyrics if you need a little inspiration too.

Lysa TerKeurst, Finding I Am: How Jesus Fully Satisfies the Cry of Your Heart, Lifeway Press, 2016.

Strangers Here- 1 Peter 1:13-25

Walking onto the high school campus that first day, I’d never felt more out of place. There was nothing I could do to blend in with the crowd or appear as if I belonged.  The color of my skin simply wouldn’t allow for it.

Although I’d been studying at a large university just ten miles away, the section of the city where I would be student teaching was a world apart.  I had no frame of reference to connect with the kids and I was profoundly aware of my status as an outsider. Although we lived in the same city, our cultures, past times, clothing, food, slang terms, and world views were completely different.

I knew my students were wary of me, but also a little curious. The chance to interact with someone from my background didn’t happen for them very often. And I knew that if I wanted to become a good teacher, I had to figure out how we could connect.

Over the course of my semester student teaching, I struggled to balance the tension of being an outsider while trying to engage with the kids in my classes.  Not all of them responded to my efforts, but by the end of the year, I had given them all I had to offer. I’d learned about myself and had grown as a teacher in the process.  I think those who gave me a chance learned a few things too.

I thought about that experience recently as I read the section of First Peter where Christians are admonished to live as strangers in the world.  Each translation of 1 Peter 1:17 says it a little differently, but the combination of several of them gives a complete picture:

“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”  (NIV, italics added for emphasis)

“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.”  (ESV, italics added for emphasis)

“And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as ‘temporary residents.’” (NLT, italics added for emphasis)

Living as an outsider, a foreigner, an exile, or a temporary resident should not be a new concept to anyone who follows Jesus.  If we’re serious about being set apart for God, we won’t blend in with those who embrace worldly perspectives. Our focus on living biblically will inform our worldview, actions, choices and attitudes. We’ll hold loosely to this world because we know better things are yet to come.

Striking the delicate balance of remaining an outsider while finding connecting points with non-believers is key. Just like I had to find common ground with my students to earn their trust and respect, we must do the same to share the hope of Jesus with others.  As we seek ways to be culturally relevant, we must also be careful to live “in reverent fear,” recognizing that our love for God means not participating in behaviors that would dishonor Him.  It can be a tricky balance at times.  Peter gives clear instructions on this:

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:13-14, NIV)

Here’s what strikes me in this passage:

-We need to remain clear thinking in all situations.  No matter what people or circumstances we encounter, we should view them through the lens of God’s grace. Our hope is in Him, not in being liked or accepted by others. When dealing with non-believers, we should strive to be a greater influence on them than they are on us.

-We need to remain obedient to God, regardless of what others choose.  If we are in situations where people are embracing sin, we need to remember we no longer live “in ignorance” as they do.  When we have the chance to shed light on sinful perspectives and behaviors that people aren’t aware of, we need to speak up with gentleness and respect. The enemy uses many methods to lie to those in our culture.  We need to pray, asking God to give us words of wisdom and grace to share with those who are being misled because they don’t know any better.

-We need to remain holy and set apart in our actions and attitudes, but not in our proximity to non-believers.  Living in a closed-off Christian bubble and looking down on the world around us is not the point of this verse. We are strangers here for a season, so that we can share Christ with the fallen world that desperately needs His saving grace.

Living as a stranger makes some of us weary. For others, it causes us to feel like we’re missing out.  If you identify with either of these things, click on the link and be encouraged by “Strangers Here” by Tenth Avenue North.

 

Genuine Faith: 1 Peter 1:1-12

Vibrating beneath my hands, the power sander spewed a cloud of fine dust as I ran it over the wood. The dresser had an ugly, opaque finish and I was curious to see the quality of the wood hidden beneath it. To my delight, the sanding revealed pure, unblemished maple with a beautiful grain that far exceeded my expectations.

I was reminded of that dresser recently as I read the apostle Peter’s teaching about the way God refines our faith:

 “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Peter 1:6-7, NLT)

Like using a sander on wood, trials refine our faith. They remove the ugly layers of protection we often put on ourselves over time. The faith was always there, but trials draw it to the forefront of our lives.

Oftentimes when we study a passage like this one, we envision major “life event” sort of trials. A cancer diagnosis. The death of a family member.  The loss of a job. An ugly divorce. A traumatic event that derails plans and dreams.

While those life-altering trials often refine our faith, smaller difficulties can produce the same results, if we let them. A challenging person or situation becomes spiritual sandpaper in the hands of God.

A few years ago my family experienced a relentless chain of hard circumstances that led us to deeper intimacy with Jesus and profound spiritual growth. Ironically, at the center of many uncontrollable difficulties was a situation that we’d brought on ourselves: a home remodel.

With every annoyance we experienced, from doing laundry on our back patio to living without a kitchen for seven months to working with an unreliable contractor, we learned we had a choice. We could wallow in self-pity and bitterness or we could let God refine us through the process.

The Bible makes many references to God as a refiner. Psalm 66:10 states it clearly. “For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.” God uses people and situations to cleanse us from impurities, to perfect us and to make us look more like Jesus in our actions and attitudes. 

In the book of Zechariah God speaks again about refinement. “I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.'” (Zechariah 13:9b)

God revealed many ugly impurities in me that needed to be surrendered to Him throughout our remodel. And, as painful as it was, I chose to let Him do His refining work in me. He uncovered my lack of patience and my craving for control. He taught me to wait and watch for His answers in His timing. Submitting to that process transformed me in ways I never would have expected.

Our struggles and challenges, both large and small, are an amazing opportunity to uncover the faith planted deep within us. As I learned with refinishing my dresser, true beauty shows only after the messy refining process removes the ugly outer layers.

Rather than lamenting the difficult things we must endure, we can rejoice knowing that they are revealing a genuine and lasting faith that is more valuable than anything this world could offer.

Click on the link to enjoy Francesca Battistelli’s song “This is the Stuff.”  It’s a fun song with great encouragement to let God give us perspective when we face trials, both large and small.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H73AyGZvwEA

Inspired by Week 2 in 1 Peter: A Living Hope in Christ, by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway 2015.

 

Faith over Fear- No Other Gods Session 8

Standing alone at the airport terminal, I watched as my oldest son snaked through the security line. It was his first time flying alone and although I knew he was mature enough to travel solo, it was still a bit unsettling. After all, I was sending him out into a world filled with crime, terrorism, catastrophic accidents and all sorts of other ugly events. The fear could easily have consumed me, if I’d let it.

Instead, I prayed for my son as I drove home. I thanked God for the opportunity he had to attend a Christian Leadership Conference and looked forward to the growth that would occur in him as a result of the trip. I told God I trusted Him and thanked Him for the precious gift of my son’s life. I reminded myself that God knows and loves my son even more than my husband and I do. I chose to let my faith in God triumph over my fears.

Faith spurs us to move forward; fear holds us back. Faith trusts God through uncertain times, fear defaults to quick fixes. The Israelites give us a great example of this in the Old Testament. In Numbers 13 & 14 we find the story of their first attempt to enter the Promised Land after fleeing Egypt under Moses’ leadership. Moses sent twelve spies to scout out the land and when they returned:

“They gave Moses this account: ‘We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large…

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’

 But the men who had gone up with him said, ‘We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.’ And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored.” (Numbers 13:27, 30-32, NIV)

All twelve men saw the abundance, but only Caleb and Joshua had the faith to believe God would keep His promise to give them the land. Once the other spies gave a bad report, fear spread like a virus among the Israelites:

“That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, ‘If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?’” (Numbers 14:1-4, NIV)

Because they let their fears overpower their faith in God, the Israelites aged 20 and older were punished by having to wander in the wilderness for forty years until they died. They would never enter the Promised Land. The only exceptions were Joshua and Caleb, the ones who had faith. God described Caleb as having “a different spirit” from the rest. That phrase makes me pause to ask: Do I, as a follower of Jesus, have a “different spirit” from those around me? How about you? Do you let fear consume your mind and determine your steps? Like Joshua and Caleb, do we believe God wholeheartedly, whether anyone else is choosing to trust Him or not?

Now let’s fast-forward forty years to when the second generation of Israelites was once again on the brink of entering the Promised Land. The only thing standing in their way was the Jordan River. The story in Joshua 3 & 4 tells us that at that time of year the river was a swollen, rushing mass of muddy, brown water. Getting two million people with all of their possessions across it was no small feat. However, there was a different spirit among the Israelites this time around.

God gave Joshua instructions for how to cross the river and enter the Promised Land. Following them would require tremendous faith in Him alone. He spread word around the camp: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” (Joshua 3:5, NIV) The people listened, seemingly without questioning the bizarre plan. Based on what happened next, it’s pretty clear God delivered on this promise. “As soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away.” (Joshua 3:15-16, NIV) Two million people chose faith over fear, trusting that God would hold the water back long enough for all of them to cross the riverbed on dry ground and enter the land He had promised to give them.

Don’t miss the best phrase in the story: “The Lord will do amazing things among you.” He was ready, but the people also had to be willing. Forty years earlier, their parents and grandparents had let fear consume them. The second generation chose faith in God and saw Him do amazing things as a result.

It makes me wonder if there are places I’m letting fear overshadow faith in my life. The choice to focus on our fear or our faith has a ripple effect on those around us. As followers of Jesus, we have a “different spirit” within us than the rest of the world. When we choose faith over fear, it changes our outlook. It also empowers us to impact others and leaves room for God to do amazing things among us.

If you’re struggling to relinquish fear and embrace faith, click on the link and be encouraged by the song “Cast My Cares” by Finding Favour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuAMmTqUbs

Kelly Minter, No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern-Day Idols, Lifeway Press, 2007, 2012.

Assuming God is Good- No Other Gods Session 6

For many of us, we “fill in the blanks” with idols when God doesn’t do what we want, when we want, how we want. All the while, we’re forgetting what Abraham remembered, even in his darkest hour.

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Giggling from the backseat, my son read the completed Mad Lib aloud to his brother and friends. At the time, the boys were in elementary school—a prime age for reveling in the silliness of this classic fill-in-the-blanks activity. You probably remember doing Mad Libs of your own in younger days: one person acts as the scribe and asks the group for nouns, verbs, adjectives, and other parts of speech to write into blanks in a pre-written story the participants haven’t read. The results are usually funny—especially with boys who strive to choose the most ridiculous words they can think of.

As we get older, we continue filling in the blanks mentally, but the results are usually less fun and often reap more negative results. We get in the habit of making assumptions and filling in gaps of information with our best guesses. For many of us, these are more negative than positive. We do it all the time with other people. We also do it with God.

That’s why I find the story of Abraham’s sacrifice of his son, Isaac, so astounding. As a test, God asks Abraham to do the unthinkable and kill his cherished child as an offering on the altar. Yet never once do we see Abraham getting angry with God or assuming he’s cruel. Scripture gives us a few clues about how Abraham saw the situation. The first is in Genesis 22 as Abraham prepared to take Isaac up the mountain to sacrifice him:

“He said to his servants, ‘Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.’” (Genesis 22:5, NIV)

Despite the plans he had to sacrifice his son, he told the servants both he and Isaac would return. Why would he say that? I used to think he was just trying to act casually to cover up what he was about to do, but now I see that it may actually have been an example of his faith in God. A few minutes later Isaac asked his father where they would find an animal to sacrifice and Abraham replied:

“`God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together.” (Genesis 22:8, NIV)

Again, I used to think Abraham was stalling and giving an excuse to Isaac, but now I see that he really believed what he said. At the moment Abraham raised his hand to kill his son, an angel called out to him, showing that God was, indeed, trustworthy:

“`Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he said. ‘Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.’ Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’” (Genesis 22:12-14, NIV)

In Hebrews 11:17-19, we discover more insight about Abraham’s perspective on God, especially regarding the sacrifice of Isaac:

“Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.” (NIV)

This story is hard to grasp on many levels, but what strikes me as I read it this time is Abraham’s unwavering trust in God. Never once did he accuse God of being cruel or unfair, even though what he was asked to do would cut any parent to the core. Abraham believed God was good and trusted him to provide.

I’m humbled by Abraham’s faith as I recall the many times I’ve filled in the blanks with negative assumptions about God. How many times have I fretted over a difficult or uncertain situation instead of simply laying it at his feet, knowing he is trustworthy? When have I demanded to know why God allowed pain in my life instead of trusting that he would use it for his perfect purposes? If I’m honest, there are many times I’ve struggled to believe the promise of Romans 8:28:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

Instead of filling in the blanks with positive assumptions about how God will work in the unknown, I tend to fret and worry he won’t come through. For many of us, we assume God is either not paying attention or not going to act in time, so we turn to idols. We want God to work for good according to our purposes instead of his. So we look for comfort, security and control in other things instead of trusting him and waiting for him patiently. We “fill in the blanks” with idols when God doesn’t do what we want, when we want, how we want. All the while, we’re forgetting what Abraham remembered, even in his darkest hour. God is good. God is for us. God loves us. He has plans for us. He knows us. He knows what we need. He keeps his promises. His timing is perfect.

For me, the best way to remember this is to fill my mind with truth about God. I’ve found listening to good music with sound theology is a great method for doing this. So often, I find myself mentally playing a song that reminds me who God is and keeps me from filling in the blanks with negative thoughts. I’m always drawn back to my good, good Father. Click on the link to marinate in truth about God by listening to Chris Tomlin’s “Good, Good Father.”

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