Struggles

Think back to a struggle. Can you see something to be thankful for because of it?

Acts 5:41
Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name

Hindsight is 20/20
Obviously, we can see things easier when there has been some distance of time between an event and the time that it happened. Only then can we later understand that we should have been thankful for it. I remember being with a man who was with me sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, and one lady slammed a door in our face in great anger. I thought like he did at the time, “Wow, that was rude,” but only later did we realize that we should be thankful because we were being rejected not because of who we were but because of Who Jesus is. It was a very hot and windy day. We were both thirsty and tired, and this door-slamming event didn’t feel good at the time, but only later did we feel joy about having been obedient to the Great Commission and being rejected for His sake (Matt 28:18-20/Acts 1:8). Looking back we saw that we both could be thankful for it (Matt 5:10-12; James 1:2).

Strength in the Struggle
I remember a young boy finding a cocoon. He took it home and said he wanted to wait for the butterfly to come out, so his parents put it in a jar with some holes punched into the lid so that air could get to it, but when the butterfly started opening the cocoon, the boy started helping it along. He tore part of the cocoon open so that the butterfly would have an easier time getting out. The butterfly did get out easier, as it didn’t have to struggle as much, but shortly after that the butterfly died. It seems that in the struggle to get out of the cocoon, the butterfly strengthens its wings, and it gives the wings time to dry out, too. When it received help, the wings were not strong enough to fly because there was less of a struggle for the butterfly to get out, and its wings were so weak that it simply lay down and died.

Strength in Adversity
In a biosphere experiment that a group of scientists had many years ago, they started having problems with the trees inside the self-contained unit. The trees started dying, and they couldn’t figure out why. Finally, after scientists could find no explanation for the trees dying, they came to understand that there needed to be some sort of wind in the biosphere. It seems that the trees grew so weak without having any wind resistance that the weight of their branches frequently pulled them off of the tree trunk. Scientific observations show that trees don’t grow most rapidly during times of rain or during times of sun. It seems that trees grow at their fastest rate and become the strongest during times of persistent and strong winds. The lesson is clear: When we think back to a time that we had struggled, maybe we should thank God for it because it’s likely made us stronger (1 Pet 1:6).

A Closing Prayer
Righteous God in heaven, I thank You for allowing me to face adversity, knowing that even the storms make me stronger, even if I don’t know it at the time (Acts 14:22). You know just how much is too much and the exact amount of struggle that is needed for me (1 Cor 10:13), so I thank You for the storms and praise You in all of this. In Jesus’ Holy Name I pray.
Amen

Life Lessons: God’s Presence at All Times Genesis 39:1—40:23

Life Lessons: God’s Presence at All Times

Genesis 39:1—40:23

SITUATION: Even though Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, God used that situation to bless Joseph. First, an Egyptian officer entrusted his household to Joseph. When Joseph rejected the sexual advances of the officer’s wife, she falsely accused Joseph of rape and had him jailed. Again, even in prison, God developed Joseph’s character.

OBSERVATION: In order to experience God’s power, leaders must often endure hardship. Then they emerge to make their contribution.

INSPIRATION: [A] leader must prepare for leadership in the same way Jesus prepared: by being willing to suffer.

     The words almost sound strange to modern ears. What do we know, in this wonderful country, of suffering? As a nation we have never known real want. . . . There have been, of course, earthquakes, floods . . . illness. There are riots and strikes and crimes. Violent death threatens us on the highways, in the cities. . . .

     To suffer simply means “to bear under.” A leader is [someone] who does not groan about burdens, but takes them—and with a dash of humor. He knows how to keep his mouth shut about his difficulties and how to live a day at a time, doing quietly what needs doing at the moment. . . . Don’t do it alone. Perhaps I seem to be belaboring the point, but lest the “rules” for leadership appear impossibly supernatural, we need to recall constantly that it is Christ who calls us; it is Christ who promises His presence and His strength. Who did He call to be disciples? Weren’t they quite ordinary men? None was outstanding, so far as we know, before his call to discipleship. It was not unusual gifts or an unusual spirituality or any position of temporal success already gained that drew Jesus’ attention to them. He spent a night in prayer to His Father, prior to the decision, and then, in accord with the Father’s will, issued the call. I pray . . . that you (and others who may read this) will answer the call to be willing to suffer in order to lead, to be last in order to be first. (From The Mark of a Man by Elisabeth Elliot)

APPLICATION: God often develops leaders through have humility and suffering. If you have a position of leadership, realize that suffering and success both come with the job. Both build character and ability. Take heart in the examples of Joseph and Jesus, two leaders who rose above suffering to lead and to love. Accept your problems today as opportunities for growth.

EXPLORATION: God’s Presence at All Times – Genesis 28:15;  Exodus 33:14;  Deuteronomy 20:1;  Isaiah 43:2;  Matthew 18:20; 28:20

Life Lessons: Relying on God Genesis 38:1-30

Life Lessons: Relying on God

Genesis 38:1-30

SITUATION: Onan and Judah shirked their moral responsibilities to produce a child by Tamar and preserve her husband’s line.

OBSERVATION: Trusting God is critical—especially when it is difficult to do so. Sometimes trusting in God’s help and timing seems to fight against our own interests and aspirations. Still, obeying and trusting God yields his blessing.

INSPIRATION: All my life, I just wanted to be a mother. Every year I received only one Christmas gift that truly counted: a doll. Not a Barbie doll or a fashion doll, but a baby doll. . . .

     At thirty-five I married. I had waited, determined not to make a mistake, and though I had dated some very sharp, attractive men, it was only when Will Anderson appeared that I knew the right man had come. . . . Will and I decided we wanted to try for a baby right away. . . . Now we shared a common dream. . . .

     Somehow, though, I thought the dream of having a baby would be easier to attain [than running a marathon]. That the hardest part had been waiting so many years for the right man to be my husband. But I quickly learned the word “infertility.” Strictly speaking, of course, I was not infertile. I could become pregnant all right, but each time I would miscarry during the first few weeks. During one year I was hospitalized eight times with pregnancy-related problems. . . .

     In this situation, no matter what medication, what shots, what torment I subjected my body to through surgeries and other procedures, I could not make a baby. I was completely stripped and broken. And I was suddenly empty enough of myself to see God in a way I had never seen Him before. (From Open Adoption by Ann Kiemel Anderson)

APPLICATION: Are you waiting patiently for God to work out his loving plan? Instead of trying to “make things happen,” trust God’s timing and submit your dreams to him.

EXPLORATION:  Relying on God – Psalm 32:10; 37:3;  Proverbs 3:5;  John 14:1;  Romans 9:33

Life Lessons: God’s Mysterious Actions Genesis 37:1-36

Life Lessons: God’s Mysterious Actions

Genesis 37:1-36

SITUATION: Joseph, naïve and boastful, told his brothers of a dream that portrayed his superiority. Worse, his father Jacob showed him favoritism by giving Joseph a special robe. His brothers were jealous of him and plotted to kill him. But Reuben and Judah rescued Joseph, who was sold as a slave instead.

OBSERVATION: Although we don’t want to admit it, we are by nature self-centered and self-serving. Even a cursory glance at the local newspaper reveals how jealousy can lead to death. We see these moments at work in the world all around us.

INSPIRATION: Resting at the end of this trail of thoughts is the deadly briefcase of envy. . . .  

     Who is his victim? Anyone who has more than he has. More karats, more horsepower, more office space, more church members. Jealousy sets her crosshairs on the one who has more. “You want things, but you do not have them. So you are ready to kill and are jealous of other people, but still you cannot get what you want” (James 4:2).

     Honestly, Max, I would never do that. I would never kill.

     With a rifle, maybe not. But with your tongue? With your glare? Your gossip? “Jealousy,” informs Proverbs 6:34, will make you “very angry.” Are your sights set on someone? If so, be careful; “jealousy will rot your bones” (Proverbs 14:30).

     Need a deterrent for envy? An antidote for jealousy? . . . Rather than bemoan what you don’t have, rejoice in the abundant cup you do. “My cup overflows with blessings” (Psalm 23:5).

     The last thing we need to worry about is not having enough. Our cup overflows with blessings.

     Let me ask a question—a crucial question. If focusing on our diminishing items leads to envy, what would happen if we focused on the unending items? If awareness of what we don’t have creates jealousy, is it possible that an awareness of our abundance will lead to contentment? Let’s give it a try and see what happens. (From Traveling Light by Max Lucado)

APPLICATION: Take an inventory of what you don’t have that is causing you jealousy or envy. Then ask yourself if that item is really a necessity or a luxury. Next, take an inventory of what you do have. Ask God to give you a heart of thanksgiving that will lead

to contentment.

EXPLORATION: God’s Mysterious Actions – Esther 4-8; Job 1-3; 42; Jonah 1-4; Philippians 1; Hebrews 11-12.