As I approached the end of May, I started feeling ill while at our regional conference. Suddenly, I was in the back of an ambulance with possible heart problems. Thankfully, that was not the problem, but I was diagnosed with pneumonia and excessive medication for blood pressure. There were still many tests ahead, but the initial news was good. Those tests would turn out to be a confirmation of good health.

Two weeks after my trip to the emergency room, my wife woke me with a bad cough, feeling like she had bronchitis. We went to the emergency room, where I dropped her off and parked the car. When I came inside, she was already in a room with five people working on her. It turned out she was in a-fib, in serious condition. After some extensive treatment, the situation was fixed, but the lab work revealed problems with her kidneys. This led to a kidney biopsy and other tests. While there was no kidney disease, there was some significant damage. 

We breathed a sigh of relief, only to discover that she had a growth on her tongue. We made what we thought would be a quick trip to the doctor, and many appointments and test later, we discovered that she had stage 3 oral cancer on her tongue. This led to the removal of one-half of her tongue and major reconstruction. We are still in a lengthy recovery process at this time.

It was a wile six months, and we are just beginning to recover from it. The question in the comment raised all those months ago is appropriately relevant. Does God cause bad things to help us grow? My answer, is, “No.” While it is possible that God would allow some things into our lives in order to challenge us, the bad things we experience are not from God! At the same time, I can see numerous ways in which God used our adversities to help us to grow. 

Our faith grew as we watched God bring us through each challenge. Out trust grew as we watched God’s provision helped us face each step. Our community grew as hundreds of people joined in prayer with us for healing and provision. There are countless testimonies we continue to share, and we both know that we are stronger as a result of our journey. I would never ask for it, nor would I wish it on anyone, but we cannot deny the good that came from adversity.

Without listing every blessing, allow me to express it this way. Last year started with a major car accident that totaled our vehicle. The result was a much better and dependable vehicle, which was a tremendous blessing as we faced these challenges. My trip to the ER made me take a hard look at my life, priorities, and lifestyle. Many necessary changes came from this reflection. My wife’s heart issues revealed the kidney problems which would not have been discovered until they became much worse, and without our knowledge of her heart and kidney issues, her cancer surgery could have turned out quite badly. In addition, there are already other people who have found strength and direction through our story.

Did God cause our difficulties? No. Did God use them for good? Absolutely!

When we face adversity, it is important to remember that God really can make all things work together for good. Our adversities can drive us closer to him, and can cause us to look deeply at our lives. God doesn’t cause bad things, but God does make beautiful things out of our brokenness. 

As we begin 2017, may our faith be strong as we trust God to bring us through and to make us stronger in the process.

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We all have moments when we want to quit. The battle we face may seem too big, or too long. We begin to grow weary and that exhaustion weakens our resolve and wears on our thoughts. We begin to imagine that there is an easier path than the one we are traveling. Our pace slows, and we can even choose to simply stop where we are. Many people remain stuck, sitting alongside the path of their life, unable to go any further.

As I write this, my thoughts keep coming back to Sailor Gutzler. She is a 7 year old girl who recently survived a plane crash in Kentucky. The lone survivor, having lost her family in the crash, she freed herself from the wreckage and walked a great distance through some of the worst terrain to find help. She was not trained for the path before her, which was overrun with obstacles, nor was she prepared for the journey. However, she pressed on through the briars, ditches, and downed trees, and through her emotional pain and trauma, to reach a place of safety. Her story is amazing!

The past few days, I faced some challenges and obstacles that I would have rather avoided. At times, I felt like I wanted to avoid the path in front of me and sit down for a season. Then, I thought of Sailor, knowing that my journey and obstacles are nothing compared to what she faced, and I kept moving. Then, I thought of Jesus, and the journey he faced, and found more inspiration. Then, God reminded me that Jesus is walking with me, going before me, and giving me strength for the journey, and I allowed the Holy Spirit to renew my strength. Somewhere between the tenacity of a 7 year old girl, and the great grace of God, I lost my weariness, and moved forward .

Many people are talking about how miraculous Sailor’s successful journey was. I agree. I also am overwhelmed with the miraculous strength she found to press on, to overcome. I do not know if she had an awareness of God as she pushed through her circumstances, but I do know that God was aware of her, and empowering her to keep moving.

We all face unwanted and difficult things, some are far worse than others. Many times, we dig deep and try to find the strength to keep going, yet that strength can be quite elusive. Then, we discover a strength that exceeds our situation, a power that gives us more than a hand, it lifts us up on wings like eagles. God’s strength has no limits, and the Holy Spirit shares that strength with us.

The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need.” No matter what we are facing, God is bigger. No matter how difficult the task, God’s power is stronger. No matter how great our need, God’s willingness to meet it is greater. We are not alone, and we are not left to our own strength to continue. When we hope in the Lord, God renews our strength with his inexhaustible supply.

I thank God for grace, power, and hope. I am thankful for Sailor’s tenacious witness. I pray that God continues to strengthen her for the difficult journey ahead, and hope that one day she will see how her actions, in the face of great pain and adversity, inspired the nation and the world.

Let us not grow weary. Let us not faint. Let us hope in the Lord and be strong and courageous.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his might power.” – Ephesians 6:10

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As you can imagine, accepting the coming change is a difficult thing. Some people are ready to move forward while others are still trying to adjust to the news. For many this time simply feels like chaos, and questions about the future seem unanswered.

Yet, in the midst of it all, God is present and that is the whole point of what we celebrate on the Day of Pentecost. Some call it the “Birthday of the Church,” but it is so much more. Pentecost is the celebration of Jesus’ promise that God would send the Holy Spirit. It is a celebration of God’s intimate presence with us.

I find it so appropriate that Pentecost Sunday should fall on Memorial Day weekend. In the midst of our national time of remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for our future, we celebrate the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ who sacrificed his life for our salvation.

Jesus told his followers that the Spirit would remind them of all he said to them and teach them everything. The presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives would allow them to remember all that Jesus did and said so that, from their remembrance, they would be able to look forward to God’s future for them and for the world.

The Spirit does the same for us today. We too, are reminded of the teachings of Jesus’ life and words, and we are equally empowered by his indwelling presence to fulfill God’s destiny for our lives. By the Spirit’s leading and empowerment we are able to face our fears and challenges, even an unknown future, with divine direction and strength.

As we remember those who gave their lives so that we might be able to live, and as we celebrate the presence and power of the Spirit of Christ within us, let us be good stewards of the lives we are given. Placing our trust in God and in the power of his strength, let us boldly embrace the future before us as we savor and celebrate each day. With the presence of God within us, may we walk by faith in such a way that we might leave a legacy of love and hope that enables others to experience the power of the risen Christ and embrace the promise of God for their lives as well.

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Whenever one of these tragedies occurs, there is a sudden outburst of emotion by people troubled by horror of what happened, accompanied by reflections on how we can stop or prevent bullying. It is good this conversation comes to the forefront, and it is a shame that it takes a tragedy for that to happen. Sadly, all too often the passion and concern is short-lived and things slowly go back to the way they were, hidden.

While many questions are being asked about what causes bullying and how it can be stopped, I have one other question that often seems to go unspoken, “Why?” You may say, everyone is asking the why question, isn’t that the heart of the whole discussion, wanting to know why this happened? That is true, but the question I am pondering is, “why did a precious young man feel that the only solution to these attacks was to take his life?”

Please understand, I am not pointing out a fault in him. I am pointing out a fault in us. Where are we failing our children as a community that the harsh words of some peers can destroy their sense of value? Where are we letting down those who need our strength and encouragement so that they can stand strong in the face of their adversaries? This problem is not just about some narrow-minded students who said mean things to a classmate; it is a problem of which we are all a part. Our actions, or failure to act, leave people vulnerable to greater pain.

None of us likes to feel complicit when evil occurs, and it is true that most of us were not directly involved in the events that led up to this most recent expression. But ask yourself:

Do you speak evil?
Have the hurtful words spoken to someone else ever been yours?
Have you criticized someone?
Have you sown those critical seeds behind their back?
Do you take every opportunity to build others up?
Do you make time to encourage those who are hurting, or those who are difficult?
Is your life an example of love to the world around you?

These are hard questions, often ones we would like to avoid but, like pebbles in a pond, our choices create ripples that affect others, even people we do not know. Every action counts. The seeds of love, hope and encouragement we plant will touch lives just as surely as the hurtful comments of others will, but the result will be very different. As disciples of Christ, we know nothing and no one is hopeless. The very revelation of God is just the opposite. There is always hope and no one should ever face the evil of the world without that knowledge.

Sharing hope involves more than saying, “Oh, by the way, there is always hope.” It is a truth that needs to be demonstrated, lived out before the entire world. We declare by what we say and do that there is always something worth living for, even when it is hard to see. We proclaim that in spite of the negative, hurtful things some people say, each person is a beloved creation of God, supported by God and those who represent God. As a community of people we can care for one another in ways that give strength and hope; we can make a difference.

In the end, it is not about blame, but about opportunity. We have an opportunity not to feel emotion for a short season and then forget. We have an opportunity to change our words and actions into examples that change the world. We have the opportunity to care, to love, to encourage and give hope. We have the opportunity to speak and offer life. Let’s not miss the opportunity to make a real difference.

We can make a difference, a lasting difference. Will you join me in making our corner of the world, and ultimately the whole world, a different place? The change can start today.

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James, Peter and even Jesus spoke about trials and troubles, encouraging us to find joy in the midst of the struggles and to find strength in the knowledge that Christ has overcome the world. In each case, it is clear that trials are an expected part of life, but we have the power of God within us to come through these valleys and do so victoriously.

Recently, I asked a small group I lead the question, “How would you describe a trial?” There was a moment of silence, then one member spoke up, “Trials come from God.” I confess, it was not the answer I expected, but I was intrigued. Typically, people I know do not think God is responsible for difficult things, so I was interested to know what inspired that response.

“God does not tempt us,” he said, “but God does send trials for our own good.” As challenging as that is to some ears, there is tremendous truth in those words. Trials can be tools in the hand of God to shape us, equip us and strengthen us. Just like the effort expended at the gym, our work through trials can strengthen us for the future.

I often struggle accepting this when I face my own trials. Typically, I work to avoid these struggles, but that usually results in frustration; and another trip through the same valley. When I look at these moments as opportunities to better understand who I am and who God is in me, when I embrace my trials as a means to grow in strength and faith, something redemptive begins to emerge.

The best part is that even in the midst of the valley, in the midst of the fire, we are not alone. God is with us. Therefore, we can fear no evil. We can be comforted, and we can make it through. With each step we take, we become stronger and trusting God, we rise to levels of victory in Christ.

While we do not seek trials, when they come into our lives, we can turn to God for direction, power and hope, and by God’s grace we come through. As we embrace the power of resistance and struggle to make us stronger, we accept this part of the training and anticipate the results that will come from it.

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Several days ago, I was visiting with a friend at his home. He and I were sitting on the front porch talking and watching the neighborhood activity. Children were riding their bikes along the sidewalk, several couples were strolling together, and people were coming in and out of their homes. Occasionally, my friend would offer a little commentary on the people who were passing by, talking about where they lived, their work and some of the things they did together.

Across the street, a young man came out of his house to get into his SUV. As he did, my friend called out, “Hey, thanks for your service!” The young man smiled, thanked him back and drove away. I then learned that he just returned from military service in the middle east. I wondered how many people knew he was gone and how many of them would ever express their gratitude for his willingness to go.

There are many people who serve, not just in the military, but in all facets of life. We are blessed by so many individuals, families and groups who give of themselves so that we, and others, can enjoy our lives more fully. Each of us is blessed by the faithful service of others, and such blessings call for thanksgiving.

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he began his letter with this thanksgiving, “We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3)

Imagine the encouragement this brought to those who were giving their lives for others. What a difference it must have made to know that Paul and those with him we constantly giving thanks to God for their service. I imagine it made the work even more enjoyable and worthwhile.

Last week, I received an email from one of my former youth group members. She had a question to ask, but she took the time to share that she felt blessed that I was her pastor. She told me the impact I made in her life and thanked me for what I did. I am still humbled and encouraged by her words.

Often, we serve and never know if we made a difference. We can only hope that, by God’s grace we did. But, when you hear those words of thanks, it makes a difference in you. What a blessing words of thanksgiving and encouragement are to those who serve. How many people need to hear such words right now?

Today, many of us will go to our local church to worship. Being Labor Day weekend, our thoughts may likely be on thanksgiving for a day of rest. Maybe, in the midst of all that we do, we could take time to remember and give thanks for those people who bless our lives. Maybe, we could even take a moment to tell them the difference they make in the world and to us. Maybe, we could take just a moment to bless those who bless us.

May the attitude of constant thanksgiving Paul shared be ours today, as we give thanks for all of the labors of love that bless our lives.

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Two weeks ago, as we preparing for our Sunday Worship Service, I was busy connecting my laptop to our LCD projector in order to put some of the key service images before the congregation. I made the connections, turned the power on and then, I waited… and waited. I quickly found myself becoming frustrated at the time it was taking for my electronics to come to life. I soon realized that I was so accustomed to my iPad’s immediate accessibility that I was annoyed by the 60 to 90 second start-up time my computer needed to be ready for action.

I laughed then, and still smile when I think about what that image represents for me and for many others I know. Life moves at tremendous speed, and anything that keeps us from moving with it quickly becomes a frustration. We are overloaded with information and applications. We fill our schedules to overflowing and try to find time for one more thing. There is little time remaining to find, or keep our peace. It reminds me of the saying, “hurry isn’t of the devil, it is the devil,” or as my wife’s family used to say, “if the devil can’t make you sin, he will make you busy.”

In the midst of our hurry, it is hard to tend to, and guard, our hearts. Then, into the rush of our lives, come the challenges and distractions that chip away at our peace. Obstacles that frighten us appear in our path, enemies of body, mind and spirit threaten to attack, and we stand trembling between the two wondering which way to turn.

In one of my favorite Bible passages, the Israelites faced this position in a very physical way. God, through Moses, brought the people out of Egypt. They were filled with awe, joy and peace. That is, until they found themselves pressed up against the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army bearing down upon them. Under attack and with no means of escape, fear took hold and all seemed lost.

It was in the face of these fears and threats that Moses speaks one of the most encouraging words in the Bible. He said, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

Just picture the image. All the odds are against you, but then you hear the promise that God himself will fight for you. For your part, you need only be still. Several translations say, “you need only hold (keep) your peace.” The battle really is the Lord’s. Our part is to hold onto our peace. Fixing our faith on Almighty God we grasp the peace we are given and hold on until the Lord delivers us.

The Bible talks of the, “peace that passes all understanding,” and Jesus even told his disciples that he was leaving his followers his peace. Throughout all of John 14, we hear the resounding call, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid.” It is the very peace of Christ that keeps us in the face of challenge and adversity. Our task is merely to hold on as we watch the deliverance of the Lord.

It is easy to get caught up in our circumstances, or intimidated by life’s challenges, but fixing our eyes on these things only leads to surrendering our peace. When we fix our eyes on God, and put our trust in him, we can find peace in the midst of the greatest storm and we can hold fast to that peace while God brings us safely through to the other side.

Guard your peace. Be strong in the Lord, for the Lord will fight for you; you need only keep your peace.

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There are many things that we would enjoy more, and if the meaning of life was merely to do what we liked and have what we wanted, there would be little need for this season of the year. But, life is not just about us. It is about God and about others. We do not exist just to feed our desires; instead, we were made to bring pleasure to the heart of God and the grace of God to the world that he made. We need the time that Lent offers us to capture a better vision of our place in the world and in God’s plan, to learn the virtue of humility and the dangers of pride – to see what life is really about.

It is not easy to be humble. None of us likes to be made aware of our weaknesses. Especially in our culture, we like to celebrate that we are self-made people and we like others to recognize our accomplishments. It is hard to confess our dependence on others and on God. Truthfully though, we need God’s help. We do not have all that it takes to be successful and we often chase after the things that draw us away from God and lead us toward our own destruction, and sometimes, the destruction of others.

The Bible tells us that, “We shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.” Lent is designed to help us see the truth, to make an honest assessment of our lives and an affirmation of our complete dependence upon God. As the words of the Ash Wednesday liturgy remind us, our flesh is, “dust and to dust we shall return.” While that may seem ominous, the blessing hiding therein is that when we bring our flawed flesh to the cross, God can renew our spirits and strengthen us to live as we were made to live.

As we enter this precious season, may we humbly allow it to crucify our pride and resurrect our spirits to new life in Jesus Christ. May this Lent be truly blessed.

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