The Bright Side

“If you find yourself in jail, write a book.”

- Kevin Conner, international Bible teacher, teaching a “Leader Lectures” seminar at VCF Fort

This is my favorite quote of the week - maybe I found it so humorous because I love to write, but there is a vital lesson behind it as well.

He was referring to the Apostle Paul, who was in jail several times and spent time in house arrest in Rome. Paul wrote some of his epistles or letters to the churches while he was in jail. Sometimes the way of escape from a bad situation led to a stint in prison. I am not sure of the conditions he experienced in jail, but his life mission was not deterred, maybe even enhanced during those times. In one instance, Paul and Silas were praising God while in prison when the chains fell off and the doors opened. The result was the salvation of the prison guard and his family. In other situations, Paul remained behind bars or in house arrest. During those times, he wrote portions of the Bible and testified about Jesus Christ.

This is what stands out to me when I consider the different outcomes of his experiences in jail: the result was that God was glorified whether he stayed longer or was released. This was a man who measured life by giving glory to God and revealing Jesus Christ. He had a serious epiphany, a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. He went from being a man who resolutely lived to persecute Christians, to becoming a man who passionately desired for others to know Jesus Christ.

In the western world especially, it is common for people to think that if they follow Jesus Christ they will get whatever they want in life and have abundant material blessings. One problem with this view is that when they encounter difficulties, they think God has abandoned them. God blesses our lives first of all with a life of walking with Him and He works in us for the purpose of revealing Himself through our lives. Yes, we are blessed in the process, but not always in the ways we expect. He promises to be with us during the difficult times, but we often have to walk through them and grow in our relationship with Him. The treasure is Jesus Christ Himself. Paul was a brilliant man who knew where his treasure was found.

In whatever circumstances you find yourself, look at the bright side. You can live for the glory of God and use whatever opportunities He has given you to reveal Jesus Christ to those around you.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Change is Constant, but so is God

There are two constants in life: Change and God. From the moment of conception, life is in flux, changing, moving from one stage to another, leaving you never quite certain of what will transpire. You may be making the transition from being a child at home to living on your own. Later in life, there are changes in jobs, going from life as a single person to marriage and family, facing the loss of health or facing the challenge of trying to age gracefully. Change is constant. The other constant is God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. God is immutable, never changing in character, consistent within Himself, complete and eternal in His goodness, holiness, love and truth. I like that thought. That means that when life goes into chaos mode, I can find sanctuary in the storm at any time or place. When I turn to God, I find a Rock of stability.

Change for me means preparing for our sixth international move. We will move from Manila, Philippines to Kiev, Ukraine in June. I love the people and experiences we have had here, but I look forward to the opportunities that await us in Kiev. I am aware of the stages of transition by now. A few months before the move takes place, my emotions begin to experience the discomfort of the coming disconnect, goodbyes (which I never say, only until we meet again), packing and chaos stage until transition is complete in another part of the world. Fortunately, in the flat world of globalization, goodbyes are no longer necessary. It is possible to communicate through skype with a webcam, blogs, email, and jet off to revisit the places and people you have left. I am not envious of missionaries one hundred years ago who had to travel on long sea voyages and wait eons for cherished letters and packages from friends and family.

When you read books on transition, that period of holding your breath in mid-air like a trapeze artist who has let go of one ring, but has yet to grab hold of the next, is called the "chaos" stage. I would like to rename it or skip it entirely. Imagine for a moment, unless it has been all too real for you as it has been for me, in a matter of days arriving in a completely different part of the world knowing that you will stay, not only visit. Imagine the new sights and sounds, language in some cases, culture, home, people, everything changing so drastically and suddenly. Actually, it can be a wonderful experience and adventure when the constant, God, is with you.

Here are a few things that have helped me when I go through change or transition:

1. Find your sanctuary - Make a time and place to meet with God on a daily basis. I have made it a habit to read the Bible every day for twenty years, no matter what is going on all around me. I confess, some of my favorite sanctuaries are coffee shops. You can enter a Starbucks anywhere in the world and it is the same. It is an international zone, which makes me feel at home. In NYC, one of my favorite sanctuaries was the courtyard of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was near our girls' school. What a privilege it is to live in such wonderful places!

2. Stay focused - Remember that God has a purpose in the change that is taking place and keep up with your family and life responsibilities.

3. Value your relationships - Spend time with family members or important people in your life in non-stressful settings.

4. Let go of the past - If God is doing something new, then take time to assess the past, keep the good that you have learned and leave excess baggage or bad experiences behind.

5. Keep a positive, thankful attitude - If you are like me, there is always a long list of things to be thankful for. Learn to have joy in the journey.

6. Give yourself and others room to adapt - Change is not easy, in most cases. Drink in the new experiences, but don't expect yourself to adapt instantly. There may be some unexpected emotions that come up or things to work through, but that is just part of the process.

"As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." (Psalm 18:30)

And now, I pause for a commercial break. Here are a few of my favorite books on issues related to missions, transition and life in a flat world:

"Hudson Taylor: Growth of a Soul and Growth of a Work of God" (2 volumes)
by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor. Not brief and amazing, but long and amazing. These books go into the hardships as well as the triumphs in how God prepared him and how the ministry grew in China. I read them twice, was challenged in my own walk with God and ministry to others, and cried often. I do not cry easily.

"The World is Flat"
by Thomas L. Friedman. On globalization, even the technical parts were interesting and fascinating because he is such a great author.

"The Third Culture Kid Experience"
by Dave Pollock and Ruth Van Reken. Essential if you are raising children in another culture. This book goes into the challenges and benefits of being a global nomad, giving practical advice for parents.

From Victim to Victor

God wants to take us from being a victim of our circumstances to being victorious in our walk with Him as we accomplish the great things He has called us to do. That is what happened in the life of Gideon. (Stay with me, women. Just think "warrior princess" like Eowyn in "The Lord of the Rings" - beautiful and strong.)

Seven years of living in fear in the mountains and caves. Seven years of seeing everything they worked for taken by the Midianites. When Israel stopped living according to God’s ways, they suffered from corruption within and oppression from without. Gideon was used to living in fear, used to living a meager existence. Even his own father, like many others, worshiped the pagan idols of the day. So when he received a message from God, he struggled to believe it. He was used to being a victim of circumstances. When God showed Gideon his true identity and that He had something for him to accomplish, that changed everything. He went from victim to victor. But first, there was a struggle to believe that God actually meant all that He said. It was like a chess game.

God’s perspective: “The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior.” (Judges 6:12)

Gideon’s perspective due to circumstances:
Disappointment due to difficult circumstances
Wounded faith
Feeling abandoned by God

God’s response:
Go and deliver Israel because I am sending you.

Gideon’s argument because he felt inadequate:
But God, my family is the least and I am the youngest.

God’s reassurance:
“Surely I will be with you and you will defeat Midian as one man.”(Judges 6:16)

Gideon asked for confirmation and God confirmed His word to Gideon.

When Gideon obeyed, the results were just as God had promised. He may have still felt inadequate and afraid, but his faith was demonstrated by his obedience and God proved faithful. We can look at life through our past or our circumstances, but when God comes on the scene, everything changes. He wants to lift us up and reveal His truth to us in the following areas:

1. God is with you.
2. You are a man or woman of God.
3. He has great plans for you to accomplish in His strength.
4. Because of this, you can go from victim to victor.

Back to our warrior princess, Eowyn. When she admitted to King Aragorn that she was afraid of wasting her life away in a cage, he told her that she was a daughter of kings and he did not think that would be her fate. How much more so with the King of kings!

Manolo Blahnik, Nike or Flip Flops: the Need is the Same

All feet are created equal and if the proverbial shoe fits, wear it. People often look at the outward appearance and determine social status at a glance. We need to look past the external in order to see the heart. No matter how polished or disheveled a person may appear, the need for God is the same. (At the risk of losing male readers, Manolo Blahnik’s are coveted, expensive Italian shoes, often of the stiletto variety. I do not own a pair, nor is it likely that I will.)

I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life. Because I have lived in North America, Eastern Europe and Asia, it is a necessity and a way of life for me. I usually look for an inroad to connect with another person and encourage them. This sets the stage for developing a relationship. Once I get to know the person over time, the walls begin to come down and the story of their life emerges. The overwhelming reality is that every life is in need of God, whether they need to meet Him for the first time or grow in their relationship with Him. Everyone needs wisdom in dealing with life issues and relationships. Everyone needs someone to talk to.

When we lived in New York City for a year, I spoke with someone who insisted it was essential to wear the latest designer brands in order to reach New Yorkers. While I am not advocating looking like you just stepped out of a nineteenth century convent or monastery or are a candidate for the show “What Not to Wear”, people are relieved to meet a normal human being who is full of life and genuinely cares. You don’t have to be an expert in another person’s job or way of life in order to reach them and disciple them. You need to be someone who walks with God, knows the Bible and cares about people. Does that take the pressure off?

Learn to look at the heart.

Jesus is our example. He spoke to a despised Samaritan woman, tax gatherers, people of high position and low- people from all walks of life.

"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:15-17)

Encouragement from the Life of David

Out on the hills with God, a canopy of stars by night, a flock of sheep by day – that is how the future king of Israel spent his time. It was not the first time or the last that God chose to shape a leader in a place of obscurity. He learned to love the God of all creation and touch His heart in worship and song. He learned to valiantly protect the flock in his care from dangerous predators. He seemed far from the throne, unaware of the plans that were awaiting him just over the horizon. His life was so obscure that no one even bothered to send for him when the prophet Samuel, revered in the city, arrived to see his seven brothers. Samuel was a man of God who looked at the heart so when David, the youngest, finally arrived he knew he was the one he was supposed to anoint as king.

David was about to face mighty challenges and enemies, but the presence of God, the encouragement of a trusted friend, and the guidance and correction of godly mentors saw him through. Maybe you will find some parallels in your own life.

The known enemy

“Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26)

Goliath was the giant, taunting, quintessential enemy. The goal was clear: the enemy had to be annihilated, not placated. Spiritually speaking, we have to confidently and decisively deal with the enemies that can distract us and get us off course. Unfortunately, our enemies are sometimes subtle and enticing. Our old sinful ways are not a warm blanket of comfort, but enemies that will hold us in invisible prisons if we do not ruthlessly deal with them. Like David, we can win because God is with us.

Unexpected opposition

“When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle. ‘Now what have I done?’ said David. ‘Can't I even speak?’” (1 Samuel 17:28-29)

David’s brother treated him with condescension and anger. He also had to flee from the wrath of King Saul, who tried to have him killed, while keeping a right heart. One of the greatest difficulties for Christians can be dealing with unexpected conflict from family or people of influence in our lives when we choose to serve God. Sometimes we can face opposition when we are doing the right thing, but the goal every time is to keep our hearts and attitudes right toward others.

The trusted friend

Jonathan, the son of Saul, loved David as much as his own life and protected him from the wrath of his father. His friendship was a source of encouragement and strength to David. Do you have friends like that in your life? If you do, value them like gold. Take time to tell them how much you appreciate them. We grow in relationship, not in isolation.

Mentors

Samuel anointed David as king and protected him from Saul. Later in David’s life, the prophet Nathan corrected David for his sin. Godly mentors are important in our lives because they help us walk into all of the plans that God has for us. They are also willing to correct us when necessary. We need these kinds of relationships, even if we sometimes have to seek them out.

Life has been Answered

This week I was wondering and pondering why so much time, energy and media attention is spent attempting to refute the claims of Jesus Christ. For one thing, it sells, but I also believe people can’t leave it alone because the divine pursuit of our hearts never ends - the audacity of His claim to be God in human form, the Savior of all mankind. If his claims are true, then every life has to confront that truth and deal with it in some way. There are many life questions people debate and think about.

How did all of this come into existence?
What is my purpose in life?
Why is there evil and suffering in the world?
Why am I the way I am?
Does unconditional love exist?
Is there a God?

If Jesus really was God in human form, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died and rose again with the power to forgive our sins and bring us close to God for all eternity, then that means we can’t really ignore Him. We have to reject or accept Him. Accepting Him means that we let Him into our hearts to change us. But when we begin to realize His perfect goodness, wisdom and love, this new way of life is light years from living in the dark prison of our sin and selfishness.

His death and resurrection was a defining point in history. He could not have slipped away to a suburb of Jerusalem to live with a wife and child. He was too well-known. You can read the accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John of the Bible. Thousands saw Jesus die on the cross, witnessed the empty tomb and saw His resurrected body. His death was not staged.

Venture out and ask: “God, if you are real, if what the Bible says about Jesus is true, then reveal yourself to me.”

You can know for certain that life has been answered – the sheer wonder, power, passion, freedom and significance of it all. If you know it, proclaim it.

For further inquiry or insight, read “Can Man Live Without God” by Ravi Zacharias.

"Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life." John 6:68