Tragedy seems -by nature -to be sudden & unexpected. It chills us, wrecks us, yet centers us. Instantly, all other “important” becomes unimportant. As believers focused on the next kingdom (which is currently alive & thriving with the Prince of Life), death baffles us. Why do we weep if we know we will be reunited ? Why this pain? Our fragile flesh always astonishes us. Humans were created with deep capacity to love each other. We hurt because we love. Jesus cried when His dear pal Lazarus died. Why? He knew what He would do-stun the known world with the most inhuman act of raising a dead man. Why did the Son weep? Could it be He (in His divinity) is also showing His humanity? Is He showing us the awful tension of human life & heavenly life? None of us knows or understands fully. No quick verses or platitudes can alleviate pain. Maybe that’s it…in our flesh pain, we have to trust the One Who Understands. We hand Him our questions, our anger, our anguish, our fear, our discomfort of death . He loves His creation -He knows things we don’t, and by faith (only tried through trial) we choose to trust Him. He who spoke the world into existence also wept when His friend died. This Savior is real, approachable and so very lovable. #john11 #death #pain #trial
lemon AID
“If life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” I know, it sounds like an “old school phrase”. It is and yet, it’s still relevant. Sound dumb? Not realistic? Maybe. There will be sour trials that seem to squeeze the juice out of us. Fighting a health issue? The sharp zing of a breakup? In the middle of a bitter job situation? What do we do about this stuff? My husband, Brian, has observed, “Almost every older person we know is one of two things-bitter or joyful.”
How can we sweeten up?
- Take Responsibility – We like to blame others for things that happen-we even blame God. The fact is, we are following Jesus. He chose to give up His rights. We are responsible for our thoughts & our responses.
- Choose to Trust God – What would happen if we chose to believe that God has allowed circumstances in our lives to HELP us? We must keep the goodness of God at the forefront of our minds.
- Realize Every Choice Matters – Extreme, but true. We are building our lives right now & every single discipline we implement takes us toward God or away from Him. True gratitude is never accidental. It will not just happen. Want to be joyful at 50? Want to be thankful at 70? We need to have disciplined responses of gratitude NOW.
- KNOW that Jesus Gives us Strength – He’s given you the power to choose and the strength to ask Him for help! Have you invited Christ into your life? He lives in you! He is giving you the ability to respond joyfully in difficult and frustrating circumstances. Experience His strength by asking Him to fill you.
- In the midst of a cynical world, our most penetrating witness can be our JOY. Lemons are sour without sugar. With sugar? Delightful! Ask God today to help you counter the world’s bitterness with the sweetness of Christ!
How to get out of a spiritual desert
Encourage yourself in this dry place. REMIND yourself of His love & goodness! Here’s how:
1. Be in the Word all the time. God’s word is still active & meant to be your favorite food.
2. Pray honestly. Tell Him what He already knows. You need Him to need Him!
3. Be around people you want to be like. Who do you hang with? Do you leave encouraged to go deep with Jesus or like you’ve been to a “Fuss Fest”? Sadly, some godly folks seem to thrive on complaining. Find thankful women to be around-it’ll rub off on you!
4. Speak truth to yourself! Replace lies with Scripture (Try Colossians 1-2!) Actively train yourself: the enemy tries to speak first person to you (“I’m not godly enough!”) when your faith makes him nervous! Speak the Name of Jesus.
5. Read old journals -remember when you fell for Jesus? He was your everything. Go back to this place: you don’t need to whip up some legalism to solve your intimacy problem with Christ! Realize you need Him to need Him. Ask for a fresh heart to remember your First Love!
