Step up, above your problems.

Quick Synopsis:

One of the biggest shortcomings of Christians I see, is how we respond to trials.  We usually fall over ourselves trying to avoid them.  And when we finally come to grips with the fact that God is allowing it, we accept it, but we complain and piss and moan the whole time.  I'm pretty certain that is not how God wants us to act.

The picture He paints in His Word is that we will accept, grow from and even rejoice in our trials. And by doing so, we become cities on a hill, stars in a universe, salt and light to the rest of the world.  For think about it, every single human on this planet faces problems.  And while the Church hyper-focuses on the salvation/eternal life part of Christianity (which is 100% valid), we need to balance that with the abundant life of this life as well.  And the abundant life is not 'health and wealth'; it is 'strength and maturity' in the midst of trials.  If we Christians can embrace and run with this, then the lost will be intrigued, drawn in and get a taste of hope.  Think about it, atheists don't even accept the reality of an after-life in Heaven, so why keep pushing salvation down their throat?  Every single atheist does recognize that life can suck at times and get real messy.  And they, just like everyone else, are still trying to figure out how to navigate the mud of life.  So if we Christians cease getting stuck in our struggles, and instead plod through them, rising above them even, by the strength of Christ, well then, maybe those atheists will get curious.  And heck, maybe they'll even give Jesus a shot, if not for Heaven, then at least for overcoming messiness in the now.  And we all know where that will eventually lead. ; )

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You've got problems.  Your friends and family have problems.  I have problems.

And here's the deal:  we need to stop focusing on our problems.

That goes against human logic, but it doesn't go against Bible logic.  The Bible is very clear that when we are knee deep in our problems, our number one focus, our number one priority, is to seek after God, grab His hand, be showered upon by His love, shower Him with our love, and *then* look to our problems.  There is no other path, no other formula, by which we may survive through our problems.  It is not, "God, let me sort through this stuff first, then I'll seek you more."  And it is not, "My child, seek Me first and then I'll fix your problems."  What it is, is this, "My child, seek Me first, and let's walk through these problems together.  Your joy is not based on escaping the bad in life; your joy is based on having Me hold your hand."  Thus, our response is, "Papa, I am so at peace, with a slight little smile, because You are hugging me, spending time with me, smiling at me, walking with me and giving me strength and guidance through this current trial.  So much so, that I don't even mind the trial.  If these trials mean getting to see and know You more, then keep bringing on these trials, big and small."

And I hesitate to say this, but I believe it:  if you are not experiencing peace and joy in the trial you are currently facing, it is not because God isn't offering it.  It's because you aren't taking it.  So lay aside the details of your problems for a moment, and simply go into the presence of the Ancient of Days, our Loving Master, and just listen.

Be still, and know that I am God  Psalm 46:10a

We can learn from specific, real-life examples:

My buddy Jason and his family are going through some severe trials this past week.  I asked him if he was frustrated with God, and he said, 'Of course not.  He is the only thing I have left to turn to.'  That reminds me of the Bible.

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

    “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

  Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”   John 6:66-69

My father, Hal Kirkpatrick, is really getting stretched right now, beyond anything he's had to deal with in years.  But he isn't letting himself get defeated, and he isn't showing any frustration towards God.  Because he has said very clearly that he recognizes this is spiritual warfare, and he knows that God has already defeated Satan, and thus as long as he clings to God, he will get through this.  Again, a Biblical reminder.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then,  Ephesians 6:10-14a

My friend Marisol has for some time now felt her passion for God gone and that God isn't answering her yet.  But she refuses to give up or walk away.  She is experiencing 'the dark night of the soul' and she knows to simply walk on.  God has not left her, and will not leave her.  So she is simply trusting in prayer, both her own and of us her friends, knowing that all will be sorted out.  Yet another Scripture-centered Christian living the Bible in the midst of trial.

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;

my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.   Psalm 13

My friend Lily is dealing with a boss who is out to get her.  But she realizes God is using this trial somehow.  And she feels that the anger and desire to complain welling up within her and from her flesh, not the Spirit.  So she is striving to stoically persevere through the situation, cling to God and respond to her boss in love. 

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. … Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.   Genesis 50:19-21, Romans 12:19-21

Years ago, I was really struggling through a situation where I felt my team and I were being wronged in a severe way.  My good friend Jay sat with me as I complained.  He listened and then said this, "Shannon, first off, my heart goes out to you. I understand your frustration and I can imagine the pain you are feeling.  Second, step up.  God has allowed this to happen, so there is a reason for it.  So show Him that He can count on you.  Respond to this trial Biblically.  Step up, accept the unfairness and continue to submit to your elders, for as tough as it is."  Does that sound familiar?

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. … Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.   1 Peter 4:12-13, Hebrews 13:17

Some time after that, right after I began Rekindling, I was dealing with some 'crap' that I did not expect and did not cause.  And I was complaining to one of my board members, Yong.  He listened patiently and then replied, "Shannon, I feel your pain and I am here to work with you through this. But I feel no pity for you.  You are starting a ministry, what did you expect? Everything to fall into place nicely?  This is spiritual warfare, and God is allowing this to strengthen you and bring you closer to Him.  So respond as a trusting servant and child of God, not a pissy man with a sense of entitlement."  Scriptural.

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.   2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Just in case this isn't sinking in yet, let me list out a few other passages on the topic.  And hear me on this, do not just glance through these passages.  Read them slowly and meditate on them.  If you haven't figured it out already, the Rekindling blog is not a short one, to check each day and read through in 5 minutes.  It is one to set aside at least a half-hour to chew on each week.  [For a daily, succinct, powerful blog post, hit up My Utmost for His Highest.  I do, and love it!]  So for now, ask the Spirit to open  your eyes and teach you and stir you through these passages:

Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.  1 Peter 2:18-21

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.   2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.  Romans 8:17-19

And for those who may not be experiencing any trials yourself right now:

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.  Hebrews 13:3

So what am I saying?

First, look deeply at your current frustration, and determine if it is coming from your own sense of entitlement or truly is a trial allowed by God.  If what you're dealing with really is minor, then stop complaining, step up and roll with it.  If you truly are going through a severe trial allowed by God, then let the above passages move you, shape you and guide you in responding and acting.

Next week, as long as the LORD leads me there, I want to break down the specific stages to perseverance.  I want to discuss where 'the rubber meets the road' and what to actually do in your current trials.  But for right now, I want to touch on the heart before I touch on the mind.  So I pray that this week's post simply shakes you up a bit and gets you to look at your current problems from a different angle.  Next week, we can discuss how to act based on this Biblical perspective.

Love ya all!  And if you are struggling with a trial, let me know so I can be praying for you.  (I mean that.)

shannon