Walking Amidst the Wind and Waves

1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 (NIV)

"We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them."

Storms. They are a guarantee in life. They will come. The question they present is usually "why" (or more often than not, "why me"), however the real question that should be asked is "what for". The greatest significance of storms is their ability to test our response to them. What will we do in the face of uncertainly and fear when we are stripped of our confidence and our faith is shaken?

When we encounter trials it is human nature to be led by our emotions whether it be the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, unexpected health problems, financial issues, etc. Whatever it is we are forced to face, there is always an emotion that will rise up immediately to meet us. It can range from an explosion of anger, to a self-protective sense of disbelief, to a "bawling bag of ridiculousness" (as my mother and I have appropriately dubbed it in our odd sense of humor). In all these cases, and a vast many more that I have failed to include, logic is lost amidst a sea of melancholy and disillusionment.

To put flesh to my words, I can empathize with those who have experienced feelings of despair, hopelessness, resentment, bitterness, righteous (or sometimes not so righteous) anger, self-pity, depression, and rejection. However, I think worst of all is the sense of powerlessness that leaves one feeling utterly helpless and alone - the crippling effect that comes from a lack of control in our own life.

My mother, much to her humble objection, possesses an incredible amount of wisdom on the matter. She is a woman who has endured many storms and through both great struggle and God's grace has overcome them. I cannot put in to words how much I admire her faith and wish to imitate it. In turn she has given me the encouragement and practical counsel that inspires me to search for the treasure beyond the circumstances - the potential to grow if I will seek the Lord.

James 1:2-6 (NIV)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

I can attest that storms in our lives are the most powerful tool God can use to draw us close to Him, if we allow them to. If our roots are shallow than how can one stand firm? It is only through faith that our roots will be buried deep so that we are able to withstand the assault of the tempest. If faith is not our response to the situation, it opens the door for other emotions to take hold instead. Bitterness may be the most poisonous of these, as it is like a weed with roots that extend to infect every area of our life. (Ever try to get rid of weeds? They are stubborn and hard to kill, especially if they have been left to grow far too long).

I once had a picture in my mind of a house on a beach - the kind built on stilts so that it's safe from the water. Although it appeared to be built on sand, when the winds came the sand was blown away to reveal a cemented foundation. God reminded me that although I was worried I would not have the strength to endure that particular storm (which felt like a category five hurricane) He gave me the assurance that I had been built on solid foundation (that is God) and I would not fall. (See Matthew 7:24-27).

Joshua 1:5 (NIV)

"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Never have I felt His presence more strongly than when I have cried out to Him in my most desperate of moments (and I've had my share to be sure). In saying that, there have also been times when I have felt as if He has abandoned me - as if His ears have been deaf to my loud cries. However, I have found this to be a convenient lie used to keep us from the truth. After all, if we only lived by what we felt, there would be no need for faith and if I have learned one thing it is that God is always faithful.

James 1:12 (NIV)

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

Our character is shaped by the way we chose to handle what life throws at us, come what may. I find my greatest reassurance comes from Mark 4:35-41. If the wind and waves obey Him then I need not be afraid. In saying that,  I would be lying if I said it was easy to walk the narrow road of faith, however the only way we can stand victorious on the mountain top is to persevere through the valleys, trusting that God is good regardless of what we think or feel. Every storm I go through is another reminder that I am a "work in progress", but thankfully His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness.

When all is said and done, "I don't want to lose heart. I want to believe..."

- Robert the Bruce (Braveheart)

The Worth of Waiting

While watching television recently a commercial came on for "eHarmony" - a dating website for singles. The line they used to advertise it was, "Why wait for love?" and it caught my attention.

Firstly, I must admit to using eHarmony in the past. Like millions of others I was searching for love and hoping this could be the tool that would allow me to find someone that would end my 'waiting'. Although this does work for some I have determined in my heart that the process I need to go through is different from what is now considered to be the norm.

I have come to realize that waiting is an action word, which may seem like a contradiction since often times we consider it to be a time where nothing is happening. However, its true definition is "to continue as one in expectation", therefore waiting is far from being an inactive process. It is knowing there is something to wait for and being eager for it.

I will admit to not being the most patient of people in many areas of my life (for instance getting annoyed by those who enjoy driving below the speed limit - they seem to always be in front of me at the most inconvenient times, haha). While this may be true, I have come to understand the necessity for patience and perseverance through the many failures and hard lessons I have gone through, which were generally due to a lack of wisdom on my part at the time. While it was pain that could have been avoided, the Lord was able to use what was intended for evil to draw me closer to Him (as He will do the same for you).

What we may consider to be taking slower than molasses in January (in the Canadian prairies that is, haha) is actually the perfect timing of the Lord. For those of us in this season, although we are often unable to see it now, in hindsight will find that everything indeed unfolded exactly the way it was intended to (assuming we're embracing not rejecting God's will in our lives). 

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

The Lord revealed to me that waiting is only a delay of the promise meant to ready us for what He has already reserved. (Notice the highlighted words - that means they're important). If He has already prepared and reserved what He has for you and I then waiting is not meant to be a punishment or a tease, but a time of preparation so we are ready when the fulfillment of His promise comes. How horrific would it be if after what seemed to be an endless season of waiting we received our promise only to be crushed by it's weight because we underestimated what it would require of us? (A statement that reflects the rise in divorce rates world-wide).

What I've found is that until each of us has had a personal revelation God is good (regardless of what we see, think or feel) our faith will be shaken when the storms come. And they will come. Although our processes may be different one thing is certain - we need God. Our comfort and happiness are not His main concern - it is the state of our hearts. So instaed of seeing the valley you're in as barren, dry and inescapable ask God to open your eyes so you can see it for what it's truly mean to be; a place of life and intimacy with a God who's jealous for your heart.

For those of us who are single the application of this is obvious, however seasons of waiting come to every one's lives. The wife who longs to be a mother, but is having difficulty conceiving. The man who has a dream in his heart, but all the doors appear tightly closed around him. The couple who is struggling financially and need a breakthrough. What are you waiting for?  What will you do with the time in which you are waiting? Whatever it is, it's worth the wait.

I started this blog talking about love and so I will end it the same way. This is my favorite song right now called "Dancing in the Minefields" by Andrew Peterson. I hope you enjoy it too! (This link may not work for those living in the United States since it's a Canadian link, but you can find it by searching for it on youtube).