You Were Made for This!

Colossians 3:12-14, (MSG)

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."

Recently, I was asked if I would take on a particular task.  To be honest, I didn't want to do it.  I hesitated.  I felt ill-equipped.  Yet, I accepted.  Not because I wanted to, but because The Lord told me to.

I wish I could say I completed the task with flying colors...I did not.  I felt like I failed...failed miserably.  I told God, "I am done.  I am not doing these types of tasks ANYMORE".  (Of course, the enemy of our soul always accuses, condemns, shames, and magnifies a situation to make it appear worse than it actually is).

I was outside while while grumbling to God.  Just as I said, "I'm done", a butterfly tenderly landed on my shoulder.  In fact, it didn't budge at all - it stayed awhile.  I knew God was speaking to me through this little creature.

Similarly to what we read in Colossians, the butterfly represents "new life" and has in fact "worn many wardrobes".  In the same token, God also takes our frail humanity through many different seasons throughout our life.  Good or bad, it is all for our embetterment.   In my situation, being the perfectionist that I am...nothing less than the best is acceptable.

And there you have it...maybe that's what God was trying to teach me.  Maybe to truly be all that He wants me to be, I need to rely on His strength and not my own.  The butterfly after all, does represent "compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline."   Maybe my task wasn't a failure at all.  Maybe God completed what He wanted to do in me.  Maybe the little miracles along the way were the BIG miracles!

Nothing about our lives is random or accidental.  The truth of the matter is, I know I was born for such a task.  And so are you.  We are all chosen for a particular task that can be done by no one else. We need to be diligent in listening to God’s voice calling us to that task—and encouraging others to be similarly obedient.

Maybe we don't know the true meaning of "success".  Maybe God's view and our view of success differs.  And the truth if the matter is, if you are a brave enough soul to step out in obedience to Him, you are already successful!

It takes practice, patience, training, and yes - maybe even some "oops" along the way before we can truly become "experts".  So when the enemy of your soul tries to tell you, "you can't", "you're not good enough", "you're ill-equipped", be obedient to God anyway, look the enemy straight in the eye remind him, "I was made for this"!

The Problem with the Prosperity Message

“I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.” (Philippians 4:10-14, MSG)

Many “well-meaning” Christians try to lure people into receiving Christ by promising a prosperous life. Although the Gospel does promise us the good news of salvation from eternal damnation (and there is no better news than that!), the falsehood that everything in life will be prosperous is contrary to God's word. In fact, Christ promises us, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, TLB).

The problem with the message of “prosperity” is that many Christian circles use it as a means to compare lives (while pointing fingers) and say, “If you are in lack, then you MUST be doing something wrong!” To bring such accusations is nonsense. This type of mindset really comes from a pompous attitude. To think someone is righteous in their own strength is arrogance. If you seemingly have a “perfect life”, then it is by God's grace alone.

God weeps and hurts with us when we go through struggles and trials of every kind. This is the product of living in a fallen and sinful world. However, it is up to God and His business alone in what areas we will (or will not) “prosper” in.

Paul had it right. Whether he had much or had little, it did not define who he was; nor did it deter him from keeping the faith. Some believers shame the rich, some shame the poor. Some believers accuse the “little” faith of the sick, some accuse the faith to get well. Whether rich or poor, healthy or sick, it should not bring shame or arrogance. We as Christians must be stripped of self-entitlements and learn how to be confident and content in all circumstances.

To be content, simply means to be satisfied in wherever you are in your life today. Even our trials can be turned for God's glory (and that's certainly something to celebrate)! How about you? Where are you in your life today? My hope is that we can be content and confident as Paul and say, “I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little.”

Trusting God Through Brokenheartedness

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad.

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.  They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces shall never blush for shame or be confused.” 

(Psalm 34:1-5, AMP)

This psalm was written during a time of David; when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him out, and was forced to go away.

Biblical commentators suggest that Abimelech was fearful of David's authority, thus, causing him to drive David away.  Though David knew his enemies wanted him dead and he experienced heartbreak, he trusted in God's divine protection and sovereignty over his life.

A "broken heart" is often experienced when there has been a "break" in a relationship or when one has suffered loss.  Feelings of abandonment and betrayal can quickly begin to overwhelm the broken heart.

Scripture tells us that David “changed his behavior before them” (1 Samuel 21:13).  Many people change or “alter” their behavior because of what has been done to them.  Been hurt?  Walls get built up.  Been betrayed?  Lack of trust begins to develop.  Don’t let people or unforeseen circumstances alter who you are.  There is a joy that cannot be thieved when a believer chooses to trust in God.

Jesus said that it is HIS job to "heal the brokenhearted" (Is 61:1-3).  One's heart can begin to beat again, live again, and love again when realized that healing comes from Christ alone.  

David, even through times of loss and betrayal, continued to praise the Lord.  The end result was a face that is radiant with victory rather than one that is shameful with defeat.  Those rightly related to the Lord often suffer much affliction, however, those who seek the Lord will never lack the experience of God’s goodness, even in difficult times. 

Today I encourage you to choose to believe again.  Choose to believe that God has a future purpose and plan for your life, regardless of circumstances or what has been done to you.  Faith in the Lord does not mean that one is void of adversity, however, one can rest assured that ultimately, victory belongs to those who follow the Lord.

The Empty Tomb

“1-2 Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, breathlessly panting, ‘They took the Master from the tomb. We don’t know where they’ve put him.’

3-10 Peter and the other disciple left immediately for the tomb. They ran, neck and neck. The other disciple got to the tomb first, outrunning Peter. Stooping to look in, he saw the pieces of linen cloth lying there, but he didn’t go in. Simon Peter arrived after him, entered the tomb, observed the linen cloths lying there, and the kerchief used to cover his head not lying with the linen cloths but separate, neatly folded by itself. Then the other disciple, the one who had gotten there first, went into the tomb, took one look at the evidence, and believed. No one yet knew from the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. The disciples then went back home.” (John 20:1-8, MSG)

Upon hearing Mary's story, Peter and John ran to the tomb.  They expected to find the grave clothes gone, for they suspected a thief had stolen Jesus' body.  To their astonishment, they found the shroud lying exactly where the body had been placed.  The clothes still lay there, as if still around Jesus' body.  Jesus was gone but the grave clothes…still there.  The handkerchief used to cover Jesus' head was still in place where His head had laid.  This puzzled Peter and John for they had not understood the power of the Resurrection that had taken place.  

Notice, Mary went to the tomb EARLY, "while it was still dark".  In doing so, she was the FIRST one to experience Jesus' working power.  There is something that happens when we seek out Jesus early in the morning while it is still dark.  Maybe it is the quietness of the morning or maybe a loving heart that seeks Him early in the morning compels Him to reveal Himself in such a powerful way.

Peter and John missed out.  They too could have had a deeper understanding of the miraculous that was happening right before their very eyes but "they did not know the Scripture".  But Mary knew...oh, she knew.  So much so that at her discovery, she could not contain her excitement and RAN to share with the other disciples.

How many of us seek the Lord in the early morning hours, seeking Scripture, finding the miraculous in our lives?  How many of us get so excited as God reveals Himself to us that we run to share with others?  God's miraculous working power is happening everyday, in everything, all around us.  We must seek and know the Scriptures to not only recognize it, but to understand it.

Today I encourage you to seek Jesus early in the morning.  Let Him reveal himself to you through scripture and through others.  He is dying to do it...yes, He wants to empower you and strengthen you throughout the day by constantly and consistently having communion with you.

“Perhaps we don’t want to come face to face with the unsurrendered areas of our lives.  We like our lives just as they are, even if it is less than God’s best.”

The Reflection of God in the Mirror

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (Genesis 1:26)

Our natural minds may often find it difficult to comprehend the truth behind mankind being created in the image of God. However, there are instances clearly showing distinction between the imperfect and perfect likeness. As Christians, we are to be visible representations of God. Although we have not yet been perfected, we still embody Godlike qualities. So how are we like God?

- We have a desire to love and be loved. God is a God of love. He is much more tolerant, gracious, and patient than we deserve. We were created to worship Him, there in which, we express our love towards him. God desires for us to spend time with him, albeit through reading the Bible, praying, or simply just talking to Him. Similarly, to someone enjoying spending time with the person they love.

- We love to behold beauty. Revelation 21 speaks of Heaven shining with the glory of God. It is as brilliant as jasper and as clear as crystals. It likens Heaven to be as precious jewels and speaks of glorious angels. It gives us details about the walls being made of every kind of precious stone. The bible further details Heaven being like a “city” which is made of pure gold. So pure, that it has the resemblance of pure glass. It depicts gates made of pearls and streets made of pure gold. What a beautiful picture to behold! Yes, it is apparent that God himself enjoys being surrounded by beauty, and that includes His creation. That includes you.

- We have a desire for all that is good and pure. We have a respect for those that carry themselves in a moral and ethical manner. When we ourselves act in a manner that is impure, we tend to hide and cover our actions. There is an overwhelming desire to walk in the purity and likeness of God.

None of these qualities can be found in mere animals. God has impressed a seal upon us in which we bear His image.

So next time you look in the mirror, don’t criticize those puffy cheeks, balding head, or daily increasing wrinkles. Do not be in disbelief or disillusioned. Remind your heart of who you are. Do not forget that you were created in the image of a beautiful, caring, and loving God.

Surviving Grief and Sorrow

Grief and sorrow are very real emotions that grip the soul of the person going through the experience. God expects us to grieve and deal with the pain that will eventually bring sorrow. When pain is not dealt with and is simply "swept under the rug", the result can manifest itself through deeper emotional and physical ailments.

Grief and sorrow are not emotions that are confined to the experience of the death of a loved one. Grief and sorrow can arise from the "loss" or disappointment of a relationship, job, finances, betrayal, possessions, marriage, or health. However, there is still a GREATER promise that comes to pass even through our grief. God promises to "restore and make all things new". As believers we must remember that our grief and sorrow is only for a "season".

Soon the fruit trees will blossom once again...

Soon the flowers will bloom with their sweet fragrance...

Soon the sun will burst forth through the dark clouds...

God promises in Isaiah 61 to replace "mourning" and the "spirit of heaviness" with victory, joy, and dancing. What a promise! Even through grief and sorrow, remember that your healing will come through God's unfailing, unrelenting love for you.

For the "Working" Woman

A woman who is employed outside her home has many challenges and knowing how to juggle all her responsibilities can become an obstacle. A woman must evaluate her priorities and her decision-making process:

- Careers are usually based on contracts that are temporary, family relationships are covenants and are eternal. Employers come and go but family and God are with you for the rest of your life.

- A career plays a very small part in a woman's identity. A woman is not what she does but who she is. Who she is largely determined by her relationship with God.

God's criteria for success is faithfulness. (Regardless of how the "world" or the American "system" defines success). God is so merciful that He honors not only our efforts but our intentions. Neither your family members or your colleagues in the workplace see the big picture of your life, only God does.

In addition, a Christian should not be found slandering or gossiping about her employer (see Titus 2:3). However, an employer has no right to ask an employee to lie or deceive in any way. A woman does not owe her employer participation in any activity that is dishonorable. This includes any social occasions marked by lewd conversations and sinful behavior.

While a woman owes her employer an honest day's work, she does not owe all her time and energy. This leaves her with nothing to give to her family when she returns home. God created and expects a balanced lifestyle with family, home, and the workplace. Priorities should be firmly established according to His divine order.