Are You a Good Steward of Suffering?

 

Stewardship and suffering probably aren’t words that you readily connect to one another, but the reality is, how we manage our trials is an indicator of our spiritual maturity.  We’ve all heard; or even asked the question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?”.  You may have even heard “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?”. 

We know from scripture that God does not promise us an easy life; in fact, we pretty much know that following Christ means facing opposition. Jesus told us to take up our cross daily.  James instructs us to consider it joy when (not if) we encounter various trials.  So why are we as believers still surprised when suffering comes our way?

Since we know we are going to endure hard things, how can we best manage and respond to them?  Know that there is a “why”.  When Paul speaks of the thorn in his flesh, which is still somewhat of a mystery to us, he tells us why such suffering is in his life: “To keep me from becoming conceited” (2 Corinthians 12:7).  

Instead of focusing on why me or woe is me, ask yourself and the Lord, “How can this be redemptive?”.  Remember that suffering is not just something to get through, but is something God intends to use for our good and His glory. Rest in knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). 

Your Glass Isn't Empty

 “You can’t pour from an empty glass.”

I’m sure you’re familiar with the above phrase and it’s probably safe to say that you can’t do a whole lot with an empty cup.  You’ve also heard the follow up remarks like “You’ve got to take care of yourself before you can take care of others”. 

These phrases are usually said in reference to our emotional or spiritual state; however, our cups are never empty.  We are either full of the Lord or full of ourselves.

Proverbs says it well: As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person (Proverbs 27:19).  We think, process, and respond according to what is most important to us; according to what fills us.

I like to say what is in the well comes out of the bucket.  What we put in the “well” of our hearts will be what flows out into every aspect of our lives.  The good news is, what occupies our hearts and minds; what is in our “well”, is up to us. 

Our glass is not empty, but we do have a choice in what fills it.

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy-dwell on these things.”

 Philippians 4:8

What are you dwelling on?  Who are you allowing to fill your cup?

It is my prayer that we would allow the Lord to fill us so that it is through Him that we do everything else. 

Is Being Fearful A Sin?

During this pandemic, I’ve seen a lot of fear and worry.  Sometimes we need to be reminded that fear is a natural response and is our body’s way of informing us that we are potentially in danger. But we also need to keep in mind that worrying often reveals the idols of our heart. 

If you’ve been the worrier lately, then you’ve probably looked up scriptures that instruct us to “fret not” and remind us of how God takes care of everyone and every thing. (Which is absolutely the truth, though we often forget.)

One of the more popular portions of scripture on worry is Matthew 6:25-34, which speaks on how worrying does not add a single hour to our lives (can I get an amen?!) and reminds us all that the Lord does indeed provide for even the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.

But it’s the verses right before this that we seem to miss and probably need the most.  Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters (vs. 24).  It is a call to single-hearted devotion toward God.

Verses 19-24 point out the things that are competing for our hearts. Competing treasures (19-21), competing eyes (22-23), and competing masters (24). 

What are you putting your hope in?  For some of us, it’s things.  Especially while having all of this extra time at home, we think buying something new will bring us joy and comfort while we are in distress. For others, it’s wanting what everyone else has. And ultimately, we must choose whom (or what) we shall serve.

We often feel guilty about our fear and worry.  Does our worry mean that we do not trust the Lord? Jesus addresses the worriers as those with “little” faith, not those with no faith (Matt. 6:30).  If your fears, doubts, and worries have you discouraged today, I encourage you to look the Master. 

 

Don’t allow fear to become your master.  It cannot improve your future and instead diverts you from the good you could be doing now. Focus on your Father, embrace his promises, and seek his kingdom.

Caution: A Lack of Vision is Deadly

Do you ever feel like you’re just wandering and hope that you’re heading in the right direction?  To this day, that’s how I feel when I play chess.  I have always been a lover of board games and I appreciate chess, but each move just requires so much thought and consideration for what may happen next.  You have to constantly be thinking ahead and have a plan.  

Without an idea of where you want to go next, you put your players/pieces at risk.  When we lack vision and are just “wandering” in chess, we know our chances of winning are not high.  In order to do well in chess, you must know and obey the rules while also having a vision of where you want to go.  The same can be said of the Christian walk.  

The book of Proverbs offers what I like to call “nuggets of wisdom”.  And Proverbs 29:18 offers a little nugget of wisdom on our plans or lack thereof.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Where there is no vision, the people perish.  When we go about life without a plan and intention, we tend to waste time and there is not much hope for the future.  For a life well-lived, we must take the time to determine where we want to go and how we want to get there.  

Do you have a strategy; a vision in place for your walk with the Lord?  Or are you wandering aimlessly and just hoping that your life is “good enough”? If we want to walk more intimately with God, then we need to make the necessary preparations to get there instead of hoping and waiting for it to just happen.  Without intentionality and action, we become stagnant. 

The second half of the verse states “but he that keepeth the law, happy is he”.  While these proverbial nuggets are not promises, they certainly offer practical wisdom and tangible steps toward our desired destination.  To “keep” the law simply means to obey, follow, or maintain. When we keep the law, our hearts (and therefore our vision) is set upon the right things.

May He be our vision.