Archive — Trust
2 Jul
Hunger Pains
Christians should always be happy people, right? Purpose driven. Content in all situations. Fulfilled. Filled to overflowing, in fact. After all, we have been redeemed. Bought at a precious price. And that should be enough—it is enough, right? Yes. But today it just doesn’t feel that way.
25 Jun
Solid Ground
For four days we walked the same path to the beach, crossed over the gray, wooden bridge that spanned the berm, and trudged through the sand to place our chairs in the least crowded spot to enjoy the surf and the wonderful sea breeze. Four days walking past the same sign at the edge of the beach without ever taking the time to read its warning. But for some reason, on Day 4, I paused, probably to adjust my load or to get a sandspur out of my flip flop, but I stopped and read: “Extreme currents and shifting sands. Swim at your own risk.”
16 Jun
Into The Light…”
Being trapped in a dark room is a terrifying experience. The sensation of total blackness overwhelms you. You can’t tell which way is up and which is down, where you are going and where you have been, or even what lies just ahead of you. The less we see, the less we have control over. A dark room is filled with uncertainties, and it is not a place we want to find ourselves in.
30 May
Ready…Set…Wait?
Have you ever had opportunities to see different parts of the world? I’ve been fortunate to have experienced many different cultures. I’ve stood in the shadows of the Athenian Parthenon, gazed down from the Eiffel tower, sailed the Amazon River, and safaried into the African wilderness. But all these amazing places have had one thing in common: hopelessness. Ever seen the slums? If so, you can relate that they break your heart. I’m always filled with conviction, “I need to do something!” I long to rush out and start making a difference. However, God has been convicting me lately of the question, “Who has the power to change this world?”
21 May
Three Feet Under…
I remember the first year I started working for the Town of Cochrane for my summer job. They put me on a little John Deere mower and it took me forever to learn. However, after a few weeks I started to get the hang of it; then I started to get cocky. I would pull into the yard and kick up a dust storm as I spun into my parking spot on the gravel road. I would roll up my sleeves, put on my sunglasses and jam to my iPod as I sped around trees and playgrounds, cutting grass like a pro.
20 May
Me + Math = Impossible
Math has not been my best subject in school. In fact, it is my worst subject. When I got my report card in the middle of this past semester, I realized I might not pass the class. To bring up my grade to a “C” I was going to have to get at least a “B” on the rest of my tests. The problem was I hadn’t even made a “C” on any of my tests! In higher math everything you learn builds on what you learn next, so passing was looking impossible. I knew that there was no way I could pass on my own. I came to the realization that I needed help.
7 May
Savior and Lord?
If you have ever seen someone perform the old vaudeville act of plate spinning, you will have a good picture of what life has felt like lately. You know, furiously running from plate to plate to keep each one upright on its tall, wobbly stick as though the world depends upon my personal involvement and oversight to keep it spinning on its axis. Yes, I admit it. I have a control problem. It’s not really that I want control. It’s just that I am afraid that if I do not do everything myself that it won’t get done… .Sure, Jesus can be my Savior, but will I let Him be my Lord?
28 Apr
Out Of Control!
I hate flying. I have had opportunities to fly overseas several times, and the air travel has always been miserable. At first I thought this resulted from the severe lack of anything to do while in the plane, but I have recently discovered this is not the only reason. The real explanation is that I’m scared. It’s funny, because I participate in much more dangerous activities everyday (such as riding shotgun while my brother drives), but every time a plane hits turbulence I start to panic. I struggle grasping the fact that an unknown pilot is deciding my destiny while thousands of feet in the air!
9 Apr
Breathe on Me
“Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7
So many things inspire us: passionate works of art, literature that gives voice to our deepest thoughts, music that speaks a message of truth, the splendor of creation, the stinging beauty of sacrifice, and on and on. This world is full of things that move us and fill us with a bittersweet sense of longing. But a longing for what? Even we are hard pressed to express what it is we desire. More beauty, more song, more meaning, more purpose? God only knows; yet, instead of turning to Him, we rush from one activity to the next, feeling self-important and useful for brief shining moments. We almost manage to grasp that illusive treasure we seek; but, at the end of the day, sighing, breathless, and exhausted, we find ourselves as limp and useless as a deflated balloon. “Finally,” I can imagine Him saying. “Finally, you are still and ready to receive what I alone can give! Now, ‘stop your fighting—and know that I am God.’” (Psalm 46:10)
23 Mar
Gravity
Have you ever had a circumstance that has just totally brought you down to the harsh reality of life? It feels like gravity is just crushing in on you and your world is falling apart – maybe when you lose your job or receive a phone call and find out a friend has committed suicide. Somehow life will never be the same and you are stuck dealing with the tragic realities of life on earth… .
As a friend, what can I say to this family that has experienced such a loss this week? How can there be any hope for them? I’ve thought about this question for the last few days and have really had a difficult time coming up with anything that would be meaningful to this family right now. The only answer I’ve been able to come to is that there is no hope outside of Jesus.
