Freedom and Fruit

In the early ‘90s, I sang with a country music group called Crystal River. We did a monthly 2-hour music show. There were 8 of us and our group numbers together required us to dance during each number. Well, this guy had two left feet and it was hard for me to learn to keep in step with everyone. I did it with lots of practice but it took great effort on my part.

Paul tells us in Galatians 5:25 to “keep in step with the Spirit.” Chapter 5 is all about Paul contrasting several things as he reminds followers of Christ to walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit of God.

Paul consistently tells us it is not about how much work you do but it’s the work of Jesus on the cross that makes us right with God. He says in verse 6, “What counts is faith expressing itself through love”. Paul knows a false gospel has been introduced to the church. It’s a gospel that says you need Jesus but you also have the keep the Law. In other words, Jesus is important but keep checking boxes and doing things or God will never be happy with you.

All through Galatians 5, Paul tells us what the real gospel is all about. It’s about what Jesus has done, not about what you do that makes you right with God. He reminds us that the Spirit is greater than the flesh. I often think about the persecution the early followers experienced. The battle that must have gone on internally was no doubt incredibly tense. Most of them had to decide to follow Jesus and die or cave to the fleshly desire to live and walk away from Jesus.

See, our flesh is concerned with performance and presentation. The Law of the flesh says that we want to be seen, honored, respected, and admired. We selfishly pursue those things that will give credit to our sinful nature. We live in this performance-based world and we tend to carry that mentality into our spiritual life.

But the Spirit is concerned with changing our hearts. The Spirit of God wants to move us from hate to love, from a depressed state to one of joy; from chaos to peaceful living, from a non-compassionate spirit to one of kindness; from corrupt living to living the goodness of God; from being untrustworthy to being faithful; from having a heart full of anger to having one of gentleness; from having a short temper to being a person of patience; from being nomadic to being self-controlled.

Paul boils down how to know if you’re keeping in step with flesh or with the Spirit. He lists how we live into our fleshly desires by giving us 15 different ways of living that are not of God. He says, if it’s evident your life has in it “sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties…”, you are living into your fleshly desires. Paul goes on to say if the above represents your life, you will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But then reminds us that we are called to live like Jesus by listing the fruit of the Spirit which are “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Paul says we should live this way in abundance every day. It’s then we look like Jesus and are in step with the Spirit.

If you’re brave, you’ll ask someone you love and respect how your life looks. Does it look like your following a selfish path or one that your characteristics look more like the Jesus way? My hope is you’re brave enough to incorporate the fruit of the Spirit in your life…that you are keeping in step with the Spirit. With freedom in Christ, you have all the tools you need to become more like our savior everyday. You no longer have to abide by the desire of the flesh. Embrace Jesus and keep in step with the Spirit. Blessings on your journey.

Living by Faith

I am a huge fan of Google maps. It gets me were I want to go. My dad, however, doesn’t like using the digital maps app. He is old school and using bridges, fallen trees, and stone walls as observation points to get where he’s going. Paul in Galatians is helping us find our way to God. He doesn’t want to chance anything so he keeps reminding us that Jesus is the only thing to make us right with God. Don’t get lost and don’t be confused by vague or wrong directions. Jesus is the only way to be made right with God.

So many people in the world love to pair other things with Jesus, stating it’s that combination that gets you to heaven. Adding anything to Jesus though is false doctrine. Jesus plus nothing equals everything. So it makes me ask the question, “What makes legalism fascinating to people?

One. Legalism appeals to the flesh. I feel better about myself when I do something and don’t leave it up to someone else. Some folks have a mental condition called OCD. OCD is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that people feel driven to perform to reduce anxiety. So when I do something about my salvation, I feel really good about what I have done. I have less anxiety and less dependence on others.

Two. Legalism appeals to the senses. We have a chemical in our brain called dopamine. When we do something good, it releases and we “feel good.” You see this happen when you hold your spouse’s hand or give them a kiss. When you graduate from college or build a shed in your backyard. When we accomplish things, dopamine is released and we feel good about what’s going on in our life.

So, in our spiritual walk, when I do something that’s connected to my salvation, I feel good about what I have done, dopamine is released and creates a feeling of accomplishment. Many times in my spiritual walk, I do things, believing that’s part of my salvation journey. I’m adding to my “good works” and in doing so I believe I’m creating an avenue to get to God. But Paul is reminding us in Galatians, there is nothing you can do to make you right with God. Jesus did that for us and in him we find our righteousness.

Look. There are only two religions in the world: human achievement and divine accomplishment. Every single religion in the world falls under human achievement except for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Human religion says, “Work your way.” Divine accomplishment says, “I am the Way.”

See, Christ has rescued us from the world, sin, the Law. In Galatians 3:13, Paul uses this Greek word, “exagorazo” which means “out of the marketplace.” The imaginary Paul is using is so common in his day. You were a slave, chained and bound…you were not free. But then Jesus showed up at the slave block in the marketplace and bought you. In doing so, we took the key, unchained you and set you free. He didn’t use money but bought you with his blood.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” It’s in Christ that we have been made free. So, don’t add too God’s perfect plan in Christ by adding a checklist of things you have to do to be right with God. Jesus is the only thing we need to be perfect and right. In Jesus, you find real freedom. Blessings on the journey.

Courage Under Fire

You’ve confronted someone when things didn’t look right, right? And I know you have been confronted as well. Humans rarely enjoy conflict and those that do need therapy.

In Galatians 2, Paul tells of a moment when he confronted Peter about his church leadership, reminding him he was not living up to how Jesus called us to follow him. Both Paul and Peter, leaders in the first century church, had come to realize that the Gospel of Jesus was for everyone, not just the Jews. So, in Jerusalem, Peter had begun eating with Gentiles, sitting at their table and living life with them.

But other Jewish Christians called Judaizers believed not only did you need Jesus for salvation, you also had to keep following the Jewish Law (Torah). So these guys put a lot of pressure on Peter and Peter pulled away from the Gentile believers. Peter’s move away created chaos and confusion in the early church. So, Paul called him on it, reminding him that the Gospel was for everyone and the Law no longer controlled the lives of people following Jesus. Peter recognized his mistake and made the necessary corrections to quell the confusion.

This interaction leads us to a question: How do you respond as a follower of Jesus when someone calls you out on something? I mean, whether we are in the wrong or not, we are called to be different than the world. Our response to people who have questions about our actions is a clear indicator of what we believe about Jesus and our discipleship.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:1-3, “I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” And then he says in Romans 12:16, “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” So, even when it’s hurtful, always respond as Jesus would.

My wife is a public school teacher. She was questioning a 4th grade boy about his activity and he shut down. All he would say is, “If you have any questions, ask my mom.” He just repeated this script taught to him by his single mother. So, my wife reached out for a parent meeting. The young mom came into the meeting with condescending looks and words that were mean-spirited. My wife, ever professional, sat just listening. About 4-5 minutes into the meeting, the angry helicopter mom was not getting the same indignant reaction from my wife so she asked, “Why are you acting like that?” Meaning, why are you smiling and listening and not coming back at me.

Well, it’s because my wife is a follower of Jesus. She has listened well to how we are called to act, even when the world is angry and mean. Her response is a clear indication of what she believes. And it should be that way for us as well. Sometimes, it’s exhausting living in a self-centered world while trying to follow the Savior. But it will be worth it. Hang in there. The Spirit will energize you and hold you up. Let your light shine. Blessings on the journey.

No Other Gospel

You’ve had moments when you heard two different stories. My wife says that about me all the time. She knows the way we experienced it and the way I tell it. Hey, don’t let the facts get in the way of telling a good story I say.

Paul’s letter the the Galatian churches is him setting the story straight. Paul had preached the true Gospel message to the folks in towns across Galatia, setting up house churches in the towns he visited. They believed in Jesus as salvation and the way back to God the Father. However, Jewish Christians called Judaizers, were literally traveling behind Paul and preaching a different Gospel to these same churches. These false teachers were saying you need Jesus but you also have to continue keeping the Law or obeying the Jewish rule system if you want to be right with God.

Getting the Gospel right is a big deal. It’s important. As a matter of fact, our very lives depend on us getting the Gospel right and when the church does get it right, a couple of things happen.

One, people begin to experience the saving power of Jesus Christ. Jesus will change how you neighbor, raise your kids, interact with your spouse, how you interact with folks in your school and workplace…he’ll change you! Honestly, Jesus changes everything! Once you know Jesus, the power of Jesus comes into your life and you have new purpose and direction.

Secondly, God is gloried, not you and me. Everything becomes about raising up the Name of Jesus in your daily life and pointing others toward him.

So we ask Paul, what is the Gospel?

The Gospel is the good news that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead so that through faith in him, we can be made right with God and enjoy life with him forever.

And as a follower of Jesus, he wants you to tell the good news through your actions and words. There’s a great story in Mark 5 where Jesus and the disciples cross the Sea of Galilee and land on shore at the spot where a cemetery is located. As the pile out of the boat, a demon-possessed man runs down the slope out of the cemetery towards them. He is bleeding, screaming, naked, has broken chains around his wrists and is clearly crazy.

Once in front of Jesus, the man asked, “Why are you interfering with us?” (it’s the demons talking). They demand that Jesus not send them out of the area but put them in the pigs, which Jesus does. The pigs rush down the hill and into the water. All of them drown so the local townspeople are not happy and ask Jesus to leave their area.

As Jesus and the disciples start getting back in the boat, the once demon-possessed man is standing by the boat, clothed and in his right mind. He wants to go with Jesus, the person that totally saved him and changed his life forever. But Jesus says he needs the man to stay on this side of the Sea of Galilee.

Interestingly, in Mark 7, Jesus and the disciples go over once again to the Gentile side of the Sea, where the demon-possessed man had been before. But now, Jesus and his disciples are welcomed by the people and invited to stay and do ministry. Why? Well, it’s because the man whose life was changed radically by Jesus went into the Decopolis and told everyone the good news about Jesus. They were ready and waiting.

See, in our lives as well, Jesus calls us, right where we live and work to share the Good News about Jesus, the man who can and will change your life forever. So, begin looking for those opportunities to share how Jesus has changed your life, revealing how Jesus can change their lives as well. Blessings on the journey.

Speak Boldly

The times when our kids speak out can be embarrassing. Once while standing near a man with an artificial limb, our youngest son asked him if he was a robot. Innocent I know but still. I feel sometimes we, as followers of Jesus, are a little embarrassed to talk about Jesus.

We’ll say things like, “I’ll just let my life be my witness.” While that’s an important part of following Jesus, our spoken words about His greatness are equally important. See, our behavior is born out of belief. We speak boldly about what we believe deeply. Case in point…

Peter and John are on the way to the Temple in Jerusalem in Acts 3 when they stop and heal a crippled beggar. Once he’s on his feet, they all three go into the Temple and a crowd gathers because they recognize the man who has been begging for years but he’s on his feet. Peter uses this opportunity to share the story of Jesus. He vocalizes the importance of knowing Jesus. It creates such a commotion, Peter and John are arrested and placed in jail overnight.

The next morning, the authorities begin to question Peter and John and admonish them to never speak in the Name of Jesus again. But Peter replies, “We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

As we live out and tell of the greatness of Jesus, there are four things I want to encourage you to do. Because I believe so deeply in Jesus, I can’t help but speak boldly to myself. Isaiah said in Isaiah 61:1, that “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me and I have a message to tell.” You have the Spirit of God within you so use his strength to share the story of Jesus. Remind yourself that you are a “preacher” and didn’t know it.

Because I believe so deeply in Jesus, I can’t help but encourage you. We should be the most encouraging people on the planet. We have an incredible life in Jesus. He blessed us in so many ways. So be an encourager of people. Paul says in Galatians to not give up doing good. Everyday, look for ways you can share Jesus and encourage people on their journey.

Because I believe so deeply in Jesus, I can’t help but lovingly correct you. There are times that I believe God’s mandate so strongly that I must come along side and speak boldly. But speak the truth in love. Don’t be a jerk about it. Matthew 18 is where Jesus gives us the formula for helping people live a better life. Go one on one first. If that doesn’t work, then take a friend with you. If there is still no difference, take your observation to the shepherds at your church. Our goal is to encourage folks to come home, not “be right” and condescending.

Finally, because I believe so deeply, I can’t help but lead you toward Christ. That should be everyone of our goals. Peter and John knew that when they said they could not stop telling about what they know concerning Jesus. My guess would be if you don’t speak boldly, maybe it’s because you don’t believe deeply.

Use every opportunity to speak life into the people that cross your path everyday. I believe we have those chances everyday but make decisions to move past them. May the Holy Spirit give you courage to speak for and about Jesus. May your life be a light on the hill for those searching for a better way. May God guide your steps each time you leave the house. Blessings on the journey.

Be the Light.

My two sons and I were in Boy Scouts together when we lived in Kansas City. I was the troop chaplain and an assistant Scout master. One of the trips we took was to south Missouri to go caving. Once the tents were set up, we donned our hard hats, head lamps and gloves and journeyed into the darkness. Our lights were absolutely necessary in order to see our way around once inside. Without light, we couldn’t see the hand in front of our face. Having light showed us the path to walk. Without, we’d plunge into the water or down the slippery rocks. With the light, everything was illuminated.

Jesus calls us to be certain things as his disciples and followers. He does so at the front end of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:13-16. Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Jesus’ audience knew the value of salt. Behind the sun and water, it was a most important commodity to survival. Some scholars believe that early Roman army personnel in remote posts were paid with salt. The Latin word, Salarium (salt money), is where we get our English word, “Salary”. You’ve heard the phrase, “He isn’t worth his salt.”

Today, a salt of the earth person is a really good person. Jesus is saying, “You were a bad person because of sin who has been transformed by a good God so now you will be an influencer for Jesus.” See salt preserves and purifies. Salt living also creates thirst. A dark world sees your life and Jesus and craves the good life you have. Salt living melts hard hearts. Like salt on top of ice while making ice cream, salt living melts difficult hearts.

Jesus is saying you can be that influencer who effects people who’ve been hurt by the world or religion or others.

But Jesus also calls us to let our light shine for others. In Jesus’ day, small clay pitchers were filled with oil then lit at the mouth of that pitcher to create a lamp. If it was windy, you might put a wicker basket over it so the flame would not be snuffed out. Inside the house though, you’d had several lamps around without any baskets over them so the whole house would be well lit.

Jesus is telling us disciples, don’t hide your light. Be light for a dark world. Don’t cover up your light as a follower. Let your light shine so that others living in darkness know where to go…where to step.

So in your office space, be the kind of employee who has great work ethic and who’s the kind of coworker others trust and go to for leadership. In your home, be the kind of house on your block that all the kids come to…the house all the other parents respect and trust with their kids. In your family, be the spiritual leader who is showing your kids how to pray and daily being in God’s Word. At your church, don’t just be a consumer, be a follower who is actively involved in serving others. In your neighborhood, be the neighbor is offering to help where ever you can.

Jesus called us to be salt and light. This world is full of darkness and so many are exhausted and tired of groping around in the darkness. Help others see the light of Jesus and the better way of living that is available to everyone who follows him. Blessings on your journey.

I am God's Masterpiece

I have had the privilege of visiting the Louvre in Paris, France. The museum is full of incredible pieces of art and at the end of the tour, you’ll be swimming because of so much visual stimulation. One of the pieces in the museum is the famous Mona Lisa by DeVinci. Currently, it’s worth $770 million. But did you know, God has designated you as worth more than that? God says you’re different, unique, priceless. You are created by the ultimate artist, God, to bring him glory and honor in your life.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:1-10, that each of us were living in darkness and sin before we proclaimed Jesus as our King and Savior. In Christ, we are brand new, clean, found righteous and in good standing with God. And our right-standing with God has nothing to do with what we’ve done…everything to do with what Jesus did. We are not saved by our good works but saved for good works.

Ultimately, you were created for the Master’s purpose. The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 139 that God knew our story and all our days before one of them came to be. In all of history, you were the perfect person to be born right now to give God glory through your life.

I have used tools before incorrectly. For example, I’m up on a ladder with a cordless drill and I see a nail sticking out, I’ve incorrectly used the handle of the drill to hammer the nail in. That’s not what a drill is used for. In our life, sometimes we don’t know our purpose so we incorrectly use it by filling it with inappropriate sexual relationships or drugs and alcohol or being a workaholic. But you don’t ask the thing what’s its purpose is, you ask the one who created it. So, God reminds us that we exist to bring God glory and honor in our life.

God also reminds us through the Apostle Peter that we have everything we need to do everything God wants you to do (2 Peter 1:3). With you talents and giftedness, your life experience, your relationships, you have all the pieces need to get in sync with God’s purposes for you.

Finally, God uses everything in your life to bring about his purposes. Paul tells us in Romans 8:28, “…we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” “Everything” includes the good things and not so good things. It includes the things you wanted to happen and the things you never wanted to happen. In Christ, God works in all things to bring about his purposes if we remain in Christ and live to glorify him.

You may be saying, “I’m not good enough” but remember, He’s already said you’re a masterpiece. You may be saying, “I don’t like myself”. Then let God remake you. He’s the potter, you are the clay. You’re a masterpiece of God…his crowning love and joy. Once you know who you are, you’ll know exactly what to do. Blessings on the journey.

I am an Ambassador

At the White House, adjacent to the West Wing sits the Eisenhower EOB (Executive Office Building). In that building sits a chair. It’s the same chair the Ambassador from Japan sat in as he dictated a 14-part message about the breakdown of negotiations between Japan and America. At that very moment, Pearl Harbor was being bombed. He was the highest ranking representative from Japan and spoke for the emperor.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5, that we have a message from Christ. In deed, we are the message from Christ. The message is that in Christ, we are brand new. Through Christ, we have been reconciled back to God. Reconciliation means “restored to the Divine”…to take what’s broken spiritually and make it right. So, as followers and believers, we are ambassadors for Christ sent from Heaven to earth to proclaim this message. And when you know who you are, you’ll know what to do.

As an ambassador, you are not elected by people but chosen and appointed by God. See, it doesn’t matter what other people might think of you. God has chosen you, So many times, we let what others think of us dictate how engaged we are with presenting the message of Jesus. Our high school/university friends say, “I know who you are…I’ve seen the things you have done and said. You want to be a follower of Jesus?!” And the laughing begins.

But Jesus himself said in John 15, “You did not choose me. I chose you.” Even with our mess ups and poor life choices, Jesus still picked us to represent him on earth. We are called to be the message of Jesus to those around us.

Remember all the issues the Saul (who became the apostle Paul) did early in life? He was an up and coming Pharisee in Jerusalem. But in Acts, he was going to tear the church down. We are introduced to him as he holds the coats of the men who stoned Stephen to death in Acts. Then he’s on the way to Damascus to arrest other Jesus-followers when Jesus appears to him. Jesus tells him to go ahead to Damascus and wait for a guy named Ananias who will teach him, heal him and baptize him. Jesus tells Ananias, “I’ve chosen Paul (despite his previous actions) to be my spokesman.” And that’s exactly what he’s done for us…called us to follow and be an ambassador for him.

Equally, you never represent yourself but you always represent God. Knowing everything he was going to endure for our sake—humiliation, beating, crucifixion—Jesus said in John 6:38, “It is not my will but the will of the one who sent me.”

Jesus has sent you to be his ambassador. That’s a call to get out of your comfort zone and embrace those around you with the message of reconciliation. How many times have you been in the break room at work, or talking with your next door neighbor, or discussing something with the cashier at Wal-Mart and sensed something was not right? That’s the insight of the Holy Spirit reminding you in the moment to ask a question, pray over someone, put an arm around someone and remind them, Jesus is present and with them.

For those of us a little shy and unsure, remember what Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” We are empowered by the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead so go on…be brave…know you’ve been called to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ. You represent the King of kings and Lord of lords. Blessings on your journey.

I am a Disciple

I went to basic training in the Air Force in January 1989. When I arrived at Lackland AFB, I was green and not worth much to the military. But after weeks of training, the drill instructor had stripped away the “old Tim” and a new person graduated.

I many ways, that’s what Jesus does for us. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “…This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” When we follow Jesus, we are new disciples.

Now a disciple is a little different than a “Christian”. In our current culture, so many people call themselves Christians but have no fruit to show they are. When you are a disciple, well that goes a little stronger and deeper. Take when Jesus calls Matthew to follow him in Matthew 9:9-13. Jesus doesn’t say, “Come be a Christian.” Jesus says, “Come be my disciple.” The word Jesus uses is “Mathetes” in the original language. That word means pupil, student, follower, disciple. So Jesus is saying, “Come learn from me and do what I do.” It’s more than just a name, it’s a lifestyle change.

So when we hear the call of Jesus and begin following him, we are more than just Christians, we are disciples. When you know who you are, you will know what to do and how to live. You’ll be a person who lives like Jesus, talks like Jesus, treats others like Jesus did, and loves people like Jesus did.

As a disciple, you will find a need and meet it. It’s what Jesus did in his every day life on earth. In Matthew 19, he’s teaching in the town square when some parents approach with their kids. The disciples try to keep them away but Jesus stops teaching and calls the kids to him so he can bless them.

In the upper room during the last supper in John 13, after everyone has arrived for the festivities, Jesus notices no one remembered to get a servant there to wash people’s feet before dinner. So, despite his position, Jesus got down on his knees and washed the dirty feet of those who followed him.

After his resurrection, Jesus in seen on the beach of the Sea of Galilee. The disciples thought he was dead so they had gone back to doing what they knew to do: fish. They had been at it all night and dawn was breaking. Peter looks and notices Jesus standing beside a fire on the beach, jumps out of the boat and swims to Jesus. Jesus had done some so simple for his boys: built a warm fire and cooked breakfast for them.

If you are a follower, a disciple of Jesus then your life is no longer about you but about being like Jesus and serving those around you. At that last supper in John 13, Jesus reveals how the world will know you follow him. Jesus says, “By the way you love each other is how the world will know you are my disciples.”

There are some reading this that just need to keep doing what you are doing. You are living into the call to look like Jesus. Some of us have a foot in the water checking to see if you want to go in. It’s time right now to jump in with both feet. Some of us need to get off the sidelines. Your family needs you to participate in the call of God.

Together through the Spirit’s power, we can unite to be Jesus in our community, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to look and act Jesus everyday. This year, right now, it’s time to wear the title “disciple” and be Jesus to those around you. Blessings on the journey.

A Thrill of Hope in the Wilderness

In the summer of 1986, my dad decided to take our family on their first ever vacation. He chose Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. We left Arkansas and finally arrived at Scenic, SD at which point dad announced he would take us in the back way, through the Badlands. Alone and on that gravel road, close to ten miles from any human being, a rock hit our gas tank and we were stranded in the wilderness. So, my brother and I walked through the Badlands back to Scenic where we called a wrecker to come get us.

My guess is you’ve had moments like that in life. Nothing seemed to go well. You felt isolated, alone, and no one knew your situation. We all felt like we were in a wilderness during COVID. Everyone did the best they could but it was a long time alone.

Maybe you’ve been asking questions like, “When do I no longer have to be alone”, “When will I finally get out of debt”, “When will I get a job”, “When will the cancer be gone”, “When will my child come home”. We’ve all had moments when it felt like we were stranded and we couldn’t see how we would ever move forward to a more positive space in our story.

We love the mountain top experiences with God. I mean, who doesn’t? But it’s interesting in the Bible, wilderness moments typically follow mountain top experiences. It happened to Jesus at the beginning of his ministry. He’s baptized by John and then hears the words of the Father, “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” And right after that, Jesus is lead into the wilderness to tempted by Satan for 40 days and 40 nights.

Maybe you’ve had a bit smaller of a difficult time. Your relationship is great only to discover that person wasn’t being totally honest with you. You thought you had a rock solid marriage only to find out your spouse has been stepping out on you. You thought you were on the road to financial stability only to be laid off.

However, your deepest need becomes a gift when it drives you to depend an almighty God.

There’s a story in 1 Kings 19 about Elijah who runs away from a wicked queen. He runs to Mount Sinai and hides in a cave. The LORD appears to him to remind Elijah who he is and how God is with him, even in the wilderness. So God passes in front of the cave with Elijah standing there. There is a strong wind, an earthquake, a fire, but God isn’t in any of those extraordinary things. There’s finally an ordinary, every day whisper and that’s where God is. God asks Elijah in the whisper, “What are you doing here?”

And why does God whisper? It’s because He’s close…He’s near. He’s right there with you in your wilderness. So, what’s He saying to you? I will never forsake you. I will never leave you. I’ll hold you up with my strong right hand. I’ll stand by you. I will be light in your darkness. I love you more than you can imagine.

The Psalmist says in Psalms 34:17-18, “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” God is close to those who feel they are in a wilderness moment. But he whispers, “Hang on! I’m right here.”

You and I can trust God is Immanuel, “God with us”. He is with you and will never leave. He loves you more than anything. Blessings on the journey.