problems

Fatherhood in Tough Times

Today’s reflection comes from Purpose for Everyday Living for Fathers, which really speaks to this current life and times facing families today. It talks about the nature of unpredictable change and the anxiousness that some fathers may feel about factors affecting their families that seem so far out of their control.

Our world is in a state of constant change. God is not. At times, the world seems to be trembling beneath our feet. But we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is the rock that cannot be shaken. His word promises, “I am the Lord, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6 NKJV)

The author reminds any father facing difficult circumstances that God is far bigger than any of those problems that you may face.

By putting your faith in the Father and His only begotten son: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV) Because the savior does not change “you can face your challenges with courage for today and hope for tomorrow.”

I myself as a father experience this anxiousness each day as I prepare my children for their day, struggle to pay the bills and expenses or hear about yet another violent crime happening in my community. Sometimes the number of troubles at my feet seem insurmountable and the pressure that comes from having a family count on me introduces a whole new level of change and uncertainty.

With God there is certainty. God will protect you if you ask Him. So ask Him and trust in Him to handle the many things that seem out of your control.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

Corinthians reminds us that we are meant to be beings of faith. If we succumb to what we see before us, it is certain that we will be overcome and overrun with the multitude of problems that face us. By walking with faith we look beyond and towards the Lord instead. With faith, we trust in Him to handle what seems out of our control allowing us to serve Him instead of the problems before us.

Move Those Mountains

Faith Moves Mountains

Many of us have read the Bible passage in Matthew 17:20 which reads: “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Indeed, moving mountains is not an easy task. They’re tall. They’re massive. Even all the earth’s forces at work together can only carve out mere inches from a mountainside let alone move it from “here” to “there”. The metaphor is there for a reason. Faith allows us to achieve what may seem to us as “impossible”.

I read this reflection this morning in the book: “Purpose for Everyday Living” and I think it’s a great one:

God did not create you for a life of mediocrity; He created you for far greater things. Reaching for greater things usually requires work and lots of it, which is perfectly fine with God. After all, He knows that  you’re up to the task, and He has big plans for you if you possess a loving heart and willing hands.

We are meant to be up to the challenge: moving mountains and conquering insurmountable challenges… if we have faith. To have faith is to believe that through every problem you face in life, God is with you every step of the way, ready and willing to strengthen you.

The passage also encouraged readers as Christians to “Live Courageously”… and to put fears and disappointments in God’s hands for able handling. When we feel fear or doubt approach us, turn to God.

I am a firm believer that these fears and disappointments in life are meant for us to develop our character and our inner being. How we handle ourselves in times of turmoil is a reflection of that character. Through it all we are not alone. Acknowledging this more in our lives enables us and increases our ability to take on life’s big challenges. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). As Christians and followers of the Lord, our ability to move mountains attribute to His glory, inspiration and might.

Be patient. When you feel lonely, stay with your loneliness. Avoid the temptation to let your fearful self run off. Let it teach you its wisdom; let it tell you that you can live instead of just surviving. Gradually you will become one, and you will find that Jesus is living in your heart and offering you all that you need – Henri Nouwen

The lessons of life build our character and with faith they inevitably lead us to Christ:  both for comfort from our fears and for steady endurance and strength to take on the tasks at hand. Author Max Lucado wrote this on fear: “Earthly fears are no fears at all. Answer the big question of eternity, and the little questions of life fall into perspective.” Eternity is your destiny and your salvation. Faith in God leads you there.

I pray that this reflection leaves you feeling encouraged and emboldened to tackling bigger problems and tasks in your life, knowing that through Christ you are strengthened and meant to accomplish many great, amazing things. Now leave your fears at the door and go out and start moving those mountains!

Where Does Prayer Fit In?

We’ve been reflecting on prayer a lot lately in this blog, and I thought it to be an apt point to ponder. Why so much emphasis on prayer? Why do we pray? Doesen’t God know what we need before we even realize it enough to ask for it? The answer lies in the principles of humility. Until we are able to approach God, broken and helpless, we are simply deluding ourselves. Our everyday needs, our worries and our problems should all be given over to the hands of the Lord – everything is provided for by God and it is point to humble ourselves enough to realize that.

When we settle down each evening at the dinner table for our meal, do we dive in and eat hungrily, self assured that our hard labor has earned us our nourishment? And how do you suppose you got your job? What is the nature of your employment and the daily factors affecting it? It is too often that we allow the “ego” to rule our minds and our hearts. “I” worked hard. “I” earned my salary. “I” bought this food… the truth is, YOU didn’t do anything by yourself. It is the Lord that has provided for you; a point of humility… and thankfulness is the reason why prayer is appropriate at mealtime.

A recent blog article I read regarding the power of prayer raised an observation I think is common amongst many of us. The writer talked about how he realized that while trying to help a friend in trouble he ran through his mind all the things he could do to help… and only when he had no alternative left, he offered a prayer as the last resort. If prayer is so important, he argues, why did he save it for last? The answer to that is the mindset. Again, the “ego” comes into play – we may think that we are the “masters” of our destinies or at least the one in control for the many problems we encounter in our life… but that really isn’t the case. God is still behind the scenes running the show.

If I were in a similar situation, I would consider praying first. Ask God with humility for guidance and ask Him: “What would you have me do, Lord? Please help me help others… and when I cannot find the answer, please guide me to what is your will…” It is different when we look to God for guidance in the things that we do. In the action, we surrender ourselves and our needs to the hands of one who knows infinitely more about our destinies and what is best for our well being.

On the other hand, there is a difference between asking for help, then sitting back and doing nothing. With prayer there is also action. But it helps to put our minds in a prayerful state, humble and helpless, surrendering ourselves with the knowledge that it isn’t our individual efforts (as our big ego would like us to believe) that drives our destinies… but the providence and grace of God at work in our lives.