Divine Expertise ... What's Yours?

Have you ever felt useless? Maybe your life is completely fulfilling but you wish there was some way that you could make a more significant impact on the world around you ... I know that I have felt that way. In fact for the past couple of years I have struggled with finding my place in this world. I adore being a mother, wife, daughter and friend but I couldn't help feeling that I was called to higher purpose ... that I could serve God and be a part of the bigger picture.

I searched for a ministry to get involved with in my church, but nothing really stood out to me. I started a class that encouraged the discovery of personal spiritual gifts. I had read about spiritual gifts in the bible and knew that everyone was supposed to have them, but hadn't really studied it much further. After taking a gift assessment I was not surprised to find that my spiritual gift was that of exhortation (encouragement). I have always been an optimist and seem to be one that others come to for advice and encouragement. I decided to start practicing using my gift through writing (another area of my life that I have felt led to pursue). I can tell you that, when you can combine your God given gifts with something that you are already passionate about, sparks fly! Although I am new at this, I feel God pulling me in and showing me how to use these giftings to minster to others.

What excites me about this is that we don't have to search for a spiritual gift that fits us, because in fact we are born with them! God has placed several gifts on each of us and we are called to use those gifts to further His ministry. Roman 12:6-8 says, "In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

Don't be discouraged in thinking that you don't have what it takes to use your specified gift ... the good news is that we already have in us everything we need to put those giftings to work! You will soon find that your divine gifting is your expertise! I encourage you to uncover your spiritual gifts and then ask God to develop those in you further and show you where you can use them. Doors of opportunity will open up for you and lead you to ultimate fulfilment in serving Him. It is exciting and honoring to see what God has given us and we can use those to minister to others. Speaking from my own experience, after discovering what He has given me and pursing that gift for His glory, I feel inspired, driven and excited to go forward.

The Life that Lasts

My very first attempt at simple exegeis and personal application:

1 Peter 1:13 "So think clearly and exercise self control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ."

1 Peter was written sometime around the time of 62-64 A.D. probably in Rome. 1st century Christians were being persecuted for believing in and obeying Jesus. It was during the time of the great persecution under the Roman Emperor Nero (Peter was eventually killed during the great persecution). Christians suffered in numerous ways including but not limited to physical abuse, debilitating diseases, social ostracism, persecution and even death. Sufferings, then and today, tempt people to give up and take the easy way out. Peter had encountered a tremendous amount of persecution and suffering himself and the purpose of this letter was to encourage and give hope to other Christians in hopes that they would not give up but stay strong and hold true to Jesus Christ. He wrote the letter to Jewish Christians who were driven out of Jerusalem and scattered across Asia Minor and to Christians everywhere.

Peter is concluding a theme on salvation in verse 13 and he uses words that create powerful imagery in order to appeal to his readers. The verbs think, exercise and look give strong suggestions on how we should act or what we should do in order to be closer to Jesus Christ. He advises that we should think clearly (be mentally alert, judge, regard, use or exercise our minds in order to make decisions) and exercise (discipline, exert, systematically train by multiple repetitions, “practice makes perfect”) self control (which means to control our impulses, self discipline, practice will power and restraint). Then we should look forward (perceive with attention, direct our gaze or expect) to the special blessings that will be bestowed upon us when Christ returns. These words in association with the theme of salvation through Christ are used to suggest a call to holy living.

Literally, Peter is finishing explaining the glories of what is to come. He gives Christians a few requirements of holy living and he paints a picture of what is waiting for us in the days ahead and what blessings salvation will bring. He points out that although there will be suffering and persecution we should be assured that grace is upon us. When we practice self control and put our focus clearly on Christ we will be rewarded. “Our lives are to be controlled by our focus on the ever present reality of Christ’s return and the glory that comes with that” (Dwight Edwards).

It is so easy to get caught up in our everyday lives and lose our focus on Christ. When we are tired, weak or feeling hopeless it is easy to become frustrated with God and look for worldly ways to ease our sorrows. It is easy to rely on ourselves or on worldly things instead of Him in these situations. Peter calls us to live holier and rise above this. He encourages us to not only live in the here and now but also in the future; to look forward to the rest, grace and blessings that Christ has waiting for us. Nowhere in the bible does it say that living a Christian life is easy … in fact it is clearly points out that we will face trials and sufferings in our Christian walk. Peter is trying to encourage us to trudge through those sufferings and he gives us guidelines on how to do so. He says that we should think clearly and exercise our self control. That means we should judge our thoughts, use regard and practice restraining ourselves from sin. He goes further to say that as we do those things we should look forward and expect what special blessings that Christ has waiting for us. So, keep your minds on Christ and mediate on things to come instead of worrying about today. Romans 8:6 similarly focuses on this theme, “For to be fleshly minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

When I am tired and my faith is being tested I will change my focus from death to the blessings and life that Christ offers me. I will meditate on His words, promises and give thanks for the blessings He has bestowed on me. By doing this and changing my thought process I will be exercising my self control. When I practice self control I allow myself to be closer with Christ and live in accordance with His will for my life and reward is sure to follow.

Let Go & Let God

Sometimes my life baffles me ... I think, "how did I get here?", "why am I am in these situations?" or, "I just don't get it God." Sometimes I look into the mirror and wonder when I became who I am today. Don't get me wrong, my life is full of love, joy and happiness. I have a beautiful family and the best friendships that anyone could ever ask for. But, Senior Airman and I have been through our share of struggles and sometimes I wonder when the cycle will ever break. When will we reach that point of achievement that we are striving for? Have you ever felt that way?

I am a firm believer that God is in control and that He has His own special plans for my life that I may know nothing about. When I am wanting my life to go in one direction He might be pushing me into something in the complete opposite direction. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." I take that to heart and firmly believe in those words, but I also wonder ... "what are those plans God?! Hello! Anytime you want to fill me in would be great!"

I am a strong woman and I like to be in control of the things in my life. I like to tackle problems myself and come up with my own solutions. If I can't come up with a good enough solution I don't ever hesitate to go to others (keyword: others, not Him) for advice. This is my downfall ... I am learning that I need to let go of my control and let God take control. 'Soul control' as I like to call it ... yikes ... that is a tough one. Life would be so much easier if we could all let go and let our spirits lead us, but we are after all human and being spirit led can be a struggle.

My verse of the month is Hebrews 13:5, "... I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." Wow! I mean there is not really a lot to say to follow that verse, it is simplistic and powerful. The LORD has been drilling that into my mind lately. He reminds me of it daily through other peoples words, through dreams and then he plainly throws it into my everyday thought processes. He WILL NOT fail me and He WILL NOT abandon me. That right there people is love. I don't deserve His love and I especially don't deserve His unending promises of hope and security yet He still gives it to me freely. When you really stop and digest those words and think about what they mean, it is powerful stuff.

What does this all mean and why do these verses have significance to my questions and doubts about my life ... what it comes down to is remembering that I have a God who deeply loves me, who wants the best for me, who gives me the tools I need to be the biggest success that I am capable of being, who is not only walking next to me as I go through life but completely covering me. So, when I go through times like I am right now, I read these verses along with others and meditate on them and their meanings. I ask Him to speak to me and I will myself to listen to the answers and follow where He calls me. Even when I don't get the answers I am seeking, the giants seem much smaller and I can feel a quiet confidence rise up inside me. It all comes down to faith in Him and trusting in His plans. The greatest part of this is that this isn’t just my story … every one of you listening is part of a master plan of promise and hope. You all have his love and devotion, His covering of protection and His light leading you down your path. So when life throws you into a chaotic whirlwind, take heart that you are not alone … you have the tools and abilities to persevere through. He won’t leave you or forsake you. How lucky we are to have such an adoring God! I genuinely am sad for those who don't have Him in their life ... I would be at a complete loss without the guidance and promises of my LORD, and that comes straight from the mouth of a control freak.

Merry Christmas

This year Senior Airman and I decided to do something different for our families for Christmas. We took ideas from a few different sources, worked together and came up with a great gift!

We spent time focusing on each family member and wrote a piece on each one of them. After a lot of prayer and consideration we focused in and wrote about their strengths, special giftings, unique characteristics, what they mean to us, etc. It was a piece that was meant to edify, encourage and comfort each individual.

We then ended each piece with, "If we could give you any gift in the whole world we would give you ... " We focused on various needs or desires of each person - all non-material. We then went through magazines and cut out words or sayings that we believed fit each person. Then, on Christmas we presented each person with their special gift.

It was fun to take on the project together as a team and it really helped us focus on more than just material gifts this year. We were able to focus on each family member and look fondly on who they are and what they mean to us.

The Strongest Power

Psalm 56:7-11 "Don't let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, God, throw them to the ground. You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. On the very day I call to you for help, my enemies will retreat. This I know: God is on my side. O God, I praise your word. Yes Lord I praise your word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”

Oh how scary and painful this world can be ... I've been through some hurtful situations in my life. Some things that I thought I would never get past and that in fact I still struggle with at times today. I have had a broken heart and felt physically broken from that. I've encountered death, loss and crushed dreams. I have felt betrayed, used, left out and useless. Life can be cruel.

Going through hardships myself is hard enough but to see someone that I love go through them and be completely broken because of it - it rips through me. I am very possessive of my family and my friends ... When someone I care about is wronged something stirs up in me from the pit of my stomach. From the time that I was a child, seeing my parents go through trials and losses, seeing my little sister get picked on by friends, witnessing my friends get trampled on ... it has all weighed heavily on my heart. I feel deeply and love deeply.

Sometimes I wish I could be bigger than what I am so that I could bring justice and resolve to all the hardships my loved ones face. I wish I was a giant with supernatural intelligence so that I could hunt down my enemies and crush them in the way that would hurt them the most. But I am no giant ... I don't have supernatural intelligence. I am only me. Where I find my comfort and strength is through Him. He is bigger than a giant. He can crush my enemies. My enemies cannot hide from Him. They cannot shield their thoughts and fears from Him. He sees through their lies. He brings justice, resolve, healing and strength. He loves deeply and He works mightily.

My family and friends who face these struggles and these hurts ... I cannot crush your enemy as I so desire to. I cannot hunt down your foe. But I can offer my prayers. My prayers are powerful for they go to the most powerful. They go to He who loves you and who wants you to rest peacefully. They go to Him WHO WILL PREVAIL. If He is for us, who can be against us? He is bigger than me, bigger than you, bigger than our enemies, bigger than our circumstances, bigger than our hurts and bigger than our broken hearts. I wish I could wrap you up in my arms and shield you from the struggles that you face ... let Him wrap you up. Let Him guide you to peace and rest. Let Him love you. I love you.

Making Right

Has there ever been a situation, or two, in your life in which your circumstances built up and up and before you knew it they became a mountain? Sometimes you may look back and wonder how things became so messy and complicated ... and perhaps selfishness or pride keeps you from fixing what you really feel like you need to fix ... ugh ... I am there in a couple of areas in me life. Let me tell you it is hard.

My relationship with Christ has improved so much in the year and I have been so blessed by the mighty things He is doing in my life. He has opened doors, taught me how to listen better and has blessed my family in numerous ways ... I should have known He would also drudge up some things that I needed to deal with that I had sort of put away in a closet. It is awesome when He does amazing works in our lives, but be advised that He also wants to help us deal with the dark areas in our lives where we have sinned or with situations that we have kept Him out of - whether we want to deal with those or not.

Philippians 2:1-4
"... Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and one purpose. Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better then yourself. Don't think only about your affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing."

My recent struggles have been in various relationships in my life. I have had a couple situations in that I let dwindle, even stoked in the fire a little when I shouldn't have and most of all I am sure people have been hurt because of it. I am not perfect and I am the first to admit to that. Like I said before, I have selfishly and pridefully kept myself from fixing these situations. Oh man, it is hard. Some of these situations involved other people who had hurt me as well, knowingly and unknowingly ... it is hard to let go of those things. Even as I write this I am still unsure of how to go about repairing these trying situations and am not even sure if I want to. The fact that it lays so heavy on my heart tells me that HE wants me to take care of it.

Luke 17:4
"Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”

I encourage you as you face similar situations in your life to turns these over to Christ. Even when it is hard. If you feel that tugging on your heart leading you resolve past or present issues in your life, listen to it! Most of the time when the Holy Spirit speaks to you He is telling you to do something that you are not comfortable with and that challenges you. I'm sure it is such a freeing feeling when you can resolve that problem and let it go ... I'm not just trying to encourage you - I am talking myself into this as I write as I know it is the right thing to do. So as I take this challenge and try to mend my issues, hand them over to God, learn to forgive and get over myself, I challenge you to do the same if you have a struggle that you have been storing away in the closet.

I don't have a formula to give you on how to resolve your issue, all I can offer is the advice that you just need to hand it over Him and constantly pray over it. BE OPEN to resolution and don't talk yourself out of something that He is calling you to do. When God wants something done He will get it done with or without your help, so make the choice to be the tool that He uses to do it ... Peace!!!

Praise Him In YOUR Storm

In my quiet time today I was led to read my “Trusting In The Names Of God” book by Catherine Martin. The book talks about all the different names of God and what they mean, how to use them, etc. I turned to the chapter on Trusting in Yahweh Nissi – He is your Victory. It spoke to me and a dozen of you came to mind. I felt called to speak this message, if you will, to you. I thought I would highlight some of what the chapter talks about and hope that I don’t bore you but instead inspire you to know that despite your present circumstances Yahweh Nissi (God) is on your side fighting your battles and if you let Him, He will bring you victory!

“What does knowing Yahweh Nissi tell you about yourself? You need someone to fight for you and bring victory in your life. The Lord is the one who fights for you. Run to Yahweh Nissi when you need victory in the battle you face today. What will the banner of the Lord look like in your life? Some scholars suggest that Moses’ upraised hands represented prayers and petitions and intercession on behalf of the people of God in the heat of the battle.

What banner do you hold in your life? Is Yahweh Nissi your banner? Or do you carry the banner of self, believing you are the only one to fight the battle? Or do you carry the banner of money, believing if only could be a millionaire, you could win your war? Or is the banner of position your reliance, believing if only you could have the perfect job, your problem, whatever it may be, will be solved?

When you are in the heat of the battle, think of Moses and the staff in his hand. When he had the staff high (trusting and following God’s commands) in his hands, Israel won, and when it fell, they began to lose. And so it is with you – defeat is sure if you hold up any banner but Yahweh Nissi. Victory is certain if you hold high your banner, Yahweh Nissi. Look to the Lord to fight your battles. Cry out to Him. The Lord will give you wisdom every step of the way as He leads you.

Pray in the heat of the battle and watch the Lord win the battle – He is victor! Oh, how exciting to watch Yahweh Nissi gain the victory in a life, whether that life is your life, a family member’s or a friend’s. Joy is your great response in praising Yahweh Nissi. Nehemiah taught the people of God, ‘The joy of the Lord is your strength!’ How can you rejoice in Him today? ‘Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them. Splendid and majestic is His work and His righteousness endures forever!’ Psalm 11:2-3”

Last words – from ME!
Times are tough for everyone right now. We are all facing different battles today, this week, this month and this year. I feel pledged to tell you that you are not alone! Ask Him to help you, stay in His presence, petition your needs to Him, and intercede for those around you who are struggling … He will answer. Our God is not a God who neglects or turns His back. He LOVES us and He wants us to succeed and prosper. He does not desire to see you bound to the ground in hopelessness and despair. He desires you to stay with Him and trust Him. If you let Him, He will bring you out of your battle as the winner!!! And most importantly, it is so easy for us to come to God with our problems and plead for help (he wants us to!) but even in the midst of our battles we need to praise Him! Like the last couple of sentences above we must have joy in the Lord as that is our strength! I encourage you read the words of the song, ‘Praise You In This Storm’ by Casting Crowns.

I encourage you friends and family who are struggling to turn to Him, don’t turn away, place yourself closer then ever before and He will show you a victory in your battle. You, my friend, cannot win it yourself, you are simply incapable, but with Him you can do anything! I will remember you and your situation in my prayers this week …

Love,
Sarah