light at the end of the tunnel

Will relief ever come?

Have you ever wondered, in the midst of your pain and suffering, whether things will ever get better? You know what I’m talking about: When the future looks just as bleak—if not more so—than the present.

What happens when there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, and gloom and doom haunt your thoughts day and night?

What do you do?

Let’s start with the obvious: Something needs to change, and change quickly. What you’re going through can’t continue. You need help. 

Duh, right? Except the obvious needs to be stated. Now let’s get specific.

First and foremost, you need to bring your problem(s) before the Lord. Tragically, many people either pooh-pooh the importance of prayer or neglect it altogether. For instance, in the case of a physical illness, our knee-jerk reaction may be to get on the phone with a specialist instead of getting on our knees.

While there’s a time and a place for earthly resources, I suggest instead you start with a phone call to your heavenly Father. Seeking out help from others is important, but I urge you not to overlook the only divine resource available.

If you want to know how to pray and what to say, just read through a handful of Psalms written by King David and you’ll see how it’s done. He was flawed and troubled just like us, but had an ace in his pocket: the Creator of the universe.

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”1

This attitude of dependence is critical in your recovery. The Lord God must be your most important asset, bar none. He’s more important than your doctor, therapist and pastor put together. After all, He has resources no one else on this planet has.

And when you talk to the Lord about what’s going on, for heaven’s sake don’t hold back. Even a cursory reading of the Psalms shows us that David never held back. Ever. Always be respectful, but if you’re hurting, tell Him. If you’re angry, tell Him. And if you’re fed up, tell Him.

Whatever’s on your mind, share it with your heavenly Father. He’s the epitome of the perfect parent, ready and willing to help His children. In this case, His spiritual children.

Is it important to seek out the prayers, support and help from family, friends and others? Of course it is. But I urge you not to overlook the only divine resource available.

When the future looks just as bleak—if not more so—than the present, you need the help of King David’s God. Your God.

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you.”2

1   Psalm 18:2

2  Psalm 55:22

spider in the house

I'm resisting the urge to send it into kingdom come.

Normally a spider so close to me would suffer a quick and sure death. Especially one making its way down the wall in front of me as I write this blog.

Yet I find myself sparing its life (so far, anyway) while pondering the question, “Why is it okay for spiders to be outside, but not inside?”

The answer is obvious: Most of us don’t relish having insects invading the place where we eat and sleep. I mean, that’s just gross and unthinkable. Outside, okay, as long as they don’t bother me. But here in the house? Forget about it. That’s what insecticide is for.

And that got me thinking about the fact that our holy and sinless God allows sinners to walk this earth (for awhile, anyway). But when it comes to getting into heaven someday—into His “house”—well, that’s not going to happen.

You see, all of humanity has a problem.

"There is no one righteous, not even one.”1

And yet God, in His mercy and grace, will welcome some sinners into His house someday. Provided, of course, they’re repentant sinners. Provided we admit, in humility, that we’re guilty and trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins. Then and only then will we be welcomed with open arms into God’s own house, heaven itself.

Will spiders ever be welcome in my house? No way. (In fact, full disclosure: I’m going to squash that sucker on the wall as soon as I’m finished here.)

But you know what? I sure am glad the Lord doesn’t feel the same way about me. I’m glad He's provided a way for me to someday gain entrance into His house.

I don’t deserve it, but it’s going to happen. How about you?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”2

1  Romans 3:10

2  1 Peter 1:3-5

sounds of silence

Silence. Is there anything better in the whole wide world than silence?

Not for me. At least, much of the time.

My wife and I took a few daytrips recently and, after catching up with each other, enjoyed much of the rides in silence. That doesn’t mean we had nothing to talk about, because we did. But sometimes nothing ministers better than silence.

No television, no music and no phones. Complete and utter silence, with only the soothing rumble of road noise in the background.

Is this what heaven will be like?

It was sheer delight to let my mind think about whatever it wanted to think about, to drift from here to there. Nobody to impress and no big challenges to solve. Down time with a capital “D.”

Does the creek on the right demand my attention? Go for it. Does the billboard on the far side of the highway make me chuckle? Why not?

Slowly, ever so slowly, the stress and worries of life and ministry seep out of my body and are gone forever, like exhaust inching its way through a tailpipe.

Inevitably, my mind thinks of my heavenly Father, and I thank Him for His mercy and His grace. And I thank Him for this time of relaxation and refreshing. Repeatedly.

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”1

While it may seem odd for some, I find God in the quiet of the moment, yes, even in the silence of a long car ride. Amazing though it may seem, my soul can be quenched while hurtling down the highway in a 1994 Honda Civic.

Silence. I encourage you to give it a try.

But get your own car, okay?

1  Psalm 63:1

polar bears, gorillas and elijah

Three zoos in three days. Exhausting, but a lot of fun. My wife and I had a great time.

So why do I feel so guilty?

In seven years of full-time ministry I’ve never, ever, taken three days off in a row. Now I know why: There’s a steep price to pay. 

I’m hopelessly behind in everything and catching up will require longer hours than usual, a penalty I’m not looking forward to paying.

Yet I know I need time off, especially since I experienced serious burnout about three years ago and barely survived.

I’m also painfully aware that I’m a Type A Personality and fit the classic definition of a workaholic. Multi-tasking is my middle name and down time, well, I’m not too familiar with that phrase.

As I think back on the last three days, I can’t help but smile at the animals we saw, especially the polar bears who wrestled in the water like Labrador puppies.

And who can forget the gorilla who hammed it up by pressing his face against the glass, no doubt enjoying the reactions of those who were watching. Then, like dessert after a good meal, he made his many observers laugh out loud by plopping butt-first into a giant bowl and munching nonchalantly on broccoli.

The polar bears and the gorilla know how to relax. They even know how to play. I’m not sure I know how to do either.

Biblically, the story of the prophet Elijah always comes to mind whenever I start feeling burned out. After a dramatic encounter with the country’s many false prophets, Elijah runs for his life. Even though he’s experienced incredible success the intensity and stress of the situation apparently takes a toll on him. As we read 1 Kings 19 we find someone who’s depressed, burned out and spinning out of control.

And what is the Lord’s prescription for him (via an angel)? Rest, some food, a little more rest, and some more food. Then, and only then, is Elijah able to continue serving the Lord.

So there it is. I have no excuse. I know I need rest, and on a regular basis (see Exodus 20:8-11).

As for the play thing, well, I can’t find any direct biblical support for it. And yet, it’s my conviction that playing can be considered, in some ways, rest. As in rest from the routine, a diversion from the burdens and responsibilities of everyday life.

For me I guess this means my visiting some more zoos. It also means taking a day off now and then to just relax.

What about you? Do you need to rest? Have you had any playtime recently?

Consider it a mandate from God: Take a page from the polar bears and gorillas and have a little fun. And don’t forget to grab a few zzzzs.

You need it, and it’s biblical. So what are you waiting for?

it's a god thing

Hansel and Gretel.

“Oh look, Gretel. A house. Such a p-p-p-retty l-l-l-ittle house.”

That’s when it all began. In a stupid 4th grade play, Hansel and Gretel.

My life was never the same as stuttering became a way of life. Playing Hansel in front of a large crowd was too much for me. Thinking about the memory makes me shudder to this day.

My speech impediment impacted every area of my life, making an introverted boy even more introverted. Speaking up in class was out of the question, and asking a girl out? Well, it wasn’t going to happen. Just introducing myself to others was traumatic, knowing that it was going to come out in staccato and other kids would laugh at me.

And yet, God apparently had plans for me. This shy, stuttering 10-year-old would, at the age of 49, become a full-time preacher.

How does that happen? The only explanation that makes sense is it’s a God thing.

The first order of business was getting me some confidence. He took care of that with some speech therapy in college.

Check.

The next order of business was convincing me to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. He sent me the perfect witness, a good friend with an inoperable brain tumor and an amazing attitude.

Check.

After that He needed to get me to actually preach the Gospel to a large group of people. That happened as an elder who had no choice but to fill in at the last minute for a sick preacher.

Check.

His call now firmly on the heart, the Lord wanted to get me some experience. He made that happen through supply preaching for a local Bible college, followed by two part-time ministries.

Check.

And then, finally, He had to get me to take the big step into seminary and full-time ministry. No problem. The Lord made sure my secular job was eliminated at the same time when a church on the south side of Indianapolis was looking for a new pastor.

Check.

Why is all this relevant? Because there are two things that are burning in my heart to share with you:

1. God is utterly amazing, a worker of miracles. If He can take a shy, stuttering boy and turn him into a pastor, He can do anything as far as I’m concerned.

2. God has a plan for our lives. He has a plan for my life and I believe He has a plan for your life as well.

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’" declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”1

Think about it: God has plans for you and has the wherewithal to pull it off. While you may not be called to preach like I am, I believe the Lord does have something in mind for you (see Romans 12:1-8).

So what has God put on your heart?

What do you want to do for Him and His people but seems impossible from a human perspective?

Maybe, just maybe, that’s what He’s calling you to do. Maybe, just maybe, that’s precisely what He has planned for you.

And if doubts creep in during your journey remember Hansel, the stuttering 10-year-old who, against all the odds, eventually became a preacher at the age of 49.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."2

1 Jer 29:11
2 Eph 3:20-21

more change is coming

Times have changed. You may have noticed.

For instance, in 1969 the movie “Midnight Cowboy” was x-rated. Then, in 1992 a reputable movie guide said it would be “considered PG-13” by that year’s standards.1

So let me get this straight: In 1969 only adults interested in watching the most risqué of movies could view “Midnight Cowboy.” Then, 23 years later, it’s considered acceptable for children 13 and under to watch (with parental permission, of course!).

Times have definitely changed. And think about this: If our moral standards dropped that far in just 23 years, 18 more years have passed since 1992. What kind of movie rating would it get now?

As alarming as all this may be, we need to remember that our great God is still in control. He’s the same “yesterday and today and forever.”2 He hasn’t abdicated His throne yet and never will.

And, best of all, that great God of ours is eventually coming back and what a glorious day it will.

“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.’”3

Have times changed? Oh yeah. Is it a little bit troubling? Absolutely.

But praise God, things are going to change a whole lot more. And instead of getting worse, they’re going to get better.

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”4

1  Rich Heldenfels, “’Marriage Ref’ will return to tackle relationships,” 24 August 2010, Akron Beacon Journal, via Indianapolis Star, accessed online at http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20108240303.

2  Hebrew 13:8
3  Revelation 19:6
4  Revelation 22:20

the secret of being content

I’ve been having a conversation with the Creator of the universe for what seems like an eternity. It pretty much sounds like this:

“Can I please have this?”

“No.”

“But I really want it.”

“No.”

“But I really, really want it.”

“No.”

Have I gotten the message? Oh, I regularly quote Jesus and say “Not as I will, but as you will."1

But inside I feel like a kid who’s been shafted by Santa on Christmas morning. I bounce from one emotion to another. Anger, heartache and disappointment can’t wait for their turn to come around.

At the end of the day, when everything’s said and done, it all comes down to whether God really knows what’s best for His children. The answer, of course, is “Yes, He does.”

Jesus put it like this: “Your Father knows what you need.”2

And yet I still want what I want and insist on enlightening my heavenly Father (repeatedly) on what’s best for me. As if He needs my advice.

How immature is that? I apparently need to learn what the Apostle Paul learned:

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”3

Do you see what I see? The “secret of being content” is to rely on the Lord who gives us the “strength” to live on whatever He’s provided for us. That is, if we have the right attitude, and if we allow Him, the Lord will give us the “strength”—the ability—to do just fine, regardless of our circumstances.

If that’s a correct interpretation, I’m disappointed. That’s because even though I now know the “secret,” it hasn’t done me any good: I still want what I want.

What a baby. I apparently still have some learning to do.

What about you? Have you been having a similar conversation with the Creator of the universe? Are you, like me, imposing your wants on your heavenly Father even though He knows what you need?

If so, let’s give this thing a shot and be more teachable. Let’s learn to be content. After all, we know the secret.

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

1 Matthew 26:39
2 Matthew 6:8
3 Phil 4:12-13