Believe It or Not

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
James 1:5-8 NIV

When I was a sophomore in college I walked out of my house and found a nail wedged in my completely flat tire. I had never changed a flat tire up until that point so I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do. I had the day off from work and needed to run several errands. I left a message on my mom’s cell about it but said nothing about my plans. I couldn’t wait for someone to come bail me out so I set out to complete the task on my own. I followed the instructions in my owner’s manual word for word, switched out tires, and had my flat repaired at a local tire shop. When my mom finally called me back she told me she would fix the flat when she got home. When I informed her that I had already taken care of everything on my own she was shocked. “You changed the tire all by yourself?!” she asked doubtfully. I received the same responses from everyone I shared the story with. No one could believe that a young lady of my build could possibly change her own tire. In a humorous way, it could be said that they had no faith in me.

While this story is a very simple example of unbelief, I have to give credit to my family and friends. I probably would have doubted my abilities too if I were on the outside looking in. Then I realize that I do the same thing with God. I doubt that he is going to come through for me. I just assume the responsibility and don’t expect his provision. I find myself asking God for direction, for wisdom, for healing, asking, asking, and asking but never really believing in his power. I read, and believe, all the stories I read in the word. It’s amazing the double-standard I have for myself versus those biblical figures. I’m astounded that the Israelites didn’t enter the Promised Land because of their lack of faith. I think Jonah is crazy for not going to Nineveh when God instructs him. Yet, somehow I forget that the God in those stories is the same God listening to my prayers.

I remember a passage of scripture where a woman pushed through the crowds just to touch Jesus’ garment. She thought if she could only just touch his garment she would be healed of a twelve year infirmity (Matthew 9:20-22). She didn’t even need to ask. This woman displayed a faith unmatched by the actions of others who believed that perhaps Jesus could help them…but then again, they weren’t all too sure.

Unbelief isn’t new. With every passing generation the world becomes a more corrupt place. We have very little faith in the actions of others and find ourselves trusting fewer and fewer people. However, we can put our faith in a God that has never failed us. We can always trust that he has our best interest in mind and that if we believe in his promises we will receive. It’s not easy but I found that one man had the right idea when he had exhausted all his resources. Jesus told him “Everything is possible for one who believes.” The man exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24) It sounds like a great start. God, help me overcome my unbelief.

God Stood Here

Have you ever been on a tour and the guide stops in front of a destination and says, "Here on this very spot..."? The guide continues to tell of the hero that stood on the spot, the event that transpired, and the aftermath of everything that happened. I remember how excited I got when I was in a small town courthouse and the county mayor told me of a court case that happened there with one of my favorite historic people. He took me to the courtroom, pointed to where he sat as a child and then to the spot where the lawyer stood. He told me about the case and how everyone there responded. I listened intently, starry-eyed and amazed by every word that poured from his mouth. I was almost giddy from the thought that I stood in the same courtroom in which, decades ago, this same man stood.
Then I began to think about all the other people that were there. People that I wasn't interested in hearing about. I didn't care who the judge was, I didn't necessarily want to hear about the jury, or even the client this lawyer represented. I only was only interested in a single individual and his story. Selfish, right?
I've just returned from a convention in which one of the speakers talked about being still in impossible situations. I've heard this before. However, she followed up with an interesting tid bit of information that I was enthralled by. She spoke about the translation of this word. I love when speakers do that. I always wanted to be a linguist but lack the motivation to learn a whole bunch of languages. She said that "Be Still" was translated as "Stand Still" or "Stand By." Standing, she said, is to be at a continuous resolve, or to be at attention. I like that. I thought about how much better I pay attention if I'm standing. Sitting...I'm tempted to fall asleep.
Then another speaker at this convention shared a scripture in Genesis 28:16 When Jacob woke up from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." I would wager to believe that these speakers did not plan this together. However, God really impressed upon my heart first the title of this post and then imparted to me a little more about facing difficult situations.
See,I have often found myself in situations where I wondered if God could even see what was going on. Not only could He see, He was actually there. He was standing in the midst of the situation at full attention. He was aware of the situation. I was the oblivious one. He knows how the situation will transpire. He knows what you and I are feeling. He knows the ending of the story and we simply wonder if anyone is even listening.
As I recall those events in my past when life seemed difficult and impossible, I now envision a plaque that says, "God Stood Here." I didn't see Him, I didn't necessarily feel Him, but He was there. And now as I head into those difficult situations in life, I hope to remember on a surface somewhere hangs an invisible plaque that says, "God Stood Here...and He's Still Standing Here."

Faith in Humanity

Failure is a part of life. Mistakes happen and people will disappoint. And while we are never called to dwell on such instances, we find ourselves remembering such injustices. I’ve experienced in the past three days such a flux of what I call “injustice” that I find myself lacking in the area of love. This morning as I reflect on the past few days I realize how incredibly selfish I’m being and thus have decided to move on from such feelings offering love and forgiveness in place of contempt and grudge.

This past weekend brought a lot of stress and irritation. I felt as if everything I offered up to others in love was disdained and criticized. I became so disappointed as my gifts and services were received poorly and wondered why I had even offered them in the first place. Venting was out of the question; everyone I wanted to turn to already cause some sort of hurt. I thought that I was going to have to face this vicious attack of character on my own.

I think about the story of our Savior. He wasn’t well received either. He was offered up as a gift to save humanity and just didn’t seem to be enough. Never mind His tender acts of mercy, forget the miracles of healing, His compassion was certainly criticized and no one seemed to heed the voice of God saying, “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” Humanity just didn’t seem to care. Jesus was rejected but His purpose remained the same. His purpose was still made perfect in love. I’ve something to learn in this area.

I guess I feel that if I’m offering something to someone in love they should receive it in the same way. However, that is not always the case. Some well-intentioned recipients try to offer up a word of advice on how this act of service or gift should be provided. I encountered this with several people over the weekend of which I have the most profound respect. I was crushed at the audacity these people had to criticize what I offered. I felt minuscule and unappreciated.

What I’ve learned though is that it is not how the gift/service is received that is important. What is important is that it was received. My purpose was to do what I was called to do in a manner that God called me to do it. It doesn’t mean that I’ll receive accolades from those that I’ve given to. It only means that I’m being faithful to His will. Whatever I do I am to do to the glory of God. (Proverbs 16:3, Colossians 3:17, 23) Sometimes people will love me for it, and sometimes it will go unrecognized. It does not mean I am to believe every act will be successful in the eyes of humanity.

For a brief time I lost my faith in humanity believing that no one could possibly do or be enough. There will always be heartfelt acts that produce criticisms. Someone could have always done it better, but they didn’t. That’s the point. I can’t possibly depend on perfection being the answer to everything. Nothing would ever get done. I must continue to try even if the results are less than desirable. If I give up on humanity then I serve no purpose on this earth. I lack compassion and lose my capacity to truly love.

This weekend was a test of character. I very nearly failed. Well, in all actuality did fail. I failed to fully please those I intended to bless. But I didn’t fail the one that really matters. God saw what I was doing and was well pleased with what I attempted. That’s really all that matters. So instead of becoming overly sensitive to remarks on how I could have given or served better I will practice patience. And, yes, I will maintain my faith in humanity.