Too Many Voices

“Avoid all that distracts you from God; put His work first." ~ Matthew 6:33

While vacationing recently on Ft. Meyer Beach, I noticed that certain areas were closed off by fences and signs that said "Sea Turtle Eggs."  Nesting turtles once had no trouble finding a quiet, dark beach on which to nest, but now they must compete with tourists, businesses and coastal residents for use of sandy beaches.

Female sea turtles swim to shore between May and August to dig nests in the sand and lay their precious eggs.  Months later, the eggs hatch and the baby turtles instinctively crawl toward the brightest light.

On a secluded beach, the brightest direction is most often an open view of the night sky reflected by the ocean.  Hatchlings also tend to move away from darkly silhouetted objects associated with the dune profile and vegetation.  This sea-finding behavior can take place during any phase of the moon; they don’t depend on lunar light to lead them seaward.

On a developed beach, however, the brightest light can be an artificial light source coming from restaurants, homes and condominiums along the coast.  The combined glow of artificial lights (known as skyglow), may attract hatchlings away from the ocean, leaving thousands of them wandering helplessly - in dunes, pools, or on roadways.  And if they don't find the ocean, they’ll eventually die.

It occurred to me that we humans face a similar challenge.  Rather than follow the path we were meant to follow; we are too often distracted by insignificant things that move us in the wrong direction.

Technology, online media, money, relationships, ourselves, bad habits, addictions, stress, busyness and meaningless distractions lead us astray.  Too many voices, too many choices!

Instead of following the pure light of perfection, I’ll admit to allowing bright and shiny artificial things sabotage my faith journey.

So, what about you?  Are you distracted from God … or devoted to Him?  Are you a Believer … or a Disciple?

Are you following your priorities and pure light to the right destination or are you allowing artificial distractions to lead you in the wrong direction?  Are you following the path you were meant to follow or are you letting meaningless things keep you from being your best?

It’s a constant struggle to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, and to not become distracted by the passing concerns and things of this world.  But if we’re aware of what can, and does, interfere with our walk with God, we can begin to take the necessary actions to prevent them.

But unlike sea turtles, we have the ability to think, adapt and change direction when we realize we’re following the wrong path.  We can tune out the distractions and focus on our priorities and let the pure light lead us to an ocean of possibilities and a great future.

Lord Jesus Christ, empower me to live the life that is pleasing to You.  May the confession of my mouth be seen in my feet as I follow in Your steps.  Amen

Thanks Living

“Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Dawn broke last fall as Nebraska farmers gathered to harvest a field full of corn.  There were smiles on their faces but their hearts were heavy.  They met to help a friend in need.  Because underneath their weather-beaten skin and tough exteriors, those ten men were soft and mushy inside.  They dropped their own chores that day to work a friend’s field during fall harvest; a critical time.

Their friend Gene, a third-generation grain farmer nearly died a few weeks back while fixing a 3 ton combine head when it came crashing down on top of him, crushing him underneath.  Every breath became a frantic struggle.  It was the longest 3 hours of Gene’s life as he clung to life praying for someone to come along and help.

Eventually an unexpected salesman came along and found him pinned under the massive machinery.  Gene was airlifted to a local hospital.  Three surgeries and months of rehabilitation later, he recovered by the grace of God.

His friends gathered that day to help Gene in his time of need.  Three combines, three grain carts, 5 grain haulers and 10 farmers tackled the fields, pulling up 144 acres of corn before it was too late.  Gene watched from his window in a wheelchair; his grandchildren nearby witnessing it all.

The combines quickly and methodically plowed along, scooped up the crops, harvested the kernels, and trucks hauled them away.  The farmers did in 8 hours what would have taken Gene and his helper nearly a month to do.

It ended with a luncheon.  Wives brought food and gratitude to the table despite the tragedy.  Gene personally thanked each one: for their help, their friendship and for God’s hand in it all.

It’s just what farm communities do – somebody needs some help – they get it.  An emotional journey for Gene and his family, but also for the farmers who did the only thing they knew how to do when one of their own was down.

It’s also how Christian communities rally around God’s children to help when needed.

The outpouring of love recently had my family and I full of tears and thanksgiving.  Prayers, emails, Facebook posts, calls from friends near and far, and perfectly-timed words sent straight from heaven, poured in.  Every single reassurance and prayer had sent me praising God for such people.

Thanksgiving occurs but once a year.  “Thanks Living” happens daily!  We all know “Thanks Living” people.  They radiate joy and thankfulness.  Everyone loves to be around them.   They have a servant heart, a smile, and an uplifting word for everyone.  They offer a spiritual perspective that transforms even the darkest situations.

Guess what?  You too can be that person!

Lord, when the troubles of life knock me down, help me realize that the best place to be is when seeking You in prayer.  When I can’t seem to muster the strength to pray for myself, surround me with intercessors who come to You on my behalf.  Amen

Not Everything Happens for a Reason

“God is always at work for the good of those who loves Him." ~ Romans 8:28

There's that nanosecond between action and consequence, when whatever you did has occurred but the reaction hasn’t yet come.  The seed of embarrassment gets wedged inside you ready to blossom red upon your cheeks.

At 32, Nina never had a pedicure or a manicure.  Even though her body had been massaged and exfoliated countless times, her nails had never been touched.  It was the perfect gift from her mother after Nina’s first daughter was born.

Hue, a young Vietnamese woman whom Nina had never met, soaked, filed and oiled her toenails while Nina talked about her healthy newborn and how excited she was.  That’s when Hue dropped a bomb - she’d recently lost a baby girl because she’d been born way too early.

Nina’s brain stuttered while her thoughts strained to catch up.  “I’m so sorry,” she hesitated, “but everything happens for a reason.”

As the callous words left her throat, all heads in the parlor turned toward her.  She instantly wanted to inhale them back in, feeling foolish at her heartlessness.  Hue looked Nina straight into her eyes and said, “It’s really hard to see a reason for something so terrible.”

Of course, it was.  Who was she - a woman with a healthy baby at home - to tell this woman who’d suffered a devastating loss that she was going through it for a reason?

We’ve probably all said stupid, robotic things in times of discomfort.  We want some magic salve to heal others’ the wounds; that’ll bring comfort so we won’t have to be vulnerable enough to offer real help or a listening ear.  It was condescending and Nina knew it too.

Years later she’d have a chance to redeem herself.  Flying from Omaha to Denver, she sat next to a woman who opened up about the death of her teenaged son from cancer.

Nina didn’t try to coax her with sugar-coated Hallmark words like before.  Nor did she gloss over its reality.  She extended the conversation by saying again, “I’m so sorry.”  Then continued with “You must think of him every day.”

What followed was a real, guttural conversation about life; how it can knock the wind out of you; that it takes strength and courage to keep from giving up.  That’s the best thing you can do when someone is suffering and feeling a pain you can’t possibly fathom.

There doesn’t have to be a clear, or logical answer for why such hardships take place.  But we know that God causes everything to work for the good of those who love Him and are called to His purpose.  Maybe a more relevant explanation is that “In everything, God is with us for a reason.

”Lord, nothing brings us the comfort and peace that You alone can offer.  Through our own struggle and pain, help us to be Your vessels to comfort and strengthen others who are hurting.  Amen

Sunshine on My Shoulders

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I’ll give you rest." ~ Matthew 11:28

Sometimes watching others takes your mind off yourself.  While waiting in my car for my wife to pick up a few items, I noticed a young couple with a toddler leaving the grocery store.  They all carried bags – even the toddler.  He struggled to hold onto a rather large package of diapers.

The little guy tried his best to hold the bag up but it was nearly as big as he was.  Inevitably, both the boy and the package fell onto wet pavement.  I’m sure I saw him mouthing “help” to parents walking several steps ahead.

I vividly remember those toddler days when short legs seriously slackened the pace.  I expected one of them to take the bag from the child.  Neither was carrying much and it would certainly have sped things up.

Mom stopped and helped the child to his feet.  She didn’t scold him for lagging behind.  Then she looped the boy’s arms through the handles of the bag so he could wear it like a backpack.

Smiling triumphantly, the boy held his arms wide for a hug, his miniature hands looking sweet, almost comical.  They say you can't bottle love.  I think they're wrong as he hustled to keep up.

Scenes like that bundle of cuteness remind me that people are inherently good and caring; else the tide of doomsday press would sweep me into some fearful and biased thought pattern.

But the wisdom in it resonated in my mind.  Aren’t we a lot like this child?  Whether we asked for it or it was given to us, sometimes we wind up carrying burdens that are too heavy or awkward to handle.  Wouldn’t it be simpler if God just took them from us?

He could send a check in the mail, heal our bodies, or mend broken relationships.  There’s nothing He, who created the universe, can’t do.

But instead, God lets us carry them ourselves, walking closely beside us, adjusting the burden just enough so that it’s bearable.

But there’s something we must do to receive that promise.  We must first turn our heart to God and cast our burden(s) to Him.  He loves us, welcomes us, and promises to help us (Hebrews 4:16).  Ask Him to save your marriage, keep you employed, save your children, improve your health or lighten whatever else burdens you.

God may choose to help … but the Bible also teaches that He may not.  So the next step is crucial.  Trust that if He allows this pain to happen, it’s to bring you more joy in Him.  God promises to orchestrate everything - including every pain, sorrow, and trial.

Lord, You’re my shelter from the storm and shade from the heat.  It’s Your hand that lifts me when I fall.  Thank You for hearing my cry, for seeing my afflictions and noting my distress.  I cast my burdens upon You, rejoicing in Your steadfast love.  Amen

Prayers in the Dark

“Even darkness can’t hide from God." ~ Psalm 139:12

Annette would never forget the day her 19-year-old brother was murdered.  Once he’d been a boy that bounced, giggled and danced; so generous with his smiles and free with his hugs.  But in that instant, the fact that life would go on without him undid her completely.

She didn’t fully grieve her brother’s death until their third child was born four years later.  The Doctor handed over her infant son with an almost-imperceptible sigh of concern.  Two weeks later he confirmed his suspicion of Down’s syndrome.  For the next 6 months Annette wrestled with God like never before.

One day she stood before a mirror trying to don her new favorite sweater.  After living in a perpetual state of postpartum body changes, Annette finally summoned the courage to wear skinny jeans and boots.

The sweater didn’t fit.  Her husband Bradley had done the laundry and mistakenly put it in the dryer on high heat.  Annette came unglued - body on the ground, fists slamming the carpet.

It wasn’t about the sweater.   A minor irritation opened flood gates pouring out what’d been simmering for months.

She shouted to the Lord in pain: “Isn’t it enough that Mason has Down’s syndrome?   Wasn’t Bradley’s alcoholism enough, or David’s murder?  I can’t take any more of this!”

While screaming like a 2-year-old hurling a temper tantrum, the Lord whispered, “Am I enough?”

She stumbled into the study and grabbed her Bible searching the Book of Psalms.  They covered the entire range of human emotions, and asked important questions about God, humanity, and the purpose of life.

She randomly found Psalm 88 – one that gives us permission to scream to God (not about God) in our pain.  Prayers to God include cries of agony; expressions of our true feelings.  But they’re never directed anywhere but to the Lord.

Poured out without restraint, our suffering will reach our Savior’s heart.  Left unspoken our suffering produces bitterness and displeasure toward Him.

It’s been nine years since David’s homicide.  His case remains unsolved; an ongoing source of unanswered prayer.  There are days when she still prays in the dark, with words like:

“You have the power to get me out of this, and yet you’re only making it harder!  Prove to me Your faithful love.”

“You had the power to prevent this, and You didn’t.  Help me to believe that you are righteous and good, because it sure doesn’t feel like it right now.”

“You could give me what I’m asking for, but You’re withholding it.  Show me Your wonders in the midst of my unmet hopes.”

We have a Savior who is real and holy and well acquainted with our grief.  We can cling to Him when the darkness presses in; for as long as we’re in it.  The fact that He’s always with … is more than enough.

Holy Father, You conquered the grave and will return again.  That’s our hope when darkness closes in.  One day our grief will turn to glory and we will worship around Your throne in everlasting light.  Amen

Him Alone

“We plan our way but the Lord directs our steps." ~ Proverbs 16:9

The old beater struggled up the dusty path.  They were hauling cement and blocks to a Honduran mountain village where local coffee farmers were building a church.  The sun’s imposing presence was causing havoc on the timeworn vehicle; the higher they climbed, the more labored it became.

Near the crest of a hill, they heard something ‘snap’ from under the truck.  Steve hit the brakes - no response.  The old clunker slowed under the load’s weight.  Steve glanced nervously at his friend.   “Jump out Alonso.” he said. “Put some rocks behind the tires.  Fast!”

Alonso kicked open the passenger door and shot out as the truck began rolling backward.  It gained momentum so quickly that he ran to keep up, his feet slipping on the dirt road.  Screaming at Steve to get out, Alonso watched helplessly as his friend continued backward down the steep incline.

The road made a sharp right turn, but the truck continued straight and disappeared.

When Alonso reached the edge, he watched in disbelief as the truck tumbled down the mountain before settling 200 meters below.  Covered in blood from his jump, Alonso stared out in horror.

Miraculously, Steve emerged from behind some sagebrush, white as chalk.  His eyes and mouth were frozen wide open in an expression of stunned surprise.

“How’d you get out?” Alonso asked.

“I don’t know,” Steve said.  “God must’ve pulled me out of the truck.”  They two hugged and wept before starting the long walk back downhill to find help.

A van slowed and picked them up.  The stranger seemed suspicious of Steve’s harrowing escape.  “Probably the adrenaline rush,” he theorized, “gave you the strength to exit the truck.  Once it wears off, you’ll feel pretty sore.”

The friends knew better.  Alonso saw Steve in the truck as it launched over the cliff; door closed.

The next day, Steve suffered no pain whatsoever.  As he and Alonso hiked back down to the truck to make plans to retrieve it, they noticed a broken driveshaft and mangled brake clamp.  And even though the driver’s window was smashed, it remained in a rolled-up position with the door locked and the seatbelt fully latched.

He knew right then, as he still knows today, that God took him out of that truck.  God chose to spare his life because He wasn’t done with him on earth yet.  How He did it was immaterial.  But he knew for certain that it was God and Him alone.

When great things happen in our lives, we call them ‘God Things.’  But there’s also a flip side to that coin.  Things that don’t go our way are still God Things.  True faith is being able to say “It’s a God Thing” even in the midst of suffering, difficulty and heartache.

Almighty Father, sometimes it’s hard to see Your intentions during the hard times.  Help me to know, trust and believe that You are working out all things for Your glory and my good.  Amen