How Long Can You Wait?

by Warren Wiersbe

Read Psalm 13:1-6
Have you ever been impatient with God? Impatience is one of my big problems. I always get into the wrong lane on a toll road. Someone's in front of me with foreign currency, trying to buy his way through the tollbooth. I get into the wrong line at the airport, thinking, This line is a good line; it's going to move. But it doesn't because somebody in the line has lost his passport. And I get irritated.

It's one thing for us to be impatient with ourselves or with others. But when we become impatient with God, we should watch out! "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul?" (vv. 1,2). Four times David asked, "How long?" We're so time conscious today. We have watches that show us split seconds. But what do we do with those split seconds? If we save three minutes by taking a shortcut, what significant thing will we accomplish with the three minutes we save?

We expect God to do what we want Him to do--and right now! But He doesn't always act immediately. Abraham had to wait for 25 years after God's promise before Isaac was born. Isaac had to wait 20 years for his children. Joseph had to wait 13 years before he was set free and put on the throne. Moses had a wait of 80 years. You see, God's schedule is not the same as ours. Sometimes He waits so that He can do more for us than we expect. When He heard that Lazarus was dying, our Lord waited until his friend's death before He came. But when He came, He brought a greater miracle and received greater glory. The hardest thing to do is to wait on the Lord. But we can if we will trust Him and rest on His Word.

Some of your greatest blessings come with patience. When you must wait for God to act, you can be confident that He knows what is best for you and what will best glorify Him. Are you waiting for God to act on your behalf? Align with His timing and rest on the promises of His Word.

DO YOU REALIZE THE ONE YOU ARE WAITING ON IS AMAZING? Listen to Stephen Hurd performing the song Amazing!

Joint Worship Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King

Jews, blacks to celebrate King's legacy together

By Nathan Paige

January 14, 2009, 11:06AM

Lynn Ischay/The Plain DealerSopranos, from left, Tinishia Hunter of Maple Heights and Darcia Solomon and Tonya Bates, both of Cleveland, practice Christian hymns at Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights. They are members of the Body of Christ Assembly Heights Church, which leases space from the synagogue for its Sunday services.

World and national stories about religion:
World | Nation
Northeast Ohio stories about religion: cleveland.com/religion

  CLEVELAND — Growing up in  culturally diverse Shaker Heights, the Rev. David Owens, a 48-year-old African-American, saw little interaction between blacks and Jews. Color, creed and class differences seemed too great to overcome.
But Owens, now pastor of a nondenominational Christian church, has seen a big change.
    His congregation, the Body of Christ Assembly Heights Church, and another black congregation, Abundant Grace Church, worship every Sunday in spaces they have leased for the past few years at Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights.
    And the synagogue for the first time has invited both Christian flocks to join its Sabbath service this Saturday marking the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Lynn Ischay/The Plain DealerSam Freeman, minister at Abundant Grace Fellowship Church, teaches adult bible study before services at the Park Synagogue, where the Christian church leases space. Kim Orr of Beford Heights is at left.

"We're truly in a new day, a new way of thinking," Owens said.
"We understand our differences," said the Rev. Darryl Harris, pastor of Abundant Grace. "But we recognize what we share in common."
Historically, Jews and blacks in America struggled together for civil rights. But that alliance was strained in recent decades as some leaders within the two communities clashed publicly.
In 1984, for example, the Rev. Louis Farrakhan accused Jews of practicing a "dirty religion," and Jewish leaders called the Nation of Islam leader a "black Hitler." That same year, the Rev. Jesse Jackson sparked a furor when he referred to New York City as "Hymietown." He later apologized.
"There was ugliness," said Rabbi Joshua Caruso of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood. "But I never believed the African-American community felt the way Farrakhan felt."
Caruso acknowledged that since the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Jews and blacks have lost some common ground and they need to regroup.
"There's always been a natural connection between Jews and African-Americans," he said. "Both have been minorities in this country and both have experienced oppression and discrimination.
"Martin Luther King stood on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and compared the African-American people to the Israelites coming out of ancient Egypt. We were slaves for 400 years, and we share with black Americans the story of coming out of slavery."
Fairmount Temple is planning special MLK services and events for Friday and Monday, including poetry, music and African drumming performed by actors from Karamu Theatre.
The temple's regular Friday evening Sabbath service will feature African-American lecturer Christian Dorsey, who will talk about "The Change We Still Need: Black and Jewish Relations in the 21st Century."
Dorsey, who works at the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank, said in a telephone interview that both groups need to put aside divisive issues like support for Israel -- not generally embraced by blacks -- and affirmative action -- not generally embraced by Jews.
"We need to work in good faith on issues we both care about," he said. "We can't allow the flash-point issues to divide us."
Issues that generally appeal to both sides include the social justice teachings of King and the message of President-elect Barack Obama about coming together and building community, Caruso said.
Nationally, 78 percent of Jewish voters voted for Obama -- the highest proportion of any demographic group other than African-Americans.
"On the eve of the inauguration of the first African-American president and in honor of Martin Luther King, we can show how two different communities can come together and celebrate," said Rabbi Joshua Skoff of Park Synagogue.
"We have a whole new generation of Jews and African-Americans. And we're all preaching the same thing -- good family values."
Both rabbis said they want to continue reaching out to the African-American community. "At least once a year, we're trying to make these inroads and, God willing, we'll do it more often," Caruso said.
Skoff added, "What would Martin Luther King say if he were alive today? He would call us to come together."

The Choice for Miami - Ohio

People ask why did my son pick Miami-Ohio to play college basketball.  Afterall, they play in the mid-major MAC conference.  Competitive but never great.

Well he could have gone to a "bigger" school but we received great advice from a good friend who is the top Assistant Coach at University of Florida.  He said "go somewhere they LOVE YOU!  Coach Charlie Coles is a living legend who LOVED Jon.

Miami has a BEAUTIFUL campus and GREAT academics.  Not too far from home but far enough.  Great basketball history and play a tough schedule (14th toughest in USA this year.  My brother Ron said yes and that was enough for us.

He has a chance to make an impact and get a good education.  What more could a parent ask for?  Take a look and check it out for yourself.  I just say "have a great time"!

Miami Ohio University Redhawks Basketball

Trusting God's Timing

Greg Laurie  
A New Beginning

Can you think of a time in your life when you acted impulsively and came to regret it? Maybe you bought a car on impulse and were sorry afterward. Maybe it was that contract you signed without reading it carefully. Maybe it was that business deal you entered into that you should have taken more time to consider. Whatever the decision may have been, you regretted it later.
I have discovered that God's timing is just as important as God's will. In fact, the Bible talks a lot about timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (NKJV).

The Bible talks about a man of God who had really bad timing. If this man were in a race, he would have been the one to come out of nowhere, take the lead, and then suddenly self-destruct. The man I'm speaking of is Moses.

Although Moses was one of the greatest men of God, he also was a man who had some serious setbacks and committed serious sin. It is worth noting that, along with Saul of Tarsus, Moses is one of the men God used who actually was guilty of murder.

Moses was a bit on the impulsive side. I can understand that, because I share that characteristic with him. I can be impulsive. But being impulsive has its drawbacks, and Moses' impulsiveness brought some devastating results.

Moses was born at a time of extreme hardship in Israel's history. The descendents of Jacob had grown to about three million in Egypt and had been forced into slavery. Pharaoh, seeing the Hebrews as a potential threat, decreed that newborn Hebrew boys were to be drowned in the Nile River.

As the children of Israel cried out to God for deliverance, enter Moses, the man of God. First, he was the baby protected by God and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. The Jewish historian, Josephus, tells us that this Pharaoh had no son or heir; therefore, Moses was being groomed to become the next Pharaoh of Egypt. He was being raised as royalty, which meant that he would have been schooled in all that Egypt had to offer.

But Moses still knew who he was. He was a true believer in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Underneath those Egyptian robes beat the heart of a Hebrew.

Maybe that's what caused him to swing into action when he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. The Bible says he looked "this way and that way," and then killed the Egyptian (see Exodus 2:12).
Moses' heart was in the right place, but his actions were foolish, to say the least. Clearly, the Lord had not told Moses to do this. Instead of looking around, Moses should have been looking up.
Moses probably thought that his fellow Hebrews would be grateful for what he had done, but things didn't turn out that way. Everyone knew what he did, but no one applauded. When Pharaoh heard what had happened, Moses had to flee for his life. Off he went, into the wilderness.
God wants us to do His will in His way in His timing.

Moses was a leader in training, but he wasn't ready yet. He had lost his people. He had lost his reputation. But he had not lost God. What looked like the end was actually the beginning.
Forty years later, God appointed Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. What Moses did not realize was that God had been preparing him during that time. Notice what God said to him: "I am the God of your father-the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Exodus 3:6 NKJV).
What was God saying? I am the God of ordinary men who have accomplished some extraordinary things. There is hope for you. I am not just the God of Abraham. I am not just the God of Isaac and Jacob. I am the God of Moses. I am calling you. I am giving you a second chance.

God still uses ordinary people today. Even people who have made mistakes. Even people who have sinned.

Maybe you are in a situation right now in which you can identify with Moses. Can I make a suggestion? Confess your sins to God. Deal with them and learn from your mistakes. And know this: God can still use you. He gives second chances. Maybe you need one today.

A Call to Courage by Crawford Loritts

A Call To Courage from Alex Bentz on Vimeo.

Developing Hall of Fame Faith

HOW GOD BUILDS YOUR FAITH

PHASE 1: A DREAM …that takes faith in God

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Philip. 4:13 

PHASE 2: A DECISION… to go for it by following God

“But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind.”  James 1:6

PHASE 3: A DELAY… that forces us to wait on God

(God says) “But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.”  Habakkuk. 2:3

PHASE 4:  A DIFFICULTY … that teaches us to trust God

“Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the trouble we suffered in Asia. We had great burdens there that were beyond our own strength. We even gave up hope of living.  Truly, in our own hearts we believed we would die. But this happened so we would not trust in ourselves but in God, who raises people from the dead.”   2Cor.1:8-9

PHASE 5: DELIVERANCE… that gives us victory from God

“He has delivered us... and he will deliver us again!”  2 Corinthians 1:10 

“I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see his goodness to me...” Psalm 27:13

Why is faith important?

Hebrews 11:6

⁶And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Where are you in God's Faith building process? 


Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum "Falling in Love with Jesus"

 

"Fishers of Men" by Pastor Darryl Harris (2003 Message)

Dedicated to:

Obbie McGee (left) father-in-law & John "Broadway John" Harris (right) - Dad

Are you willing to do whatever it takes to share the gospel with the lost? If you are a Christian, that is the "great commission"! I did not want to say I let my dad be lost for eternity, because I would not share the good news (death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ) with him. I loved him too much.

This video is an old audio message of mine, recorded at my former church, New Community Bible Fellowship, at a Friday night Men's Fellowship. I've dedicated it to the memory of my dad, "Broadway John" Harris. I've been blessed to have great male influences in my life. We all need to be "fishers of men"! Let's take the gospel to the streets...where the fish are... where the lost are!

Listen (click) to hear this message in your free time, maybe late at night or early in the morning, and join me and others in sharing the gospel with the lost. Start with your own family members who don't know Christ in a personal way. Christ is calling us to take His gospel to a lost world. That world, just may start in your own home. Let's go fishing! Lets go fishing for men, by boldly sharing the gospel with the lost!

"Yes You Can"...Fish for Men!

"Fishing for Men" by Pastor Darryl Harris (2003)

HOW DO WE RESPOND WHEN THE WALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN

Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.


In light of the recent tragedy in Haiti when walls of a nation come tumbling down, what can believers in the Lord Jesus Christ trust God for:

1. God offers us HELP!
Psalm 91:1-2
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.

2. God offers us HOPE!
Psalm 27:1-3
The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects me from danger— so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident.

3. God tells us to HEED!
Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God!

It’ time to TRUST Prov 3:5-6
It’ time to REPENT 2Chron.7:14
It’ time to PRAY IPet.4:7
It’ time to LOVE Matt.5:44
It’ time to WITNESS Matt. 5:16
It’ time to UNITE John 17:21

IT'S TIME TO PUT FEET TO OUR FAITH AND RESPOND WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN A TANGIBLE WAY, TO BRING RELIEF AND COMFORT TO THE HURTING PEOPLE OF HAITI!

LET THEM SEE JESUS IN US! LET'S STAND WITH THEM IN THEIR TIME OF NEED!

I Need You to Survive by Hezakiah Walker

It's All About Grace!

On November 4, 2008, when Barak Obama became the first African-American president elect, many of us sat in awe, and regardless of political allegiance said to ourselves, “this is truly amazing”! However, as awesome a moment that was, when compared with God’s amazing grace in our lives, President Obama’s election was no more awe-inspiring than an afternoon nap in front of the TV set.

Not content to live under the authority of God, Adam, like many of us, said if it “looks good”, “feels good”, and “tastes good”, I’m going to do it. In doing so, he chose a life of rebellion and separation from his creator. (Romans 5:12) He chose the temporary pleasures of sin, over the disciplined life of obedience to God. Everyday we too face the same choices. Do we serve God, or serve ourselves? Do we follow His Word, or follow this world?

But God! Two words which have altered the course of human history. Two words that give hope to the hopeless, and restores our broken relationship with the Father. “But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. (Romans 5:8) That’s amazing grace!

What makes the grace of God so amazing is that not only are we saved by grace, but we are also sustained by grace. From the air we breathe, to the food we eat, all are gifts provided by the amazing grace of God

When we planned the launch of our new church five years ago, our launch team agreed that whatever we named our church, the word grace had to be a part of it. Because God’s grace meant that much to us as we moved forward on our journey, Abundant Grace was launched with a mission to be a living model of His amazing grace.

If you have accepted Jesus Christ in your life, you’ve been saved. That’s the amazing grace of God! If you’re alive today, you’ve been sustained. That’s the amazing grace of God! Landmark elections can be an awesome experience. However, only the grace of a loving, compassionate, and sovereign God… can truly be called amazing!

HOW HAS GOD SHOWN YOU HIS AMAZING GRACE?

Who Would Have Thought by Marvin Winans

27 REASONS WE SHOULD TRUST GOD

WE SHOULD TRUST IN GOD BECAUSE OF “WHO HE IS”, and “WHAT HE HAS DONE!

1.    We should trust in God… for our Salvation

 Genesis 49:18 (NLT)  

I trust in you for salvation, O Lord!

2.    We should trust in God… because He is All-Powerful (Omnipotent)

1 Cor. 2:5 (NLT) 

    I did this so that you might trust the power of God rather than human wisdom.

3.    We should trust in God… because of his Miraculous Works

Psalm 73:28 (NKJV)  

But it is good for me to draw near to God;

I have put my trust in the Lord God,

That I may declare all Your works.

4.    We should trust God…because of He is our Protector

Psalm 18:2 (NKJV) 

    The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

    My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

    My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Nahum 1:7 (NLT) 

    The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him.

5.    We should trust God because… He Hears our Cries

1 Chron. 5:20 (NKJV)  

And they were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all who were with them, for they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him.

6.    We should trust God… because He Delivers us from our Enemies

Psalm 37:40 (NKJV) 

    And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;

    He shall deliver them from the wicked,

    And save them,

    Because they trust in Him.

7.    We should trust God…because He is our Helper

Psalm 115:9 (NLT) 

        O Israel, trust the Lord!

            He is your helper; he is your shield.

8.    We should trust God… because He Brings us Success

2 Chron. 20:20 (NLT) 

Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, "Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed."

9.    We should trust God… because He is our Defender

Psalm 5:11 (NKJV)  

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;

Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;

Let those also who love Your name

Be joyful in You.

10.    We should trust in God… because of His Mercy

Psalm 32:10 (NKJV) 

    Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;

    But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.

11.   We should trust in God… because of His Strength

Psalm 20:7 (NKJV)  

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;

But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

12.   We should trust God because… He has Demonstrated His Faithfulness

Psalm 37:3 (NKJV) 

    Trust in the Lord, and do good;

    Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

                   

13.   We should trust God… because of His Righteousness

Psalm 31:1 (NKJV)  

In You, O Lord, I put my trust;

Let me never be ashamed;

Deliver me in Your righteousness.

14.    We should trust God…because of His Goodness

Psalm 34:8 (NKJV) 

    Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;

    Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

15.     We should trust in God… because His Word is True

Psalm 119:42 (NKJV) 

    So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me,

    For I trust in Your word.

16.    We should trust in the Lord… because He brings us Joy

Psalm 40:3 (NKJV) 

    He has put a new song in my mouth--

    Praise to our God;

    Many will see it and fear,

    And will trust in the Lord.

1 Peter 1:8 (NLT) 

    You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

17.    We should trust in the Lord… because He is our Provider

Psalm 34:10 (NKJV) 

    The young lions lack and suffer hunger;

    But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

18.    We should trust God… because He is our Redeemer

Psalm 34:22 (NKJV)  

The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,

And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

19.    We should trust God… because He Calms our Fears

Psalm 56:3-4 (NLT)  

But when I am afraid,

I put my trust in you.

4O God, I praise your word.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

What can mere mortals do to me?

20.   We should trust God… because He is our Hope

Jeremiah 17:7 (NKJV) 

    "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

    And whose hope is the Lord.

21.    We should trust God… because He Cares for Us

Psalm 112:7 (NLT)  

They do not fear bad news;

they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.

22.    We should trust God… because He is Trustworthy

Psalm 119:138 (NLT) 

        Your decrees are perfect;

            they are entirely worthy of our trust.

23.    We should trust in the Lord… because He is our Security

Psalm 125:1 (NLT) 

        Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion;

            they will not be defeated but will endure forever.

24.    We should trust God… because He Loves Us

Psalm 143:8 (NLT)  

Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning,

for I am trusting you.

Show me where to walk,

for I have come to you in prayer.

25.   We should trust in God… because He Directs Us

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him

And He will direct your paths.

26.    We should trust God… because He Gives us Peace

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) 

    You will keep him in perfect peace,

    Whose mind is stayed on You,

    Because he trusts in You.

27.    We should trust God because… He Rewards Us

Hebrews 10:35 (NLT) 

    Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you!

Purple w/lyrics by Donnie McClurkin

Detoured But Not Deserted

Finding God's Presence at Every Bend in the Road
by Dr. David Jeremiah

If we could map our routes through life, we would opt for a smooth ribbon of freeway, with no bumps, construction zones, or detours. But life has a way of taking unexpected turns—forcing us to take alternate routes.

A few years ago, at a routine doctor's examination, I was diagnosed with lymphoma—a cancer that attacks the lymphatic system. Without warning, my life took a serious and unplanned detour. It came out of left field, unannounced, and unexpected. In that moment, I knew the road ahead would not be easy.

These kinds of moments confront us with life's harshest realities. They force us to move in directions we never wanted to go and would have gone to great lengths to avoid because they are characterized by pain and suffering. They confront us in the form of death, divorce, illness, disease, accidents and more. Most of the time they change our lives forever.
But friend, no matter what we are facing as we look down that long stretch of road, God offers hope.

WE'RE NOT ALONE
During our darkest moments, God is there. When we are at our lowest point, a place where even those closest to us cannot walk with us, it is God who walks at our side. "Yea, thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me," declares Psalm 23:4.
In the depths of discouragement, when we're so depressed we're ready to flee all human companionship, God is the only One who will not let us go. "Where can I go from your Spirit?" David ponders in Psalm 139:7-10. "Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me."

WE CAN TAKE COMFORT IN HIS WORD
So how do we feel the presence of God when we so desperately need it—when we feel devastated and deserted? The psalmist tells us that in our very lowest moments, God's Word has power to refresh us. "My soul clings to the dust," he says. "Revive me according to Your word." (Psalm 119:25).
When we read the Bible through the lens of pain, we see God's handwriting with fresh, poignant meaning. His words can breathe hope back into our damaged lives.

GOD CARES THAT WE SUFFER
Our sufferings do matter to God. In fact, Scripture tells us we are exceedingly precious in His sight. Zechariah 2:8 says, "He who touches you touches the apple of His eye."
Many of he sufferings that come our way are not from the hands of God; they only pass through His hands. And in that passing, God takes full measure of them. He takes careful note of any pain being inflicted on the apple of His eye.

GOD WILL GIVE GRACE
As God permits pain in the lives of His children, He also bestows equal measures of grace never experienced outside of suffering. Heartache can result in intimacy with God. In trials and tragedies, we enter into a fellowship with Christ's sufferings.

You can't always prepare for life's disruptive moments nor can you always avoid them. You may never even discover the answers to all your questions. But this you can know: God is with you. He wants to wrap you in His presence where you can feel His love. And, as you take an unexpected detour, no matter how deserted you may feel, you'll discover grace you never knew before. That grace will take you through your journey.

His Will by Destiny Praise

This Song Was so Nice...I had to Post it Twice!

Be Encouraged!

It Happened to Me

(by Darryl Harris)

Blindsided! That’s how I describe it. Like an unsuspecting quarterback, blitzed from the backside by a fiery linebacker with visions of destruction, it hit me.

Of all persons I suspected I would be the least vulnerable. For years I had viewed myself as one of God’s dispensers of truth. Bible student and teacher. Preacher in waiting. Pastor to be. Encourager and calming influence in the midst of a storm, were all attributes I believed accurately described my life and demeanor. Not that I held any of the before descriptions with pride. I thought I realized that none of us can glory in only what God has made us. They were just a manifestation of a life who had been touched in so many ways by God’s grace and saving hand.

Thanksgiving flowed from my lips because of the manifold blessings God had showered on my life. Who could ask for more. A loving wife and three beautiful children who make each day a privilege to watch them grow and develop. Parents who sacrificed so my dreams could come true. A six-figure income following a satisfying athletic career. Promotions, accolades, and recognition from peers, as well as the perks of business success. Exotic travel to exciting destinations, posh hotels, and exquisite cuisine, were all part of the benefit package God allowed me to partake.

What makes this all the more shocking is that I thought I had it all in it’s proper perspective. “The Lord is number one in my life” I often proclaimed. I recognized that it was Jesus Christ who made all these things possible, and encouraged others to trust in his saving power, because he had “a wonderful plan for your life too.”

Then on March 25, 1996 it happened! I made the mistake I had so often warned others. Like Peter, and Thomas, I took my eyes off of the only one who could hold me. In the midst of a painful trial, I took my eyes off of Jesus, and for the first time “entertained doubt”. It’s painful to admit, but I doubted if Jesus would help me through the trial. I even doubted if this place called heaven, this promised place of eternal life, existed. Living in the horizontal will do that to you. And what I soon found out was that doubt’s twin brother for a Christian is misery!

Was this the total rejection of the truth I had so boldly proclaimed? No, I knew deep inside that only God could change my circumstances, but I entertained it. I played the “what if” mind games that lead only to depression and hopelessness. I gave the enemy and opportunity to flood my mind with despair, because that is what life is without God.

Maybe it was the excruciating pain in my body. Maybe it was the medication which clouded my mind and vision. Maybe it was the reality that I could not even control my next breath, and that life was indeed a “vapor” Maybe it was not knowing if life would ever be “the same” again. But it blindsided me. For the first time in my life I felt as if I was falling with nothing to catch me.

But God! If you don’t remember anything I say, remember those two words. But God truly is a God full of grace, and rich in mercy. My problem was not the size of my circumstances, but the size of my God. What I now realize is that I had entered into a process where God was taking me through something, so I could become something. How could I talk about faith and courage to my children if I never had to exercise it myself? How could I minister to those who hurt, if I never hurt? Whatever lay ahead, I needed to realize it ultimately will be for my good.

But God in His mercy, has shown me a wife, who has portrayed “supernatural” strength, through the painful loss of her best friend, her mom. I marvel as she continues life through the pain, with the confident assurance that they will be reunited as promised in God’s Word.

But God in His mercy, has shown me a mother, who despite medical problems that would have crippled even the strongest individuals, continues on her mission of unconditional support for her family. Who listened to my problems when no one else would. Who never gave up because she wanted us to have a chance to see some of our dreams come true. Headlines won’t proclaim her accomplishments or remarkable endurance, but a “crown of life” for those who faithfully endure hardships, truly awaits her in heaven. Her legacy has already touch several generations. She taught me to enjoy the good moments and thank God for life itself.

But God in His mercy, showed me a sister whose faith grew in adversity. Who refused to allow bitter disappointment and disillusionment overtake her. God used her to bring me words of hope and life. I am eternally grateful for her restoring my perspective.

Throughout my physical, mental, and emotional struggle, God simply continued to whisper two phrases to my heart, “believe in me, trust in me”. I’ve discovered, only faith and trust brings peace in the midst of adversity.

Doubt is without question a very human response, but it is also sin. The recognition of your ability to fall headlong into sins such as pride and doubt is truly humbling. When a quarterback is blindsided, the first thing he asks is “where was my left tackle.” Thank God, when I look back, I see that my left tackle, Jesus Christ, was always there. It was me who momentarily scrambled out of the pocket, when the heat was on, and got sacked! Thank God, this backside hit did not permanently injure me. I can still get back in the game!

Will I be blindsided again? Probably. In what form? I don’t know. However, I’ll never fall flat if I remember theses two words.....................But God..................But God...............But God! It’s only then, that you can answer His question, do you trust me, and do you believe?

DON'T GIVE UP! IT AIN'T OVER UNTIL GOD SAYS IT'S OVER!
dedicated to my friend Pastor Darryl Baker of Church of the Harvest in Columbus, Ohio

It Ain't Over by Maurette Brown Clark

How Great Is Our God

A team of astronomers from the University of Minnesota say they have found a giant hole in the universe. The void they’ve discovered is in a region of sky southwest of Orion. The mysterious empty place has no galaxies, stars, or even dark matter. One of the astronomers said that the hole in the heavens is a billion light-years across.

When I try to capture the meaning of such immensity, something happens to me. The fight goes out of me. I don’t know what to do with my thoughts. Who can relate to the magnitude of such emptiness?

Then I remember what the Lord did with Job. He drew His suffering servant’s attention to the same part of the night sky. Using the region of the constellation Orion along with the wonders of the weather and the natural world, the Lord brought Job to the end of his reasonings and arguments (Job 38:31; 42:5-6).

In the presence of such wonder, I want to join Job in collapsing before the Lord in surrender to His inexpressible power and wisdom. I want to let go of my anxiety, my anger, and my resistance to the mysterious leading of God. I want to claim my only confidence as being in the immeasurable greatness of our God. — Mart De Haan of Day of Discovery

How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin