I Can't but God Can

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Colossians 2:12 (NLT)

I found out a week or so ago that a dear friend of mine has been really sick. He’s been struggling with the results of two strokes for a year and a half. I knew he had the strokes but I didn’t realize he was still having such difficulty. My heart hurt for him.

I called, we talked on the phone and afterward I decided to really lean into praying for him. I am more and more convinced that prayer is the key to so many things. And I recently have become more convinced that while praying for things and plans and troubles are fine, praying for people is what God really wants us to do.

So I started. Every time I thought about him I prayed. I spent time in prayer for him each morning and also in the evening. One night, I woke up in the middle of the night and I thought about him. I started praying. And I heard “Fast.” And that is where I hit a road block.

You see, I have never been able to fast from food. I have fasted from lots of other stuff like TV and social media. I’ve eliminated types of food, like sugar, but I’ve never been able to do a complete food fast. I’ve tried. When I try I get horrible migraines and become very .sick. It shuts me down.

When I heard God say “Fast” I said, “We can talk about it in the morning. You know my body can’t do that.” I went back to sleep thinking tomorrow he’d realize I can’t do this. (So funny how we try to put God in a box.)

The next morning, I asked God about it. He said “Try.” Now I want to make something clear. I knew this was God. How? Because I would never, ever on my own think that I should fast at 3 a.m. out of the blue. Heck, it doesn’t matter what time of day it is. I would never think I should fast. My experiences have been super negative.

So I said “OK. I will try tomorrow. Tomorrow would be Saturday. It was going to be a busy day.

The next morning I woke up and as I headed downstairs I could smell the coffee. It was super inviting. I went into the kitchen looking forward to getting a cup and then I remembered. I was fasting today. I stood there and debated in my heart whether I was going to listen to what I knew God said or not. I didn’t want to. I knew I was going to end up really sick. Maybe I could fast tomorrow? Then I remembered my friend and God’s invitation. I decided to try.

What happened next I believe was a miracle. I fasted for 24 hours without food. I did drink water, black coffee and herbal tea (unsweetened). No food. No migraine. No nausea. A couple times I got a tiny headache which I prayed through. I spent a lot of time praying for my friend.

I don’t know if God is going to heal my friend. I am still praying he will. But here is what I do know. Something changed in me. First, I saw his power at work. He spoke to me, encouraged me and delivered on what he said. And He controlled my body. The awe I felt and the marvel at how Great God is, I can’t adequately express.

Why am I sharing this story? Because I want to encourage you to step out in faith and do what God is asking you to do. We need to “try” it when he tells us to do things we think we can’t do. We need to trust him. I believe God speaks to each and every one of us. We don’t hear him because we think he doesn’t and when we do hear him we doubt ourselves (and him). It’s that putting him in a box thing.

God does not fit in any box. What if seeing miracles requires us to step out of our comfort zone? How many of us will miss them? Following God’s leading is a life changing experience. I want to spend my life in awe. Don’t you? How is God asking you to step out in faith today? What are you going to do about it?

Seeking Through Surrender

O my son, give me your heart.
    May your eyes take delight in following my ways. Proverbs 23:26 (NLT)

Today my church kicks of a 40-Day Fast. We are seeking to hear what God has to say about the direction he is giving us. We can fast in a variety of ways. In short, you can do a food fast which is fasting from all food or a specific food or a soul fast. A soul fast is giving up something in your life that may be a distraction from hearing God’s voice (i.e. social media, games on devices, etc.) The purpose of a fast is not just to give something up but to add more of God in.

I decided to give up TV. Now, my schedule is such that I don’t get to watch TV every day. I don’t think I am addicted to it. But, I felt God saying this is what I have to fast from. I have to be honest. I was struggling with this. I couldn’t figure out why I was reluctant. I spend a lot of time with God; doing God-type things. I don’t spend a ton of time watching TV. What’s the deal?

I started praying about this yesterday, as I lamented not watching TV for 40 days. I came to the place where I realized that TV is my “comfort food” for my brain. It’s where I go to forget. It’s where I go to totally turn off and ignore everything around me. I decided that this was probably why I was struggling.

This morning, every place I turned in my worship was about surrender. It dawned on me that maybe God asked me to do this particular thing because it was the one thing I didn’t want to surrender.

I can eliminate any food from my diet. Been there done that.. There are a lot of mind over matter things I can accomplish. For some reason, this is different. And honestly, I don’t know why. But God does. And because he is asking, I am going to do it. I am going to surrender this.

I know in the process I will learn something about myself that i did not know. But more importantly, I am going to learn something about God that I did not know.

What is it in your life that God might ask you to surrender? Are you willing to do that so you can see him more clearly?

Dipping and Soaring!

Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT)

Recently this text got stuck in my head. Maybe because some days I feel so tired! Don’t we all? We run here and there, do this, do that. Our lists are never ending. Right? I kept thinking about the wings like eagles….what would that feel like? I dug into it a little and as usual, it’s beautiful. This may have to be one of the texts that I hang around the house so I can remember it.

God starts off asking them if they don’t remember what he’s done and how he has provided what they need in the past. Almost a little sarcastically really “Have you not heard?” Of course they heard! The stories of his rescue from Egypt were told over and over again. It’s who they were! But, it seems like they forgot. Glad we don’t do that.

Then he goes on to tell them (again) that he gives the power. When you are totally done, can’t take any more he will give you the strength that you need. He says that when we wait for the Lord, not go ahead and try to do it ourselves but wait for the Lord, we will get all the strength and power we need.

Another really cool thing is the word renew. It means to exchange (like a suit of clothes.) In other words, you have to take off what you are carrying around and put on what God has to give you.

When we do that, we will soar! We will take off and fly gliding on the winds, dipping and circling and soaring again! I can’t help but think if we allow God to be our strength, it will be a lot more fun than a never-ending “to do” list.

One Size Doesn't Fit All....On Purpose

Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. “I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine. 1 Samuel 17:38-40 (NLT)

David was sent by his father Jesse to bring food to his brothers. They were fighting the battle against the Philistines. When he got there, he heard Goliath shouting insults at the army. He was jeering and taunting them. And the Israelites were afraid.

David’s was incredulous. Why was Goliath allowed to insult God’s army without consequence? Didn’t he know that they had God behind them? In essence, he was insulting God. He went to King Saul and said he wanted to fight the giant.

King Saul was not easily convinced. David was so, well, small. How could he possibly fight Goliath? And David’s reciting of his experience didn’t help. Sure, you may have killed lions and bears but this is a GIANT! Finally, Saul gave in. He handed David his armor and said “Wear this.” David put it on. And then he took it off.

David knew that he couldn’t fight anything trying to be something he wasn’t. He wasn’t Saul. He didn’t look like Saul. He didn’t fight like Saul. He was David. He had to be who he was. A man that trusted in God.

How many times do we try to fit in where we shouldn’t? How often do we compromise on our core values, our beliefs, in order to accomplish some goal? How many times do we try to put on what is not ours to wear in order to win?

God created you. You are his masterpiece. And even if you haven’t fought lions or bears, your experience matters. God never wastes anything. He will use you, where you are and with what you have. If you have to go face a giant today, trust God. He’s in the battle with you and he knows what he’s doing. And, do you know the best part? He won’t make you wear someone else’s armor.

A Powerful Force

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.   Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT)

Did you ever read something in the Bible and get stuck on a verse?  I am stuck on this verse. I read it and a ton of questions started popping into my head. So here goes.

Do you think we understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us?  And those words  for us, does that mean that God will work his power on our behalf?  And how incredible is that power, the power that raised Christ from the dead? If we stop and think for a minute about the power to overcome death - the power that was behind that one amazing moment, it should blow our minds. Do we believe that he will show up and work miracles with that same magnitude? 

In addition to God working on the outside, there is a power that works on the inside. Here in Ephesians 3:17-19:

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

The first power here is comprehension. So does understanding how much God loves us give us the fullness of life and power that comes from God?  I think so. Mostly because I've watched people change when they understand this. What they care about changes. Who they are changes. Their goals and actions change and that is powerful.

In Ephesians 3:20 it says God's mighty power is at work within in us to accomplish infinitely more than we can ask or think. I don't know about you but I can think about a lot and my dreams are huge. But the Bible tells us God's power in us can do infinitely more than that.

I guess that brings me to my next questions. Do I believe it? Do I trust that God's power is real and that he is using it for us? When things are tough and I know in my heart it's not going to work out, do I put my faith in that power that I really don't understand? And most importantly, do I comprehend, do I fully get how much I am loved?  Do you?

A Minute In It - How Long Will I Trust You Lord?

A minute in Gods' word will change your life.  Read through the Bible text and answer the questions at the bottom of the post.

Exodus 14:5-25 (NLT)
5 When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” they asked. 6 So Pharaoh harnessed his chariot and called up his troops. 7 He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with its commander. 8 The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance. 9 The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh’s army—all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon.

10 As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, 11 and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? 12 Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”
13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. 18 When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!”

19 Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. 20 The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night.
21 Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. 22 So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side.

Imagine what it would be like. Thousands of people trying to move quickly to a safe place but there is no safe place in sight.

What would you be feeling?
What would be your first inclinations?
If your leader were telling you to just stay calm (v14), what would be your response?
When you saw the mighty waters of the Red Sea part, what would be your first reaction?
What would be your next reaction?
If you saw God work on your behalf in this mighty way, would you ever have trouble trusting him again?

When I'm Giving Up

Some days it's just good to know where my strength comes from.

I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (NCV)

With your help I can attack an army.
    With God’s help I can jump over a wall. Psalm 18:29

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power.  Ephesians 6:10

He gives strength to those who are tired
    and more power to those who are weak.
Even children become tired and need to rest,
    and young people trip and fall.
But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again.
They will rise up as an eagle in the sky;
    they will run and not need rest;
    they will walk and not become tired.  Isaiah 40:29-31

But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.”  2 Corinthians 12:9

But, Lord, don’t be far away.
    You are my strength; hurry to help me.  Psalm 22:19

Ch-Ch-Ch Changes

There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, “Rabbi, we all know you’re a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren’t in on it.”
Jesus said, “You’re absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it’s not possible to see what I’m pointing to—to God’s kingdom.” “How can anyone,” said Nicodemus, “be born who has already been born and grown up? You can’t re-enter your mother’s womb and be born again. What are you saying with this ‘born-from-above’ talk?”
Jesus said, “You’re not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the ‘wind-hovering-over-the-water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. When you look at a baby, it’s just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can’t see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit. John 3:1-6 (MSG)

This whole being born again thing can be a little confusing. I like the way The Message puts it. You have a body. You have a spirit. The body, whether it is a baby or an adult, can be seen and touched. The spirit cannot be seen or touched. The spirit is going to grow and become something. And that is the key, right? What is the something it will become?

That is the job of the Holy Spirit. Once we accept Jesus as our Savior and invite him into our life, the Holy Spirit gets busy. He starts to talk to us about lots of different things; how we love each other; the activities we are doing that keep God at a distance and so on. He talks to us about who God really is and shows us how involved he is in our lives. This process begins to change us from the inside out.

Often we say that God is not talking to us or we can't see him but if you look at your life and your thought patterns, I bet you could recognize how you've changed. If you have been convicted of a behavior that needs adjusting, if you've recognized God in anything, if you have had a change of heart about people or sin, God is working in your life. You are being born again.

Being born again is sometimes very subtle. It is a quiet changing of who you are into what God wants you to be. In my case, it has happened over years. Don't be fooled. This is still a God thing. You are experiencing him. You are experiencing his power.  He is intimately involved in your life. And, oh by the way, it's a process. Sometimes it is super messy. It will go on until Jesus comes again so relax and let God be God. He loves you too much to give up on you.