The Honeymoon is Over!

The honeymoon is over... and that's not all bad. There is a philosophy that says: If you are not challenged by all that is on your plate, then you probably aren't doing much to advance the kingdom of God (or something like that...). Suffice it to say - I am definitely challenged! I am challenged by home and family, I am challenged by my work, I am challenged spiritually, I am challenged by nearly everything in my midst. I am digging this Idaho fall weather, though!

Here are some of my thoughts about challenges:

I have worked/volunteered for more than a dozen not-for-profits in some form or fashion. None of them have been perfect. When you dig in deep enough, every place that is filled with people is quite dysfunctional at some level. The challenge is not in finding a perfect place, but in diligently working purposefully amongst the dysfunction - be it big, or be it small.

I have learned that I really don't function well amidst of controversy. Yet, controversy is everywhere! I am learning how to embrace only the controversy that affects my the God-given purpose within an organization, or within a relationship. If I have the opportunity to impact the controversy in a positive manner, then it is a part of my God-given purpose (even if that means confrontation). It is extremely defeating for me to hear more than I am equipped to handle. So, I am learning how to step back and carefully (wisely, by the grace of God) choose my place in the midst of controversy.

Some folks thrive within controversy. It's not too hard to spot these kinds of folks because they always have a controversy to share. Oftentimes their stories are intriguing... because information is power, isn't it? Or is it? Power, when fueled by lack of wisdom and discernment, is destructive. This kind of power is easy, and it spreads fast... kind of like a poison.

God knows that I have something good to offer this world, and so do you. The evil one also knows this truth. The evil one uses our weaknesses to advance his purposes. Oh, how I want to steer clear of that kind of influence.

My prayer for 2011 is shaping up via the portions of Scripture that I have felt led to memorize:

"O Lord, listen to my cry; give the discerning mind you promised" (Psalm 119:169). Thank you for reminding me that "the battle is not (mine), but (yours)" (2 Chronicles 20:15b). To allow Your leadership in battle, I must "fix my eyes on (You), the author and perfecter of (my) faith" (Hebrews 12:2). So, "when You said, 'Seek my face,' my heart said to You, 'Your face, Lord, I will seek" (Psalm 27:8)!

I know, Lord, that "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7), and that Your "grace is sufficient for (me), for (Your) power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). In my weakness, thank you for reminding me that "words kill, (and) words give life; they're either poison or fruit." You give me the power to choose (Proverbs 18:21). Because of the choices you give me, I am able to "march on (and) be strong" (Judges 5:21b)! And you are my strength; You make "my feet like the feet of deer, (You) enable me to tread on the heights" (Habakkuk 3:19). You keep from following the draw of popular culture - the draw that leads to slavery (Acts 7:39).

Thank You for Your word! It is a "lamp for my feet, and a light for my path" (Psalm 119: 105). It is my hope - "I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His Word" (Psalm 130:5). You are "the king over all kings and the master of all masters" (1 Timothy 6:15).Because of You, I can "forget the former things" (Isaiah 43:18-19), and I can "impress (your commandments) on (my) children" (Deuteronomy 6:5-7). I can grow in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, Godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-9). It is only through You, that Your children will find unity. And, it is through unity that the world will know You (John 17:23). Your kingdom, God, is near, but it can not be observed as a place. Your kingdom is within me, Your child (Luke 17:20-21).

Amen.