Eric Suddoth's Blog, page 3

Always Hears…Always Stops

Do you ever feel like your prayers are hitting the ceiling? Like you’re dialing to talk to God, but it goes straight to voicemail? That your texts show they’ve been delivered, but they remain unread?

I think we all have been there, or are there, or will be there soon. Or you’re all three and have hit the trifecta.

I wish I understood. I wish I could see beyond what my eyes can see, and see what He sees. I wish, but would it make it any better to know what’s around the bend?

I bet there is a good reason why He doesn’t always let us see. Maybe He knows our human heart, that if we saw the finish line, He knows we would stop trying and tell ourselves, “why struggle?” when we know we are going to finish, and in essence delay the finish. Does that make sense? It’s like a revolving Catch-22 that will never catch itself.

Or maybe He knows that seeing doesn’t always equate to better. If we saw what is going to happen, would we still need faith to walk through the hardships? I know there is a victory coming, but I’m clinging to His strength and not my own. If I saw the victory would I move God to the back of the line? And then once again in essence miss the victory by moving God?

Many times if life is status quo, faith suffers. When the lilies of the valley are blooming, the weeds of complacency start sprouting. When rainbows are spreading, promises get forgotten. When our belly’s are full, our hands stay in our pockets instead of reaching up toward Him.

I do not enjoy the sound of silence in response to my prayers. But looking back, I’ve grown most during those seasons.

A few weeks ago someone said something profound. It’s simple, but so true.

Jesus always hears. Jesus always stops.

Jesus always hears. And when hears, Jesus always stops.

You may feel like your prayers are getting lost in the shuffle. But they aren’t. Take hope in the assurance that each prayer is heard.

When you are at the bottom of your pit, so often you just want some company. You just want to feel like you’re not alone. You just want to be heard.

He hears you.

But He doesn’t just hear your cries like a parent ignoring their child’s tantrum. He doesn’t just hear your complaints like a customer service representative. He doesn’t just hear your order like a waitress after a 12 hour shift.

He listens to you.

There is a difference between hearing and listening.

You can hear sounds, but when something catches your interest, you listen. Your favorite song on the radio. The sound of a relaxing stream. The melody of a songbird. You go from hearing to listening, because something piqued your interest.

Jesus goes from hearing to listening when He hears your voice.

And He stops what He’s doing to give you His undivided attention.

Nothing is more important at this moment. Nothing could cause Him to turn you away. Nothing could make Him ignore your voice.

So, take heart that He is listening. Stand firm that He has stopped for you. And rest in peace in knowing that no prayer ever comes back unanswered.

We may not get the response we want, but we always do get a response.

His love sees beyond a simple yes or no. A no may be hard to hear, but once again, remember, He is with you still. He has stopped to sit with you. He has stopped to commune with you. He has stopped to be with just you.

May you know you are always heard by the one who loves to hear your voice. So, let Him hear it. And maybe as He stops to listen, your restlessness may be stilled as well.

Peace

Slippery Slopes

and do not give the devil a foothold. 

Paul – Ephesians 4:27

Is there anything wrong in saying parts of the Bible are nothing more than folklore passed down through the centuries like Gilgamesh, Pandora’s Box, or Osiris? Each of these stories taught a lesson, but is parts of the Bible the same way?

I’ve heard various people say that belief in the story of God creating the world in six days does not matter in the grand scheme of the Bible. It really doesn’t matter if God created everything from scratch in six days or six million days.

Then there is the story of Noah’s ark. Could a man really create a boat large enough to house not just two of each animal, but fourteen?

Take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and one pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate,

God – Genesis 7:2

That boat must have been one large piece of craftsmanship.

But does the introduction of God’s covenant really matter if there were no ark or giant flood?

Then we have the great debate of was it a fish or a whale that swallowed Jonah? Jonah is a foreshadow of Christ’s death, burial in the tomb and ultimately his resurrection. So, does it really matter if there was never a man name Jonah fleeing God?

But I believe that if you start picking and choosing which parts of the Bible you are going to say are factual and which ones are pure fiction, then you are getting ready to find yourself on a slippery slope. Because where is the line? If you say the story of Noah couldn’t possibly happen, then how can you say the virgin birth happened?

Aren’t both of these miracles?

Faith goes beyond logic and reasoning. It confounds the wise.

So, if you start saying some parts of the Bible are just stories like parables that Jesus taught, then is your faith built upon truth or lies? Is your foundation built upon a solid rock or a falling house of cards?

People may say Jesus never confirmed the creation of the world in six days. But he did however say,

But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?

Jesus – John 5:45-47

Moses is the stated author of the creation story in Genesis. If the creation story wasn’t accurate, Jesus wouldn’t affirm Moses’ writing.

Then we have the story of Noah, which Jesus also referenced.

But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;  and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

Jesus – Matthew 24:36-41

If the flood never happened, would Jesus cite this event? If Jesus was perfect and never lied, could he say this if the flood never happened?

Then we come to the craziest story of Jonah. Once again, Jesus mentions Jonah as well.

The sinful people of this day look for something special to see. There will be nothing special to see but the powerful works of the early preacher Jonah. Jonah was three days and three nights in the stomach of a big fish. The Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the grave also. The men of the city of Nineveh will stand up with the people of this day on the day men stand before God. Those men will say these people are guilty because the men of Nineveh were sorry for their sins and turned from them when Jonah preached. And see, Someone greater than Jonah is here!

Jesus – Matthew 12:39-41

Once again, if Jonah never existed, and he was never swallowed by a big fish, would Jesus mention it?

If we say the stories in the Bible are nothing more than myths to teach us lessons then we ultimately are saying the book is no better than a book of fairytales.

Many religions admire the teachings of Christ, yet they don’t believe he was who he said he was, the Son of God. So, in essence, they call Jesus a liar. And for Jesus to call himself the Son of God, he must be mentally crazy. If someone today said they were the Son of God, we would label them a cult leader. And we would laugh at the people following their leader with their brainwashing antics.

So, if you are saying some of the stories in the Bible are not 100% true, how can you say Christ is 100% true? And if he wasn’t 100% true, then he couldn’t be 100% Son of God. And if he wasn’t 100% Son of God, then his death was for nothing. And if his death was for nothing, this religion of Christianity is nothing but a fraud behind a curtain.

But…

But if you say the world was somehow created in six days, even as crazy as it sounds, then you can agree with what Christ said when me spoke about the the six days of work in Luke 13.

But if you say Noah built an ark and saved humanity, even as ludicrous as it looks, then you can agree with with the story Christ referenced and also his family lineage in Luke 3.

But if you say Jonah was a real man who was saved by being swallowed by a big, even as unbelievable as it sounds, then you can agree with what Christ said right after casting out a demon in Luke 11.

And that is what I find interesting. Right after Christ cast out a demon, he goes into a teaching referencing Jonah. As if he knew that if you give the Devil just an inch to say that story of Jonah isn’t factual, it could cause you to be looking over the ledge of “what ifs” and “not-so-sures”.

But beware. If you stand too close to the edge you may slip and not even know it. You could be wrapping your faith around false beliefs that sound intellectually correct. Yet, once again, faith isn’t about finding sound answers. It’s about believing in the One that holds all the answers that our mind cannot comprehend.

Peace

I Don’t Like You, But I Love You…Really?

I’ve heard this phrase my entire life. I’ve even said it a time or two. But recently I have really been thinking is this really possible?

Can you not like someone, but truly love them?

My mind cannot grasp this concept. My brain can’t understand many concepts, but this one really befuddles my mind.

The main thing that confuses me is it really Biblical? I hear Christians say this all the time, but do all Christian’s really mean it? Or is it a cop out response to seem like they are following Christ’s teachings?

Did Jesus not like some people?

I understand the reasoning of not liking the sin some people do, but still loving the person. But if I’m truly honest, I fall into sin daily. Yet, I still like myself.

So can we as flawed beings hold to that sentiment when a sin is a sin is a sin?

Jesus can say it, but can we really say it in good conscience?

But I don’t think most people dislike people because of their sin. Many times good Christian’s will give grace to those in sin. So I believe most people dislike people for other reasons.

So if you dislike someone for their political status, religious beliefs, personality, how can you then in the same breath say you love them?

Some people would say Jesus didn’t like the Pharisees because he was calling them out. But I think you can still point out peoples weaknesses and still like them.

I lead a group of high school guys that do things I do not agree with. There are moments when I have to gently tell them they are doing something wrong. Just because I am correcting them, I still like and love them.

I think the reason I have such a hard time with this statement is that we are supposed to love people as Christ loves. And Christ compels us to love sacrificially.

So, if you don’t like someone, would you die for them?

That may be extreme, but Christ’s love was extreme. And if we can’t carry on a conversation with someone for a few minutes without our temperature rising, would we be willing to sacrifice ourself for that person?

Some people have told me there are different types of love. But we are called to love as Christ loved. That is the type of love I am speaking about here. Love that went to the cross and died for everyone.

Then some people have said there are different levels of love. But if you can’t say you love someone 100%, what would that other percentage be considered?

Can you truly say you love someone if you pick and choose what you would sacrifice for that person?

If you love someone 99%, what is the other 1%?

If it’s not love, is your 99% somewhat tainted?

I believe in black and white, and this phrase seems like it resides in the land of the grey.

I think I have a hard time with this saying, because when I don’t like someone, I rarely would go out of my way for that person. And if I have a hard time, I would think most people would have a hard time as well.

I would rather people say, “I don’t like them, but I’m trying to love them. I may not be there yet, but I’m trying.”

What are your thoughts? I’m interested in hearing them.

Peace

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

A New Chapter…in the Book of Life

So, I’ve been reviewing my editors notes on my latest book. I’m horrible at grammar, which some of you can probably tell through my blogposts. So, I welcome that keen eye to point out my weaknesses to make my story better.

Last night as I was editing, I came to a chapter that resolved itself too neatly.

When I was originally writing the story I thought about a twist at that moment, but none seemed possible. I don’t put twists in my books just for the sake of an “aha” moment. Each one is thought out and examined for the believability factor because I have watched too many movies or read a few books where I almost put it down because it wasn’t realistic.

So last night that chapter hit me.

I knew I needed to fix it somehow. And somehow I saw the twist unfold before my eyes.

I started typing the events that I wanted, but then it didn’t flow to the next chapter anymore.

So I had to rework it.

I continued editing and got to a point where I needed to add a new chapter to allow the story to unfold like it needed to be.

It would have been easier to not change the story. It would have been quicker to continue with my editing and ignore that twinge in my gut saying something is missing. It would have still been a good story without this additional chapter.

But it wouldn’t have been the story I wanted to tell.

Sometimes in life, new chapters are added midstream, midclimb, midhustle. It may seem like a detour you didn’t want to take, but sometimes the detours are needed.

Needed to slowdown.

Needed to see a new perspective or landscape.

Needed to encompass your full potential.

Are new chapters fun to experience in life? Not always. There are some that may be welcomed, but most of the time, new chapter involve added work. Added stress. Added deadlines. Added duties.

And when your book of life is already full to the edges you may wonder how you would add that new chapter to your already full schedule.

Just because something is doable, doesn’t make it easier.

Brain surgery is doable, but it definitely isn’t easy. Neither is rocket science, biochemistry, civil engineering. But they are all doable after years of training, education and practice.

It seems life is like that. With practice it doesn’t make it easy, but it makes it doable.

So, are you at an intersection of your life?

Are you seeing a new chapter that needs to be written, but are fearful in picking up that pen.

So don’t choose a permanent pen. Try a pencil, so if you make a mistake, you can erase it. And then try again.

Life is all about trial and error. And maybe a few successes occasionally to encourage us along life’s journey.

So, are you feeling that pull to insert something new into your book? When you look at your life is there something you may regret when you get older for not trying it now?

So why not try it now?

Regrets on deathbeds seem like a terrible haunting feeling.

But what if you have no regrets?

What if you have no secret reservations?

What if you just face it now?

You may find out that it wasn’t meant to be. But isn’t it better knowing than wondering?

You may find out that you can do it! Isn’t that better than pondering?

You may find out that your dream was always within your grasp. You just weren’t looking in the right direction.

Added chapters are sometimes a hassle. But life is going to be so much better because of it.

So, what’s your next move?

I think it’s time to proverbially pick up that pencil, scribble that idea, and see where it takes you.

Some of life’s greatest journeys start out with a step of blind faith.

If you trust the process, you can trust the One who will stay with you through it. And He will be encouraging you to keep going. He will be cheering you on to not give up. He will be singing over you with words of hope. He will be sheltering and embracing you all the way.

But mostly He will be with you through it all.

And isn’t that worth the added chapter for no other reason than writing it with Him?

Peace

Flip the Switch and You’re Perspective

It’s been a challenging few months…well, maybe years. It seems like there is always a deadline in the near future and not enough hands on deck to meet it.

But we always meet it. We always make the deadline. We always leave looking ahead at the next looming deadline heading our way.

There are moments when I wish I had a month or two to breathe. Recoup. Regroup. Refocus.

But would I really?

Or would I waste that brief break with meaningless time wasters? Knowing me, I would find a nice time waster to fill that void.

I was talking to some people the other night and we were discussing stress. It seems like everyone has something that causes them stress.

Everyone.

It doesn’t discriminate against age or race. It doesn’t pick and choose based on social status or wealth. You can walk into a room of 10 diversely different people and I can guarantee they will each have something that can cause them stress.

So, we all have it. What do we do with it?

I heard someone say one time, “you cannot choose your circumstances but you can choose how you will proceed with it.”

Will you let that darkness dictate your endless possibility future?

Will you let that bump in the road trip you up so much you want to quit?

Will you let that negative comment grow and fester in your heart until that is all you can feel?

Life is all about choices.

And sadly we don’t always make the right ones. Sometimes the situations we find ourselves in are from our own demise. One bad decision can topple the sturdiest of our man made towers.

But the beauty of life and the circle of it is that most of the time it can be corrected. Reconciled. Redeemed.

There are only a few things that cannot be rectified, mainly health issues.

But mistakes you made don’t have to haunt you forever.

The poor choices you fell for can be a learning curve for a dynamic future.

Skeletons hold no power, unless you give them the power. They are dead. They are fragile. They are bones decaying to dust.

So why do the dead things of this world hold so much power?

Because we give it the breath to carryon. We give it the flesh to grip its skeleton fingers at our heart. We unknowingly give it the credence to keep us up at night. Because once again, they aren’t the things lurking in the night.

Your shackled memories are.

So turn on the light. See the skeletons for what they are worth. Expose their flaws in their fictional tale that there is no grace for you. Dissect into their marrow and see there isn’t anything good in there anymore.

Dwelling in the past is only good for when you are seeking guidance for your next move. So you don’t fall into the same pit you fell in before.

So if you are dwelling in the regrets of yesteryear, all I can ask is, what’s your next move?

Life is too good to be partying with dead skeletons you keep locked up. It’s time to bury the past and explore in the world of the living.

The world of second, third, ninety-nine chances.

The world where light shines to bring both healing and correction.

The world where grace is freely poured out. No ifs, ands or buts.

The world where stress will always be, but someone is also there to help bear the load.

There is a table waiting for you to come and commune. Nothing is needed, just come empty handed and you will be filled up til your cup is running over. He longs to commune with you no matter your past. Because He already knows it. And He still sits and waits for you to dine with Him. He’s holding a place especially for you.

So, what’s your perspective?

Are you brave enough to flip the switch and run into the fields of grace and forgiveness for yourself?

Perspective…it’s a good switch to flip.

Peace

The Stagnant Land of Curdled Milk and Wax

Do you ever feel like you are walking in your own wilderness? It may not have been 40 years, but you feel like it has been?

Years of waiting for that miracle.

Years of hoping for the tides to turn.

Years of yearning for a sign of deliverance.

Years of dreaming of that land flowing with milk and honey. Dreaming of tasting the sweetness when you have tasted bitterness for so long. Dreaming of seeing your dreams finally realized.

But some days all you can smell is spoiled milk.

Years ago when I was in college I went through a period of memorizing scripture. One of the verses I clung to then and still now is:

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

King Solomon

In the NLT (New Living Translation) longing is replaced with dream. I love that translation and the simple changing of one word.

I love that verse with the hope it gives. God knows the waiting is hard, sickening, and agonizing. But He also knows that joy of receiving the dream and the life it gives.

But sometimes we have to wait to see that tree.

But trees don’t grow overnight. It takes years for their roots to dig deep into the Earth. If the roots didn’t do their job, trees would fall over all the time with the softest breeze because the roots wouldn’t be there to sturdy the massive tree. So we need those years of root building.

Young trees don’t provide very much shade, but trees that have grown for decades provide enough for families to gather underneath in the hot summer months. So we need those years of limbs growing.

Maybe God could see the bigger picture as a tree being an image for life.

If we got what we wanted the instant we wanted it, would it mean as much?

Sometimes in life you have to taste and smell the spoiled milk to appreciate the goodness of God.

A while back a good friend sent me a new song to listen to. He knew I was a fan of Brooke Ligertwood, but the song did nothing for me.

Honey in the Rock

When I first listened I couldn’t put myself in the song. I didn’t realize I was in a season of waiting and longing for God to show up. But I was.

But this week that song struck a nerve. The words seemed so obvious. Now I cannot stop singing or thinking about it.

This isn’t the full song, but these words were what I was needing to hear.

Praying for a miracle

I feel like many people are praying for their miracle.

I don’t need to worry now that I know
Everything I need You’ve got
There’s honey in the rock

God has everything I need. I have everything that I need. And if I don’t have something I need, I know God will give it. No need to worry because He’s got it.

Freedom whеre the Spirit is
Bounty in the wildеrness
You will always satisfy, yeah

And when I try to fill the void myself, I will always come away wanting more. But if I fill that God-shaped hole with Him, nothing else is needed to fill any cracks of crevices. He satisfies all my void. Even in the waiting, He fills my empty hands.

I keep looking, I keep finding
You keep giving, keep providing
I have all that I need
You are all that I need

I keep praying, You keep moving
I keep praising, You keep proving
I have all that I need (You are)
You are all that I need

So if you’re looking for your dream to come. (God is here.)

If you’re praying with tear stained cheeks (God is here)

You may not see the honey flowing yet, but God is already preparing it. You may not smell the sweetness, but God is making sure it is perfect.

You may not believe God will do anything and that’s okay.

Because God doesn’t need your faith to work His miracles.

If God needed your faith to move the mountains, I wouldn’t be praying to Him. But I pray to Him because He’s the one that moves the mountains.

God doesn’t rely on us to accomplish His works. He may use us to fulfill it, but He also used the ravens to feed Elijah. So if God can use some ravens, He can use anything to work His miracle.

Even a measly rock. Because apparently sometimes there’s some honey found in those rocks.

Oh, how sweet, how sweet it is
To trust in You, Jesus

Peace

It’s Time to Build…an Alter?

Are you feeling broken down with life?

Do you feel like you are living in the ruins of what used to be? Living among the rubble of your once sturdy life?

What are you going to do with those stones?

What if you build an alter with your broken pieces?

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.””
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Why did Samuel build an alter?

It’s a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness. When they walked by that spot of land it would remind them of the times in the past when God helped them. When they saw the stone tower from afar they would remember when God helped them.

When you are sitting in your rubble…

When you don’t feel God…

When you don’t see any hope…

That’s when you need that reminder of Ebenezer.

Because God is still good, even when you can’t see it.

Even when you are sitting in the rubble of your life, God is still your stronghold.

Today at work I was listening to a message and they brought up how Noah built an alter when he got off the ark.

He could have done anything after being cooped up in a boat with lots of smelling animals, but he built an alter. An alter that signified God’s protection and promise.

You may feel like you are drifting on the open sea without a compass or map.

It may be time to build that alter to remind yourself that even when you feel uncertain, you can rest in God’s certainty.

Abraham built multiple alters, but one was in response to God’s provision. A reminder that God will provide.

You may be down to your last thread in finances, relationships, or job security.

It may be time to build an alter to remind yourself that God will provide for you. You are His child. He loves you more than the sparrows or lilies in the fields. So He will provide your daily needs.

After I listened to the message, I remembered a song by Chris Renzema and Ellie Holcomb, “Just as Good”

I’ve been here before, my heart feels so weak
Got this weight upon my chest, and
I can’t stop forgetting
My God, that You’ve never left, You’re right here with me
Still I’m convinced You’re hiding
Oh God, would You remind me?

That You’re still just as good as when I met You
You’re still just as kind, don’t let me forget that You’re
Still the same God who led me through the fire
You’re still the same God who separates the waters
Come do what only You can do
God, I need You

You’ve done this before, will You do it again?
‘Cause the waves are all around me
And it feels like I’m drowning
My God, will You still reach down and give me Your hand?
‘Cause even when I’m doubting
Your love, it still surrounds me, oh

And You’re still just as good as when I met You
You’re still just as kind, don’t let me forget that You’re
Still the same God who led me through the fire
You’re still the same God who separates the waters
Come do what only You can do
God, I need You, oh

And I will build an altar
Stack it stone by stone
‘Cause every Ebenezer says I’ve never been alone
My faith will surely falter
But that don’t change what You’ve done
‘Cause every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from
And I will build an altar
Stack it stone by stone
‘Cause every Ebenezer says I’ve never been alone
My faith will surely falter
But that don’t change what You’ve done
‘Cause every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from
‘Cause every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from

You’re still just as good as when I met You
You’re still just as kind, don’t let me forget that You’re
Still the same God who led me through the fire
You’re still the same God who separates the waters
Come do what only You can do, oh
Come do what only You can do

And I will build an altar
And stack it stone by stone
‘Cause every Ebenezer says I’ve never been alone
My faith will surely falter
But that don’t change what You’ve done
‘Cause every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from
Oh, every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from

I love the bridge in the song where they sing, “‘Cause every Ebenezer says I’ve never been alone…Cause every Ebenezer points to where my help comes from.”

I love that image of the alter being a tangible marker pointing to God. Pointing to where my help comes from. Pointing to my stronghold. Pointing to my provider. Pointing to my redeemer. Pointing to my savior.

So even though you may be feeing alone, you are not alone. He is with you.

And even though you may be feeling lost, you are not lost. He knows where you are.

And I hope you know He is still just as good.

So it may be hard, but pick up that stone and place it on another. And use that alter as a reminder that even though you may not see it now, God is still just as good.

Peace

It Can Get Messy

Life can get messy.

Relationships can get messy.

Work can get messy.

Serving can get messy.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to take a group of high school guys to a YoungLife camp (Timberwolf). After one of the heavy nighttime messages about sin and death, they have a carnival.

It may sound strange to have a fun carnival after such a heavy topic, but there is a point. Many teenagers who come to these camps have never heard the Gospel message. So hearing about sin can be a depressing night as the teenagers may rehash their wayward past.

But as Christians, we are not to pass judgement on these unbelievers. We are called to love on them. So instead of having them stay in that pit, we have fun.

So the night of the carnival is a wild night of fun and games. High schoolers run around the carnival setting to gain tickets. With those tickets you can redeem them for prizes. Prizes such as throwing pies at the leaders face or dropping the leaders in a dunking booth.

I will never forget what the camp leader said, “Do not get mad at the students throwing pies in your face or dunking you. Do not try to get even with them. But cheer them on and keep encouraging them.”

My guys collected their tickets and came smiling with their pies in their hands. Ready to cover me. And they got me good.

That night after cleaning up and scrapping out the cool whip deep inside my ears, we had our cabin time where we sit around and talk.

That whirlwind excitement of the carnival filled with laughs allowed the group to open up that night and discuss the gunk that was in all of our lives.

You may not know what someone is going through, it may be messy, but they are worth sitting and listening.

I will never forget that moment at YoungLife camp.

So last night my new group of guys had a messy games night. And once again I could hear the words from the YoungLife camp leader from years ago.

In a matter of minutes my face, neck, arms, back were covered in paint. I’m not sure if it was done out of love, but they came up to me smiling, ready to get me good. I’m hopeful that in the years to come they will remember last night and think, “Eric let me mess him up and he didn’t say no. I think I can trust him.”

I hope last night is like a seed planted in each of their hearts. It may take years to see some growth, but I will keep watering that seed.

And through the years I have learned some crucial points.

Be present. Be attentive. And give them undivided attention. Even when it gets messy.

Never act shocked at what they say. It’s not my place to condemn. It’s not my job to judge. I’m supposed to be a safe place for them to land when they could be crashing. Cause it will get messy.

You earn the right to share the Gospel. It’s not something that everyone wants to hear, so it may take time. But it will be worth the wait to show their mess.

Be merciful. Be gentle. And speak the truth while clearing the mess.

Disciplining people isn’t easy. We all have baggage. We all have flaws. We all think we are right all the time.

But even though it can get messy, I must remind myself that my life is a mess too. And God covers me with grace daily. So I must also share that same grace with others.

God may see my mess, but He also sees me as His masterpiece.

May we learn to see how He sees. And may we love the way He loves.

Mess and all.

Peace

Really? Not Again – In the Dark

So we were expecting a new employee this morning to help out with the upcoming deadlines. Once again, hope was dashed with a last minute text of saying they won’t be coming…30 minutes before work.

In life it is easy to lose hope in situations that are beyond your control.

When relationships fade despite your commitment. When once solid ground erodes around your feet despite the cultivation you have endured. When finances crumble despite your best and well intentions.

Life has a way to humble us even when we thought we couldn’t be humbled any lower.

So, where do you go from here?

Do you turn to a bottle? Do you turn to another body to fill that void? Do you turn to another temporary gap filler until you reach the end of your elusive, never ending rainbow.

I wish I could take a peak at the bigger picture. I wish I could just shake the present like two days before Christmas, just to know there is something waiting for me to unwrap.

Instead of waiting in the dark.

But darkness is sometimes needed.

Darkness can bring out the worst fears in all of us, but it can also lead us to a time of deep rest. A time to close our eyes without the pain of the blinding light piercing through our sealed shut eyelids. A period to just breathe without worrying who may see us in such a helpless estate. A time to fall before the One who sees what’s beyond the crack of dawn.

Knowing we won’t have time to rest when the sun is up. Guiding us to rest now, because strength will be needed soon. Teaching us to stay calm, for larger storms will come. Protecting us from dangers we would have hiked towards despite all the warning signs.

You can see the period of darkness as a prison or punishment, but sometimes those thick walls and bars are an unknown needed fortress able to withstand all the hardships lurking around the corner.

So, if you’re in a season of darkness, take heart. You can’t see the monsters in the dark. Call it blissful ignorance. Call it faith. Call it whatever you want, but the darkness has a purpose.

Even if it’s just to show us how bright the light of God is when we are finally able to see that Heavenly sight.

So, may you take this time to refuel.

Because dawn is eventually going to shine.

And will you be ready?

Or will you turn and hide back into the darkness?

You may say that is a ridiculous notion, but ever step out into the light after being in the dark? It’s blinding. It takes time for your eyes to adjust. You may feel like it’ll be easier to head back into Egypt than walk for the next 40 years.

But when God led the people to the promised land, He led them with a cloud by day and a fire by night.

Now that’s a bright light.

So, get ready. He may strike the match any minute. I just hope my faith is strong enough to walk toward the light when that moment comes.

Peace

I’m Fine How I Am…Break Me

I’m not sure about you, but I don’t like to be torn apart, broken, ripped to pieces, shredded, smashed to bits. I’m pretty sure no one enjoys that process.

Most of us would be content waking up the exact same as we woke up this morning. No change. Status quo. The plateau affect.

But should we?

Should we be content with mediocrity when a higher standard, goal, idea, agenda is lurking around the corner?

Sadly, the majority of the time to reach that next level one has to experience those growing pains.

But what if your growth is immature, or spreading in the wrong direction, or running wild into chaos? What do you do then?

Sometimes you have to stop the madness, go back to the drawing board, reshuffle things around, and start fresh. It takes time, but you have to stop it like a virus before it contaminates everything and then there is nothing worth salvaging.

Someone the other day offered up the prayer for God to break us.

Let’s just say, that is one prayer I’m hesitant in praying sincerely.

There are some truths that I know.

1. God is good – so if He sees something in me that needs breaking, He is more than likely right.

2. God is love – so if He sees something in me that needs cutting away, He is more than likely going to do it in a loving, more kind way than the world would.

3. I’m not perfect – so I am fairly certain I do have something in my life that needs changing

4. I don’t want it to happen to me

Yes, the fourth item is a selfish truth, but it’s still a truth that I know in a very personal way.

I grew up with a yard full of rose bushes. My parents planted them all over. We had roses of various colors – red, pink, white, yellow. I remember having to water the rose bushes in the late evenings with a water hose, and not to get the leaves wet. I’m still not sure why.

But I also remember seeing my mom pruning the roses. Clipping the bulbs in full bloom, taking off the deadening petals, and then in late summer she would trim back the bushes so they could regrow the following summer.

Sometimes the rose bush looked sick after the pruning, but after time it flourished more than it had before, because it was pruned.

So, maybe I’m like a rose bush that needs pruning. Do you know what pruning is? It’s cutting the bad pieces away. I’ve never heard a rose bush scream, but I’m not sure the rose bush finds the pruning process enjoyable either.

And I know when there are seasons in my life when things are being cut away, broken, pruned, it’s not a day to stop and smell the roses.

It’s usually a day to wallow. And I don’t feel like wallowing.

Yet, as I look back in my life, those seasons of winter brought forward a season of spring that would not have arrived if winter didn’t happen first.

I wish I could be like a bear. “Okay God, I’m going to go into this cave and hibernate while you do a work in me that needs to be done. Then when I wake up, I’ll be better than ever.”

But that’s not how it works.

Yet, it’s during this time I have to remind myself of the three truths I mentioned before (leaving out the fourth).

God is good. God is love. And I’m not perfect.

I’m still weary in saying the prayer…maybe I’ll pray it on a Friday night and allow God to break me on a Saturday when I can sleep and wallow while binge watching something on Netflix.

But I know, beyond a shadow of doubt, that if God sees something need breaking in me, I’m confident in His ability to rebuild, reconstruct, restore, renew me better than how I previously was living.

It’s just the apprehension of the unknown and what’s going to happen next that makes we want to skip this prayer.

So, if you’re feeling brave, it’s time to pray a bold prayer.

God, break me to make me better than I was before…but please, don’t leave me during the healing. Amen

Peace