“You have not passed this way before.”

It was new territory for me when I lost my job. When I suddenly had vision difficulties and learned I had a retinal condition requiring surgery, it was new ground. I had not passed that way before.

Sometimes something big happens to us, changing that day and all the days ahead. Something we haven’t experienced and don’t necessarily know how to handle.

After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan, into the land promised to them by the Lord. It was new territory to them, and the Lord told them how:

“Do not come near [the ark of the covenant], that you may know the way by which you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.” (Joshua 3:4)

The Lord went ahead of them and they stayed back to see Him (the ark of the covenant) and their route.

When we face new territory, we must remember:

1. The Lord is with us, His children.
2. The Lord knows we haven’t passed this way before.
3. The Lord will go ahead, guiding us through the new territory.
4. The Promised Land is on the other side.
5. To keep our eyes on Him and move forward in faith.

Gold Medals

Beginning as children, thousands strive for Olympic gold medals in their sports. Training is more than a full time job, day in and day out for years, encompassing every aspect of their lives from eating and sleeping, to fitness and skill. Depending on the sport, they may spend hours every day in the weight room, work on balance, build stamina, perform drills (over and over and over), pile on the miles or the laps or the runs, put up with discomfort, and work around pain. Their demanding coaches push them to greater fitness, and improved results. Then, once every four years, there is one gold medal per event.

Would the gold medal winners say their coaches were unreasonably difficult?

Eternal Life

Eternal Life is not a prize to win, but is a gift of God.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no only may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

No amount of human achievement results in being right with God. (See Becoming a Child of God.)

Eternal Rewards

However, how we live the Christian life will be tested, and rewards given.  (See 1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

There are crowns to be awarded in heaven, and other rewards impossible to imagine. Are eternal rewards worth some struggle now? Are eternal rewards worth the level of effort athletes put in for a possible Olympic gold? Or more effort for a much bigger, eternal reward?

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” … (2 Corinthians 4:17)

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7–8)

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

Sometimes the Lord seems rough on His kiddies.

Moses asked the Lord about that: “Why have You been so hard on Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all this people on me? (Numbers 11:11)

How hard do you think the Lord should work us? Are you going for the gold? Is the effort worth it?

A few weeks ago (See Practical Exam) I told you about my sudden vision trouble. After more testing, both eyes have “just” one retinal problem, rather than the three conditions originally diagnosed. I need surgery, but weather has delayed us, and I just rescheduled my appointment with a retinal surgeon.

God’s Sovereign Will

In this fallen world, I expect trouble. I know that God allowed the problems with my eyes, and controls the weather. I also know that God loves me, has a purpose for me, and will fulfill that purpose. The sovereign will of God will prevail.

Our Will

At the same time, He has given us meaningful choices and will hold us accountable for our decisions. With every choice, we do His will or go our own way.

“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

When I pray this, am I talking about myself … or the other guy?

Here is what I want to mean: “Lord, I love You and want to please You. I am determined to do everything Your way. Help, please.” (And, yes, I also am to pray about the world.)

Jesus prayed that the Father would find another way than His crucifixion. He prayed earnestly, fervently, with sweat poring off Him, that the cup might pass from Him. But He ended His prayers, “Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Jesus surrendered to the Father, and obediently went to the cross.

When we have a choice between what we desire and the Lord’s will for us, we need to identify our Lord’s will and do it.

His Will and Our Will

Paul tells us to work out our [sanctification] with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work to you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)

We also know that God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

So, God’s sovereign will is to complete His good work in us.

And, it is our own responsibility to work on our sanctification.

But How?

Paul prayed that the Colossians would be filled with the knowledge of His will… so that [they] would walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. (Colossians 1:9)

Pray to be filled with the knowledge of His will.

As you consistently study God’s Word, pray to learn about His will.

Strive to be conscious of the many choices you make throughout the day.

Determine, in advance, beginning before you get out of bed, that you will choose His will and not your own.

Pray without ceasing.

Not my will, but Yours be done.

(P.S. I’m talking to myself.)

My Choices

I don’t have a choice about my eye trouble (although I’m praying He will heal me), or about the weather (although I’m praying for good road conditions so I can make my doctor’s appointment). However, I do have choices how I behave through this trial and how I talk about the Lord. Am I honoring Him with my behavior and speech? Am I declaring my trust in His love and power? Lord, help, because that is what I want to do.

Does God bring good out of bad?

“God causes all things to work together for good…”

All things means ALL things, Everything apparently good. Everything apparently bad. The truly bad. The good, the bad, the horrible. ALL things.

… to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

The familiar promise applies ONLY to those who are in a love relationship with God, ONLY to His children. The promise does not apply to those who have rejected Jesus Christ. (See Becoming a Child of God.)

But what does “good” mean?

If we lose a job, does that mean we can expect Him to replace it with a better job? If our home burns down, is there a better house right around the corner?

Well, maybe. But the verse does not promise better material things.

The next two verses explain “good.” First, He is conforming His children into the image of His beloved Son. Second, He promises our glorification. He promises He will use ALL things to improve our moral character, our inward goodness, to develop the fruit of the Spirit in us, to make us more fruitful, to eternally glorify us.

Benefits of Trials:

If you are struggling with this, I suggest you read the New Testament listing the temporal benefits of trials. (And then the eternal benefits of trials.) Here is a starter list:

We gain perseverance, proven character, and hope. Romans 5:3-4

Our endurance improves. James 1:3-4

We’re pruned in order to bear more fruit. John 15:2

Our inner man is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

Our ability to comfort others is enhanced. 2 Corinthians 1:4

Paul tells us that our momentary affliction does not compare to the eternal weight of glory. Romans 8:18

And, through it all, we have the presence, love, guidance, and hope of our Savior. (See Joy in the Journey.)

Natural vision or Spiritual?

Our natural vision is deeply flawed, causing us to view our world through a material, temporal mindset. As we mature in Christ, however, we increasingly see everything through a spiritual lens. Only God can truly see.

Pray for clear vision to properly interpret your trial.

The best is yet to come.

You are a gift. Yep. I’m a gift, too. Sounds conceited, doesn’t it?

Jesus says repeatedly that the Father gave us to Jesus. We are the Father’s love gift to Jesus.

In my self-critical mode, I say: “Boy! Some gift!”

But it is gloriously true.

We are gifts

1. The Father chose us, Christians, in Christ before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4)
2. The Father gave us to the Son. (See John 6:37; John 17:2, 6, 9, 24; John 18:9)
3. The Son will present us to the Father holy and blameless. (Ephesians 1:4, Jude 24).

Right now we, Christ-followers, belong to both the Father and the Son. We are being cared for as priceless possessions.

Wait! There’s more!

The Father loves us even as He loves Jesus. (John 17:23) The Father loves the Son eternally and infinitely. He loves us, His children, eternally and infinitely.

Right now, as the Father’s gifts to Jesus, Jesus loves us as He loves the Father, eternally and infinitely.

Grab Hold of this Profound Truth

Live your life knowing you are loved by the Almighty, sovereign God of the universe. You’re not some poor relation. You are the child of the King.

Joy in the journey. Joy over the shining mountain passes and through the deep, dark valleys. Joy on the sunny days and through the stormy ones.

Our Lord Jesus Christ came that we might have abundant life and that our joy may be full. (John 10:10, 15:14, 16:24, 17:13)

But how? What do we do to have joy to the full in the midst of our troubles?

We can joyfully live in the present in the light of the future, having learned from the past.

The Present

Our present circumstances, either good or horrible, can overwhelm all other thoughts. It’s crucial, right from the start, to look at your life more broadly. A couple of weeks ago I wrote about my sudden, significant eye problems. (See Practical Exam.) I must remember that my eyesight is not the only important aspect of my life. If I narrow my focus to this one issue, I forget my many blessings both in this life and for eternity, and I cripple my ability to joyfully follow my Lord. I need to get my eyes off myself and not ruminate about my trouble.

Use the future to interpret the present

James tells us to consider trials as joy. Paul says to rejoice in suffering. My diminished vision is a trial, how do I consider this storm a joyful one?

I can consider my eye problems, or any other trial, a joy because there will be good results.

Trial è steadfastness è perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4)

Suffering è endurance è character è hope (Romans 5:3-5)

Trials è Tested genuineness of your faith è praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Look with hope beyond the trial and suffering

Our hope in God’s many promises is certain. This Christian hope is not “if it happens,” but “when it happens.” It’s a sure thing.

Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2)

Christians joyfully accepted the seizure of their property knowing they had better, eternal, possessions (Hebrews 10:34)

Remember the past

Remember the joy of your salvation, and all that accompanies your life as a child of God. (See How to Get Through It.)

The blessings are still true.

Rejoice

Rejoice!

It is all about Him. It’s not about me. It’s not about you.

It is all about our mighty, holy, loving God.

Aren’t you glad?

God made you. You are His child. You are valuable to Him. As your Father, He has a commitment to you.

He acts for His Name’s Sake

God acts for the sake of His name, that it should not be profaned (for example, Ezekiel 20:9, 14, 22, 44).

For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; for how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another (Isaiah 48:11).

For His name’s sake, what does He do for His children?

He forgives His children’s sins for His Name’s sake.

I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins (Isaiah 43:25).

I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake (1 John 2:12).

He acts on your behalf for His Name’s sake.

Then you will know that I am the Lord when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake … (Ezekiel 20:44).

Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of His name, that He might make His power known (Psalm 106:8).

For the sake of My name I delay My wrath, and for My praise I restrain it for you, in order not to cut you off (Isaiah 48:9).

He keeps us for His Name’s sake.

For the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself (1 Samuel 12:22).

I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled (John 17:11–12).

He leads us for His Name’s sake.

He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3).

He guides us for His Name’s sake.

For You are my rock and my fortress; for Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me (Psalm 31:3).

This is incredibly reassuring.

Think about it.

It’s not up to you or me. It’s up to the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-wise God.

It’s not how well you or I do, it’s based on God’s commitment to Himself.

It’s not whether we’ve earned it. It’s based on His mercy, His eternal holiness.

So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy (Romans 9:16).

(For His name’s sake, we, His children, also have responsibilities. That’s a topic for another day.)

God is responsible for His children

God is responsible for those called by His Name. If you are a child of God, God has a stake in you. Your well-being is fundamental to God’s reputation, His Name. Your welfare reflects on Him. Your eternal home is His doing. His name is at stake.

He has made promises to you. Keeping His promises is crucial for His reputation. His name would be dishonored if His promises failed. He will fulfill His promises, demonstrating His character.

God cannot deny Himself. He is steadfastly committed to those who trust in Him.

It is all about Him.

Our hope is guaranteed

Since God called us, He will sanctify us and glorify us in Christ. In the ages to come, the riches of His grace will be seen through us.

… in the ages to come He [will] show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7).

All our future hope depends on Him. He is steadfast. He never changes. This is why our hope is certain.

God acting for the sake of His name is your guarantee. This is your assurance of being brought safely home.

Rejoice!

Are you having a hard time? A bad time?

Have you had a huge disappointment? An earth-shaking loss?

I wish it were otherwise.

If I were God, you and I would have easy, satisfying, fun lives, without hardship or scarcity.

But I’m not God (duh), and my choices would not be good ones.

Among other things, life would be so easy we wouldn’t grow.

What to do first

Look at your situation.

Is there a problem to address? Then you need to work to solve it.

Are you in a spot where you have to wait and the outcome is uncertain? See How to Wait.

But you may be in a painful situation you cannot change and must bear.

Here are some things to think about when you have to endure something unchangeable:

1. Remember who God is.

Review what you know about Him.

Remember that God loves you.

Remember God’s faithfulness to you in the past.

Remember God knows everything about your hard time. He sees how you’re suffering. He knows why it is happening. He knows the future.

Remember God is in control. He could have prevented your situation. For reasons of His own, He didn’t. But He promises to bring good out of it.

Settle this in your mind. Review and repeat often. Determine to believe.

2. Remember who you are to Him.

You are God’s child, a member of His family (if you believe and have received Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior). (See Becoming a Child of God.)

You are Christ’s (1 Corinthians 3:23).

God is your Father (Matthew 6:9).

God promises:

To bring good out of your hard time (Romans 8:28).

To make you into the image of His beloved Son (Romans 8:29).

To refine you, using your trial to develop your endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-4).

Remind yourself that God keeps His promises.

Remind yourself of your eternal future.

3. Decide to trust Him.

Decide to trust Him, even though you don’t understand, even though you are miserable.

“I don’t understand, but I know You are righteous, wise, and sovereign, and that You never make a mistake.”

He has promised to never leave you or forsake you. He is there, with you, in your hard time (Hebrews 13:5).

“Trust in Him at all times … Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8).

4. Pray about what to do.

What are your goals in getting through this? What is success in this hard spot?

One goal is to endure to the end. Be faithful.

Check your attitude. Your loss or other big problem is not the only thing going on in your life. Don’t focus just on what you don’t have, but on what you do have. (See 2 Corinthians 4:18).

Don’t dwell on the bad, repeating it over and over, making it foremost in your mind. Don’t make it worse with worry. Today’s trouble is enough.

At the same time, don’t deny your sorrow, your suffering, your feelings. God does not tell us to deny reality. Be realistic. Instead, we are to rejoice in our suffering. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Determine to praise Him anyway. Praise Him for His faithfulness, His sovereignty, His righteousness, His love. Habakkuk rehearsed in his mind how bad things were going to be and planned to praise Him. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Determine to glorify Him in your hard time. You have an opportunity to show others by your words and actions that you trust Him. Don’t waste the opportunity.

You can

You are God’s child. He is with you. He is for you. You can get through it, honoring Him on the way.

Press on.

Have you had bad times?

What has worked for you in getting through it?

Do you believe God?

I’m not asking if you believe in God.

I’m asking if you believe what He says.

Who or what is your authority for how you interpret what is happening:

To you?

To your loved ones?

To your country?

To the world?

Do you test what you believe?

How do you test?

What standard do you use?

Do you believe your inner voice?

Or

Do you believe what God says?

For example

Do you believe:

I’m worthless. I’ll never amount to anything.

Or do you believe God:

You are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Do you believe:

This bad thing must mean God is punishing me.

Or do you believe God:

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1).

Do you believe:

I’m all alone.

Or do you believe God:

You are chosen by God, adopted by Him. You are a child of the King. (Ephesians 1)

We will be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

We need to replace the lies we tell ourselves with God’s truth.

Here is how:

1. Become conscious what you are saying to yourself.
2. When those thoughts are other than positive or neutral, stop yourself and challenge them.
3. Compare those thoughts with God’s Word.
4. If the thoughts are at odds with the Bible, chose to believe God.
5. Replace lies with what God says.

Underpinnings

In order to do this, you need to know what God says. You have to know the word of God. If you aren’t studying the Bible, decide to do so. Read. Study. Memorize. Meditate.

The better you know His word, the more you’ll tell yourself the truth.

Decide to stop lying to yourself.