HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES - Part I

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES - Part I

The Gospel of Matthew (chapter 14) records a fascinating adventure story, one that begins with Jesus issuing a clear command to his disciples: ‘Go on ahead…to the other side.’  I really love reading, but I confess that I never peruse the final pages of a novel ahead of time since I love navigating through the excitement and tension of testing and triumph.  In this case, however, I will deviate from custom and reveal the conclusion of the disciples’ journey: “When they had crossed over…they landed at Gennesaret.” (Matthew 14:22-34) Their ultimate at Gennesaret was never about the conclusion of THEIR journey; it was all about the fulfillment of CHRIST’S command.  Bottom-line: Wherever God guides…He provides!

Here’s the thing.  In order to arrival at their final DESTIN-ATION, i.e. their place of divine destiny, the twelve disciples had to traverse through tremendous trouble.  It occurs to me that the corporate culture of today’s church is reflective of what we might term a microwave mentality.  That is, we seek (and require) instantaneous solutions to long-term problems.  We demand that GOD work out (in four minutes or less) situations which we have created over the course of four or more years.  But please hear this with your spirit.  Our faith-walk involves process.  It bears repetition: OUR FAITH-WALK INVOLVES PROCESS!  It’s not that our God is incapable of NOW-MIRACLES.  After all, “He is ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”  But the latter part of that scripture verse is key to understanding the ways and works of God.  After all is said and done, GOD operates in the earth “according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

This scripture could be interpreted in a couple ways.  It could mean that God works through the Holy Ghost power that is resident within us.  II Corinthians 4:7 says “we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”  It could also mean that God is fully capable, albeit fundamentally limited (by the practical application of OUR FAITH) in His capacity to reveal and fulfill His Word.  Consider this.  Even after Jesus had publicly presented his profound Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew chapter 13), he was rejected by those he knew during his formative years.  “In his own country,” he went into the synagogue and taught.  Those who knew him longest were “offended” because someone they saw ONLY as a fellow resident of Nazareth (a homeboy if you will), had the audacity to try to teach them something.  The result?  “He did not many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:54-58)  In truth, the omnipotent God is rendered powerless in our life-situations when we allow doubt and fear to dominate us and cause us to place God in a limiting box!

Listen carefully.  Whenever Jesus commands His disciples to ‘GO’ anywhere, there is a 100% probability that turbulent weather will show up somewhere during the journey.  In your own walk, whenever you move in the direction of the eternal, i.e. whenever you finally make up your mind to settle on God’s will and way, you can count on the manifestation of trouble.  An unfortunate myth is frequently perpetrated on new believers.  It suggests that decisions for Christ will culminate in flowery beds of ease.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Here is the real deal, according to the Word of God:

Romans 5:1-5
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that TRIBULATION works patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Dictionary.com defines “tribulation” as “grievous trouble; severe trial or testing; affliction; hardship; distress; adversity.” Nevertheless, pain, pressure and problems are always pregnant with purpose. Some years ago, God revealed something vitally important while I was throwing a private pity party disguised as prayer.  Heaven’s advice?  “Stop asking WHY!  Start asking HOW!”  In other words, we don’t need to know WHY we are in the middle of these conditions; all we really need is a REVELATION of HOW we are going to emerge on the other side!  Think about it.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!  Stay tuned…more to come!