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 thoroughly enjoy navigating through the excitement and tension of the characters’ tests and triumphs.  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 arrival at Gennesaret was never about the ultimate CONCLUSION OF THEIR JOURNEY; it was all about the dedicated PURSUIT OF CHRIST’S COMMAND.  

 WHEREVER GOD GUIDES…HE PROVIDES!

 Here’s the thing.  In order to arrive at their final DESTIN-ATION, i.e. their place of divine destiny, the twelve disciples had to traverse through tumultuous trouble.  It occurs to me that the typical attitude of contemporary Christians is reflective of what I call a ‘MICROWAVE MENTALITY.’  That is, we customarily seek (and require) instantaneous solutions to perennial problems.  Indeed, we insist that GOD WORK OUT in ‘five minutes’ any situations we have developed over the course of five years.  Please hear this with your spirit: OUR FAITH-WALK INVOLVES PROCESS!  It’s not that God is incapable of RIGHT-NOW-MIRACLES.  After all, “He is ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”  However, the latter part of that scripture verse is key to our understanding of the ways and works of God.  In the final analysis, GOD operates within the earth realm “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 Holy Spirit power that is divinely bestowed and resident within believers.  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.”  Also, it could mean that although our God is fully capable, He is fundamentally limited (by the practical application of OUR FAITH) in His capacity to manifest 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 who knew him well during his formative years.  That is, when he went into the synagogue to teach “in his own country,” those who knew him the longest were “offended” because someone they ONLY ‘SAW’ as a fellow resident of Nazareth (a ‘homeboy’ if you will), would have the audacity to try to teach them anything!  The result?  Jesus “did not [do] many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:54-58) In truth, THE OMNIPOTENT GOD IS RENDERED RATHER POWERLESS TO IMPACT OUR LIFE-SITUATIONS when we allow doubt and fear to dominate.  Thereby, we place our God inside a ‘limiting box.’

 Please tune in with your spirit.  Whenever Jesus commands His disciples to ‘GO’ anywhere, there is a 100% probability that TURBULENT WEATHER will show up at some point along the journey.  In your own faith-walk, whenever you move in the direction of the eternal, i.e. whenever you finally make up your mind to settle and follow 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 somehow culminate in flowery beds of ease.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  

 Here is the real deal, according to the Word of God: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only so, but WE GLORY IN TRIBULATIONS also: knowing that TRIBULATION WORKS PATIENCE; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.  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.” (Romans 5:1-5)

 Thus, personal TRIBULATION is merely one component of DIVINE PROCESS.  Dictionary.com defines “tribulation” as “grievous trouble; severe trial or testing; affliction; hardship; distress; adversity.” Nevertheless, every pain, pressure, or problem is PREGNANT WITH PURPOSE.  Some years ago, God revealed something vitally important while I was throwing a private pity party in the guise of personal prayer.  Heaven’s Rhema for me?  “Stop asking WHY!  Start asking HOW!”  In other words, we don’t need to know WHY we are in the middle of challenging conditions; all we really need is the HOLY SPIRIT REVELATION as to HOW we are going to emerge on the other side!  Think about it and stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

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