HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part II)

HOW TO HANDLE FRUSTRATING CIRCUMSTANCES (Part II)

 Your faith-walk involves PROCESS, which does not always produce instantaneous results.  That’s why Jesus Christ declares “in your PATIENCE possess ye your souls.” (Luke 21:19) Patience may be defined as the elapsed time between our earthly cry and the heavenly response.  Although Jesus hastily lifted ‘Water-Walking-Peter’ from trouble-filled seas, perhaps (to that desperate sinker) it felt more like an eternity as he existed in a terrifying whirlpool of anguish and anxiety.  Nevertheless, despite our human emotional responses, GOD always shows up on time to transform tragedy into triumph.  That’s why we always wait expectantly on Him.  David wrote, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1)

 When Jesus issued His directive, ‘Get in the ship and go on to the other side,’ the disciples never hesitated. Because hesitation is the equivalent of doubt.  They did not delay because numerous prior experiences produced a knowledgeable confidence that it was reasonable and right to invest TOTAL TRUST IN THE MASTER.  What they might not have known is that divine directives frequently require considerable RISK and SACRIFICE.  Nevertheless, our God comforts us in testing times: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when you walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah 43:2)  

 After our initial call and its subsequent and inevitable challenges, it is tempting to question whether we were ACTUALLY summoned and sent by God, especially when we stand face-to-face with tenacious trouble.  One’s thoughts go something like this: ‘Lord, did you REALLY say I should get into that ship and go to the other side?  Was that YOU, or was that merely my imagination working overtime?’  But since the Holy Spirit is a Comforter, He always breathes soothing and stabilizing Words-of-life into the believer’s spirit.  So, subsequent to Peter’s trial-by-water, he penned this inspirational insight: “But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, will make you perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.” (I Peter 5:10) My friends, YOU WILL make it through the storm; your perspective will change; your faith will be strengthened.  The mere fact that you may experience danger or detours along your journey does not invalidate or nullify the original plan and purpose of God.

 FAITH in God’s eternal Word ultimately produces FULFILLMENT within the context of time.  But here’s the rub: We do not know the precise ‘WHEN’ of God’s timing; which is to say that our CHRONOS is never precisely aligned with God’s KAIROS.  Stated more simply and in the vernacular: ‘GOD’S TIMING AIN’T OURS!’  In our foundational scripture (Matthew 14:22-34), there is what I call a ‘frustration gap’ between verse 22 and verse 34.  Jesus says “GO” in verse 22, and the disciples finally “LAND” in verse 34.  Undoubtedly, it’s the IN-BETWEEN-STUFF that is the true test of our faith.  I smile at myself whenever I testify confidently and triumphantly (AFTER THE FACT) with the 20/20 vision of hindsight.  But the truth is that there are times WHILE I’m passing through troubled waters when I’m not sensing ultimate victory.

 There are several Kingdom principles in this scriptural passage that should be highlighted.  

 Kingdom Principle Number One: WHEN JESUS ISSUED THE COMMAND TO CROSS OVER, HE WENT UP ONTO THE MOUNTAIN TO PRAY.  Surely, this was a TARGETED PRAYER, with the express purpose of undergirding the disciples for whatever challenges they would confront while obeying Christ’s command.  I love the fact that JESUS CHRIST serves as our INTERCESSORY HIGH PRIEST!  Hebrews 4:14-15 informs and inspires us: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”  I Timothy 2:5 confirms this fact: “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”  His High Priestly function positions Him as our eternal and effective advocate, so why should we worry?  Think about it.  Jesus strongly advises against anxiety of any stripe, since Our Father is the ultimate Supplier of ALL we will ever need. (Matthew 6:25-32 and Philippians 4:19) My friend, never forget, G--O--D HAS YOUR BACK!

 Kingdom Principle Number Two: WHEN WE DECIDE TO LAUNCH-OUT-INTO-THE-DEEP, OUR OBEDIENCE IS A MOMENT-OF-DIVINE-MANIFESTATION, ALBEIT VIA BUFFETING WAVES AND CONTRARY WINDS.  One of my friends is an experienced sailor, and he tells me that every proficient sailor lives in expectation of robust and hearty winds.  Indeed, smooth and polished seas are a death-knell to sailing forward with power.  Therefore, contrary winds do not come to break you; they show up for the express purpose of MAKING YOU, i.e. to MOBILIZe YOU for GROWTH and ADVANCEMENT!  It is God who reconfigures tempestuous winds, divinely transforming them into GUSTS OF DUNAMIS (vigorous spiritual power) to move you forward with passion and purpose.  So, stop cursing prevailing winds, and start blessing them with fervent prayer and faith-filled praise. (James 5:16) These are the unseen and unexpected vehicles that carry you THROUGH your tests and INTO your destiny.  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!