Have you ever experienced the thrill of going to an escape room? I have participated in this experience two times. Both times, as the time ticks away, my heart starts racing and pounding. I begin with the thought, “OK, we can do this.” By the end, while running around frantically and going against the clock, the stress starts to take over. Fortunately, I had very logical people with me, and we made it out before the final seconds ticked off.

We all experience times that we want to “escape” from. Webster defines escape as to get away from or to free of. As I was thinking about this concept, I saw how life sometimes is like trying to get out of an escape room. At times, it feels like there are a lot of clues that I need to solve to move on to the next thing. The longer I am “stuck” in a room, the more my heart starts racing. I grow increasingly frustrated when I can’t figure out how to escape. Just like the two times of the escape rooms, I feel like sitting down on the floor and waiting for someone to solve the clues so I can move on to the next phase.

Finally, the clues align, and the door to the next room opens. No season lasts forever, and we move on to the next phase. At first, we feel relieved that we are free from the last season or room, but then the reality that more clues need to be solved or overcome sets in. We realize that to move forward and progress, we must start all over, trying to escape from our current surroundings. In the escape room scenario, this only lasts for an hour. We will either solve all the clues or not, but there is a definite time limit, not so in life. Some seasons seem to last a very long time with no way to escape. However, I know from my experience that nothing lasts forever. I don’t know how long I will experience different times in life, but I know there is an end and a new beginning. I grow frustrated in the escape rooms because I know each clue has an answer, but some are difficult to figure out. I grow frustrated in life because sometimes the way forward is fuzzy, and I am not sure I am doing the correct thing to progress on my journey. Just like I would never attempt to solve an escape room alone, I should not attempt to solve life’s journey alone but rely on God’s help, direction, and intervention.

One of the nice things about solving the clues in an escape room is that there is someone you can call out to, and they will provide a clue. They watch the participants on a camera and know exactly what we are doing. Sometimes, I bet they are sitting there either laughing at the antics or shaking their heads in dismay. Well, there is help available. First, you must realize that you need help and be willing to ask. Sometimes, the players’ pride will not allow them to ask for help, but the more time passes, the more they realize some help may be in order. I thought about times when I stubbornly pursued my way and did not ask God for help. I keep doing the same thing, reading the same “clues” and not progressing toward release into the next room or season of life. Finally, out of desperation and with a heart pounding, I turn and ask God for help. God is always with me, watching me, and willing to provide direction and clues, but I must first ask. I am always surprised by how easy it is and how faithful God is to give the help I am seeking. Psalm 121 is an excellent psalm about God being with us on a journey. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,” assures us that God will help and direct us as we lean on him.

Another idea I have considered while contemplating my experiences in the escape rooms is that you must rely on your team members to succeed. Each person brings something to the experience. It is not just about the people who finally solve the clue but about everyone in the experience contributing. Some people are there encouraging the players, some people keep the team on track, someone finally says, “We need help,” and someone figures out the clue. These “someones” change as you go through the game. Everyone is essential. This idea is also accurate in our Christian faith. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teacher to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Also, each of us has talents, abilities, and as believers in Christ, spiritual gifts. These talents and gifts are not just for us to enjoy but to help others as we all journey through life.

The final clue is solved, and the last door swings open. The relief, laughter, and joy spread. The participants are so happy they were successful. The hugs and congratulations spread from one team member to another. I picture heaven being like this. The celebration begins when we finally go through the last room on our journey and, as believers in Christ, reach heaven’s shores. Other saints are there to welcome us into the freedom we have been seeking here on earth.

Each trial we successfully complete on earth prepares us for the next. The first experience of an escape room prepared me for the second. I knew how to play the game a little better. The highs and lows of life are inevitable. No season lasts forever; remember what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3 about there being a time for everything. Freedom is waiting for each of us. Escaping from life is not possible. However, we can learn and grow with each experience. Laughter and joy are possible as we journey and rely on the people we are journeying with.

Not all of life is a chore. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the escape rooms. Yes, there was stress and chaos, but laughter and fun as well. Our difficult seasons of life are filled with anxiety and chaos, but it is also possible to experience joy. I am not suggesting that in every situation you will be able to find joy; some things in life are absolutely horrible, but in stressful and chaotic times, look for joy. Look for the good; I am positive you will find something good to praise God for and find joy in the day.

I am so glad I participated in two escape room games. I learned a tremendous amount about myself and God. We were successful and gained our freedom. As I journey through life, I pray that I will be a good team player, helping those that God puts in my path, and one day, I will gain eternal freedom and hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Trust God to get you through the tough times you want to escape. You will learn, grow, and know that God is always with you, no matter the circumstances. (Joshua 1:9, Matthew 28:20)

In a few days, we will celebrate Christmas, the birth of a king and our savior. The whole month is full of more activities than we could want. I say I will enjoy the season more and stress less every year. Reflecting on this December, I have made some inroads toward my goal but still need to accomplish it fully this year. I begin my Christmas season by putting up the Christmas tree and decorating my house the weekend after Thanksgiving. Then, the bustle of shopping for gifts begins.

Along with gift buying, more and more activities enter my life. Added to shopping for gifts is cleaning and food preparation for entertaining friends. As the month goes on, I get more and more stressed. After I buy all the gifts, the wrapping of said gifts begins. I keep track of the days in December by a checklist. As I accomplish one activity, I cross it off and move on to the next scheduled event—more planning and stress than joy of the season.

Recently, I was at Bible Study, and we were studying the book of Jude. As we were reading verses 12-13, I thought of lighthouses. Verse 13 says, “They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.” Jude is talking about people who have infiltrated the church and brought darkness and deceit with them into the church. Thinking about wild waves crashing over rocks made me wonder why lighthouses were crucial to sailors as they navigated waterways to reach their destinations safely. There were many perils as the sea captains crossed the oceans and got close to shore.

Many hidden dangers, reefs, and other barriers were almost impossible for the captain to see, let alone under the dark sky. At times, lighthouses needed to guide ships in and out of harbors. Christ also does this for us. If we rely upon Jesus and seek his light, we can safely navigate the comings and goings of each day. Christ stands as a watchguard for us, shining his light on the hidden dangers that threaten to destroy us if we get too close to them. Without his light, we would be living in spiritual darkness. I thought about my life. What hidden reefs, dangers, and other barriers am I oblivious to as I navigate life? How will I make it safely on my journey without the light of Christ guiding and protecting me? I don’t know all the times I have been led away from danger, but I know that Jesus is watching out for me and over me.

Another example of light guiding us is the stars. Sailors would use the stars to know where they were and what direction to head for their destination. How did the wise men find Jesus after his birth? By following the star, God placed over Mary and Joseph and their divine newborn. It is imperative to follow the correct star and light. Jude talked about wandering stars in verse 13. He says that the blackest darkness is forever reserved for them. According to The Bible Knowledge Commentary, we should be wary of following the light of wandering stars. These are like shooting stars, which are beautiful to see but useless for navigation. We must be cautious to follow Christ’s light and not the deceiver’s. One brings peace, security, and freedom. The other brings danger, turmoil, and eternal darkness. The only way to know the true light is to accept Jesus as your savior. He lives inside each born-again believer, bringing light and truth into our daily lives. Don’t be deceived by an illumination imitation.

The custom of putting lights on a tree goes back to the 16^th century when Christians would decorate their trees with candles, representing Christ as the light of the world. Each light represents Christ and his followers as we reflect his spirit inside us. One of our family’s favorite Christmas traditions is to drive around and look at all the pretty Christmas lights. There are many wonderful light displays. As I think about each of the lights, I can’t help but think of Jesus and what he was willing to do for each one of us so that we may live in light and not darkness. We learn early in life that light dispels darkness. As children, we want lights left on at night to keep our fears away. As adults, we want lights on at night so we can see if we need to get up in the middle of the night. Christ provides spiritual light for us. He is the light that keeps our fears away, and he gives us direction through his Holy Spirit when we need to see the path before us. Jesus also wants his followers to be light in the dark world. I remember singing a song as a child about not hiding my light under a bushel. This concept seemed so easy when I was young, but as I got older, it became more challenging to be the light and not hide it. I am working on letting my light shine brightly, but I am a work in progress.

As light appears over the dawn, a new day begins. Hope blossoms with this early morning light for the day’s possibilities and expectations. Christ’s light brings even greater hope into our lives. Because of God’s great love for humanity, he does not leave us in physical darkness or spiritual darkness. He gives us the brilliant sun to see and have direction during the day. Then, at night, when things are dark, possibly discouraging, and overwhelming, God lights up the sky with beautiful, awe-inspiring stars. For years, people used stars to guide them on their journeys. Today, we have technology to guide us, but the stars continue to shine brightly. Tonight, as we gaze upon the night sky, taking in the beauty of God’s light and knowing that his light and love always surround us, we can be filled with joy.

Over 2,000 years ago, a baby was born that changed the world. With the birth of our savior, light, and life came into the world. This life-giving light is available to anyone who calls upon it. The light of Christ stands like a strong tower illuminating our days and nights so that we can avoid pitfalls designed to keep us in darkness and despair. Jesus is the only source of spiritual light.

The Christmas lights will begin to fade in a few weeks. Let’s keep the light of Christ shining brilliantly in our lives as we navigate our communities. The light of Christ can grow even brighter as we, his ambassadors, shine brightly in the darkness that threatens to engulf us and our world. We can stand on the hill and not hide our lives under a bushel to bring light and hope to people who need help staying away from the pitfalls, reefs, and barriers in life.

I pray you have a very Merry Christmas and the light of Christ shines brightly in all your festive activities.

Reflecting on this past year, I see God in many aspects of my life. There have been highs and lows, but God has been with me, sustaining, instructing, and loving me through it all. My son graduated from college and was blessed with a job he did not have the qualifications for. Nonetheless, God gave him this job, and he is thriving. My oldest daughter excels in her career, and my youngest is tackling her second year of college with vigor, determination, and a great sense of humor. I praise God for being so good to my family and abundantly blessing us. My intent is not to sound prideful but to give God all the glory and honor he is due for his goodness.

It can be challenging to see the good that is happening. At times, it seems, blessings are few and far between. I was driving recently and looked up at the sky. It was a dull, dreary day. Gray clouds covered the sky, and a general sense of gloom prevailed. As I sat at the traffic light and looked to the left, the clouds parted slightly, and a little glimmer of bright blue sky peeked out from all the dark, heavy clouds. This realization brightened my day. I felt it was like God was saying, yes, it is overcast and dark, but don’t forget, the light continues to shine above the darkness. I had a little pep to my step for the rest of the day, and instead of letting annoyances and distractions get to me, I stopped and envisioned the strip of blue sky. I have thought about the day from time to time as circumstances seem overwhelming and life is hard and dark. I stop and focus on God and know that his light, goodness, and mercy continue despite the challenging day.

Psalm 100 states, “Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name, for the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”

This psalm lists so many reasons to be thankful to God. We can indeed worship the Lord with gladness. As I read this psalm, verse 3 stood out to me. God made us, and we are his. We are his people. Imagine the God of the universe calling us his people. There is something special about belonging to a family. An identity that sets us apart from others. God is our heavenly Father and looks out for us like any good parent. He is patiently waiting to call his children home, to eternally dwell with him in the place he has prepared for us. I eagerly anticipate having all my kids home in a few days. I am preparing their rooms and getting the food to make their favorite dishes. Imagine what God is preparing for his children! If I stop and think about the Almighty God who loves me, I will naturally turn to thank him for his goodness and unfailing love that continues forever. This God that I serve is faithful to each generation. Thank God he is not constrained by time and space and never changes. The God of the Bible is the same God we serve today. Praise Him!!

I realize some days and years are more challenging to give God praise and thanks. It goes against our human nature to be thankful for difficulties. Sometimes, we fall into the trap of thinking this can’t be of God because I am suffering. I get discouraged and down in spirit, and it is difficult to see the “blue sky” some days. I have learned this year that the bright light of Jesus is always there, no matter how I feel. My feelings are not an accurate indicator of what is going on. I may be tired, hungry, angry, or in a bad mood. My human feelings never override the truth of God’s character. A few characteristics to consider are that God is eternal, sovereign, immutable, holy, wise, faithful, loving, good, and omnipotent. Hebrews 6:18 states: “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.” Since the Bible clearly states that God cannot lie to us, we can confidently trust him in every situation.

Life can be difficult and stressful, but we should praise God in all circumstances. A portion of Paul’s final advice to the church at Thessalonica was “always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). I had a fantastic model of this type of living. My Father is a retired minister, and my mother faithfully served as an inspiring pastor’s wife. They never had large churches. My Father often worked odd jobs (he was very handy), and my mother took a job at the school to make ends meet. Growing up, my siblings and I went to work when we were in our early teens so we could have our own spending money. There were not a lot of “extras” for us. Living like this as a young person was difficult. After all, we live in a materialistic world. As an adult, I look back and see God working in our lives. We have always had enough and learned to depend on God, not ourselves. My Father is 87 now and in declining health. I spent the weekend with him not too long ago, and he told me, “I have had a wonderful life. No complaints”. Knowing what I know about how hard things were for my parents, I am amazed and inspired that he sees all the pieces and praises God for a beautiful life.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I want to remember a few verses from Psalm 66:5-12, 16-20

Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot-come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power; his eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against him. Praise our God, all peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, God tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened, but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

I pray you join me in praising Almighty God for his love and goodness. Look for the patches of blue sky when you need encouragement. The light is always shining above the darkness. God will make a way for it to be made known.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Standing on the shore and looking into the ocean always fills me with awe. The ocean is a powerful force of nature. For as far as the eye can see, it is water. Sometimes calm and serene, and other times full of danger and destruction. The sound of waves lapping ashore relaxes me, and I thank God for the beauty of his creation. I love sitting in a chair by the water’s edge and feeling the water and sand between my toes as the waves rush to shore. This activity is enough for me because several years ago, I was in the ocean enjoying my day, and suddenly, my right leg felt a jolt and then terrible pain. I had been stung by a jellyfish. That one experience has made me cautious about frolicking in the ocean again. Seeing jellyfish in the water is difficult because they are the most well-known transparent creatures. The jellyfish sting their prey and unsuspecting swimmers. I can’t get upset because entering the ocean means entering their domain. I assume the risk.

Walking on the beach, I can easily see jellyfish that have washed ashore. The jellyfish no longer blend in and are easy to spot against the sand. This observation led me to think about predators in my faith. Am I too close to where the predators live that I can’t see them? Do I willingly enter their domain, or do I stay frolicking so long that I eventually get stung? As I considered this concept, I thought about Lot, Abraham’s nephew. (Genesis) Lot traveled around with his uncle, and after some time, they split up, and each took a territory. Lot settled near Sodom. He set up his home away from the people living there, but over time, he moved inside the city gates and became like the people he was supposed to be apart from. Lot had moved in with predators to his faith and beliefs. He was in their midst and in danger of being stung. Even after his rescue, the way of life in this community affected his daughters. Exposure to ways of living contrary to God’s way led them to commit an unimaginable act with their Father. A predator’s sting could last for a long time. The effects of bearing children from an incestuous act had consequences for generations and altercations with Israel years later.

I must be diligent in where I go and the people I am surrounded by. I need daily wisdom from God’s word to see the territory I swim in with open eyes and an open heart. Just like in the ocean, there are threats all around me. I learned to shuffle my feet to stir up the water and sand to lessen the chance of being stung. I need to learn how to spot predators in my life: spiritual, emotional, and physical. The signs are there. I have to be willing to see them.

This Idea became apparent as I walked along a marina one day. As I meandered along, I was looking at the beautiful boats docked. I looked down at the water, and all around the boats, on top of the still water, were many jellyfish, easily seen. I realized that is how I need to live my life. Not in the chaos of waves rushing ashore, but apart from the turmoil where I can see what is evident to the naked eye. Suppose I willingly subject myself to dangerous positions. In that case, I am more likely to get engulfed in activities that harm me and do not glorify God. The closer I live to Jesus, the less the tumult of life will be able to distract me. Jesus came to be our Savior. He offers us abundant life and inexplicable joy and peace. Just as Abraham was allowed to rescue Lot and his family – Christ came to save us. As born-again believers in Christ, we have the Holy Spirit to direct our steps. When we misstep and get pricked, he is there to guide us back to the safety of living in the Father’s plan and will for our lives.

This world is challenging, and plenty of people and situations plunge us into dangerous territories. It is imperative for our survival to stay close to God. I do this through personal Bible time and group Bible studies. Also, it is essential to be surrounded by fellow believers. I am most vulnerable to attack from Satan when I am alone and isolated. God has given us the Church to build one another up and to help each other. Animals travel in packs in the wild to increase their chances of survival. I am learning to lean on friends and family to help strengthen me and mitigate the effects of a frontal assault from my enemy.

It is impossible to avert every entanglement that is in our life. Sometimes, we have no choice but to “swim with the jellyfish.”We must go to work, where the predators may be out in full force. School and social situations may also present opportunities for us to be stung by the world. Beware of stingers when walking in the predator’s domain. People have needed to take caution for thousands of years. Proverbs 22:3 tells us, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Danger from the world we live in is not a new concept. Psalms 91:3-7 tells us of the help, protection, and freedom from fear available to us through the power of God. And 2 Samuel 22:3-4 shows us that God saves us from our enemies.

Whenever I venture into the ocean, I put myself in a world that belongs to all the sea creatures. I will never live in the ocean and be a part of that world. However, I will continue living on Earth until God calls me to Heaven. While alive, I must be wary of the places and situations I put myself in. I must pray daily for protection and God’s wisdom to guide me through the daily obstacles. Before Jesus’ arrest, he prayed for his disciples. He asked God to “protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one.” John 17:11. Jesus went on to pray for all who will believe in Jesus through the disciple’s message, John 17:20. What an encouragement to know that Jesus prayed and continues to pray for us. This world can be dangerous, and we don’t need to help the enemy by being reckless in the situations we place ourselves in. Our greatest hope is what Jesus told the disciples in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”.

Praise God!!

There are over 70 organs in the human body. Each organ has a unique purpose. For example, we can live without some organs, such as the spleen, appendix, or gall bladder. There are, however, five organs vital to life: brain, lungs, heart, kidney, and liver. If these organs stop working, even temporarily, the person may die without medical attention. There are various reasons why someone’s vital organs may stop functioning correctly. Maybe the person has a genetic condition. Perhaps a disease has destroyed a particular organ, or an injury has damaged an organ. I can’t imagine how scary hearing, “We need to put you on the transplant list” would be. Yet over 100,000 people are on the waiting list; every 9 minutes, another person is added to the national transplant waiting list (Donate Life America).

I heard a story of a man who needed a lung transplant. He went on to tell of his wait and the process of receiving his donor’s lung. He explained the trip to the hospital and the thoughts he and his family had while waiting for the procedure. Then, the recovery and the anti-rejection medicine needed for the rest of his life. Why would someone go through all this? The pain of surgery and recovery. Knowing your life depended on taking these pills every day. Because he loves his family and wants to live, he wants to be there for all the significant and not-so-important days. If he stops taking this medication, he will, in all likelihood, die. So, of course, he will do as the doctor instructs and get as many years as possible.

His story made me think about my life. I am grateful all my organs continue to work as they should. But I thought about my spiritual life. How is it working? Am I living on borrowed time with a heart that isn’t beating correctly? Am I in danger of living a diminished life because I may ignore the life-giving relationship Jesus gives me? Then, I realized every person requires a spiritual heart transplant. We are all born into sin, and without Jesus as our Savior, we will continue down the road that leads to destruction and eventual death. Jesus stands in the place of anti-rejection medication for our spiritual life and the life to come after we die.

My question is, why do so many people reject Jesus as Savior? Without Jesus’ sacrifice, we would all spend eternity in hell and separated from our heavenly Father. Many people don’t want anything to do with Jesus. They may think there is nothing after this life, so they don’t need him. They may not see their sin-filled life as offensive to God, or they may be afraid of how their friends and family would react if they accepted Jesus as Savior. Many people give into the lie that they are a “good person” and will get into heaven on their own merits.

While listening to the man’s story, I was drawn to the fact that he would have died if he had not received a new lung. And death would have the final say over me if someone (my parents) had not told me about the life-giving and saving gift of Jesus. He stood in my place and took all my unrighteousness on himself so that I could spend eternity with God. He is not a one-person savior but willingly died for every person who would accept this free gift. People die every day because there are not enough organs for everyone waiting. One of the beautiful things about Jesus’ sacrifice is that no one has to die without the security of spending eternity in glory. He desires that no one remain on the waiting list. There is more to life than just what we experience here on earth. After we die, there is a life coming that will never end, and this is the life that matters. This coming life is the life that Jesus died for so that we may live (2 Corinthians 5:15-21).

There is a myth that when a rich or famous person needs an organ transplant, they are at the top of the list. This assumption is not valid. Strict standards must be adhered to when allocating organs to a patient in need. Likewise, many people think they are not good enough to receive salvation. Or that salvation is only for others who have lived or acted in a certain way. This assumption is also false. Jesus died for everyone, and the life-giver does not reject anyone who comes to him in repentance. God promises in John 3:16 that he sent his son so that no one would perish.

In many cases, the only way a person can receive an organ for a transplant is if someone dies. Someone’s family must make the heart-wrenching decision to donate their loved one’s organs so that a stranger can live. This act is selfless for the family and may help them as they grieve their loss. There may be a few reasons for the decision to donate, but in the end, the recipient gets a chance to live. After the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, God chose to send his only son for us so that we may live. Jesus is our donated organ. He had to die so that we may have eternal life with his Father. However, we must accept the gift and repent of our sins.

I wouldn’t imagine that after all you have to go through to receive an organ, you would not take the anti-rejection medication for the rest of your life. A recipient gets another chance to live; I am sure they don’t want to take that for granted.

Accepting Jesus as Savior gives us another chance to live with God the Father. God restores us to him in the way he intended from the beginning. I want to stop taking it for granted and remember that someone had to die for me. There are many reasons why someone may reject Jesus. None of them are valid and will lead to eternal destruction and death. Spend time daily in Bible study and prayer, and take the medication God provides. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus came so that we may live, not just exist, but have life abundantly.

The man’s story showed the importance of anti-rejection medication so that he may live to see his family grow and enjoy more time with them. Don’t reject Jesus. Accept him so that he may give you a new heart. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Surgeons don’t save the diseased organ to use in another patient. It is as good as dead and discarded. I want to do the same with my old self. I don’t want to resurrect it and keep it for another day. I must abandon it and live in the new life Jesus provides me.

Don’t wait any longer on the transplant list. Embrace Jesus fully and enjoy the new life you receive.

I recently read a story of a man who struggled with clinical depression. He often displayed a demeanor of melancholy. He had frequent thoughts of suicide and did not see much good in the world. He struggled with depression from childhood through adulthood. He sought treatments, but they seemed to deliver little help. This man was Abraham Lincoln—considered one of our country’s best presidents.

Only some of our difficulties are this severe. Some days, they may be small, but we are tired, and the situation seems overwhelming. I remember one day, I was walking, and I was almost home. It was a hot day, and I was exhausted. I took a different route, and I came to a small hill. For one brief moment, I thought I could not keep going. But then I thought, yes, I can, because over that hill is home, and I can do this. We all face uphill battles. Remember, Jesus is walking with us, and our eternal home awaits us at the end of this earthly wearisome journey.

We all face giants in our lives. When thinking about this idea, I thought about Moses sending the 12 spies into Canaan to see what the land and area were like (Numbers 13). Twelve men go, explore, and bring back fruit from the region to show the bounty and blessing of the land they were promised to inhabit. Ten of the 12 men came back terrified and told stories of the giants in the nation. “But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large” (Numbers 13:28). They reported there were giants in the land, and they were afraid. Their faith in God faltered in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

I asked myself, “How do I face the ‘giants’ I encounter?” Do I tremble in fear and say it is too big? Or am I like Joshua and Caleb”? How we face these obstacles matters not only to us but also to the people around us. The ten fearful spies spread anxiety and fear to those listening to their stories. Although they may be afraid, those with Joshua and Caleb were also ready to go since they trusted God to deliver on his promise that the Israelites would inhabit this land.

I used to think if I just overcame whatever colossal hurdle I was facing, then I would be ok. But this story showed me that several giants could need to be faced simultaneously. I need to meet each situation in God’s power and might and trust his faithfulness to deliver me. These circumstances are the days I put on the whole armor of God. Whatever I face in this world can be overcome in the strength found in the spiritual world by trusting and believing through the Holy Spirit that God is with me.

Another well-known biblical giant story is David and Goliath. This small, insignificant son and seemingly helpless child in the family defeats a giant tormenting the Israelite people. Where does such courage come from? Was he amply prepared to shoot a slingshot since he spent hours defending the vulnerable sheep he oversaw? Had he spent so much time in the wilderness, alone with just sheep for company, that his faith in God grew to such a level that he was not afraid and could boldly proclaim, “I come against you in the name of the Lord.” (I Samuel 17:45)

God does not waste our lives with meaningless situations. David may have thought why am I out here all alone? But God used this time to prepare David for the greater purpose he had in store. Not only did David have to learn dependence on God to face Goliath, but later also as David was on the run for his life from King Saul. David’s faith had grown with each encounter with the Almighty God so that he would depend on God wholeheartedly when push came to shove. Each skirmish we have offers the opportunity to either grow our faith in God or rely on ourselves.

I am facing multiple giants currently. How am I going to grow a real estate business from nothing? How to help my aging father and the next steps in his weakening condition, my son needing an entry-level job in a difficult economic situation, isolation, and discouragement. I can either say these situations are too big and live in a constant state of anxiety. Or I can turn to God and present all my needs before him with thanksgiving and faith. One problem has been defeated. My son received a job offer in the field of his degree. I praise God for his faithfulness, provision, and goodness to our family. Some giants may take longer to defeat than others. Recently, I found that talking to a trusted friend about how I was feeling helped. Praise God; he may answer his promise to always be with us by sending a friend at the right time.

God can defeat each giant we face. I know that God is faithful. He has proven himself to be trustworthy. The Bible verse that I have been quoting to myself multiple times a day is, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess because he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). At times, I feel like the father in Mark 9:22b who says to Jesus “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”   Then, after Jesus responds that anything is possible for him who believes, the man boldly proclaims, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” I love his proclamation and have repeatedly prayed, “Help me overcome my unbelief.” while facing my giants.

We all have fears, doubts, temptations, and strongholds – giants. That is part of being human. We don’t know how everything will turn out in our lives because we are finite and constricted by time. I fear the unknown mainly because I cannot control it. I want to be like David and fight the giant in the name of the Lord.

Abraham Lincoln defeated his depression because he had a greater purpose and focused on that goal. We all need to find our purpose. I will never have to free enslaved people or heal a nation torn apart by war like Abraham Lincoln. However, God has created me for a purpose. Every day, I want to live my life so that I am open to what God places before me for that day.

 Some days, I encounter giants, and some days I don’t. I can praise God and be his ambassador to everyone I meet daily. Whatever the day presents, I must put on the armor God has created just for me. David could not fight in King Saul’s armor; it was too big for him. Instead, he went out to confront Goliath with the faith that had grown in him as he faithfully served God amongst the sheep.

 Faith in Jesus as your savior is the best way to slay those giants in your life. On that Sunday morning after Jesus’ death, the sealed tomb was a giant the woman faced. However, God rolled the stone away. Jesus left the grave alive, triumphant, and powerful. Through his death and resurrection, he overcame and put to death our enemy. Let him defeat your giants, too. I changed the way I pray about my giants. I don’t need to remind God every day what my issues are or what I face; he knows. Now, I thank God for the answers and triumph that is coming. Pray to God, read the Bible, and develop a grateful heart. These are all tools you can use in your battle. Challenges exist, but God is greater than anything we encounter.

I live in a city where there is a lot of development taking place. Every day you can drive around and see homes, apartment buildings, stores and schools being built. On one hand it is exciting to see growth and on the other hand it is difficult to maneuver and frustrating because I know with physical development comes more traffic. As I watch all this building I have thought about foundations. Have you given much thought to the foundation of your home? I must admit that it is not on my mind. I take it for granted that everything is fine. I have recently started selling real estate. I know that foundation issues can sink a deal faster than almost anything. No one wants to buy a property and then put thousands of dollars into repairing a foundation issue. Sadly, a personal foundational issue has sunk many relationships also. Who or what our foundation is built on matters a great deal.

Why is a good foundation imperative to a sustainable building? According to Max Alexander of This Old House, “a proper foundation does more than just hold a house above ground. Building foundations also keep out moisture, insulates against the cold, and resists movement of the earth around it. Oh, and one more thing: it should last forever.” We know from Ephesians 2:20  that we are members of God’s household built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. He is a firm foundation, the rock on which we stand. What a beautiful picture of what Christ does for us. If we build on Christ, who he is and who he says we are, we are insulated from rot and ruin of eternal damnation. We can resist collapsing because of the wayward world we live in, and we live forever in heaven with the Son and the Father if we have accepted Jesus as our Savior.

There is a lot of work that goes into preparing a foundation before you can build on it. Much of this work is done behind the scenes. If you watch a construction project, you will see the excavation equipment first. As you drive by, you may wonder what is going to be built. Over time you see concrete with pipes sticking out. I have never noticed the drainpipes and waterproofing, but these are vital steps to a secure foundation. Finally, you will see a concrete slab ready for framing. The foundation has been carefully designed by the engineer to sustain the architectural design. Much like God carefully prepares our security to sustain the work he has called us to do. God knows exactly where to place every pipe, moisture barrier, and piece of gravel so we build on him to reflect his glory to a hurting world in need of a Savior.

How do we lay the groundwork to prepare our spiritual foundation? We know that God has great plans for us (Jer 29 :11). But we must be willing to do the work to prepare ourselves to display his great vision for our good and his glory. We must read the Bible, pray, worship, grow in our faith journey by trusting God. These habits will lay the groundwork for a stable foundation rooted in Jesus as the cornerstone.  We must dig deep and develop faith so our foundation can mature. We must also be careful to avoid spiritual foundation problems. Build on Jesus to avoid giving into your sinful nature. Galatians 5:19 lists these characteristics. Also, avoid giving into temptations of the flesh, negativity, giving into fear, jealousy, or anxiety. It is far better to build on Jesus and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23).

The most famous example of building on a poor foundation is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tower was built on soft ground and with the uneven settling of the foundation, the structure began to lean. Efforts have been made over the years to try to reinforce it, but for many years it remained in danger of collapse. Engineers worked for years to level it up and finally in 2008 sensors showed it was now stable, and expected to remain stable for several hundred years. This is an extreme example of what happens with a building built on the wrong foundation. You need to be equally careful what you build your life on to avoid catastrophic collapse.

I have mentioned previously about changes occurring in my life. These along with feeling alone have threatened to blow me off course. Recently, I thought about the song I sang in VBS many years ago, about the house built on the sand or the house built on a solid rock. As a child the depth of this song was lost on me. As an adult, I realized that even though I feel tossed and knocked around by life, I am still standing. Only one reason can be found and that is because I built my house on rock. The winds and the storms of life come and blow, but I can still stand because my foundation is built in the rock of God.

A good foundation takes time to build; it can’t be rushed. Without a good foundation, whatever is built on it will not stand. People study for years on the proper depth to pour a foundation, what are the best materials for locations, what is needed to help buildings withstand hurricanes, weight of snow on roofs and other forces of nature. We also must spend time working on our foundation. Christ is the cornerstone on which we must build. If we do not start with Jesus, we are doomed to destruction. We live in a world full of storms, temptations, and trials designed to take our attention off God and onto ourselves and what we can control. We must build upon the rock of Jesus and keep our attention focused on him.

Why do some people seem to have peace in chaos? Why are they seemingly unaffected by trials? I believe it is because Jesus is the foundation of their life and where they find joy and peace. Jesus is faithful and will not let us down. Ever. By putting our faith in Jesus, we can be assured of peace if we let go and let him have his way. He is perfect and holds us perfectly. My problem comes to light when I want to control the situation, outcome, think my way is better, or I try to stand in my own authority or power. However, I will inevitably fail as I am not strong enough, in my own strength, to withstand the torrent of assault that will come my way. My life must be built on the loving savior and his absolute power and authority over everything on earth and heaven.

 A good foundation provides stability to a structure. Storms may come and blow. The house shakes, windows rattle but you can still stand after the storm with Christ as the source of your foundation. Keeping Jesus as the foundation of my thoughts, actions, and attitudes, keeps the foundation of my life strong.

There will be various occurrences in life that have the potential to shake our foundations. We should strive to be like the wise man who built his house on the rock. “The rains came down and the floods came up, but the house on the Rock stood firm” (Ann Omley) The last verse of that song says, “So build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ, The blessings come down as your prayers go up, so build your life on the Lord.” What a great truth, taught to children but needed by everyone. Make Jesus the source of your foundation so you can stand firm.

Recently I have felt like God is invisible. I know God is a spirit and unable to be seen by our human eyes, but lately I can’t say that I have even felt his presence near me. I know the old saying that we can’t see the wind, but we can see the effects of the wind. The same is with God. Although we cannot physically see God, we can feel his impact. Of course, I know God is with me. He promised never to leave me or forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6). Yet, some days, I feel alone, drifting through life calling out to God, only to be met with perceived silence. I know this feeling is inaccurate, and my God is working for my good even though I cannot see it or feel it. Faith is all that is needed. On my bad days, this feeling of abandonment could send me into a tailspin of doubt and discouragement.

How does a person hold onto faith during these times of doubt? I thought about a play I attended at my parent’s church many years ago. The set was a lovely display, but I realized the designers had to have used large anchors, hidden from view, to hold up the lights on the walls for the stage. I have many anchors in the walls of my house. Some are large, and some are small. I used an appropriate size anchor depending on what I wanted to hang on my walls. The anchors I use for my wall art, also hidden, keep the focus on the decorations. It made me think about what was holding me up. How large is the anchor sustaining me? The anchor for my life is also unseen but vital for my existence.

My thoughts have turned to what my anchor is and how large it is. God is my anchor. Praise Him! He knows how to hold me up exactly, and He is just the right size for whatever I need. Some days I may diminish his size and strength. On days I rely on my strength, I will fall, just like when I did not use the correct size anchor for my curtain rod! Unlike construction anchors, whose size varies, God precisely knows what we need and how much strength we require. I start to falter when I believe God is hidden from me and not supporting me. The truth is that even though I cannot see him, like the anchors in the walls, I can feel his strength holding me up.

Another example of an anchor is the anchor on a boat or a ship. The design of an anchor is to hold a ship steady, secure in bad weather, or keep a vessel from drifting even in still waters. Have you ever looked at the anchor on a large ocean craft? In comparison to the size of the ship, the anchor seems undersized to be effective. Sometimes you cannot see the chain attached to the anchor. An anchor and chain are constructed of materials meant to spend large amounts of time in the water. As we spend time in the world, we must stay connected to God as our anchor. God will anchor and sustain us during rough times or, at times, hold us in place. He has proven himself to stand the test of time. I feel like our anchor is God or things of this world and the leader of this world, Satan.

An anchor and chain work in tandem. As the chain pulls on the anchor, the anchor digs deeper into the seabed. The links you have attached to the anchor matter. You may have attached yourself to a worldly anchor if the composition of your connections is fear, anxiety, doubt, pride, selfishness, greed, or envy. As pressures build, this chain may make a faulty anchor dig deeper and keep you stuck in muck and mire. This anchor is not only holding you down but also pulling you under. If, on the other hand, the structure of your links is fatih, love, joy, peace, patience, selflessness, bible reading, Christian fellowship, and prayer, these links are unbreakable and will hold you in place while being attached to God as your anchor. These links will help sustain you and not pull you under, even during the worst storms. Just like an anchored boat may drift because of the movement of the water, we may drift because of the motion of our world. This second set of links makes up a good combination with God being an anchor, and as this chain pulls, the anchor of God will dig deeper and sustain you no matter what comes your way. I think of the hymn, My Anchor Holds, verse four, “I can feel the anchor fast. As I meet each sudden blast. And the cable, though unseen, bears the heavy strain between; thro’ the storm I safely ride, till the turning of the tide.” (W.C. Martin)

The substance used to construct our chain and anchor matter. Chains compromised of elements of this world may help keep us in place, but it may not be the best place for us, or even worse, the weight of it may pull us under. When we rely on an anchor of this world, it may be like throwing an anchor overboard, and it cannot grab onto the bottom because of the rocky soil. We may think we are secure, but, at best, our hold is precarious. We may have a false sense of security and are only one storm away from being blown away. Anchor in God and the soil of who he says he is. Read the Bible, pray, reflect on the characteristics of God, remember his faithfulness, and listen for the still, small quiet voice of God; these are the things that keep us strong and secure in the rich soil of God.

A construction anchor and a boat anchor hold something in place, one from behind and one from underneath. While performing their intended function, both are unseen, but the effects of the anchor are seen. The artwork will fall without the support, and ships may become adrift without the anchor digging into the seabed. Our anchor is also not seen, but every day we can feel the effect of our God holding us secure, so we don’t drift into storms, run aground on unseen rocks, or fall for lack of support. Several Bible verses that teach of God’s protection and strength are Psalm 32:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Psalm 46:1, and one of my favorite verses, `Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

What happens when you are floating through life, not tied to anything? Maybe you have neglected your time with God or daily devotions. What happens during the slow fade? Before you know it, you could be floating into dangerous territory. You may be about ready to run aground and are still determining how you got there. It is time to stabilize by throwing your cable overboard into the arms of God. God wants to be our anchor in the storm or calm. He can sustain long periods of being in the water as we navigate life. He never gives up, won’t break up under pressure, he never grows tired or weary (Isaiah 40:28). He has promised to sustain us (Isaiah 46:4).

Place your hope and security in God. You will find navigating through this world freedom you did not know existed.