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Date Posted: 12:33:49 01/17/10 Sun
Author: Pastor Mark McManus
Author Host/IP: 98.127.31.133
Subject: A SEASON OF CHANLLENGE AND CHANGE

Ever been going through a challenging situation, and you know you love the Lord, you know the Lord loves you, and you know somehow, some way it is going to work out, but you just can't see the forest for the trees, because "you" are so close to the situation? (Been there done that)

Here are some steps that might help as you navigate your journey through your challenging season.

#1.KNOW THAT THERE WILL BE TRIALS AND IT'S OK.

James 1:1-8
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have [its] perfect work,that you may be perfect and complete,lacking nothing.
*Usually the Lord at this point is working on my character more so than my comfort. Change is uncomfortable! Yet if you watch a caterpillar in breaking out of a cocoon, there is always an initial struggle. Interestingly though, it is the struggle that gives it the strength to fly when it emerges; secondly if that struggle is pre-empted (Like if I decided to help the caterpillar so it wouldn't have to struggle so much to get out) the caterpillar would come out crippled and incomplete in its metamorphosis thus not being able to fly because the wings are to weak, yet not able to walk because the previous standing is no longer there)

#2.THE LORD KNOWS WHAT HE'S DOING EVEN IF WE DON'T

Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord; plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope.
*The Lord loves us more than we can even begin to fathom, yet like children we may not understand the how's and why's, that why we need to focus on the whose..Whose we are.
Think you're to "spiritually mature" for any of that childishness? How many time have you said..DO MYSELF GOD..DO MYSELF...(Yeh I know...me too)

#3.JUST AS WE CAN'T "SKIP" A SEASON IN NATURE, WE CAN'T "SKIP" A SEASON THAT THE LORD IS BRINGING US THROUGH.

Eccl 3:1 To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
*Ever seen a late summer hit by a snow or freezing rain, while the trees are still green? It's a mess! We can't skip a season. Each season prepares us for the next. In winter we don't see fruit..hmmm but the roots are being secured. In the fall old things fade and fall to make way for the new. In spring new life buds out of the cold winter. Summer is when the full manifestation of it's beauty is shown. Walk in the season the Lord has you in.

#4. KEEP COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS THROUGH THE STORM
1Th 5:1 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
* OK bible scholars...What is the first word in this verse? Hmmm...Yes that's it..it's coming through...IN !! Not FOR but IN! Yes..again I know..I have been reminded of that little two letter word in the midst of challenges, and while trying to maintain my best really deep spiritual man of God expression in response, yet inside I was going Oh man..does that reeeeally say IN? Uhhg. (C'mon you've done it too..I'm just being honest)It's not easy but it keeps us focused on the fact that even in the darkest storm, our Lord Jesus Christ is the anchor that holds.

#5. DON'T ISOLATE..THIS IS THE TIME TO REACH OUT
Pro 19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

* This one is an ego crusher.. especially if there is an area where maybe we have fallen short or and area we are weak in and need guidance, counsel, or some hands on guidance. I jokingly tell people I do amazingly with adult supervision..lolo Bottom line is that when we are in the heart of the fire many times we have no perspective because we are TOO CLOSE TO THE SITUATION... So the question is..Do we want to be right...or righteous? Do we want to be humbled in reaching out for help...or humiliated by our own stubborn pride? (Once again..done that...got the t-shirt..reeally not fun or fruitful)

#6.GIVE YOUR BODY NUTRITION THROUGH REGULAR HEALTHY MEALS (Unless the Lord had directed you to fast), REST, EXERCISE, KEEP YOUR WATER IN TAKE UP, AND WAIT ON THE LORD.

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
* My experience has been that when the heat is on, whether it be relational, financial, spiritual etc. I have to keep the basics in play while I am waiting on the Lord (Sometimes waiting involves action sometimes it just means be still...cool it! Each season is different.) I need to make sure I am eating ok, getting enough rest, exercising..even if that means a walk and deep breathing. Reading the Word...Praying, and....staying in constant communication. When the storm is on keep it simple and basic.

#7. THE LORD MAY NOT ONLY BE STRENGTHENING OUR FAITH, BUT CALLING US TO CHANGE THE WAY WE HAVE BEEN DOING THINGS.
Isa 55:9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

* In my own life whether it be seasons in marriage, money, relationships, personal inventory etc. I have to stay open to (a.) Wise counsel from those who love me, yet are not emotionally involved, and...whom I have given permission to speak honestly and frankly into the situation. (b.) A change of attitude, heart, and or behavior. (This does not always mean the behavior was bad, it could mean, I was trying to use a pair of tweezers for a pipe wrench and had no clue there was a better way, and need to try a different way to "eat the proverbial elephant)

This little prayer like many are not "Chapter and verse" but it certainly has a lot of wisdom...

GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE:
(The Lord did not put me in charge of running the whole universe..just being faithful with that which He has placed in my care)

THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN:
(Usually when the Lord is trying to change something in my attitudes, or behaviors, that's when my flesh wants to go plank hunting in the eyes of everyone else, instead of diligently and sometimes painfully looking at what I....can change and that is usually and very simply me..) Oh I hate that one...

AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE:
This is where the power of prayer and a contrite heart, teamed up with the loving but wise Godly counsel, prepares the soil for an amazing and wonderfully fruitful harvest (WHEN THAT SEASON COMES) even though I may be in the winter season or..the Tilling season of early spring, where the Lord has to break up some crusted ground.

I pray that if you...are walking through a season of challenge and change..you will be encouraged in knowing that; a. We are not the only ones who go through these seasons.. b. We are never alone in the body of Christ in having our precious Lord and Savior, and each other.
c. Our loving heavenly Father always...knows exactly what He is doing and as we trust Him, He indeed will direct our paths bringing us not only through...but...New.

Your brother in Christ Jesus
Pastor Mark

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