The Sandbox vs. the Beach
Ephesians 3:20-21 (New International Version)20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.There are so many times that I have looked back in my life and thought, Wow!!! Things are so much better now than they were then. Why was I so scared about the future? Why did I doubt God’s plan? Why was I freaking out?!!!!
C.S. Lewis compared this blindness to a small child who loves his sandbox. It is his favorite thing and when his parents ask him to leave he kicks and screams because he can’t imagine leaving the comforts and joy of his favorite toy—his sandbox. Well his parents are asking him to leave his sandbox because they want to take him to the ocean for a beach vacation. The child only sees his current situation and thinks that nothing could be better. Isn’t this what we often do as children of God?
We often see right in front of us, while God sees the whole picture and knows what is best. God takes us out of the sandbox kicking and screaming only to give us something much better. My charge to you is to:
1. Have patience in your situation and know that God has a plan and is going to do immeasurably more than you ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21.)
2. Have faith and know that God works all things for good for those who are called according to His purposes (Rom 8:28.)
3. Persevere—even when it is difficult for we know that we can rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4.)
Now let me ask you. Are you going to be content with your sandbox or will you allow God to give you that beach vacation? I am getting my sunscreen ready!
My Choice is Death
In 2006 I spent a whole month in China on a mission trip. For the first two weeks I was by myself exploring Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tianjin (I meet up with missionaries), and for the last two weeks I joined a group and we taught English in Jinan. It was a wonderful experience where God taught me a lot—including depending on Him, the art of Christian hospitality, and being available for Him even when it wasn’t on my scheduled itinerary.
In Hong Kong I worked at an inner city ministry that reached out to refugees. Each morning when we opened the doors to the ministry location the roaches would scurry. We prepared for Bible study, worship and a meal for each person. The worship was an intercultural experience and everyone had a unique story and was so inspiring. The leader of the ministry was a woman from Nepal who depended on God every day because she had to. Keeping the doors open was a challenge financially, but everyday He provided. Do I really have dependence on God or is my hope in my job, my comfort and/or my spouse?
The other thing I learned was Christian hospitality. We visited families that had nothing but insisted we eat the meal they cooked for us. Another time I met a girl at church and she took me out for the rest of the day showing me a neighboring city and then hosting a dinner in my honor where I tried new fruits and foods that I had never even heard of. How often in my day do I overlook someone that God has put in my path?
One day when I was walking the streets of Shanghai an adorable girl my age came up to me and started speaking English. She insisted that we visit a local tea house where she could practice using her English with me. I instantly agreed and we formed a friendship and I got to speak to her about Christ. How often in my daily schedule does God provide an opportunity for me to share Christ but I pass up on it?
See we have plans every day, but God wants us to be open to His itinerary. In Luke 9:23-24, Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” As you wake up each morning, open your hands and your heart to God and ask Him to help you to die to yourself that day. It might have been easier for me to die each day to Christ when I was on a mission trip, but in reality, I need to die to myself each and every day—no matter where I am and what I am doing!
Don’t Worry be Happy
I have a confession. I often look at the lives of those around me and compare my life to theirs. I think, if only I could have that, if only I could be this; then my life would be better….happier. A recent study found that people who did not compare their lives to others were happier than people that compared their lives to others. The Bible speaks on this principle too.
A parable in Matthew reads that there is a landowner that hires men to work in the fields. He hires some at the beginning of the day and some at the end of the day and they all get the same amount of pay. The workers that began working in the morning complain because they worked longer but got the same amount of pay. When they compared the amount of work they did and the amount of pay they got to the other workers they were unhappy and felt unjustly treated.
This parable mirrors my life, because it is so easy for me to look at the work that others do around me and say—well I have been doing this longer, I worked harder, I deserve more. So how do I combat this?
1. When I start to compare myself (my life, etc.) to others consciously STOP! Then start to be thankful for what I do have. I have so much!
2. Think about those who are less fortunate than me (about 95% of the world’s population) and investigate what I can do to help them.
3. Ask God to fill me with the fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Obviously my fleshly thoughts are the exact opposite of the fruits of the Spirit.) Also ask God to help me find contenteness in my life's purpose.
4. Finally, if it is a specific person or thing that you always compare yourself to, thank God for what they have and ask Him to help you to be happy with their blessings.
Galatians 6:4 & 5 says ”4Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load.” We each have our own load, our own path, and our own purpose. Keep that in mind as you go about your day! Wake up each day knowing that God has a specific purpose for you and you only. He just desires you to be obedient and content with all the blessings He gives you. I can assure you, when you come to terms with this concept, you will be much happier!
Keeping the Finish Line in Mind
6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (New International Version)
I am one of those people that start doing something and easily get distracted to begin something else. I will begin making dinner then realize I need to throw a load of laundry in the washer then hear the dog barking to be let out then walk outside and remember I need to talk to my neighbor that is in her backyard and the saga goes on and on. It is hard for me to complete something unless I really focus.
Death Leads to Life
I am one of those people that start doing something and easily get distracted to begin something else. I will begin making dinner then realize I need to throw a load of laundry in the washer then hear the dog barking to be let out then walk outside and remember I need to talk to my neighbor that is in her backyard and the saga goes on and on. It is hard for me to complete something unless I really focus.
In 2 Timothy Paul is at the end of his journey. I can imagine during his life he had many distractions, but thankfully he stayed the course. His life accomplished so much even though he was only on earth a very short time. I attended two funerals this week for faithful Welcome Center volunteers and on their judgment day I can only imagine Jesus saying to them, “well done my good and faithful servant.” Don’t you want this for your life?
On a normal day I get easily distracted with my “to do” list, but I hope with the important things in life that I stay the course. Going to two funerals in two days reminds me that life is short. I want to continue to stay focused on the finish line. I want to fight the good fight. This is my charge to you—wake up every morning with the finish line in mind.
Death Leads to Life
As we look to find meaning behind the natural devastations that have occurred in the previous years; Katrina, Haiti, New Zealand, the Tsunami in Burma and now Japan; and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; let us see where we can discover answers.
Luke 21:25-28; says, 25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
In Matthew 24:4-8; 4 Jesus answered: You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
Are you seeing the signs? Can you tell that the birth pains are getting closer together? In Labor & Delivery terms that means the birth is near. These are the birth pains that are giving birth to a new age, a new era, one with no sin, no natural disasters and no wars. What is getting nearer? The 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. So beware!
Matthew 24:36-39; 44 says, "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah,so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 44Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Did you read that? We are going to be going along with our lives, (granted signs will be around us) and then BOOM—it will happen, the Son of Man (Jesus) will appear, just like in Noah’s day, BOOM—a crash of thunder and then the rain started.
If you are a Christian: Get ready. Don’t fall for false teachings. Sola Scriptura. Share Jesus with your friends and family.
If you are not a Christian: Notice the signs. Jesus is coming for a 2nd time. Let this be a warning to you. The 1st time he came, He was born (think Christmas) lived for 33 years, and was crucified and resurrected. He is waiting to come again so that more people will come to believe in Him. If you would like to learn more, read the book of John in the New Testament in the Bible and research it for yourself. Need follow-up? I would be happy to meet with you and/or answer any questions you might have.
