When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Lemonade

Have you ever had those seasons in life where everything that could go wrong does? Of course you have. Everyone inevitably goes through times like these. I am in one of those seasons right now. The temptation when we are "handed lemons" in life is to become bitter by the sour taste that is left in our mouths by people, circumstances, and situations.

By God's sovereignty, I happen to be studying the book of Job. Now understand, I began this study before "the lemons" came pouring in. However, I believe God was preparing me beforehand by allowing me to see how another one of His servants handled adversity. Job was the most righteous person on earth. By Job's standards I would fall far short. Then God allowed Job to go through the most difficult season of his life. He lost his children, possessions, and health. The only thing Job was left with was a nagging wife! I was struck by chapter 1, verse 22 where it says, "Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything."

I am learning more each day, that the greatest times of spiritual growth are not when things are going great, but when everything seems to be falling apart. I am sure that when Job was going through these things growing spiritually was not on his mind. However, once he got on the other side of his trial, Job experienced God in ways he never had before when he was riding high in life.

What is the one thing that will sweeten a sour lemon? The answer of course is sugar (or Equal, Splenda, Sweet'N Low, etc.). Now when life hands you lemons through adversity, instead of growing bitter, grow better. Sprinkle in some prayer, study in God's Word, and specifically ask God, "What is it that you want me to learn in this trial?" When you do that, you will find the lemonade tastes especially sweet.

In His Grace,
Bryan

The More Things Change The More They Stay The Same

Everyone knows that change is inevitable. However, when change comes our way, it is not always easy to adjust. Going from having one child to two has proved to be a challenge. Moving to a different county and a different town presents its own unique set of difficulties. We expect people to always be in positions and relationships we are comfortable with. The reality is, people come and go and we move on in our lives.

I found out today that one of my mentors is leaving his position. I was shocked at first. Now, after I have had some time to think about it, I am not surprised. One day I will probably change positions and addresses. Change is part of life. We either embrace change as part of what God is doing in our lives, or we resist it being content on enjoying the security and comfort of what we are familiar with. The disciples left everything that was familiar and comfortable to them to embark on a journey with no assurance of where it would lead them. They simply heeded the Master's call, and their lives were changed radically forever. Let us not miss out on the opportunities God has for us because we are content to live in the past. Imagine what your life could be surrendered totally to God and act on it. You will not be disappointed.

In His Grace,
Bryan

Kicking This Thing Off

Well, I have finally done it. I have entered the blogging world. I guess it was time. I hope this blog will help some people. Maybe it will demystify some of the misconceptions people have of pastors, or "vocational ministers" of all stripes and sorts. I will be posting on all types of things-not just "church" stuff.

So, with that said-here are my first thoughts:

Some time ago, a church member e-mailed a short story to me called "Road Map to Holland." This was a very beautiful story making an analogy between having a child with autism and desiring to go to Italy but ending up in Holland. The point is that even though Holland is not where you intended or desired to go, it is still a beautiful place. You have to learn to appreciate the sites, sounds, and beauty you were not prepared for. In the same way, no one intends to have a child with autism. However, it can be a beautiful experience when you learn to appreciate the sites, sounds, and beauty you were not prepared to deal with.

I speak from experience, because my son Zachary is autistic. Although my wife and I did not intend to go on this journey, we have learned to appreciate the beauty of it. I will be talking a great deal more about Zachary, but let me make a spiritual application to this.

Often times, we do not find ourselves in life where we intended to be. Be it through poor decisions, circumstances beyond our control, or God's designs for our lives we sometimes arrive in Holland, when we wanted to go to Italy. If this is where you are at today, let me encourage you. I have been there. I know the frustrations of having dreams and desires, and not see them fulfilled. Take heart. Learn to appreciate the sites, sounds, and beauty of where you are at right now in life. Trust in God. Place your life in His hands. And soon you will find yourself exactly where you want to be.

In His Grace,
Bryan