The University of Adversity

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

– Matthew 6:34

Have you ever wrestled with God about all the tragedies, suffering and injustices of life? 

We reason that if he’s all-powerful, he should prevent such adversity. But let’s consider that no one ever promised us a trouble-free existence. What’s more, God’s perspective extends beyond our superficial human experience and into the immeasurable wonders of his creation. For example, can we comprehend how an awkward caterpillar gorges on leaves, spins a cocoon around itself and then emerges weeks later as a beautiful butterfly? And how can a tiny acorn grow into a mighty 80-foot oak?

It’s all beyond our understanding, but the principle here is the same. Whether we're going through good times or bad, we must remind ourselves that God's ways aren't our ways. Moreover, our human minds are much too limited to grasp the entirety of his greater purpose.

But we’re not totally in the dark here. God’s word to us — the Bible — gives us several pointers. One is that we live in an imperfect world where bad things can (and often do) happen. It was when Adam and Eve disobeyed their Creator in the Garden of Eden that Earth’s perfection was spoiled. And it’s only four chapters into Genesis that we read about mankind’s first murder: a cold-blooded encounter between siblings.

Our struggles with God can also involve our poor choices. For example, if someone chooses to drink too much, gets drunk and then gets behind the wheel, tragedy often follows. But that’s hardly God’s fault. We instead reap the fruits of the foolishness we’ve sown.

These are sobering facts of life, but the good news is that we worship a God who specializes in turning bad into good. Consider someone who gets laid off from their job, only to find a much better one in a different city — with better pay — and in an industry that he or she had never previously considered. If it weren’t for the “tragedy” of unemployment, he or she might have been stuck in a boring, dead-end situation with little future. God (as always) knows best!

God also uses our adversities to discipline and mature us. Are we ever the same after experiencing a major illness or family tragedy? It’s through such crises that we draw closer to him and depend on his help and presence. God can even use our anguish as a witness to others. If you’re a Christ-follower faced with a God-sized situation, where you place your faith speaks volumes to others.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace,” Jesus assures us through John’s gospel. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Thicker Than Water

 I am like a stranger to my relatives and like a foreigner to my own family.

– Psalm 69:8

The saying goes that blood is thicker than water.

Rain or shine — and in good times or bad — family should always have your back when you need them the most. Unfortunately, we know from the first pages of the Bible that families can fall short in countless ways. It’s in the Old Testament book of Genesis that we read about the jealous Cain’s murder of his brother, Abel. And jealousy was also the motive several chapters later when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. But unlike Cain and Abel, Joseph eventually reconciled with his siblings.

If family feuds and estrangement are painfully familiar to you, you’re in very good company. After all, Jesus’ own brothers didn’t believe in him at first. In fact, Mark’s gospel tells us that at one point in his ministry, the Savior’s family thought he was crazy and “went to take charge of him.” And Jesus underscored the limits of family by commenting, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.” 

While human families are bound to fail at one extent or another, there is one Father who will never let us down. God — the most powerful and loving Presence in the universe — not only knows everything about you, he knew you before you were even born. Your name is written on his hand. And he’s also chosen you as his heir. So once you accept his Son (Jesus) as your Lord and Savior, you become his adopted child. And as God’s child and heir, you'll share in quite an inheritance to enjoy for eternity.

That’s a lot to look forward to once God calls you to join him. But you don’t have to wait until then to enjoy some of the family benefits. One is the privilege of knowing God in a personal relationship. Through prayer, you can come to him directly with your joys, needs and sorrows. It’s this close, ongoing bond that helps you overcome the rough spots that you're guaranteed to encounter throughout life.

Jesus taught his disciples that God isn’t a strict, unknowable taskmaster who waits to zap us when we do wrong. Christ instead revealed that our Creator is a warm, reassuring and loving Father in the best sense of the word. And to the amazement of all who heard him, Jesus even referred to him as Abba — a child’s word that translates into English as Daddy. 

The incredible truth is that God has chosen you and me as his adopted children. And just as with Jesus, he wants nothing more than to hear you respond, “Yes, Abba!”

Legacy

 In every way be an example of doing good deeds. When you teach, do it with honesty and seriousness.

– Titus 2:27

We remember the Wright Brothers for their history-making contributions to aeronautics, Alexander Graham Bell for telecommunications and Henry Ford for transportation. The influences of their work reverberate to this day. Meanwhile, Thomas Jefferson — America’s third president — wished only to be remembered for what’s inscribed on his tombstone:

Here was buried
Thomas Jefferson
Author of the Declaration of American Independence
of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom
& Father of the University of Virginia

Andrew Carnegie left a much different legacy. Born into poverty in 1835, he leveraged his thirst for knowledge to become a successful industrialist and eventually the world’s richest man. Carnegie sold his steel company in 1901 for what would be $13 billion in 21^st century dollars. And for the rest of his life, he became known as the Father of Modern Philanthropy by giving away most of his vast wealth. 

Carnegie underwrote the construction of 2,811 libraries, established a retirement pension for teachers and founded what is today Carnegie-Mellon University. By the time of his death in 1919, he was the primary financier of half of America’s public libraries. The premise of Carnegie's essay The Gospel of Wealth spoke volumes — in just a few powerful words — about what drove him to spread his riches:

“The man who dies rich dies disgraced.”

Millions of people still benefit from Andrew Carnegie’s legacy a century after his death. What’s more, there are biblical parallels to Carnegie’s example of generosity for the betterment of others. 

Our bank accounts might be modest when compared to his. But as Christ-followers, we have enormous wealth to share by living out the key messages of the Gospel — the Good News of Jesus Christ. We can tell others that he paid the price for our sins and theirs (past, present and future) when he died on the cross in our place. Then, just as predicted centuries earlier in the Old Testament, God resurrected him to life to forever defeat the power of sin and death in our lives. And it’s this same power that will one day raise all believers to eternal life and joy with our Creator.

Whether you’re 19 or 99, it’s not too late to establish your legacy. A skeptical world is watching to see how Christ-followers live out their faith each day. Let’s respond by sharing the riches of Christ’s transforming power in action.

The Kids Are Alright

 Children, obey your parents as the Lord wants, because this is the right thing to do.

– Ephesians 6:1  

If you’ve ever experienced the joys of parenthood, you can probably relate to these observations from one well-known comedian: 

"You know the only people who are always sure about the proper way to raise children? Those who’ve never had any."

“No matter how calmly you try to referee, parenting will eventually produce bizarre behavior. And I'm not talking about the kids. Their behavior is always normal.”

Sound familiar? It’s in this domestic arena that God has given parents an awesome responsibility: one of preparing children to make a positive difference in the world and readying them for eternity.

Thankfully, God takes a personal interest in the lives of those who love him. And this interest extends to the patience and love it takes to raise children according to his high standards. It's in his word to us — the Bible — that we read that respectful, obedient children don’t just happen by accident. Godly parenting involves intentional actions and instruction. For example, consider what the Old Testament’s book of Deuteronomy has to say to parents about emphasizing God’s ways to their kids:

“Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Children not only look for boundaries of acceptable behavior, they also crave direction and seek love and approval. It’s when they don’t get enough from their parents that they can act out, perform poorly at school and gravitate toward the wrong crowd and bad influences.

What’s a parent (new or veteran) to do?

First, understand that parenting is privilege rather than a burden. And second, remember that God is our heavenly parent. This means human parents have the great responsibility of playing his role in the child-rearing process. Therefore, follow the Lord’s example for raising us: Give your children unconditional love, apply consistent discipline and give them spiritual direction. And don’t forget to lead through your own positive attitude and outlook on life.

No one says that parenting is easy. But in a dark society that’s quickly turning its back on God, it’s arguably the most important job in the world — and one with world-changing implications.

Food for Thought

Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.

– Genesis 9:3

If you’re like a lot of people, food plays a role in many of your fondest memories about home and family. For example, you might always remember Thanksgiving with your grandparents whenever you smell the rich aroma of roast turkey and sweet potatoes. The unmistakable odor of hotdogs and popcorn could take you back 20 years when your parents took you to your first State Fair or baseball game. Even the sight of a homemade apple pie might remind you of how your aunt would faithfully guard her award-winning recipe.

Food holds a powerful place in our lives, but it’s not just because we need it to survive. There’s just something special — even joyful — about sharing a good meal with family and friends. Likewise, Christ-followers have a time-honored recipe for cooking up a joy-filled, God-centered family life. The Bible tells us that it’s one part unity with other Christ-followers mixed with a measure of regular prayer. Then blend it well with a heaping helping of discernment — the ongoing intentional functions of living, thinking and acting constructively. It’s all about habitually looking for the good and dwelling on the positive.

But the key ingredient is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s because knowing him is enough to bring joy — regardless of our circumstances. Then add a Christ-centered marriage: one that invites Jesus to live through and guide it during good times and bad. And the final element is dependence on him for raising children who understand their purpose in life. Kids must know that they’re loved. But they must also know that it’s not all about them. After all, we’re all put on Earth to bring glory to God. And he’ll shape and use our children accordingly if we let him.

If you haven’t done so already, invite Jesus into your life as your personal Lord and Savior. Those who take this momentous step become the ones he calls the salt of the earth: those special people who make all the difference in the world by bringing joy to others — and all while experiencing it themselves. 

That’s real food for thought.

Family of Faith

Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”

– Matthew 12:48-50

Maybe for you it’s Easter, Thanksgiving or some other occasion for family gatherings. Whenever that might be, the holidays can be either a time of joy and togetherness — or one of stress, conflict and tension. In fact, stress expert Elizabeth Scott, M.S., observes that "many a happy holiday has been found by groups of people who have decided to celebrate with friends instead of family."

It's a sad but accurate commentary about what’s happening in 21st century America. And in many ways, it's also a reflection of human nature. Whenever families gather — for just about any reason at all — tensions can mount. Sometimes it's because of intrusions into precious personal space, like when the in-laws spend the night (or week) in a home that's already too close for comfort. There's also that outcast teenager who perceives their older relatives as judgmental, critical or demanding. And let's not forget those pleasant conversations over Christmas dinner about politics and religion.

If this hits too close to home, you're in good company. Jesus himself — the Son of God — was often misunderstood by those closest to him. "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family," the Savior once told his disciples.

Since even our own families can misinterpret our actions, have you ever wondered if God, our Heavenly Father, really understands all the mundane problems, annoyances and trials that we face every day? 

Luke's gospel tells us that Jesus came into this world in the poorest of circumstances — with an animal's feeding trough as his first bed. But that’s the way it had to be. From the beginning, our Creator knew that men and women were without hope because of the pitiful ways they lived their lives. So his solution was to come to Earth in human form to live out the perfect life. That meant living among us through the sin-free Jesus Christ — the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins. And eventually, he would pay the price for all of us through his painful and humiliating death: crucifixion between two common criminals.

Jesus fulfilled the soul-saving mission God had planned for him since the world’s foundation. The incredible result was that our sin-debt was paid in full. And 2,000 years later, people around the world continue accept the Savior's invitation to join his Family of Faith.

Unchained

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

– Romans 12:2

The fifth chapter of Mark’s gospel begins with the story of a man who faced some serious problems. Or maybe a legion of problems best describes his plight.

This tormented soul had been exiled from the community to live out his days in a cemetery near Lake Galilee. The man was literally overcome by demons. And so total was his possession that he could use extraordinary strength to repeatedly break the chains and smash the leg irons that confined him. 

“No one could control him,” Mark wrote. “Night and day he was in the graveyard or on the hills, yelling and cutting himself with stones.”

And that would have been the end of the man’s bizarre narrative. But then along came Jesus and his disciples from their voyage across the lake. Recognizing that Christ was God in the flesh, the demons that possessed the man begged to postpone their own eternal fate, and instead inhabit a vast herd of pigs that roamed the hillside. Jesus agreed. And the demons immediately fled from their victim.

Fast-forward now to 21st century America. Does it seem like “demons” are only found in horror movies and ancient fairytales? And when a celebrity, sports star or even a neighbor faces the consequences of alcohol, drugs, anger-management issues — or some other destructive force — we can count on their loved ones to comment that they struggled with their share of demons. Sometimes that’s a figure of speech. But actual demons really can torment people, and they do their best to make their victims’ lives a living hell.   

The fact is that everyone has their share of demons to one extent or another — even Christ-followers. And even though we’ve accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, asked him for forgiveness and then received it, we still can slide back into all those bad habits and behaviors that we thought we had left far behind. And then we slide back time and time again.

So what’s the problem? Doesn’t the Bible say that becoming a Christ-follower makes you a new creation?

It does. But our transformation is a work in progress on God’s timetable. Although it can happen immediately, shedding our personal demons often takes place bit by bit and day after day along our faith-journey. What's more, our journey’s pathway is narrow, twisting and full of unexpected hairpin turns. And it’s when we take our eyes off our destination and follow our demons instead of Jesus that we wind up in a ditch.

Let’s finish by considering the life-lesson of the apostle Paul — the unlikely Christ-follower who wrote much of the New Testament. In his 2,000-year-old lament that sounds so familiar to modern ears, Paul complains that he continues to do the very things he despises. Yet at the same time, he fails to do the things he knows he should accomplish.

If this great Apostle to the Gentiles had so many problems with sin and temptation, what hope can we have of breaking free from our own chains? Well … quite a bit! As Christ-followers, we don’t have to accept sin’s dominance in our lives. It all comes down to our ultimate trust and dependence on a Power that's much greater than ourselves.

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” asks Paul. “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”