Tag Archives: Christianity

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Philippians 3:20

Are you struggling to keep from fuming in the heat of this social climate like I am? Everyone has experiences that might justify outrage, but anger that leads to sin is itself sin (Matthew 5:22).

Christian sibling, our citizenship is of Heaven (Philippians 3:20) and our duty is that of ambassadors of grace (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are to be so confoundedly forgiven that we cannot help but forgive those around us (Romans 5:17, 1 Timothy 1:14). Yet, in this social climate where hate breeds hate and malicious vengeance masquerades as justice, many of us find ourselves so entangled in our human characteristics, relationships, and experiences that we render ourselves incapable of representing grace (Hebrews 12:1). If I, as a retired police officer, allow my blue-blood to boil when I see a police mannequin hanging in a noose I squelch my outflow of grace. If I am so patriotic that a burning flag ignites my wrath I have allowed my human experience to claim part of my spirit. If what makes life matter to me is predicated by the hue of its packaging then I discredit the Creator’s majesty. If my concept of grace is limited to those who sin like me then I have forgotten from Whom it comes. 

Many of us find ourselves so entangled in our human characteristics, relationships, and experiences that we render ourselves incapable of representing grace.

We were never promised an easy time on Earth. Quite to the contrary, we are assured persecutions of increasing severity and frequency (references) until the world is judged in fire (2 Peter 3:7, 10). Jesus promised that we would overcome the world not enjoy its embrace (John 16:33). We cannot lament the descent of the whole by omitting the salvation of the few with whom we have influence. 

It is said that only the grace of God can remedy this turmoil. How true that is! But the blood that bought grace has already been spilled and the Author of Peace has already finished His work. It remains now for us to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess (Hebrews 10:23), pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44), gently instruct those who oppose us in hopes they too will escape the devil’s trap (2 Timothy 22:25-26), and do not forsake the assembling together of the saints (Hebrews 10:25). With balled fists, we cannot reach out to those who need salvation.

With balled fists, we cannot reach out to those who need salvation.

"Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

2 Peter 3: 17-18, NIV

To view all today's scripture references in a PDF file click here.

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When winds turn turbulent the One who calms storms is still Lord! Wave after wave buffeted the hull of Noah’s ark, yet all mankind still descends from his sons. Joseph, though tormented in dungeons, still brought to bear his ministry of deliverance for Israel. Persecuted and scattered, Christ’s own disciples wondered if they’d come so far for nothing, yet they sit as fathers of the Church. “In his heart a man plots his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NIV 1984). Special waypoints confirm themselves, but the steps in between call for faith in the One who set the stars.

When winds turn turbulent the One who calms storms is still Lord!

In July, I reported a miracle of God’s providence when He landed me an unimaginable job ("Nurse Todd takes a Job"). The Lord planted me in an intensive care unit when I had never dreamed of asking for such a distinction. Since then, I have toiled, wrestled, grieved, and strived, only to find myself involuntarily moved to another assignment less demanding. I grieve the loss of the work family I developed in the ICU, and the blow to my pride since I can no longer say, “I am an ICU nurse.” I would be remiss, however, to think that such was never His will. Any one of the patients I’ve served, the families I’ve comforted, the coworkers I’ve encouraged, the complex health issues I’ve studied, the severe situations I’ve experienced, or even this recent lesson in humility I’ve been dealt could be reason enough for me to have been brought through this season.

I can no longer say, “I am an ICU nurse.”

I well remember that a missionary is not called to do what is easy, but what is necessary. That very notion has helped me to make a decision about where to plant my next footfall. Given the option of a sparklingly attractive job in predictable, routine orthopedics or a more clinically demanding medical-surgical unit, I have opted for the latter and have already joined the ranks of my new work family. They seem to be happy to receive me and, only two days in, I’ve already had an opportunity to make an impact on patients and coworkers alike.

a missionary is not called to do what is easy, but what is necessary

I am learning that the key to living through loss with grace is gratitude. I am grateful for the knowledge that God is sovereign over my circumstances and has a plan for me. I am grateful that my end destination is not God’s only plan, but that every stepping stone en route is no less carefully designed and appointed. I am grateful for relationships built, experiences had, and ministry opportunities capitalized. Today, I honestly thanked God for the lesson in humility represented by my reassignment. I don’t need to know what lies ahead to trust the Navigator.

the key to living through loss with grace is gratitude

Whether you are experiencing turmoil in your life or not, I hope you will remember that the Master of the waves and wind is also the Architect of your soul, sinews, and senses, and He will plant your every step if you surrender your course to His will. That said, I cannot overstate the value of faithful encouragement. The words of my friends through this have really propped me up when I needed it. My hope is that every child of Christ has a family of encouragement to prop them up. The entire purpose of the Church is to glorify God by caring for one another in the manner Christ taught us.

the Master of the waves and wind is also the Architect of your soul, sinews, and senses