Lessons Learned during a Winter Storm

So I have a confession to make, though it probably won’t come as a surprise to those who know me even relatively well: 

I really don’t like the season of winter. In fact, I could probably get along just fine without cold weather at all. To add to my distaste for winter, Kentucky had two particularly bad winter storms this season. The first resulted in college classes being cancelled for a week (that hadn't happened since the 1990s!) and us being snowed in for a majority of that time. The second one occurred a week later after it had rained all day previously, so the roads were not able to be salted. Because of this, the roads were in terrible condition, and even the major interstate was partially shut down for a time (with people having to spend the night in their cars).

However, even though, I do not care for the winter season all that much, I am grateful that I live in a place that has seasons. Because even though winter is a hard season for me, it makes me incredibly grateful for spring. And the Lord used this season of winter to teach me a few lessons that I thought I would share with you all.

There is a season to everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). The first day that actually felt warm and that the end of winter was in sight was yesterday. I was reminded of the verse in Psalm 30:5 that states, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” And according to James 1, trials are going to come in this life. However, they are not going to last forever. So, even though you may be called to a season of waiting or a season of trial, tribulation, or even just pain that doesn't seem like it’s ever going to end, remember that it is a season. Morning always comes after night; joy always comes after weeping!

Lessons are learned during the hard seasons that cannot be learned during seasons of ease or comfort. For example, winter is beneficial for a number of reasons.

“In agriculture, a big snowpack helps insulate the ground, gives the soil plenty of water in the warmer months, and can help protect crops like berries and fruit. Severe cold also keeps bugs and bacteria at bay that can attack fields in the summer (Greg Mercer, Waterloo Region Record).” A long winter leads to a greener summer.

James 1 declares that there is a purpose to trial. “The testing of your faith produces endurance.” And we must not cut it short because “let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” The winter storms gave me time to catch up on homework, relax during a stressful semester, reflect, and just enjoy time with my housemates.

I also learned that circumstances are the result of God’s sovereign hand, and I need to accept them as His purpose for my life. A verse that my housemates and I dwelt on during this time was 1 Thessalonians 5: 18, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I can be grateful no matter what circumstance I am in because I know that He is working all things together for His glory and my good (Romans 8:28).

So even though I may not have enjoyed the cold weather or foot and a half of snow that kept us inside, as I reflect on this past winter, I'm grateful. I'm grateful that this physical world illustrates spiritual concepts and teaches us lessons. I'm grateful that even though we are not called to ease or comfort, there is a promise of joy and life to be had in the midst of such times. And I'm thankful that Jesus is unchanging and faithful no matter what situation I find myself in. 

The Essentials for Strength: Pain and Difficulty

     Often I have wondered the “why” of pain, trials, difficulties, etc. Over the past few months, I have often thought that I know it is necessary and beneficial for me to go through these difficulties, hardships, etc. I have known that the Bible talks about them being good for us and how the Lord uses them. However, recently, He has revealed this to me in a much deeper way as I've been studying through the book of James.

In James 1, he says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…”

     The word “meet” literally means “ in the midst of.” Therefore, this verse could read, “Count it ALL joy when you are in the middle of various trials.” Yes, he says ALL joy. That means there is no room for any kind of bitterness, complaining, etc. in the middle of various trials.

     How is this possible? How is it possible to go through some of the hardest difficulties with an undaunted, unmoved joy and cheerfulness?  The next verse explains it.

“For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

     The word for steadfastness or patience in some translations means “to be of a long spirit; to not lose heart; to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles.”

     Webster’s 1828 defines it as this:  “Having the quality of enduring evils without murmuring or fretfulness; sustaining afflictions of body or mind with fortitude, calmness or Christian submission to the divine will; Not easily provoked; calm under the sufferance of injuries or offenses; not revengeful; Persevering; constant in pursuit or exertion; calmly diligent; Not hasty; not over eager or impetuous; waiting or expecting with calmness or without discontent”

     Therefore, trials in our lives produce an unmovable, unconquerable, brave courage within our souls. This courage and endurance leads to maturity in Christ.

In the fifth chapter of James, this concept is explained in even more depth. James is referring to rich men and states, “You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.”

     The phrase “lived in luxury” or “lived in pleasure” means to live a soft, effeminate life. It comes from a root word meaning “to enfeeble.”

     So what does this imply? If we shy away from hardships or difficulties, we are actually just enfeebling ourselves. God wants to use trials and hardships to build us strong so that we can be poured out for His Kingdom. If we live in self-indulgence and for our own selfish pleasures, we are ultimately setting ourselves up for death. 

     Luke 8:15 speaks on how people who receive the Word in good soil produce fruit with patience (the same word I defined a few paragraphs ago). Physical growth brings pain. Many people go through growth pains (I’m 5’1”, so I never had them haha). They endure them because they know it’s worth it. We go through growth pains spiritually too. However, these are continual. In order to grow and mature in Christ, pain is necessary. Jesus will use it to grow us closer to Him and mature us spiritually. We must not shy away from pain or difficulty but embrace it, knowing the joy and life that is to be found on the other side. 

“God will not protect you from anything that will make you more like Jesus.” Elisabeth Elliot

“The story of real heroisms is the story of sacrificial blood. The chiefest values in life and character are not blown across our way by vagrant winds. Great souls have great sorrows.” Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

Love is Willing to be Vulnerable

“Greater love has no man than this,that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15: 13

For a long time, I think I had the mindset that relationships are mostly about what I can get from them. Now, most of us wouldn't openly admit that, but it shows in our actions. For instance, what happens when someone offends us? Well, we usually aren't happy about it at least and will sulk, distance ourselves from that person, or even cut off the relationship all together. I've heard so many rants about how “this person hurt me and did this horrible thing…” or “this person responded by saying____ in a text message to me!”

What is the entire purpose of relationships? Why do we have friendships? Is it for what we are going to get out of it? I think the question might be more easily answered if we asked ourselves what the entire purpose of being on earth is.

To give God glory.

So the whole point of relationships is to give God glory. He has given us friendships. They’re a blessing from Him. Why? So that they can bring Him glory. It’s not ultimately about us being satisfied or fulfilled (that should come from Him, Psalm 16:11) but about us pointing others back to the cross. You have been given friendships with the purpose to die to yourself, wash their feet, and spend yourself for the sake of the Gospel.

Relationships are not about what you are going to get out of them.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2

The word for “selfishness” in this passage literally means “electioneering or intriguing for office; a desire to put one’s self forward; a root word of self-will.” Also, verse 4 would more accurately be translated according to the Greek as, “Do not look out for your own interests but for the interests of others.” The word “also” is not in the Greek.

So what does this passage reveal to us about relationships? Well, we’re not supposed to be looking out for our comforts, interests, or pursuits. We must be willing to let those be squashed if it will bring glory to God and point others to Him.

Later on in verse 16, Paul states:

“holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”

The word “run” means to exert one’s self and incur extreme peril.

“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”

“Poured out” literally means “one whose blood is poured out in violent death for the cause.”

Is this the mindset with which you approach relationships? That it’s not about you or what you’re going to get out of it? Are you willing to pour yourself out, empty yourself for others?

Real love is willing to be made vulnerable. If you’re going to be intentional about relationships, seek to reach out to the unlovable, even just have friendships in which you recognize and know that you have that friendship so that you can pour into that person, you’re going to be hurt. People may lie to you. They may take advantage of you, since you’re not seeking to defend your interests or desires. You see, this is a privilege though.

“Very gladly spend and be spent for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” 2 Corinthians 12: 15

Philippians says that it was Christ’s joy to lay down His life for us. True joy comes when we choose to stop fighting for our own interests and let Christ satisfy us. When Christ is truly our satisfaction, contentment, fulfillment, and joy, we can come into relationships with the mindset of pouring out rather than what we can get from them.

You have many opportunities every day in your common-place interactions with people to take the lowest place (Luke 14:10) and seek to serve them. Even when you’re just “hanging out” with friends, you have that opportunity to point them to Christ and the Gospel. You may be hanging out with Christians. Great. You’re given that privilege in order to serve the body of Christ and for His glory.

Jesus will take care of the rest and make sure all our needs are met. 

Our mindset, though?

Christ’s glory. And others. 

"Be the first wherever there is a sacrifice to be made, a self-denial to be practiced, or an impetus to be given." Amy Carmichael

"“The measure of self-giving is the measure of fulfillment.” Elisabeth Elliot

2014 Memorable Moments

      2014 has been an incredible year. I have had many memorable moments. When I look back on the year, I remember times of extreme happiness and joy. I also remember times of exceptional difficulty and tears. I remember times of fun and laughter and times of sadness. However, what stands out the most, above all these circumstances, is the incredible fact that I can see the Lord’s hand and His faithfulness throughout it. As I look back on the year, I can see how each situation, no matter what it was, was working together for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28). It’s a beautiful thing to be able to look back on situations that I did not understand at the time but chose to have faith anyway and see how they were essential for later events. Jesus truly is faithful and trustworthy!

Here are some highlights from my year:

January- 

I started off the year with some wonderful friends celebrating New Year's (a year ago, wow!) at a friend from high school's house. About half of my graduating class was able to get together and celebrate. It was a fun night! 

After I came back to school for the second semester of my sophomore year, we started the manor ministry back up again! It was such an incredible time of standing in awe of the Lord answering prayers! 

February-

My incredible grandfather on my mom's side went to be with the Lord. Though this was a very sad time, we all had comfort and peace through it. It was also a sort of family reunion. He also passed around the time of my Spring Break. Therefore, I was able to be with family for that week. Another evidence of Jesus' perfect timing! 

We also threw a surprise party for our "second mom" in Campbellsville! There were so many people gathered in her house! 

My friends and I also took a trip to Indiana for a Pacers Game and stayed the night at my house. 

March-

Spring in Campbellsville = more trips to the lake for hiking and bonfires! 

Our friend, Tyler, came home on break from the Marines. 

April-

My Campbellsville family took a hiking trip at the natural bridge in Red River Gorge. We stayed in a cabin for the weekend. 

We also celebrated the last day of manor ministry for the semester and how faithful the Lord was throughout it! 

May-

We finished up the semester school, then hosted a guys night to honor our brothers in Christ! 

My best friend turned 22!

Nikki and I started working at Dairy Queen. 

June-

My little sister graduated from high school!

I went home for this month, took some online classes. I got to catch up with some friends from high school and our Bible teacher, Mr. Wild. 

July-

Late night trips to the lake continue...

I turned 21 and was blessed to have my best friend Junia surprise and have Nikki throw a wonderful surprise party!

August-

I got to visit family in Illinois before starting school back up. We also celebrated Katie's birthday!

September-

My little sister turned 19!

I got to fly out to Colorado for the Ellerslie Alumni Reunion!

My good friend Hannah from my freshman year came to visit us!

October-

We helped out at Laura's wedding

Trips to the lake continue, of course. 

November-

A group of us go to see Lecrae and Andy Mineo in concert. It was incredible!

We attempted to skydive and drove to Indianapolis. We also stayed the night at my house, which led to many adventures. 

I got to celebrate Thanksgiving at home with my family.

My best friend since 7th grade got radically gave her life to the Lord! 

December-

We celebrated Christmas with our manor kiddos!

We kept this cutie for a week.

I

My wonderful grandpa on my dad's side went to be with the Lord. Though this was incredibly hard, Jesus is faithful and sustained and strengthened us through it. 

I've gotten to catch up with many friends and family, both at home and in Campbellsville. 

Currently, I am taking Jan-term courses and preparing for Spring semester. I'm looking forward to all that 2015 holds and am even more excited to grow in the Lord and see what adventures He has planned for this coming year! 

The Secret to Self-Control

I think it took a while for me to actually understand what “self-control” meant. I guess I knew that it was a good thing to have, but I don’t think I actually got what it truly is. See, growing up I equated self-control to trying really hard, gritting my teeth, and not doing what I really wanted to do because I knew it was wrong or something I shouldn't be doing. However, this never really seemed to work well. Therefore, youth leaders would talk to us about the importance of self-control, but I don’t think we ever really thought of it as more than a nice idea or a virtue that we should esteem.

Once the Lord got a hold of my life during my teenage years, and I was being discipled in Gospel Truth, I began to wonder about this self-control thing. I knew that it is impossible for us to try to live as God calls us to in our own strength and that we must have the impartation of His Spirit to live the lives that He desires. But how did that fit in with self-control? How does me trying to control my fleshly desires correspond with letting Jesus live His life in and through me? I remember just simply pondering this one day then asking my friend what he thought it meant. He said it very simply, but it has always stuck with me.

“Self-control is self being controlled by the Spirit.”

This past week I've been doing a Bible study on the Fruit of the Spirit. As I studied about this term self-control, my friend's definition was proven to be accurate. The Greek word for self-control comes from two root words meaning “in” and the Greek word kratos, meaning power or dominion. The word kratos is used 12 times in the New Testament, and 11 of these times it is used only in terms of Jesus. There are also several words used for power in the New Testament, but this word for power is power that is actually acted out or power that is in use.

Therefore, self-control has a root definition of “being in a power that is acting and put to use.” This means that if we are in Christ, we are in this power. Self-control is simply letting Jesus have our lives to do with as He sees fit and then exercising His authority and almighty power over sin.

So,practically, this would mean that when that temptation arises, instead of trying to combat it with our own willpower or determination, we can reckon upon the fact that we are IN Christ and that we have His power and authority to act on our behalf. So, we can say “no” to the temptation with God’s authority and out of His power.

And this is the secret to the flesh and selfish desires being controlled in our lives. Sure, we’ll give in to selfish desires but only when we choose to not reckon His power and authority over that area or temptation. Jesus Himself will never fail.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. Meaning, it is a product of the Spirit’s work in our lives. The Holy Spirit will produce it in us if we yield to Him.

Oh what a Jesus!