March 2003 Devotional

Spring has sprung, the grass has riz…
I wonder where the flowers is?! 

Do you remember this funny poem from grade school?  I sure do.  Although in Wisconsin, where I grew up, we never had Spring in March when it is supposed to come.  The vernal equinox means little in the Great White Tundra.  We were lucky to see flowers by June.

Sometimes in my relationship with God I have expected things to happen on a certain schedule, only to be surprised (and usually disappointed) when they didn’t occur.  Once after a particularly devoted time in my Christian walk, I lost my job.  I remember being puzzled and even angry.  Why wouldn’t God reward me for my loyalty?  At the very least he should have keep me employed.  Instead I was without work for nearly three months.

When life doesn’t happen on our terms we are faced with an opportunity for faith.  Will we believe in this God we say we are following and remain steadfast in our allegiance?  Or will we crumble under pressure, pout in the corner when we don’t get our way, or simply throw up our hands and walk away.  It’s an interesting question – and one best answered before the trial starts.

In the midst of difficulty, sometimes our worst behavior becomes apparent.  But if we prepare for trouble, we can gain a sort of Christian “street sense.”  Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble!”  How’s that for honesty?  I would have much preferred him to say, “In this world everything will go your way.”  Or, “In this world, if you follow my teachings, your car will never break down.”  But Jesus gives us the straight skinny.  Mincing no words, he tells us that trials will definitely come our way.  But, lest we give up hope, he says, “take heart, for I have overcome the world.”  In the end, Jesus – and we –- will prevail.

In the meantime, here are some tips on how to be street smart in terms of handling life’s difficulties:

1.                   Stay Connected – You are not alone. God is always with you, and God’s people are there for you.  While it takes some effort on your part to get connected with a church or a particular group or ministry in the local church, the rewards are great.  You will meet other pilgrims who long to share the journey with you.

2.                   Expect the Unexpected – Who would have anticipated September 11^th?  Probably no one, yet we can all count on difficulties, trials, and tragedies to come our way.  Without being morose, we can prepare our hearts and minds to accept life’s mountains and valleys and not be incapacitated by them. 

3.                   Get a Good Map – God’s Word is a treasure map.  It shows you how to find true riches, reveals life’s obstacles, and points you toward peace.  Keep studying the Map, and you’ll always stay on course.

4.                   Check for Tulips – Invariably it is when I’m not looking, that Spring actually arrives.  I get so caught up in the busyness of life, that I miss the actual arrival of this glorious time.  So I’ve learned to keep my eyes peeled for hints and signs of new life.  It keeps me optimistic and focused on the fact that God’s mercies are “new every morning.”  No matter how dismal today is, God gives me hope for tomorrow.

That’s why I put my confidence in Jesus.  Anyone who can bring Spring to a Winter-worn world and raise daffodils out of frozen mud has my vote.  More importantly, anyone who can rise from the dead has my eternal allegiance. 

Will life always happen on our schedule?  Nope.  And maybe that’s a good thing.  It sure keeps my faith sharp.

Love,

Lisa Kinakin