Russell Media - Laurie

Is it just me or does the world seem to be falling apart. Wars all around us, natural disasters altering lives in the matter of minutes and the economy, etc. Do you ever find yourself wondering why is God not intervening?

Easter Saturday I walked with our daughter, Anastasia, to her soccer game. We talked about it being the day before Easter and wondered what the disciples felt that day. Were they scared? Did they feel as if Jesus had lied? Were they mourning the loss of Jesus and the hope they held in Him?

I’m sure they felt as if their life was imploding. Political unrest, Jesus was gone, their new “careers” as disciples seemed to be over and feared for their lives. They scattered, one denied, another betrayed. Stability had vanished.

Little did they know that God had a miracle waiting for them around the corner that would restore their peace and fill them with confidence and strength.

I know what I believe about God but sometimes it’s hard to believe what I believe about Him – especially when life around me seems to be spinning out of control. I often find myself crying out to God the same as Jairus, “I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.”

Three things I’ve found have helped me find God in these times of struggle:

1)   Serve – The women rose early that Easter morning to serve Jesus. They were going to care for His body. God honored their servant hearts by revealing Himself to them. Often when I serve God, in spite of my circumstances, He shows Himself to me.

2)   Express doubts – While in jail, John the Baptist questioned if Jesus was the true Messiah. He was about to be beheaded - why Jesus was not saving him? Jesus wasn’t offended – in fact He gave John the proof he needed and then praised John to the crowd as the greatest man to be born of woman. God is not threatened when I share my doubts with Him. He guides me to truth and peace through His word and others.

3)   Praise – Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of his people. When we praise Him, His presence draws near. When He’s near, peace reigns, even if chaos surrounds us. When I praise Him through music or words, my focus turns to Him and off the turmoil I face.

Life may seem as if it’s out of control but God has not left us. He’s a God who likes to give good surprises. But as we wait here is a verse to ponder…

“Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right.” Ps. 37:5 (CEV)

Believe what you know to be true of God and as you wait for Him to help you in your circumstance serve Him, talk with Him and praise Him.

What helps you find God when your life feels out of control?

When He seems distant, how do you draw near to Him?

I volunteered in Noah’s 3^rd grade class the other day. As it came to a close, only ten minutes remained in the school day. It wasn’t enough time to begin a big project so the teacher gathered the kids in a circle in front of her and pulled out a stack of cards that had random questions on them. She read this question to the kids…

Would you rather be the best player on the worst team or the worst player on the best team?

The kids took turns going around the circle, answering the question and randomly she’d ask a kid to give a brief reason why.

“I wanna be the best player on the worst team because I want to have the most home runs!”

“I’d be the best player on the worst team because I like being the best.”

As we continued going around the circle almost every kid said they wanted to be the best player on the worst team. My ears perked up when she came to Noah.

“I’d want to be the worst player on the best team.”

I wasn’t expecting that. He’s always in a dream world hitting the game winning home run or being the hero who destroys the enemy.

On our way home I asked him about his answer. “I want to be on a team that wins.”

Maybe I’m over-analyzing the thought process of a 9-year-old but his answer got me thinking. So often as individuals we strive to be #1 - top salesman, N.Y. Times bestseller, funkiest on the dance squad (uhhh...maybe that's just me in high school). Being number one is fun and give us a goal to work towards. But would we accomplish more if we focused more on become the top team instead of being the best on the team.

Jesus immediately formed team at the start of his ministry. His focus was not showing off his healing skills – rather to form a team of losers into a winning. It took a little time for the disciples to catch on. There were when they were more concerned about being the best – the favorite disciple, the one to sit at Jesus’ right hand, or the first to speak up, etc.

However, post-resurrection – the disciples understood. They realized it’s better to be the worst on the team (how can you beat Jesus?!) and to learn from the best. It catapults you to becoming your greatest. When you act and think as a team you have more strength in body, mind and heart. You’re victories are larger and in your failures you have others to pick you back up.

Jesus prayed that we would be one – an unified member of the winning team. When a team works together and allows it’s members to shine in their gifting – it’s amazing what can be accomplished.

How would you answer the question?

Why?