"And about the fourth watch of the night [the darkest hour] he cometh unto them walking upon the sea."Fear had them by the throats, and they were certain that they weren't going to make it. EVER BEEN THERE?
No matter how hard you try or who's right and who's wrong, you're clinging to principle and believing others will do the same. If you've ever been through a storm that rocks the boat of your life then you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, I pray you never will.
Some of the harshest critics are mellowed when it comes knocking on their door or the door of someone they love. Until you've walked in someone else's shoes you really don't have the right to speculate or assume. Don't judge someone else's journey until you've walked it out for yourself. Don't talk about someone until you've talked to them.
I've seen people devastated by unfortunate circumstances. Today, we see it multiplied in the aftermath of DIVORCE. God says that He "hates divorce." Friends, if you or a family member has been through it then you know it can be a LIVING HELL!
- When someone you've shared your life with, and would have even given your life for, turns around and rips you apart...
- When friends say thoughtless things that only add insult to injury...
- When children and loved ones are caught in a war of words because it hurts too much not to talk...
- When loneliness is so real that it drains the very oxygen out of the room and peels the paint off the walls...
- When you feel like you have to offer an explanation to everyone you meet because you're not sure what they've heard...
I feel a sense of urgency today to tell someone that the answer to PAIN is PURPOSE!
If you are feeling LONELY or DEPRESSED...I want to encourage you to FIND A CAUSE GREATER THAN YOURSELF AND POUR LIFE INTO IT!
Isn't that what Jesus meant when He said, "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone [it will always be lonely], but if it die [die to self: self-seeking, self-serving, and self-centered living] it brings forth much fruit [it will never lonely again]" - John 12:24
Loneliness is not the absence of AFFECTION;
it's the absence of DIRECTION.
Tommy Barnett says, "If you want to get God's attention, find a need that nobody's meeting and give you life to it; that'll get His attention every time."
Sure...you'll make mistakes in life but you'll also make good choices! One of the choices in my own life was to reach for a FATHERING SPIRIT.
Apostle Paul says, "Ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers." (1 Corinthians 4:5) Think about that. A REAL FATHER has the kind of love and maturity needed to keep you from making bad decisions about your future at a time when you probably shouldn't be making decisions at all. He'll also confront you about the areas in your life that must be changed; otherwise your past will just become your future.
But the real reason you need "a fathering spirit" is that only a father will love you unconditionally and do what it takes to get you back on our feet. Why? Because he's committed to the PURPOSE of God that must be fulfilled through you! If your life fell apart tomorrow, would you know where to find such a person?
A real father will help you understand....
- Panic is Pointless. Everyone goes through crisis in their life. The enemy's strategy is still the same. If you're under attack today, listen: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10). That means He's PRESENT, He's in CHARGE, and He has a SOLUTION! Take time to listen to what God is saying. Time is your friend. Patience is the weapon that always forces deception to the surface. Give God a chance to work on your behalf.
- Seek Counsel. "Where no counsel is, the people fall" (Proverbs 11:15). Ignorance can be deadly. Don't risk it! Somebody knows something you need to know - something that can help you survie and even succeed in the most painful chapter of your life. Reach for them!
- Guard your Mind. You'll never be defeated as long as you're victorious in your mind; that's the birthplace for everything you do. Satan knows that, and he'll try to get your mind so scattered that you won't be able to concentrate on what's important. Don't let him. The Bible says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee" (Isaiah 26:3). Get back into focus!
- You're not the only one. The devil would love to convince you that you're the only one going through something. Why? So you'll feel like a failure and quit, or cut yourself off from the support that comes from fellowship with others. Don't let him do it to you.
- You have to fight! You'll be tempted to withdraw or become timid and passive; especially if you've been hurt. Don't! A wounded animal only attracts attack. Satan loves shy, fearful types, but real fighters intimidate him. Be bold! "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).
- The Bigger Picture. Nothing is ever as it first appears. Look beyond the moment; something great is being birthed in you. After adversity comes blessing and favor, so get your eyes back on the big pictures! Paul says, "This short time of distress will result in God's richest blessing" (2 Corinthians 4:17 TLB).
- Never Give Up! Jesus said, "No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in God's kingdom" (Luke 9:62). Your dreams and goals are worth...any fight...any price...and any waiting period! Your perseverance is what demoralizes the enemy. Remember Joseph? Every day of adversity was simply a stepping stone toward the throne. So keep walking and keep believing for victory!
I encourage you to REACH for a FATHERING SPIRIT! God will position the right people in your life at the right time!
The Heart of a Spiritual Father:
The Heart of a Spiritual Father:
- Not a Flatterer. They aren't trying to butter anyone up just so they can get someone to like them or so they can get something from them. (i.e., offerings, networks, etc.) (1 Thessalonians 2:5; 2 Corinthians 12:14)
- Not Ego Driven. They aren't seeking to be exalted by gathering sons around them to feed their own ego. (1 Thessalonians 2:6)
- Heart-felt Care. They have a deep concern for the well-being of their sons.
- Gentle toward them. (1 Thessalonians 2:7)
- Cherishes them. (1 Thessalonians 2:7)
- Longs for them. (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
- Lays his life down for them. (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
- Holds them dear to his heart. (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
- Exhorts, comforts and charges them. (1 Thessalonians 2:11)
- Spiritual Development. They spend their energy and effort towards the spiritual development of their sons. (Galatians 4:19)
- Not Brutish. They aren't interested in shaming their spiritual children, putting them on a guilt trip or making them feel intimidated. (1 Corinthians 4:14).
- Willing to spend and be spent. In other words, they are willing to live and give sacrificially for their sons - for their advancement and their development. (2 Corinthians 12:15)
If you are in search of a father-figure, a mentor, or a role model in ministry, I trust you will keep these traits in mind as you look for someone who can be a good influence and example for you.
May God help us all to follow good examples and to be good examples.
May God help us all to follow good examples and to be good examples.