A matter of Perspective

Perspective is a cool thing, huh? I love this picture.

Last night at our SWAT team we wrestled with a passage that is definately difficult for me. James 1:2 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." Say what????

The whole purpose of our SWAT teams is to figure out how to do what the Word of God says...so how do I condition myself to consider it joy when I face trials? The more I listened to my teammates around the room....it began to dawn on me.....in each case the things that caused them to grow the most in their faith were the trials they went through. We pray to grow closer to God....to learn how to depend on Him and then complain when we encounter circumstances that show us how much we need to depend on Him.

The book of Acts is full of stories of people who rejoice in trials....and their embrace of being counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus continually advances the gospel to new areas of the world. Incredible! The only difference between them and me.....perspective. If I learn to trust God and know that He has a plan for me to mature me....I can rejoice in everything I face...knowing that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28).

Unplugged

I worked on my yard some this weekend. To really appreciate this story, you just need to know that I have a history with weed-eaters....and it's not pretty. If it's gas powered, forget about it....I will not get it running. Over the last year I've gone through two electric's....one actually went down with sparks and minor fire. And if anyone knows how to correctly wind weedeater lines, I could use some tutoring.

So, I wasn't terribly surprised on Sunday when the weedeater quit on me in the middle of edging my yard. No smoke or sparks this time....that's good news. And it only took me a few minutes of taking the machine apart to look over and notice the issue - my extension cord had come unplugged.

We're seeing a lot of victories in the lives of our "plugged in" people at COC Metro. We're figuring out that we really do need each other....to challenge each other, to support each other, to call each other to higher standards, to remind each other that we have a mission and purpose, to love each other. Heb 10:24-25 says "And let us consider how we can spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage each other - and all the more as we see the day approaching."

I think being "plugged in" takes more than just showing up once a week and hearing a guy talk about the word of God. Get involved in the lives of some believers around you....either in a small group, or a bible study.....or with an accountability partner. You may just find the power you've needed to win some victories in your life was someone around you.....you've just been unplugged from fellow believers for too long!