Don't Lose Focus

Do you ever feel frustrated with life? Even as Christians our lives are not always as smooth as silk. We experience seasons of frustration, wondering, and dismay. The Biblical principal is related to the children of Israel wondering around in a barren desert. Knowing where you are going, knowing that God is in control, but not knowing how in the world you are going to get there.

This has been my life for the past three years. Yes ladies and gentlemen, count them with me, 1, 2, 3. Three long years of searching and waiting. I wish I could tell you today that this blog is all about the answers finally coming. That would be so up lifting, but it's not about that. I wish I could tell you that I have everything figured out, but that will never happen. I wish I could tell you that God sent an angel to me to reveal His perfect will and direction to me, but He has not.

No, rather this is a blog to encourage you! "Yeah right", you say. "How is this going to encourage me?" I don't want to wait 3 years. Last night I was reminding God (as if he needs me to tell Him anything) that I have been waiting for three very long...I'm talking loooonnnnngggg years and still have no answer. I reminded Him that during that time  I have been obedient (insert halo here) to do what He has been clear on. I have started Mission 1:27, I have finished my Masters degree, and my wife and I have begun the process of adoption. On all these points I have felt, "maybe this is what I have been waiting for". In the end it may be. But still I am left with the feeling that there is oh so much more and so much bigger things I am supposed to do for God.

As I was reading the Psalms, as I do each night before bed, I felt the Lord impress upon me to read Esther 4. Now my being such a wise and noted Biblical scholar (insert sarcasm here) I knew That Esther 4 contained the popular words spoken by Mordecai, "But if not". Still I felt I should read it. So I did and this is what jumped out at me.

Esther 4:11 "All the king's officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless he holds out his gold scepter." NLT

Huh...ah...That's right ladies and gentlemen, read it again for the full effect of the what in the world does this have to do with me thought.

So I prayed, "God how in the world does this apply to me." Suddenly God answered. In the words of Gru, "light bu-lb". You see this is what we do in life, we lose focus. Esther went boldly into the throne room to make her request before the king. It could have spelled her death. Yet, she found favor with him and in the end he granted her request. Are you ready for it....wait for it...Yes! I get it. I can go boldly before the KING of the UNIVERSE without fear of death, but knowing that I always have favor with Him. I make my request known to Him.

It is so obvious, but we don't do it. We busily sulk and complain, we try to make things happen in ourselves or through other people (see Abraham for an illustration). All we need to do is not lose focus. So to day be encouraged. You may not get the answer you want when you want it, I still have not realized mine fully. Focus on the KING and maybe just maybe He will hold out His scepter and grant your request. After all He is the only one who truly has the power to change your circumstances.

Fundriaser

Jenna and I are going to sell t-shirts to help with the cost of our adoption.

T-shirts will be pre-ordered at a cost of $17 per shirt. I know this is a higher price than normal, it is more expensive to print shirts in small runs.
I can get them in Youth sizes –3XL (2XL and above are $20).
Email me back with sizes and quantity if you want... to order.
Shirts must be paid for in advance. Write checks to Mission 1:27. (PO Box 99086, Louisville, KY 40269) Add $2.00 per shirt for shipping.
Thanks for helping to bring our child home!
Darren