Dr H Reflections

What is your AQ? ∙∙

What is your AQ? ∙∙

Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. – Hebrews 5:8

2 Peter 1:5-8

5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge,

6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness,

7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Adversity Quotient, or AQ, is a concept that gauges an individual’s capacity to handle life’s challenges. First introduced in 1997 by Paul Stoltz in his book, “Adversity Quotient: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities,” AQ is often called the science of resilience.

AQ isn’t just about navigating major life crises; it also relates to how we react to everyday stressors, from minor inconveniences to profound disappointments and heartaches. Our response to life’s ups and downs reveals our AQ.

Research has demonstrated that AQ is a strong predictor of personal success. It can accurately indicate one’s approach to change, stress management techniques, tenacity, determination, wisdom, and character traits. In essence, AQ is a measure of an individual’s mental and emotional elasticity.

Similar to IQ, AQ is not fixed and can be improved upon. AQ enhancement programs have been shown to boost AQ levels by 11-23%, leading to increased productivity, enhanced performance, greater innovation, and improved morale, according to PEAK Learning.

These modern scientific findings echo age-old wisdom first revealed in the Scriptures. The Father has been in the business of developing His children’s AQ for over 4500 years.

The scriptures emphasize the importance of resilience and tenacity. Although the terminology might differ, with references to proven character, self-control, moral excellence, diligence, integrity, perseverance, endurance, maturity, hope, reverence, and godliness, the underlying message remains the same: overcoming adversity is integral to personal growth and development.

REFLECT & PRAY

Our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! – 2 Corinthians 4:17

Father I am limited in my comprehension of your ways. Enable me to begin to comprehend the immensity and perfection of Your eternal perspective and purpose.

INSIGHT

The Father employs an unexpected technique to cultivate our Adversity Quotient: adversity. He introduces various challenges, hardships, and trials into our lives. The process begins gently, but as we grow, mature, and exhibit character and honesty, the tests and obstacles often intensify. The development of AQ is akin to muscle growth – it becomes stronger through exertion and exercise.

Romans 5:3-4

3 When we run into problems and trials, we know that they help us develop endurance.

4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope.

James 1:2-4

2 When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Hardship and adversity have a way of wearing us down. That is all part of the process. The difficulties of life may seem overwhelming and ceaseless. We often feel abandoned.

Paul was a man with tremendous AQ. He was determined to remain faithful and overcome every obstacle. Paul was successful. His responses to hardship revealed his character and the depth of his relationship with the Father. He had learned the art and science of surrender rather than resistance to the Father’s will for his life.

Rather than seeking to escape, he learned to depend upon the Father’s power to go through the great challenges that he faced. He developed a unique trait that should be common for all of the children of the King, going forward on his knees.

Hudson Taylor, of the China Inland Mission, wrote to Jonathan Goforth, that to be successful in China, “You must go forward on your knees.”

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen” (Elisabeth Kübler-Ross).

Psalms 121:1-3

1 I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there?

2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

3 He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.

Psalms 27:13-14

13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD.

We can be confident that we will know and experience the Father’s goodness while we live. It encourages us to be brave, courageous, and wait expectantly.

The Father we serve is worthy of our loyalty and confidence. Adversity is one of the strategies He employs to mature our faith, conform us to the likeness of His Son, and fulfill His unique plan for each of our lives. Temporary afflictions yield “an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). When we allow Him the freedom to work, His light will enlighten and radiate through us in each trial.

“When God wants to drill a man and thrill a man and skill a man, when God wants to mold a man to play the noblest part; when He yearns with all His heart to create so great and bold a man that all the world shall be amazed, watch His methods, watch His ways! How He ruthlessly perfects whom He royally elects!”

“How He hammers him and hurts him, and with mighty blows converts him, into trial shapes of clay which only God understands; while his tortured heart is crying, and he lifts beseeching hands! How he bends but never breaks.”

“When his good He undertakes; how He uses whom He chooses, and which every purpose fuses him; By every act induces him to try His splendor out – God knows what He’s about (anonymous).”

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Deborah – superhero of Israel ∙∙

Deborah – superhero of Israel ∙∙

In those days, there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. – Judges 21:25

Judges 2:18-19

18 Whenever the LORD raised up a judge over Israel, he was with that judge and rescued the people from their enemies throughout the judge’s lifetime. For the LORD took pity on his people, who were burdened by oppression and suffering.

19 But when the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways, behaving worse than those who had lived before them. They went after other gods, serving and worshiping them. And they refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.

Superheroes possess abilities beyond those of ordinary folks. They use their powers to help people in times of danger.

The antecedents of modern fanciful superheroes are found in real history, myth, and legend. Superheroes perform feats of incredible strength, fighting prowess, and cunning. They are reminiscent of the tales of Hercules, Jason, Achilles, or the Amazon warriors. Some Old Testament Biblical superheroes are Samson, Deborah, and David.

When difficult challenges arise, and others freeze and shrink back, superheroes plow ahead and face them. The same is true of real-life heroes. There are numerous examples of individuals who consistently live heroic lives, such as firefighters and other first responders.

Medical personnel such as nurses who regularly comfort the sick and dying are heroes. Their selfless response to the COVID-19 pandemic showcased their loyalty. Ubiquitous signs proclaimed, “Real heroes work here!” Nurses embody certain personality traits or qualities that distinguish them from others. They uphold a strong ethical code and personal values, showing empathy and providing care. They lead their lives guided by these values and are prepared to face the personal risks upholding them.

The Book of Judges was written circa 1045 BC. It covers the period from just after the Conquest of Canaan, circa 1300 BC, to the time of Solomon, circa 1000 BC (1 Kings 6:1). The book of Judges chronicles the tragic story of Israel’s cycle of disobedience, rebellion, and idolatry. Repeatedly, the people of Israel went from short periods of righteous living to failure and sin. Eventually, they would repent and ask the Father for help.

The Father honored His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Father would send a leader, a judge, to save His people from their oppressors.

During a particularly difficult period, Deborah, the prophet, appeared. She was a “force of nature” to contend with. However, rather than being a physically imposing warrior, like Wonder Woman or a female WWF superstar.

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.

27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.

28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.

29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

Use your imagination and picture her as a small, petite woman, perhaps only 5’ 2”. Her strength came from within, resting upon her character and integrity. She was robust, resourceful, and resilient. She was taken seriously and had great personal resolve, courage, and influence. Deborah was steadfast and devoted to the Father. She was one of His servants. She inspired the army of Israel to be confident and win.

In addition to her natural strengths, Deborah was also a prophet. She heard directly from the Father (Judges 4:6-7). The Father would give her the military strategy to defeat the enemies of Israel. She would, in turn, pass it on to Barak, leader of Israel’s army. When Barak carried out her instructions, victory was certain. The Father’s intervention and battle plan brought success.

REFLECT & PRAY

Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.

Father in so many ways, we are ordinary people like Deborah. Encourage us to seek to have the spirit of Deborah.

INSIGHT

The Father has only two simple criteria for service: availability and willingness. Only Deborah was suited for the task at hand. No man was willing to man up.

Ancient armies were not coed. The leaders were most often strong, dominant male warriors. Consider Agamemnon, Alexander, Caesar, or Hannibal. The fact that Israel’s all-male army would not go to war without Deborah was a slap in their face. There was no honor for these men.

Deborah did not seek personal acclaim. Ultimately, the praise and glory were directed towards the Father. He was the unseen leader of Israel’s army. She was only His mouthpiece.

Judges 4:8-9

8 Barak told her, “I will go, but only if you go with me.”

9 “Very well,” she replied, “I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the LORD’s victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman.”

When it comes to battles, the honor and glory of the victory go to the victorious commander. Barak forfeits the honor of being the commanding general. Deborah accepts the leadership position. Deborah’s words in the original Hebrew could well be rendered, “Into the hand of a woman the Lord will sell” the opposition. The emphasis here is that not only will Barak lose the honor of victory, but he will lose it to a woman.

In their patriarchal society, the men of Israel reluctantly followed a housewife and mom. It was totally counter-cultural. Yet, with Deborah at the helm, the men were certain that God was with them and would ensure their victory. The logic is simple: Wherever the Lord sends His prophet, He is with His prophet. The men had only two choices: follow a woman into battle and win, or go it alone and lose.

“When God wants to glorify Himself through His people, He always has a perfect plan for us to follow. God chose the leader of His army, the place for the battle, and the plan for His army to follow. God also guaranteed the victory.” (Wiersbe)!

Is it possible to have Deborah’s spirit today? Can we be full of faith and courage and energized by the Father’s zeal? Yes, absolutely, yes!

Every child of the King has a purpose, abilities, and gifts. Each child of the King can hear from the Father, take Him at His Word, trust, and take action. Each of us can have the spirit of Deborah.

In the 21st century, our war is frequently not with flesh and blood enemies. Instead, our enemies are internal: fear of failure, feelings of inferiority, concerns over what others think, low self-esteem, and often even stubbornness. The Father wants to free us from our internal foes!

Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

There is a somewhat humorous back story, an oddity of science. For many years, despite the apparent evidence to the contrary, it was thought that bumblebees should not be able to fly because of their short and stubby wings. Their bodies are body too heavy for their wings. In the 1930s, French entomologist August Magnan concluded that the insect’s flight was impossible, a notion that has stuck in popular consciousness since then.

Thus, the bumblebee flight was considered a violation of the law of aerodynamics. Apparently, bumblebees skipped their science, mechanics, and physics classes and were not burdened by this information.

The enigma of bumblebee flight was solved in 2005 by Dr. Michael Dickinson, a professor of biology and insect flight expert at the University of Washington. He used high-speed photography to capture the wing movement of flying bees.

It turns out that bumblebees do not flap their wings up and down. This is a common misconception. Instead, they flap their wings back and forth. This has been dubbed a “bug flap.” Such movements provide sufficient lift to allow the bumblebees to fly. Who would have guessed? Perhaps while skipping class, they were outside watching hummingbirds, dragonflies, or even helicopters.

“Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know it, so it goes on flying anyway” (Mary Kay Ash).

What is the connection? The name Deborah means bumblebee. Perhaps Deborah was simply unaware that men would not follow women’s leadership. So she led them anyway.

Deborah’s supernatural influence and power demonstrate that the impossible can undoubtedly come to pass. The spirit of Deborah, a spirit of vibrant faith and trust, is available to every child of the King. As the Father exposes what needs to be done in our lives, we should not shrink back from these internal enemies. Instead, we must forge ahead, relying on the Holy Spirit, who is actively at work within us.

Mark 10:27 Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.

It is past time to stop doubting our faith and believing our doubts. Instead, doubt our doubts and believe our faith.

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Seek the LORD and His strength

Seek the LORD and His strength

Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. – Psalms 105:4

1 Chronicles 16:8-12

8 Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.

9 Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.

10 Exult in his holy name; rejoice you who worship the LORD.

11 Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.

12 Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given.

Who seeks the God?

The saying “There are no atheists in foxholes” is a commonly used phrase implying that during moments of intense uncertainty, stress, or fear, people often find themselves believing in a higher power. In the real-life scenarios of war, such an abrupt shift in faith is often referred to as a “foxhole conversion.”

Indeed, individuals identifying as atheists, agnostics, and similar beliefs do exist. But why is this the case? The holy scriptures portray a grim image of fallen humanity that has strayed away from the Father.

Psalms 53:2-3

2 God looks down from heaven at the human race to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

3 Everyone rejects God; they are all morally corrupt. None of them does what is right, not even one!

What motivates people to pursue God? It’s the Father who initiates. He makes the first move. We seek Him because He first sought us. It is love that makes the difference. The distinguishing factor is love. The Father extends His unconditional agape love towards us, and as we accept His love, we respond with our love for Him.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

In Psalms 105:4, the Psalmist is encouraging the readers to seek God’s presence and draw on His strength continually. The phrase look to the Lord suggests reliance on God, especially in times of trouble or uncertainty. It’s a call to trust in God’s power and wisdom rather than our own.

The phrase seek His face always means to strive for a close, personal relationship with the Father and to desire His guidance and fellowship constantly. It underscores the importance of prayer and spiritual connection in maintaining a close relationship with God.

It’s a verse that offers comfort and encouragement, reminding children of the King of the continuous presence and unwavering strength of God.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

The phrase Seek the LORD and His strength encourages believers to look to God for strength, acknowledging that human power is limited and true strength comes from God alone. It’s a call to rely on God’s might and wisdom in all circumstances.

The command to us means to always strive for a deep, personal relationship with the Father. It signifies the desire to get closer to the Father and experience a more profound connection with Him. It involves nurturing an emotional bond with the Father. But it is much more than that. The objective is not merely to seek assistance from God for specific issues or challenges but to foster a continuous awareness of His love and peace at all times.

Knowing about God and knowing God are two entirely different things. Maintaining a close relationship with the Father is sadly infrequent in the Scriptures. Job illustrates the distinction in His encounter.

Job 42:5 I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

The Bible contains less than a handful of instances where individuals encountered God face-to-face. Moses stands unparalleled among all the Old Testament characters.

Exodus 33:11 Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.

Deuteronomy 34:10 There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.

The Father created humans to have a relationship with Him. Each child of the King knows the Father and has a personal relationship with Him. However, the extent of such knowing varies greatly. It ranges from simple recognition to deep intimacy. Face-to-face knowledge implies recognition and closeness. The bar is set high, an ongoing, active pursuit of God and reliance on His strength in every aspect of life.

REFLECT & PRAY

Each child of the King requires confidence and strength. The Father is our stronghold. He provides all the strength we need. It is incumbent upon us to recognize His omnipotence and place ourselves under His protection. We are to seek His strength. We are to seek His face, His presence forever.

Father thank You for seeking me in order that I might seek You.

INSIGHT

Psalms 105:4 Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.

Why is awareness of His strength so important? We are fallen creatures with limited physical and spiritual resources. Our spiritual strength and vitality are dependent on His spiritual force and energy. The Father strengthens us by imbuing our spirits with His strength (Spence-Jones). We learn to depend upon His strength rather than our own.

How do we do this?

We choose to surrender our desires and ambitions and conform to His. We align ourselves with Someone greater than ourselves and His Kingdom purposes.

Luke 9:23-24

23 Then he said to the crowd, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.

24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

As children of the King, we do not live for ourselves alone. We surrender our lives to Him.

Psalms 105:4 Seek for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek his face.

There are two different Hebrew words translated as seek. The first is darash. Darash has the sense of getting or reaching something one desires,“to seek with care, make supplication with demands and prayers” (Tesh and Zorn). We are to be all in as we search for the Father and His strength.

The second word is baqash. Baqash has a sense of searching for, calling upon, or consulting. It frequently refers to seeking something that is lost, missing, or unknown. Way

Seeking His face implies a sense of neediness and urgency on the part of the seekers. Something is missing, and they must find and enter into it. They are to seek His face and enter into His presence.

Seeking the Lord is not a casual or occasional pursuit. Instead, it is earnest, intentional, and continuous. Seek the LORD and His strength evermore.

How do we seek the Lord, His strength, and His presence?

Read and study the Scriptures. In them, we discover more than God’s nature or purposes. We discover what the Father is like as a person.
Reflection and meditation. We spend time reflecting upon the Word and enjoy His presence.
Prayer and worship. We develop a heartfelt communication with God, expressing gratitude and seeking His face. We acknowledge His goodness and greatness.
Living in accordance with His kingdom standards.
Walking in the spirit and allowing His power and grace to flow through us into the lives of others.

“Seek, seek, seek, we have the word three times, and though the words differ in the Hebrew, the sense is the same. It must be a blessed thing to seek, or we should not be thus stirred up to do so. To seek His face is to desire His presence, His smile, His favor consciously enjoyed. First, we seek him, then His strength, and then His face; from the personal reverence, we pass on to the imparted power, and then to the conscious favor. This seeking must never cease – the more we know, the more we must seek to know” (J. I. Packer).

“Never let the presence of a storm cause you to doubt the presence of God” (Craig Groeschel).

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Limitless ∙

Limitless ∙

He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter). – John 1:42

Mark 1:16-18

16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

18 Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him.

Could it be that each person on planet Earth faces real or imagined obstacles in life? Are we able to transcend our presumed limits? Can we move beyond what we see? Sadly, many individuals are myopic and shortsighted. We impose restrictions on ourselves that are either self-inflicted or imparted by those who disparage us. These non-affirming individuals belittle our ambitions. Regrettably, we often limit our potential because of a lack of vision and the artificial limitations imposed upon us by others.

“If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them” (Bruce Lee).

“Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great” (Mark Twain).

During biblical times, surnames did not exist. People were identified by their father’s name (for instance, Simon, son of John, Judah Ben Hur) or their place of origin (for example, Jesus of Nazareth, Simon of Cyrene). A person’s name was believed to embody their personality characteristics.

The Father can see below the surface. He knows the inner recesses of our hearts and minds. He sees beyond the present day and is aware of future events before they happen. The Father often assigned new names to individuals in the Scriptures, which signified their new character, purpose, or responsibility.

Simon is an English translation of the Hebrew name Shimon. Shimon is derived from the Hebrew term sh’ma, which signifies listen, hear, be attentive, or pay attention. The Lord Jesus Christ had a broader vision for Simon. Being a mere “listener” was too limiting and restrictive. The Father had a far different plan in mind for him.

John 1:42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).

When the Lord Jesus Christ first encountered Simon, He knew what Simon would ultimately become. The Greek translated as look is emblepo, a combination of en, meaning in or on, and blepo, meaning to look. It means to look in the face, fix the eyes upon, look at, or upon. Thus, it had the sense of deep contemplation, consideration, and clear discernment: see clearly, discern.

Upon meeting Simon, the Lord Jesus Christ clearly discerned the future. He declared that Simon’s name would be Cephas. This new name was a prophecy of Simon’s future identity. It was a prediction of what he would become. Cephas is an Aramaic term that translates to rock. The Greek equivalent of Cephas is Peter, derived from the Greek word Petros, also signifying a rock. Therefore, Peter and Cephas are not separate names but the same name in two different languages.

Matthew 16:18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means rock) . . ..

Simon’s initial encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ changed the trajectory of his life. It would take many years for the weak, inconsistent, unpredictable, and impulsive Simon to be transformed into a steadfast rock. Yet, that was precisely what the Father accomplished.

Tomorrow is always the first day of the rest of your life! Make the rest of your life the best of your life!

REFLECT & PRAY

“The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him. By God’s help, I aim to be that man” (Moody).

Father I am aware that from time immemorial, You have seen the inception, progression, and culmination of my life. Embolden me to perceive myself through Your eyes and have faith in myself as You do.

INSIGHT

But there’s more, in the Old Testament, a change of name often signified that the individual had entered into a new relationship with the Father. It was akin to a fresh start in life. That person now had a new beginning, a calling, and a purpose.

When the Father looks upon us, He is not limited by our present circumstances. In fact, He perceives not only what we are, but also what we will become. His vision extends beyond our immediate status. The Father also sees not only the possibilities and potential but also what will actually happen.

As Lord Jesus Christ beheld Peter, He saw more than just a fisherman from Galilee. Instead, He recognized the future leader and spokesperson of the early church.

The story is told of Michelangelo chipping away with his chisel at a huge, shapeless piece of rock. Someone approached and asked Michelangelo what he was doing. Michelangelo replied, “I am releasing the angel imprisoned in this marble.”

The Father sees and can release the hidden potential in each of us. He gently whispers to each of us, “Give me your life, and I will make you what you have it in you to be.” He has intelligently designed each of His children for a specific purpose. His purpose is His dream for our lives!

When the Father looks at His children, what does He see? He sees what we will become because He knows what we will become. When we look at His children, what do we see? And when we look at ourselves . . ..

Mark 1:16-18

16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

18 Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him.

“‘Follow me’ meant ‘come behind me as a disciple.’ It was an invitation, but in view of who Jesus was it had the force of a command” (Constable).

Their task was no longer to cast nets for fish but rather for people. Just as fishing requires hard work, self-sacrifice, and expertise, so too would their new mission of reaching out to lost humanity. They had a lot to learn, yet they responded without hesitation. They dropped everything, left their current tasks behind, and devoted themselves to becoming disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ asks all the children of the King to follow Him, become His disciples, and embark on the journey He designed them for from eternity past.

The date, October 28, 1949, holds a distinct place in Christian history. Why? It is not due to a revolutionary theologian affixing a paradigm-shifting document on a church door in Wittenburg. Nor was it because a renowned evangelist, pastor, or teacher was born. Instead, it was because a young man, profoundly devoted to God, wrote a simple yet profound sentence. These words are now among the most frequently cited Christian phrases not originating from the Holy Scriptures. They were written by Jim Elliott, a missionary who was martyred on January 8, 1956, by the Aucas in Ecuador (Kevin Halloran).

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

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Mighty in spirit

Mighty in spirit

We fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. – 2 Corinthians 4:18

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

As we journey through life, we usher in our golden years, a phase marked by two contrasting realities. On one hand, our physical bodies inevitably succumb to the ravages of time, we wear down, wear out, and eventually return to the earth from whence they came. On the other hand, aging brings its perks.

Aging is synonymous with the development of what’s known as crystallized intelligence. Crystallized intelligence is the accumulation of knowledge. This knowledge is accumulated from both education and life experience. As we age, our reservoir of knowledge or crystallized intelligence grows and becomes stronger. The learning journey is never-ending; there’s always something new to discover or understand.

The ultimate benefit lies in honing our ability to utilize this accumulated wisdom effectively. The way we see, understand, and navigate our way through the world becomes characterized by wisdom. Wisdom, after all, is the practical application of knowledge; that is, wisdom is putting our knowledge to good use.

However, more significant than the growth of crystallized intelligence is the growth of our spirit. Our human spirit can grow stronger as we grow closer to the Father and learn to rely upon Him. This is possible for every child of the King. John the Baptist is an impressive example of spiritual growth. Luke makes a very salient observation.

Luke 1:80 The child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit.

The human spirit is capable of growing stronger and stronger when exercised and developed over time. The apostle Paul shows us the way.

“Paul’s sufferings, while not fatal, were destroying his body. Nevertheless, even this did not discourage him for even though physically he was decaying, spiritually he was still developing” (Constable). Paul underwent a complete paradigm shift. What sparked this transformation? From a human viewpoint, it was entirely unexpected.

Romans 5:2-5

2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope.

5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

The trials and tribulations that Paul faced and overcame transformed him. He now had the Father’s perspective. This eternal perspective focused on the hope that things to come sustained Paul during the temporary sufferings that marked his life. “What is seen (the material) is temporary, but what is unseen (the spiritual) is eternal” (BKC).

REFLECT & PRAY

What we see is informed by what we expect to see. When our eyes are earthbound, we are restricted by what is perceptible in the physical world.

Father open the eyes of my heart to see things as they really are, not as they appear to be to my limited human eyes.

INSIGHT

He had learned to view things through the Father’s lens. Paul sees as the Father sees. The eyes of Paul’s heart had become enlightened (Ephesians 1:18). He could now see the unseen. The Father Himself is unseen by human eyes. But with the eyes of faith, the eyes of the heart, He becomes visible. The Father and all that He had revealed and promised had become more real and substantial than what Paul could see with his physical eyes.

Like Moses, Paul was able to persevere and overcome hardship.

Hebrews 11:27 [Moses] kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

Paul was convinced that his sufferings and hardship in this life were fleeting and momentary.

2 Corinthians 4:18 The things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The Scriptures present an intriguing paradox permeated with irony. The physical things that we see now seem durable and lasting. However, they are, in reality, temporary, ephemeral, transient, and fleeting. The eternal realities of the Father and eternity, which we cannot see with our physical eyes, are lasting and eternal.

Eternal, invisible realities become clear and vibrant as transient, visible realities fade and become dim. The challenges of temporary discouragement diminish. Paul was mighty in spirit. His spirit was being renewed day by day. Even as Paul’s outer physical existence was breaking down, often unprotected, abused, beaten, and frequently left for dead, the Father renewed him inwardly every day. He became stronger and stronger in his spirit. He became increasingly robust as he responded in faith to the adversities he faced. Instead of dragging him down, they served as opportunities to experience great joy.

James 1:2-4

2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

4 So let it grow . . ..

“God will never be a debtor to anyone. That means that any ‘sacrifice’ we make or hardship we endure for His sake and by His Spirit, He will amply reward out of all proportion to what we suffered” (Stanley).

“It’s easy to grow old if you haven’t grown up” (John Hively).

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 8-08-1

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