Dr H Reflections

Embracing Adversity and Accepting Trials

Embracing Adversity and Accepting Trials

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. – James 1:2

James 1:9-12

9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them.

10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Embracing Adversity and Accepting Trials

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. – James 1:2

James 1:9-12

9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them.

10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field.

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Overcoming Adversity: A Path to Growth and Resilience

Adversity is an unavoidable aspect of life, but it doesn’t have to deter us. As Tony Robbins wisely states, “Learning how to overcome adversity is a life skill that everyone must master. We need to learn how to handle it in a way that will bring us to the other side without exhausting us.” Challenges and setbacks, although difficult, offer opportunities for growth and personal development.

Edmund Burke captured this sentiment perfectly: “He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.” By developing a strategy and mindset to overcome adversity, we can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Building a Toolkit for Overcoming Adversity

Tony Robbins offers practical advice for mastering the art of resilience. Here are ten strategies to help you navigate life’s challenges:

1. Be Prepared

Train your mind to be resilient by developing inner strength and a growth mindset. Create a support network of people you can trust during difficult times.

2. Practice Positivity

Reframe challenges with a positive mindset. It’s not what happens to us but how we interpret and respond to it that matters. Replace negative self-talk with empowering beliefs that propel you forward.

3. Stay Disciplined

Create a clear strategy and maintain consistent practices to overcome adversity. Discipline serves as the foundation of resilience.

4. Stay Focused

Keep your eyes on your ultimate goal. No matter the obstacles, staying focused on your purpose will lead you forward.

5. Find the Lesson

Adopt the mindset that life happens for you, not against you. Every challenge has a lesson. Take responsibility for your circumstances and use them as opportunities to grow.

6. Work on Your Skills

Adversity often reveals areas for improvement. Take an honest look at your skills, recognize your weaknesses, and commit to self-improvement.

7. Learn from Others

Find inspiration from those who have faced and overcome adversity. Nourish your mind and soul with stories of resilience and victory.

8. Elevate Your Peer Group

Surround yourself with people who inspire growth and development. As Robbins says, “The quality of a person’s life is most often a direct reflection of the expectations of their peer group.”

9. Get a Coach

A Results Coach offers guidance, accountability, and strategies to help you overcome challenges and become your best self.

10. Don’t Give Up

Persistence is essential. As Robbins reminds us, “Persistence overshadows even talent as the most valuable resource shaping the quality of life.”

A Spiritual Perspective on Adversity

Beyond practical strategies, the Bible offers profound wisdom on overcoming adversity. The book of James provides a divine perspective on trials and challenges. James 1:2-3 encourages us to approach trials with joy, recognizing that they develop spiritual maturity. Trials are not punishments but opportunities for growth in faith and character.

A Higher Calling

Zane C. Hodges explains that trials are a form of exaltation: “There is no higher honor than to be the object of God’s gracious and loving concern.” As children of the King, we are called to view our challenges through His eternal lens. 2 Corinthians 4:17 reminds us that our struggles are “momentary light afflictions” compared to the eternal glory they produce. Maintaining an eternal perspective helps us rise above temporary difficulties.

REFLECT & PRAY

Adversity is not the end of the road; instead, it is a stepping stone to becoming a stronger, wiser, and more resilient version of ourselves. With the right mindset, strategies, and faith, we can overcome any challenge that life presents us.

Father, please encourage me to rejoice in difficult circumstances and to trust in Your plan for my growth and maturity. Help me to focus on eternal values rather than temporary struggles.

INSIGHT

Counsel for the Poor and the Rich

The book of James offers profound wisdom for both the poor and the rich, challenging societal norms and encouraging believers to adopt an eternal perspective. In James 1:9-10, we find guidance that transcends material wealth and status: “Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field.”

This passage highlights the fleeting nature of earthly wealth and the eternal significance of spiritual riches.

Understanding the “Lowly”

The Greek word tapeinos, translated as “poor,” “lowly,” or “of humble circumstances,” conveys a sense of “being low in social position or quality.” Those who are tapeinos are often seen as “insignificant, powerless, or undistinguished in the eyes of the world.” They are the opposite of the wealthy, privileged, or powerful.

The “lowly brother” mentioned in James is a child of the King who lives in modest circumstances and possesses little material wealth. However, he is encouraged to rejoice not in temporary riches but in eternal treasures. This perspective represents a significant paradigm shift from the values of our fallen human nature and reflects the Father’s promise of everlasting riches that can never be lost.

The Fleeting Nature of Temporal Wealth

James reminds us that earthly wealth is fleeting, like a flower that withers in a field. Temporal riches are ephemeral, while eternal treasures last forever. Children of the King are called to measure their wealth not by worldly standards, but by the everlasting treasures promised by God.

As Grant Richison explains, “Christians with the least amount of earthly wealth are richer than the wealthiest of this world. Christians calculate their wealth in terms of eternity, not time; in terms of God’s operating assets, not a given amount of mutual funds.”

This eternal perspective allows the children of the King to rise above their present circumstances and rejoice in their spiritual inheritance.

Rejoicing in Eternal Possessions

When we adopt God’s viewpoint on values, our perspective broadens, and we are elevated above the limitations of our current situation. Richison elaborates, “If we own very little riches in this life, we still can rejoice because of our eternal possessions. There is a day coming when no one will put us into a class distinction because of what we own or do not own. Poverty will not last long; it will not enter into the eternal state.”

This truth offers hope and joy for the children of the King. Even the least of them is greater than the rich and powerful of this present age.

The Kingdom Perspective

Jesus Himself emphasized the eternal significance of the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew 11:11, “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!”

This statement underscores the incomparable value of being part of God’s Kingdom. Earthly distinctions of wealth and status pale in comparison to the eternal honor bestowed upon the children of the King.

Reflecting on Eternal Riches

As followers of the King, we are called to shift our focus from the temporary to the eternal. Regardless of whether we are rich or poor, our true wealth is found in our relationship with God and the treasures of His Kingdom. Let us rejoice in the eternal inheritance that awaits us and live with a perspective that transcends the fleeting nature of this world.

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From silence and darkness to understanding

From silence and darkness to understanding

Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines. They give insight to the untrained. – Psalms 119:130

Psalms 19:7-13

7 The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

8 The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.

9 Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.

10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.

12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then, I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

A Life Shrouded in Darkness

Born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Helen Keller’s early years were marked by severe isolation and loneliness. When she was just 19 months old, a mysterious illness left her both deaf and blind, cutting her off from the world of sights and sounds. Without the ability to communicate, Helen described her existence as being “at sea in a dense fog,” separated from the warmth of love and the richness of knowledge. Her world was one of silence, solitude, and confusion.

Helen Keller’s journey from darkness and silence to understanding and enlightenment reveals how even the deepest isolation can be overcome through love, perseverance, and the gift of communication.

The Arrival of a Miracle Worker

Helen’s life began to change on March 5, 1887, a day she would later refer to as “the rebirth of her soul.” On that day, Anne Sullivan, a dedicated and compassionate teacher, entered Helen’s life. Sullivan, who had overcome her own struggles with partial blindness, became a symbol of hope for Helen. She brought not only a simple gift, a doll, but also the gift of language and connection.

Sullivan began by spelling the word “d-o-l-l” into Helen’s hand, a small yet revolutionary gesture. This was the first step in breaking through the barriers of Helen’s isolation. Sullivan’s patience and persistence would soon lead to a moment of profound awakening.

From Darkness to Light

The pivotal moment arrived a month later, as Sullivan ran cool water over one of Helen’s hands while spelling “w-a-t-e-r” into the other. Suddenly, the fog lifted. Helen’s mind sparked with understanding, and the mystery of language was revealed. She later described this moment with eloquence: “I stood still, my whole attention fixed upon the motions of her fingers. Suddenly, I felt a misty consciousness as of something forgotten, a thrill of returning thought, and somehow, the mystery of language was revealed to me. I knew then that w-a-t-e-r meant the wonderful, cool something that was flowing over my hand. The living word awakened my soul, gave it light and hope, set it free!”

This breakthrough transformed Helen’s life, opening the door to a world of knowledge, connection, and purpose.

The Word of God: Our Personal Miracle Worker

Just as Anne Sullivan’s touch awakened Helen’s understanding, the Word of God acts as a divine touch that awakens our souls. The Word is the doorway through which the Father’s light shines, illuminating the darkness of our spiritual blindness and deafness.

We are born into this world much like Helen, spiritually blind and deaf, isolated in our own darkness. Yet, through the living and active Word of God, our souls are illuminated. The Word serves as a liberating force, nourishing and renewing our spirits, allowing us to see and hear the wonders of life. It transforms our isolation into a profound communion with the Father. As the blind man famously declared in John 9:25, “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!”

The Light That Pierces the Darkness

The Word of God serves as a gateway, illuminating the deepest corners of our souls, minds, and hearts. Without it, we are like fish trapped in an underground cave, blind and unable to understand the meaning and significance of life. However, a door gently creaks open, allowing a sliver of light to pierce through the darkness. This light is the truth of God’s Word, which brings clarity, hope, and connection.

Helen Keller once said, “Often, we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” The Word of God is that open door, inviting us to step out of the darkness and into His marvelous light.

REFLECT & PRAY

Helen Keller’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of connection and understanding. Just as Anne Sullivan guided Helen out of darkness, the Word of God guides us into the light of His truth and love.

Father, there has been more than enough darkness in my life. Encourage me to walk in the light of Your delightful Word every day. Help me to recognize the open doors You have placed before me and to embrace the freedom, hope, and joy that come from knowing You.

INSIGHT

The Marvelous Light of the Word of God

Spiritual insight and understanding are gifts that flow from the incredible light of the Father’s Word. As His Word reveals itself, its truths become clearer, guiding us toward awareness, wisdom, and transformation. The Scriptures are not simply words on a page; instead, they serve as a doorway through which divine light shines, illuminating our hearts and minds.

The Unfolding of God’s Word

The psalmist beautifully captures this truth, in Psalms 119:130, “Your words are a doorway through which light shines. They give insight to the simple.”

The Hebrew word translated as “entrance,” “unfolding,” or “doorway” is pethach, which signifies “an opening, disclosure, or unveiling.” This imagery creates a vivid picture of “a river once blocked, now flowing freely, bringing life and vitality to everything it touches.” Likewise, when the life-giving water of God’s Word pours into our souls, it revives and transforms us.

This process of “unfolding” God’s wisdom is like opening a door that lets light flood into a dark room. It brightens the minds of those who are receptive, bringing clarity and understanding.

Hearts Set Ablaze by the Word

This idea is also reflected in the New Testament, where the disciples on the road to Emmaus discuss their encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, in Luke 24:32, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”

The “opening” of the Scriptures sparked a deep understanding and passion within them. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing the truth and beauty of God’s plan.

The Light illuminates the Simple

The Hebrew term pethi, translated as “simple,” refers to “someone untrained, naive, or lacking wisdom and discernment.” Such individuals are “often easily influenced or manipulated.” Yet, the Father’s Word provides light and insight even to the simple, nurturing their understanding and guiding them toward wisdom.

The more we acknowledge our need for and dependence on the Father, the more His Word will illuminate our hearts. The Father desires for every child of the King to receive the light of His Word, which nurtures and enlightens their innermost being.

Being Blind to Being Blind

Jesus spoke about the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness in John 9:39-41:“Then Jesus told him, ‘I entered this world to render judgment, to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.’ Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, ‘Are you saying we’re blind?’ Jesus replied ‘If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty, but now, because you claim that you can see, your guilt remains.’”

The Lord Jesus Christ differentiates between two kinds of blindness. The first involves a lack of awareness of the truth. The second occurs when someone believes they know the truth but is actually mistaken. In other words, those who truly do not know the truth are not guilty in the same way as those who knowingly reject it. For example, a child who has not yet learned right from wrong is judged differently than an adult who intentionally chooses to do wrong.

The Context of John 9:39-41

These verses conclude a powerful story in John 9, where Jesus heals a man who was born blind. This miracle is significant not only for its physical impact but also for its spiritual implications. The blind man comes to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. In contrast, the Pharisees, who witness the same event, remain spiritually blind despite their claims of understanding and righteousness.

The Pharisees’ refusal to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah highlights their spiritual pride and stubbornness. They assert that they can “see,” implying they have spiritual insight and understanding, but their rejection of Jesus reveals their inability to recognize the truth.

Confident blindness

The Pharisees claimed to possess spiritual insight and understanding. They were experts in the Law and took pride in their knowledge of God’s Word. However, their actions, rejecting Jesus, denying His miracles, and clinging to their own self-righteousness, showed that their “sight” was an illusion. They were willfully blind to the truth standing right in front of them. They failed to see their spiritual blindness.

A Day of Transformation

The transformative power of encountering the Savior is beautifully captured in the hymn “Heaven Came Down” by John W. Peterson:

Oh, what a wonderful, wonderful day,

Day I will never forget,

After I’d wandered in darkness away,

Jesus, my Savior, I met.

Oh, what a tender, compassionate friend,

He met the need of my heart,

Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling,

He made all the darkness depart.

Heaven came down, and glory filled my soul,

When at the cross, the Savior made me whole.

My sins were washed away,

And My Night Was Turned To Day

Heaven Came Down, And Glory Filled My Soul

Awakened and set free

Through the Word of God, we are awakened, transformed, and set free. Just as the gift of language changed Helen Keller’s life, our lives are transformed by the gift of His Word.

Helen Keller spoke thoughtfully about the relationship between suffering and success: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

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Deep cleaning ∙∙

Deep cleaning ∙∙

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Isaiah 44:22

Micah 7:18 Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, passing over the rebellious acts and sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.

The Pursuit of Cleanliness: A Reflection on Physical and Spiritual Renewal

Throughout history, the desire to maintain order and cleanliness has been deeply rooted in human life. For some, cleanliness is crucial, a key part of health and well-being. For others, it might seem exaggerated or burdensome. In modern life, cleaning has become a regular part of our daily routines, including dusting, wiping surfaces, washing appliances, tidying bathrooms, and vacuuming floors. However, there is a deeper level of cleaning that goes beyond just the surface.

Routine Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning

Routine Cleaning: This includes the regular maintenance of our living spaces, removing visible dirt, organizing clutter, and keeping things orderly. It’s essential for day-to-day life but often emphasizes what’s immediately noticeable.

Deep Cleaning: In contrast, deep cleaning is a comprehensive, top-to-bottom process. It goes beyond the surface, addressing every corner, crevice, and hidden spot. Deep cleaning professionals focus on thoroughness, ensuring an environment that is not only clean but also sanitized and refreshed. Once deep cleaning is finished, routine upkeep becomes simpler, helping to maintain the level of cleanliness achieved.

The Clutter of Life

Despite our best efforts, clutter tends to seep into our lives. Over time, items accumulate, piling up on tables, desks, and other surfaces. For those who find it hard to stay organized, these spaces can become buried under layers of belongings, sometimes vanishing for weeks or months.

But clutter isn’t just a physical issue; it’s also a spiritual and emotional one. Just as our homes gather dust and debris, our souls collect spiritual and emotional clutter. This internal mess can be harder to recognize and even more difficult to deal with. Our natural instinct to protect ourselves often causes us to either criticize ourselves harshly or justify our actions completely (Romans 2:15). Yet, no matter how overwhelming the mess, there is hope.

The Father: The Ultimate Deep Cleaner

The Father is the ultimate “professional deep cleaner” of our souls. He is fully capable of cleansing even the deepest stains of iniquity and sin. As Davis writes in Psalms 51:2, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

No matter how messy or chaotic our lives may seem, the Father’s cleansing power can purify even the darkest corners of our hearts. However, this process often requires more than a one-time event. Our souls are layered with years of moral and spiritual pollution, accumulated through rebellion, resistance, and neglect. It may take multiple “deep cleaning” sessions to declutter the mess we’ve built up over a lifetime.

Two Approaches to Spiritual Cleansing

When it comes to addressing the clutter in our souls, there are two distinct approaches:

Self-Focused Condemnation

We often dwell on the darker parts of our past, allowing feelings of guilt, shame, and condemnation to consume us. The more we focus on our failures, the deeper we sink into regret, sorrow, and grief. This self-recrimination, however, does nothing to cleanse us. Instead, it leaves us stuck, mired in shame and unable to move forward.

The Father’s Redemption and Restoration

The Father offers a far better way. He is not in the business of condemnation but in the business of redemption and restoration. He seeks to cleanse, restore, and rejuvenate His children. Rather than heaping guilt and shame upon us, He invites us to let go of the past and allow Him to perform a thorough spiritual cleansing. He sweeps away even the most loathsome sins and chooses not to remember them.

The Father’s Promise of Forgiveness

The Father’s forgiveness is both complete and astonishing. He not only removes our sins but also chooses to forget them completely. In Isaiah 43:25, God says, “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”

How wonderful is this truth: the Creator of the universe, who knows everything, chooses to treat us as if we have never sinned. He understands that we are fragile, formed from dust, and responds with compassion and mercy.

David explains in Psalms 103:8-14: “The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. For He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust.”

REFLECT & PRAY

If the Father does not remember our sins, why should we? Instead of revisiting and ruminating on our worst decisions and failures, we are called to focus on His endless love, complete purification, and total forgiveness.

Father, help me to accept the deep cleansing and restoration You have given me. Teach me to let go of my past and focus on Your love and forgiveness. Instead of dwelling on my failures, guide me to live in the freedom and joy of Your redemption.

INSIGHT

Cleansing through Affliction

How does the Father cleanse and purify us? One of His primary tools is affliction—the difficult circumstances we face in life. Although these moments may feel painful and overwhelming, they serve a divine purpose: to refine us, bring us closer to Him, and remove the obstacles that hinder our relationship with the Father.

David reflects on the transformative power of affliction in Psalms 119:67, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I closely follow your word.”

Affliction often acts as a wake-up call, prompting us to reflect on our lives and seek guidance from the Father. When we encounter hardships, a wise response is to ask, “What is the Father trying to show me? What does He want me to learn?”

Unresolved sin, whether repressed, whitewashed, or ignored, tends to surface, haunt us, and hinder our relationship with God. In His love, the Father uses affliction to confront these hidden sins, purify us, and draw us closer into His tender embrace.

Confrontation and Purification

The Father’s process of purification often involves bringing us face-to-face with our sins and their consequences. It is in these moments of confrontation that we truly see ourselves for who we are and recognize our need for forgiveness and transformation.

David’s Story: A Lesson in Confrontation

Reflect on the story of David’s grave sin with Bathsheba and the severe consequences that followed. David’s actions, adultery, deception, and murder, were detestable in the eyes of the Lord. Yet, instead of forsaking David, God sent the prophet Nathan to confront him. The story is recorded in 2 Samuel 12:7, 9: “You are that man! The LORD, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you King of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. Why, then, have you despised the word of the LORD and done this horrible deed?”

Nathan’s words pierced David’s heart, leaving him in anguish, sorrow, and remorse. This moment of confrontation led David to turn back to the Father in repentance.

David’s Prayer of Repentance

Psalms 51 is one of the most heartfelt and profound prayers for repentance in the Scriptures. In Psalms 51:4-12, David pours out his heart to the Father, seeking mercy and restoration. But more than just forgiveness, he asks for transformation. His prayer is a powerful example of how to approach God in repentance:

Acknowledge sin: Take full responsibility and recognize God’s justice.
Seek cleansing: Trust in God’s power to purify and restore.
Desire transformation: Ask for a renewed heart and spirit.
Pursue joy and obedience: Long for the joy of salvation and the strength to live faithfully.

Psalms 51:4 “Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.” David acknowledges the gravity of his sin and the justice of God’s judgment.

Psalms 51:7 “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” He pleads for cleansing, knowing that only the Father can make him pure.

Psalms 51:8 “Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me, now let me rejoice.” David longs for the joy and peace that come from being in right relationship with God.

Psalms 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” He asks for a transformed heart and a steadfast spirit, desiring to walk in obedience.

Psalms 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you.” David seeks not only forgiveness but also the strength to live a life that honors the Father.

The Father’s Grace and Lovingkindness

The Father does not hold our past against us; instead, He welcomes us into His presence with open arms. When we, as children of the King, come to the Father in repentance, He extends His remarkable grace and lovingkindness. Our sins, no matter how dark or overwhelming, fade away like the morning mist.

The Father’s forgiveness is both complete and transformative. He not only cleanses us but also restores us to a place of joy and intimacy with Him. As David experienced, the Father’s grace is greater than our failures, and His love is everlasting.

Through the Father’s deep cleansing, we are not only forgiven but also restored, renewed, and freed to live as His beloved children. Let us trust in His power to cleanse us thoroughly and move forward in His grace. His ultimate goal is to draw us closer into a deeper relationship with Him.

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The kingdom suffers violence

The kingdom suffers violence

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. – Matthew 11:12

Joshua 1:5-10

5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

6 Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.

7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.

8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

9 This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

10 Joshua then commanded . . ..

Resistance and Opposition

When good people strive to do what is right, they often face resistance from opposing forces, both external and internal. Externally, this resistance may come from individuals or groups that profit from maintaining the status quo. They often find ways to exploit the system for personal gain. Those who stand for what is right frequently face criticism, ridicule, or even hostility from those who feel threatened by change, personal loss, or potential exposure.

History is replete with examples of individuals who faced significant opposition for standing up for what is right, such as William Wilberforce’s fight to end slavery in England. Opposition arose from various economic, social, and political interests. The transatlantic slave trade was a cornerstone of the British economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries, with industries such as sugar, cotton, and shipping heavily reliant on enslaved people.

Wealthy merchants, plantation owners, and investors strongly resisted abolition, fearing substantial financial losses and the potential collapse of their businesses. Additionally, deeply misguided, widespread racial prejudice played a significant role.

What Motivated Wilberforce?

Wilberforce was driven by strong moral beliefs and his Christian faith. As a devoted evangelical, he considered slavery a grave sin and a moral outrage against human dignity. He believed that everyone was equal in God’s eyes. For Wilberforce, abolishing slavery was a moral duty, not merely a political goal. His dedication played a significant role in ending the British slave trade in 1807 and securing the emancipation of enslaved people in 1833.

Overcoming Personal Discouragement

Too often, resistance and opposition take their toll. Could it be that even Wilberforce struggled with self-doubt, fatigue, or discouragement? Perhaps, he wondered, “Is this worth it?” or “Am I making a difference?”

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Resistance, while painful, often confirms that the work being done is meaningful and has an impact. It serves as a reminder that doing good is seldom easy, but worth it. But it’s during these moments of resistance that character is shaped and perseverance is built.

Opposition to The Kingdom of God

Throughout history, forces have attempted to resist, oppose, and hinder the work of God’s kingdom. The arrival of John the Baptist as the forerunner of the Messiah heightened this conflict. From the outset of John’s ministry, the kingdom of heaven encountered intense opposition. His preaching provoked strong reactions, resulting in serious consequences. The kingdom of darkness is at war with the kingdom of God, trying to thwart God’s work in the world.

In Matthew 11:22, Jesus asserted that, “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.”

How did enemies of the kingdom attempt to seize it and destroy it? The Pharisees and scribes fiercely opposed it. They couldn’t understand who John the Baptist was or where he got his authority (John 1:19-25). They repeatedly confronted and challenged the Lord Jesus Christ.

John was a remarkable man tasked with an overwhelming job. The Lord Jesus Christ commended him in Matthew 11:11, “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist.” In the Father’s preordained plan, King Herod captured and imprisoned John the Baptist. Events were not unfolding as John had anticipated. Even the great John the Baptist began to have doubts, so he sent his disciples to confirm whether Jesus was truly the Messiah.

Due to the recurring violence done to the kingdom of God, the temptation to doubt under pressure arises repeatedly. Sadly, many children of the King struggle with uncertainty and indecisiveness.

REFLECT & PRAY

Following the Lord Jesus Christ and striving to do what is right will come with challenges and opposition. We are called to be bold and persistent in the face of these obstacles.

Father, thank You that the Lord Jesus Christ has already won the battle and that victory is assured. Help me to stand firm in my faith, rely on Your Word, and persevere with courage.

INSIGHT

Expect Challenges but not to be Overwhelmed

The Lord Jesus Christ prepares His disciples to have a realistic expectation of what it will be like to live in a fallen world, in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

The Lord Jesus Christ does not promise a life without difficulties. Instead, He prepares His followers, the children of the King, for opposition because of their faith. The Greek word translated as “tribulation” is thlipsis, which refers to “trials, suffering, persecution, and hardships.”

But Take Heart

Despite the promise of hardships, Jesus encourages children of the King to “take heart.” The Greek word for “take heart” is tharsei, which comes from the noun tharsos, meaning “boldness or courage.” Interestingly, it is found only in the imperative tense in the Greek New Testament. It has a sense of “confidence and firmness of purpose in the face of danger or suffering.” It may be translated as “be of good cheer, have courage, be bold, or be confident.” We are called to “maintain hope and resist fear in the face of opposition and adversity.”

In essence, Barclay explains that Jesus says, “‘The victory which I will win can be your victory too. The world did its worst to me, and I emerged victorious. Life can do its worst to you, and you, too, can emerge victorious. You, too, can possess the courage and the conquest of the cross.”

What is the Source of Our Confidence?

Lord Jesus Christ declares, “I have overcome the world.” He views the final outcome of his life, death, burial, and resurrection as a completed reality. In doing so, he proclaims his ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of evil. He has already triumphed over anything that could obstruct or damage our relationship with the Father.

But We Will Prevail

The Lord Jesus Christ conveys His confidence through different words in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

The term “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia. Ekklesia describes a community of people who follow Christ, the children of the King. This is the first mention of the word “church” in the New Testament. In ancient times, city gates symbolized power, authority, and protection. Therefore, the “gates of hell” (or “Hades”) signify “the powers of death, evil, and the opposing forces of the enemy.”

The Lord Jesus Christ assures us that He will establish a spiritual community that will endure and prevail over all forms of opposition, persecution, and suffering. His church cannot be thwarted.

How do we Achieve Success?

Joshua shows us the way. The Father promised to be with him and provide unwavering support and guidance: “I will be with you; I will not fail or abandon you.” With this assurance, Joshua is called to lead with strength and courage, anchored in obedience to God’s Word. His success would rely upon faithfulness, diligent study, meditation, and the practice of God’s instructions. Fear and discouragement have no place in his journey, as God’s presence is always with him.

As we face opposition, we are called to step boldly into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, trusting that God is with us every step of the way. We should have confidence in His character, His promises, and the assurance that He will accomplish what He has declared He would do.

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Care-fronting ∙∙

Care-fronting ∙∙

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

1 Samuel 25:21-35

David was feeling frustrated and said, “I helped this man by protecting his flocks in the wilderness, and yet he has returned my kindness with evil. I swear, if even one man from his household is alive by morning, may God punish me!”

When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed before him. “I take full responsibility for this, my lord. Please listen to me. I know Nabal is a foolish and angry man; don’t pay attention to him. I didn’t even see the young men you sent.

“As surely as the LORD lives, since He has prevented you from taking revenge, may all your enemies be cursed like Nabal. I’ve brought you a gift for you and your men. Please forgive me if I’ve offended you. The LORD will reward you because you fight His battles. You have acted rightly throughout your life.

“Even when you’re hunted by those who want to kill you, your life is safe in God’s care! But your enemies will be lost like stones from a sling! When God fulfills His promises and makes you the leader of Israel, don’t let this matter stain your record. You don’t want your conscience burdened with needless bloodshed. Please remember me, your servant!”

David replied, “Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, for sending you to me! Thank you for your wisdom and for stopping me from committing murder. I swear that if you hadn’t come to me, not one of Nabal’s men would have survived by morning.”

David accepted her gift and said, “Go back home in peace. I’ve heard what you said, and we will not harm your husband.”

Care-fronting in Conflict

In 1973, David Augsburger introduced a profound idea in the preface to his first edition of Caring Enough to Confront: How to Understand and Express Your Deepest Feelings Toward Others. He wrote, “Creative living is care-fronting in conflict.” While the book’s title could have been “Learning How to Differ and Disagree with Others,” its core message emphasizes the practical application of the Golden Rule: caring for others even when you disagree with them.

What is Care-Fronting?

Augsburger’s method is both simple and transformative:

Confront others as you would have them confront you.
Speak to others as you would want them to speak to you.
Respect others’ right to decline your help, just as you would want the freedom to decline theirs.

This approach, known as “care-fronting,” offers an alternative to the often harsh concept of “tough love.” It highlights compassion, mutual respect, and including others’ needs and wants in conflict resolution. Fundamentally, care-fronting is about peacemaking, concentrating not on the conflict itself but on how it is managed.

Five Strategies for Handling Conflict

When faced with disputes or misunderstandings, people typically employ one of five strategies:

Fight – Confront aggressively.
Flee – Avoid or escape the conflict.
Fall Down – Submit or give in.
Semi-Freeze – Hesitate or remain indecisive.
Flow – Adapt and work toward resolution.

Depending on the situation, each of these strategies may be appropriate. However, for long-term personal and relational growth, care-fronting often offers the most effective path forward. It encourages compromise and the integration of differing perspectives, fostering healing and harmony.

The Role of the Peacemaker

Augsburger’s vision of care-fronting aligns closely with the biblical concept of being a peacemaker. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

The Greek term translated as “peacemaker” is eirenopoios. Eirenopoios combines eirene – “peace” and poieo “to make”. It refers to “someone who mediates, de-escalates conflicts, and fosters harmonious relationships.” Modern police use crisis negotiators as peacemakers. Surprisingly, this term is used only once in the entire Bible.

Peacemaking is not about avoiding conflict; instead, it involves addressing it with compassion and a focus on healing. It is the art of transforming arguments into opportunities for growth and reconciliation. By embracing care-frontation, we can live creatively, resolve conflicts with grace, and embody the role of a true peacemaker.

REFLECT & PRAY

Bruce remarked, “The best way to get rid of an enemy is to turn him into a friend.” This wisdom captures the heart of care-fronting, transforming conflict into connection.

Father, teach me, encourage me, and empower me to be a care-fronter. Help me to approach conflicts with compassion, wisdom, and a heart for peacemaking. May I reflect Your love in every interaction.

INSIGHT

The Power of Peacemaking and Care-Fronting

When we are hurt or offended, the natural human response is often to retaliate, returning injury for injury. However, as children of the King, we are called to live differently. Instead of seeking revenge, we are to be peacemakers and care-fronters, embodying wisdom, grace, and compassion in the face of conflict.

A Biblical Example of Peacemaking: Abigail’s Story

In 1 Samuel 25, we encounter a remarkable example of peacemaking in action. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, demonstrates extraordinary wisdom and courage in a tense and potentially disastrous situation.

Nabal’s Foolishness

David and his men had protected Nabal’s flocks and shepherds, ensuring their safety from harm. In return, they expected fair compensation for their efforts. However, Nabal, described as harsh and foolish, refused to reward David and his men. His rejection was not only ungrateful but also insulting.

David, a mighty warrior with a fiery temper, was enraged by Nabal’s response. Consumed with anger, he set out to destroy Nabal and everything he owned.

The Peacemaker Steps In

Abigail, Nabal’s wife, recognized the gravity of the situation and acted swiftly to prevent disaster. She displayed the qualities of a true peacemaker: wisdom, humility, and courage.

Her Actions:

Provision for Peace: Abigail gathered a generous supply of food and drink to give to David and his men, showing goodwill and respect.
Taking Responsibility: She took personal responsibility for Nabal’s foolish actions, even though she was not at fault.
Pleading for Mercy: Abigail approached David with humility and wisdom, appealing to his sense of justice and his future as Israel’s king.

Abigail’s Wise Words

Abigail carefully chose her words, filled with insight and concern for future consequences. She reminded David of his calling and cautioned him against actions that could tarnish his reputation.

1 Samuel 25:27-28, “And here is a present that I, your servant, have brought to you and your young men. Please forgive me if I have offended you in any way. The LORD will surely reward you with a lasting dynasty, for you are fighting the LORD’s battles. And you have not done wrong throughout your entire life.”

Abigail recognized David’s position as a servant of the Lord and encouraged him to consider the long-term consequences of his actions. She reminded him of his impeccable record and his destiny as the future king of Israel.

1 Samuel 25:30-31, “When the LORD has done all he promised and has made you leader of Israel, do not let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance. And when the LORD has done these great things for you, please remember me, your servant!”

Her reasoning was both practical and spiritual. She appealed to David’s conscience, urging him to avoid the burden of unnecessary bloodshed and vengeance. Abigail’s words served as a reminder of God’s promises and David’s higher calling.

The Outcome: A Changed Heart

Abigail’s care-fronting had an immediate and profound impact on David. Her wisdom and graciousness stopped him in his tracks. David recognized that God had sent Abigail to prevent him from committing a reckless act of vengeance.

David’s Response:

He praised Abigail for her wisdom and the provision she provided for his men.
He acknowledged that her intervention had prevented him from making a serious mistake.
He saw her as a messenger from God, sent to help him make the right choice.

Lessons from Abigail’s Peacemaking

Act Swiftly in Conflict: Abigail didn’t hesitate to step into a volatile situation. Her quick action prevented disaster.
Approach with Humility: She took responsibility and approached David with respect, even though she was not at fault.
Speak with Wisdom: Abigail’s words were thoughtful, addressing both the immediate conflict and the long-term consequences.
Focus on God’s Promises: She reminded David of his calling and God’s plan for his life, helping him see beyond the heat of the moment.

Abigail’s example challenges us to rise above our natural instincts for retaliation and instead embrace the higher calling of being peacemakers, those who bring healing and harmony in the midst of conflict. Her actions demonstrate how wisdom, humility, and faith can transform even the most volatile situations.

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