Dr H Reflections

The beginning of sorrows ∙∙

The beginning of sorrows ∙∙

“For troubles surround me – too many to count!” – Psalms 40:12

Romans 8:18-23

18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.
20 . . . But with eager hope,
21 The creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.
22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.

On her wedding day, a young woman confided in her mother, expressing hope for her future. “Oh, Mother, my life has been so uncertain and often felt superficial. I’ve felt lost many times. But today, I feel I’ve reached the end of all my troubles.” With a knowing smile, her mother quipped, “Oh dear, you just don’t realize which end it is.”

Life is a series of transitions, each fraught with its own challenges: stepping into adulthood, embarking on a new career, tying the knot, welcoming a child, grieving a loss, or facing the end of a relationship. Often, we convince ourselves that these transitions mark the end of our struggles, only to discover they are just the beginning.

The saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” captures a common human tendency to believe that others are in a better situation than we are. It reflects a natural inclination to idealize what we don’t have, often leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and longing for change. This mindset can be both a motivator and a source of discontent.

Constantly believing that others have it better can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and a failure to appreciate the present. This mindset can create a cycle where one is never truly content, always seeking something else rather than valuing what they already have.

As the Seventieth Week of Daniel draws near, a monumental transition is prophesied for the world and its people. It is a period marked by the “beginning of sorrows” or birth pangs. As Matthew 24:8 states, “All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

The Greek word translated as “sorrows” (KJV), “travail,” or “birth pangs” is odin. Odin refers to intolerable anguish from calamities preceding the return of the Messiah. The Old Testament prophets used this metaphor to depict terrible suffering in general (Isaiah 13:8, Hosea 13:13). Like labor pains, these sorrows will grow in both intensity and frequency, culminating in a moment of profound transformation.

When the result is the birth of a child, it is well worth it. But what if the sorrows continue to cycle indefinitely?

REFLECT & PRAY

“Archaeologists have unearthed small ‘tear bottles’ in which mourners collected their tears and then deposited the bottle at the gravesite. The point is simply that God is aware of what we feel and how we suffer, and His records are accurate” (Wiersbe).

Father, thank You for being my constant companion through every life change. Your care and concern for me are overwhelming; You notice every tear and keep a record of them. Your love is astonishing. It takes my breath away. You are truly my Best Friend Forever.

INSIGHT

Hard times are no surprise to the Father. Life’s challenges and sorrows are known. The Lord Jesus Christ explained that difficulties are a part of life on Earth, but through Him, we can find peace.

John 16:33 reminds us: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus didn’t shy away from telling His disciples about life’s hardships. Instead, He reassured them that they might have peace through Him. The Father is always aware of what each of His children will face. He tracks every sorrow, but more importantly, He is with us through every trial, never leaving anyone behind.

Hebrews 13:5 assures us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalms 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

The Father tracks all of our experiences and is familiar with the anguish and sorrow we experience. But grief often turns to joy. The travail of childbirth is frequently forgotten and replaced by joy when the child comes into the world.

John 16:21 illustrates this: “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”

Many of our decisions regrettably cause us great anguish and pain. However, they are part of a journey where sorrow can be transformed into joy through His incredible grace. The Father has a remarkable way of doing this. Just as a mother forgets her pain when her child arrives, our sorrows can turn into deep joy. The joy that only the Lord Jesus Christ provides.

How does this happen? The Lord Jesus Christ shows the way.

This transformation happens when we look beyond our present circumstances and focus on the future. Dwelling on our difficulties in the present, the consequent distress and sorrow throw us into a downward cycle of remorse and sadness. Throughout history, believers have suffered for His name. But amid sorrow, the record reveals that they experienced sweet, pleasant times in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was with them, and He will be with us.

Jeremiah 31:12 paints a beautiful picture of this transformation: “They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem. They will be radiant because of the LORD’s good gifts . . .. Their life will be like a watered garden, and all their sorrows will be gone.”

Matthew 11:28-30 invites us:

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
29 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
30 “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Through the Lord Lord Jesus Christ, we will find rest and a lighter burden, transforming sorrow into everlasting joy.

People are often overwhelmed by life’s demands and spiritual struggles. Jesus uses the metaphor of a “yoke” to symbolize the heavy burdens people face. He contrasts this with His own yoke, which is easy and a light burden. His teachings are designed not to weigh people down but to provide guidance and relief.

His invitation to come reflects His gentle and humble nature, assuring us that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone. Instead, He offers a way of life rooted in love, compassion, and humility.

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Falling for false teachers ∙∙

Falling for false teachers ∙∙

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling. – Jude 1:24

Jude 1:24-25

24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.
25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.

In the 19th century, political campaigns were marked by mudslinging and character assassination, with outright fabrications being spread as though they were factual. Moving into the 20th century, mass media like television and newspapers facilitated the rapid dissemination of incorrect information to the public, as seen with the Chicago Tribune’s notorious 1948 headline, “Dewey Defeats Truman.”

The 1950s and 1960s saw a surge of political propaganda. In the 21st century, the Internet and social media have enabled misinformation and disinformation, and “Fake News” has come into its own.

Misinformation consists of false or inaccurate details spread without necessarily intending to mislead, including rumors, unverified claims, and even pranks.

Disinformation, however, is intentionally false information designed to deceive, damage reputations, and misrepresent opposing views through malicious smear tactics, character assassinations, slander, and outright prevarications. It misrepresents opposing points of view. It offers harmful, misleading, and often hateful media coverage.

“Fake News” has become a prevalent issue, characterized by incorrect reporting and fabricated stories. “Fake News may have begun as a slanted interpretation of the facts, but these so-called ”facts” have taken on a life of their own.

In the first century A.D., what we now consider “Fake News” and disinformation were categorized as false teachings, heresies, and apostasy. These were aimed at misleading, confusing, and diverting people, mainly targeting the faithful to dissuade them from seeking God and His truth.

How can we combat this ongoing flood of disinformation? Scriptures provide practical guidance to counter this threat. The Father offers countermeasures and counterstrategies to fight this war for thoughts and minds.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do.
4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

There are two key goals: to believe and to be filled.

The first step is to accept an incredible gift. We’ve been granted a tremendous promise that becomes ours when we choose to believe. The Father’s promises are like funds deposited in a bank account, available and ready for us to access. All it takes is for us to draw upon them. We simply write the check.

Jude 1:24 assures us that [The Father] is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.

Of what is the Father capable? How powerful is He? Is He inclined to use His power on our behalf?

The Father is omnipotent, meaning He possesses unlimited power. Whatever strength is necessary, He is more than capable of providing. He is adept and able. But what is of greater importance to His children is that He earnestly desires to protect all of those that are His.

REFLECT & PRAY

Our God, whom we serve, has the power to deliver us (Daniel 3:17).

Father, I am grateful for Your incredible promise to keep me stable. Please help me to meditate on and memorize Your Word.

INSIGHT

We should acknowledge, praise, and worship the Father for His ability and desire to keep the children of the King.

Romans 16:25 speaks of Him, who is able to establish us and make us strong in accordance with His gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ.

The Father has laid a firm foundation for us to stand upon, one that He strengthens us to do so. This foundation is unshakable and impervious to any force, providing a formidable stronghold for believers.

Ephesians 3:20 tells us that He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us.

Dream the impossible dream. Seek the unattainable. Embrace the unimaginable and aim for the seemingly unreachable. The Father can do far more than we can ask or think. The only limits are those of logical impossibilities, like creating a square circle. His resources are inexhaustible.

Nothing is impossible when His dreams and aspirations become our dreams.

The Scriptures serve as the food for our faith, filling us with truth and sound doctrine. Mature believers immerse themselves in the Word of God, studying, learning, and applying its teachings. This dedication sharpens us. A keen sense of awareness and discernment develops, preventing us from being tripped up and falling for the toxic deception of false teachers.

Hebrews 5:14 Solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil [right and wrong].

Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalms 119:9 asks and answers, “How can a young person maintain purity? By living according to your word.”

The Father can keep each child of the King blameless. The Greek word amomos conveys “being without blemish, having no defect or spot,” akin to the flawless sacrifices of the Old Testament, meeting the law’s righteous standards.

By filling our hearts and minds with Scripture, the promise of the Father is realized in us. When we are filled with accurate information, what room is left for inaccurate information?

When false teachers launch their attacks, spreading deception and “Fake News,” we remain secure. In the Father’s hands, we are empowered to stay faithful to the end. Though we may falter at times, the Father prevents His children from falling completely. There may be a few missteps and stumbles, but the Father keeps His children from being hurled down.

Psalms 37:24 Even if he trips, he will not fall headlong, for the LORD holds his hand.
He may fall, but he will not stay down.

It is not that he possesses superhuman strength, courage, or wisdom, nor is it because he is especially deserving that he faces life with such confidence. Rather, it is because God is at his right hand to sustain and strengthen him. God is his helper, and “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Tesh and Zorn).

Every child of the King faces the inevitability of failure at some point in life. It’s a disheartening reality that failure is a part of the human experience. We stumble, we falter, and we sometimes find ourselves on the ground, grappling with our missteps. The pressing question that arises in these moments of profound disappointment is, “How do recover, learn from the experience, and move on?”

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Worthy of my praise ∙

Worthy of my praise ∙

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Psalms 34:1-8

1 I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.

4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

6 In my desperation, I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

In 1999, the album “Better Is One Day” was released. It features a beautiful song that recalls the hymns of old when the Father was the focus of our songs and worship, not us:

You alone are worthy of my praise.

The beginning is as follows:
And I will give You all my worship
I will give You all my praise
You alone I long to worship
You alone are worthy of my praise

(I will worship)
I will worship (I will worship)
With all of my heart (With all of my heart)
And I will praise You (I will praise You)
With all of my strength (With all my strength)
And I will seek You (I will seek You)
All of my days (All of my days)
Oh, and I will follow (I will follow)
Follow all of Your ways (All Your ways)

It could be a modern update to David’s ancient Hebrew song, in which he praises and honors the Father for all He has done for him (Psalms 34).

Sometimes, doing good things can have dire consequences and collateral damage. David killed Goliath and became the hero of Israel. Saul grew jealous and pursued him for years (1 Samuel 21). David penned many of the Psalms, including Psalms 34, during this tumultuous period.

Psalms 34 is a vibrant invitation filled with joy. After experiencing the Father’s deliverance, David calls on us to join him in praising the Father and to trust in His saving power. He encourages us to experience the Father’s goodness by seeing, tasting, enjoying, respecting, honoring, and truly knowing Him.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, this Psalm extends an invitation from the Father Himself to all children of the King. He desires for us to taste His goodness, honor Him, and find joy in His presence. The Father is inherently good, blessing and safeguarding those who place their trust in Him (James A. Johnston).

As humans, we often focus on ourselves. This can be a temptation in our service to Him. While seeking the Father’s purpose is commendable, we might find ourselves more absorbed in how it benefits us rather than how it glorifies Him, even in our acts of praise.

True worship should focus solely on the Lord, not ourselves. As children of the King, we are made to praise. Peter reminds us: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, to declare His excellence, for He called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

We are called to live lives filled with praise for our Father, and Psalms 34 offers us a roadmap for worship.

When should we worship? Our hearts and words should be full of praise for the Father always, at all times, in every situation, whether good or bad (Psalms 34:1). Worship is a continual, moment-by-moment attitude of the heart.

How do we worship? Our praise and worship center on expressing gratitude and adoration for the Father (Psalms 34:2-3). When children of the King revere Him, an exhilarating transformation occurs within us. Our hearts grow more prayerful and focused on Him. We experience great joy as we rejoice in Him.

Where should we worship? Praise should be a personal ongoing practice. Yet, the psalmist invites us, “Let us exalt His name together” (Psalms 34:3). Collective praise enhances our worship as our voices unite in honoring Him. The Father delights in the collective praise of His children. When children of the King worship and praise Him together, our efforts transcend mere addition; they are exponentially enriched, offering a foretaste of heaven to come.

Is praise an integral part of your life? By giving the Lord a central place in your thoughts and heart, He is magnified, and praise becomes your genuine, instinctive, and natural response (Stanley, Michael W. Wesley).

REFLECT & PRAY

“In prayer, we act like men [people]; in praise, we act like angels” (Puritan preacher Thomas Watson).

Father, guide me to recognize and honor You consistently. May Your magnificent greatness be the focal point of my existence.

INSIGHT

What does it mean to bless the Lord at every moment? To bless someone is to say a good word to them. We speak positively and honorably concerning them.

“Blessing is the projection of good into the life of another. It isn’t just words. It’s the actual putting forth of your will for the good of another person. It always involves God because when you do the good of another person, you realize only God is capable of bringing it to pass. So we naturally say, ‘God bless you.’”

“You can bless someone when you will their good under the invocation of God. You invoke God on their behalf to support the good that you will do for them. This is the nature of blessing. It is what we are to receive from God and then give to another.”

“This isn’t just a verbal performance. It isn’t ‘bless you’ said through gritted teeth. It’s a generous outpouring of our whole being into blessing the other person” (Dallas Willard).

When the Father blesses someone, He speaks words over them for their well-being and prosperity. However, when we bless the Father, it isn’t about enhancing or improving Him, as we cannot add to His perfection. Instead, it’s about acknowledging His attributes: His kindness, goodness, beauty, and generosity. To magnify the Lord is to proclaim His greatness (ESV notes).

But there’s more!

As children of the King, we are meant to experience His goodness firsthand. We are not to merely believe in His goodness; we are to come and find out how delightful His goodness is. David appeals to us to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalms 34:8). This is one of the unique instances in the Scriptures where the Father invites His children to put Him to the test. The Father challenges us to actively engage with faith and discover His goodness in our personal experience. Sampling the Father and experiencing His delightful goodness is transformational.

“Tasting” typically means experiencing flavors through the mouth, but it can also metaphorically refer to sampling something for understanding or appreciation. For instance, the phrase “Taste and see that the Lord is good” suggests that one should experience and understand the goodness of the Lord through personal engagement and reflection.

The Hebrew word translated as “taste” is taam. Taam has to do with determining or perceiving the quality of something. We are encouraged to discover through experience what the psalmist already knew: the Lord is good.

How can we sample the Father’s goodness? By immersing ourselves in His Word and meditating on it, we uncover just how delightful the Father truly is.

Psalms 119:103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

“Taste” doesn’t suggest a sip or a nibble; it implies feeding on the Lord through His Word and experiencing all He has for us. It means knowing Him better and enjoying Him more (Wiersbe).

“Too often, we are too full of the stuff of the world to care about tasting from the Lord. May the Lord challenge us to put that stuff aside and taste and see that He alone is good (Stanley)!”

“You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice” (Liddell).

“If it’s not your practice, pick a day this week and praise God throughout the day. Praise Him when you wake up, praise Him when you eat, praise Him when you leave the house and when you return” (Stanley).

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Two kinds of storms ∙

Two kinds of storms ∙

The LORD hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart. – Jonah 1:4

Matthew 14:22-33

22 Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.

23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.

25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.

26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.

30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.

33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

Storms on Earth typically arise from disturbances in the atmosphere, often due to a mix of factors like changes in temperature, humidity, and air pressure. As warm, moist air ascends and cools, it can lead to cloud formation and precipitation. When a low-pressure area develops and is encircled by high-pressure zones, the resulting pressure difference causes air to flow from high to low pressure, creating strong winds and severe weather phenomena.

Storms often bring intense weather conditions, such as powerful winds, tornadoes, hail, thunder, lightning, and heavy rainfall or freezing rain. These can significantly disrupt everyday life and often result in significant costs to human life, animals, and property.

The Scriptures distinguish between two types of storms. The first type refers to those allowed by the Father for our growth. These storms are meant to be instructive, offering lessons that enhance our ability to handle challenges with greater skill and fortitude. By responding appropriately, our faith is fortified, and our trust in Him deepens.

As children of the King, we experience the Father’s discipline (child training) aimed at nurturing a faithful, robust generation of loyal followers. His wish is for all His children to become strong in faith and mighty in spirit.

Proverbs 3:11-12

11 My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.

12 For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

The Scriptures reveal a different kind of storm, one that arises when we stray from God’s will. These storms aim to provoke change in those who encounter them.

In Jonah 1:4, the LORD unleashed a fierce wind on the sea, creating such a tumultuous storm that it threatened to tear the ship apart. Jonah was fleeing from the Father’s plan and call, rejecting the assignment he was given. Instead of traveling east, he boarded a ship heading west. The Father was in hot pursuit. He produced a dangerous storm at sea that posed a threat to the boat and its crew. However, the objective was not to harm them but to reroute Jonah toward Nineveh to complete his calling. To this end, the Father had made available an intelligently designed and engineered underwater transportation system, aka the great fish.

The tempest arose as a consequence of Jonah’s deviation from the Father’s plan. He was out of God’s will. This was a corrective storm designed to bring Jonah back into alignment with the Father’s will. The storm was a consequence of Jonah’s disobedience, and he needed to be redirected onto the right path. The Father used the storm to guide Jonah to where He wanted him to be.

REFLECT & PRAY

“There are two kinds of storms: storms of correction, when God disciplines us; and storms of perfection, when God helps us to grow” (Wiersbe).

Father, help me to remember that in the midst of storms, You are by my side and interceding for me. You are greater than any storm.

INSIGHT

The Lord Jesus Christ intentionally sent His disciples ahead in a boat as He stayed behind to pray for them. Was He aware a storm would arise? Of course! Did He purposefully lead them into it? Indeed! They were safer amidst the storm within His will than on solid ground amidst the crowds but outside His will.

“We must never judge our security based on circumstances alone” (Wiersbe). Safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God.

When a powerful storm arose, the disciples were terrified, fearing for their lives. Yet, they faced this storm precisely because they followed Jesus’ instructions. He was their Personal Trainer. This was part of His training program for them. It was an opportunity for the disciples to observe and learn more about His miraculous power and control over nature. They were astonished by what happened.

Amid the storm’s fury, Jesus approached them, walking on water. The exact nature of His walk is left to the imagination. Was He like a surfer riding the curls beneath the crests of the large plunging waves? Did the sea calm as He walked and became relatively placid beneath His feet? The Scriptures do not say. Regardless, He was in complete control of the energy and surge of the storm and powerful waves.

But there is more. They had just witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the 5000. What was the intended takeaway? The Lord Jesus Christ has power over nature. It is mere fingerwork for Him to provide for people’s needs. After He sent the disciples into the sea to face the coming storm, He retreated to the hills to pray for their safety and growth.

Mark 6:44-52

44 A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves!

45 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida while he sent the people home.

46 After telling everyone goodbye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.

50 They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”

51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed,

52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.

The disciples had failed to put two and two together and were unprepared to handle the coming storm effectively.

Many Christians mistakenly believe that following God’s will guarantees an easy journey. But this isn’t true. Jesus assured us, “In the world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33). When we’re caught in a storm due to our obedience to Him, we must remember that He led us there and is capable of taking care of us (Wiersbe).

While we navigate life’s storms, where is the Lord Jesus Christ, and what is He doing? He is seated at the right hand of God in heavenly places. He was praying and making intercession for us. What a wonderful prayer partner!

Romans 8:34 Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

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Feeling His pleasure ∙

Feeling His pleasure ∙

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

Hebrews 13:20-21

20 Now may the God of peace – who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood –

21 may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

Chariots of Fire, which premiered on April 9, 1982, tells the inspiring tale of two elite British athletes as they prepare for and compete in the 1924 Olympic Games.

The film is anchored in the character study of the two athletes. It delves deeply into the personalities of these athletes. Harold Abrahams is depicted as a remarkable athlete driven by exceptional talent and fierce determination. His singular pursuit is victory. His only goal is to win. Running is his obsession. His inner drive and turmoil, encapsulated by the phrase, “If I cannot win, I will not run,” Is a testament to his struggle and determination. Abrahams is portrayed as a tortured soul who feels alienated, isolated, and discriminated against due to his Jewish heritage. He reflects on his experience with the sentiment, “I am invited to the table but denied the drink.”

Eric Liddell, in contrast, is a man of faith. Devoted to his family, nation, friends, and ultimately to his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. He recognizes that the Father’s strength fuels his extraordinary drive, determination, and ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Liddell’s success is attributed to his ability to tap into the immense power provided by his faith, which bursts forth when needed.

Liddell confidently states, “Everyone runs in her own way or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’ If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”

His source of motivation is summarized in his belief, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

The Duke of Sutherland comments, “The ‘lad’ is a true man of principles and a true athlete. His speed is a mere extension of his life, its force.”

Often, children of the King may find themselves confused about how the role the Father plays in their lives. This lack of understanding can lead to a distorted perception. Many imagine the Father as a gentle, benevolent, kind, warm grandfather figure who is merely there to make us feel happy and shower us with blessings. While it’s true that He is loving, kind, and provides for us, His purpose is not to cater to our desires. He does not exist to serve us. We exist to serve Him.

The reality is that we exist for the Father. He has intricately designed every aspect of us to prepare us for the tasks He decided upon long before we were born. The Father has crafted us with His plans and purposes in mind, equipping each child of the King to serve Him in unique ways. Each of us has a special role to play according to His plan; we serve to fulfill His pleasure (Stanley).

We are His workmanship. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10).

Our deepest fulfillment and satisfaction come from recognizing what the Father is doing and his invitation to join Him in it. We experience great joy and contentment when engaging in the tasks for which we were created. By serving Him, we feel His joy. Doing His pleasure, we feel His pleasure.

REFLECT & PRAY

Children of the King are encouraged to pray for one another, seeking to prepare each person to carry out the Father’s will in their lives.

Father, You are the Potter, and I am Your clay. You made me in order to participate in and be a part of Your work on Earth. Encourage my heart to do the good pleasure of Your will.

INSIGHT

The Father has provided us with everything needed to accomplish His will. Through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, He aims to produce within us every good thing that pleases Him (Hebrews 13:21).

The Greek term for “equip” is katartizo, which means to prepare or make suitable for a specific purpose. In this context, it refers to preparing someone for service (Wuest).

The Father desires to provide us with all that is necessary to fulfill His intentions.

There is something magnificent here that easily escapes our notice. The writer of Hebrews is not praying to get the Father to do what he desires Him to do. Instead, he is praying that the Father’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven for every child of the King. Because we are the Father’s workmanship created to do His good pleasure, the Father is “all in” to make it happen.

Our Savior in Heaven desires to prepare us for life on Earth. With great care, He aims to mend the “broken bones” in our lives so we can walk uprightly and successfully navigate our life journeys. He wants to repair the holes in our nets so we can catch fish. Additionally, He seeks to equip us for battle, providing us with the resources to withstand life’s storms. In essence, He wants to help us grow and mature so that He can work in us and through us in a way that pleases Him and fulfills His will (Wiersbe).

2 Corinthians 9:8 God will generously provide all you need. Then, you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

Eric Liddell understood this and felt the Father’s pleasure within himself when doing His pleasure. Liddell clearly had his priorities straight, “It has been a wonderful experience to compete in the Olympic Games and to bring home a gold medal. But since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals” (Liddell).

Each of us is uniquely crafted by Him, equipped with the precise personality and physical attributes needed to fulfill His plan for our lives. He has endowed us with the strengths, abilities, and talents required for His purposes. Every experience in our life is used by the Father to equip us for doing His will. Both the good and challenging times shape our character, mature us spiritually, and train us to help others (Stanley).

The Father provides what we need when we need it to fulfill His purpose. The necessary resources become available as required. One key area highlighted in the New Testament regarding always having enough is the area of giving.

2 Corinthians 9:9-13

9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving – the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.

A farmer must wait for his harvest, but the children of the King who practices grace-giving begin to reap the benefits immediately. While there are long-term rewards from our giving, there are also immediate blessings (Wiersbe).

First, we start to share the Father’s abundant grace (2 Corinthians 9:8). The concepts in this verse are astonishing: all grace, always, all sufficiency, and every good work. This does not imply that God makes every Christian wealthy in material possessions; instead, it means that the Christian who engages in grace-giving will always have what they need when they need it (Wiersbe)

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