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Who is Your Moses?

9/30/2013

Have you ever read the story of Moses? He was the man God saved as a baby when his sister put him in a basket, in the Nile River. He was found by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised as Pharaoh’s grandson until he killed a man who was beating an Israelite. Then he was a man on the run. But, he also became the man chosen, by God, to lead the Israelites out of bondage and slavery to Egypt. God had made a promise that He intended to keep and Moses was the man He wanted for the job.

Moses was committed to these people. He spent 40 years leading them out of the wilderness. He listened to them whine and complain when they weren’t sure they could trust the Lord. He experienced many highs and quite a few lows. He helped them hear from the Lord and after he received it, he offered instruction so they could follow Him, obediently. In my opinion, he was everything a good, faithful, committed friend should be. We all need a Moses in our life to listen and pray for us when we whine and complain. To encourage our growth in the Lord so we too, can follow Him obediently. We need a Moses who will go through the highs and lows of life and be committed to helping us find our way out, when we end up lost within the wilderness. At one time or another, we all have moments when we need a Moses.

I needed a Moses a few years ago when I drove down to Syracuse to visit a friend who was recovering from surgery. As I have done many times before I pulled into the parking garage across the street from the hospital and walked to my destination. When I left my car, I tried very hard to observe every detail around me, so when I needed to find my way back, I would be able to do so without any difficulties. I lose my car in parking lots frequently. I parked the car, walked to my left, proceeded to the stairs, down three flights, out the door and across the street. After my visit, as I was walking to my car a friend called and as we chatted, I crossed the street, went to the stairs, up three flights to the right…and… there was no car. I walked back to the street and started again. Repeat. One, two, three times. I finally said to her; “I cannot find my car.” I also began to get a little nervous. I am not a big fan of wandering around a parking garage, alone. Then Pat called, so I hung up with her and began to explain to him that I was lost in this parking garage. He had me retrace my steps, several times, and finally I came to the conclusion that someone had stolen our car. That’s when I began to really panic. I prayed and panicked. I panicked and prayed. No matter what direction I walked, I could not find the car. That is when I cried. I’m talking the hyperventilating, slobbering, cannot catch a breath and get really ugly, cried. Very calmly Pat said; “This is what I want you to do. Was there anyone else at the hospital you knew?” Yes. “Well,” he said, “Call them and ask them to help you find your way.” Good idea, Pat! (The man is always is full of good ideas.) I called our Pastor, who was also visiting the same person I had been. He came out and first, gave me a hug, and assured me we would find the car. After listening to me explain what steps I took when I left my car, he walked with me… right back to the car. It was right where I had parked it; I was simply walking up a ramp, when I should have walked down it. I still do not understand how I got so confused and disoriented but no matter which way I turned, I could not find my way. I had gotten all worked up, which made matters even worse. There was no way I could figure out where I was, every door, every step, every exit all looked identical and I wasn’t sure of anything anymore. I just knew I needed help. I needed someone to be my Moses and help lead me out of the mess I was in.

Sometimes we find ourselves “stuck” in a situation in which we feel helpless and hopeless. It might be a job, depression, or maybe an abusive relationship. Maybe your marriage is stuck in a rut with little or no communication. Your relationship with your kids is damaged. You are nearing a financial crisis and you don’t know how to fix it. You might find yourself searching for the one thing that will make you happy. Far too often we get our minds stuck on thoughts like, “if I only were divorced, then I would be happy.” “Once my kids move out, then I will be happy.” “If I find a new job, then I will be happy.” The truth is, you can get each and every one of those and still not be happy. The key is finding someone who can help walk with us out to the Promised Land God has for us.

When we become disoriented and confused and can’t seem to figure out how to get our thoughts or our circumstances “unstuck” we need our Moses. Our “Moses” is the friend that you can trust to give you wise counsel when you can’t find your way out of a crisis. They are the friend who loves you enough to speak truth, even when it might hurt you to hear it. Your Moses is the friend that is there for you while you wander in the wilderness, helping you take each and every step, even if it takes 40 years. “A friend loves at all times. A brother is born to share troubles” (Proverbs 17:17). Yes, we all need a Moses and at times, we need to be a Moses to someone.

If you find yourself wandering in the wilderness, or a parking garage.....Who is your Moses?

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Waiting for the Bloom

9/23/2013

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Two years ago I was given a beautiful Hibiscus plant for my birthday. When my friends, the Bigelows, gave it to me, it was early August and it was full of big pink blooms. She was simply stunning! It quickly became one of my favorite birthday gifts; one I enjoyed the following year, as well. This year, on August 2nd, however, there was not one single flower, not even the slightest hint of a bud. I became concerned when we hit the middle of August and still, I could not find one hint of a bud. Finally, I let out a sigh of relief when, towards the end of August, I noticed the beautiful flowers on my Hibiscus plant were beginning to bloom. When I saw that first bud, I thought, “What took you so long?” In fact, I have even found myself asking God in recent months, “What is taking You so long?”

As most parents do, Pat and I pray regularly for our children and family. Over the last year or so, we've found ourselves seeking the Lord for wisdom and answers, for one of our kids, in particular. Just when we thought we had an answer, or direction, even a little hint of wisdom on the matter, there would be a set back of one kind or another. The answers, and the wisdom, seemed very slow in coming, almost to the point of feeling as though God had shut His ears to our prayers. Pat and I found ourselves losing heart and becoming weary, not understanding what God was doing, or how we should pray anymore. I’ve shed tears, lost sleep and had to fight the temptation to throw up my hands in defeat. And then the Lord spoke to me, through my Hibiscus plant. He made me realize that I had expectations that were not being met according to my timetable. The prayers weren’t answered quick enough for me and I found that frustrating. I hadn’t expected our prayers to go unanswered for such an extended period of time and I began to grow weary and impatient. I didn’t understand the wait and I also did not like the wait because I was growing anxious in the wait.

I’m sure Mary and Martha didn’t understand the wait either, when they sent word to Jesus that Lazarus, “the one you love is sick” (John 11:3). I’m sure when the sisters called out to Jesus, they might have been in a state of panic, after-all, their brother was critically ill. I believe they had no doubt in their minds that Jesus would drop everything and come, quickly. It seemed the most logical thing to do, didn’t it? Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters, they were friends, and they needed Him to get back to them. But Jesus had other ideas. I found His statement shocking and one that only God knows the reason for. “So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea” (John 11: 6,7). Wait. Did you see it? Read that verse again. “When he heard Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then…” I’m sure Mary and Martha had expected Jesus to pack up His things and leave immediately upon hearing the news of Lazarus’ illness. They knew He was the One able to fix the problem and heal their brother. When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had died. I wonder if they felt crushed…. or betrayed. When Jesus walked into town, He knew the plan was for “the Son of God to be glorified through it” (John 11:4). He only needed Mary and Martha to trust Him while they waited. I am like Martha, a fixer, a doer. I can imagine her saying, “Just call for Jesus, He will come and know just what to do and He will git’er done.” That’s me. Call on Jesus, He can fix anything. But please don’t make me wait.

I had an “a-ha” moment when I realized my prayers have been somewhat like my hibiscus plant. I expected my hibiscus to bloom at the same time it always had. I didn’t understand why it hadn’t. I didn’t understand the wait. I thought something must have killed my beautiful plant. Eventually, it bloomed though and when it did, it was just as perfect as always. Proverbs 3:5 says we are to, “Trust in the Lord with all our heart, and lean not on our own understanding.” My cry to the Lord has been, “I don’t understand.” Well, I am not supposed to lean on my own understanding and I can see now I was. There are many factors that might affect plants and in the same way, there are many different factors that affect our prayers.

I do know this, God is in the business of answering prayers, on His terms, in His time and in ways we may never understand. Isaiah 55:9 is proof of that, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” When I grow weary in the wait and feel as though the answer is a long time in coming, I must remember my timetable is far different than Gods. “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:8,9).

What are you praying for? I recently heard this quote on the radio, “the tragedy is not in unanswered prayers, the tragedy is in unasked prayers.” Ask. Seek. Knock. The door will open.

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The Mountain

9/16/2013

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Several years ago, Pat and I took a trip down to Georgia to visit friends. One day, they decided to take us to see Stone Mountain, which is outside of Atlanta. Stone Mountain is described as “the largest exposed granite dome in North America” (stonemountaincity.org). We decided we would do more than just a drive by the mountain and actually take the time to climb to the top. We had climbed a couple of mountains over the years so Pat and I were game and ready to go. I had no doubt I could make this climb without any trouble. Well, I was wrong. For some reason, climbing this mountain was extremely difficult for me. Several thoughts raced through my head, the most rational one was to sit myself down and have them pick me up on their way back down. I was overcome with defeat. Every muscle in my legs and back cried for mercy. There were moments when I crawled along, down on all fours, trying to make my way up this mountain. Pat took my hand and held on, trying to drag me get to the top. Everyone cheered me on, encouraging me to keep going, I was almost there. It was quite a moment when I did finally make it. But, then I turned around and realized; “Now I must go all the way back down.” New Yorkers aren’t used to the Georgia heat and, oh my, was it ever hot. I will never forget the slow hard climb. The pain endured during the process of climbing the mountain and the determination it took to not give up. And the joy I discovered at the top.

It amazes me how life can be like that mountain climb in many ways. There are times when we will stand face to face with our own mountain and have it stare us down. We stand at the base and wonder how we will ever get to the summit. And if we make it to the top, can we make it safely down the other side? One definition of mountain is, “a great mass.” (see more here), so we might be faced with a mountain, or, a great mass of difficulty as we walk through life. It may be a mountain in our finances, relationships, work, or our health. When we are faced with these types of mountains, or struggles, we have three options.

First, some people can make it up the mountain quickly because they have conditioned their bodies for the task. They have been in training. They have taken the necessary steps to prepare for the climb by working out and building their endurance. They work hard to prepare, mentally and physically, to climb to the highest peak of the mountain. Their goal is to make it to the summit and they are determined that nothing will defeat them. Then there are those who try to put forth a good effort in climbing the mountain. But, in reality, they haven’t prepared their bodies for the work necessary to make it to the top. I thought I was ready to make the climb up Stone Mountain with very little preparation for it. I was out of shape, physically and very weak mentally. My mind told me I was ready and able when standing at the bottom, but when it became too difficult, I wanted to quit. We also have the people who decide there is no possible way to get over the mountain so why even bother to try. Friends may try to encourage and help them, but, they refuse to take one step for fear it will just lead to failure. We are going to face mountains every day of our earthly life and with each mountain we have a choice. Refuse any attempt to climb it, start and quit, or take one step at a time climb towards the top.

The Lord promised the Israelites He had a good land waiting for them. He called it the “Promised Land.” I believe He has a Promised Land for each of us as well. We only need to decide if we will do what is necessary to posses it. Deuteronomy 1:5-8 has Moses reminding the people, “The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: ‘You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey’…See, I have set the land before you; go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their descendants after them’” (Deuteronomy 1:6, 7a, 8, emphasis mine).

Take a look at your mountain, decide that you have dwelt at it long enough and turn and take your journey. Ask the Lord to help you prepare for the journey, ask Him to take you by your hand and lead you. He is able and ready to help you. Be determined to make it to the top of the mountain, knowing you did it and you did not give up in defeat!

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I Wish

9/9/2013

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The other night, Pat and I were watching one of our Tuesday night favorites; So You Think You Can Dance and I realized every time I watch it, I wish I could dance. Then I thought about our Wednesday night favorite show, Master Chef. You know what I realized? When I watch this show I wish I could cook, or at least enjoyed cooking. Before I knew it, the list had grown. When I watch America’s Got Talent, I wish for a talent that America would vote for. If I am hooked on American Idol or the X-Factor, they make me wish I could sing my heart out and have all votes go to me! The list was getting longer as I realized, everywhere my eyes travel, I discover more reasons to be dissatisfied with myself. I began to discern that my insecurities had risen to extremely dangerous levels, as I began to analyze what I can’t do, rather than appreciating what I am able to. Whoa… it is time to stop, drop and pray, grab the Word and ask the Lord for help. So, I open to First Corinthians 12, a great chapter we can turn to when we need to be reminded God has gifted each one of us, differently. We were created uniquely, with individual gifts, for His purposes and not our own.

"Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body. In the church God has given a place first to apostles, second to prophets, and third to teachers. Then God has given a place to those who do miracles, those who have gifts of healing, those who can help others, those who are able to govern, and those who can speak in different languages. Not all are apostles. Not all are prophets. Not all are teachers. Not all do miracles. Not all have gifts of healing. Not all speak in different languages. Not all interpret those languages. But you should truly want to have the greater gifts. And now I will show you the best way of all" (I Corinthians 12:27-31, NCV).

Paul said that he would show us the best way of all. We are also told we should "truly want the greater gifts". What was he talking about? What was the best gift to desire? To discover it, we must read right into chapter 13. It is here we discover Paul, himself, says he is nothing without love and guess what? Neither am I. I can be gifted in many ways but if I do not have love, those gifts are nothing. I am nothing. I am glad he gave us clarity on what love should look like and how love behaves in verses four through eight. It makes a great guideline for us to follow. It also brings conviction to my heart when I read this chapter and realize how often I have missed the best way of all.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIV).

I guess it is time to stop “wishing” for gifts that He hasn’t given to me and spend my days using the best one of all, Love. Rather than allowing myself to become jealous and envy those who have what I might wish for, I can choose to love them and enjoy each and every gift God has placed within them. Maybe it is time to just take my eyes off of other people and their abilities and begin to work on my ability to love. What would happen within our families , or our places of employment, even the church body, if we excelled more in loving one another rather than competing with one another?

God didn't make me a dancer, but he made my friends, Rachel and Abbi beautiful dancers. That is Abbi in the picture above and I enjoy watching them dance. I can encourage them in their gifts. I am not going to be a contestant on Master Chef, but I can feed my family and every now and then I surprise them with a good meal. I encourage you to use your gifts and talents for the Lord, but choose the most excellent gift of all, Love. Keep your eyes on Him. Love the gifts He has placed in those around you. Then ask the Lord to show you if you are harboring jealousy or envy in your heart and then seek to desire the best way of all.

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Following the Right Map

9/3/2013

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Last Christmas, after mentioning to our oldest son, Adam, how fun I thought it would be for the family to attend a show at the Sight and Sound Theater, my family surprised me with tickets. So, on Friday morning, Pat and I loaded the car and left for our weekend getaway in Lancaster, PA. It was a fabulous time with my parents, the kids and our grandson, Mason.

The drive down, however, was a bit tough. It was, after all, Labor Day Weekend and everyone seemed to be traveling to Lancaster. As we approached our journey's end, the slower we seemed to crawl. I love when our GPS alerts us to delays, before we hit them! That is a very nice feature, we finally have on ours, after 30 years of marriage and travel. We've been stuck in quite a few jams over the years. I appreciate that we can program our destination into our GPS and a nice British voice, ever so gently, guides us along the way. Every now and then, when we take a wrong turn or misunderstand the directions she has provided, we hear, “Recalculating” and she quickly adjusts to our blunder and figures out how to get us back on track. We put our faith in her that she is going to get us headed in the right direction again.

I was thinking as Pat drove us down the highway, towards home, back to the days of maps. Remember the day of the folded map when they were our only means of finding our way? Do you recall when we needed to figure out the best route to get us where we wanted to go? There were times just figuring out where we actually were on the map, made me want to scream. When you have a poor sense of direction, reading a map is not very much fun. It can also be a mistake, as I have discovered, to assume the map doesn’t know what the map is talking about. Are we the only ones to decide that the map doesn’t know best and proceeded to take a "short cut"? Pat and I missed the wedding of good friends years ago, for that very reason. We didn’t understand the directions and tried our own route. Epic failure. We arrived just as the bride and groom walked out of the church.

So as we traveled home, I rode along in the car and began to think about maps and do you know what I realized? It has never occurred to me to question the writers of the map. When we loaded into the car, we got the map out and followed it. We never wondered if Rand McNally really had the wisdom we needed to get us to our desired destination, we just followed the map. Our faith and trust had been placed in someone we had never seen, but believed to be an authority on the best way to get from point A to point B.

This made me wonder, if we can place our trust in Rand McNally and follow the instructions placed on a map by someone we have never seen, why is there such a struggle within us to place our trust in God? Why do we struggle with believing the Bible is truth, simply because it was written by men, that we do not know? I may never understand why our GPS, or the writers of a map, want to take me down a certain route, and I may not understand why God desires for me to live a certain way, either. However, in the same way I put my trust and faith in a map to lead me to where I want to go, God wants me to put my trust and faith in Him, that He will lead me to where His plans and purposes for my life are.

What would happen if we allowed God to be our GPS? If we thought of HIm as our "God Positioning System" and His Word as our map. When we make a wrong turn, He simply says, “Recalculating” and ever so gently guides us back to the best route that will take us to our final destination. He adjusts to our blunders and builds our faith each time we find ourselves straying off course. We can use His Word, the Bible, to help us follow the best plan He has for our lives. He has a destination all planned for us and when we follow the instructions in His Word, we will arrive there in better shape than without it. We must remember Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In the same way that I am going to place my faith in a system of maps and GPS’ to help me in my travels, I am placing my faith in God’s Word and His promises as I travel through life. Just as we sing in Amazing Grace, I was once lost, but now I am found. Thank you, Jesus.

Oh and may I encourage you if you ever have a chance to get to Lancaster, go see a show at Sight and Sound and spend the weekend enjoying Amish country. You will be blessed.

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