Shepherded in the Wilderness

Last Wednesday I came home to Elsie holding Christian. Evidently, his skin just erupted into a sudden rash, which has persisted even until tonight. That helpless feeling suddenly washed over me again. Elsie and I both went back to seeking the Lord knowing that was the answer as opposed to succumbing to despair. God answered both of us.

What God told Elsie:  persevere

What God told me:  rest

This morning I went running. I took a more scenic route that hugged some protected prairie lands. During my runs I try be silent and listen for God's voice, but this morning I was in more of a state of crying out to God, asking specifically about Christian. Plodding along, it was all I could do to keep my mind off this issue, and I slowly came up to something I've never seen before along this path. Squinting without the help of my glasses, I initially thought I was approaching two big sheep dogs. I was partially right in my estimation, as I finally realized there were two lost sheep that somehow found their way to the wrong side of the fence. I stopped to snap this photo. They were not far from the flock and the two burros that were supposed to be guarding them, but they were heading the wrong way. I don't know what happened to these aimless sheep without a shepherd - I'm sure a good Samaritan called the right people and got them to their home, but right then and there the Lord spoke to me. Jesus reminded me that He is our Good Shepherd, and He will take care of us. I realized that I was still unwilling to let go of control over certain areas of Christian's life. I immediately repented of that, but God wanted to remind me more about His role as the Shepherd. Not only does He guard His flock, but He cares for each sheep intimately, not wanting to let even one wander away and get lost (let alone two sheep, who looked like they were up to some shenanigans). Did I trust God to be the one to care for Christian? I feel like I have come a long way in that now I say I can trust Him wholeheartedly with my son's life and health. And part of trusting in Him is resting in Him, which is what He was asking me to do regarding Christian.

Later this morning I told Elsie this story (I had to run home to change a flat tire on the van), and she was then led to Psalm 78, which is basically a retelling of Exodus, the wilderness, and the Israelites moving into the promised land. It ends describing King David as one of Israel's shepherds, and the idea of Israel being shepherded is a common theme throughout the chapter.

    

52 But he brought his people out like a flock;

he led them like sheep through the wilderness.

53 He guided them safely, so they were unafraid;

    but the sea engulfed their enemies.

-Psalm 78:52-53

This idea of God being our shepherd is nothing new to the Christian walk, but Elsie reminded me of something very important about the Exodus-to-the-Promised-Land Story. God brought the Israelites out of Egypt with a "mighty hand and an outstretched arm." There was no doubting the wonders and miracles He did, just as there was no doubting the wonders He performed in Christian's body over this last year. However, the Israelites remained untrusting of God for some reason. As soon as they encountered adversity, they shrank and defamed God's character by exclaiming how He brought them out to the wilderness to die. They also believed that God could not deliver them again. I do not want to be like them as we are facing this adversity. I want to remain stalwart in my faith, holding on to God's promises and the truth of His character - that He is categorically good, and is our Good Shepherd who guides us through the wilderness and delivers us to streams of living water (Psalm 23). I believe that the promise land for us at this time is a place where both of our children can and will eat the fat of the land to their hearts' delight. I plan to see that promised land with my own eyes.

For now I will rest like Noah rested in Him.

Note:  I don't know if this is a coincidence or not, but I couldn't find any 'flat tire' references in the Bible. Last Wednesday when this whole rash thing started I blew out my bicycle tire on the way home from work. Today (Wednesday), our van got a flat tire. . . You know what they say about coincidences.

Do We Have What it Takes: A Father's Day Special

I never realized it until today, but this has always been a question weighing heavy on my heart since I was a little boy. This question has played a substantial role in shaping my life.

Do I have what it takes?

Today our pastor pointed out that all men and boys ask this question of themselves constantly. He used Noah as an example of a Biblical role model who undoubtedly faced this burning question for much of his life, and proved that he had what it took; and if he had not, then he and his family would have perished along with the human race in the flood. What was it about Noah that helped him rise to the occasion in such a dire time?

Do I have what it takes?

This question alone is the reason little boys look up to super heroes, cannot wait to go off to war, dedicate themselves to learning martial arts, or simply try to be the best they can be at any tradecraft. We boys and men are always aspiring to measure up to something that is outside ourselves, to find our limits so we can find some way to exceed them. We do it for big and little things alike. It is the basis of our competitive thrust. It is also what little boys want so badly from their fathers - to show them how to do manly things (woodcraft, auto mechanics, shooting a gun, etc.), so they can gain their fathers' approval. They want to hear those words, "I'm proud of you."

Have I had what it takes?

One of the first times I remember asking myself this question was when I first tried out for my high school junior varsity soccer team. I did not have what it took that week, and it tore me up for days.

I also asked this question when I joined the Army. Did I have what it took to make it through Basic Combat Training? Ultimately yes I did, but my resolve was tested and proved throughout those nine weeks. 

Today I ask this question of myself about owning and keeping a house, maintaining a car, being a husband, and following Christ. I hone my "life skills" for this same purpose, and it is this same question that either validates or disproves me as a good husband, father, or disciple of Christ.

This question daunted me seven years ago when I saw my daughter for the first time, and it remains fresh to this day. Do I have what it takes to be a father? Children can certainly be the most trying, but they are also the most rewarding. I have failed countless times, and I continue to fail; however, I know that I have also succeeded in many ways, and it is only by God's grace. 

I have found that this "success" has a direct correlation to seeking my Heavenly Father's approval (not seeking approval in the carnal earthly way of trying to find approval through works, but rather seeking the Father's approval by getting to know and walking with Him). This was Noah's secret to success in overcoming insurmountable odds to ultimately succeed at saving the human race. When the Father told Noah, whose name means one who brings rest, to build a giant boat in the middle of dry land in the face of certain mockery (I mean, really, what sane man does that?), Noah did it because he knew his Father; he knew His character and trusted the Father implicitly, and thus was able to rest and have faith in Him.

Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.                                                                                                        -Genesis 6:9 (VOICE)

By faith Noah respected God’s warning regarding the flood—the likes of which no one had ever seen—and built an ark that saved his family. In this he condemned the world and inherited the righteousness that comes by faith.                                                                                                                                                                                    -Hebrews 11:7 (VOICE)

As I close out this year's Father's Day, and think about all of the times I have or haven't risen to the occasion, this message will continually remind me (and I hope that it reminds you) that it is not about us fathers - it is about us walking with and resting in the Father, and then this question about whether we have what it takes or not will be moot.

Happy Father's Day to all you fathers out there!! 

(based on the sermon by Pastor Greg Thompson, Smoky Hill Vineyard, Centennial, CO)