In life’s darkest valleys, when hope seems distant and trials overwhelming, God specializes in dramatic reversals. Like Joseph’s sudden elevation from prison to palace, or David’s transformation from fugitive to king, our Father delights in turning mourning into dancing. These pivotal moments aren’t just historical accounts — they’re promises of God’s faithfulness that echo through time into our present circumstances. Consider Joseph, who languished in prison on false charges, yet in a single day was elevated to become second only to Pharaoh. “The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. He made him master of his household, ruler over all his possessions.” — Psalm 105:20–21. This dramatic reversal wasn’t just about Joseph’s personal vindication — it was God’s master plan to save nations. Similarly, David’s journey from cave-dwelling fugitive to celebrated king demonstrates God’s perfect timing. “He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.” — Psalm 40:2. Even in his darkest moments, hiding from Saul in the caves of Adullam, David was being prepared for his destiny. Consider Job, who lost everything yet witnessed God restore double what was taken. His story reminds us that our lowest point isn’t our final chapter — it’s often the precise moment God chooses to demonstrate His power. “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part.” — Job 42:12. As the psalmist declares, “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.” — Psalm 126:5.
The Urgency of Now: Life moves with relentless speed, like an arrow released from its bow. David understood this temporal nature when he prayed, "Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is." — Psalm 39:4. We often live as if we have an endless supply of tomorrows, but in the Word we are soberly reminded that our life is "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." — James 4:14. This isn't meant to discourage us but to instill a holy urgency in our hearts. When Jesus said, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." — John 9:4. This wisdom isn't just about acknowledging life's brevity—it's about making each moment count for eternity. The ancient Romans had a saying, "Carpe diem" (seize the day), but as believers, we're called to something greater: to redeem the time because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). Don’t let days, months, or years slip by without acting on God’s call—use this brief life to make an eternal impact.
Throughout Scripture, we see God calling His chosen servants into periods of solitude. These aren't merely moments of rest, but crucibles of transformation where the unseen work of the Spirit takes place. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness before leading the Israelites. David, though anointed as king, spent years in caves and wild places, penning psalms that would echo through eternity. Even Jesus, the Son of God, "often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16). Consider Elijah's experience on Mount Horeb. After his dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal, he fled in fear and discouragement. God didn't rebuke him but invited him to "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord" (1 Kings 19:11). In the silence that followed the wind, earthquake, and fire, Elijah heard the "gentle whisper" of God, restoring his soul and redirecting his mission. These moments of solitude aren't about escaping responsibility, but about encountering God in the depths of our being. It's in these unseen places that we're stripped of pretense, faced with our true selves, and molded by the Master's hands. As the Psalmist declares, “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10. In our hyper-connected world, do we dare to disconnect, to seek the face of God in the quiet places? It's there, in the unseen, that our greatest victories are won.
In this fallen world, adversity is not just a possibility — it’s an inevitability. The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike, and trials come to all who draw breath. As we read in Ecclesiastes 9:2, “It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and for the unclean.” This truth may seem disheartening at first glance, but it carries within it a profound lesson.
How often do we find ourselves caught in the web of procrastination, pushing off tasks that weigh on our minds? This delay isn't just about missed deadlines or unfinished chores; it's a spiritual battle that robs us of our God-given purpose. The stress that gnaws at us isn't from the work itself, but from our inaction in the face of responsibility. Consider how swiftly our anxiety dissipates when we finally take that first step, make that call, or begin that project we've been avoiding. It's as if a burden lifts from our shoulders. This isn't coincidence; it's a reminder of our calling to be good stewards of our time and talents. The Bible speaks clearly about the dangers of procrastination. Proverbs 13:4 tells us, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied."
Gifts Given: God has a unique purpose and plan for each of our lives. He has gifted us with specific abilities and talents that He expects us to use to further His kingdom. Romans 11:29 tells us that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. This means that if God has called you to do something or gifted you with a specific talent, He won’t change His mind about it. Whether or not you have obeyed God’s call, it’s still there waiting for you.
Repent: Revival is a powerful phenomenon that transforms individuals, communities, and even entire nations. However, true revival cannot happen without genuine repentance. Repentance is a crucial step that precedes revival and is essential for experiencing the fullness of God’s grace and power. Repentance is a change of mind and heart that leads to a change of action. It involves acknowledging our sin and turning away from it, seeking forgiveness and restoration from God. Without genuine repentance, revival becomes superficial and short-lived.
Putting Up With It: You become what you tolerate. This statement holds a powerful truth that can be applied to every aspect of our lives. The things we tolerate in ourselves and in those around us shape who we are and who we will become. Think about the things you currently tolerate in your life. Are they things that align with your purpose and goals? Or are they things that hold you back and prevent you from reaching your full potential? It’s important to remember that tolerance is not the same as acceptance. Tolerance means putting up with something, while acceptance means embracing it as a part of your life. When it comes to the things we tolerate, we must ask ourselves if they are worth accepting or if they need to be changed.
Active Living: To live an active life you must be a person who acts upon their faith. It is terrifying for most people to cut away from the world that preaches materialism and comfort, but once you do, it will be tough to go back to a “normal” life. For example, many missionaries who return home from extended and even short-term journeys overseas are oftentimes in cultural shock upon re-entering. This is because they have seen another world, lived life differently, escaped the rat race and are trying to articulate their feelings and new found perspective…
What is steadfastness? Steadfastness is a measure of our resolve and our commitment to our values and beliefs even in the midst of adversity. The dictionary defines it as “firmly fixed in one’s opinion or course of action”. There is no weakness in steadfastness, only strength in the face of difficulties and challenges. It is having the courage to withstand opposition and remain true to our beliefs no matter what the circumstances may be. Some people are steadfast in their relationships, others in their work ethic, and still others in their job. But when the time comes, the most important thing is to be steadfast in your loyalty to God. Everything else in this world is temporary and can always be taken away, but the promises of God are eternal. There are pressures all around us to compromise our faith in order to fit in and be accepted but we must not succumb to this temptation. The world is filled with evil and the acceptance of even a little bit will lead many down a path of destruction. We must only look at the status and erosion of our society currently to see how the enemy has chipped away to the point we are in now. If you put your trust in the world and the goodness of humanity, darkness will envelop and overtake you quickly.
Ultimate Forgiveness: Christ Jesus is the ultimate example of forgiveness. He was innocent and without sin, yet He went to the cross at Calvary and paid the price for the sins of all mankind. He purchased our redemption with His blood and in Him, we have new life. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” — Ephesians 1:7. We are not saved by our own good works but by the shed blood of Jesus. When Jesus walked on this Earth He set the example for us to follow; He forgave all who came unto Him, even those who crucified Him. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34.
Confidence from Above: Confidence is a state of mind in which a person has trust and faith and is unafraid of challenges. You won’t achieve much if your confidence is low. Confidence is critical to success, whether it’s in your personal life or professional career. What you believe is what you get. Thoughts of failure cause you to lose confidence, but successful people aren’t afraid to fail because they know that failure is just a part of life. They dust themselves off and press on to try again. Confident people are optimistic about their future and have a positive outlook.
We all want to live free and achieve what the Lord has put us on this earth to do. However, we must realize that there are forces set against us to distract and weigh us down in life. We are told to live according to the plan the world has set forth for us and in doing so we lose sight of our real purpose as children of God. Many people lose years thinking a change will come, but sadly it never does. Life then becomes a treadmill that never stops and we end up becoming jaded. This is where authenticity comes in. Authentic people rise up and take action.
Follow Me: This simple request of “Follow Me” spoken by Jesus is a life-changer. In hearing Him speak it in the Bible we see the crossroads that it puts a person in with just two simple words. “As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” And he rose and followed Him.” — Matthew 9:9. “And He said to all, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23. “And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Life is Short: Ask anyone who is above middle age and they will tell you, “I can’t believe how time flies.” If you disrespect the time you are given on earth, you will be filled with regret. Be prudent and budget your time towards what is worthy. You get one pass at life, so make sure it’s a good one. “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” — James 4:14
Cyclical Nature: We are surrounded by cycles every day. Seasons change, the sun rises and sets, fields are planted and harvested, tides become low and high, the moon becomes full and then new, moreover, cycles are not only evident in nature but also for societal events as well. Financial economies boom and bust, empires rise and fall, and peace and safety give way to war and hardships. Cycles are also seen in our individual lives and emotions. Like a vast mountain range, there are peaks and valleys.
Free Indeed: When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are born again. Not into bondage, but into freedom. Freedom from sin and death. He washes us clean and we walk in the light. “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17. Freedom from the grip of sin and death is a powerful thing. His mercy and love for us are beyond all measure and we praise His Holy name. So, considering how we have been rescued from the curse of this world and promised a better one to come; shouldn’t we carry a different outlook on life? How should one conduct themselves?
Remembering God daily is your rock of stability. For when the days of triumph are achieved you will praise God for the victory, and when the days of hardships arise you will cast your burdens upon Him. To maintain calmness in your life you need to commune with God daily. “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.” — Psalms 73:28.
I’ve been watching your series from the beginning, Season 1. While en route to Thailand to help with disaster relief after the great tsunami of 04, a fellow missionary introduced me to the series. I’ve been watching ever since and your ministry was a huge push for me to enter full-time missions where I started serving full time in Uganda. I have shared your series with dozens of people I know. God is continuing to use you guys…
Right Traditions: In the modern church the word tradition has largely become a term of disdain. There are valid cases where tradition should not be accepted, such as non-doctrinally sound teachings and heresies that nullify the work of Christ Jesus, but for the most part, Christians should embrace the true traditions of the Word of God and reject those that are not of Christ. Martin Luther was a champion reformer in this way. Luther rejected the heretical Roman Catholic teachings and false traditions of that time. But Martin Luther was not a destroyer of Christian traditions, but rather a restorer of right traditions founded in the Word of God.
Decisions: Life comes down to a constant flow of decisions. Whether you realize it or not you’re making decisions every moment. You decide what you will eat, where you will work, what time you will get up, what values you will follow, what you say to others, how you react to others, et cetera. From the smallest decisions like what items you’ll buy at the grocery store, to the largest decision like choosing to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior — Decisions are the fabric of life. Some people never realize the power of their decisions and drift through life letting others influence their path or decide for them. To truly realize your full potential, you must first examine yourself and understand the power of your decisions. “Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air.” — 1 Corinthians 9:26
Life is filled with risk, but the greatest risk of all is never taking a risk. In our society today we are taught from a young age to avoid any risk whatsoever. With each passing generation we become more pampered, coddled, and fearful, all while being told, taking any risk is something to be feared. Today’s generation wants more, yet they are unwilling to risk anything to get it. However, history proves to us, it is the risk-takers who shape the world. Think for a moment of any Biblical character that God operated through. Were they risk-takers? David vs Goliath, Noah and the ark, Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Joshua and the conquest, the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys, etc… All of these great figures faced extreme risks to follow their faith, yet they conquered because they believed in God. You can too, but you must step out in faith and take a risk on God.
Past, Present and Future: Time is a tricky thing. Most people are striving for life in the future or remembering the past, but rarely do people appreciate the moment of now. What is now? Now is the moment you are in right now. Reading this newsletter wherever you are, this is now. Chances are that before you were reading these words you were thinking about something you have to do in the days ahead or what happened last week. That is the future and past. But now is where you are at this moment. This day. Simple, right? But think for a moment how little each person actually lives in the now moment. Oftentimes, living in the now moment can be viewed as a wild or unruly life. This is an extreme view of the now moment. Obviously, every person needs to plan appropriately for the future, but living in and appreciating this day that the Lord has made, is something most people have forgotten.
