The following is an excerpt from the Study Guide I am working on for the upcoming online course being developed for the re-release of The Storms Have Only Just Begun. I pray the answer provided to this newsletter’s title question will encourage, edify, and equip you for the continuing storms, chaos, and crises of this most opportune time for the church. Answering the questions posed herein will challenge you to prepare. I welcome any opportunity to dialogos with you about this and related subjects.
The perspectives we take with us into the storms of life are critical, make-or-break paradigms. If we think like the world, we will seek worldly solutions. This is the only option for most of mankind. Christians, on the other hand, have the perspective of heaven (Ephesians 2:6). We would be foolish to set our minds on anything else.
There are four reasons God allows and creates storms, chaos, and crisis in our lives.
Forks and Gates
Romans 12:2 represents a fork in the road, with one decision leading to worldly solutions and the other into the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. We often delay such a decision when the consequences are decisive (i.e., they cost us something). In Luke 13:23-24, Jesus makes it clear that entering into eternal salvation requires something more than loitering around at the narrow gate. Storms, chaos, and crisis are allowed and created by God to force a decision.
What makes kingdom decisions most difficult for you (e.g., fear, pride, indifference)?
What do you make of Jesus’ encouragement to strive?
Are you prepared to make some hard decisions?
Sidelines and Battlefields
Storms, chaos, and crisis are allowed and created by God to draw us into His work. There are a couple of reasons why most Christians would rather sit on the sidelines than get in the game. First of all, what is going on around us is not a game at all. It is a war, and who in their carnal mind wants to get involved in that? You know, I think our subconscious gravitation toward the sideline explains why spectator sports is so popular. Living vicariously through others are both entertaining and safe.
Secondly, putting on the whole armor of God every day is a distraction from the entertainments of this world. It takes time to take up salvation, faith, righteousness, truth, and the word of God. Wearing the armor makes us look weird to our neighbors. Being a good soldier requires a level of disentanglement with the affairs of this life that is uncomfortable and sacrificial.
Of course, sitting on the sidelines – whether that is in a pew, stadium seat, or comfortable chair in front of the TV – means we are hearers of the word and not doers. Sadly, many Christians have forgotten the kind of men and women we are created to become. So, let me be (perhaps) the first to tell you: You are a soldier, a warrior, a mighty man or woman of God!! The only place for God’s people, in the storms, chaos, and crises, is on the battlefield.
Are you properly dressed for the war?
What piece(s) of armor do you lack (see Ephesians 6:14-18)?
Where do you see yourself on the battlefield (e.g., front lines, support, communications)?
Chaos and Caterpillars
Consider the ugly, leaf-bound, and leaf-eating caterpillar who God transforms into a beautiful, free-flying, and nectar-eating butterfly. Trusting in the process, the caterpillar dies to his old ways and form, to become a glorious new form of God’s creation. Similarly, God will use the chaos of this decade to dramatically transform the individuals, families, and fellowships who keep their eyes focused on the Lord. The Holy Spirit waits for God’s people to submit to His transforming work (2Corinthians 3:18).
Our response to this work will require leaving something behind. Many times, it is security, long held beliefs, routines, even people and places we have grown to love. Rarely does this calling not involve a dying to ourselves. It will help to remember that chaos is normal for every Christian committed to following Jesus Christ. Our Father in heaven allows or creates storms, chaos, and crisis to transform us.
Describe the person in Christ you desire to be.
What does becoming a butterfly look like with you?
What might God be requiring you to leave behind?
Storms and Houses
Unfortunately, many of us are quite good at avoiding storms and chaos. It seems like the sensible thing to do, right? The answer is a resounding “yes”, unless God has intended them for our good. Do we believe that God works all things to the good of those who love Him and are called to His purpose? If the answer is, “We’ll see”, then we do not believe it. The storms and chaos are not intended to prove Him, but us!!
The storms of life measure our obedience and love for our King. Whether we like to admit it or not, such tests are for our good: to expose weak foundations and shoddily built structures. Storms, chaos, and crisis are allowed and created by God to test and prove our proverbial houses that we might become refuge, encouragement, and wisdom for those who will lose theirs.
As a side note: “Glass half empty” people must force themselves to look optimistically into the storms. It will help to recognize that the chaos may serve as an answer to our prayers for a lost or wandering soul; and our strong house as God’s intended refuge on the way to their salvation.
When was the last time you asked for a thorough inspection of your proverbial house?
Who will likely be looking to you for refuge, encouragement, and wisdom?
Stepping out of our comfort zone is, well, uncomfortable. However, it is a deception to think our shelters will hold forever – particularly when God is calling us out. Stepping out is the first step in a great adventure; and it is, in fact, the safest move we can make.
God bless you with the time and attention you need for God’s encouragement, edification, and equipping.
Have a strong day in the Lord,
Rob
#iamjustthepen
Ministry Updates and Prayer Requests
Please turn your prayerful attention to God’s voice and purpose for you in this season. We are truly in a Kairos moment of spiritual challenge and opportunity. Knowing His voice is now of paramount importance, and the purpose He entrusts to you will likely be your greatest kingdom legacy.
Video editing for the The Storms Have Only Just Begun course continues. The testimony of that adventure is here. My primary focus is now the aforementioned Study Guide. Please continue to pray for this endeavor.
Leadership Books, Inc. has expressed interest in publishing another of our books – most likely An Enemy Lies Within or A Christian Response to the Metacrisis. Please let me know if you are interested in investing in that project.
As we turn our attention back to A Christian Response to the Metacrisis, please pray for God’s direction in the book’s publication.
God continues to answer our prayers for the development of a Christian healing and deliverance network in Douglas County, Georgia (and the surrounding area). Several churches and ministries are coming together to manifest Jesus’ prayer for unity in service to their community. Please pray for our wisdom in the selection of participating partners, and faith for God’s exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think.
Our move into the Trout Creek Homestead is moving along nicely. Please note our new address is 8322 Saucier Drive, Douglasville, GA 30135. We also appreciate your prayers for our continued spiritual growth and the use of our new home as a refuge of encouragement and wisdom in the storms of this chaotic season.
Please continue to pray for our sisters and brothers suffering under persecution – as if chained with them, since you yourselves are in the body also (Hebrews 13:3).
Partnering with inLight Consulting
God’s purpose for inLight Consulting is beyond human capability. We are desperately dependent on Him; and would have it no other way. We are grateful for the continued support of those that trust God to use this ministry to further His kingdom. Please pray for our vision and mission.
Share the truths you find here with the leaders in your life; it will make them free.
God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; and may He give you the grace and courage to walk in the work He has prepared for you.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob