What Are Problems Good For? by Martin Wiles

I was there again. Wal-Mart. Once my favorite place…but not anymore. 

We were ready to check out, but there were only a few registers open. My wife asked that horrifying question: “Want to go through the self check out?” Going through this line is always a disaster. Sure enough, every third item scanned produced a message requiring assistance.

Our bags were piling up when the attendant asked if we were making a split transaction. We were, but the machine wasn’t currently processing them. Our transaction was cancelled, and we were forced to unbag and re-check our groceries through a normal register. One hour later, we finally hustled out the door.

When assaulted by small and large dilemmas, I often wonder what problems are good for. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character (Romans 5:3-4 NLT).

Endurance-sometimes translated patience, is a virtue and a good trait for others to observe in me. But I’ve learned it’s taught not caught-and through episodes I’m usually not fond of. Like standing in line at Wal-Mart for an hour, or through dealing with a strong willed child, or by having to care for an aging parent who still thinks they’re capable of handling their affairs.

Problems and trials are beneficial because they teach me patience, and this is a spiritual fruit that should hang from my life’s branches (Galatians 5:22-23). Though it’s taken a while, God has taught me to thank him instead of complain about my problems. As promised, he continually brings some good from them that builds my character and fortifies me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Instead of running from your problems or complaining about them, let God teach you through them.

Prayer: Merciful Father, even though we may not enjoy life’s problems, we trust You to teach us truths from them and build our character with them.

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Watched by God by Martin Wiles

Winding the watch strapped around my wrist is a thing of the past. A battery now keeps it ticking for several years with no need for my involvement. Touching it is only necessary twice a year when we enter or exit Daylight Savings Time.

Deism is a theological position that was held by many of America’s early leaders. Though referred to as atheists by more traditional Christians, deists rejected atheism. But they did have a different view of God. Deists imagined him as the universe’s master clock-winder. He cranked up the universe in the beginning and is now sitting idly by watching it peter down.

Seems like a pessimistic position…and it’s certainly not biblical. Now go and call together all the elders of Israel. Tell them…I have been watching closely, and I see how the Egyptians are treating you (Exodus 3:16 NLT).

Though God engineered the Israelites initial voyage into Egypt, he certainly wasn’t oblivious to the taxing slavery they were presently enduring. He saw…and he intervened. Just as my spring wound watches wouldn’t run without daily involvement, so this world won’t either without God’s touch. He established the laws of nature that keep it functioning, but it takes his daily finger caressing the stem.

But God’s involvement extends beyond the big things to the little pieces of my insignificant life. Confidence of this is what gives me strength to face each day and all it might generate. Knowing God gives me power to face daily tests keeps me putting one foot in front of the other. Realizing his hand is in all the details of my life-large and small, encourages me to keep keeping on in spite of difficulties and daily challenges.

Let the reality that you are watched by God give you a different perspective on life.

Prayer: Thank You Father for noticing every detail of our lives and for giving us power to overcome whatever wobbles down our path.

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Shine Where You Are by Martin Wiles

One at a time, they filed nervously up to the speaker’s podium. With shaky voices, they began their list of thank yous…to parents, grandparents, friends, the headmaster, teachers, custodian. Wait a minute…the custodian? Not that being a custodian isn’t an extremely crucial and honorable profession. I’ve just never heard one thanked in a public ceremony before.

I teach at a small Christian school, and Senior Chapel Day is an annual observance that draws a crowd of friends and family members. I thought it odd on this particular occasion that so many of the soon-to-be-graduated seniors would acknowledge our custodian. From their descriptions of him, he appeared more along the lines of a counselor than a person who sweeps and mops our floors, empties our trash, and cleans up our messes.

Jesus challenged his followers to imitate the actions of this modest servant of God. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16 NLT).

I admit-I’ve not always enjoyed shining where God has placed me. But I’ve learned that where God puts me is not the most important matter in my life’s puzzle…it’s what I make of where he puts me. Making good use of every life situation-or predicament, entails shining for him. And when I shine others will notice the One who enables me to shine whether I’m in dire straits or pleasant places. Whether I’m pushing a broom, emptying trash cans, teaching students, or sitting behind a leather desk on the 50th floor of an office building making life changing decisions won’t matter.

So go ahead…shine where God puts you rather than complain about it not being what you’d rather do. You never know…you might be influencing an entire school.

Prayer: Lord of grace and mercy, help us be content where You situate us and shine brightly where You plant us.

If you are struggling monetarily,Grace & Grits & God: Manna from Heaven Served Up Southern Style offers personal and practical insights for how God can take our financial challenges,loses and setbacks and bring beauty from the ashes. Pre-order your copy today!!!!

 

Catch the Vision by Martin Wiles

There are some things I enjoy sharing, but presently this wasn’t one of them. As an elementary age student, getting glasses was a horrible experience.

Glasses may be stylish now, but they weren’t when I procured them. Manufacturers constructed atrocious frames, and-unless they were old, people who wore glasses were called “four eyes” and made fun of. My experience was similar. Receiving the news that I needed them wasn’t exciting.

Jesus told a story about a servant who wasn’t excited about his news either. But the third servant brought back only the original amount of money and said, ‘Master, I hid your money and kept it safe (Luke 19:20 NLT). His boss had left on a trip and entrusted him and others with investment responsibilities. Each one performed well except him. He neglected his duty because he didn’t share his master’s vision and was selfish. The end result: he lost his opportunity.

When there’s no vision, businesses flounder, community organizations deteriorate, and investments dwindle. When spiritual vision is lacking, similar things happen. I flounder around with no divine aims and goals, and the quality of my walk with Christ deteriorates.

God has a general vision for everyone, but realizing his specific plan for me requires asking him to share it. That’s followed by allowing his Spirit to guide me to goals that will help me reach it. Simply knowing God has a vision for me accomplishes nothing.

Living out God’s vision for your life is rewarding and exciting and leads to a sense of fulfillment not discovered anywhere else. As a Christian, his vision for you will somehow relate to his vision for all believers: spread his love worldwide and teach others to obey his commands. Have you discovered God’s plan for you? Are you living it?

Prayer: Thank You Father for choosing to use us in Your worldwide plan of making Your love known to others. Guide us to the specific spot where You want us to work.

If you are struggling monetarily,Grace & Grits & God: Manna from Heaven Served Up Southern Style offers personal and practical insights for how God can take our financial challenges,loses and setbacks and bring beauty from the ashes. Pre-order your copy today!!!!