Accepting Rejection - Martin Wiles

He did not retaliate when was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 1 Peter 2:23 NLT

Accepting rejection is never fun.

Peer pressure is a part of growing up. As a middle school teacher, I’ve watched the lengths students will travel to be accepted—especially new students who want to fit in. Parents spend extra money so kids can have name brand clothes or the most popular tech games. New students sometimes completely change their personalities, trying to become the person they feel their peers want them to be. I watched one student overdose on an over-the-counter drug just to get attention. Some who have no interest in sports play anyway. Others make poor grades just so they won’t be made fun of for being smart.

The only perfect person who ever lived also faced rejection. But Jesus didn’t retaliate, change his personality, or try to become someone else to fit in. He accepted rejection as a part of God’s plan.

Rejection is worth the cost when the cause is admirable. Jesus’ cause was worth everything he had to undergo. He was going to die for our sins. His death would usher in a new existence for those who accepted him as God’s perfect sacrifice.

As a believer and Jesus’ representative, we should expect rejection. And I’ve received it. During middle school, in fact, I was rejected and laughed at by some because of my moral values. I wouldn’t let anyone copy my homework—which I actually viewed as important. I figured if I suffered through the agony of doing it, the lazy students could as well. Nor would I cheat simply to make a good grade.

With God’s wisdom, however, we can process our rejection. If we're rejected because we follow Christ, we can depend on God’s strength to help us accept the rejection—regardless of how much it hurts.

When rejection comes, we can also be assured that God will never reject us. In the scheme of life, the reasons others reject us are often trivial. Our ultimate acceptance must come from God—even if it means being rejected by everyone else. When we're accepted by God, our purpose in life will become clear and our joy will be complete.

Think about whom you seek acceptance from, and at what cost?

Father, remind me that following you is worth any price I might have to pay.

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

The Uncomfortableness of Change - Martin Wiles

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster; to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

The fish landed on the ground and flopped around, and I waited to see what would happen.

When I was a young lad, my grandmother taught me to fish, and I fished regularly until life got too busy. When I fished with my grandmother, we did so in a small wooden—and then later, aluminum—boat. If I went with my brother or by myself, I stood on the bank.

More than once, I had a fish fall to the bottom of the boat or on the bank because the hook was barely engaged or because the fish slipped from my hands as I removed the hook. As soon as the fish hit the ground, it flopped around. It was out of its normal environment. Instinct told it that if it didn’t return to water, it would die. Sometimes, the flopping was so intense that the fish actually flopped back into the water. Most of the time, it simply died.

In a verse that had immediate application to Israel but future meaning to anyone who chose to follow God, God assured His people that He had good plans for them.

Israel’s future was bright. Unfortunately, they didn’t always share God’s vision. Like a fish out of water, they flopped around, desiring what wasn’t best for them.

Being out of water makes a fish uncomfortable. Change has occurred. Rather than succumb to what’s ahead—being cooked and eaten—the fish yearns for what it has always known.

God’s plans often make us uncomfortable, too. I call it change. Instead of giving in and following what we know is a good plan, we often flop around like fish out of water until we fall back into our normal traditions or customs—where we feel comfortable again.

When God presents us with His plan, our only choices are to move ahead—kicking and screaming, flopping around—or to forge ahead with excitement and belief that where God is leading is better than where we are. A journey we can only take by faith.

God’s plan usually makes us uncomfortable, but our responsibility is to believe that His plan is preferable to ours and will always lead us to a brighter future. And it will. His plan is for our good, not disaster.

Think about how you are responding to God’s plan.

Father, give me vision to see the good plans you have for my future. 

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Chicken and Rice Perlo

 

Ingredients

7 BONELESS/SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS

2 CUPS MINUTE RICE

LARGE CARTON OF CHICKEN BROTH

1 STICK OF BUTTER

SALT/PEPPER

½ TEASPOON GARLIC POWDER

½ TEASPOON ONION POWDER

16 OUNCES SOUR CREAM

1 CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP

Directions 

BOIL CHICKEN IN WATER, BUTTER, SALT/PEPPER, GARLIC, AND ONION POWDER UNTIL TENDER.

REMOVE CHICKEN FROM BROTH, SHRED, AND RETURN TO BROTH.

ADD REMAINING INGREDIENTS AND SIMMER ON LOW UNTIL RICE IS TENDER.

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Trudging Through Muddy Waters - Martin Wiles

When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! Isaiah 43:2 NLT

Before us was a wide river; behind us were miles of unmarked territory. 

Panthertown Valley in North Carolina was the most confusing place I had ever hiked. Numerous trails meandered through hundreds of acres, but none were marked. The maps didn’t seem to match the actual layout of the areas, and several side trails veered off from the main trails, making it extremely difficult to follow the map.

On one particular hike, my brother, son, and I chose an unfamiliar route. After hiking several miles, we came to a bulging river. None of us could swim, and we weren’t sure we could return the way we had come. While the water wasn’t raging, what if it was deeper than it appeared? My brother decided to be the guinea pig and made it safely across. My son was short; I’d have to carry him. So with a child on my back and a hiking staff in my hand, we traversed the cold water and made it safely to the other side.

God’s Old Testament people had been through deep and muddy waters more than once. In their history, wave after wave of foreign invaders attacked them and on several occasions carried them away as captives. But each time, God delivered them.

Like the nation of Israel, I can recount an entire list of muddy water episodes: rebellious children, dying relatives, financial meltdowns, broken relationships, unemployment, low-paying jobs, abuse, cancer, and physical ailments. And if I haven’t faced the muddy waters myself, I’ve been close to someone who has.

God never gave up on the nation of Israel. He always came to their rescue. He’s done the same for me. Just as I couldn’t see the bottom of the river we crossed, so I couldn't see the bottom of the muddy-water episodes I’ve encountered. 

But it doesn’t matter. I knew the one who allowed me to cross through the waters, and he had a reason for doing so. The lessons I’ve learned resulted in spiritual growth. And God has given me many opportunities to share my lessons with children, teens, and adults. I’ve also noticed that people traversing muddy-water episodes listen more carefully to someone who has been through the muddy waters themselves.

When God takes you through muddy waters, enjoy the journey and be open to what he’s teaching you.

Father, I trust you to guide me through life’s muddy waters, believing you will keep me safe and provide something better on the other side. 

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

A Time to Be Silent - Martin Wiles

But the people were silent and did not answer because Hezekiah had told them not to speak. Isaiah 36:21 NLT

“You know what your problem is? You don’t know when to shut up and when to speak up.”

I heard the quote from an actor on television, but couldn’t help but think of a person I once knew. When their name appeared on my smartphone’s screen, I sometimes cringed—especially if I was in a hurry. They tended to ramble. Sometimes I never knew why they called. When my wife asked why they called, I often said, “I’m not really sure.” Telling them I was eating or had company meant nothing. 

Nor was my friend easy to have a conversation with. Sometimes I would call them with news or to ask a question. As soon as I shared what I called to tell them, they launched into a story about someone else who may have had a similar issue to mine. They simply had never learned the art of being silent.

King Hezekiah was ruling in the southern kingdom of a divided Israeli nation. When an Assyrian representative invited the people to surrender to his forces, they remained quiet. The king had told them it was a time for silence. 

I admit there have been many times when I’ve not done much better than my friend. I’ve rambled on, interrupted, or jumped into the middle of someone else’s story.

I have learned many words usually lead to trouble. The rest of the introductory quote went something like this: “That makes you a fool.” 

When we talk more than we should, we'll typically say something we shouldn’t. Perhaps we’ll share a tidbit of gossip. We may let an unkind remark slip. At the very least, talking when we should be listening means we’ll share something that doesn’t have to be shared. Much in any situation is better left unsaid.

When we're never silent, it also keeps us from listening. I continually remind myself that God gave me two ears for a reason. Unfortunately, my tongue seems to get in the way more than it should. 

The people on the wall listened to Hezekiah, but we don’t always do such a good job of listening to God and others. One thing’s for sure: talking and listening are mutually exclusive.

There are times when silence is truly golden. Ask God for wisdom to know when your times of silence are.

Father, give me the wisdom to know when to speak up and when to remain silent. 

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

On-Call God - Martin Wiles

I will call to you whenever trouble strikes, and you will answer me. Psalm 86:5 NLT

When you’re on call, anything can happen.

Of all the different jobs I’ve had, being a pastor was the only one that required me to be on call continuously. Always being on call was taxing, but it came with the territory.

I’ve known others who were on call, but it was only for a limited time. My on-call duties differed. Since I had to be available at all times, I had to postpone vacations, come home early from them, get up in the middle of the night to go to the hospital, or miss my children’s activities due to a meeting, wedding, or funeral. No complaints. I knew I’d have to take these reins when I signed up. While one person can’t do it all, someone must be on call when members need assistance.

My mom also expects me to be on call when she beckons. A recent conversation went something like this: 

Me: Hello. 

Mom: Do you have company? 

Me: Yes. 

And then she proceeded to talk for fifteen minutes. I must admit that, since this is typical for her, I sometimes hit the ignore button when I see her name appear. Then I feel guilty. Perhaps something was wrong, and she really needed me.

God, on the other hand, doesn’t share the frustrations I sometimes fight against, nor does he ever hit the ignore button. He enjoys every minute of being on call.

God is continuously on call because he wants to be. His love and concern for us spur him to answer our every beck and call. He cares as no one else can. He exhibits love in its purest form.

God is also on call continuously because he can be. I may be on call, but there are some things that could prevent me from responding immediately. I may have to get up and get dressed. Not so with God. God’s characteristics allow him to be anywhere promptly.

People on call are on call because they have the knowledge and ability to respond to a particular need. God does as well. Regardless of what is wrong in our lives, he can repair it—spiritually, physically, or emotionally. He knows our needs before we ever call and is more than willing to run to our side.

Depend on God for all your needs. He’s always on call.

Father, I thank you that no matter what my need is or what time it is, you are always there for me. 

I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in either eBook or paperback format. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Chicken and Dumplings

 

Ingredients

1 32-ounce can of chicken broth 

    

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken 

¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning

2 carrots sliced

3 celery ribs diced

1 can of buttermilk biscuits

Directions

Bring chicken broth, chicken, chicken soup, and poultry seasoning to a boil.

Cook five minutes.

Flatten biscuits, and cut into one-half-inch strips.

Drop one at a time into boiling pot.

Add carrots and celery.

Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.

Stir occasionally.

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I invite you to try my book A Whisper in the Woods in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.