“For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Romans 7:22-24 KJV
Breaking
Every
Yoke
Opening
New
Doors
How do I even begin to communicate the profound lostness I feel? Over the course of the past several months, I have experienced devastating changes in my perception of self, my value and contribution to society and most importantly to the Kingdom of God. I’ll spare you the details here, not because I’m afraid of the details, but because we all have our own stuff to deal with and overcome.
So, let me just begin with what has inspired me to once again pick up my pen. Friends and family have the ability to ask the hard questions and the persistence to wait for a real answer. It’s because of two such questions I’m writing this response.
“Why haven’t I seen any new posts from Russ?”
“As a Pastor, what would you tell someone facing the situation you’re currently facing?”
Okay, the truth is, I’m like an old outboard motor that takes more than a light tug on the ripcord to start. Or, an old motorcycle that requires more than one kick on the starter to turn the engine over. No matter what it took, I thank my friends for asking the hard questions and waiting for the answers.
To the first question the answer is, I didn’t think anyone was listening and I thought no one cared. It’s not like anyone was ringing my phone off the hook offering me a place to minister. The one invitation I did receive was canceled when I called to confirm the time. I simply quit preparing.
The fact that you asked the question tells me my assumption was incorrect. At least one person was listening. Sorry I dropped the ball, Coach. I’ll try harder and I won’t just walk off the field.
“All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.”
2 Corinthians 4:15-16 NLT
God’s grace will reach more and more people. Believing that becomes the command, never give up. That command is the starting point in addressing the advice I would give, if I were leading someone else through a similar situation.
“Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”
Hebrews 10:32-36 NLT (Emphasis Added)
Faith is not the denial of physical limitations, it is the acceptance of spiritual reality that is beyond the realm of this world. Breaking every yoke that is holding us back requires complete trust in God’s promises. When we confidently take a stand on those promises, new doors of opportunity are opened in our lives. God’s grace will reach more and more people. Our current condition has no bearing on that fact.
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT
God cannot be thwarted, dissuaded, or ignored. What He has planned will be established. What He has started will be completed, and what He has accomplished will be noticed. Waiting on new doors to open is difficult but worth the struggle. We just need to remember to follow these simple steps: Ask, Seek, and Knock.
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 NLT
The biggest obstacle I’ve faced is knowing exactly what to ask for, being diligent in my search, and finding the right door upon which to knock. Anyone facing unimaginable difficulties can identify with the feelings of lostness and depression, but only those who have put their trust is God can understand the promise:
“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” John 14:13-16 NLT
The good Shepherd left the 99 to find the one. Remember you are the one and He will do anything for you! Are you ready to move beyond your current circumstance? God is able to make that happen!
