Why?

My youngest son, Isaac (23 months), has recently learned a new word: Why. There is a lot packed into that little word. You see, Isaac is quickly approaching his second birthday, and it's around two years old that children begin to find their sinful nature. You've heard of the terrible two's? At this age, children reveal their built in desire to rebel. Isaac has probably picked this word up from one of his older siblings. However, he uses it far more frequently. When we tell him not to do something, he has begun to always respond with that deep and significant question, why? I must say, there aren't many things sweeter than the sound that comes through the voice of a toddler. I have found myself having to push past the cuteness to better understand what is taking place in his mind.

The word why is used as a question to help clarify and to hopefully receive a better explanation. If we can't wrap our minds around something, whether it be a statement or a situation, we will often ask why? If something doesn't make sense, it begs the question why? We want to know the details. We want to better understand the reason for something.

I laugh at my son, but I realize that I have found myself in different places throughout life when I have asked God the same question. When we experience difficulty in this life, it is easy to want to know all the details. Really, what is happening is that we are questioning the very sovereignty of God. For the follower of Christ, the sovereignty of God says that God is always in control, even when life gets out of control. This means that even when we don't understand why things happen the way they do, God is still in control of the situation. We may only see what is right in front of us, but God is involved in the big picture.

My wife likes to describe this idea with a picture in which we can all relate. Imagine you are driving down the highway and there is an eighteen-wheel truck directly in front of you. It can be really hard to see around him. All you are able to see is the back of that large truck. You may want to find out why he is driving so slow, but in that moment you're not able to see the big picture. This requires patience until the opportunity is there for you or the truck to move.

We will have times in our life when we want to see the big picture, and God wants us to lean in and trust Him. God always has a purpose in everything and we can trust Him, even when we want to ask why?  

Here are a few Scriptures that I claim when I find myself in a season of asking that question:
Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Proverbs 16:9  In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Matthew 6:8  Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
Matthew 6:26  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

May God whisper those words into your ear when you find yourself asking why? When we feel as if we need all the answers and want to ask why, we need to remember a simple phrase: God is good. All the time.

Man Is Born For Trouble

Up until two weeks ago, our family, the Hartleys have been fairly free of trouble. We have faced the death of grandparents, we have experienced serious injuries, we have dealt with a difficult transition in life, but never in our wildest dreams would we think that one of us would get cancer. We have all been fairly healthy over the years.

When I received the call from my Mom and heard, "Fred, we received terrible news today." My heart sunk. I wept over the phone with my Mom. I remember the feeling I had. It was almost as if I was punched in the stomach. I have always been close to my sister. She and I have been together for all but two years of my life. For the first time, I felt vulnerable. For the first time, I thought, how could this happen? This was the most difficult news I have ever received.

As I have processed this news and the reality of my sister's diagnosis, I am reminded of some of the posts that I have written in this blog previously. It was almost as if God was preparing me for this news. God makes it very clear in His Word (Job 5:7): "Man is born for trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." In other words, adversity will come to a person's life and God allows it to happen.

Since God has allowed my sister to experience this disease, and He has allowed our entire family to grieve and experience this with her, then He certainly has a purpose for it. God does not do anything without a purpose. No matter what God has done throughout history, He has had a special plan. At the end of each day of creation, we read in Genesis 1 that, "He saw that it was good." Every person that has ever been created, God says are "fearfully and wonderfully made." These are two examples of the fact that God never makes a mistake. Even in my sister's disease, He has a design, He has a purpose.

In light of that, we as a family have prayed that God would reveal His plan to us. I am also praying, personally, that God will minister to my own heart. Ultimately, we long to see Jesus glorified through this journey that we are on. I am trusting God for complete healing for my sister. In addition, I am asking God to sanctify me more wholly as I long to understand more of God's character through this journey. 

We, as a family, are in the process of being inside the Refiners fire. We are being pressed, stretched and tested through this journey. I am praying that we experience what Job says in 23:10, "But He knows the way that I take, when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold." I want to experience all that God has purposed for me through this journey with my sister. I look forward to sharing these insights through this blog. I want to come forth as gold.

In closing, I want to encourage those of you in the midst of a trial, open yourself to the Holy Spirit's work in your life. May the Lord meet you in your valley. May you experience the height and depth of the love of Jesus. Oh how He loves you and me, He gave His life, what more could He give.

Jesus, show me Your way.  Have your way in me.

Are we there yet?

Growing up, my family took several long road trips. I spent my childhood living in Homestead, Florida, which is at the southernmost tip of the state, just north of the Keys. In order to vacate in another state, we had to drive at least 10 hours. One Summer, our family drove from Homestead up to Maine for family vacation. Imagine that! As any child would, I struggled to stay focused during the drive. I knew where I came from and I knew where we were going, but the trip grew long. All I could see was the road ahead and the signs, trees and other cars we were passing. As a child, my limited understanding of mileage and time caused me to ask this famous question, several hundred times on that trip: Are we there yet? In other words, when would we reach our destination? 

I currently find myself in a season of life when I have been asking God this very question: Are we there yet? Eight months ago I was serving along side a lead pastor and enjoying ministry as his associate. Little did I know that soon after that, my senior pastor would leave the church leaving me to serve as the only pastor on staff in a church of 150+ people in weekly attendance. This season of interim ministry has been stretching. I have been stretched to fulfill all of the weekly ministry needs, in addition to leading a growing student ministry. At times I have felt in over my head. I have been more than ready for a lead pastor to respond to God's call to serve here. I know where we as a church want to be, but when will we reach our destination of having a senior pastor in place?

The disciples of Jesus found themselves in a similar situation as recorded at the end of Mark 4. They got into a boat to sail across the sea. While crossing the sea, a huge storm moved in. The wind was strong. The waves were so fierce that water drenched the boat. The disciples were stressed and ready to get to their destination. They couldn't handle the stress on their own. The disciples decided to wake Jesus from a nap, and they asked Him to do something about the storm. Jesus responded by calming the storm and then He told the disciples to relax.

What kind of situation do you find yourself in? Perhaps you know the destination and where you would like to be, but right now it is difficult to see the finish line. Maybe you're in the midst of a crises season of life and have been asking God: Are we there yet? Remember that Jesus is still in the business of calming storms. For me, God has given me strength during this interim ministry in being the lone pastor at my church. Trust in Jesus. He wants to calm the storm in your life and help you get to where you want to be.

Thanks Giving and Giving Thanks

I love Thanksgiving.  Our culture has taken us to a place where we jump from Halloween to "the Holidays" aka Christmas and New Years.  I heard today through a friend that there were people already setting up a tent in the Best Buy parking lot next to his house.  They were of course doing this so that they could hit the Black Friday Sales.  My question is, "Are these people celebrating Thanksgiving?"  Our culture has become so consumed with the next best sale and buying the best gadget, that they are missing out on one of our calendar's best holidays, Thanksgiving.

There are many texts in Scriptures that talk about Thanksgiving.  The one that I get hung up on every time comes from Paul's words in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Give thanks in all circumstances."  Now, I don't know about you, but I have a hard time swallowing that verse.  Paul is saying that no matter what life throws at you, be thankful.

Jesus is a prime example of someone who understands this admonishment.  Any passage you read that records what took place at the last supper in the upper room, with Jesus and His disciples, tells us that Jesus gave thanks before He administered the first communion.  At the last supper, Jesus is getting ready to fulfill His purpose for coming to earth, ultimately to die.  He was getting ready to be betrayed.  He was getting ready to face mockery and beating.  He was getting ready to face crucifixion which meant being nailed to a cross.  He knew this was coming, and yet on the night He was betrayed, He paused and gave thanks.

I could think of a hundred reasons why it would be difficult to give thanks in all circumstances.  Our sister church in town lost their church building in a fire last week.  A friend of my wife and I lost her son, who was 12 years old, to a battle with cancer last week.  Another friend of ours is asking the Lord to heal his mother who was badly injured in a serious car accident last Friday.  This last year, when my son fell into a fire, that was a time when it was difficult to give thanks to the Lord.

The Greek words used for give thanks, as recorded in the gospel account of what Jesus did at the last supper, is the same as the Hebrew word barak which means "to kneel down, to bless or praise God as an act of adoration."  Giving thanks is synonymous with worship.  Jesus took time to praise God even though He was about to face death.

In light of this, the reason Paul challenges us to give thanks in all circumstances is because of the fact that even when life is bad, God still deserves our thanks and praise.  No matter how difficult life may be, Jesus is still worthy of our praise because of who He is and what He has done for us.  Jesus paid the price for our sins.  He was sacrificed for us so that we might receive salvation.  Because of that, He is worthy!

Let me encourage you, no matter what you are going through right now, take time to praise the Name of Jesus.  Take time to consider His goodness and faithfulness. He is good and His love endures forever.  God is good, all the time!

Why do bad things happen to good people?

This is a question that is often asked and is also a question that is not easily answered. Ever since the plane high-jacking incident of 9/11 happened, I have wrestled with this question. This is a question that was raised last weekend as a part of the TV coverage of the Aurora massacre. Why does God allow this to happen?

Furthermore, each of us know of situations that hit a little closer to home. For example, I know of a couple families in our church who are dealing with husband – wife separations and possible divorce. There are several people in our church who are battling cancer. Joanna and I have been through a crisis this year that I have written about in a previous blog as our son fell into a fire and burnt his hand and then our van broke down.

I honestly admit that I don’t have all the answers. I wish that there was some sort of formula for dealing with this issue. Volumes have been written on this subject. But, I do want to share with you what the Lord has spoken to me as I have wrestled with this question. If anything, I want to bring this topic to the forefront of your thoughts as it is relevant to what is happening in our world.

First of all, I have understood that it is alright to get upset with God. As I read Psalm 10, I can just sense the anger that David had because God seemed distant. He felt as if the wicked were getting away with too much. David was a man after God’s heart and even he was upset with God. God is big enough to handle our anger. Anger is a part of every relationship, although anger is often based on misunderstandings. We must deal with our anger appropriately.

Secondly, bad things happen because there is evil in the world. Ever since Adam and Eve fell in sin, humanity was knocked over the head with the sinful nature. God had two options when He created us. He could have created us in some form of robot that would be holy all the time, quick to worship Him, and quick to do what’s right, but with no real choices. Instead He chose to give us a free will which allows us to choose between good and evil. God hates sin. God is just and will punish those who do evil. When Cain killed his brother, he was punished and was never able to settle down in a land. Unfortunately, many of the tragedies that we face today are a direct result of the sinful state of our world.

Our tendency is to settle on a reason for everything that happens. Unfortunately, that is not always possible, and forcing a fake reason doesn’t do us any good. It’s so easy to get consumed with the here and the now, that we often forget that God is in control of the big picture. Our lives are like a piece to a puzzle, we get to see some of the picture, some of the colors, but we don’t see how it all fits together. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.” It is so easy to want answers right away, but God wants us to rest in the fact that He is in control. God is sovereign and we can rest in that fact. He says in his word, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Even though God allows bad to happen, we can rest assure that He is in control.

As we seek God in regards to this area, may He grant us wisdom. The people in our community have questions. If you haven’t been cornered on this issue, you will very soon. I trust the Lord will use you to help frustrated people see the light of Jesus and embrace His love during these rocky roads of life. I leave you with this, James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

Where's God? There's God!

When we decide to follow Jesus, He doesn’t promise us that life will all of a sudden be a bed of roses. Some people paint a picture that a life in Jesus is full of joy and happiness all the time. Well, a life in Christ is characterized by that, but it’s not that way all the time. Job 5:7 says, “As surely as sparks fly upward, so a man was born for adversity.” If you are human, you are going to deal with hard times, whether you are a follower of Christ or not.

Last week, my family and I found ourselves in the middle of a crisis. I was in my office plowing through some Summer scheduling for the youth group and received a phone call that my youngest son had fallen into a fire and burnt his hand. I then took him to our family doctor to find out that this was no sunburn! He had a very serious burn that required special attention because of his age and because it was his hand. So, Joanna and I took Luke down to a hospital and burn unit in the Twin Cities. Well to make matters worse, two blocks from the hospital, our mini-van broke down and wouldn’t start. Joanna and Luke had to walk and check into the hospital by themselves and I was left to call a tow truck.

Now, someone who isn’t walking with the Lord, would take the opportunity in that auto mechanic waiting area to shake their fist at God and question Him. There would be others who would hear of our story and think, “Where is God in that situation?” “How could God allow this terrible thing to happen to such nice people?” “If they love Jesus and serve Jesus, then why would He put them through that?”

I remember sitting in the waiting area of the repair shop and crying out to God, I said, “God reveal Yourself to me!” Through prayer, God’s presence and love came rushing in like a river into my soul. I felt an overwhelming strength and faith knowing that God had everything under control. I was reminded of James 1 that says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Notice the word, whenever. It doesn’t say if you face trials, it says when you face trials. No matter how strong your faith in Jesus is, trials will surely come. God uses those trials to build our faith.

I heard a statement one time from a pastor that has stuck with me to today, “Nothing that is under God’s control is ever out of control.” No matter how difficult life can seem sometimes, God is sovereign and He has everything under control. God is right in the middle of every circumstance we face and He allowed it to happen. I could write another article on all that God did in our lives because of this trial. The answer to the question, “Where’s God?” is “There’s God!” He will never leave you or forsake you!