ACTIVATING EXPERT HELP YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU HAD
‘Every valley shall be raised, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged places a broad valley. And the glory and majesty and splendor of the Lord will be revealed, And all humanity shall see it together; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.” ‘ Isaiah 40:4–5
I started getting annoyed the other day. Annoyed with two kids trying to home school at our house. Annoyed that my wife has pneumonia and now I have the same symptoms. Annoyed that our house was too small to be stuck in it for two weeks. Annoyed that our internet couldn’t handle all the devices on our wifi. Annoyed that we didn’t have a backyard where the kids could go run around. Annoyed that our two year old 💩 ‘d on the floor while potty training.
Even as I type that out loud — it’s such a pathetic rant of complaining.
As I mentioned the other day, seven million people have lost their job. 40% of Americans do not have $400 in their savings account. Thousands, if not millions have pre-existing medical conditions which increase their odds of injesting the corona virus 🦠. Those are some f’n tough circumstances.
And, what about guys like my friend Chris in Michigan. He’s single, works part time at a church and recently lost his job. He’s hurting, trying to sort out what the f to do next. He’s praying his face off in the midst of this disaster. How many others are like Chris? And, on top of it, he’s isolated.
If I think my issues are anything — they are nothing in comparison to what the majority of the world is now facing. I feel ashamed to even type out my frustrations. What a joke.
This verse in Isaiah is fascinating becasue it is echoed in Luke 3. I see the word “glory, majesty and splendor” and I’m like, “whoa, I don’t see any of that 💩 happening right now. Glory, where? Majesty, where? Splendor, where?
I try to look on all the great things God’s done, and not focus on the negative. It’s a perspective. — Joel Osteen
Well, look here, brother Joel bringing out another one of his “bangers”. I have to ask myself this question and I’m going to ask you the same one — “what the f are you focusing on right now?”
I focus on one thing and one thing only — that’s trying to win as many championships as I can. — Kobe Bryant
What are the things occupying your mind? If your mind is real estate — who are you selling property to? Who is developing that land? Are they skyscrapers — and if they are, how high are they? Are they skyscrapers for good or for evil? You are the master architect.
I have a love and hate for this next verse — but it should kick you pretty hard in the teeth. And, hopefully, that’s a good thing for you. I know it is for me.
‘I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. ‘ Philippians 3:13
You know what’s really f’n hard — focusing on the future, or in other words, focusing on your potential. When you get hit hard, as many of you are — it’s nearly impossible to see past the current pain.
So, how do you focus on the future?
The only way forward is “trust”. You have to absolutely f’n believe that God has more for you. You have to believe WHAT the Word of God says about your life.
As this original verse in Isaiah eludes to “glory, splendor, majesty” — you must dig and search to uncover these truths. And, you know what, digging requires effort. It’s hard — but it’s not impossible and you have a helper.
‘But when the Father sends the Spirit of Holiness, the One like me who sets you free, he will teach you all things in my name. And he will inspire you to remember every word that I’ve told you.’ John 14:26
I’d say — put “the helper” to work. What do you need “the helper” to do for you? Do you need courage — ask Him. Do you need trust — ask Him. Do you need a job or money — ask Him. Do you need peace or a friend during isolation — ask Him.
You can make it happen — you can beat this. You can rise from the ashes. The comeback is yours. I’m praying with you and for you.
Let’s pray:
Jesus, I need help in most of those things Anthony mentioned. It seems dire, dark and I’m afraid. But, I believe you can do ANYTHING. Help me see my potential — my future. Help me write the story you have for me. I will rise up. My day will be better. My future is brighter. Let’s do this. Amen.
