Reflections 2013: Life is Hard, REALLY

I usually end the year with a post reflecting on the challenges and lessons learned  this year and what my ambitions and disciplines will be for the coming year to make it much more fruitful. As I was thinking about this past year, I made an observation. Every year I think to myself something like this: "Next year is going to be different. Life is going to be smooth sailing. The bank account is going to show a few more commas, the family will get along perfectly, I'll finally get promoted, the Redskins will win the SuperBowl, happy happy happy." I think, "If I can just get these few principles I've learned down pat I can live the next year in peace without any hindrances." But for some reason this just hasn't happened.

Ian Smith has said, " Luck is great, but most of life is hard work.

Lesson learned:

Life is hard, REALLY. In fact, it's hard almost every single day. Aside from working everyday and caring for our families we need to stay healthy, build our skillset, and grow in our relationship with the Lord. Naturally, it takes time and hard work to cultivate anything worth while whether it's a relationship, ministry, or a profession. Meanwhile, there are problems and opportunities bundled in packages simply waiting for us to discover on a daily basis. REALLY. We should learn to expect problems and friction and not be shocked when they arise. I share this because I personally have believed the lie, I know some of  you have as well, that there will come a time when things get much easier. We think, "If I can trust the Lord through this season,  the future will be much easier to navigate." Following the Lord doesn't mean life gets easier, it means we can overcome in every situation and circumstance.

Allow me to share a snippet from John Maxwell:

"Everyone's reality is different. However, there are some realities that are true for all of life:  

Life is difficult. Life is difficult for everyone. Life is more difficult for some than others. Somehow people believe that life is supposed to be easy. This is particularly a problem here in America. We expect a smooth easy road to success. We expect our lives to be hassle free. That is not reality! Even if we are willing to concede that life is difficult for most people, deep down inside many of us secretly hope somehow this truth won't apply to us. I'm sorry to say it isn't so. No one escapes life's problems, failures, and loses. If we are to make progress we must do so through life's difficulties. If we don't understand and accept this truth that life is difficult, we set ourselves up for failure."

It's hard to swallow, but it's true. How many folks believe life is only hard for them? Don't raise your hand. My life has been a twisted mess of hurt, letdowns, and hardships but I've also experienced some great things and have made lasting memories. As I've matured, I've noticed a pattern. Life is full of ups and downs (REALLY) and most of the time everyday is a struggle. The application here is to accept the fact that that life is difficult. BUT, when the good times come, celebrate them. Learn to recognize the waves of peace, pause and enjoy them. Not long after your going to be grinding it out until you get over the next hump. "There's a time and a season for every activity under the heavens. A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..." #Truth

The other lesson I learned is that it's ok to be me. I like and enjoy certain things because it's a part of me, it's how I'm wired. What a tragedy it is to copy the lifestyle, talents, and personality of others. If we aren't careful we won't fulfill our dream because we're to focused on imitating the dreams of others. The comparison game is never ending and exhausting. This came to a head for me while I was at an event earlier this year. I believe I compared myself to every single person I saw, for hours. Worse yet, I think I wanted to be like every single person, weird huh?

My grandfather taught me there's always someone better no matter how good you are. Let them do them and you do you. Or, "You, get you you and I'ma get, me me", as a friend of mine says. Except who you are, don't be ashamed of it. Grow in the areas you need to grown in but never compromise your personality, desires, and talents. If you've been living someone else's dream, ask God for a dream of your own and He will give it to you.

"Whatever you think, be sure it is what you think; whatever you want; be sure it is what you want". -TS Elliot


Life takes hard work, patience, and determination (REALLY) to make it through. I believe it was Augustine who said, "The more I have to do today, the more time I spend with God." Likewise,  Dr. Hang Yang's sermon this year was a powerful reminder as to how it's done, by fixing our eyes on Jesus. "Fix" literally means to direct one's eyes, attention, or mind steadily or unwaveringly toward. When we fall we dust ourselves off and get back up. We fight our battles on our knees. Keep moving forward, laugh at yourself, and know this, "It takes a long long time for God to work in someone's life before it amounts to anything."(Rick Warren)

My power verse for next year is Colossians 2:7:

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, so walk in  Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

God Always Comes Through

I stumbled upon a gem of a scripture this week. It's as straightforward as they come, nothing flashy but one that can be that can applied all the time. Before I share the scripture, allow me to set it up with a quote I read from Charles Stanley this morning. "Jesus never let circumstances control His emotions or dictate His actions. He chose to trust that God was able to carry out His Word." 

Every time I read that quote it stops me in my tracks. Wow, God always carries out His Word. Not just in the Bible from a historical and prophetic account, but in verses that He's given us personally. I can look back in the recent past and see how His Word has shaped my life and the very scriptures that were illuminated to me came to pass. The only thing that "is what is..."is God's Word. I write this week to encourage those who are going through change. I write this week to tell you...God Always Comes Through.

If there's one thing that's certain in life, it's change. Change is gonna come. It can be pleasant, hurtful, dreadful, painful, and uncomfortable. Wow. One good word, the others, not so much. Those negative words can turn into welcoming words, with the right attitude. Change isn't fun, it's challenging, but it leads us to our destiny. The scripture is Psalm 69:32, "The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged." 

I know a guy right now getting ready to go through a divorce. He and his wife just recently bought a house together too. How can you tell someone going through that it's going to be alright? "Let all who seek God's help be encouraged." Reading through the Psalms you'll discover that David struggled in life and also in His relationship with God. On many occasions he asked God to forgive him of his sins, and for God to create in him a clean heart. Being broken and beat down though didn't stop him from putting his trust in the Lord. He knew God would heal him and God was the only one that could. Ever been there? Not a fun place to be, but God restores those who seek Him. "The humble will see their God at work and be glad."

Personally, I'm embarking on a new journey. I'll be switching careers early next year, leaving behind comfort and security that I've known for years. I'll be taking a pay cut which is outlandish I know, but I'm putting my trust in God who has led me thus far and has opened a door of opportunity for me and my family. My wife and I are step parents, and we face challenges every day with our children and other family members. We want what is best for them and we do our best to raise them properly. Dealing with change is tough, and life is tough. But putting our hope in God will always bring about praise! "From where the sun rises to where it sets, You inspire shouts of joy!" Penned by David after being up to his neck in flood waters. 

For you, for me, and for all who put their hope in God, choose to trust that God will always carry out His Word. "Let all who seek God's help be encouraged." If you've never sought His help before, make today the day. Be encouraged. He Always Comes Through.