It's Okay to Not Know

 

In Corrie Ten Boom’s book, “The Hiding Place,” Corrie tells a story about an interaction she had with her father when she was a young girl. She asked him what sex-sin was. He thought long and hard and then asked her to pick up his suitcase which was much too heavy for her. He told her that like that suitcase, so was knowledge that is too heavy for a young girl. He told her he would explain things to her once she was big enough to carry that knowledge and that she would need to trust him to carry it for her in the meantime. That was enough.

Like Corrie, I was recently made aware that a difficult situation had happened, but I was not allowed to know the details. Of course, I was curious and wanted to know more, but I simply had to be satisfied with just a little information. I wasn’t merely being nosey. mind you. I wanted information, so I could process things and form my own opinions about the matter. But general information had to be enough.

After the first few days passed, I noticed the demeanor of a few people who did know the details. The weight of that knowledge was heavy upon them. They looked strained and haggard. Swollen, red eyes hinted at much crying. I began to think, “Maybe it’s best I don’t know the details. This could be bad for my mental, emotional, and even physical health.”

Consider these verses from Ecclesiastes 1 (ESV):

“I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.

I said in my heart, ‘I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.

For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.’”

 

The Preacher (whom many assume was Solomon) knew all about what was happening in his kingdom and in much of the rest of the world – “all that is done under heaven.” He saw much suffering and injustice as well as meaningless activity. Even though he was a king, he felt the powerlessness of not being able to fix the evils of this world.

 

Again, some knowledge is just too heavy for us to carry. I felt this deep in my bones on October 7, 2023. If you’re uncertain about what happened on that date, I caution you to be careful if you research it. Terrible, horrible things happened in Israel. I watched too many troubling videos on social media. Lingering too long, I saw things I will never forget.

 

Yes, we want to stay informed about history and current events, but limiting the knowledge of evil, especially of which we have no control, might be wiser than consuming it straight into our hearts and minds over and over again. Many today are suffering from depression and anxiety, and although, these can be complex issues, feeding our hearts day-in and day-out on endless news cycles and social media posts cannot be helping us mentally, physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.

 

Like Mr. Ten Boom, our Father in Heaven waits to carry this knowledge that is too heavy for us. We can trust Him with it.

 

I Peter 5:6-8, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

 

The enemy can destroy us internally with knowledge we should not be bearing.

 

Protect your heart. Give your cares to the Lord. He’s strong and mighty. He can handle it.

 

joyce hague

How to Fight a Battle that Is Already Won

            Are you in the midst of a battle? There are various battles we fight throughout life, aren’t there? There are health battles, relationship battles, internal thought battles, spiritual battles, temptation to sin battles, and many more. This morning we sang the song “Christ the Victor” in church. The chorus says, “Now to the Lamb upon the throne, be blessing, honor, glory, power for the battle you have won. Hallelujah!” Christ has already won the battle! Which battle? Primarily, He has won the battle against sin and bought our redemption at the cross. Ultimately, every battle will be won by Him. All will be put right. For the believer, all will be well.

            But now, as we wait for Christ’s return when He will set up His kingdom in full, we still fight battles. How do we fight a battle that has already been won? I think Peter gives us several clues in the opening words of his first letter to the dispersed believers. Here he encourages them to endure suffering and trials – their own battles. His words for them are also life-giving inspired words for us. This is how we fight the battles of life.

 

1. Fight with Hope

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1:3-4)

Our hope is not in this world. It is not in our health, our financial stability, or in other people. It should not rest on how our current situation plays out. The things of this world are not certain; we cannot set our hope on them. Peter says that we have been born again to a “living hope.” That living hope is Christ Himself who loves us and saved us. He is walking with us in the battle, and He promises to never leave us. Beyond that, He promises an inheritance in heaven that none can take away that will far outweigh any struggle of this earth. Therefore, we fight with hope, eyes fixed on Jesus and our eternity in heaven with Him in His perfect kingdom.

 

2. Fight with Perspective

“who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1:5)

We lose perspective in trials, don’t we? Our problems loom large; our Lord seems small. I am reminded of the image of one who puts his thumb in front of his eye and thus blocks out everything else from his vision. Peter tells us to keep perspective. We are being protected by God. He is holding us fast in our faith. Our final home and glorification lie ahead, not here on earth. Let us get our thumbs away from our eyes and see the bigger story that surrounds our current battle.

 

3. Fight with joy

“In this you rejoice” (1:6a)

Our battles often bring out our despair, anxiety, discouragement, and anger. Joy is the last thing we would naturally feel. Yet Peter tells us here that we have reason for joy, even in the midst of being “grieved by various trials.” That joy comes from all that Peter has written up to this point and what will follow in the passage. We have salvation, hope, a home in heaven, an unfading inheritance, and God’s power working on our behalf. We don’t have to love the circumstance, but we rejoice in the God who holds us in the midst of the battle and who uses it all for our good.

 

4. Fight with Perseverance

“though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials (1:6b)

Your battle is “for a little while.” When compared to eternity, even if the trial lasts for years, it is a blip in time. It does not feel this way in the midst of the trial; we struggle to see past it. However, we persevere because we know that this trial will not last forever. Even if it does not go away in this life on earth, glory lies ahead.

 

5. Fight with Purpose

“so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:7)

            Our faith is refined through trials. When we turn to God in our battles, looking to Him for strength and help in our time of need, our faith is tested and strengthened. Such faith is more beautiful than gold. Verse 6 even clarifies that the trial is “necessary.” Without the trials, we would not experience the sanctification that the Lord has for us. Our suffering is not for naught; there is purpose in it. The Lord is for us. He will bring about good. We fight our battles, believing that our faith is being made perfect in the midst of it as we fix our eyes on Christ.

            The singers Shane and Shane wrote a song that has been sung at the last two women’s conferences that I have attended. Whenever we sing the song and I happen to look around me, I always see women in tears because they are living the words of the song. Perhaps you are, too. Here is the chorus:

I’m fighting a battle You’ve already won.

No matter what comes my way, I will overcome.

I don’t know what You’re doing, but I know what You’ve done.

I’m fighting a battle You’ve already won.

--Amy O'Rear

 

Tales From Beyond the Walls

 

The Bible says that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."  I want to share a couple of God sightings that happened lately to me about this verse!

Many of you know that I have had the privilege of sharing music, prayer, and speaking with the homeless ladies downtown at the Chattanooga Rescue Mission once a month during dailylight saving time of year. Karleen Howe was the one that introduced me to this as she had been doing it for a number of years. My stories of giving come from this ministry opportunity.

During our prayer time when I took requests, one of the ladies asked prayer for her need of walking shoes in the size of 9.5. She explained that she walked miles a day to go where she needed to be and often had no money for transportation. So during the next Tuesday Bible Study at church, I asked if anyone had an extra pair that size, and if they would pray for this request. Well, after the study that day, a lady named Joy in our church handed me a $100 check and asked me to buy the homeless woman a pair of 9.5 shoes! I was thrilled and thanked the Lord right away!

That week when I was thinking about where to shop, the Lord brought to my mind that my daughter, Merrilee, had brought me a new pair of shoes that did not fit her feet for work. I went into my closet, and you guessed it, they were beautiful 9.5 size shoes which I took to the mission for them to pass on to the lady! Of course, Merrilee was excited about being an answer to prayer!

So I took the money back to Joy, and she said that I was to keep it and spend it for any needs that came up! HOW FUN IS THAT!?

Well, the first 20 went to helping the campers from our church get to camp this summer. The next two 20's went to filling two back packs with supplies. The next 20 is my next story of the downtown mission. 

When I came out of the building last time, someone pointed out my very flat tire! They told me where there was a gas station with an air machine. While deciding if I should risk it, I noticed a rather sketchy looking man (whatever that means) in a car inside the mission parking lot. When I pulled out, he followed me and pointed to my flat tire. I rolled down the window, and he asked if I could use his help with getting air. I sent a quick prayer to the Lord for direction, and I decided maybe he was an "angel" sent to help me, so I said that would be great. 

We made it to the gas station and while filling my tire, I asked him what he been doing in the mission parking. He said that he was looking for a place to sleep, but the men's side was already filled up for the night.  He had asked the Lord to give him enough money to make it to Brainerd Rd. where there was another mission place to sleep. I just laughed inside and told him the Lord had answered his prayer and gave him the next $20!  It’s so amazing how God chooses to answer!

And for the last $20, I was able to give it to a missionary that has needs to get back to the field!

During the month of July, our leaders encouraged us to think and pray “Beyond the Walls.” I wonder what other prayers were answered during this time. If we all just give someone else whatever the Lord puts on our heart, think of the good that might be done.

--Mary Ramsey

Note from Sherry: I love this story Mary has shared with us. If you have something similar to share, please let me know. I’d be delighted to post your story here.

 

Little Pilgrim's Progress

 

When I was young, I borrowed the 1978 animated vhs of The Pilgrim’s Progress from our church library. I think I must have watched it fairly often because some of the details from that movie are etched in my mind. There are some pretty intense scenes: one where Christian and his companion fall into a swamp, one with a large black toothed creature trying to attack him before he gets to the Palace Beautiful. Right after he leaves the Palace he has to fight off a winged demon with his new armor, sword and shield.

         I remember when he arrives at the foot of the cross and his burden rolls off. The moment that sticks out to me most often, and is the origin story of why I love this verse so much, is when a loud, confident voice speaks to Christian in the midst of turmoil and says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b) Even as a young child, I found such hope in that line.

My kids and I just finished a 9-month read-aloud of The Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor, a delightfully illustrated version, written for kids where all of the characters are animals. It follows the steps that Christian takes in the original, but makes it conceptually simpler for young minds. My three were excited to listen to it and tracked the story well, understanding much of the imagery of “The Good Prince,” Theia often referring to him as Jesus as she asked questions about where the story was going.

I think about the little hearts that are beginning their own journeys of faith that are in my own home, or the kids in our church that are figuring out their relationships with the Lord. Some have faced major obstacles at a young age. Others have normal hurts and difficulties, but much of the way has been smooth. But all are just beginning this journey with the Good Prince, traveling through Vanity Fair or climbing the Rock of Error or facing The Giant Despair. All silly little names for real life challenges. But they’re also learning that they have Great Heart walking beside them, or the Messages from the King instructing them, and the cross removing their burdens.

 As we look at our own paths, we face the foolish directions we choose to take, or the arrows of the enemy we need help fending off, the peaceful meadows, and the houses of rest. It is something to look back and see what God has done, review the story He has written for our own life. To know that “He isn’t safe.” He’s the slayer of the giants, the ruler over all and the defeater of evil, “But He’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

 Then we look ahead to what is shining before us. We love the stories that tell the end of the journey where the hero reaches the next shore. The one that takes him home. The elves crossing the sea sailing West, Reepicheep coming to the end of the world and crossing into Aslan’s country, and Christian crossing the deep dark water to the city shining and glorious.

 “The little pilgrims had now reached the threshold of the palace, and as the doors were thrown open they heard a sound of the sweetest music. The Good Prince Himself was waiting to receive them, and He smiled upon them and took their hands in His own. Then he led them into the palace and the whole City was filled with joy because their pilgrimage was over and they had been brought safely through the Dark River into the presence of the King.” (The Little Pilgrims Progress pg 171)

 We read these stories because of the common grace they point us to. The reality that life can be hard and sinful and has loss and grief, but that our God has overcome this world. This world that is not our home, but it points to the next. So I hope for the children who are learning of the Good Prince. I pray they do come to know Him and know Him well. And I have hope for the rest of us that while we continue to learn and fall and rise and grow and dwell in the truth, our journey too points us toward the grace and goodness that we have now, but also will experience a thousand times greater in the Celestial City.

 

-Sandy Gromacki

 (In addition to John Bunyan’s tale, stories by C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien are also referenced. Feel free to ask what they are!)  

May Jesus Christ Be Praised!

 Several weeks ago on a Sunday morning as I drove to church the radio played May Jesus Christ be Praised.  I sang along.  When I left church that morning the radio was again on, playing May Jesus Christ be Praised.  This time I said, “Wake up, Faith! May Jesus Christ be Praised!”  I remembered a Saturday night more than fifty years before when I paced the aisle of a church as a bridesmaid in a wedding.  As we passed down the aisle that song May Jesus Christ be Praised played over and over as the processional.  That’s when that phrase, May Jesus Christ be Praised, took on a life for me.  I wanted that to be the story of my life.  So once again I heard that phrase. Since that Sunday morning I have been thinking again and again, is it true in my life?

The book of Psalms is full of praise.  Psalm 44:8 says, “In God we boast all the day long, and praise Thy name forever.  Selah.”  Selah means to think about it.  So I have been thinking about it..

Here are the words to the song.

                    When morning gilds the skies,

                    My heart awaking cries:

                    May Jesus Christ be praised!

                    Alike at work and prayer

                    To Jesus I repair:

                    May Jesus Christ be praised!

                    When sleep her balm denies

                    My silent spirit sighs:

                    May Jesus Christ be praised.

                    When evil thoughts molest,

                    With this I shield my breast,

                    May Jesus Christ be praised!

                    Does sadness fill my mind,

                    A solace here I find.

                    May Jesus Christ be praised.

                    Or fades my earthly bliss,

                    My comfort still is this,

                    May Jesus Christ be praised!

                    In heav’n’s eternal bliss,

                    The loveliest strain is this:

                    May Jesus Christ be praised.

                    The pow’rs of darkness fear

                    When this sweet chant they hear:

                    May Jesus Christ be praised!

                    Let earth’s wide circle round

                    In joyful notes resound;

                    May Jesus Christ be praised.

                    Let air and sea and sky,

                    From depth to height, reply,

                    May Jesus Christ be praised.

                    Be this, while life is mine,

                    My canticle divine:

                    May Jesus Christ be praised!

                    Be this th’ eternal song

                    Through all the ages on:

                    May Jesus Christ be praised!

                    The night becomes as day,

                    When from the heart we say,

                    May Jesus Christ be praised!

                    The powers of darkness fear,

                    When this sweet song they hear,

                    May Jesus Christ be praised!

                    In heav’n’s eternal bliss

                    The loveliest strain is this,

                    May Jesus Christ be praised!

                    Let earth, and sea, and sky

                    From depth to height reply,

                    May Jesus Christ be praised!

The book of Psalms is the book of emotions.  Every emotion, both positive and negative, is recorded within its pages.  When combined with the instructions to praise the Lord, there is hope.  Psalm 42, both verses 5 and 11, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted in me?  Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.”  Here is the promise that though I am discouraged and at my wit’s end, I will praise Him.  I may not be able to praise Him just now, but I will.

Though most of the references to praise are found in Psalms, one of the most significant verses for me is found in Hebrews 13:15.  “Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.”  Sometimes I choose to praise Him, when it feels like a sacrifice.  

When my grandmother was in her 90s, not long before her death, she was still memorizing Scripture.  The last passage I knew she was memorizing was Psalm 150. That passage begins, “Praise ye the Lord.” and ends with “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.  Praise ye the Lord.”

May my life be a symphony of praise to the Lord!  Praise the Lord with me. 

                                                                                            ~~Faith Himes Lamb

Be Strong

 

In a 2013 study of military effectiveness, a captain in the 82^nd Airborne Division wrote: “The Soldier’s Creed demands professionalism from every individual that it guides. [ . . . ]  By definition, the military is a profession in that it is ‘a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation.’ The Army bases its doctrine on the assumption that the organization is professional and that those individuals who are soldiers and whom Army doctrine guides champion its principles.”

As I read and re-read these words, I was struck first by the level of commitment the members of the United States Army give to freedom’s cause. I began to understand firsthand the level of commitment to academic preparation, to specialized knowledge, and to professional competence needed, especially by its leaders—to champion its principles. The individual soldier’s integrity to The Soldier’s Creed principles, then, is a deciding factor when the soldier is found in the moment of decision: battle.

Second, I was taken back by the parallels to Christian living that immediately came to my mind. As a believer, especially in the twenty-first century, I have access to so many sources that can assist my academic preparation for Godly living and service: to the Scriptures, to commentaries, to the teachings of other believers who “out rank” me in the leagues of believing soldiers of Christ, to the examples of those who have gone before and have been found faithful to the cause, and to the leadings of the Holy Spirit in my heart. The strong doctrinal emphasis and immediate attention to life practice found in Scripture pointed me to the specialized knowledge I need to live for Christ. Professional competence, then, seems to be the outworking of a life of faith girded in the knowledge of and hope in the Captain of our Souls, the Lord Jesus Christ, who went before us. “For it became him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” Hebrews 2:10.

I thought, third, of Joshua and drew immediate parallels to his life, his military command, and service to the call each of us receive to serve in the Lord’s Army.

Firstly, Joshua spent many continued years in intensive academic preparation for the work God had required of him. He was Moses’ aide-de-damp, his personal assistant, his logistical manager, and his confidante. Joshua, born in Egypt and of the Tribe of Ephraim (Ephraim is Joseph’s second son who received Israel/Jacob’s blessing), spent forty years in preparation for the work God had for him. Moses taught Joshua. Note that this preparation is both in the Law of God--Joshua went part way up the Mount with Moses--and practical. Both types of preparation are necessary to complete an individual’s skill set. Through Moses, God prepared Joshua. Perhaps, then, the most noted words of Moses to Joshua are those of his charge: “Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt . . .” (Deuteronomy 31:23). Joshua submitted himself to a forty-year period of preparation for the work to which God called him.

Secondly, Joshua built within himself and those with whom he served specialized knowledge. That which we read about warfare and Joshua’s role as Commander of the Lord’s Army teaches us that special knowledge and understanding are necessary skills to complete God’s work. Joshua was a leader of men, a commanding officer, a servant of God. All that he did required courage—especially to march around Jericho with all of Israel the way he did. Joshua’s most important military campaign was waged God’s way: with special knowledge. Remember that even before the marching began, Joshua submitted to God’s authority when the captain of the Lord’s host told him, “loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy” (Joshua 5:15), Joshua did. Joshua had a relationship with his God and submitted to God’s authority and worshipped. All he knew about warfare was placed on the altar of obedience. We can know God that well.

Thirdly, Joshua exhibited professional competence in the way he conducted Israel’s business. He waged war, gained land, allocated that land to the tribes as God wished, and he continued in and renewed his commitment to God and Israel at Shechem. I believe his most profound act as a professional was to reiterate to Israel God’s requirements and Moses’ instructions as he was about to die. “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served” (Joshua 24:14). Professional competence based on courage and wisdom from God marks Joshua’s ministry. “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9, KJV).
          The study on military effectiveness concludes: “Professionals earn the trust of those they serve and maintain a higher standard of moral fortitude.  This makes the occupation of ‘Soldier’ a profession requiring commitment to more than simply drone-like execution of tasks.  It is for this reason that the Soldiers who live the creed, champion the oath that they swore to uphold, and ultimately are professionals.” We are each a member of God’s army—and family. We have differing roles, yet we have the same responsibilities before God. Joshua’s reverence for God’s law was prominent (Joshua 1:8), and his leadership model was grounded in a belief that authentic spirituality and Israel’s prosperity derived from faithful devotion to Yahweh. Through all challenges--internal disputes, war, and the need for communal solidarity--he exemplified prayerful reliance on God. We can do likewise—even as women—in the place, in the time, in the way God requires.

“Be strong and of a good courage!”

--Janet Hicks

Look Around

 

Are you looking around? I mean really looking? 

When I was young, I didn’t know that one day I would wish that I had paid better attention to the people around me and even my surroundings. Things I thought I would never forget, I have forgotten. I wish I had just paused and looked with intention like I was taking a picture with my mind. I have forgotten classmates and friends from our youth group. Our family moved a lot, so I’ve forgotten about some of those homes. Does it matter that I cannot remember everything? I suppose not. But I want to.

Life blurs when we do a lot of the same activities over and over. So many things are similar. But occasionally, something out of the ordinary will stand out and stick. That’s why, if we want to remember, we must be intentional in the mundane to pause and focus our attention.

My family members are subtly changing right before my eyes. I’m changing too. Our surroundings are changing. The church I attended growing up burned to the ground a while back. It was a large church with many halls and connectors to other buildings. I have since forgotten so much about the layout and how it all looked and even so many of the people. As a young person, I had such fun exploring those corridors, but now I cannot recall how it all went.

We will soon be moving into our new building. I’ll miss the time we’ve had at the Adventist facilities. You can bet I’m looking around. I want to remember the beauty of that place, the special times there, and the kindness of those people. But I also want to look into the faces of those attending our church and remember you all. Impossible, I know. But I plan to try.

One day, in a generation or two, we will all be forgotten. Hopefully, the fruit of our lives lived walking in the Spirit will live on even in those who don’t remember us.

 Forgive me. I’m waxing nostalgic today, but seriously, look around.

 joyce hague