November 2015 - Mark Conner

November 29, 2015 Mark Conner Personal Development

HOME – Decisions

“What is God’s will for my life?” This is probably the most commonly asked question by Christians today. Paul addresses this matter (Eph.5:17-19) and tells us that wise people know God’s will, seize opportunities and invest their time wisely. Foolish people don’t know God’s will, they miss opportunities and they waste their time. God does have a will – a sense of purpose; intentions and desires; thoughts and plans. He also calls us to be a part of his purpose (2 Tim.1:9). The good news is that God wants us to know His will so we can then get on with doing it. He does not want to hide it from us (Col.1:9. Jn.10:27).

Wrong Approaches to God’s Will

Knowing God’s will can seem difficult and confusing at times. Often this is because of wrong approaches or misconceptions we have about God’s will. Let’s look at some of them:

A Fatalistic Approach. This view says, “What will be, will be.” Some people just ‘resign’ themselves to God’s will. This view overemphasises the sovereignty of God and downplays human responsibility. It denies or minimises the fact that there are choices that we make and that we are therefore responsible for our lives. Yes, there are things beyond our control either caused by God or other people. But we don’t have to be victims of the circumstances or other people’s choices. We are responsible beings. Trust in God’s Providence but don’t believe in ‘fate’.

A Negative Approach. Some people believe that God’s will is meant to make them miserable and depressed. God will make you marry someone you don’t like or send you somewhere you don’t want to go. The truth is that God’s will is ‘good, pleasing and perfect’ (it can’t be improved on). God’s will is an expression of His love. He knows more about what will fulfil you and make you happy than you do. Yes, there may be both problems to solve and sacrifices to make but his will is good (Rom.12:1-2. Jer.29:11).

A Frustrating Approach. Some people become frustrated with God’s will because they believe that God has some super-detailed plan for every aspect of their lives that they have to try to discover. They think they must try to find the next step God wants them to take every moment of the day so as to not please Him. The truth is that God is a very empowering God. He gave Adam and Eve an overall purpose to live for. He also gave them some specific boundaries but he then gave them freedom of choice within those (Gen.2:15-17). God treats us the same way. He has a general purpose for our lives. He then communicates any ‘limitations’ or areas that are restricted to us (notice that the 10 commandments are mostly ‘what not to do’). Within these parameters, we are free to choose what we want to do. There is more freedom in God’s will than we realise. More often than not, there are many options we could choose from, all of which are in God’s will.

A Fearful Approach. Sometimes people are so worried about missing Gods will or making a wrong decision that they live paralyzed by fear. Or people live in fear because they have failed in the past and think that they can now no longer be in the will of God. The truth is that a bad decision doesn’t ruin God’s will for your life. Yes, choices have consequences but that doesn’t necessarily mean that your whole life has fallen apart. The most important thing is where you are headed today. That’s more important than where you have been. God is the God of the “second chance”. Ask Jonah. Start afresh today and you can have a new end.

A Mystical Approach. Some people think that being in God’s will is dependent on some special feeling, impression or sensation. They want God’s leading as to what clothes they should wear or where they should sit in church! The truth is that God’s will is very practical and it doesn’t depend on some mystical feeling.

God’s Guidance Principles

So, what are God’s ‘navigation systems’ to guide His people? Let’s consider five of the ways God uses to guide us:

God’s Word – the Bible. God’s Word contains God’s will! As we read and meditate on the Scriptures, we will begin to think like God thinks. No other means of guidance should contradict the inerrant Word of God. Nothing He calls you to do will contradict the Word. His Word is a ‘light to our path’ (Ps.119:105). God gives us enough light to see to make the next step but not always enough to see the entire journey. You will arrive safely if you watch the lights on the road and following God’s leading. However, if you don’t know the Word, you may be deceived. God guarantees success in life to those who meditate upon and obey his commands and principles for life (Josh.1:8. 2 Tim.3:16-17). God’s Word contains principles for every area of our life. Unfortunately, we often tend to live our life without first reading the ‘instruction manual’, which often results in unnecessary mistakes and detours (Hos.4:6). Make a regular habit of reading God’s Word and listening to it being taught (1 Pet.4:11. 1 Thess.2:13).

Wisdom. God created wisdom before He created the world (Prov.8). In the book of Proverbs, we are encouraged, if not urged, to get wisdom (Prov.4:7). God wants to help us develop wisdom, which is the proper application of knowledge and understanding. God gave us a brain – we should use it! He won’t make all the decisions for us. He wants us to use “common sense”. Ask God for wisdom (Jas.1:5), look in the Bible for it, do personal research and listen to wise counsellors or advisors (Prov.15:22; 19:20; 20:18). Every decision needs careful planning and thinking through. Jesus taught the importance of wise planning and decision-making (Lk.14:28-32). Consider your options and the likely consequences of each. Then choose the best option and commit to making that decision work.

Circumstances. Circumstances define the context of every decision. God can use circumstances to direct us, but never in isolation from other guidance factors. Don’t let circumstances alone dictate your decision. It’s one way of guidance. You can’t be led by it alone. Gideon made use of a ‘fleece’ and God confirmed his will through this means because of Gideon’s fear and lack of faith in what God had already told him (Judges 6:36-40). We need to be very cautious in this type of approach to guidance (“If this happens, then I’ll know it is God’s will).

The Inner Witness of the Spirit. God has sent the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us (Rom.8:14). Pray and commit all of your ways to the Lord, asking for His guidance and direction. God wants to reveal His thoughts and feelings to us. He does this through His Word but also through the person of the Holy Spirit. He has been sent to be our friend and our helper. He also gives us his peace to rule in our heart and mind (Phil.4:6-7).

The Supernatural. God sometimes uses “special revelation” to guide us. This includes things such as dreams and visions (Acts 2:17-21), angelic visitation, an audible voice and prophecy (1 Cor.14:3). God uses the prophets to speak to His people and reveal His heart. We should not take prophecy lightly but we should also ‘test’ each word (1 Thess.5:19-24). We can be inspired and aided by the prophetic word (1 Tim. 6:12. 2 Tim. 4:7. 1 Cor.9:26). In God’s time he will bring His will to pass in your life (Ecc.3:11). Never give up! Pray them through! Understand the “time principle”. God’s word will be tested and so will your faith in it (Ps.105:17-19).

God never guides by one of these things alone, always by more than one. Like “lights” that need lining up, God established the principle of two or three ‘witnesses’ (Dt.17:6. 2 Cor.13:1). The bigger the decision, the larger the risk, the more witnesses you need lined up. Most errors occur when you make too much of one of these principles. Overemphasis will kill you. There is not one key to knowing the whole will of God or making wise decisions. Make sure things are in agreement. Don’t move until they are.

Our journey through life is nothing but a process of decision-making. Every day is a day of decisions. Our decisions greatly affect our lives. In fact, where you are today is largely a result of the decisions you made yesterday. Where you will be tomorrow will be a result of the decisions you make today. Make every effort to understand God’s will for your life. Seize opportunities and invest your time wisely to pursuing God’s will for your life.

Sample Discussion Questions

Discuss the concept of being in the ‘centre of God’s will’. What does this mean and is it a helpful concept?
Discuss the five ‘navigation systems’ God uses to guide us. Share stories or personal examples of how God used one or more of them to guide you.
Discuss the concept of using ‘fleeces’ (see Judges 6:36-40). Is this an appropriate way to seek God’s guidance? What are the dangers of this approach?
Ask people to share a decision that they made that they wish they hadn’t. What did they learn from it? How did it help them in future decision-making situations?
Reflect on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a grid for wise decision-making.
Some people are too dependent on ‘logic’ and ‘objective’ aspects of decision-making while others are too dependent on ‘feelings’ and ‘subjective’ aspects of decision-making. What are some ways we can achieve balance between these two extremes?

November 27, 2015 Mark Conner Personal Development

5 Things to Do Before the New Year

The new year begins in only 5 weeks time, ready or not!

I am sure you have a long list of things to do before then and I don't want to stress you out by adding to that list. However, here are 5 very important things that are well worth the investment of your time:

1. Reflect

Experience isn't the greatest teacher, only experience that is reflected on. Reflection helps us gain insight from our life so we don't repeat the same patterns and fail to learn the lessons God has for us. Take some time to reflect on your life, on the year that is about to finish, on what God may be saying to you, and about the direction your life is going.

Read also: Three Great Questions to Start the Day and Pause and Reflect for some more thoughts and ideas about reflection.

2. Evaluate

Take some time to prayerfully evaluate your own personal effectiveness this year.

What went well? What didn't go well? What did you learn?
Consider your priorities and your use of time. What do you need to do more of? What do you need to do less of? What will you do differently next year?
How balanced is your lifestyle? Consider your energy level, your family, your spiritual life, your social life, and recreation.
What areas do you need to grow or change in?

Plan any necessary adjustments or changes.

3. Relate

Life is about loving God and loving people. Spend some extra time with the important people in your world.

Encouragement – express appreciation for who they are.
Feedback – what have they done well
Coaching – ask in what ways you can improve?
Reconciliation – who do you need to rebuild a relatiuonship with before the year ends? Address and/or resolve any outstanding issues.

Living in the End Times

The apostle Peter wrote this back in the first century:

1 Peter 4:7-11. The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

The anticipation of the end and of Jesus Christ’s return should impact our attitudes, actions and relationships.

How should we live in the “end times”?

Be clear minded. We are to be wise and have a clearly defined sense of purpose. Don’t allow confusion or fuzziness into your mind. Know what’s important and focus on it. Know what’s not important and avoid it.
Be self-controlled.
Pray.
Love others deeply. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love forgives again and again.
Be hospitable … and not just because you have to.
Use your gifts (given you by God’s grace) to serve others.
Serve with all your heart. Do your very best so that God may be praised and receive glory through you.

Now that's not just good advice; it's essential living for followers of Jesus Christ.

November 17, 2015 Mark Conner Leadership

How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.5)

5. Believe that God is with you.

Joshua 1:5, 9. “I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you … God, your God, is with you every step you take.”

Joshua was promised God's constant, personal, un-ending presence – “I will be with you; I won’t give up on you, I won’t leave you.” For his next step, the step after that, and every step he would ever take!

Jesus also promises us as his followers his personal presence. He is: Immanuel = “God with us”. It's guaranteed. We don't have to ask him for it. We can simply thank him for it.

Jesus' presence means we also have his power and everything we need!

WHAT is calling out your courage right now? Take a moment and share one challenge you’re facing right now with a friend and then pray for one another – speak words of life, faith and blessing.

Pray for fresh courage.

November 16, 2015 Mark Conner Leadership

How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.4)

4. Don’t walk alone.

Joshua 1:2. “Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people.”

Joshua's journey was not a solitary journey. It was a community walking together. Joshua was moving forward with the elders, the leadership community, and all of Israel.

He challenged them to help each other (Joshua 1:12-15). They were to stick together. Unity was vital. Discord, division or dissent in the ranks would threaten their future. They were many tribes (diversity) – but ONE nation (unity).

In the same way, Jesus' church is ONE body with many members – different but united. “United we stand – divided we fall.” We face the same dangers today – disunity, internal fighting, and division. How we view the 'other' is vital. It's so easy to say, "Those young people …" or "Those old people …" or that ministry or that group. But them is us! It’s about WE not ME. It's about turning from competition to co-operation by honouring each other.

Leaders are to be in partnership together with others – supporting each other. Leadership can be lonely at times but no one is meant to walk alone. Adversity doesn’t destroy people but rather lack of encouragement. We all need “safe” people in our world who can ask us, “How are you … really?”

I am so thankful for my wife Nicole and our family, along with friends, team members and associates in ministry who are such a support and encouragement to me as a leader. They help provide perspective, insight, and wisdom in my journey. Even Jesus had 12 others who he did life and ministry with. When you have a TEAM, together everyone achieves more.

Don't walk alone.

[Part 5 tomorrow]

November 15, 2015 Mark Conner Leadership

How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.3)

3. Follow God’s instructions.

Joshua 1:8. “Don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed."

God have given Moses the ‘book of the law’ to guide them. When we hear the word 'law' we often think of legalism or rules. But to Israel, the Torah was a revelation of God’s character and it contained principles for maintaining a loving, covenant relationship with God. His commands were always “for their good”. Joshua was to read, meditate, study, and obey God's instructions. Only then would he know success in his mission. It was easy for him to drift. God's instructions provided a compass and a map for his journey.

Jesus commanded his followers to “Go and make disciples … teaching them to DO all I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20). Today, in addition to the Old Testament and the lessons we can learn from it's stories, we have the Gospels which contain the stories and teachings of Jesus about how to live LIFE in the kingdom. The Christian life is about “life before death” not just “life after death”!

By reading God's Word, as contained in the Scriptures, we can regularly re-calibrate our lives. It is so easy to end up with a culturized form of Christianity that looks nothing like Jesus. God’s Word provides us with encouragement, direction, and wisdom for our lives. It is our “daily bread”. One good meal once a week, no matter how nutricious and delicious, won’t get you through the week! In the same way, no weekly sermon will feed you spiritually. Learn to be a “self-feeder”.

[Part 4 tomorrow]

November 14, 2015 Mark Conner Leadership

How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.2)

2. Face your challenges.

Joshua 1:6, 9. “Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors … Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged.”

God said to Joshua three times, “Be strong & courageous!” He must have known that challenges were ahead – rivers to cross, cities to conquer, and giants to defeat. Between every promise and its fulfilment there is a battle! He had to possess his inheritance. The reality was that this was a momentus, risky, humanly impossible task. Joshua was leading a group of nomadic herders to take fortified cities! The fears were very real.

In the same way, the Jesus Mission will take courage to face the inevitable challenges. As I travel from time to time and talk to church leaders all around the world, in the midst of many good things happening, everyone has challenges! Leaders are a bit like ducks – they often look calm on the sufrare … but they are paddling like mad underneath!

Challenges have the potential to develop resilience in us. The hard times make us strong. Great leaders navigate great challenges. Challenges are the crucible where greatness emerges. The Chinese word for ‘crisis’ is the same word for ‘opportunity’. What do you see?

[See more Quotes about Courage]

In their book Finding the Courage to Lead, leadership experts Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner note that leadership doesn’t happen without courage. In fact, leadership can be defined as “courage in action.” Courage is not being fearless so much as it is being able to control one’s fear. Courage requires making a choice in the face of adversity. It is situational and personal. All the stories they research about moments of courage involved hardship, struggle, challenge, or suffering. Everyone has moments of courage. They are not necessarily monumental, life and death struggles. More often they involve meaningful encounters with everyday challenges (taking a stand, making a tough choice, quitting a job, caring deeply enough to act). Courage is not just for heroes after all. It may be precious but it is not rare. It is within you. You may not call on it very often, but its there when you need it.

WHAT is calling out your courage right now? Time pressures, family, finances, conflict, health, coping with change, work, fatigue, habits, negative emotions, keeping fresh? What courageous conversations do you need to have? With other people? With yourself (about your values, challenges, your fears)?

Don’t run!

Don’t ignore them!

Don’t be afraid !

Don’t be discouraged …

FACE your challenges head on … You can do this!

[Part 3 tomorrow]

November 13, 2015 Mark Conner Church, Evangelism and Mission

Four Kinds of Churches

There are four kinds of churches in the world today:

The Museum Church. They are old and beautiful but empty (like the picture above). No one goes there. They are showpieces of past. Sadly, there is no spiritual vitality within their ancient walls.
The Maintenance Church. These churches are a little better. They are almost empty … but hanging on. Their mission is to survive, to maintain amidst the many drastic social changes. They refuse to change, members are dying off. Sadly, they too will soon become a Museum Church.
The Ministry Church. These churches pursue Christian ministry to people within their walls. They have a full calendar of activities … Sunday worship (with free coffee and donuts), Bible studies, prayer meetings, good youth group, weekly choir, holiday services, summer camps, fellowship dinners. A quality staff of loving pastors and devoted members deliver its full-service programs. But there is no contact with people outside the church. They would rather stay securely this side of the Jordan than to cross into uncharted territory and engage in conversation.
The Mission Church. These kinds of churches offer full service ministry, caring for their members, AND they reach out to serve their community, their city and other nations – sharing the good news of Jesus and taking his command to GO seriously. They go OUT the church door and INTO the world (locally and globally). They are actively crossing the street and going into the world.

What kind of church is yours?

November 13, 2015 Mark Conner Leadership

How to Be a Courageous Leader (Pt.1)

Last night at our church leader's meeting, I shared some thoughts from the life of Joshua as an encouragement for us to be courageous leaders today. Here is a summay:

Joshua 1:1-9. After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses ‘assistant: "Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I'm giving to the People of Israel. I'm giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on – just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River – all the Hittite country – and then west to the Great Sea.

It's all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going.

And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take. [The Message Bible]

This is a new day for Israel. Over 600 years have passed since the promise of land was given to Abraham. But now the next stage of the adventure begins! The long awaited moment – a dream becoming reality. God commissions Joshua afresh for the task ahead …

1. Accept your God-given mission.

Joshua 1:2, 7. “Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people … Give it everything you have, heart and soul …”

God’s eternal purposes are outworked through the generations of the righteous. Each generatiopn has three tasks: (1) reach back and receive their inheritance and heritage from the previous generation, (2) run their own race by serving their generation, and (3) passing the baton to the next generation. God’s promises to Abraham included a promised land. Moses helped deliver Israel out of Egypt. Now it is Joshua’s time – move forward, get going, cross the river, let go of the past and embrace the future. Joshua was challenged to embrace his calling – wholeheartedly (vs.7) – to accept his mission.

The Jesus Mission as contained in the Great Commission (Mt.28. Acts 1:8) is a similar moment. This comprehensive, holistic mission was given to 11 people! They were a bit slow to get going, but eventually they did … and there's still more to do! “Cross the Jordan” is similar to “Go into all world.”

Jesus wants every church to be a Mission Church and every Christian living their life "on mission".

What about you? What is your personal calling and contribution to the Jesus mission? What has God asked YOU to do? What’s your primary calling? Fulfil your ministry. Focus on your assignment. Get clarity on this.

The well-known movie series Mission Impossible begins with a mission invitation: "Your mission, should you choose to accept it …. is …"

Put aside any doubts, fears or uncertainties and accept your God-given mission. Maybe for the first time … maybe for the hundredth time! Say “YES” again.

It's time for “ALL in!”

[Part 2 tomorrow]

November 10, 2015 Mark Conner Special Events

Remembrance Day 2015

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day.

Every year, on 11 November at 11 am – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – Australia pauses to remember those men and women who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peace operations since the beginning of the 20th century.

All Australians are encouraged to pause all activities and meetings this morning at 11 am for a minute of silence in respect of those who have given their lives for our nation and our freedoms.

For more details, visit the Australian War Memorial web site or The Department of Veteran Affairs.

Here is a brief history from the Australian Government website:

History of Remembrance Day

At 5am on 11 November 1918, three German government representatives accepted the Armistice terms presented to them by an allied commander, General Foch of the French Army. The demands of the Armistice included the withdrawal of German forces to the east bank of the Rhine within 30 days; immediate cessation of warfare; and surrender of the German fleet and all heavy guns with no further negotiations until the signing of the peace treaty.

The armistice became effective at 11am the same day, and as the guns fell silent on the Western Front in France and Belgium, four years of hostilities ended.

The cease-fire was made permanent the following year when members of the Commonwealth and the League of Nations signed the Treaty of Versailles. People across the world celebrated the war's end – celebrations tempered by thoughts of the enormous suffering and loss of life resulting from the War.

World War I began in 1914 and lasted for four years. More than 416 000 Australians volunteered for service in World War I. Of these, 324 000 served overseas. More than 60 000 Australians were killed, including 45 000 who died on the Western Front in France and Belgium and more than 8 000 who died on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. As well as Australian soldiers, many nurses in the Australian Army Nursing Service served on the Western Front. These nurses worked in overcrowded hospitals for up to 16 hours a day, looking after soldiers with shocking injuries and burns. Those who worked in hospitals close to the fighting were also in danger of being shelled by the enemy.

In Australia and other allied countries, including New Zealand, Canada and the United States, 11 November became known as Armistice Day – a day to remember those who died in World War I. The day continues to be commemorated in Allied countries.

After World War II the Australian Government agreed to the United Kingdom's proposal that Armistice Day be renamed Remembrance Day to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. Today the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.

In October 1997 the then Governor-General issued a Proclamation declaring 11 November as Remembrance Day – a day to remember the sacrifice of those who have died for Australia in wars and conflicts.

The Proclamation reinforced the importance of Remembrance Day and encouraged all Australians to renew their observance of the event.

November 5, 2015 Mark Conner Books, Personal Development

Blinkist – a Great Personal Growth App

Have you ever noticed that there is so much to learn and so little time! We live in an age of informaiton overload. We don't lack knowledge, just the ability to process it sufficiently and make meaning out of it all.

Learning how to read more effectively can be a help as can book summaries.

Recently, I came across an App called Blinkist. Blinkist takes great works of non-fiction and distills them into powerful, made-for-mobile units. The blinks, 2-minute-reads built around memorable key messages, give you the main concepts of an entire book in 15 minutes. Choose audio or text.

Why not try their 3 day trial and see how you like it. Just sign up for 3 days of unlimited access to our library, no strings attached. Download Blinkist from the iTunes store, the GooglePlay store or the website.

Blinkist is a great tool to help you never stop learning. I highly recommend it.

When Troubles Come Your Way

Have you ever been on a scary roller-coaster ride? Your blood pressure is up, your heart is racing fast, and your stomach is feeling wheezy! In the midst of the thrill of it all, the joy is in knowing how it will end … as you safely return to terra firma. Life can be a lot like that. There are ups and downs, highs and lows, moments of stress and moments of peace. The joy is in knowing what’s ahead.

Jesus’ brother James puts it this way:

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is a fully developed, you will be a perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4. NLT

James tells us to consider it an opportunity for joy when we face troubles and trials of various kinds. Why? Because we know that the testing of our faith develops endurance. Endurance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

What we need during this time is “wisdom” – an ability to see and respond to life’s situations from God’s perspective. Ask God and he will give it to you generously. When you ask, believe and don’t doubt. Doubters are like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Double-minded unstable people won’t receive anything from the Lord.

Lessons:

1. You can’t be mature without having a spirit of endurance that refuses to quit or give up. This enduring quality is the mark of maturity. Once you have this, you are complete, not lacking anything. Immaturity demands for everything to go well all the time and for no delays!

2. The only thing that produces this kind of endurance is the testing of our faith. Things like delays, contradictions, unanswered prayers and disappointments. Untested faith will not develop this important quality.

3. Therefore, we should so value endurance that we consider it a joy when we go through troubles that test our faith! Joy is only possible if we keep the end in mind (Hebrews 12:1-2), just like that scary roller coaster ride. The joy comes from knowing how it will end!

4. What we need during these times is “wisdom” – seeing and responding to life from God’s perspective. Thankfully, God offers to gives us plenty of it if we simply ask him. But don’t doubt when you ask.

5. Always pray and ask in faith without allowing doubt to settle in your heart. Doubting people are double-minded and unstable. God doesn’t answer this kind of person’s prayers.

If you’re feeling afraid or uncertain right now, hang on. God is in control and he is holding you in the palm of his hand. He’ll give you all the wisdom you need. Simply ask him for it.