The Greater the Problem...

the greater the opportunity for a miracle.  When it seems like there is no way out, no solution, no hope... hang on!  Never quit.  Our creator is not limited by things that limit us.

Faith and Fear

Both faith and fear are a belief in something that one cannot see or touch.  They are similar in that they represent responses of something that is about to happen.   Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  Fear is an emotional response to a known or definite threat. 

Both represent extreme confidence in an event that may or may not come to pass.  Both could change physical responses in our bodies in different ways.   Faith causes peace and fear causes fight or flight.

http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/understandingpanic/a/fearandanxiety.htm
Hebrews 11:1

"Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf."

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?  How much planning/preparation did you do?  Have you ever taken a big chance hoping that somehow something or someone would intervene?

Two years ago, we were a few days away from beginning one of the most valuable and exciting adventures of our lives.  One of our theme sayings was, "Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf."  This was Jonathan's prayer when he prepared to take on the Philistines with his armor bearer.  (1 Samuel 14:6)

God sized adventures will only be a success with God's help.  It is with this type of risky living where we feel most vulnerable.  Because we feel vulnerable, our faith and confidence that God is with us is the fuel we can use to drive us forward.    Our goal was to adopt a child from Kazakhstan.  We new nothing about the child we would adopt, but believed there was a child over there who we were meant to parent.  

Immeasurably more!

Ephesians 3:20-21

  ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Self Fulfilling Prophecy

I recently met with a colleague.  We were discussing trends in our profession and he reminded me to be careful of how I forecasted the future based upon prior experiences.  He insinuated that the way I was speaking could bring about a self fulfilling prophecy.  His willingness to be direct and honest caused me to pause and think more about the way I speak.   Was I being negative in my thinking or speaking facts? 

Either way, I believe the key is to speak the truth with hope for the future.  When individuals are sick, we want to believe they will be healed.  When people lose their jobs, we want to believe they will get new and better ones.  When people want to become famous baseball players, movie stars and writers, it is important to do our best to encourage our friends and loved ones, yet we also have to be mindful of the truth.  Self efficacy drives our performance and our futures.  I would hate to miss out on becoming who God wants me and my family to become because of my failure to believe in the plans God may have to provide a bright future full of hope. 

Accumulating possessions or experiences?

I am listening to one of my favorite podcast series, "Chase the Lion" by Mark Batterson.  He asked the question: "Are you trying to accumulate experiences or possessions?"  He stated that in an effort to be safe and secure and minimize uncertainty, we often try to accumulate possessions instead of experiences.  When I look back over the last several years, I am very thankful for the time I spent embracing new experiences.

What is the definition of perseverance?

According to thefreedictionary.com:

 

Persevere

To persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement.

 

Perseverance

Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness.