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How should we confront the difficult times life invariably brings? One way is to learn from those who have succeeded in similar straits. Joseph the [...]]]> I post this article in anticipation of the New Year that is upon us. There are links at the bottom for both an audio message and a neatly formatted bulletin insert.

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How should we confront the difficult times life invariably brings? One way is to learn from those who have succeeded in similar straits. Joseph the patriarch faced incredible trials, and his life holds many lessons to give us hope. Let’s look at four.

DELIVERANCE IS COMING

At age 17 Joseph (one of 12 sons of Jacob) was cast into a pit by his brothers, who plotted to kill him. Why? Because Joseph was their father’s favorite, and he singled Joseph out for special favors. Plus, Joseph had two unusual dreams indicating that his family would eventually bow before him in subservience. And they hated him even more for his dreams.

The eldest brother, Rueben, actually opposed the plot and intended to rescue Joseph. Perhaps he might even have furtively whispered, “Don’t worry, my brother. I’ll get you out of this pit and restore you to your father.” But in Rueben’s absence, the others pulled Joseph from the pit and sold him to slave traders bound for Egypt. (Gen. 37:2-22).

Joseph received deliverance alright, but it didn’t come in an agreeable, expected way. What only God knew, however, was that Joseph had an unbreakable appointment 13 years later to stand before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to effect deliverance for those who hated him.

Has the hurtful sting of betrayal put you in a “pit”? Deliverance may not come when or how you envision it, but expect God to act on your behalf. (1 Cor. 10:13).

DELAY IS NOT DENIAL

A wealthy Egyptian, Potipher, purchased Joseph and soon put him in charge of his whole household. But when falsely accused by Potipher’s wife, Joseph was cast into prison and laid in irons. Despite his unfair circumstances, however, Joseph’s diligence motivated the chief jailer to make him supervisor of all the prisoners. (Gen. 39:21-23)

Then unexpectedly, when Joseph was 28, two fellow prisoners, Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker, each had a puzzling dream. Joseph interpreted and gave the cupbearer good news: in three days he would be restored to his former position. But the baker would be executed. Desiring relief, Joseph implored the cupbearer, “Please remember me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house.”
But even though events unfolded exactly as Joseph had said, the cupbearer forgot him, leaving him to languish in prison two more years doing his duty. (Gen. 40:1-23).

Perhaps you’ve asked God to release you from a painful trial and believe He’s forgotten because nothing has happened. His delay is not necessarily a denial of your request; the timing may not yet be right. Duty is what we do until deliverance comes.

YOU CAN HAVE A FRUITFUL FUTURE

When Joseph was 30, Pharaoh himself had two terrifying dreams. When none of his wise men could interpret, the cupbearer suddenly remembered Joseph, whom Pharaoh immediately summoned!
Stunned by Joseph’s insight, Pharaoh instantly made him Prime Minister and gave him a wife, who would eventually bear him two sons. The first he named Manasseh because “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” The second he named Ephraim, “For, “he said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” (Gen. 41:51-52).

Able to forget even the treachery of his own brothers, Joseph could look to the fruitful work God had planned for him.

Have bitter circumstances caused you to expect nothing better or different in the future? On the contrary, your future can bear much good fruit—but you must assuredly set aside the bitterness of the past.

GOD’S PLAN IS BETTER THAN YOURS

At age 56, Joseph took his two sons to his dying father to be blessed, but instead of following the customary, accepted procedure, Jacob placed his right hand on the head of the younger Ephraim. This deviation greatly displeased Joseph, who immediately attempted to “fix” his father’s “mistake” by grasping Jacob’s hand to move it to Manasseh’s head. But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know…. However….” (Gen. 48:14-19).

Though physically blind, Jacob’s spiritual eyes had seen what Joseph could not see and overrode Joseph’s plan and desire for his firstborn son.

Have your plans not worked out as you thought they should and left you facing outcomes you’d wished to avoid? Perhaps God has said “however” to your plan because He sees what you cannot, and His way will indeed be better than yours in the long run.

Joseph experienced hard times much like ours: jealous betrayals, unfairness, unfaithful friends, tedious delays, and undesirable turns of events. But despite all of these, he grew and succeeded because of an unswerving trust and confidence in God. That should give us hope for ourselves, no matter what we must face.

(Note: A detailed audio version of this message is available here)

Copyright 2008 James McAlister

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Following is a summarization of the tribute delivered [...]]]> From my own experience, the loss of a child is one of the most difficult experiences we ever face in life. The pain and darkness are indescribably intense, and there are no easy answers to comfort the hurting heart. Can there be any hope in such a situation?

Following is a summarization of the tribute delivered by Karen Gottsponer at the memorial service for her infant daughter, Rebekah Joy Gottsponer, who passed away on October 13, 2009. In it you will see great hope expressed even in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. I trust this will be a help to others who might find themselves in similar circumstances.

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Dale and I and our family want to thank you all for being here to support us during this time.

We are thankful for the time that God gave us with Rebekah Joy. I was so blessed to have had the privilege of carrying her for almost 37 weeks and blessed that the kids and Dale had an opportunity to place their hands over my belly and pray over her these past few months. Today is about honoring her and giving glory to God for her sweet little life.

As we have been ministered to this week by so many, we have come across numerous verses that have touched our hearts and have spoken life into our weary souls. Looking back, we realize that God in His tender mercy was drawing us toward Him and preparing us for what we would be facing.

As the reality of Rebekah’s passing began to seek in, I spent time in the hospital bathroom crying out to God to fill my hurting heart as only He could. I didn’t know if I could face another moment without my sweet baby girl. I felt that our hopes were lost, our dreams unfulfilled and our plans unfinished. But God whispered in my heart that this was not true. If this is what we believed we could not make it another day but would just crumble into a heap of despair.

Our hopes are not lost because we know we will see Rebekah’s sweet little face one day!

Because of Rebekah’s passing, our faith is being tested as never before. Do we believe everything we say we believe? It’s so easy to pray and praise God when our world is right. However, what will we do when things don’t go as planned? We now know we must cling to His word because He is really all we have. I was reminded of these verses: “These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when He makes a promise, and He cannot lie when He makes an oath. These things encourage us who came to God for safety. They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong.” (Hebrews 6:18-19 NCV).

As women came in our hospital room with stories of their own losses, Dale and I realized that we too could “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Roman 12:15 NAS) because we had “been there” and felt that same grief.

And even though I have a baby book at home left uncompleted, God has reminded me that Rebekah’s sweet days were ordained in His book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16).

We are scared of the “firsts” that are coming. The first time we are asked how many children we have. The first day Dale goes back to work. The first time we go back to church without Rebekah. The first time I am asked by someone who doesn’t know our loss, “How is your newborn?” Though these unknowns frighten us, God “will lead the blind by ways they have not known.” (Isaiah 42:16).

Dale and I had thought a lot about the tone we wanted this memorial service to take. Do we celebrate? Do we grieve? Do we mourn? We eventually decided that we wanted friends to see that we do indeed grieve for our little baby—so deeply from a place in our hearts we never knew existed.

But we also wanted them to see that we grieve with hope: hope of seeing sweet little Rebekah’s face again because we are in Christ. (1 Thes. 4:13-18). We can honestly say we can praise God through this storm. These past few days, His word seems sweeter, His grace ever present, His love surrounding.

We have been blessed in so many ways this past week: To know for sure the cause of little Rebekah’s death. To have a wonderful doctor who cared for me throughout my pregnancy and prayed and cried with us at the end. To have friends that immediately rallied around us and cried and prayed with us. To have a dear hospital staff member to take care of Rebekah when were not able and to minister to our weary hearts. To have friends that cared for our children, taxied them around, played Monopoly with them, took them out for shakes. To have children who helped run the household, cleaned bathrooms, greeted guests. To have family members who came with love and coworkers and neighbors who called, provided meals, shed tears, wrote words. And much more.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for walking down this path with us the first few days as we stumbled along. Though we know we have to walk alone now, we are reassured we aren’t really alone, for God is with us every step. And we know He will also bring people along our paths when we need them to help us in this journey.

May God show you how much each of you means to us. Thank you, and God bless you.

Copyright 2009 Karen Gottsponer — www. gottjoy.blogspot.com

THE HOPE

I weep for you my little one,
My heart is full of whys:
Why snatched from me so suddenly?
No answer satisfies.

I’ll never fully comprehend
The darkness in my soul,
But from my pain—and dawning bright—
A wonder now unfolds:

That God could take my deepest hurt
And from its depth extract
A hope in Him, a confidence,
A love that knows no lack.

Not even death with all its sting
Could ever steal from me
The wondrous hope we’ll meet again
And share eternity!

In Memory Of:
Rebekah Joy Gottsponer
October 13, 2009

Copyright 2009 James McAlister — www.james-mc.com

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But why? Perhaps because the trauma of death forced a shift in focus. Presenting God with only a list of needs no [...]]]> Despite my best intentions, I’ve often been disappointed in the lack of results from my praying. Since the death of my wife, however, I can honestly report more effectiveness than in any previous recollection.

But why? Perhaps because the trauma of death forced a shift in focus. Presenting God with only a list of needs no longer satisfied because I usually didn’t even know what to ask for in my extremity. Prayer has now become more of a closer relationship with the One who has invited me to come boldly before His throne and find mercy and grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:16).

What I describe here won’t necessarily be a pattern for others to follow exactly but simply an observation about how God seems to be working in this season of my life through three intertwining processes:

COMMUNICATING WITH GOD

When my son was small, he’d often ask me for things. And while I’d certainly grant some of his requests outright, what I really wanted to do was communicate with him so that we could understand each other and mutually arrive at the best decision. So we’d talk about the request and all its ramifications.

Thus my approach to God–my communication with Him– has largely taken the form of ongoing verbal conversations throughout the day. I literally speak aloud to God and explain puzzlements, issues, needs, anxieties, disappointments, sorrows, frustrations, loneliness, etc., as if confiding in a close personal friend from whom I withhold no secrets. I also ask questions and make requests. He understands, and verbalization (coupled with my Bible reading, of course) helps me gain clarification and insight.

This is reminiscent of conversations I used to have with my wife. We often rambled far afield from the original issue until we came to a resolution. There was seldom any quick fix.

CRYING OUT TO GOD

More so than ever before, I find my prayers punctuated by tears–real, hot and salty. They come without being beckoned and add urgency to my supplications. Does this make any difference? Perhaps. What parent won’t immediately attend to the needs and hurts of a weeping child? When Hezekiah cried out to God in deep distress of soul, God replied, “I have heard your prayers; I have seen your tears.” (Isa. 38:5). The combination found favor in heaven.

And though He was sinless and perfect, even Jesus Himself offered up prayers and supplications with loud cryings and tears–and was heard. (Heb. 5:7).

Tears often spring from a broken heart, and it’s comforting to know that “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He sees and hears me right where I am. (Psa. 34:17-18).

COUNTING ON GOD

Pray without expecting an answer and you won’t likely be disappointed. We must actively, expectantly, persistently count on God to do all He has promised: to meet our needs (Php. 4:19), to give us wisdom (Jas. 1:5), to never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5) and so much more. But far too often the seeming impossibility of a situation causes me to doubt. God cannot lie (Tit. 1:2), and I must learn to count on Him to be true to His word.

If I pray according to His will, He will both hear and answer. (1 Jn. 5:14-15). When I’m unsure of His will, I consider some questions. For example, is my prayer in alignment with the clear principles of scripture? Is it consistent with how God has acted before? Is it a good thing that would bring glory to Him and advance His kingdom?

While not perfect, such thinking helps persuade me that if I don’t know of any reason why He shouldn’t answer my request, I pray with confidence that He will. But what if I’m wrong? Then I count on the Holy Spirit to intercede for me according to the will of God. (Rom. 8:26). Thus I don’t have to pray without expecting results and can count on God to do what’s best.

You may get the idea that praying this way might be tedious and drawn out. It can be. Or that it might be emotional and intense. Certainly. Or perhaps even bold and aggressive. Yes.

Prayer indeed changes things, and the greatest changes I’ve seen have been in me. Pray, and you can expect the same.

Copyright 2009 James McAlister

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I have found, however, a few truly useful rules for successful living–but [...]]]> Throughout my school years I had to memorize numerous rules I never completely understood. For example, why must I lie down instead of lay down for a nap? But there is a grammatical rule that governs such statements even if I don’t know it.

I have found, however, a few truly useful rules for successful living–but they just don’t seem right. In fact, they appear at first glance to be flat out wrong because they conflict with our “common sense.”

THE FIRST ONE OVER THE FINISH LINE DOES NOT WIN THE PRIZE

In a race, the winner is the one who gets to the finish line first–unless he’s disqualified for an infraction of the rules. Rules are important, and we need to understand them.

Who was the strong man, David or Goliath? Goliath, of course, who stood taller than nine feet and had been a warrior since his youth. His opponent? A mere shepherd boy who couldn’t even wear a man’s armor. But Goliath’s bulk and formidable array of weaponry proved no match for David’s confidence, inspired and backed up by the name of the Lord God of Hosts. If bets had been taken that day, they would all have been on the strong man who lost. “The race is not to the swift, or the battle to the strong.” (Eccl 9:11).

So if the first one over the finish line doesn’t win the prize, then who does? “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial, for once he has been approved (by God), he will receive the crown of life….” (James 1:12). Eternal prizes go to those who persevere despite obstacles and sidetracks. There are no shortcuts to maturity, and neither strength nor speed decide the winner.

PERFECT CONDITIONS DO NOT YIELD FRUIT

Perfect conditions seldom occur, and “he who watches the wind does not sow, and he who watches the clouds does not reap.” (Eccl 11:10). If we wait until conditions are “just right,” we won’t ever attempt anything.

When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they were led by God into the wilderness where they were three days without water. When the water they finally found at Marah was bitter, great complaints arose against Moses. Moses cried out to God, and following His instructions, tossed a certain tree into the water, causing the bitter water to become sweet. (Exodus 15:22-27).

Thus satisfied, sustained and nourished with sweet water, the people moved on. They camped next at Elim, an excellent spot with 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees. What could have been better? But the great work of God was done at the bitter waters; there is no miracle recorded at Elim, where conditions were perfect.

Out of the hard spots in life grow powerful testimonies, towering strength, clear insight. Perfect conditions don’t produce that kind of fruit.

BEING RIGHT IS NOT ENOUGH

Stated differently, the truth is never sufficient in itself. We do need to be right and have a firm grip on truth–but there’s more.

On occasion I assemble the ingredients for a chocolate pie on my counter. Tasted individually, however, they are disgusting. Bitter cocoa powder, chalky flour–and there’s no way I’d eat a raw egg! But in the proper proportions and cooked for the right amount of time, the result is really quite tasty.

I’ve been around numerous churches and individuals who were right in their teaching and doctrine, but they had neither significant influence nor power. Why not? An essential ingredient was missing from the mix.

Paul explains this way: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” (Ephesians 4:14-15, emphasis added). Truth does not prevail unless mixed with love.

In evaluating my various roles in life–husband, father, grandfather, teacher, leader–I draw one conclusion: I’ve been right a lot more times than I’ve been effective.

I’ve preached too much and prayed too little, loved too little, had too little compassion, overlooked too few wrongs done to me, forgiven too little. Indeed I was right–yet ineffective. Truth doesn’t stand alone.

The important rules that govern our lives are sometimes veiled in darkness.  But God waits to throw back the shutters and flood us with light–if we’ll ask Him. (James 1:5).

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He later confessed, “I realized with awful force that no exercise of my own feeble wit and strength could save me from my enemies, and that without the [...]]]> On December 12, 1899, a 25-year-old British cavalry officer made a daring nighttime escape from an enemy prison, but the frightful prospect of imminent recapture soon overwhelmed him.

He later confessed, “I realized with awful force that no exercise of my own feeble wit and strength could save me from my enemies, and that without the assistance of that High Power which interferes in the eternal sequence of causes and effects more often than we are always prone to admit, I could never succeed. I prayed long and earnestly for help and guidance. My prayer, as it seems to me, was swiftly and wonderfully answered.”

After asking God’s help, he then determined to seek refuge in a nearby house. Without knowing whether deliverance or destruction would answer, he anxiously knocked at the door. Winston Churchill thus discovered the only haven within 20 miles and lived to become a world powerhouse.

This story provides a wonderful illustration of Jesus’ threefold admonition: “Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you.” (Mat. 7:7).

And therein are keys to help us decide what’s next in life, an issue I face daily.

ASK WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT GOD WILL ANSWER.

We should first ask God to meet our needs. And if answers aren’t immediately forthcoming, we are to keep on asking. Unfortunately, many of us ask of God but don’t really expect much to happen and soon give up. Nevertheless, we need to ask with the firm belief that Jesus meant what He said: those who ask will receive.

Realize, too, that we can ask wrongly. If needs are not met, we might consider that our asking could be amiss. (James 1:6, 4:3).

SEEK WITH THE CONFIDENCE OF FINDING WHAT YOU NEED.

Have you ever noticed that God sometimes answers prayers in ways we’re not expecting? So we need wisdom to understand what’s really going on. Wisdom must be sought: “If you seek her as silver, and search for her as hidden treasures, then you shall understand….” (Prov. 2:4-5). There’s urgency in this sort of seeking.

Here’s what I do. After asking God to meet my specific needs, I open my Bible and pray something like this: “Heavenly Father, I need for you to speak to me today in a way that I can understand. Is there anything you want to tell me?” Then I read. If I encounter a verse where I believe that He is speaking, I underline it, date it, and jot a short note about what I believe the message is to me. If doubts come later, I can look back and say, “On this day God said….” That brings confidence.

KNOCK WITH THE ASSURANCE THAT GOD IS GOING TO GIVE DIRECTION AT THE RIGHT TIME.

But there’s an additional step. After asking and seeking we will often encounter situations where a decision is required. Do I move forward, or wait? Do I do this or that? These decision points are “doors,” doors that must be tested with a “knock.” Churchill knocked at a physical door, but there are other kinds as well.

Believing they were led of God, the Apostle Paul and his companions endeavored to go into Bythenia, but that door closed to them. Shortly thereafter, however, an unexpected door of opportunity in Macedonia opened. (Acts 16:7-9). So whether a door opens or closes, direction is given in either case.

Deciding what’s next in life is a process whereby an amalgam of perplexities, obscurities and conflicts is gradually refined into clarity we can act upon.

EARLY, EARLY I WILL SEEK HIM

Early, early I will seek Him
Seek Him first, foremost of all.
Heaven’s dew is then the freshest,
That on me His grace may fall.

Seek Him earnestly and often,
Seek Him while He may be found.
Once the hardened heart has softened,
Then we are on praying ground.

Seek Him when your visions perish,
Plans derailed by Satan’s darts.
He’s the One who said He’d cherish
Prayers that spring from humble hearts.

Seek Him when there’s joy abounding,
Blessings showered all around.
Grateful praise too often missing,
Thankful hearts too seldom found.

Seek Him and He’ll not forsake you.
Seek Him on behalf of friends.
Adverse gales that may assail you
He can turn to pleasant winds.

Seek Him first in youthful vigor,
Seek Him ’til life’s at its end.
For our faith cannot grow bigger
Lest we seek Him friend to friend.

Copyright 2009 James McAlister

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DREAMS

Late at night they skitter Through my mind on velvet paws. Silent, it seems, to elude my grasp, But I sense them crouching in the shadows— Waiting to pounce.

They often seek, I think, Some occasion to linger And boldly whisper hints Of “incredible” and “impossible”: Of what might [...]]]> On the healing of both body and soul. This is the poem mentioned in the message:

DREAMS

Late at night they skitter
Through my mind on velvet paws.
Silent, it seems, to elude my grasp,
But I sense them crouching in the shadows—
Waiting to pounce.

They often seek, I think,
Some occasion to linger
And boldly whisper hints
Of “incredible” and “impossible”:
Of what might be, should Strength
And Circumstance both smile on me with favor.

Then if Morning shoos them off
With stern persuasions of “Not today,”
Nighttime faithfully beckons them to whisper once again,
“But there is yet tomorrow.”

Copyright 2007 James McAlister  Listen here

Let me explain from [...]]]> “If you ask anything in my name,” Jesus promised, “I will do it.” (John 14:14). What an incredible confidence this should infuse into prayer! But do we tap the power and potency of heaven simply by tacking the words “in Jesus’ name” onto the end of our prayers? No. There’s more involved.

Let me explain from personal experience.

Years ago a man named Bill Cavanaugh put me in charge of a large construction project. “I’m counting on you to get this job finished on time and within budget,” he admonished. “I trust you to do whatever the situation requires, and I’ll back you up in your decisions. But come to me quickly if you encounter trouble you can’t handle.”

As difficult and knotty problems invariably arose, I’d exert my influence as project manager to effect the necessary resolutions. But when my name and title weren’t sufficient, I’d use the name of the one who had sent me. I’d say something like this: “Bill Cavanaugh wants this done, and if you can’t help or won’t help, I’ll have to report that back to him.”

Invariably, roadblocks suddenly melted away. But why? Because I’d invoked the name of one who had both the authority and power to make things happen. I didn’t do this lightly. I could legitimately use his name because I was carrying out his express will, I clearly understood his plan and purpose, and I had his promise to back me up in the commission he had given me. And in my confident use of that name, the individuals on the other side of the problem knew that I was assured of the outcome. Bill Cavanaugh had said so, and I believed him.

So when we ask of the Father in the name of Jesus (John 15:16), it’s much the same concept. We do so with a firm and clear understanding of the will of Jesus, of His plan and purpose, and with assurance that He will back us up as we seek to carry out the commission He’s given.

I like to visualize what might be happening in heaven whenever I boldly go before the throne of grace to obtain mercy and help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). When I make my petition to the Father in the name of Jesus, I envision my Intercessor and Advocate, himself seated at the Father’s own right hand, make an appeal on my behalf. “Father, this request is in my will and my plan, and this child of mine is endeavoring to do what I’ve asked him to do. I back him up in this matter and ask that you grant his request–right now.”

Then with the Father’s speedy and resolute “So be it!” the answer is dispatched, and I have what I requested. Nevertheless, I understand from Daniel’s experience (Dan. 10:12-13) that there may be stern resistance from evil but unseen principalities and powers in the heavenly realms to prevent a timely delivery of that answer.

And just as the name of Jesus gives me access to the Father, it also affords me authority over these invisible enemies against whom the Apostle Paul assured I would wrestle. (Eph. 6:12). Then persist I must, as Daniel did, until the answer shows up.

I can be confident that the Father will grant any petition according to His will (1 John 5:14-15). And when I properly invoke the name of Jesus in prayer, I announce to the unseen spiritual world that I am not only assured of the outcome, but also that the One whom the Father exalted far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named (Eph. 1:21) will back me up with the power, authority and influence embodied in His name.

Jesus said so, and I believe Him.

Copyright 2007 James McAlister

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We were young and in [...]]]> It hardly seems as seems as if our 37 years together have come and gone so quickly, but sifting through old pictures this past week convinces me that they have. My hair was once black, but what few locks that age and stress have permitted to remain are now decidedly gray.

We were young and in the carefree days of youth, oblivious to the difficulties soon to confront us. But in an instant on December 21, 1972, Jenny's traumatic birth brought the first change to dramatically alter our futures and respective outlooks on life. And unseen to us, other mountains of crisis loomed just over the horizon.

Could we have foreseen the difficulties ahead, we might have decided that the path of pain best be avoided–and then have done so. But the grace of God conceals the future so we might not be fearful and learn to depend on Him to rise to whatever occasion He permits to enter our lives. And He has been faithful to do that, even when we haven't always been faithful to respond properly.

Surprisingly, though, each pain that's been delivered to our door has been balanced by a corresponding joy that would arrive later. If I could just learn to wait for the joy without growing discouraged….

My mother gave us nicknames 37 years ago: Sunshine and Thundercloud. Even a casual observer can tell which is which today! But despite our differences, you have been a faithful mother and wife, one who had endured hardship with a persistent optimism that continues to encourage me. I thank you for that.

You have loved–and continue to love–your children to the fullest. Though Jenny is now gone from us, tonight we'll go to eat at Jasmine's, where Barrett has planned a special treat for our anniversary dinner. He is an extremely diligent worker, one who endeavors to make his employers successful. He learned that from you.

What does the future hold for us? We can't know, but we do have some anticipations for this next phase of life. We look forward together to Barrett's graduation from college, his career, his marriage, his family….

Seven years ago on our 30th anniversary, I had two specific prayers for you. I repeat them here as my continued desire:

1. That the beauty of the Lord our God would be upon you and that He would establish the work of your hands (Psalm 90:17).

2. That He would clothe you with strength and dignity (Proverbs 31:25).

May God bless you–and I love you!
——
Why would I share such personal details? Perhaps to encourage those who think long-term relationships are a steady stream of carefree days and then abandon each other when their idealism doesn't materialize.

In looking back, one thing is clear. Having our lives flexed by the opposing forces of joy and sorrow–even triumph and failure–builds strength and unity that come in no other way.

Copyright 2004 James McAlister

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Though what we believe is critical, even the strongest belief does not constitute faith. Even the demons believe and shudder (James 2:19). God will intentionally put alleged "faith" to the test in order [...]]]> Faith: An outward decision made in response to something God has inwardly revealed through the supernatural enlightenment of the eyes of my heart.

Though what we believe is critical, even the strongest belief does not constitute faith. Even the demons believe and shudder (James 2:19). God will intentionally put alleged "faith" to the test in order to reveal its true composition. (James 1:2-4).

As a master craftsman, God is ever engaged in the tedious business of producing maturity in His people. With the hammer of contrary circumstances and the anvil of painful trials, each well-aimed, timely blow shapes faith.

Faith is substance. Like a "title deed" that lets us decisively claim ground given but not yet possessed (Hebrews 11:1-2), faith is so important that we cannot please God without it (Hebrews 11:6). In order facilitate the faith-building process, God will sometimes unexpectedly draw aside the veil that normally conceals the spiritual world. In that instant of revelation, the "conviction of things not seen" — like carbon infused into iron — transforms malleable belief into faith of steel.

Who can honestly claim to have real faith until belief has been tested? Was Abraham's faith "reckoned as righteousness" simply because he believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead? No. His faith was validated when he purposed to give God the chance to prove His promise. As Solomon's sword quickly separated truth and lie, Abraham's raised sacrificial knife distinguished belief and faith (James 2:21-24).

Was Rahab's faith approved simply because she received the spies and embraced what they said? No. Her belief was not converted to faith until she sent them away (James 2:25-26). God's judgment loomed over Jericho, but the spies bore hope: tie the scarlet cord in the window and live. But that promise had no more substance than air unless they returned to Joshua. So Rahab sent them out — at great personal risk– by another way. If the cord was hope, then faith tied the knot that rescued her family (cf. Joshua 2:17-21).

Where do we stand today in the development of our faith? Do we long for the "good old days" when life seemed simpler and the tests weren't so demanding? Do we seek the course of least resistance that has always caused men and rivers to run crooked? Or will we be disciplined in our living, steadfastly trained by the trials of life to a faith that is more precious than gold (1 Peter 1:6,7)?

I pray that our faith would be as that of Daniel, whose life before man and God inspired Darius the Mede to count even the roaring of hungry lions as naught by saying, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee." (Daniel 6:16b).

Copyright 2004 James McAlister

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