Tag Archives: God’s will

Skepsis Week 5: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

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Pain, heartache and suffering are universal and inescapable. Our definition of suffering may change as we age but it’s a fact that we will never escape it. Suffering and seemingly catastrophic events cause us to question faith. Where was God amidst Japan/Haiti earthquakes? During 9-11? The presence of suffering is the number one reason why people do not believe in God. Continue reading →

It’s All for Him

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Do you ever have those days when you wonder, what’s the point of this life? Why am I here? I don’t mean these questions in a morbid sense but rather in a more philosophical sense. People wrestle with these thoughts from time-to-time as they chart a course for their future. I think we are given some indication of why we’re here in Scripture. Continue reading →

Quietness

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The best rides are the ones when Ernie is calm, collected and quiet. There’s a oneness between us. We both have a sense of peace and trust. We’re able to hear the wind in the trees, the crunch of dried leaves beneath his feet and the creaking of the saddle leather as it moves with Ernie’s muscles.

I’ve learned over the years to cherish quiet. Most days, if you were to come to my house, you would notice silence. A friend who visited recently commented, “You don’t have any music on. We always have music on at home.” A former co-worker observed similarly the silence that I prefer when I’m working. When I awake, I don’t turn on the radio or the television. To do so actually frazzles and irritates me. I need silence, especially in the morning. I cherish it all day long. 

I didn’t used to be this way. I used to run with music, drive to music, cook to music, clean to music, get ready for work to music. You get the picture. I used to come home from work and plop myself down in front of the television for hours.

But that all gradually changed.

Solitude by Amy Loves Yah

I learned to cultivate contentment in silence. I learned that in silence I sense God’s presence and to hear his voice. I settle my mind and think more clearly when it’s quiet. I’m not distracted by noise, music lyrics or a tune. I can more easily pray. Like a quiet ride with Ernie, God and I are closer in the quiet – there’s a oneness.

The peace of God guards my heart and mind.

Question: How do you feel about silence and why?

Isaiah 30:15 (NIV): In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…

Job 3:25-26 (NLT): What I always feared has happened to me.
      What I dreaded has come true.
 I have no peace, no quietness.
      I have no rest; only trouble comes.

Psalm 29:11 (NLT):  The Lord gives his people strength.
      The Lord blesses them with peace.

Could You Meet this Need?

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Generally, if there’s a need and I’m able to meet it, I step up. But there’s one need that’s been weighing on me to which I’ve not responded.

Oyate Concern impacts the Native American youth in many ways

Oyate Concern, a mission in Oglala, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, needs a team of 30 workers for a four-day mission trip in June. The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation comprises one of the poorest counties in the U.S., with an 80% unemployment rate. Alcoholism and sexual abuse are out of control. Children have incredible odds to overcome to succeed in life. Oyate is trying to change the culture by teaching the children and loving the teens, in the name of Christ. The Native American population in Oglala is benefitting from the mission’s work, as evidence by the growing programs for youth and teens, and the weekly church service. The school is growing as well.

They need help with a construction project. Last summer they removed the second story of the home/school building and placed it onto a new foundation. This will give the missionaries a residence separate from the school building. This summer they will continue the rebuilding/renovation of the school and the house.

Oyate is clearly a worthwhile cause. My church could probably pull together a team, if someone would only come forward to lead the group. Someone needs to organize the logistics and pre-trip meetings. To answer questions. To collect money. To screen drivers. To be the liaison between the church and the mission. I’ve been asked to lead and I’ve pushed back.

I’ve learned after many episodes of burnout that not everything that comes my way is for me to do. God calls us to do specific tasks — he doesn’t call us to do every task. Could I lead the team? Sure. It would be a stretch for me. But I’ve never felt called to work with kids or Native Americans.

I suppose it’s possible that this opportunity has been laid at my feet because I’m meant to lead the trip as a way to stretch my faith in new ways. Perhaps another mission trip would make up for the less than positive experience of my last one.

Or, perhaps, I’ve come to learn of this opportunity because I’m meant to share it with all of you. Could it be that one of you could be called to lead a team?