IT'S LONELY AT THE BOTTOM

Ever been dismissed from a job or forced out?  And then, it just seems that no one will hire you, even with the skills, experience and personality that would benefit others.  Tough situation!  Many things go through one's mind at this hard time.

Many of us never think it will happen to us.  Business executives who have worked for a company for many, many years at times find themselves suddenly looking for a new job, and no one wanting to hire them with the salaries they were commanding before.  Factory workers who have given their lives to a company, and then when they can no longer make their daily "quota," find the company doing things to make them quit or get rid of them.  At times, these folk are too young to retire and some even know that if they quit before retirement, they will get no retirement from the company.  Unfair.  There should be loyalty both on the part of an employee but also on the part of the company for long time employees as well.

Sometimes pastors feel they too need to leave or are forced to leave, and even with the leading of God to do this, it is a hard time to deal with all of "what is."  Preachers too deal with similar thoughts of rejection, pain, worthlessness and even at times, entertain thoughts that "there is just nothing left for me here."  Sad but true.  Pastors/preachers are still people--with all the human emotions and feelings that God put into them too.  Some are more "damage resistant" than others.  All a part of how God wired us and who God made us to be, as well as our maturity level and spiritual maturity level.

Which brings me to my main point--even pastors need a small support group or small group, where they too can air their feelings without rejection and with the understanding and support of others.  But often, if they leave the church/ministry where their small group was--even those they have begun--they find themselves alone, lonely and without the support they need at a time when maybe they need support more than at any other time of life.

It is lonely at the bottom!  We often hear it as the opposite--"lonely at the top"--and that is true.  But it also lonely at the bottom--when you experience hardship, trial, frustration and feelings of worthlessness.  And since you are to be a "mighty person of faith," people don't want to be around you.  There must be something wrong with you, if you teach and preach about faith, but when the hard time comes to you, you don't live it with "powerful faith."

I notice in Mark 3:14 that even Jesus did not try to go it alone.  "And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach," (NASB)   Jesus called men to train them and disciple them and prepare them to carry on His ministry when He had returned to be with the Father (what fellowship THAT must be!).  But Jesus also called them so He would have supporters, encouragers, a small group to be there for Him during the hard times, and He had many hardships.
It is easier to deal with situations after we are through them, but during the process, the hard time, we especially need friends/colleagues/encouragers to help us deal with "what is;" the feelings, emotions, wrong thinking that may be part of our present situation.  We need people who will point us to faith in God, point us to Scripture, point us to having consistent time with God and with His people, point us to physical exercise, so that we too can negotiate the hardship with victory.

In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul talks about being, as Henry Nouwen put it, "wounded healers" for one another.  When one has gone through something, the person can then be a source of encouragement, support, spiritual strength for others who later go through something  similar.  We are to use our experience of hardship to help others negotiate effectively. 

Many people were supportive during a time of hardship, discouragement and feelings of worthlessness for me--family, friends, colleagues.  But one person especially, who had been through a similar situation really was there at a time I needed him.  For the first time in months, I felt I was really "heard" and really "understood."  Many prayed for me, and I am thankful for that, but this one really made me feel I "could" make it, and I was really "understood" and thus not alone.  When you really feel heard and UNDERSTOOD, you truly feel you are NOT alone.

We all need a small group and/or especially at least one person, outside our family, who truly "understands" and accepts us--someone who makes us feel really heard--one who has been there and does truly understand because they have gone through something similar.

Jesus sought out those who would "be with Him".  If Jesus needed that, a small group to support, to listen, to understand, are any of us any less needy?  Even preachers/pastors/strong people of faith?

It's lonely at the bottom, especially when you feel you had been, at least to some extent, at the top in some ways, and for many, many years.  But there is "a friend who sticks closer than a brother."  (Proverbs 18:24, NASB)  And who of us does not need at least one of those?

SHRUB OR TREE?

SHRUB OR TREE?

Are you a shrub or a tree?  Jeremiah causes us to think about that in chapter 17.  Let’s look and ask ourselves.  (Jer. 17:5-10, 13) 

Jeremiah—spoke to the southern Kingdom—nation of Judah.  Israel—northern kingdom had gone into captivity by Assyria.  Now Babylon is on the horizon. 

Israel fell because of their sin.  Would Judah do the same and be overtaken also?  Or would they turn to God, and Him alone? 

Notice the contrast—“Cursed is the man who trusts in man—whose heart turns away from the LORD.”  But “blessed is the man who trusts  in the LORD.” 

Which would they choose—cursings/problems/captivity from God or blessings?  And all due to their sin of turning away from God. 

When people are more dependent on people than they are on God, they are in trouble.  People are not trustworthy—especially in relation to an all-powerful, loving, eternal God. 

There are those who trust in:

1)      Their husband or wife or family instead of God—trouble

2)      Their government instead of God

3)      Their political party instead of God

4)      Money and power

5)      Job or profession rather than God

Which is eternal?  Which is more worthy of trust?  Jeremiah would say, “God!” 

People are sinful—people often have good intentions but do not always have power to carry out their wishes or desires. 

But God is none of those.  However, we still get caught up, at times, in trusting others more than we do trusting God. 

One who trusts in God:

1)      a tree planted by running water—sending out roots to the water

2)      leaves are always green due to the presence of the water, so

a.      no fear of heat

b.      no fear of drought

c.      never fails to bear fruit

                                                               i.      Fruit bearing must depend on ongoing relationship with God 

Note again the contrast—One who trusts human beings:

1)      like a bush (not a tree) in the wastelands

2)      Not see prosperity when it comes

3)      Dwell in parched places of desert 

The person trusting only in the physical, in the human, may survive, though barely.  But the person trusting God thrives, even in the most harsh circumstances. 

v. 9  “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.  Who can understand it?”  Jeremiah asks. 

1)      One reason to trust God—His heart is not like that.  He is dependable

2)      Deceitful--our heart--

a.      At times, our heart tries to deceive others

b.      At times, our heart deceives us about the rightness or wrongness of things

c.      Who can understand the human heart—only God! (v. 10) 

v. 10 Only God can truly know the human heart—and be just in His dealing with us.  Only God really knows what is inside of us. 

v. 13  Notice the descriptions of God:

1)      Hope of Israel—there is always hope with God because there is always hope in God—He is totally trustworthy

2)      Spring of living water—where is true life and true food and true water found—in God alone.  John 10:10  “I came that you might have life and have it abundantly.” 

a.      Living water—flowing or moving water

b.      Represents a constant source—a life giving source

c.      Picture in Ezekiel and Revelation—a stream that flows out from the throne of God—God’s life giving Spirit 

Why would anyone turn away from trusting God for trusting in humans or human institutions?  Because our heart is deceitful—sinful—unbelieving—lacking faith.

This summer—drought and heat—many bushes and trees have died—not flourished.  They didn’t get the needed water—life giving water. 

How can believers be sure they do not turn away from God to other lesser things? 

Through regular time with the Lord—regular, daily time in the Scriptures.   

In good times, we need the life giving words of Scripture.  When times are hard, we especially need them, so we do not give up. 

Scripture helps us see where our heart is being deceitful. 

Scripture also helps us receive the hope found only in God and the true, living words of God. 

Scripture sustains us—feeds us—waters us—teaches us about God so we believe what it says about Him instead of what others might say or our hearts may even say about God. 

Be a tree—not a bush.  Trust God above everyone and everything else.  And even in hard times, you will flourish.

HE'S HERE!

He’s here—He’s always around.  Do you feel Him?  Do you realize—always here?  When I’m scared—when I’m discouraged—when I’m happy and excited—He’s here! 

Isaiah 6 

Isaiah’s commission—his call to serve.  How did it begin? 

1)      A need—king had died—what would happen now—uncertainty—worry—maybe hope.

a.      A vision—say it with me, “I saw the Lord”—(repeat)—seated on a throne, high and exalted”

b.      Feel the excitement—the awe—the fear?

c.      Who is this?  God!

d.      What kind of God is He?  Message of the angels—

                                                               i.      Holy—all holy—completely holy.

                                                             ii.      Sovereign—over all the earth—ruler over everyone and everything

e.      In His presence, the temple shakes—smoke fills up the room—His presence is so fearful—awe inspiring—so real.

f.        Do you feel it?  Do you feel what Isaiah felt and experienced? 

2)      When a holy God meets with you, what do you feel?

a.      Awe—overcome with amazement

b.      Fear—God is totally holy—I am not—Woe is me!

c.      Why would the King, the Lord Almighty appear to me?  To kill me?  To scare me?  I am not worthy to be here!

d.      The angel/seraph comes.  I’m not worthy—I am unclean—Angel comes to cleanse me of sin and guilt.

e.      What feeling then occurs—when sin is forgiven—when guilt is gone?

                                                               i.      Relief

                                                             ii.      Thankfulness

                                                            iii.      Cleanness

                                                           iv.      Awe—that God would be able to do this—what I could never do for myself

                                                             v.      How grateful are YOU for God forgiving you—cleansing you? 

3)      A voice is heard (v. 8)

a.      Whom shall I send?  Who will go for us?

b.      A mission—a purpose—God always has a purpose—to redeem rather than punish.  What just happened to Isaiah?  God redeemed—did not punish for His sinfulness—God’s intention.

c.      God chooses to involve people in His plan/purpose.

d.      For US—God in His entirety—Trinity—Father, Son and HS.

e.      To involve puny humans in the plan of God—whoa!  Amazing. 

4)      Who will go? Who would respond?

a.      Top of Isaiah’s voice—SEND ME, SEND ME!

b.      Why would one go on behalf of a holy, righteous, purposeful God?  Quite a fearful, awesome task—lots of responsibility.

                                                               i.      Gratitude—for sin forgiven

                                                             ii.      Thankfulness—done for one who could not do it oneself—not worthy at all—all because God CHOSE to forgive.  

5)      How successful will I be? (vv. 9-10)

a.      No, you will not—they will not listen

b.      Success for YOU is not their response—it is sharing what God tells you to share

c.      Do your part—you can’t do their part nor the HS’s part.

d.      Many will never listen 

6)      How long God?  (vv. 11-13)

a.      Till there is no possibility of repentance left—till all have heard—till you no longer have breath.

b.      Billy Graham’s mom—sickbed—“Lord let me lead one more person to Christ before I die.”

c.      V. 13—a tenth remain—the remnant—some will listen and respond.  SOME WILL. 

Is this message just for prophets/preachers?  Did you deserve forgiveness and cleansing?  How grateful are you?  Why would God appear to YOU?  Would you too be privileged to serve God and go on His behalf—sharing what He did in your life? 

Has God appeared to you?  Have you felt His presence—even today?   

How did you feel when He did? 

What did He do for you that you could not do for yourself? 

How grateful are you? 

What is God’s plan to involve you in His mission/purpose? 

Are you living out that purpose/mission? 

Will you commit yourself or recommit yourself to His purpose?

YOU CAN'T BE WHO YOU'RE NOT

You can't be who you're not; you can only be who you are. How's that for a catchy first line?

Recently, I found this to be true again. I began work at a Christian bookstore, thinking that I like books and I like people and there are very nice people that work there, so that should be a good job for me. But the problem was, that was not me--it was not a good job fit. Why? Because somehow with many of the demands of that workplace, I was not wired that way--to really fit there.

In training, one of the videos I saw was from Thom Rainer, president of Lifeway. One thing he said was that those who worked there should see it not as just a way to get a paycheck, but to see it as a ministry--putting Bibles and good Christian books into peoples' hands--listening to people and really helping them, praying for them, and even leading them to Jesus. Wow, a great thing--and what if more of us would see our job as a way to minister for Christ (if we are Christians) and to do it all "as to the Lord, not just people!" (Colossians 3:23)

As I learned more about the work place, though, I realized it required things that were not "me." It required much multitasking, moving from one machine to another, and one live person to someone on the phone and back; more than I felt I could do, especially at age 61. It was "who I was not; not who I was." As we live life, we learn more about who we are and who we are not.

God made us all with different gifts, talents, abilities. (See 1 Corinthians 12 & 14 for differing spiritual gifts). I was not made to be an engineer--different set of talents and knowledge than I am equipped to have. I was not made to be a nurse, like my sister and daughter. I was not made to be in sales like my brother or retailing with coffee, like my son. I was made to teach, but not with elementary school children (and especially junior high) like my wife (and especially kindergartners--they just "wear me out.")

Who made me the way I am? God. I have gifts for teaching and working with small groups. Gifts for teaching adults (for many years college students and internationals), and gifts for facilitating and leading small group studies. I was made to share God's Word with others--helping them understand its meaning and to learn how to apply its implications for life.

I was told (by a professor at Southwestern Seminary) that an early seminary professor (Jeff Wray) made this statement: "If there is anything else you can do and be happy besides preaching, do it." The implication was that if God called you to this task, you really would not be happy doing anything else. If God wired you to that ministry, then you would only be happy doing what He made you to be and do. You can't be who are you aren't; only who you are.

Working at a bookstore can be a very important ministry, for those whose gifts are wired that way. Being a nurse, a teacher, a sanitation engineer, a plumber, etc., are important jobs that can be a ministry if God made you to be that. But if He didn't, you will not be happy doing that, and shouldn't a job be more than just a paycheck? Shouldn't it be fulfilling to your life, to your family, and those you work with and serve? I think so.

So, yeah, I washed out at the bookstore, because that was not who I was; it was who I was not. (It is a great place to work, a great job, a great ministry for the right person.)

I believe it was Edison who said upon failing again at coming up with a workable lightbulb, "Well I have not failed; I have discovered another way not to make a lightbulb (my poor paraphrase)." What was he saying? Supposed failure can help us find who we are rather than who we're not. And the older we get, I believe we learn more of who we are and what God created us to be and do. Then life is fulfilling, rewarding, full of passion and service, and "serving the Lord, not just another person" (or a paycheck.)

One of my Facebook friends recently paid me a compliment, one that I really do appreciate. He said that I was "a minister, whether I was being paid to do that or not." I think the implication was that I genuinely had a heart of service, to God and to people. To me, that means "working for the Lord, not just to please people or for a paycheck." I like that. And I believe that is true of me, but it is within my gifting--in the way God made me with my special mix of talents, gifts, abilities, and age groups.

And what peace and joy and passion there is in doing what God made one to be and do!

 

So be what you are, not what you aren't.  And find the fulfillment and joy of God as you serve Him through that career He created you for.