Lionheart

Ecclesiastes 3:11: He has made everything beautiful in its time.

These few words are so simple, yet so crucial to our lives as Followers of Christ. In our lives, it is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day-to get caught up in our own timing.  It is in these times when we have to be patient and rest in the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit.  He specializes in leveraging us and putting us in the right place at the right time.  He definitely makes everything beautiful in its timing.

So Melissa Sue and I have been seeing each other for over three years.  I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this wonderful woman; however, I was not in a hurry.  I knew God would work things out in His timing. It was during the start of this year that I really started seeking Him as to the future of mine and Melissa’s relationship.  I remember getting alone and getting real with God.  I told God that if Melissa was the one that I was supposed to be with for the rest of my life that He would show me—and show me beyond a shadow of a doubt.  It was on February 15, 2010 that the Lord led me to Proverbs 31: 10-31.  This particular passage speaks of the virtuous woman.  It was at this time that I knew that Melissa was this woman and would continue to grow into the ways of this virtuous woman.  From this point forward, I knew that she was the one.

Time went by and all I can say is “Jesus”.  Jesus happened to every piece of time and every aspect of the next few months that led to the proposal.  It is only by God’s grace that everything fell into place.  From paying cash for a ring to arrangements for a proposal on Good Friday, God showed up and showed out in a big way.  What better day to promise my life to the woman of my dreams than Good Friday—the day when Jesus gave His life for His bride, the church.

The morning of April 2 dawned as quite possibly one of the most beautiful of the year.  My best friend, Daniel Atkins, helped me with all of the preparations for the perfect proposal.  I picked Melissa up from her apartment a few minutes after 10.  After a quick Starbuck’s run, Melissa and I went to Clemson/Oconee County Airport a few short minutes from Clemson’s campus.  We boarded Barron Cooley’s plane on what she thought was just a neat Friday excursion.  We flew over Lake Hartwell, the city of Anderson, Anderson University, NewSpring Church, and of course, the campus of Clemson.  On our return, we passed over the hallowed ground of Death Valley and over the dike that separates Lake Hartwell from the stadium.  It was here that Melissa caught glimpse of the phrase “MARRY ME?” written on the dike.  I remember her saying, “Oh my God!” and “Seriously?!?”  As she turned around to look at me, I had the ring waiting.  She recalls that the sunlight glittered on the diamond of the ring. Epic perfection!!  Wow!  I asked her to marry me and slipped the ring onto her finger—it fit perfectly.  She was ecstatic.  She could not stop saying, “Are you serious?”, and she could not stop giggling.  It was a laugh that I had never heard before but could only be explained as the joy of the Lord.  I then shared with her how Good Friday is perfect because it is the day that we set aside to remember when Christ gave His life for His bride the church.   I explained that with this engagement came the promise that I would do the same and that I would strive to encourage her, to build her up, and to love her as Christ loves the church.  I also noted how from the air everything seems so small and that how we as people are just mere blips in the grand scheme of things.  Yet in all of that, God loved us so much to give us His Son and not only that—to take it a step further, He loved us so much to take two totally different people from two totally different places in the country and bring us to Clemson to begin a journey together.  How amazing and encouraging that is in itself.

We landed with many congratulations at the airport.  I then drove her to the place on the dike where Daniel and I had painted the letters.  We then drove to another spot on campus where Daniel had a picnic prepared and waiting for us.  It was here that I prayed for us and our new step in our relationship.  It was here that I also shared with her the scripture God had given me on February 15^th.  I read the passage about the virtuous woman.  It was at verse 25 when things got crazy.  Proverbs 31:25 states, “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”  It was at this time that I stopped mid-scripture in utter amazement at the fact that ‘she laughs at the time to come’ as explanation for Melissa’s utter joy and laughing during the proposal.  I literally broke down in joy and amazement for yet another confirmation from the Lord as to our lives together.  I was utterly blown away.   I then finished the passage and read Ephesians 5:25-33 where Paul outlines how husbands should love their lives as Christ loves the church and how husbands should give of themselves in sacrifice and love for their wives.

As I reflect on the day, nothing—absolutely nothing—could have gone better.  Jesus took control of every piece of that day, and every piece of every part of that day was blessed.  I saw his faithfulness and provision in ever part—from the weather to the view of “MARRY ME?” from the air to the scripture connection with Melissa’s laughter.  Everything was absolutely perfect.  I have to give all glory to God because it all speaks as a testimony to His faithfulness and His ‘making everything beautiful in its time.’

So I just finished Mark Batterson’s book, “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day”.  I have to say hands down that this is one of the most impressionable books that I have ever read.  I will definitely remember these words and challenges for years to come.  With each page, I found myself more challenged and encouraged.  Mark is definitely a gifted thinker and writer.

In the book, Mark introduces us to Benaiah who, you guessed it, chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day.   His story in 2 Samuel 23:20-22 seems very random, out of place, and somewhat puzzling.  However, Mark shows that there is so much to learn from the three short verses about Benaiah’s exploits.  In the book, he challenges his readers to be ‘lion chasers’–individuals who are not afraid to take risks and look foolish–individuals who can survive and thrive when opportunity roars.  Mark stresses the fact that some of the most terrifying ‘lions’ in our life are really God-sized opportunities that result in amazing God-sized results.

Mark outlines the following seven ‘Lion Chaser’ characteristics:

1.You have comprehend the fact that God is infinite and all-powerful so that you can believe He can help you defy odds.

2. You have to face your fears.

3. You have to learn to reframe your problems through Scripture reading, prayer, and worship.

4.  You have to shift your perspective so that your problem becomes less significant and God’s greatness becomes more evident.

5. You must take risks.

6. You have to be able to see opportunities in order to seize them by getting yourself in tune with the Holy Spirit.

7.  You have to accept that you are going to look foolish sometimes.

On very important point that Mark brings up is the fact that we, as people, were born to chase.  When we were young, we chased animals and insects.  When we got older, the guys chased girls and the girls chased the guys –from there we chased academic, athletic, and professional goals.  Mark then points out that ‘chasing’ is ingrained inside of us and thus we should chase God with all that we are.  That is on point!  God has placed that chasing desire in us so that we would run hard after Him and what He has for us.  It is absolutely amazing at how God has designed us!

This book has been so inspirational for me as I have been challenged to change my perspective in how I see my problems, circumstances, and opportunities.  Being a Lion Chaser is no easy task, yet it is something, as Mark points out, that can be learned through dedication and intensity.  God has so much in store for us if only we would be willing to take Him at His Word, take risks, and be reckless in our pursuit of what He has called us to.  In reading this book, God definitely showed me some lions that I should be chasing right now as well as some lions that I will chase for years to come.

Being a young person, I hear people who I come in contact with always ask about ‘hearing from God’.  ”How do I hear from God”, “What is hearing from God?”, “How do you know God is speaking?”, “Is God speaking?”, etc–it varies.

This is huge in the college/young professional time of life but it is relevant to all.  People always want to hear a message or hear a talk about ‘How to hear from God’. These same individuals really get desperate about hearing from Him when it comes time to make a big decision, career choice, etc.

We always want the magic formula or the audible voice to just tell us something.  We are so quick to put the ‘hearing from God’ problem back on God with the excuse that He doesn’t speak anymore.  We have all heard the excuse, “Oh yea, God used to speak to people in the Bible, but He doesn’t do that anymore”.

WRONG!!  God still speaks.  God is constantly speaking for that matter.  The problem isn’t on His end, but rather it’s on ours.  We have dropped the ball.  We can’t hear God for the noise.  There are so many things that are going on–so many thing that demand our attention that we can barely even think straight.  We run through our day, crossing out things on our to-do list, consume a bit of food, pay our dues in our relationships, go to bed, and start it all over again the next day.  All the while–God is speaking the whole time.

It’s left up to us.  We have got to cut out the noise.  Get in His Word.  Spend a few minutes on our knees in prayer–and how bout this, don’t ask for stuff the whole time–just sit in silence.  You would be amazed at what God can do in our silence.  Let’s get our focus off of us and on Him and what He is saying.  The Word says that we know His voice.  It’s just left up to us being quiet enough to listen.

Confession is so crucial to the life of any follower of Christ.  I know a lot of folks hear that word and cringe; however, it is so important and so vital for spiritual maturity and growth.  Confession can come in many forms.  There is the confession that comes as a part of genuine accountability.  This type of confession is referenced in James 5:16.  This type of confession is great because this is where the individual is stripped of all disguises and fronts and laid bare before the person they are accountable to.  There are no secrets and no facades.  This type of confession is usually pretty tough as none of us like to admit our weakest areas and our deepest and darkest secrets.  However, this confession is so healthy to the Follower of Christ.  This confession opens the door for repentance and strengthening.  It provides for an opportunity for another to get in your face and call you on various things in your life.  Another type of confession deals with just revealing what is going on your life.  This confession is more on the terms of sharing.  It involves sharing with another individual about what is going on in your life.  You can share day to day activities, struggles, or things the Lord is teaching you.  This type of confession is very valuable because it provides for another opportunity to get real with someone.  It is such an encouragement to share with a brother or sister in Christ about what Jesus is doing in your life.  Not only is it a testimony for the work of Jesus, but it also builds up other believers.  I absolutely love this.  I remember on multiple occasions sharing things with my good friend Seth Guthrie—many times, he would get so jacked up just hearing about what Jesus was doing in my life.  This is so encouraging for both individuals.  It encouraged him and just hearing his excitement, in turn, encouraged me that much more.

Confession is so important as it is one of the cornerstones of community.  Community is a word that is thrown around so loosely in the American church today.  However, genuine community is essential to the life of any believer.  I recall the great growth and success of the early church in the book of Acts.  It was in these times that community was at its best.  The church was doing life together—sharing with one another—building one another up in Jesus.  As a result, the church grew, lives were changed, and the Gospel was carried throughout the world at that time.  I can only imagine what would happen if we really realized the importance of this.  If we would set aside our pride and get real with  our brothers and sisters.  I know for a fact that as a result of our confession and community, Jesus would rock it out.  I honestly think we would see tremendous growth and repentance among the body of Christ if we started to understand the importance of confession.

I challenge any and every Follower of Jesus Christ to find that individual or that core group of individuals who you can be real with.  Confess, share, build one another up, encourage.  Look at it as an opportunity to serve and love on one another.  I guarantee that it will be an opportunity for growth and maturity for any relationship with Jesus.

Time is an invaluable resource.  It is so valuable due to the fact that there is only so much of it–60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, 52 weeks in a year, etc.  Such a set resource is an ultimate equalizer for all people.  It is a level playing field.  Each individual has to decide how to spend their time.  The way time is spent says a lot about the individual.  Many character traits are revealed in the use of time such as loyalty, devotion, dedication, etc.  There are so many things that compete for our time–work, class, relationships, faith, hobbies, “things we just have to do”, etc.  The fact of the matter is, we have to choose what to spend our time on.  Our choice is a direct reflection of who we are as individuals.

Jesus has really been dealing with me lately about how I spend my time.  With the ton of things that I have to get done each day, it is so easy to shift things around and shorten things in order to get things done and ‘check it off the list’.  He hit me hard the other day as He brought to my realization that I have not been giving Him the time that I should.  This hit me like a ton of bricks, but it was so true (Thank God for those moments!).  I have not been dedicating as much time to Him as I should.  I have not spent as much time as I should cultivating that relationship with Him.  That’s the essence of a relationship–it calls for an investment of time.  A relationship with Jesus is not built by checking the quiet time off the list each day.  It comes from a genuine hunger and thirst for Jesus.  It comes from a hunger and thirst for more of Him–a hunger and thirst for righteousness.  There is no better way to spend our time than in cultivating a relationship with Jesus.  When we give Him our time, it is an act of worship.  We use what could be argued as our most precious resource and give it back to Him; it is truly a sign of complete dedication and devotion to Him.

When I think about how I can improve things in my life, I like to go to the ultimate example–Jesus.  He set the standard, and there is so much to learn from Him.  One of the things that He did throughout the Gospels was get away to have His time with the Father.  On countless occasions, the Scriptures indicate that ‘Jesus withdrew to pray’ or ‘Jesus withdrew from the crowds’ or ‘Jesus went up to the mountain to pray’.  Jesus saw the importance of this continual time with the Father.  It was where He was strengthened and built up.  It was in these times that He received sustenance and direction from the Father.  He was the Son of God, yet He saw the importance of constant fellowship with the Father–He continually cultivated their relationship.  He only had about 33 years on this earth, so if He set aside some of His valuable time to spend with the Father, then I am taking notes.  Jesus use of His time was worship unto the Father just as our use of our time should be worship unto Him as well.

One of the great things about a blog is that you can exclaim facets about life that you are learning.  Right now, Jesus has really been dealing with and how I handle conflicts.  Conflicts come about in all shapes and sizes; they happen between friends, coworkers, and random people each day.  One of the key things to realize about conflict is that it should not rule any kind of relationship.  Conflict can have some very negative repercussions when not dealt with properly.  However, when approached carefully and handled tactfully, conflict can be very healthy to any relationship.  One of the big things that I have learned, as of late, is the fact that most conflicts are spawned from miscommunication or a lack thereof.  When you stop and think about it, almost every kind of conflict comes from this crucial facet.  Communication is of utmost importance to any relationship.  When communication is not shared, conflicts soon ensue.  This, like I said, can be very detrimental.  The critical importance of communication must be realized.  I have learned that there are two main facets to effective conflict resolution.  One is definitely communication.  If you relationship has lacked communication in the past, get to it.  Without it, the relationship will soon deteriorate.  The other important key is patience.  Patience, being one of the fruits of the Spirit, is so important for all aspects of each of our lives.  Before reacting, it is important to take a step back, take a deep breath, and be patient.  Many times, understanding will come about just as a result of not being hasty in a conflict or argument.  Another important thing to remember is that we are all human.  We are all working to be better individuals through Christ so let’s have some patience with one another.  Communication opens doors, and patience provides understanding.  These two are a dynamic duo at resolving conflicts and mending relationships.  Our relationships are too important for us to let avoidable and unresolved conflicts have control.  Furthermore we cannot let the way we handle conflict taint our representation of Jesus to others.  There are, of course, other things that could be applied to resolving conflicts; however, I firmly believe that these two are core.  With them, our relationships can grow and we can have a more positive impact on others around us.

Investment is so important in our everyday lives.  There are countless things to invest our time and efforts in.  Two big things that require investment are material things and relationships.  In our everyday lives, these two things encompass a large amount of investments that are made.  Individuals go through so much in order to have the latest and greatest ‘thing’.  They go out of their way and blow all kinds of time and money because they think the ‘thing’ will satisfy them or make them happy.  The fact of the matter is that once the ‘thing’ is acquired, it soon looses its satisfaction.  What once was the latest and greatest ‘thing’ now definitely falls short when it comes to a return on the investment.  Relationships are the same way.  Many times, guys are girls invest all they have in their significant others.  I have seen this happen countless times even to the point of individuals giving up beliefs, goals, and dreams.  Don’t get me wrong; there is nothing wrong with a relationship; however one’s true identity should not be found in a significant other.  (I have always found it rather hilarious and ridiculous that one of my buddies couldn’t function when his significant other was not latched onto his arm.)  These relationships are investments; they require time, money, sacrifice, and pieces of oneself.  Once again, the fact of the matter is that the relationship soon looses its satisfaction.  The countless investments do not yield return and the individual is soon left with heartache, regret, and a lack of identity.

At the end of the day, one has to question the value of our investments.  I know that I only hit on two; however, these seem to be the biggest in our society.  There are so many things to invest in, but in reality, there is no guarantee of a full return.  Things soon lose their value, relationships end, and expectations are not met.

The only investment that has a 100% return is a relationship with Jesus.  When one invests in pursuing Christ with his/her whole heart, the returns are extraordinary.  It doesn’t depreciate, and it doesn’t stick with you only in the good times.  Jesus’ love is unconditional—heck, He died for you.  The great thing about a relationship with Him is that He has already taken the first step.  He took that step to the cross, and He made the decision to give His life for us.  All He asks in return is our belief in Him and the dedication of our life to Him.  We can then rest in the confidence of investing time and energy into a relationship with Him.  You get out of it exactly what you put into it.  When viewed this way, one can see the importance of fellowship with the Father each and every day.  Jesus saw the importance of this in Luke 5:16.  He constantly poured Himself out to the individuals he came in contact with, thus He knew that He needed that time alone with the Father in order to refuel.  That daily time, that investment, each day in our relationship to Christ is so crucial.  It gives us strength and sustenance, and it won’t let us down.  There are so many other things that require our attention, but none has the stability of a relationship with Jesus.