Great Commission Churches

July 2003

 Dear Sisters,

When my husband and I moved to our home 15 years ago, our well went dry the first day. The “well guy” assured us after inspection that our well was probably no good, would no longer produce water, and we should consider putting huge tanks in our basement to storehouse our water supply. I found this pretty upsetting. John found it ridiculous, and quickly got the guy out of the house. Then I got a lesson from my husband in “running away from the doubt-pushers.” He hired a man from the area who knew our well, who quickly cleaned the shale build-up, and we’ve had a great well ever since!

I share this story because Jana Graber’s article about staying positive in a negative world reminded me of those events. Jana urges us to focus on trusting the Father and His reward as we serve God, instead of “responding to the circumstances of life with an ‘oh, no’ attitude.” Jesus alone is our strength and refuge!

Trusting Him,

Sandy

Staying Positive In a Negative World

by Jana Graber, New Life Community Church

There are so many negative forces in our lives. The TV news is a great example. I'm often amazed at how people can watch the news, and then go to bed expecting to sleep peacefully! Let's face it, bad news is what gets people excited. That's what will cause people to tune in. It creates sensationalism.

But what effect does it have on our lives to be continually inundated with stories of murder, rape, and war? The verse I often think about is Matthew 24:12 "And because lawlessness is increased, most peoples' love will grow cold." After listening to such reports don't you want to hide in your house, pull down your shades, and lock the doors? God wants us to be reaching out, getting involved in peoples' lives, having a positive influence on the world around us. We need to immerse ourselves with input that will keep us moving in that direction.

Being a mother can also put us into a negative situation. Between whining two-year-olds and grumbling teenagers, we can find our spirits bogged down. It takes such faith to be a mother, and the rewards are often years away.

There are also accusatory and belittling people in the world. These people are so empty on the inside that they have to put others down in order to build themselves up. The effect is that we feel like dirt when we are in their presence. Scripture makes it so clear as to where these attitudes come from. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. We must never allow his accusations to determine how we view ourselves.

Another source of negativity may be from within ourselves. As a college student it seemed that grumbling about the dorm food was a way of life. And the weather - it’s too hot, too cold, too rainy, or too dry. I am deeply convicted about how often I respond to the circumstances of life with an "Oh, no" attitude. When we truly believe that God is the Blessed Controller of all things, we can respond to the spilled orange juice, the lost glasses, and the broken down air conditioner without a grumbly heart.

As I read through the Gospels, I am amazed at the positive spirit Jesus continually possessed when He walked on this earth. He was able to look at people, see their potential, and know they could accomplish great things. He said to Simon and Andrew, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:7) What a challenge for me as I view the weaknesses of my children, or am disappointed by the people around me once again.

A verse we often use to keep our children in line is I Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals.'" Why do we apply this verse to our children and not to ourselves? Even in the context Paul was speaking to adult believers. We are so affected by the people we associate with. Even Jesus felt this effect. In Mark 6, He could do only a few miracles because He was surrounded by the unbelief of the people of His hometown. In Mark 5, He refused to even attempt to heal Jairus' daughter until He had gotten rid of the mockers and scoffers. It is so essential that we associate with people who believe in us and have a "Can Do" attitude, if we are to accomplish what God has planned for us.

In John 1:46, we see Philip finding fault with Jesus - He was from the wrong side of the tracks. How did Jesus respond? Did He see a man with a critical nature? No, He saw a man who had no guile. Every negative character we possess has a positive counterpart. This bit of information has the power to transform the way we look at our children and the other people in our lives. We can partner with God in His work of sanctification as we exercise faith in His ability to change people from glory to glory.

In John 12 we see Jesus well aware that the chief priests and pharisees are trying to take His life. What does Jesus do? He goes to Bethany. This is His place of refuge on this earth. He has friends there who love Him and who will meet all His needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual. Who is a refuge for you, and to whom are you providing a refuge? Life is tough. We all need a place where we can flee for support against the storms of life.

In John 13 we see Jesus facing eminent death - not a peaceful death where He would slip away to eternity in His sleep. His death would be agonizing in every way, and He knew it. What is Jesus' last act before He leaves this earth? Surely if there's a time someone is allowed to be selfish and complain or be mean and lash out, it's when he's dying. But Jesus decided to become the lowliest of servants and wash His disciples' feet. What made Him able to keep on giving to the very end? He focused on the reward. He knew He would be rich in Heaven. Soon all the splendor and glory and power that belongs to the Father would be in His hands again.

May God grant you grace to keep your eyes on the prize and walk above the circumstances of life.