I'm having a little crisis of faith right now. The Lord spoke to me about developing a seminar called "Dying to Live." So far the response from the pastors I have spoken to has not been overwhelming!
Have you ever been doing what you believe the Lord told you to do, and then encountered obstacles and setbacks that made you wonder if you really were doing the right thing? Of course, we all have. Then we begin to doubt whether we really heard Him. Our doubt exposes our lack of faith.
In three of the gospels, we read the story of Jesus sleeping in the bow of the boat while the disciples were being tossed about in a stormy sea. They awoke Jesus and said “don’t you care that we are dying?” I bet that’s how you feel sometimes when you are in the middle of a trial! You are struggling for life and death, and Jesus seems nowhere to be found!
Let me back up to the beginning of the story. Jesus says, “Let’s go over to the other side.” In Luke’s account (ch. 8), it says they “launched out.” The words suggest energy, a determined state of mind. In Matthew’s account (ch. 8), it says “Jesus got into the boat, and the disciples followed Him.” Again the word suggests agreement and participation. Determinedly, they set out: they are all going to “the other side.”
But then something unexpected happens—a storm threatens not only the success of their trip, but even their lives. They awaken Jesus and with a tone of accusation: (what? Did they perceive Him to be careless or passive) “Don’t you care that we are dying?” You know the rest of the story: Jesus rebukes the wind; the seas calm immediately. Then Jesus rebukes them for their lack of faith. Why? Because Jesus had already told them they were going to the other side. If Jesus has called you to do something, you can be sure it will be done. But you can also expect that there will a few obstacles along the way, even some severe and threatening storms. But rest assured. If Jesus says you are going to the “other side,” you ARE going to the “other side.” You will get to the promised destination. Our faith is proven through these storms: "by faith and patience we receive the promises of God" (Heb 6:12).
Hi Greg,
ReplyDeleteSorry to learn of the less than enthused pastors, although I cannot say I am surprised. When I first learned of the "exchanged-life," I was told by a brother at a conference I attended, "don't be surprised if you don't get a positive response to this (the message of the Cross). I thought, "what in the world is this guy talking about?! Surely every church is teaching this basic truth." Well, how right he was, and how wrong I was.
I'm curious to know what reasons the pastors may have given you for their lack of interest. In any case, I appreciate your sharing of your "little crisis of faith," and will pray that more of those you meet in the future will receive His truth.
Press on, brother!
With love in Christ,
Rich (rich4JChrist)
Greg,
ReplyDeleteHaving grown up in a culture of pastors I might be able to shed some light on why you are encountering some surprising resistance from them for your sharing your understanding of this neglected doctrine.
1) Many pastors would love to have a congregation full of people who understand the truth that you have discovered and enunciate so well. However, I believe they perceive it to be a "high maintenance" message that they may not have the energy to facilitate after you are gone. You may indeed have all kinds of follow-up material to support the growth of those who would courageously take up the gauntlet and take the journey. But the average church attender has little patience for this life-long process. And there are may competing voices who promise quicker results from less effort. It is perceived as easier for an overworked pastor to deal with the "get-righteous-quick" schemes that are always out there than it is for them to deal with the crises of people who want to draw back into their flesh when resistance comes from their applying the truths of dying to self.
2)Some pastors may actually not believe that what you propose is attainable in this life and that we are instantaneously made righteous when the Lord returns for His Bride, or, when we die physically. So why make people have to endure a needless process when it can be accomplished in the twinkling of an eye?
I'm not saying either of these positions is defendable; just that they may very well define the nature of resistance you have run into.
Stan
Hi Greg,
ReplyDeleteThe truth of God's word is just as radical today as it was when Jesus walked the earth if not more so with our present self-centered culture.
The message of dying to live is the foundation of christian transformation into christlikeness. That is our cross - to deny the flesh and walk in the spirit.
It's a hard and, as you have experienced, an unwelcomed truth. However it the most important one outside the saving grace and love of Jesus Christ because it is the way of our Lord, submission of His will to obedience to the Father's.
Greg, you just do what He calls you to do. He'll do the rest, as Im sure you already know.
Be encouraged Greg, I'm one of those who have been blessed by the work which God has choosen to do through you. And it's clear to me that it is the Holy Spirit doing his work through you.
Just a thought but maybe the audience for this message might be different than what you had anticipated. Maybe a more mature group, missionaries, pastors themselves etc.
God will show you...and then remember Satan would love to sidetrack you and discourage you.
Be encouraged...
Kathy
Greg,
ReplyDeleteTo piggyback on what Kathy has said, it is possible that the message is not nearly the obstacle is might be the approach. Here's a thought--
I heard once by a pastor in Northern CA that, according to his reading of the Scriptures, the zenith of our spiritual experience as a generation is designed to be the floor of the next to build upon. Otherwise we are always having to "re-invent the wheel." I immediately identified with what he had to say because I know that my daughter was raised with both of her parents being givers and tithers to the local congregation that served us. She has never questioned that--it was foundational to her and has become second nature to her. But she has other challenges to her faith, that, as she masters them and overcomes them, her children will have the opportunity to be grounded upon her tested faith in that given area. It will be foundational for them. And so on...
Since I haven't been priveleged to attend a Dying To Live seminar or series I don't know exactly how you go about in your presentation of the subject matter. But I do know that you may gain some ears that otherwise would not have heard if you appeal to the idea that our children need not have to dig the same wells we have dug! And we now have the opportunity to get it right and give the devil a black eye in the process. If our children can witness our transformation right in front of their eyes because of our application of the principles of life in Dying To Live then they will be all the more inclined to give heed to the teaching of the Cross!
Just a thought.
Stan