AGAINST THE GRAIN

August 1, 2015

I am intrigued with the term "counterintuitive." It refers to notions which contradict intuition, common sense, or gut feelings. Did you know, for instance, that  "according to the Mayo Clinic, putting ice on a burn can cause frostbite and damage the skin.  For better results, try running cool water over the area and taking a pain reliever. Then cover the area with gauze and put on ointment." I found this out the hard way.  After burning my hand on a hot pan, I did what came naturally to me and covered the burn directly with ice. I then called the medical advice nurse and she told me that I could could really have caused injury to my skin.  Fortunately, with a little prayer, it turned out ok, but I would never do that again. 

Similarly, I find that God's ways are so many times counterintuitive.  For instance, when we are wronged or insulted, our natural reaction is to strike back or seek recompense on our own. The Bible, however, teaches us never to return evil for evil but rather to repay it with good. We are instructed by God to love our enemies, to pray for them and to bless them. 

 Furthermore we are told in God's Word that as we give of our finances and time to the Lord we will receive more in return.   Our inclination is to hold on to our resources for fear of having nothing left, but this not Kingdom thinking. 

  

 "Give and you will receive. 

Your gift will return to you in full - 

pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over and poured into your lap." 

Luke 6:38  NLT 

  In addition, the Bible tells us to: 

" Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, 

whenever you face trials of many kinds" 

James 1:2

 Now that does not make sense to the carnal mind at all. However, the Lord goes on to say that through these trials we are developing faith and Godly character.

What's more, as we trust the Lord with a thankful  attitude, He will work all things out for our good and His glory.

To sum it all up, our ways are not God's ways. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

    neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so are my ways higher than your ways

    and my thoughts than your thoughts."  

Isaiah  55:8-9 NIV

It takes prayer, study of  Scripture and harkening to the voice of the Holy Spirit to develop a new way of thinking.  My prayer is that we can all begin to see with God's eyes, hear with His ears, and love with His heart. Only then can we shake off the "old mindset" and live our lives as "new creatures in Christ Jesus,"  bearing much fruit for His Kingdom.

By Cathy Friberg

KEEPING THE FAITH...July Writing by Cathy Friberg

We all go through trials and tribulations. The Scriptures warn us that we would.

“In this world you will have tribulation....” 

John 16:33

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous...”

 Psalm 34:19

These adversities can be exhausting and even debilitating. We turn to God in prayer, but sometimes the answer does not come. It is tempting, after an extended period of time, to determine that perhaps our desired result is not God's will. We can grow so weary that we decide to just accept our present circumstance and make the necessary adjustments to live with it.

I want to encourage you, however, when difficulties prevail, to keep persevering in prayer and faith. The parable of the persistent widow prompts us to do just that. Jesus Himself tells the story of a lowly widow who went to the town judge “repeatedly appealing for justice against someone who had harmed her.” Luke 18:3 The magistrate was an unjust Godless man who did not care about the woman or her cause. Yet, because she kept hounding him, the judge finally granted her request, if only to put an end to her harassment of him. Scripture goes on to encourage us.

“And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, 

who cry out to Him day and night?” 

Luke 18:7

The Lord uses the widow's parable to prompt us to keep on asking with confidence and boldness.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, 

that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” 

Hebrews 4:16

Jesus doesn't chide us but rather recommends that we keep crying out to the Father until we see His promises fulfilled in our lives.

If anyone had reason to lose heart, it was Abraham. He was 75 years old and childless when the Lord promised him that He would make Abraham's descendants into a great nation. Genesis 12:2 Abraham and Sarah did not conceive Isaac, the son of promise, until 25 years later. And yet, 

“...Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age,

 he figured his body was about as good as dead – and so was Sarah's womb. 

Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that 

God is able to do whatever he promises.”

Romans 4:19-21

Whatever is burdening you today, there is one who can destroy your yoke of oppression. Jesus can set you on high, meet your every need, and fill your heart with strength and joy. Keep asking, seeking, and knocking. You may be weary by evening, but God's mercies are new every morning.

By Cathy Friberg