Communicate with the Tower
But it’s hard to keep the right attitude all the time. Life has a lot of rough weather to contend with. The writer of Hebrews understood this reality, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us …”
“… looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) Tough times come and go, and they are the times when a right attitude is most important. John Maxwell wrote, “What really matters is what happens in us, not to us.” This is a spiritual truth: God wants believers “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:29) Make these four rules your pattern for responding to difficult times. First, maintain the right attitude even when the going gets tough—James encourages that problems are good for us: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (vv. 1:2-4) Second, realize that the rough weather won’t last forever—usually, it is not the size of a problem that gets us, but the length of it. Paul told the Christians in Galatia, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9) Third, try to make major decisions before the storm hits—the decisions we make when the weather is calm will prepare us for the coming storm. Daniel “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies.” (v. 1:8) He was ready when the wind of temptation began to blow. Fourth, keep in contact with the control tower—it is the most natural practice for a pilot to maintain communication with the traffic controller. It is important for believers to also keep open communication with our “control tower” in heaven by prayer if we are to have a successful spiritual flight.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.