Imagine you are hiking in the mountains. Your objective is to reach the top of a peak you can see several miles away. Between you and the objective are a few smaller hills and ridge lines. As you set out on your hike, you can easily see the objective as you go, but as you get closer to the smaller hills and ridges they block out your view of the peak, your objective. However, as you climb up the smaller hills, just as you are reaching the top, you again get sight of the objective.

This illustration parallels our lives on earth, as well as our Christian lives. When we get started, we can see our objective, though far off in the future, we see where we are going, but as we encounter the struggles and obstacles of life, they can block out our view of our real objective. We must keep moving forward even though, temporarily, we cannot see our objective, we know it is on the other side of the obstacle. Just as we are overcoming the obstacle, we remember our objective and see it again a little closer than before.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

Dear Lord, we know our ultimate objective is eternity with you. Help us remember to keep our focus on this objective as we overcome the troubles we see day to day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I think that sometimes, difficult things happen to people because God is trying to get their attention and draw them to him. He gives them things that are too big to handle on their own, as motivation to turn to him.

Revelation 3:19-20 says, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

God’s “rebuke and discipline,” which we may experience as struggles in our lives, are examples of him knocking at the door. When we let him in, he will help us through these trials.

Dear Lord, we know you want us to include you in our daily lives. Help us see our struggles as you knocking at our door to join us and help us through and overcome. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We have all seen examples of two kinds of people in politics, sports, business, and all walks of life. My simple descriptions are, first, the wise and humble, and second, the self-centered self-promoter.

James writes about these differences in James 3. In verse 13 he writes, “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” I am sure you have seen these types of people, the incredible athlete that credits the whole team for the win, even when he or she carried the team, or the CEO that successfully leads his or her company through difficult challenges, but shuns the spotlight.

In comparison, you have seen those who are constantly blaming problems on others, taking credit for all the success, and complaining that they are not being treated right, or paid enough. In verse 17 James describes this other type, “For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” We have all seen the results of these types of people in failing businesses, cities, and governments.

We need to strive to be the wise and humble type. God promises to help and to give us wisdom if we ask. James writes, in James 1:5, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.”

Dear Lord, Please give us wisdom and understanding, and the humility to use it for your glory and not ours. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Do you ever feel like God doesn’t care about you? You are trying hard to do the right thing and keep yourself on the right path, but things just are not working out for you?

David describes this situation in Psalm 22. He starts out with “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.” He continues for 18 verses talking about all his problems, his enemies after him, and how weak he is, and doesn’t know how he can go on.

However beginning in verse 19 and through the end of the chapter, David writes praises to God, verse 22, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” and verse 28, “For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.”

I think there is a message for us here, that when we are down and feel things are going against us, rather than complain and feel sorry for ourselves, we should show God our praise. Showing that we know we are just being tested and we will remain faithful and maintain a good attitude through the trial.

I think it is not a coincidence that the following Chapter, Psalm 23 is that well known statement of faith that begins, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” and ends with, “Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Dear Lord, we know that you are all powerful and can resolve any situation we encounter if and when you choose. Help us remember to stay strong and faithful in our challenges, trusting in your great love for us. In Jesus’ name we pray.

About 600 years before Jesus Christ was born, the remaining Israelites in Judah were taken into slavery by the Babylonians, and Jerusalem was destroyed. 70 years later, they were allowed to return, led by their leader Zerubbabel.

Against all odds, criticisms and harassment by neighboring peoples, Zerubbabel leads the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Zechariah 4:6-7 tells us, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!”

I think the lesson for us in this story is; When we strive to do God’s will, and dedicate our activities to him, our success doesn’t come because of our “force or strength,” but by God’s Spirit at work.

Paul has a similar message in 2 Corinthians 5:7 saying, “for we live by faith, and not by sight.”

If we stop and look, we will see occasions where God has made things happen according to his plan, against the odds and obstacles.

Dear Lord, help us remember to put your will first, and have faith that when we do, your Spirit will overcome all obstacles. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.