Stepping Stones: How Do You Define Safe?

19 July 2010

Transformational Tip

In 2006, a good friend, Todd Hendricks, asked me to lead a team into Iraq, at the request of the Kurdistan Minister of Health, to teach psychiatry and counseling skills to their health systems personnel. No other American(or even international) team had been permitted to go in to Iraq for this purpose. Regular bombings…turmoil…America uncertain about whether to keep forces in or withdraw…Shiite and Sunni hatred and violence daily towards each other...everybody suspicious of each other.

After a time of prayer, I told Todd, “I’m in!” As I excitedly told people, they asked, “why are you putting yourself in such danger,” and “aren’t you afraid. “ I had no fear as I had been praying for God to use our unique Lighthouse Network ministry in unique ways.

David was out on the battlefield…mono et mono….face to face against a world champion giant….no armor…just a slingshot and several pebbles. Seems like a dangerous place to most. Actually, it was the best place for him because that is where God wanted him….and David knew it…had perfect peace freeing him to channel God’s preparation and power in his life.

Be willing to go out on a limb if that is where God leads you. If He is leading you there, it is by far the safest place to be. Overly familiar surroundings may feel safe, but they can also lull you into a sleepy, yet dangerous, self-reliance. When out on a limb with your Lord, you will stay alert, communicating with Him continually, holding onto His hand in trusting dependence. Follow God wherever He may lead you…and let the shelter of His presence keep you safe. Remember, He knows what the future holds, not you.

Today, ask yourself, “where is God pushing me?” “I am resisting?” and “What am I afraid of?” Follow it with, “how is that working for me?”. Does He want me to…forgive someone…reach out to someone…give up something or someone…be content with something I already have…say something I am afraid to. Usually it is not a geographical place He pushes us to, but rather a spiritual or psychological place we are afraid to allow God to take us.

Go where He leads, it is the safest place…try it…TODAY! My 2007 trip to Iraq…We had a bodyguard, felt very safe, and it was one of the greatest and most unique experiences of my life.

Prayer
Dear Father God, You know Lord that I really am not a risk taker…I like to play it safe. However, it is my heartfelt desire to stay close to You…even if that means going out on a limb with and for You. When I feel more self reliant, I confess that these are the times when I tend to forget about You. I pray Lord, that You will help me follow You with confidence. I pray this in the name of the author of my faith and courage, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!

The Truth
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 31:20

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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
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Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Mixed Super Bowl Memories
    February 4-5, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    I’m a Steelers’ fan … born in the Pittsburgh area … so Super Bowls in the 70’s, my teen years, were unbelievable events as my beloved Steel Curtain smashed their way to an unprecedented 4 championships in 6 years. Teamwork, sacrifice, perseverance, commitment, intentionality, practice, heroes, legends, invincibility, power, role models. I learned so much through those fun Super Bowl Sundays.

    For a while though, Super Bowl Sunday also conjured up some terrible memories. You see, from late high school through college and into medical school, I made a lot of poor choices leading to many issues including a significant alcohol addiction. My worst memory ever: January 25, 1987, Super Bowl Sunday … middle of medical school, an awesome future ahead of me. It started off at a party with a bunch of med school friends. Through a series of progressively stupider decisions … consuming lots of alcohol, winning $600, more “celebrating” at a strip bar, driving drunk (after a severe snow and ice storm), 6 counts of aggravated assault, a cut, bruised and battered body … I ended up in a Newark jail. Could’ve gotten killed, or worse, killed others, several times that evening.

    Jail … it was what I needed at that time to protect me from myself, Satan, and the world … it was the best place to think. And God really spoke to me. I finally listened and decided that life according to my instruction book … my kingdom come, my will be done mentality … wasn’t working. My hole kept getting deeper and deeper over a 10-year stretch. I finally understood what Jesus did for me, and what God wanted to do in my life … transform me and bless me with an abundant life by fulfilling all my needs. I started to really know, love, and delight in my Lord. I finally decided to make Him not just Savior, but also Lord of my life.

    Well, it took me several years to sort it out and really appreciate that day, and now I look back and thank God so much for what He has done for and through me. My terrible memories of that one Super Bowl Sunday have been wiped clean with the blood of Christ. What He has blessed me with since then … spiritual growth, a loving wife, my girls, friends, profession, ministry, coworkers, experiences, has been beyond my wildest dreams, especially compared to being in jail facing felony charges. (Not wanting to test God, I always make sure I am in a safe place Super Sunday.)

    Today, realize that each decision, regardless of how big or small it is, has definite ripples. Are you measuring the ripple effect? Second, if you are experiencing difficulties, hope is in the Lord, not in your efforts or abilities. Third, if you have done some terrible things in the past, God will forgive and help you move forward, using even those events in powerful ways to impact you, others, and His kingdom. Lastly, after accepting Christ as your personal Savior, make the defining decision of your life on Earth to let Him be the Lord of your life. That’s when life really comes alive and makes sense as it pushes you to connect fully with Him. Life is your decision, so choose well. And enjoy the game.

    Prayer
    Dear Father God, You, Your love, and grace are truly amazing. I thank You for not leaving me even though I left You many times. Thanks for landing me in jail, so I finally could block out all the distractions of life and meet You and listen to what You had been trying to tell me for many years. Thanks for the tremendous opportunity to serve You and for Your willingness to use me in Your service … it is truly humbling. I pray this in the name of the One I delight in, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
    Psalm 37:4

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10

    I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
    Romans 12:1-2
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