We’ve been in a tough stretch for a few years now. By we, I mean all of us…everyone I know. Life itself can be difficult as it is, but the extenuating circumstances surrounding the pandemic; such as, loss of income, loss of friends & family, failing businesses, economic downturns — and everything that comes with it, not the least of which is a deep distrust of government and media.
- All these together have added to people’s burdens.
Of course, in the post-pandemic world, there are a wide variety of changes that society is being forced to embrace, some positive and some negative.
It became popular for people to say, “I’m just ready for things to get back to normal.”
· One problem with that is that by now we can all agree that nothing is going back to the way it was before.
· Another problem is when we improperly define what is and is not normal—then we begin to struggle to set and reach goals—because our “sights” are ever so slightly “off.”
In the discussion of “life” and all that has happened, is happening and will happen — there is no such thing as normal.
Ø What we really mean is…COMFORTABLE.
Comfortable is what we all crave.
By comfort, I am not referring to furniture, but rather, all expectations met.
There are those of us who enjoy New Years celebrations, and using the time to reflect on goals & accomplishments, as well as areas of our life we need a reset in—or we need to release altogether.
We also desire to use them as an opportunity to leave the undesirable parts of a previous season behind us…so we can move forward into something that resembles “the meeting of expectations”—or something more comfortable. However, we eventually remember that the flip of a calendar really does not change anything at all.
Likewise, people who put their hope in political parties or government systems, also end up with a reality check and a very rude letdown.
My intention isn’t to be bleak or stay focused on the negative.
· Rather, I want to take a look at what the Father thinks about these difficult days — and how He reacts to us when we face seasons like this.
After all, our Father is also the Creator, and He can declare the new beginning of a calendar year if He sees fit—and when He does, it’s always connected to your Exodus out of bondage. (NEW BEGINNING)
Exodus 12:2: "This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you."
He generally uses a gauge rather than a clock—when determining your “time.”
{Meaning He isn’t watching a clock on the wall, as much as He is gauging your growth & maturity.}
Adversity, tragedy & failure are three enemies we’ve all stared in the face at one time or another in our lives, some of us – more than once, others of us all at once.
At first glance - these three may look or sound the same - and even though they than can be interwoven or entangled at time...but they don’t always come together, nor do they mean the same thing.
For example, tragedy & failure may sometimes reflect the presence of adversity; but adversity doesn’t always indicate the presence of tragedy & failure.
Adverse/adversity:
- unfavorable or antagonistic in purpose or effect:
- opposing one's interests or desire:
- being or acting in a contrary direction; opposed or opposing: opposite; confronting:
Life itself can be very adverse for all of us at times.
Tragedy:
A lamentable, dreadful, often fatal event; a calamity or disaster.
Most of us can raise our hands to having experienced adversity and tragedy in our lives.
In fact, many people have no problem wearing “tough times” like a badge of honor, making sure everyone around sees it and knows about it.
We’ll talk about it, testify about it, sing about it & write books about it.
But very few of us are as anxious to raise our hands and brag about the tragedies that have deeply affected us emotionally — or even worse, the failures we’ve endured in life.
Fail/Failure:
- to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired
- to receive less than the passing grade or mark in an examination, class, or course of study:
- to be unsuccessful in the performance or completion of:
- an embarrassing mistake or humiliating situation
Here are some words related to “fail” in the dictionary:
decline, fall, neglect, break, close, drop, finish, end, flounder, flop, blunder, fold, abort, fizzle, slip, miscarry, miss something altogether, backslide
{to relapse into bad habits or behavior; or undesirable activities}
It’s no wonder we don’t like to talk about our failures, because in many cases, we’re still running from them or trying to rebound from them.
Often in our minds, to talk about our failure publicly is to:
· Relive the shame of it
· Stir up the negative emotions of it
· Still feel tied or connected to it
· Have to face all the question as to why, all over again
We’ll openly discuss the tragedy and adversity we’ve stared down; like a big scar we’re showing off to or friends.
(Mel Gibson and Rene Russo in Lethal Weapon 3, arguing over who has the most scars! 😊)
But our failures feel more like deformities or defects…that we try to hide from one another, for fear of judgment.
We will roll our sleeves up and show off our scars…
…but because the damage failure causes is INTERNAL, MENTAL and EMOTIONAL, we’re content to keep hiding it.
We fail to understand that like a wound, unless it breathes, it won’t heal properly.
· We try to move forward in life, but we continue to bleed from an unclosed internal or emotional injury, which has a negative impact on every relationship and venture we begin.
Isaiah 61 The Passion Translation
Messiah’s Mission
1 The mighty Spirit of Lord Yahweh is wrapped around me because Yahweh has anointed me, as a messenger to preach good news to the poor. He sent me to heal the wounds of the brokenhearted, to tell captives, “You are free,” and to tell prisoners, “Be free from your darkness.”2 I am sent to announce a new season of Yahweh’s grace and a time of God’s recompense on his enemies, to comfort all who are in sorrow,3 to strengthen those crushed by despair who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful bouquet in the place of ashes, the oil of bliss instead of tears, and the mantle of joyous praise instead of the spirit of heaviness. Because of this, they will be known as Mighty Oaks of Righteousness, planted by Yahweh as a living display of his glory.
This verse is referencing the use of “sackcloth & ashes” while mourning or repenting.
4 They will restore ruins from long ago and rebuild what was long devastated. They will renew ruined cities and desolations of past generations.
I want to make sure you’re seeing all there is to see here so we’ll take our time, so you’ll know how it impacts you as well:
We’re in the section of the Chapter known as Messiah’s Mission;
…so, His mission is – still to this day, to usher in divine exchange in your life.
He is anointed by God to preach:
- Good news to the poor
- Heal the wounds of the broken hearted
- Tell the captives that they’re free
- Deliver the prisoners from darkness (spiritual blindness)
- Announce a new covenant of GRACE
- Comfort all who sorrow
- Strengthen those who mourn because they’re crushed by despair
- To give them a beautiful bouquet in the place of ashes
Right there, in the place where:
· the dream burned up
· in the spot where the business burned down
· in the very location where your dream of a perfect marriage…went up in flames because of “someone else” in the relationship, who had no right to be there
· at the location where the drunk driver crossed the center median and killed your loved one
· in the hospital room, where the Dr informed you, your baby would be stillborn
· Right there in the spot where life hit you so hard – you just wish you could die now.
· Right there, where, perhaps you cheated on your spouse, broke your covenant and broke their heart…and now you don’t think you can ever forgive yourself.
Now we’re gonna find out just how real you’re willing to be
· Right where you were the driver who had too much to drink that night, and knew you shouldn’t be behind the wheel – and you crossed into oncoming traffic – and took another life.
…Now you don’t believe God can ever forgive you and you’ve sworn you’ll never forgive yourself.
It’s in those places, where Jesus came to bring a powerful message of hope from Heaven, that says;
“I know you’re hurting and you wanna die…
…but let me help you carry that – let me heal that – and let me show you how powerful forgiveness can be when you trust ME.”
Vs. 5, Foreigners will be appointed to shepherd your many flocks; strangers will cultivate your fields and tend your vines.
{You never thought you’d break free from that place of pain…but He’s just connected and expanded you globally; in other words, outside of the place you’ve called “your world.”}
His favor ON you will attract strangers TO you!
Messiah’s Ministers
6 But you will be known as Priests of Yahweh, and called Servants of our God. You will feast on the wealth of nations and revel in their riches!7 Because you received a double dose of shame and dishonor, you will inherit a double portion of endless joy and everlasting bliss!
This is simply a picture of the truth that the divine exchange He offers us is to bring healing to us – in order to bring healing through us!
His Mission is to minister to you, then minister through you. In between is where revelation of identity and transformation of character takes place!
8 “For I, Yahweh, love fairness and justice, and I hate sin. I will rightly repay them because of my faithfulness and enter into an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their seed will be famous among the nations, and their descendants the center of attention of the people. All who see them will recognize that they are the seed that Yahweh has blessed with favor!”
Your witness & testimony are important in the earth, for the glory of the Kingdom.
Messiah’s Music
10 I will sing and greatly rejoice in Yahweh! My whole being vibrates with shouts of joy in my God! For he has dressed me with salvation and wrapped me in the robe of his righteousness!
I appear like a bridegroom on his wedding day, decked out with a beautiful sash, or like a radiant bride adorned with sparkling jewels.
When the Father takes the burden from you and removes the sting from the adversity, tragedy & failure you’ve endured—
…you then begin to embrace Heaven’s perspective of your life.
You begin to see yourself how Heaven sees you, wrapped in His righteousness, decked out with His splendor, radiant with His glory!
· When you begin seeing yourself the way Heaven sees you, it means you’re coming into agreement and alignment.
You then begin to say the same thing Heaven says, and it produces a beautiful, harmonious sound, as you begin to vibrate internally (spiritually, emotionally and mentally) to the sound of Heaven, and release that sound externally into the earth.
11 In the same way the earth produces its crops and seeds spring up in a garden, so will the Lord Yahweh cause righteousness and praise to blossom before all the nations!
The Prophet ends this section by revisiting the seed – time – harvest principle, declaring that “righteousness and praise” will blossom from the Lord’s Garden!
{And you are the planting of the Lord…}
In spite of Sir Isaac Newton’s declaration, “What goes up, must come down”— I’m telling you that…
“What Goes Down – Can Come Back Up”
Particularly in the context of Kingdom; with the right perspective we learn that what we release as seed sown, has the potential to come up multiplied—in resurrection form.
When the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead also lives in you – whether it’s a dream, a business, a ministry or a relationship…
…you cannot look at the end of something as FINAL – without factoring in the possibility of something new blossoming from it!
Psalm 103 The Passion Translation
1 With my whole heart, with my whole life, and with my innermost being, I bow in wonder and love before you, the holy God!2 Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness you’ve done for me?3 You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done. You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease.4 You’ve rescued me from destruction/the pit/hell and saved my life. You’ve crowned me with love and mercy.5 You satisfy my every desire with good things. You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky!
6 You’re a God who makes things right, giving justice to the defenseless.7 You unveiled to Moses your plans and showed Israel’s sons what you could do.8 Lord, you’re so kind and tenderhearted-{compassionate} to those who don’t deserve it and so patient with people who fail you! Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness. 9 You don’t look at us only to find our faults, just so that you can hold a grudge against us.10 You may discipline us for our many sins, but never as much as we really deserve. Nor do you get even with us for what we’ve done.11 Higher than the highest heavens—that’s how high your tender mercy extends! Greater than the grandeur of heaven above is the greatness of your loyal love, towering over all who fear you and bow down before you!12 Farther than from a sunrise to a sunset—that’s how far you’ve removed our guilt from us.13 The same way a loving father feels toward his children—that’s but a sample of your tender feelings toward us, your beloved children, who live in awe of you.14 You know all about us, inside and out. You are mindful that we’re made from dust.
Allow me to shine a light on a few phrases from this text:
…“like a father has deep compassion on his children.”
The Hebrew word for “compassion,” “tender feelings,” as well as “tender hearted” in the previous verse, is raham, which is a homonym and can also be translated “womb.”
It’s a beautiful word play in Aramaic, that says, “God loves and protects us like a FATHER but also nurtures us like a mother would her children.”
If I can just give you a few points to take home with you regarding any adversity, tragedy & failures that you’ve faced in your life, the first one would be:
1. God is tenderhearted and nurturing toward us, like any good parent would be when they see they’re kids struggling in life. Allow yourself to see and be seen that way…
2. Jesus was—and still is—deeply moved with compassion for humanity.
Matt 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matt 14:14, When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick
Matt 15:32, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat…”
3. You will find comfort in your affliction, as you learn to comfort others in theirs.
2 Corinthians 1:2-4
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Redemption says, I will take your misery, add my grace to it and make it a ministry.
4. There is no guilt, shame or condemnation to anyone who is “in Christ”!
There’s no reason for you to continue carrying guilt, shame or condemnation over any adversity you’ve faced, tragedy you’ve experienced or failures you’ve endured.
God doesn’t judge you for it, in fact His heart is moved for you!
· He wants to help you turn the tide, reverse the momentum and rise from the ashes and build again.
We’ve all, every single one of us, experienced it in our own lives as well.
Shake the shame, lose the guilt, stop condemning yourself; and you’ll find a “spiritual Teflon” begin to form over you, so that even the condemnation of others cannot stick to you – or effect you like it used to.
Make the necessary adjustments to correct what caused it, if need be, but if not, allow forgiveness to flow so you can move forward!
Failure may spell the end of a thing – but it doesn’t have to be the end of you!
Own your failures, but then SOW them into the garden of experience and you’ll reap back wisdom & perspective.
Regardless of what you’ve faced, encountered or endured—you can rise from the ashes and build again, love again and live again!
- Especially when you receive the revelation of “God as Father!”
There’s something to be said about The Father’s heart for humanity, and thank God we’ve finally heard a wave of messages AND worship songs in recent years, correcting our Theology to help us see Him as a loving Father, instead of an angry “courtroom” judge.
His heart is to meet you in the "living room" rather than the courtroom.
- I could put it this way; a better "living room" relationship would eliminate the need for a "courtroom appearance."
If our emotions are unhealthy, or we’ve spent more time in the courtroom pleading our case, than we have in the living room talking to our dad…then we begin to identify with failure to the degree that we feel we’ve BECOME a failure, rather than simply endured one.
Regardless of whether the adversity, tragedy & failure we face is:
• Our own doing
• Someone else’s doing
• Or simply life itself
…the Father’s heart is always for us, and He desires to help us navigate troubled water and bounce back from any blows that come our way—especially the one’s that hit us like a sucker punch!
