Tom* was a man who really wanted his life to be different. He had always wanted a peaceful life. As a hard working man, he believed in making an honest living. As a skilled, qualified diesel mechanic, he always found work wherever he went. His employers sought him out for his uncanny ability to trouble-shoot the most complicated issues at work. He was their “go to” man for their difficult tasks.

Once in a while Susan* would come out of her shell and try to talk with others and smile. But most of the time she was simply withdrawn and isolated. She came to church regularly and attended all of the special meetings and gatherings. But somehow she just couldn’t connect with most of the people.

After picking up the phone and the usual hello, I went on to a simple question: “So, how are things?” That question brought on a flood of tears and complaints about that person’s spouse, children, extended family, and church members.  As I stood there listening to this for a few minutes, I felt like my head was spinning as if I was on one of those crazy rides in an amusement park.

But there are other times when this person is light and bubbly, and everything is wonderful. At this point the questions are answered differently.  How is your spouse? “In God’s hands, safe as ever.” And your children? Oh their future is secure by God’s mercy.” As I go on asking about each item that previously troubled that person, they see it all from a different perspective.  Same problems, same people, but just a different perspective.

It seems Job also struggled with perspectives in his life. He said: “My spirit is broken; my days are extinct; the graveyard is ready for me.  Surely there are mockers about me, and my eye dwells on their provocation” (Job 17:1-2 ESV). When I read these verses I thought about the person I mentioned above, as well as many others in similar situations.  Job said his eyes were focused on their provocation.  That focus led to the fateful words “the graveyard is ready for me.” Many things in life can be “broken.” But when your spirit is broken, that is intense.  As Job focused on his brokenness, the only hope he could see was the graveyard.

Job’s problem was that his eyes dwelt on the provocation of his enemies.  By doing that, he “empowered” his problems. He empowered them to have such a negative impact on him. He obviously could not recognize that his perspective was the problem, that it caused him to conclude his fate in the graveyard.

Getting our focus off of our problems and on to God doesn’t guarantee that all our problems will go away.  In fact, they may continue just as ever.  The difference is its effect on us. We won’t be shattered.  Our faith won’t be shaken.  And most importantly we won’t have to conclude that our only hope is the grave.

When the philistines drew up the battle lines against Israel, they had their “star” warrior Goliath right in the front.  It seems that the entire Israelite army was focused on Goliath.  And they were all clearly shaken. Their focus on Goliath and his might “empowered” that situation. But David was not impressed.  His focus was on God and that made all the difference.

So, do you find yourself focused on your problem? Are you “empowering” your problems and finding that you are ready for the graveyard like Job?

What is your greatest hindrance to fixing your eyes on God?

Share it here in the comments.

Photo by Fried Dough – Creative Commons

Several years ago, severe persecution against Christians broke out in Orissa (Odisha), a northern state of India. The Christians in one district were attacked, beaten, and driven away from their homes, and many were killed. The people doing this heinous act blocked off an entire district and would not allow anyone to enter or exit their district.

I just finished looking through a small box of old memorabilia from my school days. Most of the items are identification cards, letters, and other miscellaneous items. Awards and trophies? No, none of those.  On second thought, there were a few that caught my attention.  One was a lapel pin with the word “effort” and another with the words “perfect attendance.”

I remember the time these were given out.  Toward the end of fourth grade, we were all standing in line in the hallway.  Prizes were given for different subjects.  I stood there with hopes, but no expectation.  Finally I heard my name.  I couldn’t believe it.  I thought it must have been a mistake.  What subject would I get a prize for? When I finally got the item in my hand, it was a pin that read “effort.” It was my second year in fourth grade, and the best I could do was to put in some effort.

The next prize was in sixth grade.  Hoping that things would improve, my parents put me in a private school (which only lasted one year).  That year I got my second pin, and it read “perfect attendance.” No matter how cold it was, in the rain, snow, or whatever the situation, I went to school.  Even when I was sick, it didn’t matter – I would show up.  In spite of all my efforts in academics  the best commendation for me that year was “perfect attendance.”

Through my high school days, in college, and in Seminary, I was surrounded by classmates who excelled in many things.  They were active and popular in various activities such as sports, music, public speaking, and various clubs.  But I didn’t find myself excelling in any of these areas.  I was just “average” in everything I did.

While I was in Seminary, I helped a friend as he planted a church in that city.  I had the opportunity to make some small contributions there in my own way by starting a few small groups.  At that time I thought: “Wow.  Maybe I can be useful to God.” Then I heard the teachings of John Wimber and I was specifically impacted by the phrase he used so often: “Everyone gets to play.”

In God’s kingdom, “everyone gets to play.” I was the one who was always on the sidelines just kicking stones and walking up and down the sidelines. But in God’s kingdom I get to play.  In fact in the Kingdom, I have unlimited opportunity to do the works of God.  Without any limitation I get to heal the sick, cast out demons, and tell others about God’s kingdom.  Luke tells how he commissioned his disciples “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:1-2 ESV).  And of course, this was not limited to just the disciples, but to those who believe: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18 ESV).

So, in the church that Jesus began with the disciples, “everyone gets to play.” And most importantly I get to play.  Even though I am just average and ordinary, I get to join with God in doing extraordinary things.

So, do you “get to play?” Share your experiences of being average or ordinary. Share it in the comments.

Photo by Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious