I'm currently reading through Tim Keesee's Dispatches From the Front and Mindy Belz's They Say We Are Infidels. The Lord is using both books to expand my understanding of the incredible advances, unique opportunities, ever present challenges, and tremendous needs discovered on the front lines of gospel ministry. Thankfully, my bubble of American Christianity is being punctured, as I thrill to see the God of the nations working among the nations and as I weep at the horrible persecution faced by so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. ​​I am continually finding myself deeply challenged by what I'm learning is happening to and through the church globally, and I realize that my experience here in America is more the exception than the rule, both in the effects of the gospel and in its obstacles.

I'm not sure what the end result will be in how God is challenging me through these resources, but I'm already finding myself stirred toward three responses: (1) yearning to see gospel advance on the frontlines of the United States of Amercia, (2) desiring to be more global in my own gospel vision, and (3) strategizing how to mobilize our singles group, which is uniquely positioned to really make an impact as we take risks for the sake of the gospel.

Concerning that last response in particular, I've already started exploring ways in which we can participate in global frontline missions from Indianapolis — financial aid to persecuted Christians, support for Bible projects, short-term mission trips, etc. I'll keep you posted and would covet your input and prayers, too.

In the meantime, I want to highlight below some resources that I'm finding particularly helpful to remove the blinders from my eyes and to help me see the successes and suffering of my Christian family worldwide.

​Persecution Updates & Haystack Prayer Group
​These resources from Frontline Missions International (the Persecution Updates and the Haystack Prayer Group) are a valuable tool for receiving real-time updates on situations in which our brothers and sisters are being persecuted, especially in the 10/40 window. Just today, I received the following update.

They Say We Are Infidels by Mindy Belz
This has been a fascinating book to read so far, for many of the same reasons as the Dispatches. However, its goal is less to chronicle the advance of the gospel, and more to tell the stories of Christian brothers and sisters silently suffering across the Middle East. The book's subtitle is "On the Run from ISIS with Persecuted Christians in the Middle East," and I've learned much about charity, endurance, and mission from the faithful testimonies of these dear believers. Furthermore, the author provides much helpful behind-the-scenes insights into the politics generating the last decade-plus of chaos in that region. You can learn about the book here and listen to an interview with the author here.

FX Conferences & NEXT Missions Training
These two ministries form the recruiting and training arm of Frontline Missions International. The Frontline Experience (FX) is a conference designed for those who have a heart for missions in restricted-access settings. NEXT training assists serious Gospel risk-takers as they explore long-term, cross-cultural gospel ministry through field experiences, mentoring, language acquisition, and professional development. ​

Last night, we had the privilege of hearing from Pastor Greg Baker in our Midweek Connection. Greg pastors Fellowship Bible Church in Liberty, UT, and some from our group enjoyed the opportunity of visiting his church last summer and serving at an associated Christian camp for a week. Last night, Greg walked us through the history, structure, and messages of Haggai, and then focused his application by encouraging us that in our Christian lives and mission, we are probably "building better than we know." Drawing parallels from Haggai's encouragement to the Israelites, he admonished us to persevere in our labors—to "expect great things from God" and "attempt great things for God" (William Carey). It was an excellent challenge, and you can read his points of application below. You can enjoy more of Greg's Word-centered ministry at his blog, RootedThinking.com.

We are working our way through a mini-series on strategies for enduring the wilderness wanderings of life, following the example of Caleb who ​had "a different spirit" in "follow[ing] [God] fully" (Numbers 14:24), even through the 40-year holding pattern he endured. (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4)

​If we would cultivate a different spirit that fully follows God even through the “holding patterns” and wilderness wanderings of life, we must evaluate our perspective, express our burdens in prayer, and endure with patience. Lastly, we must engage with people!

The holding patterns of life often make us feel like moving away from people rather than towards them. I’m not completely sure why that is, but that’s been my experience. When life feels aimless and they feel like they're wandering around in circles, people often start to think that they just need a fresh setting, a clean state, a new start.

I can’t help but think that not only is that not the solution, but it’s actually part of the problem. In all of life and ministry, we ought to move towards people and not away, and that’s no different than in the wilderness (Hebrews 10:24-25). 

1.  Life is ministry, and ministry is people. 

People are fascinating, people are complex, people are funny, people are unpredictable, and people are needy—people will make your wilderness wandering less aimless! You can wander with purpose and fulfillment, if you’re focused on people. Colossians 1:28-29 can and must still happen in the wilderness. Give yourself to coming alongside other wilderness wanderers!

2.  Your church is your family.

Remember who we are—we’re not just an organization, we’re an organism; we’re not just buddies, we’re a body; we’re not just friends, we’re family. Starting over somewhere is not the solution to your seeming aimlessness, because your church family is not the source of your seeming aimlessness, but rather the solution.

Timothy provides a good example for us in Philippians 2:20-21—“For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Don’t push your church family away. Don't abandon them. Let them help you. Help them.

3.  Be gospel-driven in your departing.

It may be that the Lord is using your holding pattern here to land you somewhere else. After all, the life of Christ is one of denying yourself, taking up your cross, following Jesus, and losing your life yet finding it for His sake. So, God may be leading you to move forward, to take risks, to embark on an adventure, to leave behind the wilderness for the Wild of Christian mission.

However, you need to evaluate your motive in moving on. If you do move on, do so “for the sake of the gospel” (Matthew 10:37-39; Mark 8:34-37), not for the sake of your own escape—for after all, what does it profit to gain the whole world and lose your soul!

​CONCLUSION

A 40-year wilderness wandering, the consequence of others’ sin, was what God had ordained for Caleb. And yet, he weathered it well, for after all, he had a different spirit in fully following His God. And 40-years later, the sun broke through the clouds, and God led Caleb out of the wilderness into the victory of the Promised Land.

Dear brother and sister, wilderness wanderings are real, holding patterns are common, and feelings of aimlessness are not uncommon. Most likely, friend, this season will pass, but God intends for you to engage in the kind of spiritual warfare that He will use to make it pass. So, evaluate your perspective and humble yourself under the sovereign hand of God; express in prayer to God and accountability with others your burdens and cares and find the grace God provides; endure with patience this time, keeping your eyes fixed on the kind face of Christ who lovingly endured for you; and engage with people, God’s antidote at all times for aimless living when you take the gospel and press it into the lives of those around you.

​There are most likely many more, but these four strategies for enduring the wilderness wanderings of life are a good place to start. May God use them to give us a different spirit in fully following the Lord no matter what landscape He leads us through.

We are working our way through a mini-series on strategies for enduring the wilderness wanderings of life, following the example of Caleb who ​had "a different spirit" in "follow[ing] [God] fully" (Numbers 14:24), even through the 40-year holding pattern he endured. (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)

Caleb would perhaps suggest to us four strategies for cultivating a different spirit that fully follows God even when the path seems to go in circles. First, evaluate your perspective; second, express your burden in prayer; third, endure with patience.

Hebrews 10:32-36 provides excellent counsel to those of us stuck in a rut and wandering in the wilderness. “But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”

You need endurance, friend, and endurance is tough, so be “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured”!

Jesus loved you through the cross. A question you need to ask yourself is this, “Can you love God and worship God through the wilderness?”

​I appreciate the counsel of Pastor John Piper to a married pastor who recently asked how to handle the monotony of life. Pastor John referenced 2 Peter 3:4, 8 and responded, “Translated into your situation, Stephen, that means God does not count monotonous repetition the way you do. He has a perfect plan for you and new things, inspiring things, encouraging things, breakthroughs will come in his time. Your patience and your endurance are being tested. Don’t fail the test. Get up. Do what needs to be done every day. The breakthroughs will come at his appointed time.”

We are working our way through a mini-series on strategies for enduring the wilderness wanderings of life, following the example of Caleb who ​had "a different spirit" in "follow[ing] [God] fully" (Numbers 14:24), even through the 40-year holding pattern he endured. (Part 1, Part 2)

​Yesterday, I took more time examining our first strategy because I believe that our emotions and actions will follow our thoughts and beliefs. We must think rightly so that we might have a different spirit in fully following God into and through our wilderness wandering. Thinking rightly starts with evaluating, and perhaps adjusting, our perspective (strategy #1). A second strategy for handling the seemingly aimless times of life is to express it in prayer.

1.  Talk to God (Philippians 4:6-8).

Turn your anxieties into prayer requests (Philippians 4:6-8) and cast your cares upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). Talk with God about your hopes and dreams, your disappointments and frustrations, your impatience and burdens. But make sure that your prayer always cycles through to obedient trust (Luke 22:42).

Casting the cares of your wilderness wandering upon the Lord will focus your dependency, adjust your perspective, and equip you with the necessary spiritual resources to endure it (James 5:16b-18).

And as you pray, do so with expectancy, taking heart that however long the waiting might have to be, God will act in His time. David writes in Psalm 40:1-3, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” So pray and don’t despair!

2.  Talk to others (Ecclesiastes 4:19-25).

In addition to expressing your burden in prayer, express it to other people in Christian community. Let others bear your burden with you (Galatians 6:2) that that you might be encouraged and revived (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). We’re all tempted to waver (Hebrews 10:19-25) and doubt (Hebrews 3:13). So draw upon God’s community to strengthen and establish you in your wilderness (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:14).

Yesterday, we began a mini-series on strategies for enduring the wilderness wanderings of life. We considered the example of Caleb who ​had "a different spirit" in "follow[ing] [God] fully" (Numbers 14:24), even through the 40-year holding pattern he endured. In these next few posts, we will consider four strategies for cultivating a different spirit that fully follows God even when the path seems to go in circles. 

Ask yourself two questions to help you evaluate how you are viewing your current situation in life:

• “What am I thinking and believing about myself?” You may be considering yourself too highly (e.g., “I deserve…” “I need…” “I always thought…” “I just want…” etc.). That haughty evaluation may be contributing to your sense of aimlessness in that you consider your life situation to be so far below where you have placed yourself.
• “What am I thinking and believing about God?” You may be considering God too low (e.g., that He owes you, that He’s failed you, that He’s unfair, that He’s not good, that He’s forgotten you, etc.). That deficient evaluation may be contributing to your sense of aimlessness in that you have shrunk God or removed Him from the picture entirely, and in so doing, all purpose is forsaken.

As you seek to evaluate and adjust your perspective, let me suggest three actions to help you do so.

1.  Trust God’s sovereignty (Genesis 50:20).

The story of Joseph undoubtedly contained many “holding patterns.” Divine dreams provoked him to anticipate great things in his future…until his brothers sold him into slavery. A rapid rise to unparalleled responsibility mitigated the sting of his past…until his master’s wife lied about his unblemished character and he was thrown into jail. Increased respect and trust from his captors alleviated the shame of being in prison and an interpreted prophecy suggested that his break might come…until the butler forgot all about him and he continued to be confined to the prison.

Yet, at the end of it all, consider Joseph’s perspective—“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20). Do you believe that, friend?

In Psalm 27:13, the psalmist reflects, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” This is where we need to live, friends, when life is no longer the rosy script that we wrote for it!

The wilderness wandering may be God’s permanent script for you (Psalm 139:16); or, perhaps He’s using it to grow and teach you (Hebrews 12:5-6); or, maybe He wants to use you in it or prepare you through it. Whatever His purpose—don’t run away! Trust God’s perfect sovereignty and loving goodness into and through the wilderness wandering.

This alone is how Jeremiah survived, for he recorded in Lamentations 3:19-24, “Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”

2.  Remember your mission (Philippians 3:7-15).

Friend, even in the wilderness, you have a heavenly and eternal mission! Don’t forget that! Your mission is to know Christ and make Him known, and there is no situation in life where that mission is insufficient or impossible.

Paul wrote in Philippians 3:7-15, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings.”

The mission of knowing, enjoying, and promoting Christ consumed and drove Paul in every situation—in the palace and in prison, on a journey and in jail, during a church plant and throughout a trial, when prospering and when persecuted, when enjoying fruit and when experiencing futility.

You and I have to stop looking to the future to find our purpose and mission. We need to look back (to the cross and empty tomb) and hear again and again the commission of Christ as He left this earth—“As you are going, make disciples” (Matthew 28:19-20)! Friend, even in the wilderness, then, there is much work to do. We don’t have to wait for tomorrow to be something great or do something great. We can know Christ now! We can make Him known now! That is Christ’s very commission to us here in our wilderness wandering. Truth is, if you aren’t fulfilling your mission in the wilderness, then you probably won’t in the jungle or in the city or in the mountains or wherever you would rather be.

With Paul, learn to consider as “loss” what you have been counting so dear (e.g., others’ opinions, your agenda, your dreams, etc.), so that Christ might become preeminent (Philippians 3:7-15)!

In fact, don’t overlook the unique opportunities that your present situation gives you to engage in your mission. Consider the unique ministry that Caleb enjoyed for 40 years with the next generation. As his peers died off, he and Joshua alone were able to consistently and effectively mentor the next generation, teaching with faith and experience the stories and principles and commandments that the young people needed in order to not repeat the sins of their parents and to inherit the Promised Land. And at the end of the 40 years, Joshua and Caleb had the uniquely customized responsibility of leading the Israelites across Jordan. The 40-year wilderness wandering was undoubtedly challenging, but it afforded Caleb ministry opportunities he would have been prepared for and offered nowhere else. Likewise, your holding pattern is a special situation in which unique opportunities may be enjoyed.

• In the wilderness, you can uniquely know Christ. — Your wilderness may be a quiet time where you can study Christ. Your wilderness may be a lonely time where you can rest on Christ. Your wilderness may be a confusing time where you can trust Christ. Your wilderness may be a painful time where you can suffer with Christ. In the wilderness, you have the joy of expectantly waiting for God to turn your wilderness into a garden (Hosea 2).
• In the wilderness, you can uniquely make Christ known. — In the wilderness, your personality, agenda, goals, etc. are stripped away in order that we might “boast [only] in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). In the wilderness, you might be stuck in the same place, and so you can become acquainted with those around you and their needs and begin to turn them to Jesus. In the wilderness, you learn how to minister to those who are also in the wilderness.

​In the wilderness, friend, you are still “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” In your holding pattern, you can still “as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Brothers and sisters, I know life may have you down, I know your situation may not be what you had hoped, I know your dreams may be unfulfilled—but, never forget, you wilderness wanderer, that you have been given an incredible mission to know Christ and make Him known to others!

3.  Accept your situation (Philippians 4:11-13).

Writing from prison, more of a “holding cell” than a “holding pattern” but sharing many of its same characteristics, Paul expresses, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Paul had “learned” contentment, a lesson that comes, not from reading books or listening to a teacher, but by yielding to the Spirit as He guides you through His Word. In fact, you have to be put into a situation in which you are tempted to be discontent, in order for you to learn and practice contentment. Dear friend, the wilderness wandering is one such situation, a homework assignment through which God desires to cultivate the foundational virtue of humble contentment.

I say this is a foundational virtue, for we can hardly know our identity or mission apart from it. See, friends, we are “servants” of God, we are under authority, we are governed by a Master—we are literally humble “slaves.” Therefore, if our Master has sovereignly ordained this period of seeming aimlessness and if He has commanded us into it, we need surrendered humility to acknowledge, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty” (Luke 17:7-10).

The Bible is filled with unworthy servants who only did their duty through the wilderness wanderings of life. God’s Word is filled with nameless plodders, and Paul’s ministry, for example, was energized by numerous unidentified locals, etc.

The American Dream has enlarged us to envision other places and other opportunities. The call of the gospel stirs us to greater things, riskier things. Growing independence energizes us to blaze trails and build cities. But the wilderness may be God’s will for you right now. And if it’s His will, friend, you should embrace it, for there is absolutely nothing better—His will is best. In this day and age of American individualism and adventurism, remember that those are neither biblical requirements nor even biblical realities. Rather, contentment with one’s situation and humility as an obedient servant earn His “well done.”

Have you ever felt like your life seems aimless, like you're wandering around directionless in an unending wilderness? Most of us have or will, at some point, feel this effect of sin’s curse. It is part of what Solomon describes as the "vanity" of life and describes with the illustration of "chasing the wind" (cf. 3:1-15).

I remember a conversation I had a few weeks after graduation from high school with my former school administrator and mentor, Pastor Bob Brenneman. He confided to me that he felt the Lord had him in a “holding pattern", and he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do, how he was supposed to think, or where he was supposed to land. Perhaps you've felt that way, too. Recently on a podcast I listen to regularly, two separate questions were asked dealing with this very issue (here and here).

I think this is a common struggle. Not only have I dealt with this issue myself, but I've had recent conversations with several friends in which they expressed feelings of aimlessness, unsettledness, discouragement, disappointment, tiredness, unfulfilled dreams, hopelessness, etc.

I think that particularly in today's culture, young adult singles uniquely struggle with feelings of aimlessness and wandering. Many social factors have changed that directly impact singles in this way. First, careers are harder to start. College education continues to be increasingly expensive and decreasingly sufficient—graduates find themselves no closer to landing a job, as they are expected to have experience and graduate degrees, and instead find themselves saddled by a huge debt. Second, marriage has been delayed and undermined. Social norms continue to transform rapidly and, along with other factors, continue to delay the average age of marriage. Third, life has become hedonistic. Our secular, self-centered, and materialistic society has fed the widening life-stage of adolescence. Few expectations are placed upon young people, other than selfishness, rebellion, disrespect, and immorality. The work ethic and drive of previous generations have been replaced with increasingly juvenile and shameful levels of immaturity among increasingly older young adults. These three factors (and probably others) result in dreams being delayed or denied. Many young adults find themselves included in statistics that they never imagined being in, burdened with multiplied thousands of dollars of debt, still living at home or just scraping by on their own, in and out of jobs, unmarried, and feeling disrespected, undervalued, and purposeless.

Many, it seems, are the wilderness wanderings of life, and we may find ourselves frequently wondering, “Has God forgotten us?" Many Christians fall by the wayside during their wilderness wandering. Aimlessness, shattered dreams, unforeseen challenges, lost opportunities, and growing burdens sap them of their youthful exuberance and adventurous vision and bring instead a dull weariness and despondent malaise.

God’s Word actually introduces us to many characters that we can, with very little imagination needed, expect to have struggled with these same feelings. Adam, Joseph, Elijah, David, and Isaiah are just a sampling of those whose stories most certainly include their share of wilderness wanderings and holding patterns.

Caleb and Joshua are two other clear examples of this struggle. Standing as a minority against the cowardly counsel of the other spies and the antagonistic anger of the multitude (Numbers 13:25-14:10), they alone were given grace by God to withstand His judgment upon the rest of the nation. While the rest of the nation would wander and die in the wilderness for the next 40 years, only Caleb and Joshua would survive and see the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring Israel into the promised land (Numbers 14:20-38).

Can you imagine what those 40 years must have been like for Caleb and Joshua?! For them “hope deferred” didn’t turn into joy in the morning. Instead, day after day they wandered in circles in the barren wilderness, paying the consequences for others’ rebellion. Day after day they buried friends and family members, and with each funeral, they mourned the death of another dream. Month after month, and year after year, they undoubtedly struggled with feelings of aimlessness, discouragement, weariness, confusion, and disappointment. Perhaps they began to question God’s promise and doubt His goodness—I think I would have. Theirs was the original wilderness wandering—40 years of closed doors, disheartened emotions, unfulfilled dreams, and quiet questions!

And yet, at the outset of Israel’s 40-year punishment, a divine description of Caleb is provided that indicates why he received God’s favor, survived the wilderness wandering, and experienced God’s prosperity afterwards. Indeed, this characteristic is what sustained him through the aimlessness of 40 years. Numbers 14:24 describes Caleb (and, we assume, Joshua) as having “a different spirit” in “follow[ing] [God] fully.”

Over the next several posts, I want to challenge you to have a different spirit in following your God fully even through times of seemingly aimless wandering through life’s wilderness. In fact, I want to suggest to you four strategies for cultivating a different spirit that fully follows God even when the path seems to go in circles. Check back in tomorrow for the first strategy.

Last night I watched a presidential debate for the first time this year. And I was reminded with shocking clarity that even the best form of government is terribly broken, and even the best major political party is unreliable.

For a nominally-informed civilian like myself, I find it overwhelming at times to evaluate all the different policies on immigration, budget reform, and international relations (for example) and conclude which one is the best — the candidates each present their positions quite convincingly and in some cases tear down the others. And when the debate does degenerate into raw (and at times juvenile or even vulgar) argument, it makes the whole process even more distasteful.

Additionally, there is the unknown of whether these candidates could even fulfill their promises if given the chance. I have more confidence in some than others, but all of them face an America divided at the deepest of levels. Then there are all the stories posted to Facebook that accuse this candidate and then another of indecent, deceptive, and immoral campaigning techniques. And to make it worse, an unfortunate common sense analysis of these stories is that it is what it is — it's politics.

The vainglorious attitude of some of the candidates, the necessary self-elevation of the others, the increasing division within both major political parties (no longer liberalism vs. conservatism, but now liberalism vs. socialism vs. populism vs. conservatism), and the significance of the stakes this time regarding abortion, marriage, national security, judicial practice, religious freedom, and national debt further complicate this presidential race.

Now, I happen to believe that a Democratic Republic is the best form of modern government, and I also believe that America has represented the best model of that. Furthermore, by biblical conviction, I hold to a similar worldview as many conservatives in the Republican Party, and I believe there are some candidates who are valid and promising, and one of them will have my vote.

However, I'm convinced that what we need is not the continuation of a Democratic Republic or the election of a conservative Republican candidate (although I hope both happen). Neither that system nor any of those candidates can be the kind of savior we desperately require.

We need an omniscient, omnipotent, gracious King. We need one Leader who knows all things absolutely and has all power unquestionably, but who is loving and merciful unwaveringly. We need Him to rule over all, for all eternity. Nothing less than that will do. That is not just America's hope; that is the only hope for our entire planet.

And that is the very hope that is at the center of what we Christians believe. We believe that the King came to earth once before, not to establish an earthly kingdom, but to deliver us from our spiritual tyrant (Hebrews 2:14-18). And having died on a cross for the sin of the world and having been raised from the dead to prove His victory, we are persuaded that He is awaiting the set time to reclaim Earth as His rightful domain (Ephesians 1:20-23). And He will come, and He will reign in power and excellence, in goodness and grace, in righteousness and truth, in joy and glory forever and ever. Our only hope is You, King Jesus!

So, what a blessed foretaste to turn off the debate, get into bed, wake up the next morning ... and gather with the body of Christ on the Lord's Day! "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7). I hope my candidate wins the White House, but I know my King will win the world! That confidence is a needed anchor as the political climate changes and as the global storm clouds gather.

​I'm currently watching my parents walk through a significant valley together. Mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor on Christmas Eve, and their lives have been turned upside down. They are a sweet Christian couple, working now to apply the hope of the gospel to their difficult encounters. Each day brings new questions and unforeseen challenges, and so they are laboring to anchor themselves to the Word of God. They know that their days together may be fewer than they anticipated, so they are choosing to rejoice in the promises of God and ultimately in His "never leaving, never forsaking" person. Watching them makes me love and appreciate them even more.

I recently read a memorial that my dad wrote about his dad who passed away about a year ago. It was an honorable testimony to a humble man, and in reading about my grandfather, I immediately noticed his legacy in my dad. I was reminded of my dad's consistency character, genuine kindness, loyal friendship, and others-centered service. I read of my grandfather and was reminded of my dad's diligent work ethic and loving commitment to his family. When I read my dad's reflection that his dad "gave [him] quality time by giving [him] the quantity of his time," I knew I had found the source of a parenting philosophy that I had benefited from as a boy and teenager. I read of grandpa's late, but simple and sure faith in His Savior Jesus Christ, and I saw parallels to dad's deep and abiding faith. Reflecting on my dad in this way makes me love and appreciate him even more.

I've occasionally heard, after a particularly sobering and devastating news report perhaps, this earnest counsel given: "Go home and hug your wife and kids." This common sense wisdom is being provoked afresh by the shortness of life and the preciousness of relationships. And so, we are being rightly encouraged to draw our family close, to wrap our arms around those we love and cherish, and to thank God that they are still with us.

I've been watching my parents, reading about my grandfather, and reflecting on my dad, and my thoughts have echoed within me, "Keith, go home and hug your mom and dad"! It's been a privilege to call them mom and dad, their relationship is a precious one to me, and I thank God that our times together have been so numerous.

Dear young adult, I want to encourage you to do the same—to "go home and hug your mom and dad." Perhaps I'm more reminiscent, nostalgic, and tender these days, and so this admonition is being provoked by some emotional ponderings. But I think it's a good admonition. After all, Ephesians 6:2 says, "Honor your father and mother."

So, put aside any annoying disagreements and petty frustrations that may have built up between you, and "go home and hug your mom and dad." Seriously, drop by their house on your way home from work, pick up the phone and give them a call, draft an email, take them out to breakfast, send them flowers. Tell them you love them. Tell them you appreciate them and thank God for them. Honor them with affection. Yes, "go home and hug your mom and dad."

Have you ever found yourself asking Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) Do you ever feel like there are so many opinions on an issue, you can’t possibly wade through them all and come to a personal conviction? Have you ever thought that an issue is so confusing that you can’t possibly know the right conclusion? Have you ever been overwhelmed trying to figure out how to answer a question, think through an issue, engage in a conversation, or make a decision? Yep — join the club! I’ve felt that way a lot.

However, part of what makes you and me unique, Christian, is that we have access to truth! Thomas a Kempis said, “He who hears the Word of God is freed from a multitude of opinions.” God’s Word is able to cut through the confusion and give us clarity (Hebrews 4:15). It cannot do that for everyone, but for those us of who have the indwelling Spirit of God through faith in Jesus, we can know the mind of God in His Word on all the issues of life (1 Corinthians 2:11-13).

The Word of God itself promises to equip us with knowledge, so that “we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:14). In a post-modern world of relative truth, differing voices, complex issues, and volatile disagreements, you can have serene confidence as you think, discern, and decide.

But there is a price to pay for such clarity and confidence. You and I must “study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that doesn’t need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Friend, make time for God’s Word today. Life is too perplexing, the issues are too important, the decisions are too impacting, and the truth is too little known. Don’t let the opinions of others confuse you; rather, let the Word of God establish you!