Looking with a Child's Eyes

This blog installment was published originally on 20 May 2001 as a column in “The Pastor’s Pen,” a feature of a weekly newsletter of a local church where I served as Pastor.

Last week, I had the blessing and delight of playing kick ball with CJ in our yard. My initial aim was to tire him out before bathing him and putting him to bed. However, I found myself renewed as we played. Where I saw a dull and monotonous lawn, CJ found many colorful and interesting things. He constantly stopped playing to pick up pieces of grass, leaves, petals and pebbles. It was refreshing to see the world through his three-year-old eyes. What began as a chore with an ulterior motive became a simple and spiritual gift.

As we played, I thought of how blessed I am to have such a wonderful son with whom I can play. I marveled at his energy and enthusiasm in discovering new things about the world. He also ran after the ball with all his heart and might. Needless to say, when time came to go inside the house, he simply did not want to do so because he was having so much fun. Yet, I found several spiritual blessings and gifts in our playtime.

This technologically advanced world speeds along so quickly that we easily ignore the simple gifts of life. In fact, we probably devalue them because they do not readily demonstrate monetary worth. Having dinner with the family, sitting and talking with your beloved, cheering at a little league game, playing in a park, or walking at dusk, all barely make our “things-to-do” list. They are not priorities. We hope to get around to them because they would actually be nice things to do. But, the pursuit of wealth and security in this rapidly paced world arrests us.

It is easy to become personally and spiritually jaded in life. The daily routine of rising, commuting, working, returning home and repeating the cycle resembles a merry-go-round. Dizziness and lack of balance are the end products of that ride. Perhaps, we should get off and participate in life. Interestingly, some of life’s greatest gifts are simple. They also are not monetarily expensive. They cost time and attention. However, the weary who fight for material possession and societal achievement do not have this type of currency.

As summer arrives, may we appreciate the smell of freshly mowed lawns, potent honeysuckle bushes, the bumblebee’s search for nectar, and the sunflower’s beauty despite the scorching heat. If we take the time, we will receive incalculable spiritual dividends. Nature’s simple gifts remind us of the creativity and majesty of Almighty God. He employs similar time, detail and patience in our spiritual relationships. God desires that our growth parallel the splendor of creation. Moreover, observing nature teaches us gentleness, goodness, patience, and self-control. Money cannot buy those simple and enduring gifts of life.

In Galatians 5:16-24, you will recall those attributes are four fruit of the Holy Spirit. Nature vividly illustrates the process of obtaining spiritual fruit. Her mysteries, from the grandeur of the peacock’s feathers to the reliability of perennials, demonstrate the gentleness of God’s handiwork and the total goodness of His creation.

A casual glance at a botanical garden shows the time God took. Time is an acronym which means Things I Must Earn (TIME). Nature carefully uses time for life sustaining purposes. We similarly should prioritize our time toward the enduring things of life: love, truth, peace, joy and justice. When we seek these things, we find abundant and eternal life in Christ Jesus. If we chase fleeting things, we squander life’s valuable gift of time.

Patience yields tremendous surprises. Nature only produces her best prizes in time. We will acquire spiritual rewards, if we are patient. Quite frankly, we have to wait on ourselves. There are unnamed talents within us. They will emerge after a process of sustained spiritual development. Patience is essential to discovering the very best of us. Finally, self-discipline is key to mining internal treasure. The daily practice of prayer, meditation and Bible study are the necessary tools.

Is it said “time, patience and nature are the three great healers.” I trust you will spend some time this summer being healed and made whole by the simple gifts of life. Take a long walk. Make a new friend. Read a good book. Play with a child.

The Farce of "Earning Love"

You cannot earn the love of others. Attempting to earn the love of others is one of the most painful fallacies to which many people succumb. People either love you or they don’t. Usually, there is no middle ground. Accordingly, you cannot make them love you through gifts, money, flattery, kind deeds and obsequious behavior. Being true to self and letting the chips fall where they may are the best practical approaches to living in honest, loving, nurturing and mutually beneficial relationships with people. Whereas you cannot earn the love of others, you can demand their respect by living as a person of integrity and principle.

Unrequited love is one of the harshest realities of life. Everyone experiences it at some point. We respond to unrequited love with a redoubled effort to prove to the objects of our affections that we in turn deserve their time, attention, care and love. Also, we will bear no expense of time, effort and financial resources to substantiate our claims of lovability. Further, we wholeheartedly demonstrate the evidence of our willingness to subordinate our wishes and desires to theirs. In time, we hope that they will be converted and learn to love us for the great, giving and wonderful people that we are. Sadly, each attempt to earn the love of another person further demeans us. It compounds the hurt and disappointment that we initially feel.

Self-acceptance, which eventually leads to self-love, is the most appropriate response to unrequited love. Quite frankly, we could never do enough to earn the love of others. In fact, the type of people who would exploit the attempts of others to win their love is hardly ever satisfied. They will always raise the bar and increase the burden. Therefore, we must grow to the point of accepting ourselves and realizing that we are intrinsically loveable. As unique children of God created in His image, we all are inherently worthy of the admiration, support and friendship of others who have the spiritual eyes to see the character of God within us. We should want to be loved by people who accept us for the unique people whom we are. In accepting us, they do not desire to change us nor make us into the people that they think we should be. People who truly love us offer an enduring friendship that assists us in becoming the best children of God that we are capable. That progression of self-love and then shared loved begins with self-acceptance.

The dilemma of unrequited love surfaces in our extended families in addition to personal relationships. If we fall prey to low self-esteem, then we are prime targets of our relatives to coerce us into working for their love. If we fail to appease them, then they will inform us that they will withhold their love and support. Children oftentimes develop two distinct personalities in an effort to win over their parents and siblings and then their friends. We do favors for aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, hoping to become the “favorite” relative in our respective category. Interestingly, the “favorite” child and grandchild are the most irresponsible and least contributing members of the family. They are usually loved because they are the “clown,” attractive or need additional emotional support. The “favorite” rarely has to earn anything. Thus, we should strive for the respect of our family by living an honest and principled life among them just as we do with the rest of society.

The work place is the other major venue in which we engage the destructive behavior of “people pleasing.” Our colleagues and particularly our subordinates utilize their feelings to manipulate us. Because they “like” us, they believe that we should share the burden of their work, pick up their slack and fight for their raises. These demands emerge from people who do the least and want the most. If we fall prey to “people pleasing,” then we will be the ones who are at our desks at 7:00 p.m. after everyone else has gone home. We will be in on the weekends while others are enjoying the games, holidays, and sun with their families and friends. As with personal and familial relationships, we cannot earn the love of our colleagues.

A significant milestone of personal development and spiritual growth is self-acceptance and self-love. Discarding the tendency to work for the affection and admiration of others is a prerequisite. Trying to nullify unrequited love is a dead end game. It is impossible. Actually, why would we want to be loved by someone whose care and support are always dependent upon our last action? Love flows from the heart just like water from a fountain. It is natural and intrinsic. Once it begins, loves own force propels its continuation. Once love starts within us, then we can share it with others without having to fight for reciprocity.

Happiness is a Choice

Happiness is a choice. It is a daily offering of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God for love, health, and strength to pursue one’s interests. Many people consider happiness as a monumental goal of acquiring social, educational and vocational distinctions. We waste precious time, talent, and money chasing the wind. Rather than directing those assets toward an intangible goal, which constantly shifts, we can focus upon the people and activities which daily enrich our lives. Gratitude for the daily bounty of God’s love as given by our loved ones and the blessings of purposeful work equals the choice of happiness.

When is enough actually “enough?” That is the question that we often ask people who seemingly are never satisfied. If they buy a new car, within months, they are talking about the next one. When blessed with a new house, they insist that it is still not their dream house. Upon being promoted, they are already thinking about the next level rather than trying to excel where they are. Within two weeks of buying an electronic gadget, they plan the next purchase of the newest entertainment item. These people cannot enjoy their vacation because they are imagining a more perfect one. It is hard to be happy when one does not know what will really and truly make one happy.

Again, happiness is a daily and internal choice. The reason some folks never know when enough is enough is they fail to appreciate the reality that materialism and social status cannot fundamentally make anyone happy. The secular and humanistic concept of “rugged individualism” teaches one to achieve to the superlative degree. Yet, those measuring standards are never stable. One never knows when one has become “successful” and thus has the right to be happy. Therefore, one should look inside for happiness. It cannot be imposed from the outside. Happiness flows from the heart.

The fallacious pursuit of externally defined happiness leaves one frustrated, fearful and hopeless. If you pray, God will reveal to you what will genuinely make you happy. Because there are parts of our characters and personalities that are undisclosed to us, we ask God to reveal them to us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. The psalmist, in Psalm 139, reminds us that God knew us before we were even born. Instead of depleting ourselves within the fruitless search for external happiness, we go directly to the source of every good and perfect gift. God graciously shows us the gifts, talents and passions that He deposited within us. This spiritual perspective equips us to find happiness in the daily utilization of our God given abilities.

Happiness is fundamentally found in the will of God. When we approach the sacred season of Advent which celebrates the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we immediately become joyous. The thought of Christmas raises expectancy and hope. Unfortunately, all that some of us hope for are materials gifts under the tree. Within weeks, we disregard them and look toward our birthday gifts. Nonetheless, Christmas makes us happy because of the spiritual gifts that God offers in the Christ child. Jesus comes to give us a choice of true happiness, the abundant and eternal life that He offers through His teachings and life. As we align our wills with His, we will know the meaning of genuine happiness.

In order to know the true meaning of Christmas and the happiness that Christ extends, one must be willing to travel to Gethsemane. At that garden, Jesus says the ultimate prayer for believers. “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” God blesses us with happiness, as we become willing to shed our selfish desires.

We ask Him to burn away the dross of self-seeking ambitions and self-centered fear. When we discard those tremendous liabilities, then we are able to experience daily happiness. We appreciate our loved ones. We are thankful to serve God as we serve others. We find happiness in the simplicity of hearth and home. We know the joy of sacrifice, realizing that it equates with the love of God in Christ. Nonetheless, we can only receive these spiritual gifts if we humbly and sincerely pray the words of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. As we straightforwardly face our daily fears, we say, “Not my will but Thy will be done.” When we live within the will of God, we know a new happiness and a new freedom. Living in the will of God is the clearest indication that we choose to be happy each day of our lives.

Do You Believe in Yourself?

“If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too.” Those words are actually a pivotal question that each person of faith asks himself at a defining juncture. Simply put, do you believe in yourself when everyone else does not? Do you possess a faith with the requisite inner fortitude and spiritual gravitas to stand steadfastly for the truth even if you stand alone? Rudyard Kipling asks his son this critical question in his immortal poem, “If.” During “defining moments,” we discover whether we believe in ourselves.

It is my experience that one must believe in one’s self as firmly as one believes in Almighty God. A fleeting glance at the canvass of history reveals people of major accomplishments who share two very important traits. First, they adhere to a genuine spirituality which firmly stipulates an unwavering belief in Almighty God. Second, their faith in God translates into an equally powerful belief in themselves. The second half of Ephesians 3:20 challenges us to cultivate an unrelenting faith in our own abilities. Indeed, God accomplishes miraculous things that far exceed our imaginations. However, He does it according to His power that is at work within us.

Admittedly, crises in faith emerge when we doubt God. Life further tests our faith when we doubt that God could accomplish something extraordinary through us. We really question whether we possess the internal resources to complete a divine assignment. You recall Moses’ doubts concerning his speech impediment. Gideon hides in a cave, while threshing wheat, to escape the robbery and subjugation of the Midianites. He asks God to prove His greatness about which Gideon heard from Israel’s elders. Queen Esther hides her Israelite heritage and nearly remains silent during the imminent threat of genocide to her people. John Mark, the reputed author of the gospel which bears his name, abandons the first missionary journey because he longs for the creature comforts of his “middle class” lifestyle. To experience the bountiful blessings of an Ephesians 3:20 faith, it is imperative that we believe in ourselves. Otherwise, our dreams and goals will become eventually a pile of ashes that the fires of fear consumed over the years.

Chances are everyone experiences being told that they are incapable of achieving a dream. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team; the coach decided that he lacked the skills. The acclaimed rhythm and blues singer, Anita Baker, was told that she could not sing. Albert Einstein’s parents were told that he would not amount to anything in life. Phil Mikkelson, a professional golfer, lost forty-five consecutive tournaments before finally winning championship. Susan Lucci became the laughing stock among soap opera actors as she received sixteen successive Emmy nominations before winning. Abraham Lincoln only won one political election in his lifetime. Undoubtedly, these notable persons were advised to abandon their heartfelt ambitions. The people who shared such “wisdom” certainly thought that they were helping. Consider the athletic artistry, soul stirring music, unparalleled acting, scientific advancements and political rhetoric that humankind would have foregone had they listened to the internal fears and external reservations. Instead, they thankfully found the will to persevere by believing staunchly in themselves.

I have had my own experiences with well-meaning naysayers who truly believe that they had my best interest at heart. A fellow student asked me how long I would last at the college from which I graduated. One of my high school English teachers told me that I could not write when she returned an “ungradeable” paper to me. My neighbors, if they picked me for a team, always chose me last. A devoted pastor who expends hours in sermon crafting, I have been told that I could not “preach” because I do not mimic the vapid delivery style called “whooping.” Ironically, these “dream killers” empowered me to cultivate focus, discipline, excellence and success in life. I have a very strong sense of self. I greatly value my abilities and potential. I know who I am as a child of God. I further know I am capable of excelling at anything to which I commit myself wholeheartedly.

Perhaps, you too are just an average man or woman who seeks the fulfillment of your heartfelt dreams and goals. On the authority of the Word of God, I strongly encourage you to accept yourself unconditionally. Equally, believe unreservedly in you!

Dare to be a Daniel

Recently, the Children and Youth Ministry of Cambria Heights Community Church, where I serve as Pastor, held its annual “Back to School Revival and Conference.” The organizers borrowed the theme, “Dare to be a Daniel,” from a popular para-church ministry. From the sixth chapter and the tenth through the eighteenth verses (Daniel 6:10-18), we gleaned four primary attributes in Daniel’s character. I challenged the children and youth to emulate these qualities as they progress spiritually and develop personally. You may recall this passage as a central component of the favorite childhood and Sunday School story, “Daniel in the Lion’s Den.” Did your imagination run wild trying to figure the number of lions? How did the angel actually shut the mouths of the hungry lions? Did Daniel sleep well considering that he used a roaring and hungry lion as a pillow? Nevertheless, such questions shift the story’s primary focus away from Daniel’s persistent practice of prayer, confidence in his personality and history as a Hebrew, adherence to his spiritual principles and fulfillment of his divine purpose. The coordinators and I pray that our children and youth will internalize these characteristics as pillars of fruitful ministry and personal success.

Before the issuance of the deadly and duplicitous decree of the Medes and Persians which prohibited anyone from worshipping any deity but the King of Babylon, Daniel maintains the practice of praying three times per day with his windows open toward Jerusalem. Essentially, prayer is a fundamental activity in Daniel’s life. The Jewish posture for prayer entailed standing on one’s feet, bowing one’s head in reverence (no human being can look directly into the face of God) and extending one’s hands outward with the palms up as a symbol of expectancy. In contrast, Daniel bows his knees as a sign of his submissiveness to the will of God. Daniel humbles himself and genuinely seeks the assistance of Almighty God. In as much as Daniel turns toward Jerusalem, perhaps he petitions God for the return of the Hebrew people to Jerusalem and restoration of the kingdom to its former glory similar to the reign of King David. In accordance with the tradition of his forebears, Daniel appeals to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to liberate His chosen people once again. For that reason, Daniel naturally disobeyed the decree to embrace idolatrous emperor worship. Prayer empowers Daniel to resist and further yields his perseverance in civil disobedience despite the danger he faces. Had he not maintained the thrice daily discipline of prayer, Daniel possibly would have abandoned the principles of his faith and kowtowed to the idolatrous decree.

Daniel’s self-confidence as a devoted Hebrew is quite admirable. Although he holds a high-ranking position in the Babylonian government, Daniel withstands the powerful political and social forces of acculturation. His thorough knowledge of his culture, language and tradition forges an unrelenting pride in Israel’s God and himself. A noted theological author suggests “A person without a history is a person without a personality.” In daring to emulate Daniel’s example, children and youth can find character, inner strength, and personal determination by learning and studying the “great” people of their own heritage. They do not have to conform to peer pressure. Rudyard Kipling’s immortal poem, “If,” challenges his son. “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you.” Daniel’s self-assurance is not prideful, although he is a very proud Hebrew. His self-acceptance of his Hebraic history and theology empowers Daniel to stand firm against the Babylonian seduction to be “one of the good Jews” who compromises his values in exchange for miniscule monetary, social and political gain. Today’s children and youth can foster a similar internal resolve to refuse the delinquency of their contemporaries if they invest time and discipline in mining the riches of their pasts.

Steadfastly, Daniel follows the monotheistic principles of Judaism. The God of Israel, Yahweh, describes Himself in the Ten Commandments as a “jealous God who will have no other gods before Him.” The durable oral culture and transmission of this teaching survive the Babylonian sacking of Jerusalem in 587 BCE. Daniel realizes that he cannot serve two gods: Yahweh and the king of Babylon. Furthermore, Daniel refuses to engage in syncretism, blending his Hebraic faith with the secular and civil religion of Babylon. Adolescents face the challenge of practicing biblical teachings rather than conforming to the dictates of popular culture. Are they Christians who happen to be American youth first and foremost or are they youth who live in the United States and happen to be Christians? Many adults have a similar dilemma when determining their ultimate allegiance. Do American civil religion, scientific advancement, technological progress and secular, humanistic principles of the bulging global economy supersede the enduring and historical principles of Christianity? The life of Daniel teaches us how to be faithful to our God and His teachings regardless of world philosophies, international laws and worldwide events.

Finally, the sum of Daniel’s stalwart faith, personality and principles prepare him to fulfill his divinely ordained purpose. He leads the Israelite exiles during one of the most trying periods of their history. The captivity which began with the wholesale destruction of King Solomon’s glorious temple nearly annihilated the entire history, religion, language, culture and literature of the Hebrew people. The Babylonian government had a specific objective of carrying away the Hebrew “middle class.” Targeting the “formally educated” and the artisans significantly compounded this seminal threat to the nation of Israel. Had Daniel succumbed to the temptation to assimilate, he would have contributed indirectly but greatly to the loss of his culture. In complete contrast, Daniel unwaveringly serves the God of his forebears and in so doing he leads Israel’s faithful remnant in preserving their heritage by transmitting the heretofore oral culture into a written one which is a bequest to their posterity.

We are the Community’s Church – Encouraging and Empowering People with Faith to Embrace Life with Christ’s Power

“We are the Community’s Church – Encouraging and Empowering People with Faith to Embrace Life with Christ’s Power.” An Ephesians 3:20 faith has two practical components. First, it encourages you with an optimistic, inspiring, and faithful outlook upon life, intending to compound your joy as a seeker of God’s truth. I firmly resolve that spirituality offers us more than the ability to subsist in life. The image of a person barely treading in deep water immediately comes to mind. It is very hard to experience love, joy, peace, truth and justice when you fight daily to keep your head above the waves of fear, uncertainty, lack, and anger. A more humble and genuine experience of God’s unconditional love results in the refusal to live as someone barely keeping his nose above water in the ocean of life!

Second, an Ephesians 3:20 faith infinitely pours cups of living water. It seeks to empower you as you more fully seek God’s will for your life. The practice of daily spiritual disciplines will equip you with the personal, internal and divine resources to realize the life that you imagine. A faith that insists that Almighty God is able to do more than the total of your most outlandish requests and wildest imagination is fundamental to fulfilling your drams and goals. Although he was one hundred years old and his wife, Sarah, was ninety years old, Abraham received a son, his heart’s greatest desire and mind’s most precious dream. You too can experience such joy if you acquire an Ephesians 3:20 faith.
My pastoral and personal prayer for each member of our congregation and follower of this blog is the emergence of an Ephesians 3:20 faith in daily life. A Christian sister named Rosella who belonged to a congregation where I served previously incredibly exemplified this lifestyle. She learned of a serious and progressive cancer diagnosis which was life threatening. Upon informing me of her illness during a phone conversation, she immediately tells me that she has surrendered her illness to God. “O God, I pray that you will glorify Yourself in my illness in whatever way You choose.” Cynically, one could relegate her prayer to a formulaic recitation of a traditional saying of longstanding churchgoers. Over the course of next five years, the church family and I observe Rosella’s faith in action. Despite numerous surgeries, cancer treatments, hospitalizations, and “bad” days, she never complains once! Each time she attends Sunday services, she radiates a big and bright smile, gives an encouraging word to everyone and looks as beautiful as ever. Understandably, Rosella greatly desires the complete physical healing that she receives because she wants to share the balance of her life with her beloved daughter and grandchildren. Yet, she also maintains a stalwart faith that proffers the goodness and grace of Almighty God even if He chooses to heal her through death. On the night of a milestone birthday, Rosella’s natural and church families gather to celebrate this juncture in her earthly and spiritual journey because it also accords with a recent cancer-free diagnosis. God chooses to heal her and extend her years of ministry; her cancer went into remission. Rosella genuinely believes that God has the sovereign prerogative and power to supersede an oncologist’s diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Each day during her five-year challenge, she personifies an Ephesians 3:20 faith.

Additionally, I often think of the magnanimous faith of a former colleague with whom I worked during my years in educational administration. Valerie lives by the simple spiritual principle, “What God has for me is mine and no one else can take it. He will give it to me in His own time and in His own way.” Quite exceptionally, she never questions God! She truly believes that He desires the very best for her. Valerie trusts the unquestionable faithfulness of Almighty God. As it relates to employment, she simply prays for a job and the “right” offer always comes. Unlike most people, she does not send numerous cover letters and resumes to countless employers. “Whenever I need a job, God always provides one,” she says. In the sixteen years of our friendship, I continually marvel at her meekness and peace despite the challenging circumstances of life. She appears so free of fear in any situation; it is hard to believe that she sweats. Nevertheless, at an age when society suggests that marriage and motherhood have passed her by, she bountifully received both blessings. Upon making the decision to stay home with her son for three years, she does not fret. True to her faith and character, she simply says that God will provide a job when she returns to work. Past practice proving instructive, she resumes work without the arduous job search that many undertake. Like Rosella, Valerie models the characteristics of an Ephesians 3:20 faith.

Summarily, I hope that our church and this blog will be oasis of an encouraging and empowering Ephesians 3:20 faith where the average disciple can cultivate a lifestyle of faith similar to Rosella and Valerie.

“We are the Community’s Church – Encouraging and Empowering People with Faith to Embrace Life with Christ’s Power.”

“We are the Community’s Church – Encouraging and Empowering People with Faith to Embrace Life with Christ’s Power.” An Ephesians 3:20 faith has two practical components. First, it encourages you with an optimistic, inspiring, and faithful outlook upon life, intending to compound your joy as a seeker of God’s truth. I firmly resolve that spirituality offers us more than the ability to subsist in life. The image of a person barely treading in deep water immediately comes to mind. It is very hard to experience love, joy, peace, truth and justice when you fight daily to keep your head above the waves of fear, uncertainty, lack, and anger. A more humble and genuine experience of God’s unconditional love results in the refusal to live as someone barely keeping his nose above water in the ocean of life!

Second, an Ephesians 3:20 faith infinitely pours cups of living water. It seeks to empower you as you more fully seek God’s will for your life. The practice of daily spiritual disciplines will equip you with the personal, internal and divine resources to realize the life that you imagine. A faith that insists that Almighty God is able to do more than the total of your most outlandish requests and wildest imagination is fundamental to fulfilling your drams and goals. Although he was one hundred years old and his wife, Sarah, was ninety years old, Abraham received a son, his heart’s greatest desire and mind’s most precious dream. You too can experience such joy if you acquire an Ephesians 3:20 faith.
My pastoral and personal prayer for each member of our congregation and follower of this blog is the emergence of an Ephesians 3:20 faith in daily life. A Christian sister named Rosella who belonged to a congregation where I served previously incredibly exemplified this lifestyle. She learned of a serious and progressive cancer diagnosis which was life threatening. Upon informing me of her illness during a phone conversation, she immediately tells me that she has surrendered her illness to God. “O God, I pray that you will glorify Yourself in my illness in whatever way You choose.” Cynically, one could relegate her prayer to a formulaic recitation of a traditional saying of longstanding churchgoers. Over the course of next five years, the church family and I observe Rosella’s faith in action. Despite numerous surgeries, cancer treatments, hospitalizations, and “bad” days, she never complains once! Each time she attends Sunday services, she radiates a big and bright smile, gives an encouraging word to everyone and looks as beautiful as ever. Understandably, Rosella greatly desires the complete physical healing that she receives because she wants to share the balance of her life with her beloved daughter and grandchildren. Yet, she also maintains a stalwart faith that proffers the goodness and grace of Almighty God even if He chooses to heal her through death. On the night of a milestone birthday, Rosella’s natural and church families gather to celebrate this juncture in her earthly and spiritual journey because it also accords with a recent cancer-free diagnosis. God chooses to heal her and extend her years of ministry; her cancer went into remission. Rosella genuinely believes that God has the sovereign prerogative and power to supersede an oncologist’s diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Each day during her five-year challenge, she personifies an Ephesians 3:20 faith.

Additionally, I often think of the magnanimous faith of a former colleague with whom I worked during my years in educational administration. Valerie lives by the simple spiritual principle, “What God has for me is mine and no one else can take it. He will give it to me in His own time and in His own way.” Quite exceptionally, she never questions God! She truly believes that He desires the very best for her. Valerie trusts the unquestionable faithfulness of Almighty God. As it relates to employment, she simply prays for a job and the “right” offer always comes. Unlike most people, she does not send numerous cover letters and resumes to countless employers. “Whenever I need a job, God always provides one,” she says. In the sixteen years of our friendship, I continually marvel at her meekness and peace despite the challenging circumstances of life. She appears so free of fear in any situation; it is hard to believe that she sweats. Nevertheless, at an age when society suggests that marriage and motherhood have passed her by, she bountifully received both blessings. Upon making the decision to stay home with her son for three years, she does not fret. True to her faith and character, she simply says that God will provide a job when she returns to work. Past practice proving instructive, she resumes work without the arduous job search that many undertake. Like Rosella, Valerie models the characteristics of an Ephesians 3:20 faith.

Summarily, I hope that our church and this blog will be oasis of an encouraging and empowering Ephesians 3:20 faith where the average disciple can cultivate a lifestyle of faith similar to Rosella and Valerie.