Core scripture: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Message: Our lives are shaped by defining moments.  Kevin Costner aptly declares in his movie Tin Cup, “When a defining moment comes along, you define the moment, or the moment defines you.”  These moments make or break us.  And if you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps, those moments will spill His legacy.

I am completely baffled over the events that have happened to me over the last week and a half.  So much so that I care not to discuss the gory details.  My feet have been held to the fire.  Satan has signaled an all-out assault on my teaching career; however, I marvel at the presence of my God.  He has remained faithful and true beyond my wildest imagination. 

Let me explain …

I smile each morning when I sip my hazelnut cream filled coffee and mold into my black leather chair.  It is there that I discover what God has planned for me.  Through my daily Bible readings on YouVersion and reading the FCA Daily Impact Play, God has ministered to me like none other.  This morning’s devotion about using your gifts and talents for the God’s kingdom is still echoing in my soul.

I have enlisted prayer warriors all around me.  Their support has been unparalleled.  Just when I need it, a text message will pop in with a timely scripture.  My friend Zack offered to speak on my behalf at the school board meeting tomorrow night.  My brothers Clay and Curt have been sending me motivational quotes and praying.  And I loved my friend Terry’s text, sending me an old Steven Curtis Chapman song called Bring It On.

Coach Robby took it to the next level.  He didn’t even know my situation, yet his text message revealed, “If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.  If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.  You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you” (Proverbs 25:21-22).  I texted him back, letting Him know God had worked through him to send me the perfect scripture at the perfect time.

Robby’s scripture inspired me to look up a new plan on YouVersion called “Loving Our Enemies.”  Every time my flesh craves to lash back, I pause, take a deep breath, and read through one of the devotions there.  It calms me.  It reminds me that I am by no means perfect either.  We are called to give grace to others because Jesus did the same for us (Ephesians 4:32). 

And then there is Bryon, a fellow Christian educator who attends my church.  I learned early on he was going through some crazy stuff on his side.  We connected on the phone last week and talked for an hour and 45 minutes.  Getting it all out was needed for both of us as we commiserated together.  We ended our conversation reminding each other that God will work all this out for his good (Romans 8:28).

Church on Sunday provided prayer time under the cross following service.  I wept with our elder, Rick, and his wife Twila.  A little over my pain but even more so for the overwhelming peace that was beginning to consume me.  How could God do this DURING the storm?  Maybe I could see what God did afterwards but never during!  It was astounding. 

Finally, there was the music.  Oh, the music!  Song after song came on the radio that spoke truth to me.  Countless classics.  There I was, trimming my backyard weeds, when “God Is On the Move” came on.  TobyMac’s “Love Feels Like” was blasting over my car speakers as I rolled into an important meeting at the Ed Center.  Then there were lighter songs like “Brighter Days” by Blessing Offor that gave my heart peace.

Between the meetings, the lies Satan tried to spew at me, and the frustrations, there was also the gorgeous spring weather.  Not too hot, but not cold either.  It was delightful, and I took full advantage of it, making the short trek to the Heritage Park putting green numerous times.  The old magic came back a few times, and after my 5^th trip over there, I was reminded how much I miss the game I used to excel at and love. 

I have no idea what God has planned for my future.  I am just taking it day by day.  But I do trust in Him and smile at the peace He has placed in my heart.  This might be the first time I have fully trusted God through a major life storm.  It has truly been a defining moment for me.  But do you know what?  I didn’t define the moment at all.  The moment was already defined over 2000 years ago when Jesus emerged from the grave.

THAT, my friends, is a defining moment.

Challenge: What frustrations are wearing you down?  Give them to the Lord.  Let His peace overwhelm your heart.  Know that He is in control.

Prayer points: Lift up the following areas to the Lord …

• Praise God for His faithfulness during times of heartache.
• Pray that I can continue trusting in Him no matter what.
• Pray that my family and I can put our troubles behind us as we travel to Hawaii tomorrow. (Somehow, I think the Pacific Ocean might be just what the doctor ordered!)

Song application: “Bring It On” by Steven Curtis Chapman

I didn’t come lookin’ for trouble
And I don’t want to fight needlessly
But I’m not gonna hide in a bubble
If trouble comes for me
I can feel my heart beating faster
I can tell something’s coming down
But if it’s gonna make me grow stronger then

Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong
Bring it on

Scripture study: Read James 1:2-4 and journal or discuss the following …

• Why does James say we should count troubles as joy?
• When was a moment in your life when you experienced growth through a difficult experience?
• How did God work through the situation?
• If God has gotten you though tough times before, can He do it again?

Just for fun: Enjoy “The 7 Stages of Summer Break For Teachers”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the times you allow a difficult situation to grow me closer to You!  Amen.