OCTOBER + NOVEMBER 2018
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. PSALM 9:1
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Contents October + November 2018 PAGE 4
PAGE 8
Dr. John Neufeld
2019 Scripture Calendar
Lifestyle of the Gospel
FREE Calendar Offer
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Do We Really Need to Read the Bible Anymore? Dr. John Neufeld PAGE 10
PAGE 9
Dr. John's Bible Reading Plan
November + December 2018
A Step Forward for indoubt Isaac Dagneau PAGE 12
How To Be Thankful When You Feel Like Complaining Phil Callaway PAGE 14
Gratitude in the Middle of Chaos Krista Penner PAGE 16
God, Us, and Ask: A Beautiful and Powerful Pattern for Prayer Isaac Dagneau PAGE 18
Faith Isn't Faith Until It's Tested Jim Bugg
Dr. John's Corner
Dr. John Neufeld
Well known internationally for his excellence in expositional Bible teaching, Dr. Neufeld is passionate about bringing the truth of God’s Word to life across Canada and beyond.
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great many people think that lifestyles are all about how much money we have and how we use that money. If we have a lot, we can afford a more extravagant lifestyle than those who have little. Of course, there are more factors to a lifestyle. Some of us are married and some are not. Some of us love fishing and hunting, while others live life primarily indoors. Some drink to excess or use marijuana, while others stay away from substances. All of these and more reflect our style of living. But is there a lifestyle of the Gospel? Maybe that question should be asked in the negative: are some lifestyles precluded by the Gospel? Of course there are. Repentance means we turn our backs on our former ways of living. Listen to how Peter expresses this change of 4
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lifestyle: “For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you” (1 Peter 4:3-4). There can be no doubt that conversion to Christ means abandoning many styles of living. But is there a positive side to this same question? Does the Gospel mandate a given lifestyle? Indeed it does! The last section of the book of Romans – Romans 12-16 – really should be called the lifestyle of the Gospel. In many ways, this section of Romans is the application of everything that has been taught up until this point. Chapters 1-4 presents us with the heart of the
Gospel, chapters 5-8 with the power of the Gospel, and chapters 9-11 with the progress of the Gospel. But all of this Gospel talk leads us to consider how we live. In a real way, Paul has helped us anticipate this section of Romans. From the outset of the book (in Romans 1:5), Paul says that he has been called to bring about the “obedience of faith” among the nations – the justification by faith. There is such a thing as the obedience of faith, because faith really does produce a kind of living that is submissive to the will of God. Romans 12-16 speaks about that obedience in lifestyle. The very first command sets the stage for this section of Scripture. We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. We are no longer to be conformed to this world, but we are to be transformed in the way we think. Now we learn to discern what is good from that which is not.
From there, Paul begins to work out the details. We are to live our lives in Christian community. Whenever possible, We are to submit to the governing authorities. We are to learn the difference between those things commanded to us in Scripture and those lifestyle decisions over which we have freedom. But when we exercise our freedom, we must be careful that a weak brother does not stumble. Above all, we need to live out the example of Christ. The Gospel, the glad saving news of Jesus, ought to find its way into how we live our lives. There really is a lifestyle of the Gospel. Christians need to rediscover it!
In this 20-message series, Dr. John Neufeld unpacks Romans 12-16 to show us that there can be no lifestyle of the gospel unless you are truly and authentically converted to Christ. $19.00 + shipping/handling.
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Dr. John's Corner
Do We Really Need to Read the Bible Anymore? Dr. John Neufeld
Well known internationally for his excellence in expositional Bible teaching, Dr. Neufeld is passionate about bringing the truth of God’s Word to life across Canada and beyond.
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ot long ago, GQ magazine posted a list of 21 books you don’t have to read anymore. That’s because the books have passed from being relevant and meaningful to our culture anymore. Among that list was the Bible. Now, I suspect that GQ included the Bible in its list in order to get a reactionary response and thus sell more of their magazines. Furthermore, I think GQ is trying to get interest in their magazine as they, along with other magazines have been waning in subscribers. And so I would observe that it is far more likely that GQ be among the magazines that are no longer relevant and meaningful – rather than is the Bible. But I will come back to that at the end of my article. Eric Metaxas, the brilliant biographer, gave a very able response to GQ. For example, he writes, “Why do we have a seven-day week? And
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why is this the year 2018? And why is the average westerner literate at all?” He answers, “the Bible.” Metaxas then went on to point out that without the Bible, we simply can’t understand western culture. He points out works of art like the Sistine Chapel, the Pieta, and the Last Supper. He also says we can’t understand Dante, Milton or Bach. We won’t be able to understand the allusions in Shakespeare, nor what gave rise to the abolition of slavery. Martin Luther King’s “Letters from the Birmingham Jail” are unintelligible. Of course, Metaxas has only scratched the surface. The development of both the modern English and the German language was based on the Bible. The very nature of our society as one based on a common understanding of right and wrong finds its foundation in the Bible. The modern scientific
enterprise found its root system in the Bible. And furthermore, the Bible still leads the world in terms of volumes of sales. In spite of the fact that many would argue that the Bible is in most homes but is unread, I would argue that most homes have numerous volumes of books that remain unread. But while all of that is true, I have another observation. It comes in the form of a memory. Some years ago, I was teaching a group of young men in Romania who had just graduated from a theological seminary and were preparing for their first pastoral ministry. We talked about reliance on Scripture and the duties of the local church pastor. While I was there, I observed that our meeting place was a large and beautiful building surrounded by magnificent grounds. I was then told that this had been the training facility for communist leaders in Romania. The communists had
consistently been teaching that this was the last generation of Christians. History had closed its doors on this ancient faith, and Marxism was the future. And there we were! Marxism had died in Romania, and in the very place where it was once heralded as the place where Christian pastors gathered to plan for the evangelization of their country. I was moved by that experience. That brings me back to GQ. It’s not the first time that critics have hailed the end of the Christian faith and the Bible. If Christ delays His coming, it won’t be the last. It’s just that we have forgotten most of the movements that announced the end of the faith. And we will soon forget this article from GQ as well!
Dr. John’s Blog Read this article and more from Dr. John Neufeld at backtothebible.ca. BACKTOTHEBIBLE.CA/BLOG
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The 2019 Scripture Calendar Get your first copy FREE!
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Dr. Neufeld's Daily Bible Reading Plan November 2018
December 2018
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
2 Samuel 19-20; 2 John 2 Samuel 21-22; 3 John 2 Samuel 23-24; Colossians 1 Nahum 1-3; Colossians 2 Habakkuk 1-3; Colossians 3 Zephaniah 1-3; Colossians 4 Ezra 1-2; 2 Timothy 1 Ezra 3-5; 2 Timothy 2 Ezra 6-8; 2 Timothy Ezra 9-10; 2 Timothy 4 1 Chronicles 1-3; Jude 1 Chronicles 4-6; Luke 1:1-20 1 Chronicles 7-9; Luke 1:21-38 1 Chronicles 10-12; Luke 1:39-56 1 Chronicles 13-15; Luke 1:57-80 1 Chronicles 16-18; Luke 2:1-24 1 Chronicles 19-21; Luke 2:25-52 1 Chronicles 22-24; Luke 3 1 Chronicles 25-27; Luke 4:1-30 1 Chronicles 28-29; Luke 4:31-44 2 Chronicles 1-3; Luke 5:1-16 2 Chronicles 4-6; Luke 5:17-39 2 Chronicles 7-9; Luke 6:1-26 2 Chronicles 10-12; Luke 6:27-49 2 Chronicles 13-14; Luke 7:1-30 2 Chronicles 15-16; Luke 7:31-50 2 Chronicles 17-18; Luke 8:1-25 2 Chronicles 19-20; Luke 8:26-56 2 Chronicles 21-22; Luke 9:1-17 2 Chronicles 23-24; Luke 9:18-36
2 Chronicles 25-27; Luke 9:37-62 2 Chronicles 28-29; Luke 10:1-24 2 Chronicles 30-31; Luke 10:25-42 2 Chronicles 32-33; Luke 11:1-28 2 Chronicles 34-36; Luke 11:29-54 Esther 1-2; Luke 12:1-31 Esther 3-5; Luke 12:32-59 Esther 6-8; Luke 13:1-22 Esther 9-10; Luke 13:23-35 Haggai 1-2; Luke 14:1-24 Joshua 1-3; Luke 14:25-35 Joshua 4-6; Luke 15:1-10 Joshua 7-9; Luke 15:11-32 Joshua 10-12; Luke 16 Joshua 13-15; Luke 17:1-19 Joshua 16-18; Luke 17:20-37 Joshua 19-21; Luke 18:1-23 Joshua 22-24; Luke 18:24-43 Nehemiah 1-3; Luke 19:1-27 Nehemiah 4-6; Luke 19:28-48 Nehemiah 7-9; Luke 20:1-26 Nehemiah 10-11; Luke 20:27-47 Nehemiah 12-13; Luke 21:1-19 Micah 1-3; Luke 21:20-38 Micah 4-5; Luke 22:1-20 Micah 6-7; Luke 22:21-46 Zechariah 1-4; Luke 22:47-71 Zechariah 5-8; Luke 23:1-25 Zechariah 9-12; Luke 23:26-56 Zechariah 13-14; Luke 24:1-35 Malachi 1-4; Luke 24:36-53
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A Step Forward for indoubt. Isaac Dagneau
is the former minstry manager of indoubt and is currently a lead pastor in Mission, BC.
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, Isaac Dagneau, have had the immense privilege of serving Back to the Bible Canada by leading their young adult program, indoubt, for almost four years. As much as I may have helped indoubt continue and grow its mission, I feel like I’ve been doubly helped! Isn’t it a funny thing when you feel more served when you serve? The reason I’m mentioning this is because God’s led me to make a change in my life that has resulted with my stepping down from leader and host of indoubt. Certainly, after leaving a position that I was in for almost four years, it almost feels like leaving home! However, I’m confident in God’s will and look forward to both my family’s and indoubt’s future. This change in direction has brought to mind a couple things; firstly, why I’m excited for indoubt and its continued growth, and secondly, what’s important to remember about making decisions.
indoubt
If you’re a regular reader of this magazine, then you’ve probably read indoubt’s mission statement: to bring the gospel to the relevant 10
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issues of life and faith that young adults face every day, cultivating conversation. That’s what indoubt does - no matter what. No secondary changes will affect this primary purpose. indoubt is all about Jesus, young adults, and how what Jesus did two thousand years ago can transform young adults today. One of the things indoubt is working on (and has been doing, in part, from the beginning) is broadening its scope of voices. I think any ministry or movement is stronger when they have a single purpose that’s achieved by multiple diverse means. As an example, look at the Bible. This one, unified, and complete story is beautifully written by many, diverse, and completely different authors. Even God himself has revealed to us his singular “Being” in three distinct “persons”. All this to say, indoubt’s plans of furthering this “multiplication” of unique voices serving one single purpose is incredibly encouraging and exciting. The last thing I’d say about my excitement for indoubt is that I’m simply happy to know that there’s a young adult-specific ministry in Canada that’s striving to bring the
beautiful gospel to broken people in a unique way. For example, I love how indoubt has a radio show across the country that’s geared towards young adults and discusses issues of life and faith. I’m excited to see the growth of this.
refreshing than hearing the healthy, unaffected, and often times simple words of a loved one. Thinking back on my recent experience of working through a decision, talking to others was extremely helpful - and, I’d even add, necessary.
Making Decisions
So, those are two relatively simple actions in decision-making that can have massive implications on your direction.
Was leaving my position at indoubt an “overnight” decision? No. It was a much longer process that included a couple of important things. Let me suggest them to you, especially if you’re in the middle of making a fairly large decision. Firstly, pray. I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again: prayer is the most practical thing we can do. Are you seeking wisdom? Are you seeking discernment? Are you seeking direction? Pray. Ask God to give you a clear mind, a heart set on him, and a willingness to obey him whatever the cost. And don’t worry if you’re struggling with a rock-solid confidence in your prayer. I say this because of the story in Acts when Peter is in prison and the church is praying for him. Later on when God answers their prayers by releasing Peter, the church hears of Peter’s release and mock the possibility! See Acts 12:1-17. And secondly, talk about the decision with close friends and family (if you’re able). It is incredible how the words of a family member or friend who loves you can help guide you through making a decision. Especially when the decisionmaking process is causing you to stress and overthink, nothing is more
In conclusion, I’d like to reiterate my joy and the great honour it was to serve indoubt by leading and hosting it for almost four years. I wouldn’t trade my indoubt ministry experiences with anything. I know that I’ll only ever have very fond memories of the team and the ministry at Back to the Bible Canada. To all of you who have made my ministry experience possible, thank you. Glory to God!
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HOW TO BE THANKFUL WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE COMPLAINING Phil Callaway
is an author and host of Laugh Again. He has five grandchildren. They wear name tags.
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ave you ever complained? Of course you haven’t. “Uh well, maybe once or twice,” you say. One study claims that the average adult spends five months of life complaining. Here are some of those complaints: I tried to spread cold butter on the toast. And the bread ripped. My seedless watermelon had a seed in it The escalator was broken. I had to use the stairs. I had too much food for lunch and now I’m tired.
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I want another car. But there isn’t enough room in my driveway. My wallet won’t close because there’s too much money in it. There’s so much legroom in business class that I can hardly reach the touch screen TV. They call them “First World Problems” – our inability to see the blessings for the blisters. One young lady who had been reading novels said to me, “Things were so much simpler in the olden days. I wish I was born back then. Life would have been easier.” Are you kidding me?
wishing for what was or what could be, we rob today of its joy. God has given us today. It’s full of wonder and possibility. So I’m going to thank God for what He’s up to right now. I’ll start with Psalm 107: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever… Tell others He has redeemed you… Let them praise the Lord…for the wonderful things He has done for them. He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
In the Middle Ages, much of life was devoted to simply surviving. Famine was common. About one in four harvests was poor in the medieval world. Often, crops failed altogether. Then there were plagues and other illnesses that swept away millions. Today, we can have hot pizza delivered to our door when we experience early onset hunger pangs. Kings didn’t have the entertainment we enjoy. Or electricity. Or running water unless someone ran to get it for them.
We are blessed beyond reason. We have strength for today and hope for tomorrow. My wife will be so relieved at my new attitude. For some reason, she didn’t appreciate it last night when I said, “My electric toothbrush died. Now I have to move my arm to brush my teeth.”
Why am I telling you this? Because I find myself complaining. And I need to stop it. I say things like, “When I eat my potato chips, I can’t hear the TV.” Every age comes with its challenges. But when we live
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Gratitude Chaos IN THE MIDDLE OF
By Krista Penner
C
haos is an inevitable part of life. No one would deny this unless they have lived at Disney’s Magic Kingdom from infancy and the stress of life has consisted of waiting in hourlong waits to catch a thrill on the Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster.
describes our stories.
As appealing as it may sound to live with Mickey Mouse year round, there are some aspects of this that would leave an individual with a deficit of character and maturity that are necessary ingredients for a fulfilling life.
Yet the most valuable lessons I have learned in life did not happen while at school in “the happiest place on earth.” The experiences that have shaped me were hard won in the midst of real chaos.
In A Failure of Nerve, Edwin Friedman presented research showing that maturation does not manifest itself in our lives until we have undergone pain, conflict, heartache or chaos on some level. Chaos is defined as complete disorder or confusion. This definition may immediately bring to mind the state of your garage or your teenager’s room, but on a more insidious level, chaos often 14
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I spent a week at the Disney Institute this past summer and indeed it was a fun, uplifting experience. The lessons and principles I learned about leadership and life were solid truisms that I have already applied to my work and management style.
If you were to ask me about times of tremendous personal growth, I would tell you about the times I experienced conflict in my extended family, a health scare during my second pregnancy and the challenges faced in the valley clinicians like to call depression. I learned the most about myself when I came to the end of myself and I relied the most on God when I had no where else to turn. The pain of chaos made me live more
fully in the present because I knew that what would determine my future was not my past, but God’s presence in the present. I would not trade what I know now and who I have become for all the Disney experiences in the world. The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that we have a great treasure in jars of clay. Essentially, we are fragile humans and Paul is comparing us to cracked pots! Paul goes on to say this about our cracked pot state in the next verse: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” We don’t always understand why chaos or hardship or sickness defines the circumstances that surround us but we do know that our circumstances do not need to define our reaction. • Circumstances: facts, or conditions connected with or relevant to an event or action.
• Reaction: action performed or a feeling experienced in response to a situation or event. Circumstances are reaction is a choice.
facts.
My
Even though it is counter-intuitive to stand up straight and utter a word of gratitude in the middle of difficulty, it is in the act of thankfulness that I experience hope. The passage in 2 Corinthians goes on the say this: “For it (the suffering) is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart.” Consider your reaction to chaos: choose to be grateful, and your hope will increase.
Krista Penner Krista enjoys life with her family in Mission, BC. She is actively involved in Leadership Development for Fellowship Pacific and in that role is privileged to travel across BC helping churches develop leaders.
Join us for THE ISRAEL EXPERIENCE April 28 May 6, 2019 with hosts Dr. John Neufeld, Laugh Again’s own Phil Callaway and a special musical guest. This will be a unique experience of Israel like no other!
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God, Us, and Ask:
A Beautiful and Powerful Pattern for Prayer Isaac Dagneau
is the former minstry manager of indoubt and is currently a lead pastor in Mission, BC.
“And now we thank You, our God, and praise Your glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29:13)
A
fter King David in his old age charges his son Solomon to build a house for the Lord, he prays an incredible prayer in the midst of the assembly of Israel – one that would do us well to reflect upon this season. Immediately preceding the prayer, King David encourages Israel to help support the work of the building of the house of the Lord. It’s recorded that “the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to Lord LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly” (1 Chronicle 29:9). It’s after this that David prays (1 Chronicles 29:10-19). We discover in his prayer a threefold pattern. First, David exalts God by proclaiming who God is. Second, David honestly considers himself and Israel – how insignificant they are in comparison to God. And third, David requests of God. We could sum up the three parts with one-word headings: “God,” “Us,” and “Ask.” As we briefly consider this threefold 16
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pattern, we’ll evidently see the reasoning why this order of prayer is so beautiful and powerful, and why we should imitate it.
God
Nothing marks a powerful prayer more than starting with “God.” And we’re not talking about simply saying his name, but reminding ourselves of all that God is. In his prayer, David reflects on God as the forever Father, ultimate Owner, Head and Ruler above all things, and Giver of good. In short, we could say that David reflects on the glory of God – for all these things point to His glory. So, why should we take it upon ourselves to copy David and begin our prayer with praising God’s glory? There are many good answers, but I’ll name just one: Starting with God’s glory reminds us of who the God is that we’re praying to. We may go to God in utter pain and suffering for some dramatic or traumatic
situation. Yet, upon reflecting on the incomprehensible massiveness of God, we gain perspective. We’ll be better prepared to make better requests. As an added thought, our God deserves that we start with Him. We may be His children that He adopted at a great price, but He’s still our King and we’re still His servants.
Us
After David exalts who God is, he prays, “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly?” (1 Chronicles 29:14). He goes on to say that all things (including what they’ve offered to God) are God’s! David recognizes that we can only give what is already God’s. In his prayer, David mentions their lack, separation from God, and finiteness. These things are healthy for us to remember. If we go to God in the opposite manner – in an arrogant attitude, believing that we’re worthy and have lots to offer – then we’ve greatly mistaken our God. We must remember and be humbled by our weakness. But David also shows his integrity by praying that it was from “the uprightness of [the] heart” that he and Israel gave “freely and joyously” (1 Chronicles 29:17). Now, was there any sinful intention or motivation in their gifts? Most likely. But their focus was generally pure, and David was honest about that. He didn’t just discouragingly slump his head down and say, “I’m nothing. I’m dirt. I might as well
just die.” Rather, he was genuine with God, and we ought to be as well.
Ask
After praising God’s glorious name and seeing His greatness in comparison with David and Israel’s weakness, David makes two requests. He asks that the purposes and thoughts of the hearts of Israel remain upright, generous, and joyous before God. He elaborates on that prayer by simply saying, “direct their hearts toward you” (1 Chronicles 29:18). David is concerned with the hearts of the people. Think about it: most issues are “heart” issues. What better request than to ask that our hearts be directed toward God? Then David specifically asks God to grant his son Solomon “a whole heart” so that he may live a life fully honouring to God and that he may do the task he’s been given (building the palace). David loves his son and cares for him, therefore he asks God to do something that Solomon can’t do himself. Thus, our requests of God should reach in to the heart and out to others. In summary, David exalts God, honestly reflects on himself and humanity, and asks God for help. This is a beautiful and powerful pattern for prayer: “God,” “Us,” and “Ask.”If I may, allow me to challenge all of us this season to follow the outline of this prayer. I believe we’d greatly grow in our faith and prayer life if we did this.
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faith isn't faith until it's tested “You need to get your affairs in order. Your wife could have a stroke at any moment.”
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he doctor’s words rang through my head as I stood there, numb with disbelief, in the hospital emergency room. I stared at my beautiful, 8-month pregnant bride, holding her hand as her heart beat out of control at 240bpm. She lay there, helpless, with sweat dripping off her face, the stretcher shaking as her irregular and rapidly beating heart shook the bed. Nurses were scurrying everywhere as they tried their best to comfort us and find out what they could do for a pregnant woman in this condition. The above story is only one of the numerous trials my family has had to endure. And yet, still we will praise Him. A year previous, we suffered through a serious miscarriage. It was the most challenging time of my faith as I saw the woman I loved, her body heaving through sobs, crying out to God asking why we lost our first child. My bride’s body gave up and she was bed-ridden for over a month after that. She couldn’t move 18
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by Jim Bugg
and was burning with fever, so I had to carry her into a freezing cold shower and hold her in my arms until the fever dropped. You see, my bride has numerous painful, chronic health conditions, including lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, and arthritis amongst others, which she won’t let define her, but we still have to live with. She’s been on daily pain medications for as long as I’ve known her. She also attends a Pain Clinic for pain management and now uses a pain medication they give to cancer patients. And yet, still she praises Him. Only a few short weeks after the heart trauma I mentioned above that was successfully diagnosed and treated, we were back in the hospital with my wife, giving birth. It was traumatic as my wife’s tailbone broke during delivery. She was then bed-ridden for almost three years, her body wracked with pain. From that point, our lives have never been the same. We had to fly across the country to get specialized surgery on her tailbone and, after we came back home, she was bed-ridden for another year during recovery. It has been almost nineteen years later and she still lives in pain everyday from that experience. And yet, still
she praises Him. My wife has had two procedures for her heart issues. The first was unsuccessful, so five years later we went through the process again. In the midst of this and five years after our first child, we had another child. Again, eight months into that pregnancy, there were some serious concerns that she might be miscarrying, so we went to the local hospital emergency by ambulance. They couldn’t diagnose the issue, so we were rushed to the Women’s Hospital in Vancouver where she was diagnosed with severe kidney stones. My poor bride had to suffer through many kidney stones the last month of her pregnancy. It was extremely painful for her. And yet, she still praises Him. Four years ago, I was rear-ended by a distracted driver and suffered a severe concussion. My memory suffered and I forgot how to do simple things, like walking up stairs. I was off work for a year and a half and did nothing but physiotherapy and recovery, and slowly regained much of my “old self”. I lost my business partnership and was forced to start all over. Our family is reliant on me working, as my bride is unable to, so I pushed myself to recovery in order to start working again. I’ve recently had a test for Parkinson’s Disease, which returned negative and have been diagnosed with a condition called ‘benign essential tremor’. It has been a great struggle mentally, physically and emotionally. And yet, still I will praise Him.
Due to limited space, I’ve only listed some of the experiences we’ve faced. We’ve been married now for over twenty-one years and have two fantastic sons. We add a zero to the end of our anniversary each year and jokingly suggest that, through all the trials, it’s how many years it feels like we’ve been married. We’ll then usually highfive each other and laugh. We know we’re not special and that many people struggle. We’ve had our days of shaking our fists at God. Why has He allowed for these things to happen? Doesn’t He know that we love Him? There’s a saying, “God doesn’t give us any more than we can handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.” My bride and I know that God is preparing us for something great. That’s not Christian-ese, it’s the understanding that we know God does trust us and is using us for His purpose. And, through it all, we will still praise Him and acknowledge that He is directing our paths. Proverbs 3:5,6 have been my beacon of light through these life challenges. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."
Jim Bugg is the Creative Marketing Manager for Back to the Bible Canada. He, along with his wife and two sons, live in the Langley, BC area.
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