-Stuff Just Happens-

I probably don’t have to remind you that life is filled with stupid stuff that happens. You know, things you didn’t plan on, or wouldn’t particularly know how to avoid even if you knew it were GOING to happen. Just read about the owner of the Segway company. You know, the two wheeled odd little scooters you have to balance on to drive. Seems he was riding one & took a header over a cliff. The scooter was found next to his body. Nothing funny about that, just in the category of ‘weird.’ Life is filled with things that happen; it’s just dependent on how we react to the actions.

I have a few words of encouragement & I’ll quote my pastor on this one, “I’m going to speak to myself, you can just listen in.” Forewarning: the ‘preacher’ in me is about to come out as I alliterate. When stuff happens in my life that I can’t control I will respond in one or two ways. One set of ways leads to a header over a cliff, while the other response is how God would have me react.

DISTRACTED. That’s pretty much what happens when weird things go on & I don’t ask for God’s advice & take His direction. I end up chasing rabbits down dead end roads! I end up focusing on the wrong things & can’t see the forest for the trees.

DISGRUNTLED. When stuff happens & when I have been offended I can easily get out of joint & upset if I have the wrong perspective & outlook. When I look at life as if I deserve better, then that lays the groundwork for my being disgruntled.

DESTROYED. The Evil one has a plan: to ‘kill, steal, and destroy.” When I continue the course of the first two, then the ultimate end is destruction on my part & those to whom I have to do!

Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, Lord, rescue me!  Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
Psalm 40:11-13 NLT
When I ASK for God’s help, salvation, & direction He helps me:

FOCUS: I can’t see tomorrow, or the end of the day for that matter! When I have the right perspective the stuff that happens doesn’t derail me! Hebrews12:1-3 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012:1-3&version=NLT

FORGIVENESS: I NEED forgiveness & need to give forgiveness to others. When I hold petty grudges & become disgruntled, it really doesn’t even bother whoever ticked me off. They usually don’t even know or care. Just festers & eats away at me! Matthew 6:14-15 NLT
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:14-15&version=NLT

FAITHFUL: I can’t remain faithful on my own power & steam. When I’m infused with God’s direction & power He helps me remain faithful to His purposes for life. Matthew 25:14-28
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:14-28&version=NLT

Here’s just a few thoughts of encouragement on how to handle when stuff just happens. Of course, the first action to take in our lives & turning over our very lives to the Lord of life! Otherwise, the rest of our lives are spent in REACTING to stuff that happens, rather than acting in the way God would have. Any thoughts or prayer needs send my way & I’ll join pray for you as you pray for me.

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Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
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