As a young Army Captain ten years ago I was full of zeal and ambition. I prided myself on enforcing standards and leading by example. What I possessed in fervor and skill, I certainly lacked in empathy and wisdom. One day I was lamenting the fact that I had deployed stateside after 9/11 rather than to Afghanistan. I wanted to really contribute something, not just guard chemical weapons from an attack that was certain to never occur. A year later I would get my wish to see combat in Iraq and in doing so lose whatever innocence I still had.
After listening to my complaints, my boss looked over at me, and with noticeable irritation in his voice, said, “Be where you are.” That day he gave me a very humbling lesson about accepting my circumstances and doing my best in whatever mission—whatever situation—I may find myself. This lesson has never been more relevant than now.
It is a matter of choice to give God our very best in spite of undesirable circumstances. It’s not an easy choice, mind you, but it is still within our ability to allow God to use us. I’m not talking about becoming complacent and resigning oneself to the thought that life will never get better. That’s not Biblical (read Proverbs) and speaks of defeat. I also don’t advocate putting up a front that “everything’s okay.” That’s not genuine and eventually the façade will crumble.
I’ll be honest: I hate complaining. Complaining is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I understand the need to “vent” to a trusted friend and to talk through emotions and frustrations. I do that and it’s helpful. But complaining about life’s unfairness is entirely unproductive and does not represent the character of Jesus. Do you ever recall him griping to the disciples about how everyone was out to get him? No, he was keenly aware of the eternal significance of what the Father was doing in his circumstances.
I sat next to a fellow at lunch the other day. I immediately regretted my seat selection when he started a conversation. He was a crusty, old curmudgeon who had nothing nice to say about the Veteran’s Administration or the Army (he is Vietnam veteran). When I told him that I was a lieutenant colonel he even insulted me, to which I sarcastically expressed my pleasure in meeting him. The next day I met a lady in the hotel fitness center. Her husband is a retired Army officer and a cancer patient. She began a diatribe against the military exactly one second after “hello.”
But then there was Fred. He, too, is a cancer patient. He’s a grandfather from the great state of Alabama. I had the pleasure of riding in the shuttle with him one day. What ensued was a 15-minute conversation of praise and thanksgiving. He was not bitter about his second battle with cancer, but rather thankful for the goodness in life and confident of God’s grace and mercy.
So what’s the difference between Fred and Crusty Curmudgeon and Fussy Fitness Lady? The obvious answer is Jesus. It’s also their choice, conscious or not, to allow God to work through them despite their current circumstances. I don’t for a minute discount the suffering and pain that they are feeling. If I’ve learned anything during this trial, it’s that everyone is hurting in a very real way.
In warning his disciples about the future, Jesus spoke of a time of great persecution:
“You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.” (Luke 21:12b-13 NLT)
Imagine the disciples in these circumstances. Imagine how terrifying. Yet, Jesus said this was their opportunity to tell others about him. So it is true with us. Whether we’re facing financial troubles, family problems, or even cancer, this is our opportunity to tell those around us about Jesus. No matter our situation, let’s be where we are and allow God to do incredible things in spite of the difficulty.
It was so cool to read that your conversation with Fred was filled with praise and thanksgiving. I have been pausing with Romans 1:21 a lot lately. Rom 1:21 starts to give the evolution of what can happen to a person who doesn’t glorify or give thanks to God. It says that when those two things are lacking, we will develop a darkened heart and meaningless mind, then we start having a mindset that evolution fits well with and then it gets into sexual issues. However if we reverse our actions by glorifying and giving thanks to God, we will develop meaningful wise minds and be people with big hearts. You are right on, Jeff with what Romans is saying! Troy
Good stuff, Troy.
reminds me of the Oswald Chambers’ quote, “Do not say to God I am of no use where I am…for you are surely of no use where you are not!” Thinking of and praying for you often, Jeff.
Thanks, Joe. Great quote.
Your words are inspirational and motivational. A true warrior of God!
Thanks, Mike.