Knee Deep

Today’s title doesn’t refer to one of my favorite Zac Brown Band songs but rather our current state of affairs. As in, “We’re knee-deep it in.” America is knee-deep in economic problems and moral collapse. My church is knee-deep in division and facing collapse. My son is knee-deep in everything. Where am I?

I slipped and fell headlong into the water. Because I’m trying to be honest with myself and true to this blog (and those who read it), it’s hard to admit failure. But I must because I am not a super-human. I’m nobody special. I fail and I make mistakes like everyone else. The Apostle Paul had a thorn in his side, the nature of which was never revealed to us, but I believe it was there to help keep him humble. Additionally, I think that everyone who knows God and diligently seeks Him in their lives has his/her own unique thorn to contend with – and it’s something that sticks with us for life (pardon the pun).

Once we discover what that thing is, we can use it as a gauge (perhaps one way in which God tests us) to see how we have grown; an evaluation tool to see where we need to go. I also think that once we see it for what it is and accept it as such, it’s easier for us to get up after stumbling over it. Take alcohol, for example. Someone can have problems with alcoholism, go through the 12 proper steps and no longer partake. They’re still going to be alcoholics for the rest of their lives, but it’s something they can use to gauge their progress (263 days sober) or their failure (1 beer last night). This is a very simplified example. Some thorns are much easier on us while others are more invasive.

Sexual addition is unique in that it is something one works toward overcoming, but in a marriage relationship, it’s a crucial function of that relationship, whereas alcohol isn’t necessary for anything. We become more sensitive to our weakness(es) and soon understand what things or situations trigger our human dependence on the thorn and avoid them in the future. With God’s help (which is when memorized applicable Scriptures come in handy), we can overcome. Or we can fail, get up and try again.

Christians traditionally have a bad habit of repeated sin; one certain thing that recurs over and over again. It’s that one thing that instantly popped into your mind as soon as I mentioned it. Please understand, I'm not suggesting we sin and ask forgiveness, sin and ask forgiveness, sin and ask forgiveness (that's what we've been doing). When God transforms us, He renews our mind. Those old things are put away for good and we live a lifestyle that reflects this transformation. That doesn’t mean we’re never going to trip over “that sin” again, it means that “that sin” no longer rules our lives like it once did. Now, it is simply an annoyance, a thorn in our side to keep us humble; to keep us focused; to remind us of Christ’s redemption and His transforming power in our life.

Yes, I’m knee deep in the water. I have fallen. Although I was wet, I dried fairly quickly and took another step. Having gotten used to the current and the ever-shifting riverbed underneath my feet, it seemed a little easier this time around. It’s okay to be shaken. We’re knee-deep in it most of the time. Our focus needs to remain on God – He is in control: of nations, of churches, of families, of lives. Things seem to spin out of control all the time – we even contribute to the spinning more often than not – but nothing, nothing! is out of control with God.

I created this blog as a public means of seeking God in my life, specifically for confirmation in what I’ve deemed The Plan that I believe God has laid out before me. Also this weekend, I came close to feeling like The Plan was merely a distraction, a test, to take me further from what I had, up to a few weeks ago, believed God was calling me to do. As I thought more about it, however, the more materialistic my thoughts became. That disturbed me. I felt like I was, again, being chained to something false. Therefore I focused a little more on The Plan and felt more at peace. Satan, the great Adversary, isn’t content with just letting us alone and changed his approach a little. With The Plan, he tried convincing me that, physically, I wouldn’t be able to execute it. Admittedly, I believed it...but only for a short time. At this point, Christians would (and should) get into their Bible’s and find Scripture for help:

                                I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

                                                                                 -- Philippians 4:13

This one is common and comes to mind rather quickly. But God authored common sense, too. Therefore I was reminded that my previous job was labor-intensive and demanding and, with very little exception, I performed well for nearly ten years!

Again, another example that God is in control. If He wants me to do something – and I’m willing to do it – He will sustain me for the task at hand. I’ve got much to learn before making it across the Jordan and I’m thankful for what I’ve learned to this point in my life. I’ve slipped. I’ve fallen. I’ve gotten back up and I continue to go. That’s an important lesson, itself.