Fourthstream - Finding Hope

Glory is quite difficult to discern apart from human manifestations. How we look, how people perceive us, our accomplishments: each of these reflect upon our own achievement, and can be accomplished completely apart from God. But much deeper than happiness is the concept of joy, just as God-glory eclipses earthly attainment.

We realize our view of chaos, order, imperfection, and turbulence may differ from yours. We are doing our best to provide clarity to what we believe to be our Creator's plan within the challenges we face. We invite you to sift your ideas as well as ours through the grid of the God Story.

The perception of the nature and purpose for suffering has modified in the 21st century. In parts of the world we have achieved high levels of personal comfort and developed significant buffers to isolate us from pain. The concept of suffering (or choosing to suffer) is typically unthinkable and, in some ways, repulsive to modern thinking.

Talking about this makes our eyes sting. In our line of work we have stood side by side with people who have experienced sudden, unexpected, tragic loss. The weight of these kinds of things rocks us to the core of our souls. It bothers all of us when we hear of searing loss happening to others, but it is quite another thing when it happens to us.

We live in an age of relativism regarding what is true and what is not. Basically, whatever someone says is true - is true. Convenient. How many times have you heard or seen "that's just your truth"? Jesus offers a distinct contrast: I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

In the spiritual fight we always must go to our shield of faith and sword of the Spirit. They are our best defense and means of fighting back. Jesus teaches us how to fight, and His apostles amplify the effectiveness of His approach. Because people are not the source of our conflict (though it sure appears so) we wear the armor of God and carry the weapons of God to war against our enemy, the devil.

It would be nice if spirituality would be easy, right? No expectations. Elective choices. Plenty of latitude. But none of this is true about true Kingdom spirituality, even though it is very adjustable in religious terms. But there are also those who calculate spiritual trajectory and set very intentional steps toward pleasing God by His metrics.

Our Creator made us in His image to share His glory. What a tremendous honor! The God Story is all about taking imperfect men and women and graciously blessing us so there remains no question Who deserves credit for our triumphs. It makes sense that authentic, worthwhile faith would not be automatic or easy. Turbulence insures the opportunity of a God honoring result.

Our personal daddy picture does much to shape us. A loving father - optimism about life. An absent dad - a life of second guessing. A bad dad - nightmares over identity. Yet God wants to reveal Perfect Father to every soul. 

Most people would never articulate or even admit we are vulnerable or insecure. And yet these realities are always right below the surface, driving us to have, to do, and to be somebody (Solomon). When we are secure we find contentment. When we love we offer and receive acceptance. When we give respect or receive it we are blessed in our ability to have a satisfied mind.