Rinse and Repeat with Carol Eskaros

C.S. Lewis, in his book The Problem of Pain, wrote, "Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say 'My tooth is aching' than to say 'My heart is broken.'"

Why can it be so hard for us to be open about our pain? Why do we so quickly answer, "I'm fine," even when we really aren't fine?

We may not be open about our suffering for many reasons - we don't want to trouble people, we may not want to overshare, we may not even have the energy to explain. But ultimately, we don't fully display our suffering because we don't fully understand how God plans to work through our suffering and weakness.

In today's episode, "But Why?" we explore why God allows us to endure seasons of intense tribulation and how He is with us through those seasons.

Turn with me to Romans 5:3-5 for this week's episode of Rinse and Repeat!

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When you see you are about to be hit, either by a car, a person, or an object, what is your first reaction?

Usually, you tend to brace yourself - clench your muscles, close your eyes, and prepare for the worst!

Our tendency is to react in this way not only to physical suffering but also to all kinds of pain. We can tend to fear, clench, and expect the worst because suffering hurts!

And yet, Jesus, in Revelation 2:10a, tells the church in Smyrna, "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer."

The church in Smyrna naturally would fear the extreme persecution it faced for Christ's sake. And yet, Jesus would give them specific reasons NOT to fear suffering, which are instructive for all of us today.

In today's program, we learn not only why we do not have to live in fear during seasons of suffering but also what to do specifically when we ARE afraid!

Turn your Bibles to Revelation Chapter 2, for our second installment in our suffering series, here on Rinse and Repeat.

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"I suggest to you that it is because God loves us that he gives us the gift of suffering. Pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world. You see, we are like blocks of stone out of which the Sculptor carves the forms of men. The blows of his chisel, which hurt us so much are what make us perfect."

C.S. Lewis' thoughts on the purpose of suffering are incredibly true, and still, naturally, we want to avoid suffering at all costs, because, well, it hurts!

Today on Rinse and Repeat we begin a new series on the topic of suffering, and today's message explores 2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 

Join me today as we TAKE HEART even in dark hours of suffering, and begin to see God's purpose in pain.

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In our series Strong in the Lord, we have learned all the parts of the armor - the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes with the Gospel of peace, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit.

Having learned all the parts of the armor - the question now is - how do we put it ON, and how do we put it to WORK?

Today as we conclude our series on the armor of God, we learn the answer to this critical question, and how it changes everything in our spiritual battles!!

The conclusion to our series on the armor of God, today on Rinse and Repeat!

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We get news of a loved one's tragic passing.

We face chronic illness or relationship strains or job losses.

In each situation, we long to actually FEEL God's presence. We long for His help. For a touch of His hand.

As I recently meditated on these things, God gave me His Word so clearly in Psalm 139:7-10, this beautiful picture of comfort,

7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.

In the Roman soldier's armor, the sword was not what we may typically envision as a sword - long with a hilt. Rather, it was a short sword, more like a dagger in a scabbard, designed for close hand-to-hand combat.

This is particularly significant when we understand that the Word of God is referred to as the Sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6:17. In other words, the enemy plans to attack us in ways that are up close and personal, and for those battles, we MUST be armed with powerful Word of God.

Hebrews 4:12a tells us that "the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword." In this episode, I share how this powerful tool can be used not only to cut out harmful things from our lives but also to create and add beautiful things that make for our growth!

This episode is a continuation of our series on the armor of God, but it is also something of a special edition. I share four specific instances from my own life where the Word of God spoke CLEARLY into situations I was facing and how the Scriptures powerfully changed me and assured me of God's work amidst difficult circumstances!

So turn in your Bibles to Ephesians 6:17 for this SPECIAL episode of Rinse and Repeat!

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Discouragement and Deception.

Two of the most effective tools of the wicked one.

Discouragement is especially effective, because it can arise from within and can take hold of us from any one of a variety of sources. And deception has been the enemy's weapon from the very beginning, in Genesis 3.

To combat both discouragement and deception, we require that our minds be protected - that we have the very mind of Christ. And for that, we need today's portion of the armor of God, the helmet of salvation.

For protection from discouragement and deception, turn to Ephesians 6:17 for today's installment of Rinse and Repeat!

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"I believe in God, so why am I not seeing Him at work in my life?"

"I know I am saved, but I really don't FEEL anything!"

Have you ever heard those questions? Ever ASK those questions?

Surprisingly, not all faith - even all faith in Jesus - is the same. Different types of faith will completely change what your Christian walk looks like, and especially how well prepared you are for the attacks of the enemy. That's why taking up the shield of faith is so critically important.

As Ephesians 6:16 tells us, "above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."

I recently received a heartfelt letter from a listener asking about dating advice for her daughter. Having been asked so many similar questions about dating by parents and young people, I thought it was time to share a lagniappe episode on the topic of dating.

Our text is 2 Corinthians 6:11-18, and we will explore various aspects of dating, what to look for in a future spouse, and so much more. Please note that I am offering Biblical insight but also my own personal opinions on this topic, drawn from various experiences.

So here it is, by popular demand - a lagniappe episode about dating.

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Little do we tend to know, it lies right at their FEET!

Today's portion of the armor, "shodding our feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace," is real power for every believer. This part of the armor takes us over rough terrain and prepares us for every eventuality.

This is not just about the Gospel saving us - an ESSENTIAL tenant of our faith - it is about the Gospel keeping us steady, steadfast, immovable, unshaken, no matter what comes!

Join me today for a look at the next part of God's great armor, and our great hope!

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