Tag: Trials

Call to Community

Today’s a new day! As we scroll through social media or turn on the tv, there is no doubt we are living in messy times. Sadly, across America and the world so many people have become anxious and isolated. 

But, as I look at all of the craziness going on around us, all I can think about is how badly we need each other. We were not created to be divided. We have been called to appreciate and celebrate diversity. The inclusion of every culture, nation and people is an element in the reign of God, in the pictures we’re presented throughout the New Testament of the Bible, from the start of the book of Matthew to the end of Revelation. Even while much remains uncertain, the Spirit continues to summon us into the messy places of discomfort. We have been called to serve others, to help all know God’s love and peace.

We are living in messy times, but our hearts should be full of passion. A passion for stability and hope. A passion to know and see the value and worth of others around us. A passion to experience a sense of belonging and meaning. Only together, can we step forward into the mess of discomfort and build a community flourishing with the values of inclusion, hospitality, service, compassion, love and mercy. A community that is united and committed to looking past our differences and instead focusing on our commonalities.

If you have this same passion, then I welcome you to the call to community. Welcome to the mess of relationship, differences, variety and perspectives. Come on into this community where being the hands and feet of Jesus is not just another Christian cliche.

To build a community like this I need you. This community is created to welcome all people into the community as we explore the margins and celebrate the goodness. 

Welcome to the mess! Let’s go make a difference. ~OC

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Keep It Close

Today’s a new day! Here is another “Lost Writings From OC.” This was written back in 2021.

I want to encourage everyone, that whenever God does something amazing in your life (big or small) or a testimony takes place, to write it down because you will need it to look back on one day. When you’re drenched and soaked in a storm, it is so, so easy to forget about what God did yesterday. It is so easy to accuse God of being unloving, unjust, unfair, and everything else and forget how just a few weeks/months/years ago you were singing His praises and telling Him how wonderful He is.

All of us can look back on something that God has done in our past to encourage us in our present season. God has brought you through too many storms and tough seasons of life. So do not let the enemy fool you into thinking God has abandoned you all of the sudden. Remember, the enemy’s job is to deceive, kill and destroy. God is a fair, loving, compassionate and just God, who will never abandon or forsake us. ~OC

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Gratitude

Today’s a new day! Here is another “Lost Writings From OC.” This was written in 2022.~OC

When life is easy, gratitude is easy. But not in the storms. Not in the worried nights when anxiety is overwhelming us. Not in the hospital when pacing the floors hoping for good news. Gratitude hinges on our willingness to accept God’s will over our own. Accepting that He is in control, and we can trust Him.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we see God’s instruction to always be thankful: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

In the storms of life, God is our only hope. His faithfulness and His goodness are present even during the darkest moments. It might not happen immediately, but thankfulness grows as we cling to Him. We are grateful not only for the joys of restored health, restored relationships and overcoming grief, but for the sorrows that brought us to a place of utter dependence on Jesus.

Today, before your day gets too busy with meetings and a to do list to get through, take some time to reflect on what God has done in your life. Offer gratitude not only for the “easy-sailing” blessings, but also for the lessons learned during the storms.

Dear God, thank You not only for Your countless blessings, but for the challenges that draw us near to You. For the lessons learned during the storm. Thank You for the hard moments when You gave us the strength to wait out the storm. You are so good. Whatever storms come into our lives, You are our Rock and our Shelter. Thank You for Your light that surrounds us, and Your love that never fails. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Why Do Christians Suffer?

Today’s a new day! Here is another “Lost Writings From OC.” This was written in 2023.

During my crazy beautiful health journey, I have witnessed a lot of suffering. I have seen some friends that are pastors and missionaries suffer. I have seen some of them pass on and enter into Heaven. Maybe like me, you have asked yourself why do good people who are serving God suffer or experience great loss? Shouldn’t Christians be exempt from suffering?

As I have studied scriptures, I have found no evidence that Christians are to be excused from the storms of life, in fact we should expect them. James 1:2-4 tells us to “Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

How can we be joyful when we get news that we are sick, a family member/friend is facing hard times or a loved one has died? Biblically, joy isn’t a happy clappy ‘oh life is great’ type of joy. It is a joy that comes from the Lord, knowing that no matter what the outcome is going to be the Lord is in control, that He is working out His plan, for His glory and that He is going to sustain us and help us through each bump in the road along the way.

Contrary to how we often view trials when we go through them, they actually cause us (or should cause us) to depend more on the Lord, by growing our faith and refining us. Just like nonbelievers, we will go through life’s challenges, but thankfully we have God to rely on for peace, hope and strength during these storms. Through all this, we can trust that the Lord is using it for His glory, even when we don’t understand why.

If you are currently facing a trial in life, I want to encourage you that God hasn’t left you to try and figure it all out on your own. He is not punishing you. No, God is right there with you in the middle of the twist and turns of the storm. And please do not allow anyone to tell you it’s your lack of faith or sin in your life.

In John 9:2-3 the disciples asked whose fault it was that the man was born blind. Jesus responds, “Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” As is evident through this verse, God has a far greater purpose for things than our human and rational understanding can even comprehend.

As you walk through a season of trials, I want to encourage you, that God is working and there are many reasons He may be allowing this situation, but it will ultimately be for His glory and your good.

The Lord doesn’t promise all of us will be healed on earth

It frustrates me that we have so many people professing to be Christians and yet walk around telling people they are not healed because of their lack of faith. It isn’t your lack of faith that isn’t healing you. Maybe the Lord sees that you, or others, will be more sanctified and Him glorified through your trial. Look at Paul, a great apostle and man of faith, who was struck with an illness (Galatians 4:13-15).

Here Paul tells us that he had a physical condition, but why didn’t he just use his faith to heal himself? Well, the Lord used the illness to bring Himself glory and for Paul to be taken care of by the people of Galatia.

While people like to claim the verse in Isaiah 53:5 that by “Your stripes we are healed”, context is key and if you examine this verse it isn’t really talking about physical healing but rather God saving us from sin; the true ailment that kills us all and that He has saved us from that. We can find joy and hope and peace in knowing that one day the Lord will wipe away every tear, death and sickness will be gone, but until then we need to cling to our Lord and trust in His sovereign plan.

I know this was a long post, but I pray it brings some encouragement to those currently walking through a tough season in life. ~OC

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Walking Through The Unknown

Today’s a new day! Here is another “Lost Writings of OC.” This was written in 2018. I hope and pray it will bring you some encouragement. ~OC

Have you had moments in life, that you allowed fear to overwhelm you? Those moments where you just crawled under the covers because the fear had become too much for you to handle. I think we have all had moments of fear to some degree.

I remember when my health first started to fail me. Fear decided to pay me a little visit. Even though I do not remember it, my wife Laura shared I started giving some of my possessions away. The one thing I do remember about that period of time is, I opened my Bible and this familiar passage jumped off the pages:

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:1-2)

As I read each word slowly, God showed me something I’d never seen: My fears were like flames and my efforts to protect myself were like gasoline. Every attempt to ease my fears was like dousing fuel on the fire, and now it was consuming me.

Gently, the Holy Spirit reminded me of 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Suddenly, I knew the only way to overcome my fear and walk in faith was to walk through what most of us fear the most. The Unknown. At that time and even today, I have no idea what my future holds health wise, but thankfully I know who holds my future in his hands. I am often reminded of this scripture: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

I had to make the decision to put fear away and walk through this health journey trusting God, realizing that even if my worst fears came true, He would still be with me.

Obviously, that doesn’t mean I no longer have moments of fear creep into my life. I am human after all. But in those moments, instead of letting fear overwhelm me I open my Bible and allow God’s words to flow over me. I lift my prayers up to God and asked for him to help me overcome whatever fear is trying to steal my peace. As I do these two things, I begin to feel that fear wash away.

In this long crazy beautiful health journey, I have learned that fear loses its power when we actively trust God more than what we fear.

Today, ask God to show you what you are afraid of. What is paralyzing your faith and keeping you from living confidently in His peace and freedom? And then make the choice to allow God to help you walk courageously through your fears, holding God’s hand and trusting His heart to lead, protect and preserve you each step of the way.

Dear God, help us walk through our fears by facing them instead of being paralyzed by them. We want to take Your hand and trust Your heart with all that is within us. Give us courage today to take the first step. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

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A Prayer for America

Today’s a new day! Dear God, my heart grieves for America. Your word tells us that any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall (Luke 11:17). Our nation is so divided, and it pains me to think of our country falling. But I know we cannot stand without you at the center.

We know we must honor you, recognize you as Lord and Savior. We must acknowledge our shortcomings and failures. We must be willing to surrender to you, to follow the plans you have for us. As a whole, our country has fallen away, turned our backs on you.

But, for the sake of the faithful remnant, we call on you to be merciful to us. You know there are those who continue to choose you, who continue to truly seek your face. You know there are faithful ones who truly desire to honor you, to point the world back to you. For the sake of the faithful ones, hear our prayers and save our nation.

This world continues to grow darker. We know the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18), but we continue to cling to the old rugged cross. We know it is only because of the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, that we have forgiveness and can enter into your presence.

As the world grows darker, we have an opportunity to let our lights shine brighter, to let your light shine through us to illuminate the darkness. May we reflect your goodness and grace for all the world to see. May we be purified as silver so the world sees an accurate reflection of you.

America has become such a hotbed of dissension. I pray that we, as Christians, would lead the way in putting aside our differences and learning to listen to those with whom we disagree. My dearest brothers and sisters take this to heart: Be quick to listen, slow to speak. And be slow to become angry, for human anger is never a legitimate tool to promote God’s righteous purpose. So this why we abandon everything morally impure and all forms of wicked conduct. Instead, with sensitive spirit we absorb God’s Word, which has been implanted within our nature, for the Word of Life has power to continually deliver us. (James 1:19-21)

Help us to be wise in the way we conduct ourselves, in the way we live our lives. May we remember, it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11)

May we set our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly temporal matters.  Because we are your chosen people, holy and dearly loved, help us clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. May we bear with each other and forgive one another… as the Lord forgave us. And over all these virtues may we put on love, which binds us all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

I pray we would focus completely on you so your perfect peace will rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we were called to peace. And help us to be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among us richly, as we sing to God with gratitude in our hearts. And whatever we do, whether in word or deed, may we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15-17)

In this day and age where people freely say whatever they think, whatever they feel, I pray we as Christ-followers would remember the importance of speaking words of life and hope. Help us remember that if we consider ourselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on our tongues, we deceive ourselves, and our religion is worthless. May we show the world true religion that you accept as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world. (James 1:19-20)

Don’t let our faith be dead. Instead, help us show our faith by our actions. May we reach out to those who are hurting, those who are in need. May we be the hands and feet of Christ, meeting the physical needs of those around us. May we share your love by giving to those around us, by proving our faith through our actions. Never let us be all talk with no action.

Father, we long to see your face, to see your hand of grace and mercy over us. See our hearts as we bow before you. See our longing to know you better.

May your remnant, your people, who are called by your name, humble ourselves and pray and seek your face and turn from our wicked ways, so you will hear from heaven, and forgive our sin and heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Help us all to put away politics, and join together and pray your blessings over America. Pour out your spirit of wisdom and reconciliation to our political leaders. Give them a heart that longs to seek you, to follow you. Give our political leaders a desire to sit with those who think differently, who have different agendas, and to listen, to find common ground, to find ways to bridge the gap and move forward together.

Dear God, we pray for unity within America. We don’t always understand why things happen as they do, but we do know you are still in control. May we commit to praying for each of our leaders, for our country, each and every day. May we commit to doing our part to bring unity wherever our journey takes us.

Dear God, we are yours. Hear our prayers, our pleas, for healing in our nation. We know it can only come through you, through your mercies which are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness! ~OC

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Just Dance

Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I want to continue sharing some wisdom and life lessons with you. I pray they will challenge and encourage at least one person.

Today’s Lesson: Dance Through the Journey

Life might not be the journey we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance.

One of the first things I would encourage anyone currently walking through a life you didn’t necessarily choose is to Embrace the Journey.

Grasping this approach to life is something I have been working on as I dance my way through this crazy beautiful health journey.

But twenty-three years into this health journey, I still don’t have it down — but thankfully I am further along than I used to be. Praise God.

As I have spoken to many different people during my journey, I have found so many people live life with the following beliefs:


“Once I get through (fill in the blank), then I’ll have time for … “


“When my children are grown and out of the house then I can really … “


“If only I were (fill in the blank — more creative, more outgoing, healthy …) then …”

Most people are living for the future and not making the most of the present.

Most people are waiting for the perfect time, when everything is in order.

Where did we get the idea that would ever be possible?

I’m not sure, but I believe so many times we get caught up in looking at other people’s lives on social media or what we see in the media. If only our life looked like….

We are bombarded with messages that life is all about the pursuit of happiness and the perfect life.

But scripture bears witness to a different reality. We are told to expect trials and count it all joy; that God’s grace is sufficient in our weakness; and even that joy itself is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

During this health journey, I have found life is not about the pursuit of happiness… It is about joy in the pursuit of God.

It’s about embracing the journey God has called us to for the time He has called us to do it, in the circumstances He has placed us in.

It’s about trusting Him to lead us and leaning on His Spirit to grow the fruit of joy and peace within our souls.

It’s about choosing contentment in spite of the storms.

That’s not always easy.
It does not come naturally.
It requires intention, discipline, and discernment.
But God.

God who calls us to be content is the ONE who equips us to choose joy.

Praise His holy name!

Keep Dancing! ~OC

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The Root

Today’s a new day! As I continue to walk out this crazy beautiful health journey, I want to continue sharing some wisdom and life lessons with you. I pray they will challenge and encourage all.

Today’s Lesson: Address the Root Cause

Rather than focusing on surface-level solutions or addressing symptoms, it’s important to address the root cause of a problem. Fixing the underlying issue, even if it requires making difficult decisions, can lead to more sustainable and effective solutions. ~OC

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Dreams and Goals

Today’s a new day! As I continue to walk out this crazy beautiful health journey, I want to continue sharing some wisdom and life lessons with you. I pray they will bring encouragement to all that takes the time to read my post.

Today’s Lesson:

Take time to think about a dream or goal you haven’t achieved yet. How have the efforts and experiences along the way contributed to your personal growth and development? In what ways have past “failures” taught you valuable lessons that you can apply to future pursuits? ~OC

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