When trials rush into our lives uninvited we should master the ability to do this one thing: immediately recognize that you are entering a season of testing. Trouble serves as a diagnostic tool in the lives of Christians and we will be able to more clearly discern what we are all about. Inevitably you will find areas wherein God has made you strong and steadfast – what encouragement to find that you are a rooted and growing saint! Accompanying the good discovery there is also the materializing awareness that there are some important things in your life that need to be shored up, straightened out and nailed down. Trouble is a polished mirror that shows you every blemish you never cared to see. Trouble invites you to an evaluation of yourself and politely asks you to leave your spiritual cosmetics at home. Trouble insists that we address all of our spiritual wrinkles, pimples and scars.
My wife is in a hospital and I’m not allowed to see her until 3 pm each day. My children are staying with friends and I’ve not laid eyes on them since last Wednesday. The ministry God has given me is being performed by others who have graciously stepped up while I’m sidelined by circumstances. The result for me? Way too much time listening to myself in my head. I’m learning to discern that there are at least three competing voices looking to lead me during this time of testing. Here’s who they are and what they are saying. You may wish to pay attention because these same three will seek your submission when you walk through your own days of difficulty.
My flesh speaks: Jeff, this is not going to end well for you, buddy. Your whole existence demands strict structure and disciplined time management. You have to get up early and leave the house in order to get your minimum work done. You won’t be able to do that anymore because your greater need will be with your family from this point forward. You’re in for it, buster, and my bet is that you crack under the pressure. You’re supposed to be all things to all people, remember? You aren’t the type of guy who deals with interruptions well and my money is on the inevitability that pretty much everything will fall apart. Jeff, let’s make a deal: I’m your flesh and I really think that if you cooperate with me we can make something happen here. Lean on me, I’ve been with you a lot longer than the Spirit. I think you and I have an understanding and we can get through this together. You may have to cut some spiritual corners but you’re a capable guy who can make things happen. I won’t let you down this time because the stakes have never been higher. Let’s get reacquainted, bro. I wanna help – give me another chance in the driver’s seat?
My enemy speaks: Don’t you feel foolish, Jeff? All these years without any severe difficulties and your presumed praise has been high octane! Now when your God ordains the Sea of Lyle to be hit with a tempest I don’t see that same enthusiasm. You’re not a phony, are you? All your words are appropriate, Jeff, but is your heart really secure? Is your God really trustworthy? He won’t provide for you and your family, I know this for a fact. Amy can’t go on being strong forever. How could you ship your kids off to friends when they are in the midst of such a huge crisis involving their mom and grandmother? What kind of father are you? Jeff, your church family needs you and I think that you’ve taken more than enough time off to be with your wife. I mean, what are you doing to help anyway? Get back to work and show those folks that you are a dedicated pastor and man of God? By the way, I’ve noticed you aren’t in God’s Word like you normally are and your times of prayer have been replaced with sleeping later. Looks like it’s falling apart, mister. I’ve waited for this hour for the last seventeen years since that day in August 1994 when I lost you. This should be fun to watch…
My God speaks: Son, you know that your flesh is unreliable and the devil only knows how to lie – I command you not to listen one more second to their voices of doom. You don’t need to be strong or wise or capable right now. Do you know how big My hands are? I’ve got you, your wife, your children, your ministry, your past, your present and your future in the grip of my omnipotence. Jeff, I’ve never needed you to be capable and strong. Even when you think you are on top of things I am perfectly aware of your weaknesses and am showering you with grace unnoticed. You are my boy and I have beautiful plans for you. Right now, I’m answering through your current trouble hundreds of prayers that you’ve forgotten you ever prayed. I’m fashioning you into the likeness of My Only Begotten. I’m removing some things from your gut that have been getting in the way. I’m precisely placing some necessary things in you that will enhance My glory from you in your roles of husband, father and pastor. There is no need to fret and I authorize you to refuse the doubts that your flesh and Satan seek to slay you with. Who will you listen to in this challenging time? I’ve not gone anywhere, boy – I’m as close as I’ve ever been. Lift up your eyes and look at Me. See there? I’m smiling upon you. I love you. I will never leave or forsake you, my child. Now, get up from your laptop and take my hand and let’s leave this hotel room. You’ve got a list of things to do and it would be My delight to accompany you in the doing of them. Let’s spend today together and concern ourselves with tomorrow when the next sunrise finds us. Come on, son, we have today to enjoy with one another.
I’ve got to go. My Father has requested my presence for the day. It’s just what I needed to hear.
Thank you for your encouraging words! As someone said in one of the previous comments: “you are still ministering and teaching us even when you’re not physically here with us”. You and Amy are a great example of how a christian life should be. I miss you both and your kids greatly. Jim and I are praying every day for all of you.
Dear Brother Jeff
You have a way with words!
It’s one thing to be a good witness in a time of trial; but to be able to appreciate – and then put into words – the spiritual warfare that is going on behind the scenes is a very great blessing to all who have (and will) read this. Most of us don’t see it or think like that … but then we read what you say, and think “that’s so true” (hence the “WOWS” in earlier comments!). This insight is a gift from the Lord to you, from which we all benefit.
Continuing to remember you and Amy and Alicia and Landon, and Deborah’s family, before the Lord – may He be your Help and Strength in the days to come even as He has been in the last few days (and indeed since 1974).
PS hope you are adhering to the advice from the lady in the earlier post about eating carrots instead of stuff from the vending machine!
Cast all your anxieties on him.
Praying for your guys continuously.
Lisa Samples Crowe
[7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
All those thoughts that go through our heads when we are in trials. Do you notice that the thoughts sometimes come out of people’s mouths too? Isn’t it weird how our “friends” and sometimes even strangers will repeat some of the thoughts that are going through our minds. You must stay focused on the “Truth”. God is taking care of all the big and little things. Start praising him. LIft up your voice and drown out the thoughts. The thoughts will go away. God will never leave you. We love you Jeff. Amy needs you now. When your children come home they will need their Daddy too. The church needs you too but right now your wife and children neen you more. It’s time for the church family to take care of its Pastor and his family. God will help us do that. We love you Jeff, Amy, Landon, and Alisha!!!
Jeff & Amy –
You are in mine and Tony’s prayers. Be strong and keep your eyes focused on God, Satan loves to get us sidetracked. 4 yrs ago during Matthew’s illness, at times we felt like our situation was unbearable but time after time God reminded us that he knew all of this before it even took place, his loving arms were around our family during this trial. God never leaves us or forsakes us. Last year when Matthew’s physician told us no trace of the AVM, completedly healed — he stood and cried and exclaims, God is so powerful, this is a miracle, no trace of the problem. During that time God showed me when I prayed to claim his promise, and pray fervently claiming that I knew God as our father and savior could work a miracle. He already has with you and Amy she is on the road to recovery. Matthew never misses a chance to tell others what God did for him. When he was in ICU, he said to me, mom I am not worried about tomorrow, if I do, then I have wasted today and God does not want me to do that. He is in control and I am his, what words to be spoken by a 17 year old to teach Tony and I that Matthew had peace and God was in control, Love to all of you, remember, Satan likes to get us worried and down, then he knows our flesh is weak, but REMEMBER OUR GOD IS ON THE THRONE AND WE ARE HIS CHILDREN. HIs loving arms are around us and he is there every step of the way as Matthew had to remind us, Love Vickie, Tony & Matthew Hart
I finally got home tonight and could hardly wait to get to your blog. How you’ve ministered to us during this trial of yours and Amy’s. What a message today. You’re still leading, teaching preaching and pastoring us even while absent in body. We love you so much and I thank God for leading me to Meadow 9 years ago – maybe 10. I know it’s one more than you’ve been the pastor. We know you’re right where you’re supposed to be – by Amy’s side – and so does God. He is and will continue to be your constant companion in the days and weeks ahead. Hugs and kisses to Amy.
Trial after trial….I know ONE THING FOR CERTAIN:
His paths are always right!
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Sometimes we are quiet.. sometimes loudly we cry out
Sometimes we wonder… what are all these trials are about
At times there seems to be light.. at times it seems so dark
At times it seems easier and at times it seems very stark
Why do we struggle so much.. why do we have so many tears
Why do we allow the devil to elevate so many of our fears
God always protects us and we really know He’s forever there
God always shows His love through in His amazing infinite care
When trials seems endless, when trials seems to much to endure
When trials overcome us He steps in with His strength so pure
His love is immeasurable.. His thoughts are beyond height
His power is almighty… HIS PATHS ARE ALWAYS RIGHT!
Thank you to our gracious Savior the mercy that He bestows
To us as we walk through life’s trials & faith in us grows
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Praying, praying….we miss our Lyles!
Tim and Darlene Curran
Thank you so much for your profound words today. It’s so easy to fall into negative thinking, especially when we’re facing a serious situation. Your words are so important to someone like me who is so busy trying to handle things that come up, that I don’t slow down long enough to remember that the King I serve has already taken care of it all, and my focus needs to be on HIM. I’m amazed and thankful that you have been able to keep that in perspective with all that is going on.
My family and I continue to be in prayer for healing for Amy and her mom, and for peace and strength for the whole family. God is so good, and I know He will continue to bless you abundantly for your faithfulness.
Oh wow!! Amazing!!! I want to say get out of my head but the truth is I needed that just as much as you!! We’re all going through trials but the one constant is that God Almighty is right by all our sides. He’s always there for me and I know God is there for you!! Thank you my brother in Christ!! Love y’all! God bless
Isaiah 41:10
God is firmly holding your family in his hand.
And then, “My God speaks!” Whew! There’s a sermon in that, Jeff! One of those “but God” moments!! For what, what….”shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Amen! Thank you for your blogs and for your and Amy’s prayers for Meadow as we continue to pray for all of you. Grace be with you all.
Dottie and Ricky
That was awesome!!! As hard as your days are at times and the lonely you may feel, it is so very evident that the Lord is still with you as always. Enjoy your day with the Father your time together. Looking forward to more updates later.
-Beth
Pastor/Brother Jeff!
Thank you for your message at church yesterday. Yes, we so miss you, Amy and your children and Yes, WE ARE CHOMPING AT THE BIT to help in any way we can! I love to cook and hope to help out in the near future.
Today’s blog was sooooo timely! My boss just told me that I would not be able to go the full 40 hours nor was I wanted to help out in Customer Service…as they did not think I could do such, although I have done such for years!. I just stood there and smiled-to myself!-as I KNOW that the Lord is the ONE in charge and WHEN and “IF” He wants me to become full time, HE WILL LET THEM KNOW! We love you soooo MUCH, brother/DEAR Pastor and have come to appreciate you and your family even more so. Please just tell me WHAT the Lyles love to eat and I will GLADLY fix it for you!
Love to ALL, Sister Deborah
Something just struck me that you said in your blog post for June 27 and that is when God speaks and God says, “…hundreds of prayers that you have forgotten you have ever prayed”. I just had to tell you that I love this statement. Years ago I learned to call this a “prayer bank”, especially when I prayed for my young children to grow and know Christ. As I deposited each prayer I would think about my account, “how full is it”. Long story short that bank account paid off way more than I trusted.
Praying for you
Eileen Ahart (Shirley Nagy’s niece)
Praise the Lord prayers have been answered!! I have sat through prayer circles in the last couple of weeks and have prayed myself and heard others pray: Although we look to you as our Rock and Leader – you are human and can be tempted to listen to flesh and the enemy – we have asked for God to be ever present with you and Amy and to keep your Faith in Him Strong. This morning’s blog shows us that He is doing that for you. We miss you so much but know you are just where God wants you to be right now. God will use this event for many purposes – one blessing already seen is the unity at Meadow – I know for my Husband and me – we have spent more time together in prayer as I am sure many families have – will be praying for the surgery this week and will Praise Him for the day you all return to Church.
We love you and your family.
Mark and Kim
I was just going to say “WOW”..but Glen already said it. That word came to my mind also when I completed reading your comments above. You are so amazing as God’s son and as our pastor. We all do miss you, but you are where and with whom you are supposed to be with…the one who needs you the most now. Today, for a while, you are where you need to be, with your Father in a special way…Feel His arms around you and sense His sweet spirit as He ministers to you only in a way the Almighty can. You will come forth stronger and equipped for another day. Our God is awesome,loving,corrective and forgiving…He is sweet and just..strong and mighty and like a shepherd leads us. Follow HIm.
Dear Pastor Jeff,
Your blogs are very enpowering to us spiritually especially the last one of today 6/27/2011.You remind me of the book of Job which I am about to start reading in my daily bible readings.Every time I read this book I wonder, and the only answer I find is in Romans 11:33-36 which was our first comment on your blog.We are still praying for all of you.We know that Satan’s most fearceful attacks are on God’s most faithful children.God is about to do miracles.He is merciful and mighty.Psalms5:3 “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning,O Lord; in the morning I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”God bless you,
Sam & Zack.
Jeff, It is amazing all the thoughts that run through your mind at times like this….I don’t understand why we even begin to listen to the first two you described, however the third is the only one that makes any sense. Our God is so very caring…even so much as to allow these things to happen…and it seems worse when it is someone we love and adore that is bearing the brunt of all this. God was not surprised when this happened…He knows you and Amy and your two children and He is upholding you with His mighty big and tender hands. I guess I am preaching to the chior…and I don’t mean to be a “know it all” but just have had a few experiences in my life. Sometimes we need reminders from those we love especially when
we are weary…the mind can wear you out quicker than lots of physical labor!!! Please forgive me if I am being too presumptious…just always know that you and Amy and the children are loved. I have never met Mrs Samples but have grown fond of her through this terrible experience. So many people talk of what a wonderful lady she is…even if she is unconscious at this time.
God continue to bless you!
Please give Amy my love as well
Ann
Never a truer word spoken…thanks for the truth! Jeff and Amy we are missing you, but am confident that the Lord has all things in His control and His timing is always perfect. He is using this time to teach me some things too…thanks for the words and the encouragement.
Becky
wow… and just what I needed to hear. Relationally, I sink into His arms and am cared for and provisioned. BUT, “spending” the day with my Father just as my kids spend the day with me… powerful and spot on! I too, must grab my Father’s hand and enjoy the day. Whatever may come