Uncertainties

I don’t like it when I don’t know what’s going to happen. I want those that I know with cancer or some other issue to be healed. I want to know that things will get better in the Middle East. I want to know that everything going on is going to be alright.

We want to know it will all be ok even when it’s not ok. The uncertainty of our times is deafening. How do we live with peace even when everything around us is uncertain?

Gosh darn, I want this life to be certain, but it’s not. But what I do know is that God has been and is always in control. Although you and I struggle in the face of uncertainty, God does not.

But how do we handle all the “what ifs?” What do we do when the worst happens? How do we have peace when the “bad situation” doesn’t change?

I find such great comfort in a familiar verse in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This is a familiar verse to me, but I often find it hard to do. When we are anxious, our problems get bigger, and our God gets smaller. We fail to see God’s power and sovereignty over all amid what’s making us anxious.

Let’s put it in perspective…. Paul was in prison when he wrote the book of Philippians. He loved the people in Philippi and wrote to them at a time when he was suffering greatly. Paul’s goal in his letter was to encourage them to live out their faith in joy and unity.  Paul knew that true joy came through his faith in Jesus Christ, not his circumstances. He had no clue what the future held but knew the One who held the future.

Paul gives us specific guidance in handling the uncertainties of life: 1. Don’t be anxious about anything. 2. Instead, pray about everything. 3. With thanksgiving, presents with God.  As we choose to pray and tell God our needs and be thankful, our anxieties leave us, and peace enters. Here’s the deal: We can have peace EVEN when we face uncertainties and circumstances out of our control. Check out Philippians 4:7, the results of living this verse out: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
And who doesn't want the peace of God to transcend our hearts?

Can you trust God with those things we cannot control? Can you believe that God is sovereign, even if chaos is all around us? Can you trust that God’s ways are good and has a plan, even if it’s not what we would desire?

Take a listen: Firm Foundation (He Won't) by Maverick City Music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOP4s8fOEm0

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Giants

Steph Curry, with the Golden State Warriors, is considered the greatest shooter in NBA history. But, when it comes to winning a jump ball against Victor Wembanyama, of the San Antonio Spurs, it’s just not going to happen. Curry, 6 foot 3 inches, amazingly showed up at the line, ready to square off against 7 foot, 4-inch Wembanyama, in a recent game. It was comical at best.

The funny thing was that Steph Curry squatted for his jump like he actually had a chance to get the ball. Comments on Twitter: “Why did Steph even try?”  “That’s funny.” “He tried!” “I love Steph’s competitive spirit!”

We all can have our own giants. They aren’t usually tall, but they have a big impact on us and rob us of our peace and joy. Have you ever considered those things that tower over your mind and really affect you? Maybe fear. Fear of what’s going to happen. Fear of what’s going on in our world. Also, doubt can be crippling, making us think we can’t do what we can do! Self-doubt affects our work, our relationships, and our abilities, paralyzing our self-esteem and self-worth. What other giants do we face? Discouragement, loneliness, temptation, hopelessness, a significant problem, jealousy, resentment, pressures, and failures, to name a few. 

Most of us have heard of the story in the Bible of David and Goliath. The story is about Goliath, a Philistine giant who was defeated by young David in a single combat. David was a young shepherd boy standing among a weak Israelite army. I can’t imagine what David must have thought when he saw how tall Goliath was! However, David didn’t seem so concerned about this “giant.” David had a sling and 5 smooth stones. He had complete trust in his God that He would help him overcome Goliath.

David told Goliath “This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47) Perhaps, we struggle with our giants and allow them to defeat us repeatedly. Do we face them in our own strength? David’s words ring true today…. Our giants are the Lord’s battle, not ours.

I think it’s important to name and deal with the giants in our lives. Would you take a moment and write down what those giants are for you? Would you pray that God will help you confront your giant and see them in a different light?  When I write these things on paper and name my giants, I then give them to the Lord. God gives me perspective as I pray about each one. Often, he shows me that it’s not so much the “giant” that is the problem, but how I’ve turned my situation into a giant.

I might note in the story of David and Goliath, that David’s confidence was not in his own ability. He knew he was no match for Goliath. David’s confidence was in God. David placed his confidence in a God who had carried him through the past and would carry him into the future. David was able to live with no doubt in his mind and no fear in his heart.

Just as David conquered his giant, we can too! Will we choose to trust and depend on the Lord in every situation we face? God is greater than any giant we will ever face.

Video of the jump ball between Curry and Wembanyama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2egRf5GhA4

Take a listen: Courageous by Casting Crowns, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkM-gDcmJeM

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Not Oblivious

My dog, Chara and I are sitting on the back porch, enjoying a Texas fall-ish day. She’s poised and ready to make a dash outside and lunge at the fence at the dog next door. Just the other cool day, my horse, Daisy, was running and bucking and frolicking around in her fenced area as if to say, “This is just the BEST day ever!”

Animals are oblivious to what took place this last week in Israel. In some ways, it would be nice to be oblivious to the horrific suffering, pain, and agony that we’ve seen displayed on social media and TV. But we’re not oblivious. We see and understand what’s going on and it leaves us sobered, saddened, and helpless.

We see the faces of war. So many stories. So many pictures.

A teenager named Matan battled Hamas with fellow soldiers when terrorists threw a grenade into their armored vehicle. Matan jumped on the grenade and saved the lives of all his friends but lost his. His last words “I tried to do everything to save the people of Israel.” Matan is a hero.

The Kutz family of five. On Saturday, they planned to fly kites in a kite festival their father Aviv organizes every year near the Gaza fence as a message of peace to their neighbors. Their charred bodies were found in the safe room of their burned-down home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, with Aviv’s body wrapped over his family.

A video of Shani Louk, a 30-year-old German national, dancing and enjoying the Israeli techno music festival. Moments later, she was a victim of abduction during the shocking attack by Hamas militants.

I like you am heartbroken for all of the innocent lives lost in Israel and Gaza this past week. I don’t know what to do as I watch it all unfold. At the oddest times, a tear will fall on my face out of sheer sadness. But, what I do know to do, is to pray. Sometimes, all that comes out is: “Help, Lord.”  I’m glad He hears our cries. When we have no words, the Spirit takes our groans before His throne and prays what we ought. (Romans 8:26) For that, I am grateful. Other times, I just cry out “Lord, have mercy.”  

One of the most powerful things we can do is to pray. Our prayers don’t just go up to this unknown lofty cloud in the sky but make it to the throne room of God. God hears our prayers; however simple they are! He longs for us to cry out to Him from our hearts! It is powerful to pray to God who sees the things we can’t see. Even when we wonder "Where is God in all this?" please be assured that God will judge unrighteousness and evil and injustice one day. God hears the prayers of his people.

If you have no words like I do, perhaps try praying the words of Psalm 121 over all the innocent people on both sides as well as those who are living in fear or overwhelmed with grief:

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will never slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going.” Psalm 121

Take a listen: "It is Well With My Soul (Audrey Assad) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY5o9mP22V0

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Groceries MIA

This week, I had a grocery faux pas. I didn’t even realize my faux pas until 3 days later. I looked everywhere for three items from my recent shop. Missing in action were my HEB chicken fajitas, asparagus, and garlic. I inspected the back of my car and the refrigerator with no sightings of the items.

Finally, I called HEB and talked to a young man named Damian. He asked me what items I was missing, and I told him. Guess what? He said, “I was there that day and remember seeing those exact items in a bag. So, of course, you can either get a refund or pick up those items and we’ll compensate you.”

I go to HEB Plus, which means this store is super big with lots of people, lots of registers, and lots of staff. I called on a Friday night and got a man who knew exactly what I had gotten and couldn’t wait to make it right and provide for me.

I got off the phone and wanted to tell the whole world how great HEB is! That was such a positive experience!

I’m reminded of how attentive our God is to all our needs. In 2 Chronicles 16:9 it says “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.” Can you believe that God sees everything you’re going through and not just you, but EVERY person on the face of this earth? He is all-knowing. He is constantly present. He is aware of every detail of our lives. In addition, God is looking to strengthen people whose hearts are wholeheartedly trusting Him.

Did you know that God cares about everything? (even chicken fajitas, asparagus and garlic) God loves to take care of us even when we may not have even asked for help! 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” He cares for you. Do you know that? He cares about what you care about. I think we sometimes think…..”God is too busy for me.  He couldn’t possibly care about this tiny little thing I care about. I can’t ask Him for help!”  He WANTS us to cast all our anxieties on Him. Why? Because He cares. For you. He cares about your needs. He cares about your job. He cares about your relationships. He cares about everything.

There is nothing too insignificant to bring to God. There is nothing too small to involve God. God wants to walk with You and me and share in the little and big things of your life. You matter to God. 

Take a listen: Every Hour, by David Leonard, Josh Baldwin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0IFkkECkqY

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio

Never Changes

This past weekend, while traveling to a wedding, we stopped at Southfork Ranch. You may know that this ranch was made famous by the Ewing Family in the television series Dallas. I wasn’t a big fan of the TV show, but I was a fan of the young man living next door. You see, my husband, Ben, grew up in the smaller house next to Southfork Ranch. We went to get a look at his old house.

Things have changed a lot since the days that Ben lived next door. The driveway is now made from concrete instead of gravel. The entrance is gated instead of a chain. The fifty Live Oak trees that Ben planted down the driveway are no longer saplings. Gone are the Southfork Ranch gawkers who would turn around in his driveway. 

Some people are quite nostalgic for a visit down memory lane. Some aren’t so much, like Ben.

For many of us, though, accepting change is hard.

There is so much change going on around us. Maybe you, like me, appreciate what’s normal and predictable. I’ve had quite a big change in my life and can't say I liked it at all. 

Things are constantly changing all around us. COVID brought change to all of us. Businesses change; some even close. Family changes. Technology is constantly changing. Friendships change. Circumstances change. The prices we pay for goods and services. People’s emotions and feelings change. Seasons change. Fashion changes. Highways change. Careers change. Finances change. Trends change. Our bodies change. We can’t look at change as being negative. Change is just a reality of the world we live in.

When things are changing all around us, we can always, always, always trust in Jesus, who never changes. Hebrews 13:8 says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” What does this verse mean? First, God doesn’t change over the ages, and neither does Jesus, who is God. He was in the past the exact same as He is in the present and will always be. “The Greek word for the “same” emphatically states that Jesus is unchangeable! What good news this is in a world where things are changing at lightning speed! Jesus Christ is the one Person who can depend on to be the same, regardless of the time or the spirit of the age.” (Renner.org, July 9)

I sense that the more we grow in our relationship with Jesus, the more we can see and accept change in our lives. Knowing Jesus means that there will come a day where because of his life, death, and resurrection, everything will make sense and be the way it’s supposed to be. 

Yes, change IS hard, but when we know Jesus, we can count on the fact that He will NEVER change. We can trust Him without any reservations. That gives me perspective.

Take a listen: Only Jesus, By Casting Crowns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eQd3K2Fxp4

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.