The Spurs and the Spies

It's that time of year where football, basketball and baseball all converge in the sports' world.  So cool to see the Cubs in the World Series. Finally. Can't be happier to see the Cowboys have a winning record. Finally.  And then, of course, we are enjoying the Spurs back in action. Finally.

Last week, the Spurs quietly boarded a plane and headed to northern California to play the dreaded Golden State Warriors.  To be honest, I didn't think it would be a great night. It's those NEW Warriors, you know, the ones that added Kevin Durant along with rest of the sharp shooters. The Warriors came into this new season as the favorites to win the championship.  The Spurs totally blew them away 129-100. Sweet.

Manu Giinobili said "If there was an outcome I wasn't expecting, it was this one.  A 29-point lead against a team like them? I truly didn't expect it."  I didn't either. Pleasantly surprised. I started thinking about Moses sending out 12 spies to Canaan in Numbers 13-14 of the Bible. Moses told the spies to check out the area, see what the land is like and whether the people are weak or strong. So, the spies did a thorough investigation. 40 days later, they were done with their exploration and gave a report to Moses. The spies reported that it was a land flowing with milk and honey, but the people were strong and the cities have walls and were very large. When Caleb challenged them to take possession of the land, the spies freaked out. They shouted out "We can't attack these people; they are too strong for us. All of them are super tall!"

I would like to have the optimism and faith that Moses and Caleb had in this story! They saw the potential for victory, not defeat. They believed in God, themselves and their fellow co-workers. Their mindset? Let's do this!The spies, on the other hand, were full of doubt in their abilities. Between their grumbling and complaining, they only saw the problems before them, not the possibilities. They didn't believe God would see them through their ordeal. Their mindset? Let's not do this! 

Not only do our Spurs need the reminder from Caleb and Moses, but we do too. What "giants" keep you from believing you can do something? Where have you limited your own potential by forgetting God's ability?  Where has fear kept you paralyzed? As you start this new day, consider the power of God when facing our obstacles. With God, all things are possible.

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

To Trust or Not to Trust

I remember it well. The day I mistakenly aided a criminal. I was overseeing our church’s women’s retreat being held up near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. It just happened to be one of coldest days of the year. The chill factor had to be something crazy like 35 below zero. The retreat had gone well and it was Sunday morning, the finale. I got up early and took a walk up to the front of the hotel. As I stepped out of my room, I heard this loud banging and someone yelling “Let me in!” There, at a side-door exit, was a bundled up man, shaking from the cold. I took pity on him and let him in.

That man pounding on the door proceeded to go up to the bar and steal liquor and cash out of the register. I was the kind and gracious one that had let him in. Great. Soon, I was being called up for an interview with the police. Thankfully, the man was caught and the retreat went on.

I seem to have forgotten that childhood lesson on stranger danger from my parents. I was just way too trusting. I didn’t think twice about letting the dude in from the cold. Of course, I’d let him in. It was dangerously cold. But, we just can’t trust everyone, can we?

Today, we are in a battle over who and what to trust. Whether it’s a politician or salesperson or even facebook post, how do we sort through all the opinions of our day?  During this era of opinions, I’m so glad I can run to God’s Word for advice and peace. Job 42:2 states “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”  Isaiah 46:9-10 states “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I place will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.”  When I allow these verses to seep into my mind, I find such comfort in a God that IS trustworthy.

In the midst of all the craziness and unrest in our country, we can place our trust in a Sovereign God. We can go back throughout time and see the intricate and distinct ways God cared for his people.  And today, He can use the unrest and outcome of this election. He can use our challenges and struggles. He can use all things for good, if we would but only trust Him.

When you feel like things are out of control? They’re not.  When you feel like God isn’t in control? He is. I invite you to consider trusting Him today. 

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a know God.” Corrie Ten Boom

“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you,”Psalm 9:10

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

Seeing Eye to Eye

If you haven’t been hiding out in the nearest cave, you’ve probably noticed a lot of conflict and disagreements in the news lately. Whether it’s opinions about the Presidential race or something so simple as a Cowboy quarterback controversy, conflict and disagreement are front and center stage.

No one likes conflict or even a sharp disagreement for that matter. Most people when asked about conflict, would lean toward just avoiding it. Conflicts can occur in healthy marriages, among friends, in the workplace, and in the world around us. We see conflicts arise on TV, twitter and Facebook as people communicate their opinions about any particular subject.

Conflict happens when we have a different perspective than someone else. That can lead to a disagreement. The disagreement can lead to painful words or what many often do, give the cold shoulder treatment. The cold shoulder treatment leaves part of the party in the unknown as to what took place. What is the ultimate goal of a cold shoulder?  Painful words can lead to a parting of ways. That' doesn't seem like a good way to deal with conflict either! So, how do we demonstrate a bond of peace when relationships get tested?

First, let’s realize that it’s OK to have a disagreement. We will not always see things entirely the same as someone else. Accept the person who thinks differently. Listen to them. Ask questions about their viewpoint. Don’t try to just get your opinion out. Stop the cold shoulder treatment. Have courage to discuss the issue at hand. You may not every find a resolution, but you can communicate with love, respect and honor.

Secondly, I believe our enemy, Satan, seeks to destroy relationships the best he can. He aims to put a wedge between people. It may start small, but build and build, until there is a wall between two people. Sometimes, we’re left to wonder what even happened to create this! Recognize Satan’s determination to bring conflict. Ask God for help and take the road of humility to restore what was lost.

Finally, love truly does conquer all. “The world will know that we are your disciples if we love one another.” (John 13:34)  Stop holding grudges. Put an end to the gossiping about other people. Start looking at your own faults instead of pointing the figure toward others. We are so quick to judge others that we fail to see the sin in our own hearts.  Learn to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)

We may never see eye to eye on various matters in our day. But, each day, we have the privilege of pursuing peace and loving people well, even if we disagree. Any conflict in your life? May the peace of God restore, rebuild and renew broken relationships in your life today. 

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

Persevering in the Long Haul

I was a bit nervous for the orthopedic appointment. But the excitement overshadowed my fears. Today was the day! Finally! No more pink cast! I had been warned about what how things would look under that cast, so I was only partially shocked at my poor, helpless, weak ankle and foot.  I’ll save the gory details. After getting schooled on using the boot, Ben and I left the office, relieved that the pink cast was in the trash. A celebration was indeed in order.

It didn’t take long to realize that this next leg of the journey would be just as challenging. Starting PT on the ankle. Walking in the boot. Dealing with swelling. Sleepless nights. This week, I just needed new hope, new encouragement to persevere for the long haul.

I really would prefer no trials in life, but if they come, brevity would be welcomed. Right?  But, when the trial goes on and on? That’s not always easy. As I’ve groveled with God about my challenges, I felt like He whispered sweet encouragements that I hope will be yours as well.

Trusting in faithfulness of God- In Psalm 139:16 it says “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”  So, God knew all about this trial before it happened? Yes. So, He allowed it? Yes.  I trust that my days are ordained for me. He will see me through. I will trust Him. Will you trust him in your trial as well?

Learn perseverance- There are times I want to give up. I get so tired of trying to get around. But, I can’t give up and you can’t either. God perseveres with us through everything we face. How can I not persevere with Him through this? At some point, we will be challenged in life. Perseverance says “I will persist in doing what is right even though doing so may produce more challenges, difficulties and suffering.”

Persevere in prayer- Sometimes, I pray to God and don’t get the result I want. I believe there are times when we benefit by not receiving an answer to prayer. It is during these times of waiting that I find God to be enough for me. I’m not just going to God to get an answer to my prayer. I’m going to God because I want more of God.  Don’t give up when God doesn’t answer your prayers right away.

Persevere with joy- There are times my face tells the story…..This is so hard. Yet, as much as possible, I seek to smile when I see people. I look for ways to joke about my circumstance. I want to rise above my circumstance and enjoy life NOW. This is the challenge God has given me. How about you?

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

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

When I Don't Know What To Do

There are times when I don’t know what to say for these weekly Start Ups. Nothing comes at all. Nothing. I pray. I ask God for help. I have always, always felt His help in doing them. But, today, nothing seemed to come. I’m stuck. I just don’t know what to do or say. I’ve started about 10 different themes for this start up. Nothing clicked. 

God, what do you want me to do? I have to write something!

Sometimes, God is not quick with answers. But, He does answer prayers. I’m sure of that. As I lay on the couch with my pink cast propped up on the pillow, I had those dumpy feelings that no one really probably connects with me anyway. No one else ever feels stuck or speechless or boring or down in the dumps. Who am I? What do I have to say that can resonate with anyone? As these “Woo is me” feelings came over me, I stopped and somehow, God brought me back to reality.

God, that isn’t true! You can use me even when I’m feeling discouraged and defeated. I just have to trust you to carry me through.

So, what did God do with this Start Up that wasn’t? He gave me a song. He reminded me to stop. Worship Him. Let go of my defeated feelings. Pray and seek His face. Don’t turn to anything else but Him for help. So, here’s the song:

When I don’t know what to do

I’ll lift my hands

When I don’t know what to say

I’ll speak Your praise.

When I don’t know where to go

I’ll run to Your throne

When I don’t know what to think

I’ll stand on Your truth

When I don’t know what to do. (Chorus 1)

Lord, I surrender all

To your strong and faithful hand

In everything I will give thanks to you

I’ll just trust your perfect plan. (Verse 1)

(When I Don’t Know What To Do, by Tommy Walker, from the album Break Through: Live at Saddleback)

The next time you have those feelings of discouragement, defeat and don’t know what to do, consider God. I’m so grateful He brought me out of my negativity and gave me a song in my heart.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him." Psalm 40:1-3

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