If I had to sum up 2008 in one sentence, I would use the classic line of Charles Dickens classic work, A Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times...” On one hand, the inauguration of Barak Obama as the 44th President of the United States will signal an era of change in this country and hope for the world and prayerfully elevate the trajectory of our children’s dreams forever. However, on the other hand, the global recession, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the proliferation of AIDS and genocide in Africa and on the streets of America has birthed spirits of Fear and Worry about our future that have rocked our confidence and shaken our psyche.
Just turn on the evening news, surf the internet or read a newspaper. Consumer confidence is at an all-time low this holiday season due to rising unemployment, tight credit and the crash of the housing market. Bankruptcies and foreclosures are soaring. Institutions that once lent money are going broke or are looking for bailouts themselves. Energy and food prices are consuming more and more of the family paycheck. And no matter what President Bush tried to say, the country slid from a recession into a “depression.” And while Wall Street and the Big Three receive bailouts, you and I have witnessed our 401k plans and investment portfolios dwindle with the rise and fall of the stock market. And with hours remaining in 2008, some of you are asking the question, “When will this year ever end?
And while millions watch on TV or stand in Time Square as the “infamous” crystal ball drops, the last thing you want to do is rejoice. But it is in these times that we should rejoice the most because your access to God’s favor, God’s grace and God’s mercy are not contingent upon how much money you have in your back account, what kind of car you drive, who you work for or how big your house is. God’s love is based upon your relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s why beloved, while serving house arrest in Rome, Paul exhorts the Philippians with the words, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4)
Did you catch what Paul didn’t say? He didn’t say, “Rejoice and everything is going to be OK.” He didn’t say, “Rejoice and instantly the pain of losing a loved one would go away.” He says, “Despite what’s happening in your life --- Rejoice!” Beloved, we need to know that the joy of the Lord is so powerful; it can overcome the worst situation. And no matter what is going on in your life right now, you need to remember that you are so special that Jesus came to die for you.
Paul understood the joy of the Lord. History tells us that Roman imprisonment was not a cushy, country club retreat. Roman prison was awful. And while Paul’s house arrest was less severe than custody in a state or even a city jail, he still was shackled to a guard and subject to a great deal of shame and the abandonment by family members, friends, and close associates. However, despite his circumstances, prison marked some of the most productive moments of Paul’s ministry. Paul could have wilted under the strain of prison; but Paul understood that inertia is not in God’s will. He could have lost hope. He could have held a pity-party or given into the bitterness that comes with grief and pain. He could have gotten angry and blamed God for what was going on in his life for it was his work to spread the Gospel that caused his numerous incarcerations, exile and stoning. However, Paul kept his mind on Christ and as a result, his ministry, his creativity and his productivity flourished.
All of us have been given “gifts and graces” that could bless someone. That is why Paul says in verse 5, “Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” In 2009, my challenge to you and to myself is to live a life worthy of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Stop making excuses of what you don’t have and what you can’t do. Yes, you got yourself in debt but you don’t have to stay there. Yes, your body might be failing but your mind and mouth still work. Therefore, call someone today and tell them that Jesus loves them. Yes, you might not be able to do like you use to but as long as you are breathing and in your right mind, God can still use you. Stop telling yourself that “You’re too old or you’re too young.” Yes, you can live the life you always wanted. Yes, you can live in the favor and under the authority of the Holy Spirit. Yes, you can live debt free. Yes, you can find love. Yes, you can live your past down. Don’t waste time thinking about negative thoughts or dealing with negative people.
Volunteer with an organization, mentor a child or become politically active to change your community. Regularly study the Word and connect with a Christ-focused Bible study. Stop riding the bench ---- and “get in the game.” Join a church that challenges you to grow spiritually. Surround yourself with positive people that affirm you and push you to be the best that you can be. Live an active and healthy lifestyle. Let you gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
In closing, I wish you a Happy and prosperous New Year. May God continue to bless you, favor you and heal your brokenness. Continue to pray for me. I will continue to pray for you.
Until, we talk again in 2009 --- LOVE...PEACE...AND HAIRGREASE!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
A Charlie Brown Christmas
What’s wrong with Charlie Brown? Despite all the Christmas presents, the colored lights and the tree decorating, Charlie Brown is depressed. He is struggling to discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Is this how you feel? Has Christmas become more of a hassle than a source of happiness? Have you bought gifts you can't afford? Are you fretting over not getting invited to the "right" Christmas party? Are you lonely this Christmas? Christmas reminds you of the loved ones that you have lost. Or maybe you are worn out from all that has happened in your life the past year. Whatever the issue maybe, for some of us, Christmas is merely another over-commercialized holiday on our Google calendar.
After being named the director of the school Christmas play, Charlie Brown hopes that this experience will help him connect with the meaning of the season. Unfortunately, the experience brings him nothing but grief from the cast members and the "script girl" Lucy who has her own definition for Christmas, “We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket run by a big Eastern syndicate.” To which Charlie Brown replies, “This is one play that will not be commercial. The mood is all wrong. What we need is a Christmas tree.” “That’s it,” replies Lucy, “What we need is a big, shiny aluminum Christmas tree.”
Linus and Charlie Brown proceed to the Christmas tree lot where aluminum trees are everywhere, but Charlie Brown is not impressed. Instead of falling for the latest fad, Charlie Brown rejects the symbolism that the artificial tree represents. Instead, he picks a real tree --- but the one that he selects is nothing more than a sprig with a few almost bare branches. Linus cautions him but Charlie Brown purchases it anyway and proudly returns back to the school to share it with the cast. As you can imagine, Lucy and the rest of the Peanut’s gang are not pleased and the story climaxes with Charlie Brown asking Linus the famous question, "What is the true meaning of Christmas?" Of which Linus, with his trusty blue blanket in tow replies, "Light please." Then bathed in a spotlight, Linus begins reciting the Biblical passage (Luke 2:8-14) recalling the birth of Jesus. When he is finished Linus turns to his friend and says, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."
Linus is absolutely correct. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus.
I would also suggest that Christmas is a Time for Reconciliation (Isaiah 7:10-12). Instead of saying, "God I will trust you if you prove yourself trustworthy." Christmas is an opportunity for to us to really trust God and reconcile ourselves with God and our past. Even though Ahaz did evil in the sight of God (2Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28, Isaiah 7:1-10) God was still willing to give him a second chance. Unfortunately, Ahaz refused God's offer. Don't be like Ahaz. It's time to break the generational curses in your life. How many more future generations are you going to allow to be tormented by the sins of your past?
Christmas is also a Time for Recommitment (Isaiah 7:13-14). Just like God did with Ahaz, God dares us to believe. But the question is, "Are you afraid to put God to the test?" Isaiah 7:14 says, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel (God with us).” Simply this means...not only is God daring you to believe, God promises to stand with you.
Finally, Christmas is a Time for Radical Praise (Luke 2:12-14). We must always remember that we are on God's gift list. For 700 years after Isaiah gave the promise to Ahaz that a savior was coming (Isaiah 7:14), Luke records (2:12-14) that "to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." Did you catch it? The gift was sent especially for you ---a gift to deliver you from sin and to bring you into a right relationship with God. I don't know about you...but such a radical gift demands a radical praise. "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! (Luke 2:14)
From my family and all of us at The Breakthrough Project --- Merry Christmas!
Is this how you feel? Has Christmas become more of a hassle than a source of happiness? Have you bought gifts you can't afford? Are you fretting over not getting invited to the "right" Christmas party? Are you lonely this Christmas? Christmas reminds you of the loved ones that you have lost. Or maybe you are worn out from all that has happened in your life the past year. Whatever the issue maybe, for some of us, Christmas is merely another over-commercialized holiday on our Google calendar.
After being named the director of the school Christmas play, Charlie Brown hopes that this experience will help him connect with the meaning of the season. Unfortunately, the experience brings him nothing but grief from the cast members and the "script girl" Lucy who has her own definition for Christmas, “We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket run by a big Eastern syndicate.” To which Charlie Brown replies, “This is one play that will not be commercial. The mood is all wrong. What we need is a Christmas tree.” “That’s it,” replies Lucy, “What we need is a big, shiny aluminum Christmas tree.”
Linus and Charlie Brown proceed to the Christmas tree lot where aluminum trees are everywhere, but Charlie Brown is not impressed. Instead of falling for the latest fad, Charlie Brown rejects the symbolism that the artificial tree represents. Instead, he picks a real tree --- but the one that he selects is nothing more than a sprig with a few almost bare branches. Linus cautions him but Charlie Brown purchases it anyway and proudly returns back to the school to share it with the cast. As you can imagine, Lucy and the rest of the Peanut’s gang are not pleased and the story climaxes with Charlie Brown asking Linus the famous question, "What is the true meaning of Christmas?" Of which Linus, with his trusty blue blanket in tow replies, "Light please." Then bathed in a spotlight, Linus begins reciting the Biblical passage (Luke 2:8-14) recalling the birth of Jesus. When he is finished Linus turns to his friend and says, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."
Linus is absolutely correct. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus.
I would also suggest that Christmas is a Time for Reconciliation (Isaiah 7:10-12). Instead of saying, "God I will trust you if you prove yourself trustworthy." Christmas is an opportunity for to us to really trust God and reconcile ourselves with God and our past. Even though Ahaz did evil in the sight of God (2Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28, Isaiah 7:1-10) God was still willing to give him a second chance. Unfortunately, Ahaz refused God's offer. Don't be like Ahaz. It's time to break the generational curses in your life. How many more future generations are you going to allow to be tormented by the sins of your past?
Christmas is also a Time for Recommitment (Isaiah 7:13-14). Just like God did with Ahaz, God dares us to believe. But the question is, "Are you afraid to put God to the test?" Isaiah 7:14 says, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel (God with us).” Simply this means...not only is God daring you to believe, God promises to stand with you.
Finally, Christmas is a Time for Radical Praise (Luke 2:12-14). We must always remember that we are on God's gift list. For 700 years after Isaiah gave the promise to Ahaz that a savior was coming (Isaiah 7:14), Luke records (2:12-14) that "to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." Did you catch it? The gift was sent especially for you ---a gift to deliver you from sin and to bring you into a right relationship with God. I don't know about you...but such a radical gift demands a radical praise. "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! (Luke 2:14)
From my family and all of us at The Breakthrough Project --- Merry Christmas!
Friday, November 23, 2007
"Are We There Yet"
Genesis 11:36-12:6
I love my family but I hate long road trips. The trips all start out happy and exciting but inevitably; they turn into a remake of the 1980’s film series “National Lampoon’s Vacation” starring me as Clark Griswold. For the first hour, I sip on Starbucks, Jennifer catches a nap in the passenger’s seat and the kids patiently watch DVDs. But between the third and the fourth hour someone always raises the question, “Are we there yet?” To which I calmly reply, “Not yet, just a little while longer.” However, after the fifth hour and the DVDs run-out, the Starbucks is gone and “Mama Bear” can no longer sleep because the baby is kicking her chair, the intensity of the questioning increases. “ARE WE THERE YET? “Max is bothering me.” To which I reply, “Not yet, just a little while longer. Max, stop bothering your sister.” “ARE WE THERE YET? I’m hungry.” To which I reply, “We just left Cracker Barrel. I told you to eat your catfish.” “ARE WE THERE YET? I have to go to the bathroom.” To which I reply, ‘Again, we just stopped five minutes ago.” “ARE WE THERE YET? I’m bored.” “DIDN’T I SAY NOT YET? WE’RE TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE! GO TO SLEEP!” To which Jennifer states, “Charles, slow down! A state patrol is ahead!” Too late; lights are flashing. HUH!!!
Does this scene sound familiar? If Terah’s family trip was anything like ours, I wonder how many times in Haran Abram asked Terah the same question, “Are we there yet? Traveling in biblical times was hard. There were no freeways or SUVs; traveling was on foot with the added burden of taking care of children and livestock. More than that, Terah was a mature man (Gen. 11:26) (70+ years old) and Canaan was a long distance from Ur of the Chaldeans. Besides the physical ordeal of traveling, Terah traveled with emotional baggage. Tragically, his son Haran had died (Gen. 11:27) and for some unknown reason, Terah left behind his other son, Nahor and his wife Milcah, who was Haran’s daughter (Gen. 11:29) in Ur. Terah does, however, take with him Lot, Nahor’s son and Abram and his daughter-in-law, Sarai. But Sarai, ironically, is known more by her condition (she was barren with no child) at this time than her genealogy. (Gen. 11:30)
Genesis 11:31 says, “Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan; but when they came to Haran, they settled there.” What made Terah choose to leave Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan? What made Terah settle in Haran? Was he tired? Did his caravan breakdown? Did he choose to settle in Haran or did someone make the choice for him? With the vision of Canaan fading through the years, how many times did Terah ask himself or did his family ask him, “Are We There Yet?” We do not know why Terah abandoned his vision of Canaan and chose to settle in Haran. All we know is that he chose to leave Ur to go to the land of Canaan; but when he came to Haran, he chose to settle there and eventually died in Haran never reaching his final destination. Therefore, when God spoke to Abram and said, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (12:1) Abram had a choice; choose God or choose to stay where he was.
Let’s keep it real. That must have been a hard choice. Would you leave your family? Would you leave your father’s house, leave your comfort, your security and your leader? Abram was born in Ur but Haran was his home. Would you leave your country based upon a voice that you heard? This, however, is the challenge we repeatedly face in Abram’s call by God --- are you going to choose to settle in Haran like Terah or are you going to choose to follow God and continue on your journey to Canaan? I must admit. I hate making choices sometimes and there are times I wish I could adjudicate that responsibility to others. Unfortunately, an empowered life does not work like that. It doesn’t matter if you are old or young --- if you want an empowered life, it requires courage to make the hard choices and the fortitude to live with their consequences.
Life is full of choices and everyone has some to make. The power of choices is that our future is not left up to chance for it is our choices and not our challenges that determine our final destination in life. We must remember that fate does not determine our outcomes but rather God --- and the level of faith we choose to place in him. Abram chose to put his faith in God. Sight unseen, without question, Abram left what he knew in search of what God was to show him (Canaan). That is what faith will do. Faith will give you a compelling reason to move on from your Harans. Unfortunately, too often we are stubborn to God’s will and unyielding to our own thoughts, wants, desires, addictions and emotional baggage. We tell others that we want to change but on the inside we lack a compelling reason to do so and stay in our Harans because in them we find our identity. The command of God (v.1) and the promises of God (vv.2-3) foreshadow the covenant that God will make with Abram (Ch.15). The only thing made clear to Abram is that where he is now (Haran) is not where he is to remain. Haran is not to become a final destination for him any more than the ark was to become such for Noah. The majesty of God is that God gives us free will – the ability to choose. Our past can only control today and tomorrow to the degree we allow it. The past should not be a place where we dwell but a place from which we learn all we can and then move on. That is why the promise to give the land to Abram (v.7) follows the promise to show the land to Abram (v.1) and “show” becomes “give” only when Abram makes his move.
I know what you are thinking. No one knows that you have quit but on the inside, you have chosen to throw in the towel and have said, “No mas.” You once had a vision of how your life should be but instead of honing your gifts, you have chosen to feel small and insignificant. You wanted a mutually rewarding marriage but you chose to be content with a roommate and obligatory sex. Maybe your vision was to quit smoking. Maybe it was to lose weight. Maybe it was to start reading the Bible, to attend church regularly and to develop a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Maybe it was to go back to school. Maybe it was to pay your bills on time and get out of debt. Maybe it was to start your own business. Maybe it was to end the patterns of abuse and addictions that curse your family. I don’t know what it is, but everyone, I believe, has or had a vision for their life. You may have gone as far as to start walking into that vision but something happened and instead of you reaching your goal, your walk stalled and you found yourself stuck between where you were and where you want to be.
The years are passing and you are tired of “living a lie.” You want people to see who you really are --- a person with imperfections and insecurities but you choose reputation and image over honesty and authenticity. You wanted to live your life under the cover and the anointing of Christ but life has given you some obstacles, some roadblocks, a Haran and then your spirit cried out, “Are We There Yet? Have you reached your destination? Are you walking in your purpose and fulfilling the passions of your life?” Instead of you answering, “No” and acknowledging your set-backs and seeking direction from God, you choose to adjust your expectations to your limitations and keep on pretending that everything is okay. But things are not okay anymore. The brokenness is becoming unbearable. The mask is becoming too cumbersome to wear. And like Terah, your choices today are becoming the realties of your future --- if you don’t choose differently, you will not reach Canaan but are destined to die in Haran. If this is you, God is speaking to you. God is saying, “Life does not have to be like this. You have a choice. You can alter the outcomes in your life by taking responsibility of your choices. You may not be able to control what happens to you but you can control what happens within you.”
The idea of taking responsibility for your life is not new to you. It’s a message many of us have been given throughout our entire lives. But I am not sure most of us understand what it really means. Some think being responsible is getting a good education, finding a job and earning enough money to support ourselves so we are not dependent on anyone else for survival. Many of us think we are taking responsibility for our lives when we try to change people we believe have control over us. But in reality, this is a victim’s mentality. Victim thinking says, “I am caught in my circumstances with no way out unless someone else changes or if someone else helps me.” If you are playing the role of a victim, it is impossible for you to assume responsibility for your future. The only way to take control of your life is to accept 100% responsibility for your life and to be 100% accountable for your future choices, actions and behaviors. You can’t take control of your life if you blame others for your choices and your decisions. At some point, it’s not Mama and Daddy’s fault that you are not winning in life. At some point, it’s not “the man” or some woman or the kids or your race or your sex that is holding you down. Sometimes, it is the person that you see everyday on the other side of the mirror and the choices that you are making that are entrapping you.
Therefore, though we can not control other people or many situations that we encounter, we can control the choices that we make. No matter how bleak life seems, there are always options available to us. Some options may require a sacrifice. Some options may require a change of perspective. Some options may require repentance and humility while others may require recompense for past decisions. News flash --- that’s life. It’s when we mistakenly believe that we are stuck --- with no alternatives --- that our difficulties overwhelm us. When we see ourselves as victims of our circumstances, we surrender our power to overcome our circumstances to the Adversary by relying on external sources for happiness and wholeness. That’s why we drink. That’s why we eat too much. That’s why we stay in relationships that are unhealthy. That’s why we remain broken. It is because we choose to see ourselves as victims instead of choosing to see ourselves as whole. However, we can break this cycle of brokenness by accepting responsibility for our choices; for it’s our choices that pave the way for our future.
The truth is you don’t have to do anything. Many of us abandon our dreams and settle just to relieve ourselves of the pain and the struggles of life. On the outside we represent the American Dream but on the inside we are zombies trapped in a purgatory of lukewarm expectations and unactualized visions. To the world, we live, obtain degrees, buy cars and accumulate stuff. Some of us marry, have children and give the external appearance of fulfilled lives. However, on the inside, there is no passion and there is no purpose. We must remember that when we choose not to make a choice, we make a choice. Indifference is a choice.
Through your past choices, you have determined who you are and where you are today and now through your choices you can change all that. How does it happen? It happens when you reach a certain level of spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is that point in your life when you say, “Lord, no matter what it costs, no matter what it takes. Lord, let your will --- not my will be done. (Luke 22:42) Spiritual maturity is that point in your life when you say, “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Spiritual maturity is knowing, “I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. (Philippians 3:12)
With spiritual maturity, you are willing to submit yourself to God (Gen. 12:1) and understand that a “submissive will” is not a sign of weakness; a submissive will is a choice to be totally and completely committed to Jesus. With spiritual maturity, you realize that if your life is not a blessing to someone else, “you are not quite there yet” in this journey called life (Gen. 12:2). Living for oneself is okay but God calls us to greater works. It is through our legacy and not our accomplishments that our name becomes great. The blessings of God are not all for Abram. A great nation, blessed, a great name are all promised to Abram. God challenges Abram, and us today, to be more than a recipient…we must also be a transmitter of that blessing. What a novel concept in a culture that thrives on shameless self-promotion and unbridled individualism.
With spiritual maturity, you don’t have to play it safe and worry about being taken advantage of, for you know that God has promised “to bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you” (Gen. 12:3). With spiritual maturity, you realize that those of us who are stronger, wiser and more equipped have an obligation to bring others along with us (Gen. 12:4). Some scholars debate Lott’s motivation to follow Abram. But I believe that people can see the anointing of God on you. You don’t have to say anything or do anything. All you have to do is continue on the path that God showed you and people will follow. With spiritual maturity, your faith will supersede human comprehension and if we allow God, God will take us places and do things in our lives that we never thought possible. (Gen. 12:3) Verse 2 states that Abram would be a blessing but the question becomes to whom and for whom? Now we have the answer. Abram is to a blessing to humanity. What an impossible thought when we consider the instruments that God chose to use: an old man in Abram and a barren woman in Sarai. However, that is how God works. God can take the improbable and make it possible.
My question to you today is simply, “Are you there yet?” Has your faith given you a compelling reason to leave Haran? Are you there yet? Have you taken responsibility for your choices? Are you there yet? Have you come to the conclusion that indifference is a choice? Are you there yet? Have your reached a level of spiritual maturity that you can receive and act on the vision that God has given you? Your vision is to make it to Canaan but you are still in Haran. God has a purpose and plan for your life. Don’t you believe it? Step out on faith. Don’t worry about having all the answers. Just be obedient to the will and call of God. Your parent’s fate does not have to be yours. Break the curse. You can be free. You can be whole. How much longer are you going to stay in Haran?
The choice is yours.
----- Rev. Charles Maxell, Jr.
I love my family but I hate long road trips. The trips all start out happy and exciting but inevitably; they turn into a remake of the 1980’s film series “National Lampoon’s Vacation” starring me as Clark Griswold. For the first hour, I sip on Starbucks, Jennifer catches a nap in the passenger’s seat and the kids patiently watch DVDs. But between the third and the fourth hour someone always raises the question, “Are we there yet?” To which I calmly reply, “Not yet, just a little while longer.” However, after the fifth hour and the DVDs run-out, the Starbucks is gone and “Mama Bear” can no longer sleep because the baby is kicking her chair, the intensity of the questioning increases. “ARE WE THERE YET? “Max is bothering me.” To which I reply, “Not yet, just a little while longer. Max, stop bothering your sister.” “ARE WE THERE YET? I’m hungry.” To which I reply, “We just left Cracker Barrel. I told you to eat your catfish.” “ARE WE THERE YET? I have to go to the bathroom.” To which I reply, ‘Again, we just stopped five minutes ago.” “ARE WE THERE YET? I’m bored.” “DIDN’T I SAY NOT YET? WE’RE TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE! GO TO SLEEP!” To which Jennifer states, “Charles, slow down! A state patrol is ahead!” Too late; lights are flashing. HUH!!!
Does this scene sound familiar? If Terah’s family trip was anything like ours, I wonder how many times in Haran Abram asked Terah the same question, “Are we there yet? Traveling in biblical times was hard. There were no freeways or SUVs; traveling was on foot with the added burden of taking care of children and livestock. More than that, Terah was a mature man (Gen. 11:26) (70+ years old) and Canaan was a long distance from Ur of the Chaldeans. Besides the physical ordeal of traveling, Terah traveled with emotional baggage. Tragically, his son Haran had died (Gen. 11:27) and for some unknown reason, Terah left behind his other son, Nahor and his wife Milcah, who was Haran’s daughter (Gen. 11:29) in Ur. Terah does, however, take with him Lot, Nahor’s son and Abram and his daughter-in-law, Sarai. But Sarai, ironically, is known more by her condition (she was barren with no child) at this time than her genealogy. (Gen. 11:30)
Genesis 11:31 says, “Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan; but when they came to Haran, they settled there.” What made Terah choose to leave Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan? What made Terah settle in Haran? Was he tired? Did his caravan breakdown? Did he choose to settle in Haran or did someone make the choice for him? With the vision of Canaan fading through the years, how many times did Terah ask himself or did his family ask him, “Are We There Yet?” We do not know why Terah abandoned his vision of Canaan and chose to settle in Haran. All we know is that he chose to leave Ur to go to the land of Canaan; but when he came to Haran, he chose to settle there and eventually died in Haran never reaching his final destination. Therefore, when God spoke to Abram and said, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (12:1) Abram had a choice; choose God or choose to stay where he was.
Let’s keep it real. That must have been a hard choice. Would you leave your family? Would you leave your father’s house, leave your comfort, your security and your leader? Abram was born in Ur but Haran was his home. Would you leave your country based upon a voice that you heard? This, however, is the challenge we repeatedly face in Abram’s call by God --- are you going to choose to settle in Haran like Terah or are you going to choose to follow God and continue on your journey to Canaan? I must admit. I hate making choices sometimes and there are times I wish I could adjudicate that responsibility to others. Unfortunately, an empowered life does not work like that. It doesn’t matter if you are old or young --- if you want an empowered life, it requires courage to make the hard choices and the fortitude to live with their consequences.
Life is full of choices and everyone has some to make. The power of choices is that our future is not left up to chance for it is our choices and not our challenges that determine our final destination in life. We must remember that fate does not determine our outcomes but rather God --- and the level of faith we choose to place in him. Abram chose to put his faith in God. Sight unseen, without question, Abram left what he knew in search of what God was to show him (Canaan). That is what faith will do. Faith will give you a compelling reason to move on from your Harans. Unfortunately, too often we are stubborn to God’s will and unyielding to our own thoughts, wants, desires, addictions and emotional baggage. We tell others that we want to change but on the inside we lack a compelling reason to do so and stay in our Harans because in them we find our identity. The command of God (v.1) and the promises of God (vv.2-3) foreshadow the covenant that God will make with Abram (Ch.15). The only thing made clear to Abram is that where he is now (Haran) is not where he is to remain. Haran is not to become a final destination for him any more than the ark was to become such for Noah. The majesty of God is that God gives us free will – the ability to choose. Our past can only control today and tomorrow to the degree we allow it. The past should not be a place where we dwell but a place from which we learn all we can and then move on. That is why the promise to give the land to Abram (v.7) follows the promise to show the land to Abram (v.1) and “show” becomes “give” only when Abram makes his move.
I know what you are thinking. No one knows that you have quit but on the inside, you have chosen to throw in the towel and have said, “No mas.” You once had a vision of how your life should be but instead of honing your gifts, you have chosen to feel small and insignificant. You wanted a mutually rewarding marriage but you chose to be content with a roommate and obligatory sex. Maybe your vision was to quit smoking. Maybe it was to lose weight. Maybe it was to start reading the Bible, to attend church regularly and to develop a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Maybe it was to go back to school. Maybe it was to pay your bills on time and get out of debt. Maybe it was to start your own business. Maybe it was to end the patterns of abuse and addictions that curse your family. I don’t know what it is, but everyone, I believe, has or had a vision for their life. You may have gone as far as to start walking into that vision but something happened and instead of you reaching your goal, your walk stalled and you found yourself stuck between where you were and where you want to be.
The years are passing and you are tired of “living a lie.” You want people to see who you really are --- a person with imperfections and insecurities but you choose reputation and image over honesty and authenticity. You wanted to live your life under the cover and the anointing of Christ but life has given you some obstacles, some roadblocks, a Haran and then your spirit cried out, “Are We There Yet? Have you reached your destination? Are you walking in your purpose and fulfilling the passions of your life?” Instead of you answering, “No” and acknowledging your set-backs and seeking direction from God, you choose to adjust your expectations to your limitations and keep on pretending that everything is okay. But things are not okay anymore. The brokenness is becoming unbearable. The mask is becoming too cumbersome to wear. And like Terah, your choices today are becoming the realties of your future --- if you don’t choose differently, you will not reach Canaan but are destined to die in Haran. If this is you, God is speaking to you. God is saying, “Life does not have to be like this. You have a choice. You can alter the outcomes in your life by taking responsibility of your choices. You may not be able to control what happens to you but you can control what happens within you.”
The idea of taking responsibility for your life is not new to you. It’s a message many of us have been given throughout our entire lives. But I am not sure most of us understand what it really means. Some think being responsible is getting a good education, finding a job and earning enough money to support ourselves so we are not dependent on anyone else for survival. Many of us think we are taking responsibility for our lives when we try to change people we believe have control over us. But in reality, this is a victim’s mentality. Victim thinking says, “I am caught in my circumstances with no way out unless someone else changes or if someone else helps me.” If you are playing the role of a victim, it is impossible for you to assume responsibility for your future. The only way to take control of your life is to accept 100% responsibility for your life and to be 100% accountable for your future choices, actions and behaviors. You can’t take control of your life if you blame others for your choices and your decisions. At some point, it’s not Mama and Daddy’s fault that you are not winning in life. At some point, it’s not “the man” or some woman or the kids or your race or your sex that is holding you down. Sometimes, it is the person that you see everyday on the other side of the mirror and the choices that you are making that are entrapping you.
Therefore, though we can not control other people or many situations that we encounter, we can control the choices that we make. No matter how bleak life seems, there are always options available to us. Some options may require a sacrifice. Some options may require a change of perspective. Some options may require repentance and humility while others may require recompense for past decisions. News flash --- that’s life. It’s when we mistakenly believe that we are stuck --- with no alternatives --- that our difficulties overwhelm us. When we see ourselves as victims of our circumstances, we surrender our power to overcome our circumstances to the Adversary by relying on external sources for happiness and wholeness. That’s why we drink. That’s why we eat too much. That’s why we stay in relationships that are unhealthy. That’s why we remain broken. It is because we choose to see ourselves as victims instead of choosing to see ourselves as whole. However, we can break this cycle of brokenness by accepting responsibility for our choices; for it’s our choices that pave the way for our future.
The truth is you don’t have to do anything. Many of us abandon our dreams and settle just to relieve ourselves of the pain and the struggles of life. On the outside we represent the American Dream but on the inside we are zombies trapped in a purgatory of lukewarm expectations and unactualized visions. To the world, we live, obtain degrees, buy cars and accumulate stuff. Some of us marry, have children and give the external appearance of fulfilled lives. However, on the inside, there is no passion and there is no purpose. We must remember that when we choose not to make a choice, we make a choice. Indifference is a choice.
Through your past choices, you have determined who you are and where you are today and now through your choices you can change all that. How does it happen? It happens when you reach a certain level of spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is that point in your life when you say, “Lord, no matter what it costs, no matter what it takes. Lord, let your will --- not my will be done. (Luke 22:42) Spiritual maturity is that point in your life when you say, “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Spiritual maturity is knowing, “I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. (Philippians 3:12)
With spiritual maturity, you are willing to submit yourself to God (Gen. 12:1) and understand that a “submissive will” is not a sign of weakness; a submissive will is a choice to be totally and completely committed to Jesus. With spiritual maturity, you realize that if your life is not a blessing to someone else, “you are not quite there yet” in this journey called life (Gen. 12:2). Living for oneself is okay but God calls us to greater works. It is through our legacy and not our accomplishments that our name becomes great. The blessings of God are not all for Abram. A great nation, blessed, a great name are all promised to Abram. God challenges Abram, and us today, to be more than a recipient…we must also be a transmitter of that blessing. What a novel concept in a culture that thrives on shameless self-promotion and unbridled individualism.
With spiritual maturity, you don’t have to play it safe and worry about being taken advantage of, for you know that God has promised “to bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you” (Gen. 12:3). With spiritual maturity, you realize that those of us who are stronger, wiser and more equipped have an obligation to bring others along with us (Gen. 12:4). Some scholars debate Lott’s motivation to follow Abram. But I believe that people can see the anointing of God on you. You don’t have to say anything or do anything. All you have to do is continue on the path that God showed you and people will follow. With spiritual maturity, your faith will supersede human comprehension and if we allow God, God will take us places and do things in our lives that we never thought possible. (Gen. 12:3) Verse 2 states that Abram would be a blessing but the question becomes to whom and for whom? Now we have the answer. Abram is to a blessing to humanity. What an impossible thought when we consider the instruments that God chose to use: an old man in Abram and a barren woman in Sarai. However, that is how God works. God can take the improbable and make it possible.
My question to you today is simply, “Are you there yet?” Has your faith given you a compelling reason to leave Haran? Are you there yet? Have you taken responsibility for your choices? Are you there yet? Have you come to the conclusion that indifference is a choice? Are you there yet? Have your reached a level of spiritual maturity that you can receive and act on the vision that God has given you? Your vision is to make it to Canaan but you are still in Haran. God has a purpose and plan for your life. Don’t you believe it? Step out on faith. Don’t worry about having all the answers. Just be obedient to the will and call of God. Your parent’s fate does not have to be yours. Break the curse. You can be free. You can be whole. How much longer are you going to stay in Haran?
The choice is yours.
----- Rev. Charles Maxell, Jr.
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