How Difficult Is It to Be Accountable to God?

Jonah was an interesting and amazing character, in that his life and response to God’s calling and purpose reflect ours at some level. Have you ever avoided responding to God’s plan and purpose for your life?

Jonah fled his country to resist God’s plan to send him to Nineveh to preach God’s simple message of salvation. He sensed God would forgive and bless them, which was contrary to what Jonah wanted. Did he believe he could escape being accountable to God’s purpose by running away?

God gave Jonah a concise message to preach to the people of Nineveh, just as he sent a distinct message to the world in the birth of Jesus. God did not send Jesus to condemn the world but to save it. How accountable are you to God by choosing to serve him where you are now, at this moment? Spiritual clarity is closely related to faith and trust in Jesus and by letting go of resistance. 

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Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 

~Psalm 119:105 New International Version 

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. 

~John 16:13 New International Version 

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Can God's Calling Become Distorted?

I’ve always been impressed with Jonah, the Old Testament prophet who refused to go to Nineveh to preach God’s message of salvation. Jonah refused God’s call because he felt ambivalent about what would happen to him if he failed or was successful.

By reading the book, it appeared that Jonah never accepted that God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness were unrestricted and open to all who believed and repented. Cautious optimism for God loving the people of Nineveh was challenging for Jonah.

Sometimes a reality check is necessary to determine if cautious optimism distorts your thoughts and feelings which then prevents you from being accountable for what you could be or do for God. As you think about the Lord Jesus Christ being Savior for all people, rid yourself of any distortions of clarity.

Then you will be joyful in your heart and soul by being able to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord God.

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Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

~James 1:4 New International Version 

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What Is Required When Facing Uncertainty?

As political issues consistently change, feelings of uncertainty are assured. Two responses stand out when faced with uncertainty. Overreacting with fear and anxiety is prevalent, while pretending nothing has changed is typical for some people.

So what is a normal response to uncertainty? Cautious optimism, designed to tolerate anxious moments, refuses to nurture a negative outlook for the present or future. Reality conveys the fact that all is not well, but at the same time realizes the sky is not falling.

Wise council tells you to take one day at a time and listen to diverse opinions.

The objective is clarity of faith to trust God’s purpose when it’s unclear what tomorrow may bring. Being accountable includes holding on to the measure of faith God has given you which permits you to express thanksgiving for his presence when facing uncertain situations. May God bless you and cause his face to shine on you.   

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“So do not worry saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” 

~Matthew 6:31-34 New International Version 

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What Are the Benefits of Being Accountable?

If your purpose is to let others know what you think and feel about any issue, it’s incredibly important to speak with clarity and conciseness. Everyone is subject to being misunderstood, which is often the cause for turmoil and conflict.

If being understood is your purpose, then speaking with clarity is a necessity. The majority of people desire peace and harmony rather than stress and conflict, yet a conversation can deviate into an argument over a simple misunderstanding. 

Perhaps you do not want to be accountable for prolonging a hurtful situation. Communicating with words of apology validates accountability.

Ask God for wisdom, guidance, and clarity as you prepare to be accountable. Proverbs 8:35 gives this encouragement: “Whoever finds wisdom finds life and receives favor from the Lord.” Accountability before the Lord and others makes way for a clear conscience.        

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Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. ~Hebrews 4:13 New International Version 

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Can You Escape From Uncertainty and Confusion?

In a few days we will remember an event the caused uncertainty to be widespread in our country. That day was September 11, 2001. The following Sunday, a record for church attendance occurred because uncertainty was so prevalent.

Reassurance and clarity in thinking were needed to be regained as uncertainty and confusion dominated. Did it ever occur to you that Jesus is present to help you manage feelings of uncertainty and confusion, regardless of how they originate?

Jesus will help you clarify God’s purpose for your life. God is not the author of confusion but rather provides wisdom and courage for facing the future. What’s required for clarity of purpose is a quiet time each day with God so your heart and mind will be receptive to the wisdom he will provide for you. Show your gratitude by offering thanks and praise back to God.                        

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[Come now], you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 

~James 4:13-15 New International Version  

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How Well Are You Managing the Life God Has Given You?

While we may not be directly responsible for creating a crisis, we are accountable for how we conduct ourselves. Self-management depends on learning important skills like clarity of thoughts and feelings for navigating the troubled waters of life.

Everyone knows what it’s like to experience the absence of self-control. Thinking and speaking with clarity derives from an uncluttered mind, which is possible even when uncertainty abounds. Accountability depends on clarity of thoughts and feelings.

How well you manage varies with how comfortable you are with your surroundings. On several occasions when a situation became tense, Jesus would slip away to a quiet place to avoid those who were incompatible with his purpose.

Moments of quietness to regain clarity in thinking and feelings and to regulate your tone of voice help others see that you represent Christ in your actions and usage of language. May God bless and help you do this.                

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I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 

~Psalm 32:8 New International Version 

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How Well Are You Adjusting to What Life Demands?

What is the most difficult situation you’ve had to adjust to recently? While waiting for the elevator, a young man caught my attention. A prosthesis was attached to the upper portion of his leg and he used a cane for balance. I couldn’t help wondering if he was a veteran.

He was outgoing and seemed unashamed that his body and life had been dramatically altered. Adaptability is the key to making the most of a severely altered life. Adjusting to a new reality may mean rediscovering a new meaning and purpose for living.

God gives us the ability to adapt to what seems impossible. When we ask God for help with a positive attitude, he gives us an unflinching commitment to face the future with whatever he provides.

“The eye has not seen nor the ear heard what good things God has in store for those who love him.” Have you asked God to help you love him with all your heart, soul, and strength? Why not do so now?   

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…I have learned how to [live] happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation…for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ Jesus who gives me strength and power. 

~Philippians 4:11-13 The Living Bible 

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Are You Adapting to What's Beyond Your Control?

We have two basic responses to life’s uncertainties. One is feeling secure in what we know to be true and the other is adapting to the fact that life can be unpredictable. God did not intend for us to languish in doubt, but to trust in His power, protection, and provision.

Feelings of uncertainty test our capability to adjust to what cannot be controlled. Parents soon learn they cannot control every aspect of their child’s development especially during adolescence. How faithful a child remains to family values is unpredictable.

God conferred upon us the power to adjust as the family faces trouble. God made this possible by implanting in us an attitude of trust that He controls what we cannot control.

When we ask God for guidance, faith, and help, and then we resolve to be determined to receive what he provides, our trust and love for God grow stronger. God is love.

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At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it is the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. 

~Hebrews 12:11 The Message 

For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control. 

~2 Timothy1:7 Good News Bible 

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Is It Possible to Accept What Is Unpredictable?

It is difficult to acknowledge the importance of adaptability when uncertainty has to be faced. Adaptability conveys the idea of adjusting to changes at present and in the future. Adaptability is motivated by faith and trust.

Consider the new-born baby. This wonderful event changes the identity of the family. Sleep patterns are disrupted and attention must be given constantly to the infant. Parents are designed to delight in being co-creators of a new life.

Have you considered that God intended for your life to be unpredictable with changeable goals? We cannot know what tomorrow holds or how to always be prepared for what we do know. 

The apostle Paul gives these words of assurance to Timothy: “I know whom I have believed and am convinced that he [Jesus] is able to guard what I have entrusted to him.” In a world of uncertainty there is security in Jesus Christ.

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Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he [God] who promised is faithful. 

~Hebrews 10:23 New International Version  

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 

~2 Peter 3:9 New International Version  

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What Belief System Is Required When Facing Uncertainty?

There are two possible responses to the uncertainties that life will predictably consign to each person. These responses are either positive or negative, contingent on how adaptable a person is when an uncertain future is confronted.

When my mother became unable to live alone, she resisted moving to an assisted living facility. She could not imagine adapting to changes this transition required. What surprised her family was how quickly she actually made friends of other patients and the staff.

Successfully coping with uncertainties requires a transition in a person’s thinking, feelings and behavior. Adaptability most often determines the success or failure of any transition. Believing God is present to help and guide reduces the risk of transitions becoming a failure.

While failure is possible, thank God for second chances and time to grow and mature in faith and trust.

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God’s blessings are given to us by faith as a free gift; we are certain to get them … if we have faith … to trust in God [to keep his promises]. 

~Romans 4:16-17 The Living Bible 

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How Adaptable Are You to Unavoidable Changes?

Adjusting to life’s ups and downs is an ongoing necessity. It is not a question of whether uncertainties will have to be faced but how to respond. It is possible to confront uncertainty with confidence, for God will teach you how to face the future.

When the future appears questionable, adaptability is the key to successfully managing the unexpected. Adaptability depends on whether a positive or negative emotional state of mind accompanies what appears uncertain and challenging.

Human beings and the majority of God’s creation are designed to be adaptable to changes in life, whether temporary or permanent.

Imagine the twelve disciples and their families adapting to a life of uncertainty and of challenging work. Instead of fishing for a living or collecting taxes, they had to become fishers of men – evangelists who preached the Gospel. Being adaptable opens the door for God to change your life. Are you ready?                

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The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. 

~Psalm 34:19 New International Version 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

~Isaiah 41:10 New International Version 

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Is It Possible to Remain Faithful to Jesus?

The majority of people are capable of managing variations in their daily routines. However, variations can be challenging if too complicated and beyond what is known and acceptable. Variations are usually temporary, while transitions tend to be permanent.

Transitions are a fact of life and require adaptability. Have you noticed how getting older often diminishes your energy and strength? Fortunately, God provided us with adaptability so we could accommodate needed change.

The apostle Peter believed he could never be dissuaded from being faithful to Jesus, but when faced with a life-threatening situation, he caved to fear and denied even knowing Jesus. Peter later proved he could adapt to failure by putting it behind him. He accepted the challenge Jesus gave him to be a true disciple. Peter then remained faithful to Jesus until his death. 

Forgiveness is available to whomever will seek it.      

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Take care to remain in me, and let me live in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me.  

~John 15:4 The Living Bible 

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Is It Possible to Embrace Uncertainty?

Since uncertainties cannot be avoided, believing something good will evolve eases anxious feelings. Under these circumstances, self-awareness of your thoughts and feelings will help evaluate what should be avoided and what needs to be embraced.

Embracing uncertainties does sounds abnormal. Try to imagine the Apostle Paul’s conversion. He was struck down by an intense light that blinded him. He also heard the voice of Jesus accusing him of persecution but later calling him to a life-changing ministry.

The key to preventing a negative attitude from controlling you is self-awareness of what is actually taking place so an accurate assessment can be made of how to respond. It’s important to believe God is working with  you to change your life in ways that will prove to be good and supportive. God promises to “supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”              

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To keep me from becoming conceited, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it from me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses… For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

~2 Corinthians 12:8-10 New International Version 

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Can Uncertainty Be Overcome?

It is possible to face uncertainty by embracing it with faith that God desires to demonstrate his faithfulness by teaching us to trust him in all things? What does it mean to embrace uncertainty when the common reaction is to avoid anxiety and fear?

Acts 16 reveals Paul and Silas facing uncertainty in jail with their future looking shaky. Their sleep was disturbed, so they began to pray and sing with such enthusiasm the other prisoners couldn’t help but listen.

Instead of submitting to anxiety and fear, they embraced uncertainty with confidence that God was present and knew their situation. Rather than fretting, Paul and Silas opted to place their lives into God’s care. They trusted God to provide for their needs rather than yielding to feelings of hopelessness. They chose to believe God was “a very present help in times of trouble”. 

That can be your hope and testimony.

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

~Romans 15:13 New International Version  

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What Makes Facing Uncertainty So Threatening?

Facing uncertainty is predictable through all the different stages of life. Uncertainty may vary in importance and consequences ranging from minor to life-changing. Personal reactions depend on the accompanying feelings, like anxiety and fear, or hope.

The most common feelings are fear and anxiety. When I was 12, my father was given the opportunity to work at an aircraft factory. Prior to this employment, he had spent his life farming, except for brief interludes driving a truck and working as a mechanic.

You will usually have a choice in how to face uncertainties. What my father did was direct his attention toward what this opportunity provided that was beneficial to him and our family. Jesus said in this world you will face trouble and trials but you can do it with confidence by realizing that Jesus overcame the world and you can be an overcomer through faith and trust in him.

         

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In all these things we have complete victory through him [Jesus] who loves us. For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love... 

~Romans 8:37-38 Good News Bible  

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What Delivers Us from Condemnation?

It is difficult to accept that one decision can affect the direction your life will take. Rare is the person who hasn’t desired to change a decision because its influence seems impossible to outlive. You remember details that continue to produce sorrow and regret.

Jesus made decisions that were physically and emotionally painful, but they did not produce regret. He pleaded with God to forgive those who nailed him to the cross resulting in him feeling abandoned by God as he became the sacrifice for our sins.

Fortunately for you and me, we are not up against the cutting edge of condemnation, for we belong to Christ Jesus.

 This truth gives us hope for a new purpose in life, set apart from those previous decisions, to make our own way through life. Sadness is replaced with joy by realizing God has the power to set in motion a new course for your life. Expect it to happen.

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…Every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. Who can defeat the world? Only the person who believes that Jesus is the Son Of God. 

~1 John 5:4-5 Good News Bible  

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Is It Possible to Recover from Unwise Decisions?

It is impossible to move through the different stages of life without making a number of life-changing decisions. Take into consideration that decisions are not made in a vacuum, so others will be affected either positively or negatively.

Yet the majority of decisions have a personal component, even if on the surface they appear completely other-centered. Imagine the attitude of those on Wall Street whose main concern is personal financial gain knowing their decisions could mean financial ruin for innocent people.

Whatever unwise decisions you’ve made in the past, God will provide an opportunity to move toward recovery if you honestly repent and literally turn from evil. Pretending the past never existed is unthinkable, for natural consequences have rendered that impossible. Yet God is faithful to provide the endurance to survive what has to be faced when you’re fixated on going forward in the strength and courage God will supply.

                    

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…I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

~Isaiah 41:9-10 New International Version  

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How Does Faith Help You Survive the Impossibles of Life?

We’ve all had to pretend things were just fine to get past a difficult situation, like being worried about a relationship, finances, or a loved one. No matter how desperately we try to give the impression all is well, a worried mind is not easily pacified.

It’s apparent that Jesus grew weary and needed to withdraw from the stress he felt. Each day’s concerns had to be faced regarding the challenges to the legitimacy of what he was communicating about himself and God the Father.

Are you facing a critical situation at this moment that has to be addressed? The temptation might be to pretend it doesn’t matter and push it out of your conscious mind. It’s amazing how God supplies the will to go forward and meet life’s challenges instead of pretending something doesn’t exist. 

A speck of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can change what looks impossible to what can actually be accomplished. God bless you today.      

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Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For you have rescued my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living. 

~Psalm 116:7-9 New American Standard Bible  

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How Can Your Mind, Body, and Spirit Find True Rest?

The majority of children love pretend games. Adults of all ages need to momentarily escape the world of reality through sports, watching favorite TV shows, or just focusing on a hobby. Our mind, body, and spirit need rest from the pressures of daily life.

In reality, pretending requires that we act pleasant although it might be far from our true feelings. It’s impossible to be happy every day in all circumstances. Getting up with the morning light and doing what’s required to get out the door means managing your resistance to the basic rudimentary rules of life.

Irritability cannot be transported to the workplace and social events so pretending becomes a necessity, but this is not the same as pretending all is well. God knows your mind and heart, so there’s an open invitation to share with him your heart’s concerns. God desires to give you comfort and courage to face today with confidence. He is your strength and joy. 

                 

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Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. 

~Jeremiah 33:3 New International Version  

[Jesus said,] “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

~Matthew 11:29-30 New International Version  

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How Difficult Is It to Hide Who You Really Are?

There are special occasions when dressing up in costumes and wearing a mask is acceptable and fun. Every year young and not so young children come knocking at the door holding out their bags expecting to receive a treat.

A high school student told me he put on an imaginary mask to pretend he was happy and all was well at home. He was forbidden to tell friends his parents were separated with divorce impending. Facades and false impressions rarely hide the real person.

The good news is it’s impossible to hide and cover up who you are from God because he knows your heart, mind and soul. Think about it: if others can see through your facades and false impressions, how much more in depth does God see you? God’s unconditional love tells you to take off the mask and come to him just as you are and make a new beginning free of falsehoods and cover-ups.

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 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.  

~2 Chronicles 16:9 English Standard Version 

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