Article

I Know A Guy

Written by Pastor Eric Everhart

I have many people ask me, “Pastor E, how in the world do you come up with ideas to write all of your devotions?” If we live out our lives seeing the world through the lens of Christ, God speaks to each of us every single day; through the littlest of things and the big things too. I guess when I think about it, my devotions come from living out my life seeing the world through the lens of Christ. I bet if you stop and think about all the “moments” in your life, you could probably write a few devotions yourself–and I encourage you to do that! Each moment of our lives are a blank devotion waiting to be shared and God is doing the writing. Can you see the work he is doing and are you willing to share it?

Case in point: yesterday I spent a couple hours trying to fix our hot chocolate machine in the youth LOFT. We have been having trouble with it, and I finally took the time to go and try to figure out what was wrong. For those of you who know me, mechanics and stuff of that nature–we don’t get along really well. But, I’m a “man’s man” and I can do this or die trying. I’m sure many of you guys can relate.

So, I took the machine apart, cleaned all of the parts and components and I put it back together. Guess what–it didn’t work! So I did some “google” technical research and tried a thing or two here and there. Guess what–it still didn’t work! I unplugged it and plugged it back in a hundred times with the same result. I played with the electrical wiring, got shocked a couple times (gotta unplug it first…not bright), and guess what–it still would not work. After about 2 hours of fiddling with this thing, I finally gave in, surrendered to the hot chocolate gods, and decided to call the BUNN company. 

A very nice technician came on the phone, took some information about the machine, and asked a few questions about what was going on. I explained the problem and shared with her my futile attempt to fix the problem myself. Within 10 minutes of being on the phone, the young lady had determined my problem, set up a service technician, and had ordered all the needed parts to get it fixed. Why in the world didn’t I just do that in the first place???

I couldn’t help but reflect on my faith journey through that daily life experience. I remember a time when I was broken (I still am), and I realized I couldn’t fix my brokenness myself and that Jesus had the answer. Because I stopped trying to “do it myself” and surrender to Jesus, he was able to restore me and get me running right again. “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Joel 2:32) There are just some things we can’t fix–but I know a guy who can and his name is Jesus. 

Even if you have accepted Christ in your life and you are walking your faith out daily, there are probably some things in your life that you are “TRYING TO FIX” that are outside your technical ability. Is your marriage having problems? Do you have an addiction that you are trying to kick? Do you have some anxiety issues, a broken relationship, pride issues; are you dealing with grief, or maybe just completely stressed out and trying to cope? Whatever it is, brother and sisters…God has seen it before; you are not going to shock him with anything new. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

STOP trying to fix it yourself, admit you cannot do this alone, and call on Jesus Christ–the one who can help you overcome the stuff of the world. Let the expert work on it, through it, and in it! Jesus not only has the answer for your brokenness, he is the answer. Whatever you have going on in your life that is stealing your joy or causing you pain, just ask me–I KNOW A GUY who can help you! 

And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15)

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