Lord Fix Me! 10-25–26

Welcome to the word for the week. One of the most asked questions on this journey is what does it take for God to fix circumstances and situations. Sometimes, the answer to that question is how long will it take to fix you. I will never forget the story of the father who struggled with a puzzle. His son solved the same puzzle that night and left if for his father to see the next day. The father asked how did he figure it out so fast and the boy said when he looked on the back he realized it was a picture of a man. He said when he put the man together, he also put the puzzle together. That is a real point in our lives. When God can put us together a whole lot of other things will be worked out also.

This is more than just looking at ourselves in the mirror. This is realizing that some of our problems exist because we are not fixed. We spend so much time in prayer asking God to work things out on our behalf. Yet, we spend so little time in prayer asking God to fix us. Part of that is because it is easy to fix things. You deal with the issue at hand and you move on. Fixing us involves getting to root cause of things. It means we may have to deal with areas in our lives that we would prefer not to. It means we may have to accept responsibility for things we are not ready to confront. It is not easy to fix you. That by itself can involve a whole lot of pieces and moving parts. It takes less time to change the oil in a car than it does for that same person to forgive others. One requires a minimal amount of knowledge. The other requires some deep reflection and a serious come to Jesus moment.

The level of difficulty in fixing us does not mean we get to sweep that under the rug and move on. It means that we will need God to help us. It means that we may have look truth straight in the eyes. We may have to admit we are wrong. There is another side of that though. It is not always about what we are doing. Sometimes, it is about what we are not doing. Every successful business constantly evaluates and looks for ways to improve their processes. It does not matter how much success they have found, they understand the importance of making sure it is the best way to get there. How often do we do that as Christians? We are on a journey that has a ton of things that constantly change. Yet, when we find something that works we hope it never changes. So now is when we have a simple talk on ways that can help. Knowing the problem is half the battle. Knowing where to begin to fix this is what can make all of the difference.

The first part is obvious but you really do need the help of God. You cannot do this without Him. Then you need to be able to trust that what He is telling you is for your good. Time teaches you that a lot of people get and stay at a standstill over lack of faith. You have to trust God that He knows how to get you through this. It is not always about getting out. Then you need to be willing to do things His way. If you be willing and obedient then you shall eat the good of the land. Yes, it is not always going to be comfortable but it is always possible if you believe. God will not lead you astray. There is a way that seems right to man but the end of those ways is death. It costs too much to do things your way. Usually, that is how you got into what you are currently in. Lastly, you have to accept that the change has to happen in you first. If not, God can fix the problem and you will be in a worse place later because you are still undone. Slow and steady is how you win this race. Let God have His perfect will be done in you!

May the Lord continue to bless and keep you in His grace,
Bishop Carlos J. Lennon