I just don't get it . . .

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is it that life just stinks sometimes? Why do my plans all seem for naught, or my life doesn't seem to work out the way I planned? I understand we are supposed to have faith. I realize that God promises that "all things work together for good..." (Romans 8:28). I know that God said, "my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways..." (Isaiah 55:8), but understanding that in my head doesn't always translate to understanding that in my heart.

I am sharing my doubts and fears today because I know that I am not alone in those feelings. There are so many people who go through periods of doubt, but are afraid to voice them. If they speak up, a well meaning brother or sister might give them a spiritual placebo. You just need to have a stronger faith! You need to pray more, or study more, or . . .

I am not discounting the importance of spiritual disciplines in our lives, but as Christians we need to feel safe in telling others about our doubts and fears. I fear at times that my example may have sent the wrong message to my children. I fear that my faith is weak and I haven't always grown in my Christian virtues. I openly wonder at times why God allows me to experience some the things I experience.

But doesn't being a Christian mean that we should trust in God, understand that he has a plan, know that HE is faithful.  Yes, but I still don't understand it all at times. Job, had a similar problem. God said, "There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." (Job 1:8). Here is a man of pretty strong faith, but he questioned God; he struggled with the circumstances of his life - WHY would God let this happen to me?

At times I feel like a puppet in the hands of an angry God. Some of you may say, "Trent, how can you say that?"  It isn't about God being unfair, or unjust - it represents my challenge with the flesh. Whatever your interpretation of the events at the cross, I can still hear the voice of my Savior as he too cries out, "My God, My God, why has thou forskaen me" (Matthew 27:46).

So let us be understanding when our brethren struggle with their faith. Let us encourage them as they seek answers to the paintful questions of life. Let us remind them that they are not alone in their doubts and fears. Some of the greatest men and women of faith have also struggled.  At times I don't understand, but I strive to persevere.  May God bless your journey to its victorious conclusion.

Manhood

I used to grumble and complain about my father. He was  hard, tough and didn't put up with much foolishness. If you talked back, disobeyed, or crossed him, he didn't put you in the quiet chair, give you time out, or stop to listen to the exigent circumstances - he simply knocked you into next week. If the boys in our home (and there were 5 of us) had a dispute, we were sent downstairs to settle it on the wrestling mats, or with some boxing gloves. Being the youngest I found that profoundly unfair.

But now, as I look around at a world that doesn't know what genuine manhood is about, I'm grateful. Seeing men talking about their feminine side, or courts sending men to sensitivity and anger management counseling for defending their families, or standing up for what they believe in - I'm thankful I was raised "old school."

I am glad my father taught me to handle a gun before I was 10. I appreciate my brothers who pushed me out the door and threatened bodily harm if I didn't stand up to bullies and jerks. A young man needs to learn to be able to take a punch and get back on his feet, better yet he needs to learn how to throw a punch that his opponent won't soon forget.

I like to hunt, I eat meat, I wear animal skins (love my leather biker jacket) and I believe cholesteral is what makes food taste great. I believe God placed the mantel of leadership on men and He must be awfully irritated that so many have abdicated their responsibility.

I won't apologize for enjoying ESPN,  going to Ultimate Fight Competitions, or watching old John Wayne movies. I think football should be played without pads (like Rugby), and that motorcycles are better therapy than yoga, or walks in the park with a toy poodle.

Somehow our culture has come to the conclusion that leadership, courage, power, might and strength are the antithesis of love, compassion and tenderness, but nothing is further from the truth. The man who loves his wife and family is the man who will fight for them, defend them, stand up for them and have the courage to be the leader God designed him to be.