Over the past month, we discussed the development of the quality of Tenacity. Next week we will begin a new series entitled, Scared Straight - Supernatural Stories in the Bible
To review, we have learned the definition of be Tenacity. The definition of the word is: the quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; the quality or fact of being very determined; the quality or fact of continuing to exist; persistence. And four of its primary components - connection, control, confidence/courage and today commitment.
There was a recent study by scientists who are trying to solve the world's deforestation problem by growing trees in a lab. The scientist gave the trees the best light, water and nutrition they could find. The problem they ran into was puzzling. The trees would get to a certain size in the lab and then fall over and die. The scientists were baffled. They looked into the trunk of the tree. Did the accelerated growth of the trunk surpass the root system? After several investigations they found it wasn’t the growth of the center of the trunk or even the branches or leaves. They checked the root system. After measuring it and comparing it to trees grown in the wild, the research showed the lab trees grew root systems similar to their in the wild counterparts. Baffled. They decided to try and emulate the pressure and tensions trees face in the wild. They shook the trees. They set up wind turbines to sway the trees. When the study was completed, they determined trees need pressure and difficult circumstances to promote stability. The best trees had learned to endure. (Story shared by Philip Pereira)
When a person is tenacious they are “all in” because they are on a quest. Personally, I have been on a number of quests and struggled at times with being too tenacious. It has had a lot to do with my unwillingness to fail when on mission. To combat this flaw in my make-up, I have had to pray and meditate on a verse of a psalm I fell in love with years ago.
Psalm 46:10:
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The scripture was offered to me by a friend who was trying to suggest I needed to mediate and calm down. When he said, “if anyone needs to calm down, it’s you Butler.” He then suggested I take a few weeks and practice the age old practice of meditating on God’s word.
I can still see the couch and the chairs in the living room of our old home as I reflect on my first real attempt at mediating. There I was early in the morning sitting cross legged on the floor reading the scripture, closing my eyes, saying it in my head and checking if I had repeated it correctly. Afterall, these are God’s words. And after a few hundred repetitions and a number of mornings, it happened. The scripture blossomed before me.
It started with the word, “Be.”
Have you ever just stopped to think about your existence? The roles you play in life. The contributions you make to your family, friends and community. What things might be different if you weren’t ever born. I know it sounds like a replay of the movie “it's an incredible life” but we are all present in this life, here and now, for a purpose. What do you bring to the table?
“Still”
I have been a whirling dervish and some claim I still am. However, I have learned to calm down considerably over my life. It may be my undiagnosed ADHD or too much coffee, but stillness has neer been an attribute people who don’t really know me use as a descriptor. However, I cherish time of quiet contemplation. I think I have a quick recharge setting because an hour of being still, listening and focusing on the small voice in the deep recesses of my soul brings unsurpassable peace and energy.
“And know”
There is an internal knowledge that surpasses all that we reveal to the outside world. It’s the knowledge of our deepest fears, faults and foibles. It's a knowledge of our place in the universe. Not as a God but as a created being. It’s a truth we are often too insecure to admit so we put on masks to hide the truth - the best we will ever be is human. The masks are all unique but there are some variations we all chose: the good - wife, husband child, the successful person, the moral person, the powerful person, the confident… you get the picture. However in repeating the scripture the point is to right size ourselves by admitting God’s presence and our subservient position.
“That I am”
I know the phrase is a statement written by david but given by God to remember the difference between God and me. However, I have found the “I am” statements of Jesus thought provoking and just as encouraging for my own journey.
The author Melody Beattie who has written a number of devotionals, wrote about the idea of “I am” a few years ago. She said, “Most of us aren’t one single thing.. We form many new “I am’s” as we go through life. (We should) Watch each time we say the words “I Am” in a conversation or thought. (We should also) pay attention to the times we say “I am not” as well. Then spend time not only on who you are but who you want to become.”
I am a child of God - chosen, beloved, forgiven and righteous. God has shared that with us all in His word. In it, I also see unbelievable commitment.
“I am God”
He is. He is present. He is relational. He is loving. He is just. He is also “all in” for you. Need proof? Look to Jesus.
Below is a list of Jesus’ seven “I Am” statements in the book of John.
“I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51) As bread sustains physical life, so Christ offers and sustains spiritual life.
“I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) To a world lost in darkness, Christ offers Himself as a guide.
“I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7,9) Jesus protects His followers as shepherds protect their flocks from predators.
“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) Death is not the final word for those in Christ.
“I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14) Jesus is committed to caring and watching over those who are His.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) Jesus is the source of all truth and knowledge about God.
“I am the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5) By attached ourselves to Christ, we enable His life to flow in and through us. Then we cannot help but bear fruit that will honor the Father.
There can be no doubt. Jesus was “all in.” He was connected to the Father. He knew the Father was in control, He was confident in His love and the outcome. As such, he demonstrated His commitment to the unfolding drama.
Repeat these words:
He will be exalted among the nations, He will be exalted in the earth.”
He wins. The fix is in. Bet on it with your life. Bet on it with your will. Bet on it with everything you have and do. Be tenacious about it.
Tenacity refers to perseverance in spite of fatigue or frustration. It is a trait of the greatest of our faith. It is also a trait cultivated: connection, control, confidence/courage, commitment.
Are you assured of God’s blessing for the quest you're on for him?
