How are you in Adversity?

.....A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17


In my previous post I referenced the book "A River Runs Through It" by Norman Maclaen.  The story is about how Paul's brother Norman takes him fishing one last time to try and help him through a difficult season in life but his message doesn't seem to break through.   

                                   A picture I took of my brother David: Beartooths 2008, 11 miles in   
Being a pastor I have rejoiced with people who rejoice, and also mourned with people who mourn.  Why is it some of the most difficult situations, and some of the hardest struggles are smack dab in the middle of family? Why is it some people who appear to need the most help are the most difficult to reach? 


A popular English proverb says "when the going gets tough the tough get going."  Far too often this happens in a negative sense, usually one of two ways:


1) People who are wounded retreat and don't allow anyone close, because to be close equals too vulnerable
2) People near the wounded retreat and don't fulfill Proverbs 17:17 and they love only  when convenient or on their terms


Consider this sliver from :The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible
A true, hearty, faithful friend, loves in times of adversity as well as in times of prosperity: there are many that are friends to persons, while they are in affluent circumstances; but when there is a change in their condition, and they are stripped of all riches and substance; than their friends forsake them, and stand at a distance from them; as was the case of Job, (Job 19:14) ; it is a very rare thing to find a friend that is a constant lover, such an one as here described. The Jewish writers understand this as showing the difference between a friend and a brother: a cordial friend loves at all times, prosperous and adverse; but a "brother [loves when] adversity [is] born"

                                                        My two brothers and I in the Beartooth Mountains: 2009
Some of my favorite family memories have been an annual fishing trip to the Beartooth Mountains in Montana, just north of Yellowstone Park. My Dad and brothers went last year and we spent 5 nights around 12 miles into the wilderness area. We enjoy each other's company, catch tons of fish, get on each others nerves, and also challenge one another physically and spiritually.  A Proverb written by Solomon says "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."  
                                                                   
Far too often the iron in our lives doesn't sharpen but can do damage.  Remember the story of two brothers in the book of Genesis named Cain and Abel.  Because of jealousy, competition and anger Cain slew his brother Abel.  How many family feuds have there been or started in good intention and the outcome of adversity ends in emotional slaying?  


Community/Family is designed to:  
Help us in times of trouble
Challenge us not be independent
Cause us to overcome individualism
Forge us with accountability
Encourage us to keep going when the road seems to long 


This week we are mourning with those who mourn.  A great man, Brent James Schlimgen (see link) passed away last Thursday morning.  Leaving behind his beautiful wife Kristy, and two boys Andrew John and Luke James.  Not to mention so many in our own community who were dear friends.  


This event has cause several responses in my heart.  One of grief for his dear loved ones who have certainly walked through some difficult years.  Secondly I am reminded how precious are days our and not to take for granted even one day with those close to us.  Finally I am reminded of how to respond, that a brother is born for adversity.  Not for quarrelling.  But to stand strong when others fall.


Proverbs 17:17 is summed up well with these words,"To the second of these parallel clauses, there is an accession of meaning, that is, that a brother's love is specially seen in adversity"  - Jamieson-Fausset-Brown


We live in a land where dysfunction has become the norm.  Divided couples and friends, Divided families and a Divided Nation. Reach out, don't run. Dig Down and find a purpose in the middle of your adversity. 


JY

http://missoulian.com/news/local/obituaries/article_367f6f00-6e94-11e0-9842-001cc4c03286.html

Prodigal Son in Missoula Montana

Hi, my name is Josh Yakos.  I’m the lead Pastor at Clark Fork City Church in Missoula Montana.  

Missoula, found in western Montana, is known for outdoor activities and the University of Montana Grizzlies. Missoula was also made popular by Norman Maclean's book "A River Runs Through It”. Norman was a Presbyterian minister and author who moved to Missoula in 1909.  

The novel, based in Missoula, is presented from the point of view of older brother Norman who goes on one last fishing trip with his rowdy and troubled younger brother Paul in an attempt to help him get his life on track.

Looking back my life was more representative of a Paul than a Norman.  

Norman, the safe and calculating brother, is a polar opposite of his careless and rowdy brother Paul.  I was never the safe kid.  I always was hurt, wearing a cast, pushing the limits and trying what needed to be tried.  When I landed in Missoula in 1996; I felt as if I had spent the previous 6 years without direction, going any way the wind would blow. I heard a related quote by Seneca recently that summed up those days of my life: "If a man does not know what port he is steering, no wind is favorable to him."  

The most famous story of all time is found in Luke chapter 15:11-31 and is called "The story of the Prodigal Son." Everyone has heard this story or would know the gist of the text.  One son leaves home to squander his inheritancee, while the older son stays home and is faithful to work for the Father.  When the younger son returns home, he is welcomed with grace and mercy and the older brother is angry as he feels he stayed home and did what was asked of him. (Highly recommend Tim Keller's Book "Prodigal God").  


Have you ever felt like you wandered in your life?  The Bible says in Isaiah 53:6, “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.”  

If you spend more time lost than found, it’s time for a change.

I’m fascinated and encouraged in hearing people's journeys and stories and very grateful mine lead me here to what I would consider my hometown, Missoula. I wrote this blog with the "Paul's" in mind.  It’s easy to relate to someones story when you have been down similar paths.  If you have lost your way or turned to your own way, I want to let you know that there’s a future and a hope for you. 

I know it wasn't the city that did it, although I’m grateful God brought me to this place and my life seemed to turn around.  It was more of who I met here and I think of how in the Bible it talks about the River of God, bringing healing to the nations.  I met the God of the City, and His river has been running in my life, healing what needs to be healed, forgiving what needs to be forgiven, washing away what needs to be made clean and sending me on a whole new journey in life.  There have been rapids and there have been times of calm, but I’m a blessed man today.  I would also say there were some great "Normans" who went out of their way to impact my life.

If you spend a majority of your time apart and lonely, it’s time to connect.

Do you relate to Paul in the story?  Are you like the younger brother from Luke 15 and feel like days, months or years have slipped by and you are left with nothing but an empty feeling in your stomach?  The fact that you have air in your lungs and breath in your mouth means you have purpose.  A proverb that has grounded me is found in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

If your memories are bigger than your dreams, it’s time to wake up.
JY

Easter weekend is quickly approaching and I want to encourage you to find a church family?  If you are from Missoula and need to engage with God again, visit us at 9 or 11 AM this coming Sunday morning for Easter Celebration.  If you live in another town and don't know where to look, message me and I’ll try to help.
Visit www.clarkforkcitychurch.com for more info