Be PPCP

You ever have one of those days where it seems like everything is going wrong?

Just in the less-than-six hours since I woke up today, I’ve had three impatient drivers ride my tail (when suffering from road rage, I suggest praying for those who annoy you), a super long wait at the gym because someone was hogging a machine (and on their phone 90% of the time instead of actually using said machine; praying for those who annoy you doesn’t just apply to road rage), an unexpected visitor drop in and disrupt my writing time, and now, the power just went out (correction: it is back on. However, the Wi-Fi’s still down, so I still can’t access the commentaries I need to finish the blog I’ve been trying to write all morning).

I don't know about you, but I’m starting to wonder if these everything’s-working-against-me days are challenges the Lord invites Satan to throw at us (Job 1-2).

I mean, all I’m trying to do—most any of us are trying to do, really—is get my work done and be civil and live somewhat of a Christ-representing life.

But, friends, I think that rather-basic goal terrifies the Enemy.

Once we’re saved by Christ, we can’t be unsaved, but boy, can we still be distracted and thrown off course (Ephesians 4:14).

Since Satan hates seeing the Lord transform us and can’t stand when our lives reflect His glory, the Evil One does what he does best: attack. To distract, discourage, and distance us from God and the go share the Good News mission He’s entrusted us with.

Perhaps that’s why today of all days—marking ten years since I gave my heart to Christ and being my sabbath time to create and reflect with Him (for me, having a day of rest still involves writing, since it connects me to Him, but I don’t look at emails or texts or any business-related stuff that I do not find restful)—is making me feel particularly challenged.

Thus, I offer you (and me, because I’m really needing it) some advice: be PPCP.

Patient with others, yourself, and things outside of your control (so what if I had to wait my turn at the gym and write in the dark? It still worked out okay!).

Persistent with your mission to serve, share, and glorify God (who knows why those drivers were in such a hurry? At least I can offer up a prayer for them, possibly the only prayers they’re getting).

Creative with finding ways to stay on track (turns out, I don’t need Wi-Fi to view online commentaries because I have this handy dandy tool called a cell phone that can run on data!).

Praise-minded because He’s given us so much to be thankful for, the greatest gift of all being Himself (and would ya looky here: He’s taught me—and therefore us—a valuable lesson about handling difficulties! He’s so good, and often works in unexpected ways, doesn’t He?).

Well, there ya have it: patient, persistent, creative, and praise-minded.

When challenges come our way, I’m challenging us to be PPCP and draw close to the One Who’s overcome each and every trial we could possibly face (James 4:8 ) We can trust that He’s using them for our growth and His good plans …

No matter how bad circumstances seem.