Letting Go of Your Clunker

Today, it was reported that approximately 700,000 clunkers were traded in for new vehicles during the government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program. People who brought their clunkers into dealerships as trade-in value for a new vehicle knew they were giving their vehicles up to be destroyed and that they would never be able to get them back. How then can we as Christians better get rid of the “clunker” aspects of our old life and grasp the new creation we are in Christ? (2nd Corinthians 5:17)

One thing we can do is to turn our focus to God. We are reminded that “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25). Jesus also told us “...do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:4-5).

Focusing on God also allows us to let go of worry when we believe God’s promises for us. Jesus told us “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34).

We need to let go of the “clunkers” in our life on a moment by moment basis. Focusing on fearing God more than man and remembering His promises are the keys to doing this. We have a great God who declares “For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Are you ready to give up your “clunker” for God’s hope and future for you?

What’s Your Go-To Play?

You often hear about teams having their backs against the wall when facing adversity. Teams will often focus on the one thing they can do better than anyone else to try to overcome these times of adversity. This single-minded focus can help the team regain its swagger by focusing on doing only things that have become second nature…things that they know will come through no matter the situation.

A lot of us have our backs against the wall right now…whether it is our finances, job, health, struggles with family and/or friends…so what are we supposed to do? Fortunately, there are some examples of what to do in difficult times. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were tossed into a fiery furnace because they refused to bow to the golden image of King Nebuchadezzar (Daniel 3). Job lost his wealth and children…all his friends and his wife told him to curse God and die.

So, you might be asking yourself, “Why would people still believe in God with all these troubles?” Remember that people go back to what they know they can trust in times of trouble. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told the King “we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter...the God we serve is able to save us…even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods…” Job said in the midst of his troubles “I know that my Redeemer lives and the end the end he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25). Christ told us “come to me, all you who weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30)...so why don’t we take Him up on it today?