Hello From Maple Grove

with

Shan Hartsough

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

-Luke 23: 34

Are You Tough Enough?

A few years ago the Goshen High School football team had shirts that asked the question, "Are you tough enough?"  This brings up a question, what does it mean to be tough?  I think that the 'world' views toughness as having power, physical strength, being able to bully or dominate, etc.  But I don't believe that any of those things are what 'tough' means.  I believe that toughness is measured on a whole different level.  When you are 'tough' you keep going when times are hard.  "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3: 14)  Toughness can be found in marriages that stay together for 'richer or poorer, good times and bad.'  "Has not the Lord made them one?  In flesh and spirit they are his.  And why one?  Because he was seeking godly offspring.  So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth." (Malachi 2: 15).  Toughness is in parents that love their children through all of life's challenges.  Toughness is in fathers who are the spiritual leaders of their families.  "He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers, ...." (Malachi 4: 6)  Toughness is found in those who get up after they fall down.  "Though mountains be shaken and the hills be removed yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54: 10)

Are you tough enough?  Those of you who are married: to stick together when the going gets rough.  To say your 'sorry' to someone you have wronged?  To forgive someone who has wronged you?  Parents, are you tough enough to pray for and with your children?  Are you tough enough to reach out to someone who is in need?  Are you tough enough to get down on your knees and humble yourself before God?  Are you tough enough to hold on to your faith in a world full of madness?  Are you tough enough to say 'no' to things that you know are wrong when the crowd says 'yes?'  The questions could go on and on but I believe that what you need to answer YES to these questions can be found in 1st Corinthians 13: 1-13 (take some time to read those verses).  I believe that toughness is found in love.  "Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.  Love never fails...." (1st Corinthians 13: 4-8)  Do you have this kind of love?

The 'toughest' man that ever lived (and still lives!) is Jesus Christ!  His life changed our world forever.  He was tough enough to stay on the cross and take the nails and insults (see Luke 23: 36-37 below).  He could have called upon an army of angels to rescue Him, but he stayed.  What was Jesus' toughness built upon?  'Love and Forgiveness!'

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23: 34 above).  What kept Him there on that cross?  His love for you and me.  "For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 53: 12)  Now that is toughness!  A toughness that is built upon love and forgiveness!  Are you tough enough?

I pray that all is well with you.  Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises.  Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"The soldiers also came up and mocked him.  They offered him wine vinegar and said, 'If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.' "

-Luke 23: 36-37