Breaking Cycles of Unbelief: YOUR STORY
Joshua 24:15 shares the ultimate declaration of breaking the cycle of generational unbelief: “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Dad experienced this in his life, I see it in my life and I suspect you can see it in your life as well. So - would you consider writing your story of breaking cycles of unbelief or continuing cycles of belief?
Here are a few key ideas to help you get started…
Beyond What We Could Ask or Think
In Dad’s journal, I found many references to dreams for me, for Mom and for other family and friends that his life touched. But I found not one reference to future generations beyond me. This doesn’t mean he didn’t have hopes and dreams for future generations, but I suspect that he had such “real time” challenges that looking toward the future probably didn’t come natural to him.
But God works “abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.”
When Dad Started Running Victory Laps
Friday, September 23, 1988 will forever be a day of victory. It was on this day that Dad started running.
In-laws, Out-laws and Left Turns
This week’s installment is from Gina Smith’s perspective.
The first time our parents met was memorable to say the least. It was at our engagement party and my dad walked introduced himself by saying “Well, we are going to be in-laws or out-laws.” Pop roared in laughter, and a bond between our families was forever set.
A few months later we experienced our first “left turn” in marriage: Pop went to be with Jesus. I watched my newlywed husband suffer with grief and sadness and had no idea how to meet him in that place. Things changed. And my faith was rattled.
Finding Purpose Through Broken Dreams
“Am I right about what you have said, that if I come four years to Memphis State and finish all the required subjects to teach secondary education, it is very doubtful I will be allowed to teach because I have hemophilia?”
His professor’s answer was devastating. “That is correct.”
A lingering question remained for Dad. “What is God’s purpose for my life?”
Through It All: Cancer, AIDS Scare, Unemployment and Marriage Stress
Through a cancer diagnosis, the AIDS scare of the 80s, innumerable unemployment trials, and the stress all this brings onto a marriage, Dad’s faith was continually challenged.
Every day, every week and every year was filled with faith opportunities to trust God more deeply. And just like you and me, sometimes he showed no faith, sometimes little faith and sometimes great faith.
The Faith of Friends
Bobby & Carolyn, Bob & Jean, Bill & Pat, Bob & Martha, Bill & Faye, Don & Betty.
These are the names of some precious friends who showed amazing trust in God by helping Mom and Dad when life's obstacles were overwhelming. Just like the friends of the sick man in Mark 2, these Christ followers, in their own way, “climbed up on the roof” to carry Dad to Jesus.
Amazing Grace: Sunday Mornings and Deathbed Repentance
In spite of how Dad’s parents treated him, he desperately loved them both and longed for a relationship with them. He prayed for them and hoped so much they would turn from unbelief to a life of faith. And guess what?
God heard his prayers.
Faith Tested: 1964-1966
More intense faith-testing began for Dad and Mom in March 1964 when he had a bleed in his kidneys that threatened his life and put him in the hospital for a lengthy stay. “I’m like a car with a leaky gas tank. The only way to keep it running is to put gas in as fast as it runs out.” The next two years cycled from health crisis to job loss to another health crisis to another job loss. Each time, Dad would confound the doctors by surviving. As his body continued to deteriorate, his faith continued to strengthen. And something became clear: life was in the blood.
Belief Rewarded: “With this ring, I, thee wed”
Imagine never having a birthday cake as a child. Dad had his first birthday cake at age 20, and it was my mom’s family who made it happen!
Dad wrote this about marrying mom, “Life began for me with the phrase, ‘with this ring, I thee wed.’”
My mom’s family began to give my dad something he had not fully experienced: family. This was a direct contrast to his family, who even threatened to kidnap him to keep the wedding from happening.
Dad’s faith endured many hard days, and now, he began to reap the rewards of a steadfast faith.
The Infamous Ketchup Bottle Incident: Belief Challenged
Teenage years are challenging for most, and when there is a lack of spiritual influence at home, things worsen, especially for a new believer in Christ. For my dad, though, faith had taken root and he was intent on living out the new life of Christ.
One night, at the home of his mother and step-father, he discovered just how difficult this new life of faith would be. The “ketchup bottle incident,” as it would soon be called, occurred and his life changed forever.
When Unbelief Meets Belief
“I used any method to get attention,” “I was completely self-oriented,” “I would fight anyone, old or young,” and “I would do anything to violate the rules.” As I read these words from Dad’s journal, I could sense how his life was spiraling out of control.
But God was about to use more daring people to introduce my dad to a new life - a life filled with joy, freedom and a beautiful faith. The cycle of generational unbelief was about to be shattered and changed forever.
Family Dynamics or Family Dynamite?
The dynamics of Dad’s family might be better described as “family dynamite.” Early in Dad’s life things exploded at home. Dad was two years old at the time, and nowhere was God to be found in his home life. It was a home full of unbelief.
But, once again, I thank God for His mercy. God intervened on Dad’s behalf. And He can for you, too!
A Near-Death Experience
“But Jesus said, let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such a these.” Matthew 19:14
“God used some very daring people to save me.” When I ran across this statement in one of my dad’s journals, I stopped reading for a while in order to recover. This statement is incredibly sobering, and catapulted me to a state of gratitude.
Breaking the Cycle of Generational Unbelief
The details about Jesus’ ministry in His hometown of Nazareth can be disheartening. A few miracles and healings occurred. Apparently, however, not many people believed. Verse 6 says that Jesus “wondered” at their unbelief. He was “amazed” and “marveled” that no one believed Him. The area was plagued with unbelief.
For the next few weeks, I’d like to share with you the story of a true hero - my dad. But more than being my hero, my dad is a testimony to every person that knew him because he broke the cycle of generational unbelief. This will take a few weeks to unpack, but I pray by reading and considering his story, you will be encouraged to break the cycle of unbelief in your life, or the life of your family.
The Great Exam
Jesus said to her, ”I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
The Great Expectation
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.” I Peter 1:3-5
Easter reminds us of The Great Expectation that we now have in Christ Jesus - the certainty of eternal life with God.
The Great Exchange
As spring overtakes the cold of winter, people who have stayed indoors are now beginning to emerge into warmer weather. We exchange cold weather for warmer weather. We exchange dark days for more sunlight.
In just a few days, we will celebrate Easter - God’s great exchange. According to 2 Corinthians 5:20, a great exchange occurred, and God the Father is the one doing the exchanging.
As you enjoy the warmth of exchanging winter for spring, I pray you will also celebrate The Great Exchange that God provided for us through the death and resurrection of His Son. Rejoice, be thankful, and share with others how the great exchange has changed you.
Identify Ministry Opportunities
How experienced are you at identifying ministry needs and opportunities in your church? If you look around, there are people in your church fellowship today that need ministry. There are widows and widowers that are grieving and need encouragement and a voice of hope. There are new people in the church that need relationships. They need someone to reach out and help them build a bridge from being a new member to being a cared-for member. There are children and students who don’t receive much spiritual food from home and they need mentors. There are single moms that need help with car and household repairs. There are senior adults that need companionship and to know life hasn’t passed them by. There are classes that need teachers, ball teams that need coaches and the list could go on and on.
What can we do?
Identify Opportunities for Gospel Conversations
Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38
Our culture continues to shift away from the things of God. Godlessness is all around us. Students face it in the classroom. Adults face it in the workplace. The news is filled with stories of lostness and lawlessness. I confess, at times, I feel frustrated, annoyed and angry. But this is quite the opposite response from what Jesus displayed. Jesus felt compassion when he saw the people, and challenges us to follow Him.