This weekend, I had the privilege to preach four times in three days at the Fall Retreat for the junior high students at Immanuel Bible Church www.ImmanuelBible.net They had initially booked me back in the Spring for their retreat but had to cancel because not enough had signed up. For over ten years, I prayed to grow as friends with this great church in Springfield, VA. Long before I was a Minister of Evangelism, senior pastor, VP of National Christian Youth Speakers Network (2001-2003), I was a youth pastor. For me, “once a youth pastor – always a youth pastor” and I have a HUGE heart for teens.
When they cancelled earlier this year, my heart dropped. For over a decade, I was praying for an open door and it looked like the bottom fell out. Just because we preach the fruit of the Spirit doesn’t mean we are always operating in it. In the flesh my heart dropped (maybe this door will never open I thought). How you act at your LOWEST point reveals who you are. All of us in ministry need to TAKE NOTE when things don’t go as planned. God told me to stay calm and TRUST HIM. The cancellation also meant not getting paid for that event (no, we are not in ministry for the money but with a wife, kids and mortgage we all have bills). I did my best to empathize with the church leaders and did my best to be tactful and spirit-filled even when that door slammed. IMPORTANT: Had I acted like a complete “Jesus Jerk” (yes, sadly we can be “jerks” while serving Jesus at times) I would have looked foolish, faith-less and worse, fruit-less and they may have perceived me as a FRUIT LOOP and dodged a bullet because of my lack of grace. WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? I gave it to God and had no earthly idea that a Fall retreat may be possible however, Heaven knew all along! God always has a BACK UP plan. Trust God even when your plans “cave in.”
Yes, at that moment I felt DOWN but not out! Looking for a way in, I asked their AMAZING student pastor, Chris at IBC to let me come preach a sermon during Sunday school back in August to finally get familiar with their AWESOME youth group. That Sunday, I preached my heart out and we know that by “believing we see” but for some seeing is believing. God does ALL THINGS WELL. The first time only 10 students signed up for that initial Spring retreat that was cancelled but Lord made this weekend possible and 49 junior high students came and a dozen chaperones! This weekend, we had 18 professions of faith and on the last night 32 (of 49 students) came forward to rededicate their life to God. PRAISE THE LORD! Truly, we had a mountain top experience. I hoped for the Spring but God saw the Fall and He took me along for the ride. Sometimes, our greatest ministry is not in the pulpit but how we act in private.
The term “DOWN & OUT” could mean a variety of things to different people. For a quarterback, it means his star receiver is going deep and then sprinting towards the sidelines awaiting a heat sinking missle. For a boxing referee it is obvious that the contender in the fight was knocked unconcious and down for the count. For a hopeful romantic it could signal that their love has moved on leaving them single, senseless and shattered. We tend to think the worse when one has hit rock bottom personally or professionally. Nine times out of ten when we hear the phrase “down and out” we immediately think of failure or fatal.
In a previous post, I noted: “You may be down, discouraged, defeated, depressed, endured divorce, have a disease, accumulated debt but if you are not dead than God is not done with you!” Last week, was one of the most exciting moments in television history. No, it wasn’t the Olympics or commercials during the Super Bowl or watching a LIVE concert via satellite. It was the patrotism, perseverance and prayers answered for those Chilean miners. These brothers were DOWN and by God’s grace got OUT!
Those difficult, dark days made an entire country unite around the miners and the world began to lift them up in prayer (similar to that space capsule) that eventually helped bring them to safety. Those band of brothers were mere strangers to each other before being trapped but today are closer than any soldier or sailor whom has served side by side in war. Darkness has a way to bring to light our finer qualities and expose our flaws. Some shared their inner most secrets, others asked for forgiveness fearing for their life and trusted Christ as Savior! The miners rallied around each other, rationed off food to nurture one another and forged relationships that rock or separation couldn’t crush. The miners were down (literally) but not out (psychologically or spiritually). Many of the miners gave God praise as they reached the top. Some suggested that actually 34 were trapped (not 33). Why? Because they said JESUS was present the entire time! Just like Shadrach, Meschach and Agendego the Lord was present even in their hour of darkness.
I was touched that the Chilean President was present for the entire rescuing mission. He hugged, congratulated and spoke words of encouragement to each and every one as he officially “Welcomed them Home.” God enabled His Son, Jesus Christ to leave Heaven to come to a deep, dark earth. The Son inherited our sin and shame at the Cross. He who was fully Divinity was wrapped partially in our humanity and the One who was worshipped above was rejected below. The Bible says: “He came to His own and they received Him not.” However, those that put their faith and trust in God’s great grace will also be greeted by Grace, Himself as the Lord welcomes us individually. The Word will whisper: “WELL DONE” and welcome Home as we are ushered into Heaven for all eternity.
Hearing the miners account thrills my soul to hear The Light of the world was present even in the depths of darkness. Those miners testified of God’s faithfullness not only in their storm but lowest valley. We find a firm foundation when we build our lives on the Rock of Christ. Today, you may be dangling on the ropes of romance. Perhaps suspended between unemployment, crushed under the weight of criticism or worse, self-doubt but I have GOOD NEWS. The blessing is the Lord is a very real help and always present in our time of need. The Lord is faithful even when we are faith-less and God gets glory in our most vulnerable times. God uses the “foolish to confound the wise” and when we are weak – He is still strong! In the words of Tony Nolan: GO GOD!
Over the years, I have observed personally that God uses not only the “blessed” but the broken the most. When God elects to ERECT you out of what seems like a “bottom less” pit take refuge in the fact that He doesn’t forsake His own. You may be down and feel out but if God be for you – WHO can be against you. Your mess today will become your MESSage tomorrow. Your test now will be your TESTimony later and when you get double for the trouble you will sing, shout and share what He delivered you from. Never forget the dark days (and nights) of your life. The Bible notes: “We all want the POWER of His resurrection – but to know Him is the fellowship of His sufferings.” We need balance in our Christian walk. Prosperity without the problems lead to false hope. The hymn says it best: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus Name. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand.”
Testify of your trying times and give God glory both in the valley and standing in your victory. Your adversity today is preparing you for God’s Varsity tomorrow. Like you, I have had some mountain top highs and some deep dark lows but God has been more than faithful through it all. In the wise words of my friend, David Edwards: “In your valleys remember that God is your friend NOT your enemy.” Don’t blame God for your pit because it could be just what the Doctor ordered “to be still” and know that He is God. Like Joseph in the Old Testament, God has a way to orchestrate you from the pit to the prison to the palace but the Prince of Peace is PRESENT all along. Don’t give up on God because He hasn’t quit on you!
Praise the Lord, the miners were DOWN and now OUT. I don’t know your circumstance but God does. It is true: “The darkest hour of the night is the hour before dawn.” You may be down today but out tomorrow. Give God Glory!
More than ever, I am convinced that Gabriel, the Archangel is licking his lips and he is getting ready to blow his horn announcing the second coming of Christ. The Redeemer is going to rapture those whom have been dipped in God’s great grace. When the trumpet shouts, Satan will pout and we may be down now but soon will be over and OUT.
Frank, it was so cool! Thank you for coming and you made the retreat!!
My sister and mom really enjoyed you working and speaking with them! You made such an impact on lives! Thank you!!
Praise God. Keep up the good work brother Frank!
Praise God brother Frank, we rejoice in this great news
Frank, you are the whole reason I came on the retreat this week!! Hearing you speak at my church a couple months ago was awesome!!! Thanks for all you do and I appreciate you coming to the retreat. God bless you
Frank, I don’t know anyone that can weave a sermon together like you. Right when I think you go off on a tangent you always snap it back in place like a perfect, poetic puzzle.
You have a way with words but even better a way with people and heart for God. Love reading your blogs and hearing you preach. Keep up the Kingdom building work
You are the best speaker I have ever heard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Prosperity without the problems lead to false hope” – great word Frank
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Hey Frank… just wanted to stop and say hello! I see that God is doing Glorious things in your life! All Glory to him! Thanks for being such a humble servent by giving me and I am sure many others inspiration! God Bless!
Thanks Frank for your always encouraging words. So happy to hear the good report of your recent meeting.
Amen. Frank did you notice that the Chile President was praying before the first one came up?
We heard a report that said when the collapse happened there were three born again Christian miners trapped. There are now FIVE born again Chritian miners. PRAISE GOD!
Reporters have been saying that faith and prayers have been a part of this rescue all along
Bro Frank, the people of Chili are rejoicing, so are we! God bless them!!
Darn it! my computer wont let me friend you because it says that you have to many friends! I guess that someone is popular!
Just finished reading it…..spoke to me huge…thank you for sharing it!
Bro Frank I am so glad to hear of the Victory. I just had a situation much the same. When we have our eyes on something and the bottom falls out it is indeed heartbreaking. But bless be His Holy name I am so glad that He has something better…or even a better date. God bless your ministry and hope to see you in Arizona!! David Hanna
Frank, i think when i am down and out is when God teaches me the most not just learning and having Him reveal things about HIMSELF to me but teaching me about me and HOW i need to improve myself to serve HIM and THROUGH HIM how to be a better person in general i know not being a good person is enough to get into HEAVEN but right when u think u got it HE SAYS oh no u don’t so in a nutshelll i have come to appreciate my down and out days i really love it when on my down and days u always got some more info for me and i thank u hugs and keep sending me these blogs .
– hugs,
Stacie
Frank, I just finished listening to your message again and again from your visit with us at New Hope Church in Baltimore last month. My gosh you can preach!! Can I still give the down payment for the cruise to Jamaica? Love ya brother!!
I am so happy that you came to our retreat! You really impacted my faith in a good way. I loved your stories. You really made the weekend special.I hope to meet up with you some time. Thanks.
-Margaret
I have never met you, but I am one of your Facebook friends. I really enjoyed this reading Down and Out. I have been going through a huge life struggle the past 6 years, God has been there but I never acknowledged Him. Our womens group has been doing the newest Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shier, Beth Moore study, It has helped out a lot but I still struggle with human VS God ways of dealing with trust that God will help in times of need, and lifting everything up to Him.
Thank you for inviting me on Facebook to read your postings.
God Bless
Frank, thanks for such a great retreat this past weekend. Facebook says you have too many friends…how can that be possible? (-: Dave
Just wanted to say “thank you”! So nice of you to share our adoption fundraiser on your newsletter. John and I were so pleasantly surprised to see it there, and very grateful.
It would be so great if you could come to our church. But, I just looked at your schedule and don’t see ANY days that you aren’t already busy. Our pastor is planning to do something for us on October 31st, so that would have been a really great day for you to come down. The only other day I see that you don’t have booked is November 21st, and you will be just getting home from Tennessee, right?? Probably need to rest, huh? Frank, I really don’t know how you do it!!! It has to be God, because you are definitely like the energizer bunny, you just keep on going! I think we will be travelling to China early December (for 14 days), but our agent said it could even be the last week of November. Let me know if you see any possibilities of coming down. John is ALWAYS saying how he just wishes that our church could hear you speak some day. We’re always bragging about you, and what a good speaker and motivator you are and how you always have a great message that points people to God.
It is in the TRUSTING OF GOD in ALL Things , that we can see the true Glory of GOD!
I have been reading your e-mails and find them exciting to hear of the salvation of many during your presenting the gospel. I Praise GOD for them. It distrubed me as I read the words that God had a Back up plan. In Jeremiah 29:11 “He said For I (GOD) know the plans I have for you not to harm you but to give you a hope and a future.” This is not a back up plan it is THE PLAN. He always knows what He is doing and we need to seek HIS plan not ours.
I am sure once you think about this you will agree that was just a bad choice of wording. I have been there myself. But please don’t lead our youth to see that If all else fails that God would have a back up plan. From what I have read about you I am sure God is not your back up plan.
frank – greatly blessed by your article – thanks. Sure do love and appreciate you . . .stay the course!
Amen!
Great report. Keep up the good work!
Eugene
Great message today Mr. Shelton at Grace Brethren Christian School. Thanks! Looking forward to hearing you speak again next week at our Spiritual Emphasis Week
Thank YOU for all that you do Frank. I saw the incredible reports from your recent
preaching visits and I am so blessed to know you are out there making a
difference! So glad we are friends. Did you receive the tv spots or do I need to
follow up with my guy?”
You are a true encouragement to the Church!! I just got back from The National Apologetics Conference. I invited Bill who is an atheist. I told him that I didn’t believe he was an atheist! I will have to tell you about him later. Mercy!
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!
God’s hand is on your ministry my friend, I pray that you will stay faithful
Hey Brother! You site and logo look great and I’m glad to see and catch up on all that you are doing to minister to others. Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you soon. God bless you, Ruth, Hannah and Andrew!
In Christ,
Terry.
Hey Frank, It’s me Kelly O’Meara,
Thank you so much for speaking to us at our Immanuel Retreat at Camp Benedict! You are the MOST INSPIRATIONAL speaker I’ve ever heard at one of these retreats. You also made it a lot more interesting with your great stories and funny impressions! I’ve visited your web site and it was amazing what you’ve done you’ve really spoken to a lot of people and you’ve met some really cool people along the way.
Thanks again,
Kelly
Thanks Frank for coming to our youth retreat! You made it so much more of an expierence for me personaly. You are an awsome, funny, and great man of God. I hope I see you again some time soon.
-Wesley Fowler
Neat video of what that retreat met to those young people. Yes Frank, “once a youth pastor – always a youth pastor” you will always have a HUGE heart for teens. Loved reading your words of grace in this note. GBY.
33 miners were rescued on the 33rd week of the year; it took 33 days to drill down to them; they were brought up to the surface on 10/13/10 which = 33. They say Jesus, who was crucified at the age 33, was with them the entire time. Pretty Cool!
Great message today Mr. Shelton at Grace Brethren Christian School. Thanks! Looking forward to hearing you speak again next week at our Spiritual Emphasis Week