Acting Like Mark...

Joshua 1:9 is one of my all-time favorite scriptures.  It has singlehandedly helped me navigate through many a hard time throughout my Christian life.  This verse which states: “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” (New American Standard Version) came to mind once more this morning as I continued to ponder the life of Mark.

As I reviewed the Apostle Paul’s comments about him, beginning with his rejection of him in Acts 15:37-39, to his change of mind and acknowledgement of Mark’s profit to his ministry (Col 4:10, 2 Timothy 4:11), I could see how both Paul and Mark had taken Joshua’s words to heart.  Both of these men had to face their preconceived ideas, put their trust in the Lord Jesus to the test and be "strong and courageous!”

Paul on one hand had to be strong and courageous in giving Mark a second chance, while Mark had to be bold enough to put aside what he thought Paul thought about him and be strong and courageous in his trust in the Lord to let go of the previous “marking” as a failure and move on in life as the new, humble and confident servant he had become.

From this story we can see that it takes courage and strength to not only be strong and bold in tough situations, but just as much courage and strength to humble yourself before another person!  In fact, the humbling may take even more courage than the building up of one’s strength to face a harrowing experience…  Now that’s something to ponder!

Proverbs 15:1 says that “A gentle answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (God’s Word ©)  Have you ever had to be strong and courageous enough to swallow hard before you replied with vengeance when someone has said or done something against you or one that you love, and answer their anger with a soothing, gentle comment?  I have, many times, and most times it immediately put out the fire that was looking for an opportunity to ignite the situation! 

Throughout the years I have been called “a lawyer,” and a “peacemaker” by some and seen as a weakling and disconnected by others!  The latter thinking that my not responding in anger was a sign of a lack of concern or a lack of confidence.  So while the “gentle answer” or “humbling yourself before God and man” response is not always accepted by everyone, I have usually found it to be the quickest way to defuse the situation and open the door for reconciliation, and forgiveness which allows those involved to get back on track.

It seemed to have worked for Paul and Mark, and would seem to work for us as well!  So give it a try this weekend.  “Be strong and courageous” to humble yourself and allow God to work a miracle in the midst of your life!  Have a great weekend.  Stay in tune to His Word, and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”