Good News For Pretenders

Someone once said “Fake it till you make it.”  If taken the wrong way that could be interpreted, just pretend.  Pretend your life is fine, kids are well adjusted, there are no secrets in your closet, pretend you live a life of bliss, pretend you have no problems.  My issue with this is that every miracle Jesus performed started with a problem.  Let that sink in for a second.  In fact its been said that before God can use us He must break us.  Jesus is not a spiritual commodity that improves our lives, but a companion who infuses our lives with undying love, in the midst of our problems. 

According to World Net Daily News, surveys show the average person tells four lies a day, or 1,460 a year for a total of 88,000 by the age of 60.  The most common lie is: “I’m fine.”   Others on the list include: 

“Nice to see you.” “Sorry I missed your call.” “This tastes delicious.”

“I’m fine,” which I’m convinced is more popular in pews than pubs, sometimes stands in the way of us finding the grace and help we need in tough times. I once had a guy ask me in church how I was, and when I answered, “I’m fine,” he said, “No you’re not.”  When life brings us challenges, questions, doubt, and fear, “Fine,” may be far too simple an answer for how we feel.

Most often, when asked how I’m doing, I need to think about it for a second, in order to give a real and honest answer.  To say we don’t wander off in doubt, fear, and at times confusion, is to deny God and others, access to touch our hearts with healing, peace, and comfort. I don’t know who started the, “Fake it till you make it,” idea, but surely it’s possible to confess and declare God’s power, His plan for you, and His strength, without you faking anything.

So…not fine today…this week…this past year? You’re in good company.  There’s help on the way.  The Bible was written for you. Jesus came for you, the messy, the sinners, those, “not fine,” and in need of a physician. (Mark 2:17)  On the front page of one of my favorite websites for those who are “not fine,”  People of the Second Chance www.potsc.com, is the following nakedly honest description.  (I’d love for it to be the description of Estreet Gathering as well.)

“Our scars are our strength and broken is beautiful.  Failure is an option and rock bottom is a real place.  We stand with the overlooked… forgotten… the thrown away… and the left behind.  We believe in amazing grace that saved a wretch, an addict, and an outcast like me.  We overthrow judgment and liberate love.  We are people just like you…and you are just like us…  We are stained and we are prodigals…but more importantly…  We are people of the second chance.”

There’s No Place Like Hope, Stefan Youngblood <!–[if !mso]>

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