Good Friday

Jesus knew what was entailed in His mission. Three times he asked His Father if there was another way, but was left with the reality that suffering through the cross was the way.

Not only would He endure the cross, but worse yet, separation from the Father. He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our sins. The punishment that brought us peace was upon him. By His wounds we are healed.

No doubt, Good Friday was confusing for the disciples. They were still clinging to the idea that He was headed to Jerusalem to become its physical king.

This was despite the fact that He had told them plainly that He would be handed over to the chief priests, suffer, die, and be raised 3 days later.

There are times in life, like now, where God’s plan seems confusing and doesn’t make sense. We can rest easy knowing that our Father in Heaven is not bound by this world or our expectations.

He has unlimited power and has our best interest in mind. He cares for our greatest needs first and has already solved our biggest problem.
His plan may not always make sense to us, but we know our eternity is secure in Him!

#mpwarrior

#hehasuscovered

#goodfriday

Who Has Know His Mind Or Counseled Him?

As Christians, we take great comfort in knowing that God is in control. But what happens when we experience loss or grief that hits home so hard it leaves us breathless?

Where is God during those times? Do we get angry with him? Do we think He has for some reason abandoned us? Or, do we continue to trust that He is carefully working all things together for good?

During these times, we must remember that He is not bound by time. He sees beyond any limitation and is able to make decisions while truly knowing all the facts and their potential outcomes.

Who on earth possesses such great knowledge and wisdom? Certainly not I! For I don’t claim to know the limitless mind of my Father in heaven, nor have I been His counselor.

Instead of trying to make sense of overwhelming grief, I simply cling to the One who spoke the stars into place and He who commands the waves to be still.

I may never understand the grief but I can know more and more the depths of My Savior’s love.

#MPWarrior

#WhenThingsDontMakeSense

#TrustThroughTheGrief

===========================
Want to know more about having an unshakeable faith and purpose?

Come join the ranks of MP Warriors and take a journey to discovering the mission you were designed for. Here are your journey options:

PAPERBACK
http://bit.ly/MissionPossiblePB

KINDLE
http://bit.ly/MissionPossibleKB

VIDEO SERIES
Vision Mapping course Coming soon!

COACHING
Get TEN 1 hour sessions and a personalized copy of MISSION POSSIBLE. Invite 2 or more friends to come along and get a huge discount! Message me for details.

Building A Testimony

I remember days where my life was so hard that I wished my life was done. My heart hurt so bad that I just wanted the pain to cease.

My soul groaned so loud in me that I couldn’t hear anyone trying to help me. My eyes were blurred with tears and I could no longer see anything good.

On the outside, I held a facade of hard worker and at the same time, withdrew to in inner prison in my mind. I built walls around me to keep out everything and everyone.

And then I remembered the way the Lord rescued me in my sin and shame. Surely, He if anyone, loved me. Yes, He had the power to save me and break these prison walls I had trapped myself in.

There were many dark nights where I had to recall these promises about the very character of our Father in heaven.

These nights have have become very few and far between, but the testimonies of God’s lovingkindness, mercy, and faithfulness live on in the thousands I’ve shared with.

I’m convinced that when all we have to cling to is God, growth is inevitable. These dark times toughen us to press on when others would give in. They become our greatest tools on our mission.

There are scores of souls facing dark nights right now that have no knowledge or have forgotten about, a Heavenly Father who loves them. They have nothing to cling to but their own efforts.

Your story matters. It can encourage others on their dark nights to regain focus and hold fast to the promises of God

===============================
Want to learn more about using your experiences for the mission God has given you?

Take a journey with me through one of these options:

PAPERBACK
http://bit.ly/MissionPossiblePB

KINDLE
http://bit.ly/MissionPossibleKB

COACHING
SIgn up for a 10 week class and get a free copy of my book and ten 1 hour personal coaching sessions. Message me for details.

He Will Take His Stand

We live in a fallen world with corruption, violence, injustice, and suffering. These things have brought much grief over the years as I have watched friends suffer as well as suffering myself.

No matter how hard it gets, no matter what we have lost, we have been redeemed! Our greatest struggle has been solved.

There will come a day when the enemy will be bound and no longer be given any authority in this place.

Our Savior will take His stand and all will be made right. No more corruption, violence, injustice, or suffering.

On the days when my heart is overwhelmed by grief, I call this truth to mind and hold fast to our Lord’s promises. He fills me with joy in the midst of turmoil.

What verses do you hold on to?

#MPWarrior

#HeWillTakeHisStand

#HoldOnToGisPromises

His Presence is My Strength

For some, 2020 doesn’t include making big plans, but instead they are just trying to survive. Perhaps they are facing the biggest physical battle of their lives.

Jospeh found himself in a similar position. His own brothers had gotten jealous and allowed him to be sold into slavery and survival mode.

The story is heartbreaking and sad, but five words changed everything. The five words are these: “Yet God was with him”

When we face the difficulties of this life and the overwhelming strain of a fallen word, we too, are not alone. We need not endure these sufferings by ourselves.

In the midst of brokenness, grief, and pain, God’s presence makes all the difference. His favor is refreshing water and strength to press on.

We have the blessing of knowing the end of the story. God’s plan was bigger than the current suffering. Through Jospeh, the remnant of Israel was preserved.

Whatever you are facing today, God is with you. He wants to bring you through so that all may see His glory, love, and power.

Praying for all my brothers and sisters facing overwhelming battles as you enter 2020. May God’s favor be upon you and may you feel His presence and strength in the storm.

#MPWarrior

#YetGodIsWithUs

#GodIsBiggerThanWhatWeAreFacing

http://bit.ly/MissionPossiblePB

As each story was shared, I was reminded of the struggle that Sarah and the kids would have without a father and was grieved and moved to the point of tears. And yet, in my heart I knew that he is with Jesus and the struggle was over for him.

The day progressed and more conversation ensued. The tone of the day moved from sorrow to sorrow mingled with joy as we began recounting the stories of those who had already been encouraged by Jacob and Sarah’s story. The conversation continued to pick up momentum from person to person.

As we gathered together in Sarah’s home, there was an atmosphere of strength and hope, knowing the we are not grieving without hope. Jacob is now in an amazing place with His Savior and his legacy and even his death has created a platform to reach and encourage thousands of others.

For the believer death is not the end. Jesus’ finished work at the cross conquered death once and for all and our God has the power to cause ALL things to work together for good. Death has been turned to victory to him who believes.

As I sit at breakfast pondering my time here, I’m blessed beyond measure. For I have an amazing wife who made this trip possible. I am surround by the closest brothers in Christ I have ever known. I am filled with hope that cannot be quenched by death. I have the opportunity to love the body of Christ. I have a Savior who has given me the victory over death.

Reflection

We often have been taught to not talk about or think about death and yet it is a part of this life we live. We must not fear it but instead understand how Jesus has overcome it and how God can cause it to work for good.

How has Jesus overcome death?

Do you believe that death is not the end?

How might God cause even death to be used for good?

Prayer

Father, expand our minds to understand your victory through Christ and Your power to cause all things to work together for good. May our eyes see the marvelous work of Your hands as You turn mourning to joy. Comfort our hearts and gird or minds for the sake of the gospel and Your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#deathisnottheend

#Jesushasovercome

#Godisstillgood

For with tribulation and suffering comes a new level of dependence on our Heavenly Father. It demands a perseverance we otherwise would never see develop in ourselves. This perseverance leads to true character in word and in action. We are able to see our deep need of Him and He is faithful to fulfill our every need. And what is waiting for us at the end of this process? Hope. Hope that does not waver, doubt or disappoint, but thrives in the confidence of His proven faithfulness throughout the trials and tribulations.

Remember God is causing all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28). What ever your suffering is, it is building a testimony of His faithfulness that has the power to change the world. Make sure the tribulation is not wasted but that it brings glory to Him through your witness to others.

Reflection

What’s your normal reaction to suffering?

What sufferings are you going through right now that could be used to glorify Him?

Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for the tribulations that are producing perseverance, character, and ultimately hope in us. For You are faithful in all things and love You LORD! Build in us the testimonies of that faithfulness that all may see Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

It may be the loss of a loved one, a current battle with cancer, a prodigal son or daughter. In any event, the struggle is real. If we focus on the struggle, we will only see the struggle and negative. If the struggle is long term, this can lead to prolonged periods of grief and even depression.

So what’s the solution? Focus on what brings joy. Scripture is clear that what is being revealed to us, is greater than the struggle. So much so, that the trials are not worthy to be compared.

I’ve been in a place where I didn’t want to get out of bed. Everything seemed horrible and not worth doing. I hung the labels of failure on myself regularly. Friend, this is not God’s design. When we are in that place we need more Jesus time. We need to take every extra moment and dive into His word and worship at His feet. We need to surround ourselves with people doing that same thing.

When we see who God is, what He has done, and what He wants to do through us, it transforms our thinking and reshapes our definition of love. We can no longer fit into a depressive shell. Though our situation may be grievous, remember, our Lord has conquered even death!

Reflection

Where are your eyes fixed right now? Your situation or on Christ and His finished work?

Are you spending quality time with Jesus daily? (Jesus:The Word – John1:1-14)

Who around you at church or in your community has true joy and could help you on your journey? If you can’t think of anyone, intensify your search until you find someone.

Prayer

Father, for Your have purposed our joy to be full in Christ. Open blinded eyes to see and set the captives free. May all those who read this be overwhelmed by the joy we have in Christ. Lift them from the dark place and let them be filled with Your loving light. May it be said of them and may they truly believe that their trials are not worthy to be compared to the joy that is being revealed to them in Jesus, Amen!

Late in the same day, I received news that a friend of mine was killed in a car accident.  The grief hurts and aches in a way words cannot describe, but I know He is with the Lord now.   The days ahead will be filled with tears and heartache for Family, friends, and my family. We will continue to trust in our Heavenly Father  as He shows us His lovingkindness.  We will rejoice in the salvation our Lord has secured for us!

Reflection

Amidst the joy there is suffering and amidst the suffering there is joy.  For our Heavenly Father is there through it all; never leaving or forsaking us; fulfilling His promise to be with us to the end of the age.  

Take time today, even if you are mourning, to deeply to gaze upon the cross and see the lovingkindness of the LORD and rejoice!

Prayer

Father, our emotions are often tied to the events and situations of our lives.  Conquer the sorrows with the joy of Your salvation.  Mend the wounds with Your lovingkindness.  Employ our brokenness for Your glory. In Jesus, Amen!

I decided to expand this thought a little further and asked myself the question, “How does praising God in the midst of the trial I am currently in, reach more for the sake of the Gospel?”

We have a unique platform when we are in the middle of suffering, especially suffering for the name of Christ. All suffering, however; connects us with others and opens the door to the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

Don’t waste that platform!

Reflection

I believe one of the greatest ways of making sure sufferings aren’t wasted is to journal.  Emotions have a way of clouding things that later become clear as we go back and read objectively. It’s also a great way to see how the hand of God has moved.  

Find a notebook or buy a journal and start keeping track of the challenges you face and how God is furthering the gospel through them.  Then share those stories with others. 

Prayer

Father teach us to watch for Your mighty hand at work especially through our sufferings.  We pray that no experience would be wasted, but instead all would be used for Your glory and furthering the gospel.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!