Roping Religion: Remember on whom it depends

Many of the ideas and scriptures for this article are from the devotional “God Wants You To Win!” by world champion calf roper Jeff Copenhaver.

Mark 9:23 “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Sometimes it is good to remember the goodness and faithfulness of God. Just this morning, my wife and I were walking down to the church and remembering some of the trials that the Lord had safely brought us through in the past. As I write this, we just celebrated Resurrection Sunday yesterday. We were not able to have a live church service, but we did walk to the church and make sure that the scene of the empty tomb was displayed on the podium instead of the scene of Jesus and the two criminals on the cross.

As we go through the uncertainties of the coronavirus and wonder about the future health and financial effects I thought it would be beneficial to recall the faithfulness of God in each of our lives. I write and preach with the intention of making disciples for Christ. I sent an encouraging text to the wrong phone number with a blessing and an announcement of the fact that Jesus had risen. The number texted back, “Stop.” Not everyone wants to hear the Good News of the Gospel. One day, all will wish they had believed in Jesus and served Him faithfully.

God rewards faithfulness. In today’s devotional Jeff had to get to two rodeos that were seventy miles apart and started a half hour apart. Using a helicopter, an airplane and a car he just made it in time to the second rodeo and won first place after having to rope his calf twice because the timer did not get his score the first time.

My oldest son reminded me this weekend that I taught him to work as if it all depended on him and pray as if it all depended on God. God sees our heart attitude and our response of faith or doubt to His Word. We need to remember that with God nothing shall be impossible.

I remember getting jobs and receiving favor from bosses throughout my lifetime. I remember praying hard to land my first teaching job. There were over 100 applicants for the position, but I was fortunate enough to get called for an interview. My dad knew another administrator who happened to know the superintendent at the school I had applied to for the position of shop and driver’s education instructor. I believe that contact opened the door for me to get an interview. I had to interview well and I needed favor with the man who would become my first principal but the connection got it all started. John 17:3 says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” It’s not just who you know but Who knows you. My dad and his friend both have passed away, but the opportunity they gave me is still benefiting me today.

Time after time, God has provided. He has not forsaken me though at times I have prayed like Job, “Though He slay me yet will I trust Him.” God has stretched my faith more than once. He seems to get us out of our comfort zones from time to time.

Now that I have served for 25 years as a pastor I realize that I am just getting started. My pastor has served God for 50 years and he feels the same way. The Lord is able to make His servants stand. You and I need to continue to stand in faith and believe God for His best to come to pass in our lives. All of the good things we have in our lives are gifts from God. Spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, friends, heat, light, food, clothing, shelter, eyesight, hearing, health, the ability to obtain wealth and the gift of salvation come immediately to my mind as things that some of us can be thankful for and show our appreciation to the Lord for by giving our lives away in His service. Let’s continue to remember the faithfulness of the Lord.

May God bless you big.

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This is the 22nd in a 30-column series of Roping Religion columns by Kevin Barsotti, pastor of Ark Church in Havre.