We’ll Figure It Out

Life can be complicated.  Yes, at times it will be confusing, perplexing and even unfair.  Mary and I adopted a motto early in our marriage:  “We’ll figure it out.” 
 
Fortunately for us, what we lacked in experience, God made up for it His instruction manual, His Word. The following are a few lessons we have learned on our journey of faith.

• • God will put more on you than you can bear!  I know there is a saying that has been around for decades that says the opposite.  Sorry, the Bible doesn’t teach that.  1 Corinthians 10: 12-13 is teaching on temptation.

In our first year of marriage we saw many highs and lows.  We were called to our first pastorate, I was ordained, we were married, my dad died, I conducted ten funerals, and my oldest brother moved home with my mom because he was starting over because of alcoholism.  Who knew our first year together would resemble a roller coaster ride!
 
We learned when we reach the end of ourselves, we find the beginning of God’s strength.  A few scriptures God used to drive this point home: Romans 8: 28-39; 2 Corinthians 1: 3-9; 2 Corinthians 11: 23-29

• • Times will be confusing! One church we pastored went through two massive growth spurts and two purgings.  The confusing part is I got credit and blame for both. Neither were correct!

At the same time our extended families were going through stress and division.  We felt caught in the middle.  God used Philippians 4: 4-8; 11-13 to quiet our troubled souls.
 
We learned a valuable life lesson.  Peace is not the absence of problems but the acknowledgment of God’s presence in the midst of the storm.

• • It has been and still is a ton of fun!  We have experienced a hog killing in the cemetery next to church while church was going on, a stolen truck during a church work day, and a bumble bee reaping havoc on Easter Sunday.  Proverbs 17: 22a was repeated often:  “A cheerful heart is a good medicine…”

We were often in over our head but never out of God’s reach.  Hebrews 13:5 & 8 taught us: ‘…never will l leave you, never will I forsake you⁸. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” 
 
There will always be situations you are asked to face that will be perplexing and confusing.  We have discovered a positive attitude, an adventurous spirit and faithfulness to God and love for one another is a great game plan to help you “figure out” God’s plan for your life!

Mark and his family reside in Madison, MS. He is married to the former Mary Kraft of McComb, and they have two daughters, Anna Kris and Allie. Mark has served churches in Mississippi for over 25 years. He received degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His greatest passion is preaching, teaching, and discipleship. Mark enjoys attending sporting events, participating in community events, and spending time with his family. Mark, Mary and his children, love serving with the First Ridgeland family.