Oh, The Things I’ve Seen - But, I Remain Positive!

The door bell rang before 7 AM one overcast day. Startled by such an early morning visitor at my front door I made my way to the door. To my amazement, I was being given a packet by the sheriff deputy. I happen to know him but his words were simple and direct, “Are you Rick Carder?” I replied, “Of course I am. Don’t you recognize me?” He handed me the papers with just a simple gesture and gentle smile. This was not a social call but it was legal papers letting me know that I am being sued for $5 million.

Of course, you can imagine all the emotions and questions that I had at that moment. Which turned out to be a year and a half of anxiety and dread ended up turning out OK in the end. That part of the story I’ll leave for another day but I was being sued for nothing more than being kind to a young man from my youth group and a former foster teen. The ironic thing was that a different foster child, by then an adult, was the one that eventually informed me that the lawsuit was thrown out with prejudice and that the individual could never file again. Turns out that she had worked for a lawyer that represented another party in the law suit.

I have pastored for over 30 years and I have seen so much in those years. I have witnessed death and even faced a few death threats myself. I have defended children who were abused as well as advocating for at-risk teens looking for a second chance, facing the judge. My ministry was not just in the local church but it was in the community where I served. I had been living throughout the variety of communities with the potential of ministry ever present. They were scary moments and stress filled occasions for both me and my family but, with God’s help I was able to persevere.

I have seen so many terrible situations of children who have died tragically. I have worked with families who children have committed suicide.

I’m writing this article today because I am reflecting on the incredible blessings that I have received through the years. Even though there were hardships and difficulties, my faith remain strong and my Lord has always come through. I have learned lessons and I have experienced things that most of us should never have to go through but I still have hope and I still believe.

Over the years I have served as not only as a pastor but as a probation officer, or youth mentor, a foster parent, a chaplain for both Police Officers and those who have been incarcerated. Through the years I have sought the Lord’s direction and often found myself in places that only He could carry me through.

One such incident actually meant facing down a man with a gun. Thankfully I am still here to testify of God’s protection. Having to talk the man down, I eventually was able to pray with him.

On another occasion, I once stepped into a home to visit in at risk youth only to suddenly shock a group of drug dealers who were separating out their drugs from their weapons. All I could say at that moment was, “I’m sorry, I am PASTOR Rick!” I’m not sure who is more frightened but thankfully the situation was remedied by one of the men saying, “Padre, you scared us to death!”

Each time that I encountered such interesting situations, I found my faith being drawn closer to the Lord. It would be easy for me to become a critic and even cynical about the world today. Some of the things that I have been party could cause anyone to shrink back and become a skeptic. For as long as I could remember, even in my childhood, I have found myself looking for optimism rather than be in despair.

I was probably your typical child in the 70s but life wasn’t always fair in nor was it just. I grew up in a difficult home environment which was not always safe. I will leave it there for now.

Many can share terrific experiences in the ministry and in their work among people. I’ve known quite a few who have served as police officers, social workers, pastors, community leaders, and counselors. Humanity can be very dark and it can also cause people to give up on faith.

The point that I making today is that we can remain optimist in the midst of a negative world. Some might call it will power others might call it face, but I believe it is about being centered on your purpose and for what purpose God calls you to. One of my favorite passages in scripture is Philippians 1:6. That scripture is my life verse that reads: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

For me it is to understand God‘s purpose in all things that happen. I don’t believe that I am a fatalist because I believe that I have choice in most matters. Yet m, I do believe that God is in control of all things. I seek the Lord‘s Will in my life each and every day because I believe it is through those experiences I came to understand His Will. Today, I pray for divine appointments and divine encounters that would help me to be present and know God’s presence. When I pray I ask that the Lord would align my will with His Will for my life.

Circumstances and events that occur are within God’s divine plan. Certainly, I have been fortunate in myself standing against some of the most difficult of circumstances. My life is not at all like what Job of the Bible. I believe Job remain steadfast in his faith in God. While discouraged at times (and who wouldn’t be) he looked to praise to God in both good times and bad.

While we are yet living we should strive to make every moment count for the Lord. It’s important that we recognize His incredible plan and purpose. I can guarantee that life will be tough but I can equally guarantee that God will be with us in the good times and the bad. I also am certain that our outlook in life makes a difference. If we look for negative we will often find it with ease. However, as we look for the good we can generally see that, in ourselves and in others as well.

Even though I am aware of life’s circumstances. I’m also keenly aware that not every motive is pure. It’s important that I discern on how to invest my time and energies into others but realize that every investment that is made for Christ is never wasted. Every seed that is planted for God’s glory; it is like a blessing that is given and it is never wasted.

When I became a follower of the Lord I chose to have faith in God‘s plan. I also purposed to discover God‘s provision and promise from His word. I furthermore believe that there is hope no matter how difficult the situation. I have sat at the bedside of those who are dying and buried those who have come to sudden and tragic endings. I have comforted families who have lost so much in their lives. Often I have no words to express my deepest sympathy but I offer prayer and hope.

I maintain optimism in the midst of pessimistic times because I believe that with God, all things are possible. I trust that God is able to work all things out for the good to them that love him and are called to his purpose. I believe that even in the most tragic of circumstances that God can provide his presence and an eternal hope.

I have learned that it doesn’t help to hold onto bitterness and anger. I have come to terms with the reality that this life is fragile. I am also inspired by what I have experienced! Oh, the things I’ve seen but, I remain positive!

Ephesians 3:20 is another one of my favorite scriptures that I often use as a benediction and blessing because it offers words of hope. The verse uses words that clearly communicate optimism. Found within its text are the words; exceedingly, abundantly, more than we could ever ask, think, or imagine. These descriptions point the way!

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.