by Pastor Mike Fabarez

Someone I know recently attempted to remodel his bathroom — on his own. Months later, the walls were unpainted, the sink still leaked, and the project remained unfinished. I assure you; it wasn’t for lack of trying! But without the right plans, the right tools, and the right knowledge, this project morphed into a cascading series of new complications.

I wonder, have you ever tried to remodel your life on your own?

If so, perhaps you’ve experienced a similar frustration. You watch videos of “life hacks” or read best-selling “self-help” books, hoping to see results. But instead, you end up worse off, stuck in a cycle of endless frustration.

The bottom line is this: You and I were not meant to solve life’s problems on our own. We need God’s help!

The only way we can accomplish the daunting task of achieving spiritual maturity and advancing God’s kingdom on earth is by faithfully and obediently following God’s plan — nothing else will get the job done!

If you want to see results, I invite you to join me this September on Focal Point for the series titled, Wisdom’s Toolbox. Together we will open to Acts 16, discover its life-changing wisdom, and learn how to apply its useful lessons to our lives.

In this series, you’ll discover the difference between sinful division and principled disagreement, and learn how to approach conflict with wisdom and grace. You’ll also learn the importance of listening to God and tuning out worldly distractions — something we all need!

In Acts 16, the leaders of the early church were presented with a series of challenges — including slanderous attacks, heated debates, and spiritual battles that threatened to derail the gospel message. Time after time, these faithful men sought God’s help to discern God’s will. You can too!

Over the years, countless people have asked me questions, such as:

• “Which ministry role should I pursue?”
• “How can I fix my family problems?
• “How can I know God’s will for my life?”

I’ll admit some have left dissatisfied. Why? Well, they wanted a “quick fix,” and they didn’t want to give up their old habits and comfortable ways to do things God’s way.

We all say we want to know God’s will for our lives. But are we willing to obey him? Will we go where he tells us to go?  Will we do what he tells us to do?

Simply buying a set of tools and watching how-to videos won’t automatically yield results. In the same way, “liking” and listening to biblical wisdom won’t change your life — unless you apply it and stick to it.