WHEN YOU FEEL LOST

Have you ever gotten lost? In the fall of 1979, I left my home in Ontario and headed off to college in Tennessee. I was nervous about the trip since I had never driven that far before. As I was leaving, my dad gave me these directions: "Take the 401 to Detroit. Cross over the bridge, get on I-75, and head straight south."

Well I got in the car and took off. As I shot across the bridge from Canada to Detroit I jumped on I-75. About two hours later when I wondered why I hadn't reached Toledo yet, I realized I had been traveling north instead of south. Agh! I was completely confused.

Confusion results when we can't connect our perception with reality. It hits us physically, emotionally, and mentally. Worst of course is spiritual confusion—when we can't connect what is happening with our sense of who we know God to be: the God that I know would never let this happen. It's an awful thing to let this kind of confusion go on for a long time.

Here are four truths that can act like a spiritual compass, to help you find your way back to God when you feel lost:

First of all, God always has a plan for you. He is not surprised about anything. He has never paced the floor. He is in complete control, with His feet up.

Second, God's timing is always perfect in your life. He has never been late—or early; He is always right on time. It's difficult to see God's perfect timing when you are in the midst of a trial, but think about your life. Rehearse a situation when God's timing was right and let that memory encourage you in the situation you face today.

Third, you have nothing to fear. That doesn't mean you automatically avoid all that's painful in life. But I guarantee you that every person in heaven reflects on his or her life and agrees that even the tragic events turned out for God's glory.

Fourth, you've got a lot to learn. Too often I want to handle situations myself; I think I know better. But if you humble yourself in the midst of painful circumstances, you will realize that God uses everything to accomplish His good in your life.

So if you feel like you are lost, it is not too late to turn the car around. Just follow God's directions, and I promise you will find Him.

~ Dr. James MacDonald

Romans 8:31-37 31, What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? . . . 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? . . . 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For more from James MacDonald on "igniting passion in the people of God through the proclamation of the truth," visit Walkintheword.com.

In April of 2005 we began what has turned out to be an incredible journey with the Tabitha House. Over the past four years The Mitchell Swaback Foundation and its generous partners has touched so many single moms and their children.

Our work at Tabitha will continue to reach out and touch others for many, many years to come. Looking back we have literally remodeled the entire home. Our work has included a children's playroom, commercial kitchen, dining room, administrative offices,
24 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms and 4 corridors.

Recently, a Chicago city official toured Tabitha and stated: "This is what a shelter should look like and be modeled after."

We would like to thank every single person who has given their time or their resources to help make Tabitha what she is today. Unfortunately, the founder of Tabitha House, Mother Walker, passed away in 2008, but her hope was for Tabitha to be restored. Together we have been able to make this dream come true!  Mother Walker was extremely grateful for all the work that was done.

May God continue to provide for and bless the work that is done at the Tabitha House!

The Boys and Girls locker rooms have been completed. "The Mitch" now has two separate locker rooms for boys and girls. Having separate locker rooms now allows visiting teams to have their own. Finishing the last two locker rooms now completes "The Mitch" 100%.

This project has been so exciting for us to see through the entire construction process. The gym is being used by Harvest Christian Academy, several basketball and volleyball leagues and outreach programs that touch the community.

For more information please check out our web site >

Friday 3/19/2004

I had two meetings today and then I was done. I needed to get out of the office, one of my friends is up from Oklahoma so we'll go out and do something fun.

Today I learned about the supremacy of Jesus Christ - when I commit myself to the truth of the New Testament, I receive from God the gift of the Holy Spirit who then begins interpreting all that Jesus Christ did for me externally.

Mitch spent the last few months of his life not only living his life for the Lord but putting his thoughts in his journal everyday. How do we want to live our lives? Why don't we all try something radical today for the Lord!

> Visit Mitch's Story on our website

See what MSF is doing to make a difference in so many lives!  Please consider being part of this event which is our largest fund raiser of the year.  100% of our proceeds will go directly to fund our current and future projects.

This year's event will be held at Rolling Green Country Club in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

For the Golfers registration begins at 10:30 with tournament gifts, followed by brunch and shotgun start at noon.  Silent auction starts at 4:30 pm. 

For the non-golfers please join us for the silent auction beginning at 4:30 pm with dinner and program to follow.

Dinner program will include awards, ten premium live auction items, a video of "The Mitch" the new Mitchell Swaback Athletic Center at Harvest Bible Chapel in Elgin, Illinois, special entertainment by "Splat Experience" and closing words by Dr. James MacDonald Senior Pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel.

Registration coming soon!