Have you ever had one of those days when the deck seems stacked, and not in your favor, from the moment you get up? Admit it, we've all had those days. The kids are tired and don't want to get up for school, everyone is moving like molasses. They are cranky. You start to get cranky, despite your best efforts and intentions to stay cheerful. The dog has knocked over the garbage. The cat has puked on the floor. Your husband can't find his phone. You open the cupboard to make sandwiches, and realize their are only three pieces of bread left, but four people need lunches. You get everyone out the door, and turn to realize the house looks like it was hit by a tornado. On top of that, there is a stack of bills waiting to be paid, but you know there isn't enough money in the bank to pay them all. And, you've got that project to finish for your child's teacher.You think, "Oh, my bed looks so cozy and comforting." You'd like to crawl back in, pull the covers up, and make it all go away. I'll be the first to admit it... I have. There have been days I've just tossed in the towel, shut out what needed to be done, and crawled back in bed. Sometimes, that's okay. Sometimes, we just need a little extra rest for our bodies.
But, more often than not, what we need is a dose of strength, wisdom, and peace that comes not from ourselves, but from the almighty God who is never short on supply of these things, and He willingly offers them to us.
Over and over again in the Bible, we are shown pictures of God's amazing strength, situations in which He used the weak to overcome the strong. He accomplishes the impossible. The parting of the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape slavery in Egypt for freedom. A small, young boy, the little brother in the family, David, uses a rock and his slingshot to kill a giant. A savior is born into the home of a carpenter, through a lineage of prostitutes, murderers, people from "the other side of the tracks," not to a royal blood line.
Today, as I read 2 Samuel 21:15-22, I was reminded how our God overcomes the seemingly impossible for us. In this passage, David was weak from battle, weak and weary from running, hiding, fighting even his own son's armies. David was cornered by a giant. Not merely someone who was taller than him, but literally a giant. This man's spearhead alone weighed 7 pounds. That's a lot of lethal power in one weapon! David was about to breathe his last, when suddenly one of his men came and killed the giant. I do not imagine that was an easy task. And yet, God allowed it to be accomplished. God made it happen. In this passage, an account is given of how several giants were killed by David's men, because God was on David's side and made the impossible possible. David was the giant slayer through God's power as a boy, and when he grew up, his men were giant slayers through God's power.
God makes all things possible. Remember today how great and mighty He is! If you are walking with God today, you are walking with the maker of heaven and earth, the almighty! He has overcome. And He will help you overcome and make it through whatever seems impossible to you today. Just draw strength and wisdom from him. Don't just survive through today, but thrive through today, knowing that the God who helped David slay the giant, the God who saved David when he was weak and cornered is ready to strengthen you today.
God loved David, and through David God accomplished the impossible. For David God accomplished the impossible. God loves you, as well. For you and through you, God can accomplish the impossible. Just get connected and stay close to Him, your source of power, when you face the "impossible."
Friday, June 3, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Father, forgive them!
As I volunteered at an event for my son the other night, I suddenly found myself face to face with a person who hurt me personally and professionally. We live in a fairly small community. In the past few months, I have encountered this person numerous times. And each time, my heart and mind travel down paths that are neither emotionally or spiritually healthy, dragging me into a pit steeped in hurt and anger and bitterness.
I have never experienced the pain and confusion of such a betrayal before. Never have I battled against bitterness. I have encouraged others not to let bitterness rule and ruin their hearts. At this point in my life, I am gaining empathy and wisdom for the battle.
In my own battle, I see the ruin I have warned others against. Bitterness and anger, when allowed to rule the heart and mind, crowd out the simple and beautiful joys -- the laughter of our children, my sons exuberance over finding yet another grub in the garden, the caress of my husband's thumb on the back of my hand and all the love that simple act communicates. When we allow anger and bitterness to run unchecked, they begin to taint every part of us. We become angry. We become short tempered. We become spiteful, in thought if not also in word and deed, toward those we perceive to be slighting us. We turn from creatures of beauty and grace to shriveled little shrews bearing the warts of hatred and anger and battered pride. I don't know about you, but when I stew on how I've been wronged, I am grumpy and not fun to be around. My poor kiddos and husband!
As I lay in bed the other night contemplating an opportunity in my life, the niggling voices of doubt and anger arising from my betrayal started to surface and cloud the grace of the opportunity. And I started to get angry. No longer was I thinking and praying about the opportunity, but rather was following the twisted path of bitterness. Suddenly, God reminded me that I am not called to judge. I am called to be like Him. Jesus was accused, lied about, beaten, betrayed, and eventually died an excruciating and torturous death on a cross. Rather than yelling at his accusers and berating them, rather than telling his friends and family to watch out for those liers, rather than calling God's wrath and punishment down on them, He used precious breaths to utter these words, "Father, forgive them."
My breath was almost taken away as that realization hit me. Father, forgive them. Not, "Lord, please pay them back for every unkindness and betrayal they laid out to me." No, rather, "Father, forgive them."
We are called to follow the example of Christ. We are called to be transformed more every day until our hearts look like His someday. We are supposed to forgive, rather than hold onto a list of wrongs.
Today, take these verses with you and let them steep in your heart and transform you. Let go of your anger and bitterness. Pray, "Father, forgive them." You don't have to trust the people who have hurt you, but you do need to forgive them so that the light of God's grace and mercy can shine in you and bring you peace, so you can spread peace.
Romans 12:9
"Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good."
My translation: We are supposed to love, even when you find someone tough to love. Don't let negative thoughts about others grab a hold in your heart and mind. Battle those negative thoughts with thoughts of what is good. Battle the negative thoughts with prayers for those who have hurt you, and prayers for strength to forgive them.
Romans 12:14
"Bless those who hurt you. Bless them, and do not call down curses on them."
Wow, that is hard to do, isn't it? We want pay back when someone wrongs us. We often wish they will suffer as we have suffered. We want them to hurt for hurting us. Like little kids in shoving match, we want them to fall down, too. But, instead we are challenged to bless them, to wish good things for them. We just pile negative garbage up in our heads and hearts when we spend time wishing they would be punished by God for hurting us. Christ said that the greatest command, after loving God first, is to love our neighbors. Christ did not call down curses on the Jewish leaders when he hung on the cross, when people threw stones at him, when he was whipped. Rather, he called down a blessing -- asking God to please forgive them (Luke 23:34).
Romans 12:19-21
"My friends, don't try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, "I am the One who judges people. I will pay them back," (Deuteronomy 32:35) says the Lord. Do just the opposite. Scripture says, 'If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads.' (Proverbs 25:21,22) Don't let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good."
It's not up to us to judge or to "make sure they get what they deserve." Jesus told his followers that in this life we would suffer, and sometimes that suffering will be at the hand of other people. Take the burden of anger you feel against that other person off your shoulders and off your heart. Give it to the Lord. We will all be judged one day for our lives. Let Him take care of the judgement, and don't let anger eat you up so that you are judged for your anger and the words and actions that came out of your anger.
Let go of what you are holding to so tightly. You'll find that when you let go of the anger and bitterness, your hands, your heart, and your mind will be freed to grasp the wonderful blessings he has planned for those who truly love Him. Don't miss the joys today because you are holding onto the sorrows of yesterday.
Give it to the Lord, and say "Father, forgive them, and help me to forgive them, as well."
I have never experienced the pain and confusion of such a betrayal before. Never have I battled against bitterness. I have encouraged others not to let bitterness rule and ruin their hearts. At this point in my life, I am gaining empathy and wisdom for the battle.
In my own battle, I see the ruin I have warned others against. Bitterness and anger, when allowed to rule the heart and mind, crowd out the simple and beautiful joys -- the laughter of our children, my sons exuberance over finding yet another grub in the garden, the caress of my husband's thumb on the back of my hand and all the love that simple act communicates. When we allow anger and bitterness to run unchecked, they begin to taint every part of us. We become angry. We become short tempered. We become spiteful, in thought if not also in word and deed, toward those we perceive to be slighting us. We turn from creatures of beauty and grace to shriveled little shrews bearing the warts of hatred and anger and battered pride. I don't know about you, but when I stew on how I've been wronged, I am grumpy and not fun to be around. My poor kiddos and husband!
As I lay in bed the other night contemplating an opportunity in my life, the niggling voices of doubt and anger arising from my betrayal started to surface and cloud the grace of the opportunity. And I started to get angry. No longer was I thinking and praying about the opportunity, but rather was following the twisted path of bitterness. Suddenly, God reminded me that I am not called to judge. I am called to be like Him. Jesus was accused, lied about, beaten, betrayed, and eventually died an excruciating and torturous death on a cross. Rather than yelling at his accusers and berating them, rather than telling his friends and family to watch out for those liers, rather than calling God's wrath and punishment down on them, He used precious breaths to utter these words, "Father, forgive them."
My breath was almost taken away as that realization hit me. Father, forgive them. Not, "Lord, please pay them back for every unkindness and betrayal they laid out to me." No, rather, "Father, forgive them."
We are called to follow the example of Christ. We are called to be transformed more every day until our hearts look like His someday. We are supposed to forgive, rather than hold onto a list of wrongs.
Today, take these verses with you and let them steep in your heart and transform you. Let go of your anger and bitterness. Pray, "Father, forgive them." You don't have to trust the people who have hurt you, but you do need to forgive them so that the light of God's grace and mercy can shine in you and bring you peace, so you can spread peace.
Romans 12:9
"Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good."
My translation: We are supposed to love, even when you find someone tough to love. Don't let negative thoughts about others grab a hold in your heart and mind. Battle those negative thoughts with thoughts of what is good. Battle the negative thoughts with prayers for those who have hurt you, and prayers for strength to forgive them.
Romans 12:14
"Bless those who hurt you. Bless them, and do not call down curses on them."
Wow, that is hard to do, isn't it? We want pay back when someone wrongs us. We often wish they will suffer as we have suffered. We want them to hurt for hurting us. Like little kids in shoving match, we want them to fall down, too. But, instead we are challenged to bless them, to wish good things for them. We just pile negative garbage up in our heads and hearts when we spend time wishing they would be punished by God for hurting us. Christ said that the greatest command, after loving God first, is to love our neighbors. Christ did not call down curses on the Jewish leaders when he hung on the cross, when people threw stones at him, when he was whipped. Rather, he called down a blessing -- asking God to please forgive them (Luke 23:34).
Romans 12:19-21
"My friends, don't try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, "I am the One who judges people. I will pay them back," (Deuteronomy 32:35) says the Lord. Do just the opposite. Scripture says, 'If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads.' (Proverbs 25:21,22) Don't let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good."
It's not up to us to judge or to "make sure they get what they deserve." Jesus told his followers that in this life we would suffer, and sometimes that suffering will be at the hand of other people. Take the burden of anger you feel against that other person off your shoulders and off your heart. Give it to the Lord. We will all be judged one day for our lives. Let Him take care of the judgement, and don't let anger eat you up so that you are judged for your anger and the words and actions that came out of your anger.
Let go of what you are holding to so tightly. You'll find that when you let go of the anger and bitterness, your hands, your heart, and your mind will be freed to grasp the wonderful blessings he has planned for those who truly love Him. Don't miss the joys today because you are holding onto the sorrows of yesterday.
Give it to the Lord, and say "Father, forgive them, and help me to forgive them, as well."
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Helper and Shield
When I was in college, several of my friends and I decided we wanted to get out and enjoy a beautiful Spring day in the great green forests at the base of Mt. Rainier. Finals were approaching, and we needed to blow off some steam and expend some physical energy, rather than burying our heads in the books yet again. So, we piled into a paneled station wagon (picture the Brady Bunch family car), and headed off. It was a beautiful morning on Campus, sun shining, the day warming nicely.
Today, I don't recall our exact destination. I just remember that we shared lots of laughter. Being the Pacific Northwest, weather up in the foothills of Rainier was quite different than that in Tacoma. It was cool and cloudy, but hey, we were young and were keeping quite warm as we hiked and played. Someone was smart enough to pack a couple bottles of water, some snacks from the cafeteria, and some big green garbage bags in the one backpack we had brought with us.
A couple miles into our hike, the Northwest skies suddenly let loose, first with a light drizzle, and then a steady downpour. Picture it. We had no umbrellas. We all wore shorts and t-shirts. Some of us wore wool socks with sandals. I don't think we ever even made it to the end of the trail. We just turned around and headed back to the car as quickly as we could, ducking under trees as we were able in the biggest downpours. The boys were gentlemen, and let the two girls don the garbage bags over our shirts, so as to avoid an embarrassing wet t-shirt episode. We eventually made it back to the refuge of the car, soaked to the skin and chilled, but laughing all the way home!
Sometimes in life, we get caught in a storm, don't we? The rain pours down, and we are drenched. There is no direct escape from the rain storm. The only option is to keep going. If you stop and sit down and weep, you'll just get mired in the mud that pools around you, you'll catch a chill, and you won't get through the storm any quicker.
But, God offers us refuge and shelter through the storm. He is like those mighty, tall Northwest pine trees that towered over us to provide shelter during the heaviest downpours. He surrounds us like those makeshift garbage bag rain suits. The refuge may not look as pretty as you want it to, but it provides just what you need.
Today, remember that God promises to be your shelter and your refuge in the storm, as long as it lasts.
Today, I don't recall our exact destination. I just remember that we shared lots of laughter. Being the Pacific Northwest, weather up in the foothills of Rainier was quite different than that in Tacoma. It was cool and cloudy, but hey, we were young and were keeping quite warm as we hiked and played. Someone was smart enough to pack a couple bottles of water, some snacks from the cafeteria, and some big green garbage bags in the one backpack we had brought with us.
A couple miles into our hike, the Northwest skies suddenly let loose, first with a light drizzle, and then a steady downpour. Picture it. We had no umbrellas. We all wore shorts and t-shirts. Some of us wore wool socks with sandals. I don't think we ever even made it to the end of the trail. We just turned around and headed back to the car as quickly as we could, ducking under trees as we were able in the biggest downpours. The boys were gentlemen, and let the two girls don the garbage bags over our shirts, so as to avoid an embarrassing wet t-shirt episode. We eventually made it back to the refuge of the car, soaked to the skin and chilled, but laughing all the way home!
Sometimes in life, we get caught in a storm, don't we? The rain pours down, and we are drenched. There is no direct escape from the rain storm. The only option is to keep going. If you stop and sit down and weep, you'll just get mired in the mud that pools around you, you'll catch a chill, and you won't get through the storm any quicker.
But, God offers us refuge and shelter through the storm. He is like those mighty, tall Northwest pine trees that towered over us to provide shelter during the heaviest downpours. He surrounds us like those makeshift garbage bag rain suits. The refuge may not look as pretty as you want it to, but it provides just what you need.
Today, remember that God promises to be your shelter and your refuge in the storm, as long as it lasts.
"Oh Israel, trust the Lord!
He is your helper; he is your shield.
O priests of Aaron, trust the Lord!
He is your helper; he is your shield.
All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!
He is your helper; he is your shield."
Psalm 115:9-11
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Endurance
I spent the last two months training for a half-marathon. It is something that has been a goal for a while. But, when I lost my job in February, I had extra time on my hands, and somehow needed that goal, as well as the expenditure of stress energy!
A half-marathon is 13.1 miles. When my friend Becky and I committed to do a half-Marathon on May 1, we said we would do it, "Even if we had to crawl across the finish line." Now, at the time we made the committment, I was not running at all. I had been working out 4 days a week at the gym, but, when I lost my job, that luxury was cut out of the budget. So, jogging and fast/walking 3 miles was about my limit. But, with diligent training four days a week, adding a little mileage every week, after a few weeks, we were running/walking 8 miles, then 10, then 11....
Race morning, I knew I would finish, but was still nervous, surrounded by 8,000 other runners and walkers. I had the blessing of doing the race with Becky and two other lovely Christian ladies. We prayed together, and I know our husbands and families were praying God's strength and protection over us. The first 6 miles were a breeze. I hit the wall at mile 9. With Becky's encouragement, a blast of Goo, and a bit of walking, I was revived a bit. Until I hit the wall again at mile 11. God sent some angels in the form of American Heart Association volunteers with some water and more Goo. And, with Becky's constant encouragement (literally, she did not stop talking me through it those last two miles!), a lot of praying and a couple tears, and the encouragement of strangers lining the course along the way, I made it across the finish line in 2 hours and 42 minutes.
That race made me think about life. Our life is like a marathon. It is an endurance event. We have great times that feel like a breeze. Then we get some hills -- health problems, loss of a job, family issues, financial crises.... Then it gets "easy" again, then some more hills. It's a long event. We are going to face many challenges along the way. Our faith is not built for short breezy sprints. That is why we need a close relationship with the Lord, and the encouragement of our Christian brothers and sisters to help us along the way. Just like Becky told me, "Don't stop, keep moving," we need others to tell us to keep doing, to refresh us, to challenge us. And, we need the ever present breath of the Lord with us. His Word is like the water and Gatorade along the race route -- giving us refreshment and nourishment and strength.
I have a devotion book by Chris Tiegreen that has been my constant encouragement through the uphill battles these last two years. I wanted to share the thoughts I fed on yesterday, out of Psalm 55:4-8 and 16-18. Tiegreen writes: "David was a man after God's own heart and a great annointed king. But, in many ways, he was just like us.... When the pressure was on, David just wanted to run away.... Every Christian who has been prepared by God and stretched to his or her limits can relate: There are times when we would do anything if God would just remove us from our trial. We'll pray for ways of escape, but God often leaves us surrounded until his time is right."
He goes on to say that endurance "has spiritual results that nothing else can accomplish." Endurance is something we have to develop. Had I gone out on March 3 and tried to run 13 miles, I would not have made it. I would have been walking by mile 5, and it would have taken me HOURS to finish, if at all! I would have injured myself trying to do 13 miles without training. It took 9 weeks of regular training, stretching, and eating right to be able to accomplish the race to the end. I had to prepare my body and my mind. We can't learn to endure physically or spiritually or mentally in principle. The only way to gain endurance is to simply endure through the pain. Tiegreen writes, "We must be put in a position of having to lean on our God and to learn of his ways. Experience is the only way to know Him."
Just like I finished that race and was able to celebrate that I had accomplished the goal, and look at doing another one sometime in the future, there is always deliverance, a chance to look back and see that you did indeed survive through the trial.
Tiegreen sums it up so beautifully: "The good news for those who go through intense trials and suffering is that once the impulse to flee is broken, God delivers. When endurance is complete, God removes the tribulation we endure. Every fear of Psalm 55:4-8 is followed by every blessing of Psalm 55:16-18. Our God does not leave us in our troubles. He has put us there to discover his provision; He will not withhold it indefinitely. There will be a day of deliverance. It is God who is enthroned forever (verse 19), not suffering. We don't have to flee; we simply call on the One who dwells above our trials."
Doubt that he will deliver you ever? Do you feel like you are just in an ever present state of enduring and pain? Look at scripture, look at your own life. Count those times that God has provided deliverance after the times of struggle. Look at how God blessed David after his times of running from King Saul. Look at how God delivered the Israelites, over and over again. He kept His promise to them, even in the face of their constant disobedience. God is trustworthy. Tell God today that you trust Him. Ask Him to give you strength for today. Strengthen yourself today by consuming his word. Find a verse to memorize this week, think on it, apply it to your life. And know that God will bring deliverance. Resist the urge to flee and just rest in his provision for today. And look for the bright hope that will come....
A half-marathon is 13.1 miles. When my friend Becky and I committed to do a half-Marathon on May 1, we said we would do it, "Even if we had to crawl across the finish line." Now, at the time we made the committment, I was not running at all. I had been working out 4 days a week at the gym, but, when I lost my job, that luxury was cut out of the budget. So, jogging and fast/walking 3 miles was about my limit. But, with diligent training four days a week, adding a little mileage every week, after a few weeks, we were running/walking 8 miles, then 10, then 11....
Race morning, I knew I would finish, but was still nervous, surrounded by 8,000 other runners and walkers. I had the blessing of doing the race with Becky and two other lovely Christian ladies. We prayed together, and I know our husbands and families were praying God's strength and protection over us. The first 6 miles were a breeze. I hit the wall at mile 9. With Becky's encouragement, a blast of Goo, and a bit of walking, I was revived a bit. Until I hit the wall again at mile 11. God sent some angels in the form of American Heart Association volunteers with some water and more Goo. And, with Becky's constant encouragement (literally, she did not stop talking me through it those last two miles!), a lot of praying and a couple tears, and the encouragement of strangers lining the course along the way, I made it across the finish line in 2 hours and 42 minutes.
That race made me think about life. Our life is like a marathon. It is an endurance event. We have great times that feel like a breeze. Then we get some hills -- health problems, loss of a job, family issues, financial crises.... Then it gets "easy" again, then some more hills. It's a long event. We are going to face many challenges along the way. Our faith is not built for short breezy sprints. That is why we need a close relationship with the Lord, and the encouragement of our Christian brothers and sisters to help us along the way. Just like Becky told me, "Don't stop, keep moving," we need others to tell us to keep doing, to refresh us, to challenge us. And, we need the ever present breath of the Lord with us. His Word is like the water and Gatorade along the race route -- giving us refreshment and nourishment and strength.
I have a devotion book by Chris Tiegreen that has been my constant encouragement through the uphill battles these last two years. I wanted to share the thoughts I fed on yesterday, out of Psalm 55:4-8 and 16-18. Tiegreen writes: "David was a man after God's own heart and a great annointed king. But, in many ways, he was just like us.... When the pressure was on, David just wanted to run away.... Every Christian who has been prepared by God and stretched to his or her limits can relate: There are times when we would do anything if God would just remove us from our trial. We'll pray for ways of escape, but God often leaves us surrounded until his time is right."
He goes on to say that endurance "has spiritual results that nothing else can accomplish." Endurance is something we have to develop. Had I gone out on March 3 and tried to run 13 miles, I would not have made it. I would have been walking by mile 5, and it would have taken me HOURS to finish, if at all! I would have injured myself trying to do 13 miles without training. It took 9 weeks of regular training, stretching, and eating right to be able to accomplish the race to the end. I had to prepare my body and my mind. We can't learn to endure physically or spiritually or mentally in principle. The only way to gain endurance is to simply endure through the pain. Tiegreen writes, "We must be put in a position of having to lean on our God and to learn of his ways. Experience is the only way to know Him."
Just like I finished that race and was able to celebrate that I had accomplished the goal, and look at doing another one sometime in the future, there is always deliverance, a chance to look back and see that you did indeed survive through the trial.
Tiegreen sums it up so beautifully: "The good news for those who go through intense trials and suffering is that once the impulse to flee is broken, God delivers. When endurance is complete, God removes the tribulation we endure. Every fear of Psalm 55:4-8 is followed by every blessing of Psalm 55:16-18. Our God does not leave us in our troubles. He has put us there to discover his provision; He will not withhold it indefinitely. There will be a day of deliverance. It is God who is enthroned forever (verse 19), not suffering. We don't have to flee; we simply call on the One who dwells above our trials."
Doubt that he will deliver you ever? Do you feel like you are just in an ever present state of enduring and pain? Look at scripture, look at your own life. Count those times that God has provided deliverance after the times of struggle. Look at how God blessed David after his times of running from King Saul. Look at how God delivered the Israelites, over and over again. He kept His promise to them, even in the face of their constant disobedience. God is trustworthy. Tell God today that you trust Him. Ask Him to give you strength for today. Strengthen yourself today by consuming his word. Find a verse to memorize this week, think on it, apply it to your life. And know that God will bring deliverance. Resist the urge to flee and just rest in his provision for today. And look for the bright hope that will come....
Monday, April 25, 2011
Our grand plans
I got a dose of perspective yesterday, served up in my daughter's retelling of "The Story of the Three Tress" they read in Children's Church on Easter Sunday. In case you've never read that great story, there are three young trees growing in the Middle East centuries ago. Each tree has a dream of what they will one day become. One tree dreams of being made into a beautiful chest and one day carrying a grand, valuable treasure. The second tree dreams of being made into a stately, large ocean growing ship, fit to carry a king on a voyage across the seas. The third tree dreams of growing taller than any other tree, his tall, strong trunk pointing to the heavens.
The first tree is cut down, and made into a feeding trough for livestock. It is placed in a small barn. One cold night, a young woman, heavy with a child soon to be born, walks slowly into the stable with her husband. She is weary. They have no place to sleep, so they sleep there among the hay and sheep, cows and goats. The woman goes into labor, and has a beautiful baby boy. The tree knows there is something special about this baby, this mother. The father wishes he were home in his carpenters' shop, where he could place the baby in a beauitful cradle made with his own hands. But, this rough-hewn manger will have to do. The tree stands straighter, gently cradling this little babe as his mother places him within the hay of the manger. The tree knows that he truly is holding the most valuable treasure the world has ever, and will ever, know -- the baby Jesus.
The second tree is cut down, hewn, and made into a small fishing boat. No grand sea voyages for this small vessel. He is saddened that he will never carry a finely robed king on a grand sea voyage. He will never stand tall and proud amongst other ships in a crowded port. No, he holds wet, stinking fish nets. His cargo are simple peasants and the quarry of their trade. Then one day, a man and some friends board the small vessel. As they row out upon the waves, a violent storm begins to blow, and the little boat and his passengers are fearful. But then, one of the peasants, the one they call Jesus, the master, he stands up and tells the waves to be quiet. The wind to still. And suddenly all is calm. The is humbled, and realizes that he carries the God almighty, King of Heaven and Earth in his small hull.
The third tree is cut down, cut into large beams, and formed into a rugged cross. He will stand on a hill, alright. He will stand on Golgatha. He is shamed as criminals are hung to the death on what used to be his strong branches. He drips with blood. He smells of the stench of sweat and death, not the fragrant aromas of the forest. One horrible day, a very different man is hung on his beams. The skies quake and pour out rain like tears of sorrow, as family and close friends huddle at his base, weeping for this man Jesus, the King of the Jews. As Jesus forgives the man hanging next to him, with one of his last breaths he breathes, "You will be in Paradise with me today." And the tree realizes, as Jesus' spirit is relinquished into the hands of His Father, God Almighty, that he will point to heaven, after all. For centuries, ages to come through history, people will look at that cross and see the glory and grace of heaven.
In Carissa's rough and passionate retelling of that wonderful story, I realized how much we are like those trees. We dream grand plans for our lives, for our families, what we want to become, the honor and glory we hope to receive, maybe fame and fortune, maybe the renown of a good reputation, maybe the feel of power in a position. Our human tendency is to make our own plans, and ask for God's blessings on those plans. Seldom do our plans turn out as we dream. God takes our dreams, and fleshes them out in a way we never would have planned, in a way that seldom brings us the glory we seek. Rather, the glory goes to Him. Just like each of those trees, God will take our lives and hew them out in a way that is fitting with His plan for us, in a way that benefits us, and in a way that seldom matches our self-focused dreams. The glory is meant to go to Him. Our lives are meant to glorify Him. To exemplify his grace.
I have my degree in Public and International Relations. When my husband and I moved to a rural area several years ago, I ended up giving up my professional contacts and opportunities. I struggle with wanting to regain my professional clout and reputation, to be a Manager or Director again, to show others and myself what I can do. But wow, when I write that down, I see how selfish that all sounds. Me me me. God's design is for me to be fulfilled by Him, to be defined by His grace and mercy and strength, not my own skill and intelligence. So, like the tree, I may see my dreams and visions fulfilled and reshaped in a completely different way.
Fighting God doesn't bring peace. Learning to drop all my baggage, cling to God, and seek after his heart and his plans, that brings peace. Saying it sounds easier than it often feels. But, it is true. There is a song I learned in high school that has been coming to me a lot the past week or so.... "Change my heart, O God, make it ever true. Change my heart, O God, may I be like you. You are the potter. I am the clay. Mold me and make me, this is what I pray."
Do you want to be molded and shaped into a strong, purposeful vessel God can use? It may not look glorious in the world's eyes, but God's creations are glorious. For eternity.
The first tree is cut down, and made into a feeding trough for livestock. It is placed in a small barn. One cold night, a young woman, heavy with a child soon to be born, walks slowly into the stable with her husband. She is weary. They have no place to sleep, so they sleep there among the hay and sheep, cows and goats. The woman goes into labor, and has a beautiful baby boy. The tree knows there is something special about this baby, this mother. The father wishes he were home in his carpenters' shop, where he could place the baby in a beauitful cradle made with his own hands. But, this rough-hewn manger will have to do. The tree stands straighter, gently cradling this little babe as his mother places him within the hay of the manger. The tree knows that he truly is holding the most valuable treasure the world has ever, and will ever, know -- the baby Jesus.
The second tree is cut down, hewn, and made into a small fishing boat. No grand sea voyages for this small vessel. He is saddened that he will never carry a finely robed king on a grand sea voyage. He will never stand tall and proud amongst other ships in a crowded port. No, he holds wet, stinking fish nets. His cargo are simple peasants and the quarry of their trade. Then one day, a man and some friends board the small vessel. As they row out upon the waves, a violent storm begins to blow, and the little boat and his passengers are fearful. But then, one of the peasants, the one they call Jesus, the master, he stands up and tells the waves to be quiet. The wind to still. And suddenly all is calm. The is humbled, and realizes that he carries the God almighty, King of Heaven and Earth in his small hull.
The third tree is cut down, cut into large beams, and formed into a rugged cross. He will stand on a hill, alright. He will stand on Golgatha. He is shamed as criminals are hung to the death on what used to be his strong branches. He drips with blood. He smells of the stench of sweat and death, not the fragrant aromas of the forest. One horrible day, a very different man is hung on his beams. The skies quake and pour out rain like tears of sorrow, as family and close friends huddle at his base, weeping for this man Jesus, the King of the Jews. As Jesus forgives the man hanging next to him, with one of his last breaths he breathes, "You will be in Paradise with me today." And the tree realizes, as Jesus' spirit is relinquished into the hands of His Father, God Almighty, that he will point to heaven, after all. For centuries, ages to come through history, people will look at that cross and see the glory and grace of heaven.
In Carissa's rough and passionate retelling of that wonderful story, I realized how much we are like those trees. We dream grand plans for our lives, for our families, what we want to become, the honor and glory we hope to receive, maybe fame and fortune, maybe the renown of a good reputation, maybe the feel of power in a position. Our human tendency is to make our own plans, and ask for God's blessings on those plans. Seldom do our plans turn out as we dream. God takes our dreams, and fleshes them out in a way we never would have planned, in a way that seldom brings us the glory we seek. Rather, the glory goes to Him. Just like each of those trees, God will take our lives and hew them out in a way that is fitting with His plan for us, in a way that benefits us, and in a way that seldom matches our self-focused dreams. The glory is meant to go to Him. Our lives are meant to glorify Him. To exemplify his grace.
I have my degree in Public and International Relations. When my husband and I moved to a rural area several years ago, I ended up giving up my professional contacts and opportunities. I struggle with wanting to regain my professional clout and reputation, to be a Manager or Director again, to show others and myself what I can do. But wow, when I write that down, I see how selfish that all sounds. Me me me. God's design is for me to be fulfilled by Him, to be defined by His grace and mercy and strength, not my own skill and intelligence. So, like the tree, I may see my dreams and visions fulfilled and reshaped in a completely different way.
Fighting God doesn't bring peace. Learning to drop all my baggage, cling to God, and seek after his heart and his plans, that brings peace. Saying it sounds easier than it often feels. But, it is true. There is a song I learned in high school that has been coming to me a lot the past week or so.... "Change my heart, O God, make it ever true. Change my heart, O God, may I be like you. You are the potter. I am the clay. Mold me and make me, this is what I pray."
Do you want to be molded and shaped into a strong, purposeful vessel God can use? It may not look glorious in the world's eyes, but God's creations are glorious. For eternity.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
My futile plans
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV Bible
Yes, God has plans for me. God has plans for each one of us. He is the great and almighty God, creator of the universe. So, who am I to think that my "great" plans, as well thought out as I might think they are, will trump His plans for me?
Today, I sit at my computer typing away. I spent the morning on a run, then came home and started looking for work. I have been unemployed for almost 2 months now. Wow, that is really not something I ever thought I would experience. My husband was laid off and out of work for eight months last year. God provided an open door for me to work full time for all of that time to help support our family. And, just when we were about out of money, God provided a job that we never would have planned for Todd in our months of searching. Two and a half months after my husband went back to work, I lost my job.
Here I sit finally able to truly understand all of those emotions my husband felt for 8 months. Being out of work is tough! A couple of weeks ago, I interviewed for a great job doing what I love, in our home town, with great pay, and I was one of two finalists. At the end of the week, after many plans and dreams of "we could finally do this" and "we could finally have a college savings for the kids," I found out I was not selected for the position. I have to honestly say I was mad at God. According to my plans, that was the best thing for our family, an opportunity that does not come along often in our rather geographically removed community.
And, while I struggle with the "Why not?" questions to my heavenly Father, he reminds me gently and consistently, when I listen, "I love you, my child. I have good plans for you that you don't know about yet." Remember, when you don't like what is happening in your life, God loves you. If you are willing to follow, He has good plans for you. As a parent, would you do something that you know will harm your child? God won't do that either. His plans will be worked out, and in time I will see, as will you, that His plans are good, and meant to be a benefit for the future, not just this very moment.
Yes, God has plans for me. God has plans for each one of us. He is the great and almighty God, creator of the universe. So, who am I to think that my "great" plans, as well thought out as I might think they are, will trump His plans for me?
Today, I sit at my computer typing away. I spent the morning on a run, then came home and started looking for work. I have been unemployed for almost 2 months now. Wow, that is really not something I ever thought I would experience. My husband was laid off and out of work for eight months last year. God provided an open door for me to work full time for all of that time to help support our family. And, just when we were about out of money, God provided a job that we never would have planned for Todd in our months of searching. Two and a half months after my husband went back to work, I lost my job.
Here I sit finally able to truly understand all of those emotions my husband felt for 8 months. Being out of work is tough! A couple of weeks ago, I interviewed for a great job doing what I love, in our home town, with great pay, and I was one of two finalists. At the end of the week, after many plans and dreams of "we could finally do this" and "we could finally have a college savings for the kids," I found out I was not selected for the position. I have to honestly say I was mad at God. According to my plans, that was the best thing for our family, an opportunity that does not come along often in our rather geographically removed community.
And, while I struggle with the "Why not?" questions to my heavenly Father, he reminds me gently and consistently, when I listen, "I love you, my child. I have good plans for you that you don't know about yet." Remember, when you don't like what is happening in your life, God loves you. If you are willing to follow, He has good plans for you. As a parent, would you do something that you know will harm your child? God won't do that either. His plans will be worked out, and in time I will see, as will you, that His plans are good, and meant to be a benefit for the future, not just this very moment.
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