At this moment, approximately 27 million people are enslaved. 80% are women, 50% are children. Most of these are enslaved in forced prostitution or forced labor, or both. All around the world young women (and young men, too, but my main focus here for the sake of length will be women, since they make up the majority in this population) are lured into this dark world with promises of love, acceptance and a future. Others are taken in with promises of a better life, only to be used, drugged, and sold far away. Still others are kidnapped from their homes and robbed of their innocence, the message sent to them over and over, “this is all you are good for –to be used.” Some are even sold by their families to earn money. They are subjected to a harsh, painful, abusive, exploitative environment, knowing if they dare attempt escape, they will be beaten, or even if they succeed, a younger brother or sister will be sold in their place. Millions of women held captive by fear, drugs, shame and guilt. Don’t be fooled: this is not the product only of “backward thinking,” “third world” countries. This is happening all over the globe – Asia, Europe, South America, Canada, Africa, and the USA.
New York. Boston. Los Angeles. Seattle. Portland. Booming metropolises in America, representing free trade, capitalism, nightlife, opportunity, rich culture, excitement, dreams. But there is a darker side lurking in these cities where dreams are made. In these cities, as well as many others in our great nation, lives are broken, innocence is stolen, women are raped for profit. They are moved from place to place, regarded as property – “rented” for a night and returned the next day. Girls as young as four are taught different ways to “please clients.” When one no longer can make money, she is discarded, usually killed, for human life is cheap to traffickers, all that matters is profit. In essence, these girls are stripped of their dignity and humanity, their value proportional to the profit they bring their master – like items for auction, like cattle.
But why? How, you may ask, does something like this manage to flourish in our society? How can this be allowed to go on? Why do so many people not do anything about it; why are so many not even aware? Simply put, we do not want to know. We are perfectly content to live in our own little world, to see what we want to see, a world where trials and trouble is when the car won’t start in the morning, or someone else gets the promotion, or our kids didn’t make it into that top college. Or perhaps we are too busy – school, work, sports, family crises. Whatever the reason, perhaps this evil prevails in society because enough people are all too willing to simply look the other way, to pretend they don’t see, to avoid places where they would have to see. Or perhaps, and I have heard this from many people, we allow ourselves to assume that most prostitutes are selling themselves because they want to, because they are just “women of low reputation.” I am here to tell you that the majority of those women who line the streets at night in short dresses and stiletto heels are not there of their own volition. For most, a series of lies and unfortunate events have lead them into bondage, and on their owner’s command they stand in the night, under careful watch, to be bought, used, and returned, like an ill-fitting pair of shoes. Night after night these women are subjected to subtle lies – that they have no real worth, that selling their bodies is all they are good for, all they can do. The father of lies tells them that no one will want them now, not for who they are, so why risk escape? No one cares about them, anyone who has the power to help just passes them by.
Why am I so passionate about this, you may wonder. As I have been exposed to the horrors that prevail in my own backyard – Portland, I cannot turn a blind eye anymore. I can no longer be content to turn the other way, to pretend I don’t see, don’t hear the cries of the oppressed and deceived. I cannot be content to live, as Matthew West penned, “in my own little world, population: me.” My Savior, my God, the One I claim to live my life for, died for such as these. His heart breaks for them and my heart breaks for what breaks His. These women are made in the image of God. These women need to know that there is One who loves them and does not want to use or abuse them, but to heal their wounds, emotional and spiritual, and set them free. God has instilled a burning desire in my heart and my soul to help these women –to help rescue them and to help as God brings true life and healing into lives so broken.
But not only this: I want to inspire others to action as well. I want to travel and tell others what is going on. To break through each person’s comfortable world, to shake things up a bit. I want to wake up Christians everywhere – this IS an epidemic and we CAN do something about it! What greater place to see the gospel message meet brokenness and shame? What people are more broken than these? Who is in need of greater healing, of protection, of freedom, both from sin and from physical slavery? The Lord is mighty to save, and He has heard the cries of the oppressed and broken – now, He has called His people to action!
I know this task seems overwhelming. It sure does to me. I think, “Lord, I am only one person. I cannot free 27 million. I can’t even free all those in Portland. What am I to do? What if I try, if I go for this vision, and I fail?” Beloved, God has not called us to be successful, just faithful. We are to go, and proclaim freedom for the captives, trusting on God’s promises, resting on His faithfulness. It is God who liberates, we are His instruments. “Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” Do not live in fear of whatever task God has called you to. Go forth in faith and commit each step to Him.
“O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble,
You will strengthen their heart, you will incline Your ear
To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed
So that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror.” ~Psalm 10:17-18
“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something….I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Transparency
"Is there anyone that fails?
is there anyone that falls?
Am I the only one in church today feeling so small?
Because when I take a look around, everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover that I don't belong.
So I tuck it all away - Like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it - Maybe I'll believe it too!
So with a painted grin, I play the part again - so everyone will see me
the way that I see them!
Are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples?
With walls around our weakness, and smiles to hide our pain?
But if the invitation's open to every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we'll close the curtain on our Stained Glass Masquerade." ~Casting Crowns
This has been one of my favorite songs ever since I first heard it after buying the album. This song could have been written by me - I know what it is like to feel out of place at church, to have secrets burdening me, wishing I could share them with someone. But, like many people, I feared that if I revealed my struggeles, that I didn't have it all together, I would somehow be shunned or rejected, or just viewed differently.
I always wonder: why, when we struggle, stumble or fall, do we as Christian feel like those in the Body are the LAST people we can tell? Why do we feel we have to "get it together" when we are at church, or around church friends? Shouldn't our brothers and sisters in Christ be the first people we go to for help and support?
I know for me, it was always fear of being judged, or worse - being the only one who struggled, being the only one who needed help. What if I was some kind of freak, the only one who speaks up about a real struggle, and then waits in the awkward silence that follows....
I can't make it "safe" for people to tell those in the church what they are going through. What I can do is challenge my fellow brothers and sisters reading this: be the kind of Christian friend who it is safe to come to, with whom it is safe to disclose fears, struggles, doubt, and pain. BE the change in the church. I'm not saying you should condone something that is wrong, but rather exhort and encourage your brother or sister. Carry their pain, let them cry on your shoulder, provide accountablity in struggles, and pray for them in all circumstances. Stand up, let the love of Jesus flow through you, and let us all be transparent with one another again.
There is freedom in revealing the truth to one another, and encouragement in bearing eachother's burdens. "When the invitation's open, to every heart that has been broken, maybe then we'll close the curtain on our Stained Glass Masquerade."
is there anyone that falls?
Am I the only one in church today feeling so small?
Because when I take a look around, everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover that I don't belong.
So I tuck it all away - Like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it - Maybe I'll believe it too!
So with a painted grin, I play the part again - so everyone will see me
the way that I see them!
Are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples?
With walls around our weakness, and smiles to hide our pain?
But if the invitation's open to every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we'll close the curtain on our Stained Glass Masquerade." ~Casting Crowns
This has been one of my favorite songs ever since I first heard it after buying the album. This song could have been written by me - I know what it is like to feel out of place at church, to have secrets burdening me, wishing I could share them with someone. But, like many people, I feared that if I revealed my struggeles, that I didn't have it all together, I would somehow be shunned or rejected, or just viewed differently.
I always wonder: why, when we struggle, stumble or fall, do we as Christian feel like those in the Body are the LAST people we can tell? Why do we feel we have to "get it together" when we are at church, or around church friends? Shouldn't our brothers and sisters in Christ be the first people we go to for help and support?
I know for me, it was always fear of being judged, or worse - being the only one who struggled, being the only one who needed help. What if I was some kind of freak, the only one who speaks up about a real struggle, and then waits in the awkward silence that follows....
I can't make it "safe" for people to tell those in the church what they are going through. What I can do is challenge my fellow brothers and sisters reading this: be the kind of Christian friend who it is safe to come to, with whom it is safe to disclose fears, struggles, doubt, and pain. BE the change in the church. I'm not saying you should condone something that is wrong, but rather exhort and encourage your brother or sister. Carry their pain, let them cry on your shoulder, provide accountablity in struggles, and pray for them in all circumstances. Stand up, let the love of Jesus flow through you, and let us all be transparent with one another again.
There is freedom in revealing the truth to one another, and encouragement in bearing eachother's burdens. "When the invitation's open, to every heart that has been broken, maybe then we'll close the curtain on our Stained Glass Masquerade."
Monday, August 23, 2010
Secrets, Truth, and Messy Rooms
Secrets. What images does this word conjure up in your mind? I picture middle school girls whispering into eachother's ears about crushes, friends they don't like, and family secrets. These are not the secrets I am talking about here.
I'm talking about secrets of a darker, more clandestine nature; secrets of deeds done in secrecy, deception, rebellion and/or malice. It's funny how one secret of this nature leads to another, forming a complicated web of lies, becoming weighty and unbearable. The longer secrets of this nature are kept, the more difficult they are to bring into the light - for to expose one secret will ultimately unravel the rest and reveal all other secrets. If you are or have been in a situation like this, you may feel the overwhelming need to speak the truth. But what if bringing one truth to light will ultimately end up costing you personally? Is it worth it to bring light into the darkness and shed truth's brilliance on someone else's secret - a secret that has them on a path to harm and destruction? Is it worth it to speak the truth, even if it costs you dearly?
Sometimes bringing a situation into the open, bringing light and truth to darkness and secrecy, is a lot like cleaning out under the bed.
Your room may look clean and spotless, but underneath the bed lie piles of trash, clothes, and heaven only knows what else. To pull all that junk out from under the bed will throw your "clean" room into chaos, revealing a dirty, smelly, disgusting mess that may take days to clean up. But, once it has all been brought out into the light, then, and only then, can action be taken. The trash can be separated from the treasure, the dirty clothes can be washed, and all can be put back into its proper order. It is a long, grueling process, and the mess gets much worse before it gets better. When it is over, you will be exhausted, dirty, sweaty, and possibly overwhelmed. But your room is truly clean, not just in appearance, but in every corner. There is no need for perfume in the room, because what was rancid has been removed. There is no need for caution, because there is no mess for anyone to find.
So it is with secrets. The truth may make seem to make everything messy, but in reality, truth only reveals the mess that already existed. Truth is the agent by which change can occur, order can be restored, and healing can begin. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
I'm talking about secrets of a darker, more clandestine nature; secrets of deeds done in secrecy, deception, rebellion and/or malice. It's funny how one secret of this nature leads to another, forming a complicated web of lies, becoming weighty and unbearable. The longer secrets of this nature are kept, the more difficult they are to bring into the light - for to expose one secret will ultimately unravel the rest and reveal all other secrets. If you are or have been in a situation like this, you may feel the overwhelming need to speak the truth. But what if bringing one truth to light will ultimately end up costing you personally? Is it worth it to bring light into the darkness and shed truth's brilliance on someone else's secret - a secret that has them on a path to harm and destruction? Is it worth it to speak the truth, even if it costs you dearly?
Sometimes bringing a situation into the open, bringing light and truth to darkness and secrecy, is a lot like cleaning out under the bed.
Your room may look clean and spotless, but underneath the bed lie piles of trash, clothes, and heaven only knows what else. To pull all that junk out from under the bed will throw your "clean" room into chaos, revealing a dirty, smelly, disgusting mess that may take days to clean up. But, once it has all been brought out into the light, then, and only then, can action be taken. The trash can be separated from the treasure, the dirty clothes can be washed, and all can be put back into its proper order. It is a long, grueling process, and the mess gets much worse before it gets better. When it is over, you will be exhausted, dirty, sweaty, and possibly overwhelmed. But your room is truly clean, not just in appearance, but in every corner. There is no need for perfume in the room, because what was rancid has been removed. There is no need for caution, because there is no mess for anyone to find.
So it is with secrets. The truth may make seem to make everything messy, but in reality, truth only reveals the mess that already existed. Truth is the agent by which change can occur, order can be restored, and healing can begin. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
God our Provider
There are those among us to whom faith seems to come so naturally, those blessed souls who find putting their whole trust in God to be second nature, those people who never need to remind themselves "Let go and let God," because they already have. To those of you out there - kudos. I hope to join your ranks someday. Admittedly, I am a bit of a control freak. Okay, maybe a lot. Before beginning anything, I like to have all the details lined up perfectly, backups prepared in the case of any possible contingency, have everything outlined into my planner, and safely worked into my 5-year-plan.
Therefore, when God asked me to pay for school on a monthly basis this year instead of taking out a loan, beginning with a whopping $12 in my savings account, my response was not exactly an enthusiastic "Okay God!!" How I wish. If I recall correctly, panic coursed through my body as I mentally calculated my hourly wage at my retail job, my monthly bills, and the cost of one year at Corban University. After recovering from the momentary paralysis, I said, "WHAT?!?!?!? Impossible!" But, if indeed God was truly asking me to take this leap of faith, I decided to jump in with both feet. And all the money came in immediately and I lived happily ever after. Juuuust kidding!
Through the entire summer, I have worked as many hours as possible at work, subjected myself to manual labor, housesitting, and NO shopping. By the end of July, I had enough money for one payment!! Out of 12. My "control freak" side began to take over as August began to creep by. I began to wonder if God didn't really want me to go to school this year. Wondering gave way to confusion, confusion gave way to panic, and panic gave way to an emotional breakdown. How was this all going to work out? If I did manage to raise enough money for August, what about September and all the months I am in school? After wisdom from my aunt (Thanks!!) :), I fell to my knees and laid all my worries out before God. I asked Him to provide and committed to working my hardest and entrusting the details to Him. In short, I handed over my Plan A and my contingency plan in return for His peace. Today, the money came in to cover my August payment, and I have a feeling God is going to take me right to the very end each month, stretching my faith and forcing me to live in a constant state of trust.
"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: rejoice!...Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which trancends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~Phil 4:4,7
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?...But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~Matt 6:27,33-34)
There are so many people today, instead of worrying about paying for school, are worried about even more fundamental things: putting food on the table, finding a job to feed their family, finding enough money to fix the family car, etc. Some are worried about issues of a spiritual nature: friends and family who desperately need Jesus, an upcoming mission trip, God's plan for their life and guidance for the future. The truth is, in one way or another, every single one of us is currently facing a situation that requires us to trust God for what is unseen. Often times, God only gives us enough for today; often He only answers the questions for this moment. Just as the Israelites in the desert only received the manna they needed for one day and had to trust God to provide on a daily basis, so it is with us. Jesus prayed "Give us this day our daily bread" - provision for today, and faith for tomorrow.
God is faithful. He is God our Provider. Choosing to live by faith in uncertain circumstances is not comfortable by any means. But if you want to experience God's provision and grace on a daily basis, try taking that leap of faith. Let go of worry and fear, do what you can, and leave the details to God. I firmly believe that you will find, as I have time and time again, that you can sing the words to "Great is Thy Faithfulness" with renewed zeal and conviction.
"Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not. As Thou hast been Thou forever will be. Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see! All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!"
Therefore, when God asked me to pay for school on a monthly basis this year instead of taking out a loan, beginning with a whopping $12 in my savings account, my response was not exactly an enthusiastic "Okay God!!" How I wish. If I recall correctly, panic coursed through my body as I mentally calculated my hourly wage at my retail job, my monthly bills, and the cost of one year at Corban University. After recovering from the momentary paralysis, I said, "WHAT?!?!?!? Impossible!" But, if indeed God was truly asking me to take this leap of faith, I decided to jump in with both feet. And all the money came in immediately and I lived happily ever after. Juuuust kidding!
Through the entire summer, I have worked as many hours as possible at work, subjected myself to manual labor, housesitting, and NO shopping. By the end of July, I had enough money for one payment!! Out of 12. My "control freak" side began to take over as August began to creep by. I began to wonder if God didn't really want me to go to school this year. Wondering gave way to confusion, confusion gave way to panic, and panic gave way to an emotional breakdown. How was this all going to work out? If I did manage to raise enough money for August, what about September and all the months I am in school? After wisdom from my aunt (Thanks!!) :), I fell to my knees and laid all my worries out before God. I asked Him to provide and committed to working my hardest and entrusting the details to Him. In short, I handed over my Plan A and my contingency plan in return for His peace. Today, the money came in to cover my August payment, and I have a feeling God is going to take me right to the very end each month, stretching my faith and forcing me to live in a constant state of trust.
"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: rejoice!...Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which trancends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~Phil 4:4,7
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?...But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~Matt 6:27,33-34)
There are so many people today, instead of worrying about paying for school, are worried about even more fundamental things: putting food on the table, finding a job to feed their family, finding enough money to fix the family car, etc. Some are worried about issues of a spiritual nature: friends and family who desperately need Jesus, an upcoming mission trip, God's plan for their life and guidance for the future. The truth is, in one way or another, every single one of us is currently facing a situation that requires us to trust God for what is unseen. Often times, God only gives us enough for today; often He only answers the questions for this moment. Just as the Israelites in the desert only received the manna they needed for one day and had to trust God to provide on a daily basis, so it is with us. Jesus prayed "Give us this day our daily bread" - provision for today, and faith for tomorrow.
God is faithful. He is God our Provider. Choosing to live by faith in uncertain circumstances is not comfortable by any means. But if you want to experience God's provision and grace on a daily basis, try taking that leap of faith. Let go of worry and fear, do what you can, and leave the details to God. I firmly believe that you will find, as I have time and time again, that you can sing the words to "Great is Thy Faithfulness" with renewed zeal and conviction.
"Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not. As Thou hast been Thou forever will be. Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see! All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!"
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Reconcilation
“God, is there a statute of limitations on asking forgiveness for an offense? And is it really necessary if so much time has passed that it probably doesn’t even matter to that person – they probably don’t even remember anyway.”
“If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.” (Matt 5:23)
About six months ago, I was listening to a chapel speaker talking about forgiveness. He stressed the importance of either forgiving someone who has wronged me personally or seeking the forgiveness of someone I had wronged. He cited Matthew 6:14-15 (“If you forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you your sins. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father will not forgive your sins.”), the parable of the Unmerciful Servant, and then the verse quoted above. Almost immediately, someone’s name came to mind, someone whose forgiveness I needed to seek. But I brushed the thought away. “I see this person all the time,” I rationalized, “There doesn’t seem to be any animosity. Besides, its been so long; any apology is probably a moot point by now, more detrimental then beneficial. It would only open old wounds, not bring healing.” I rationalized until I dismissed the idea. I thought that was the end of it.
But the thing with God (both wonderful and painful) is that if something is wrong in your life, He will continue to gently remind you that something is wrong. And that is exactly what happened. For SIX MONTHS! Some nights l laid awake, unable to sleep. Every verse about forgiveness seemed to jump off the page. Was it my imagination, or was my relationship with this person getting more strained? My relationship with God became strained as well. I searched Scripture. No where does the Bible give any indication that it is okay to refuse to seek forgiveness because “too much time has passed” or because “It probably doesn’t matter to that person anymore.”
Finally, I couldn’t take anymore. I wrote out a sincere, heartfelt letter, telling this person that I wasn’t sure what it was worth anymore, but I was sorry. Sorry for whatever, if any, pain and hurt that my words caused them so long ago. I begged them to forgive me. Asking forgiveness is different than apologizing. You give an apology. Only the person you wronged can offer forgiveness. Once you have asked for forgiveness, the “ball is in their court.” The wronged makes the choice to release all ill will and grudges toward you.
If you are currently afraid to ask for forgiveness for fear that you will not be forgiven, don’t let that hold you back. If the person you beg forgiveness of and seek to reconcile with refuses, the issue then becomes one between that person and God. At that point, you have done all you can do, all that is asked of you. I was afraid to ask forgiveness. I was afraid that doing so would reopen old wounds, and cause a problem where there was none. I don’t yet know the result of my plea on my relationship with this person, but I DO know that I feel the most incredible sense of freedom and peace before the throne of God. That alone is worth the risk taken by obedience to Jesus’ command. That is worth the risk of loving someone enough to take the first step toward reconciliation.
“If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.” (Matt 5:23)
About six months ago, I was listening to a chapel speaker talking about forgiveness. He stressed the importance of either forgiving someone who has wronged me personally or seeking the forgiveness of someone I had wronged. He cited Matthew 6:14-15 (“If you forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you your sins. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father will not forgive your sins.”), the parable of the Unmerciful Servant, and then the verse quoted above. Almost immediately, someone’s name came to mind, someone whose forgiveness I needed to seek. But I brushed the thought away. “I see this person all the time,” I rationalized, “There doesn’t seem to be any animosity. Besides, its been so long; any apology is probably a moot point by now, more detrimental then beneficial. It would only open old wounds, not bring healing.” I rationalized until I dismissed the idea. I thought that was the end of it.
But the thing with God (both wonderful and painful) is that if something is wrong in your life, He will continue to gently remind you that something is wrong. And that is exactly what happened. For SIX MONTHS! Some nights l laid awake, unable to sleep. Every verse about forgiveness seemed to jump off the page. Was it my imagination, or was my relationship with this person getting more strained? My relationship with God became strained as well. I searched Scripture. No where does the Bible give any indication that it is okay to refuse to seek forgiveness because “too much time has passed” or because “It probably doesn’t matter to that person anymore.”
Finally, I couldn’t take anymore. I wrote out a sincere, heartfelt letter, telling this person that I wasn’t sure what it was worth anymore, but I was sorry. Sorry for whatever, if any, pain and hurt that my words caused them so long ago. I begged them to forgive me. Asking forgiveness is different than apologizing. You give an apology. Only the person you wronged can offer forgiveness. Once you have asked for forgiveness, the “ball is in their court.” The wronged makes the choice to release all ill will and grudges toward you.
If you are currently afraid to ask for forgiveness for fear that you will not be forgiven, don’t let that hold you back. If the person you beg forgiveness of and seek to reconcile with refuses, the issue then becomes one between that person and God. At that point, you have done all you can do, all that is asked of you. I was afraid to ask forgiveness. I was afraid that doing so would reopen old wounds, and cause a problem where there was none. I don’t yet know the result of my plea on my relationship with this person, but I DO know that I feel the most incredible sense of freedom and peace before the throne of God. That alone is worth the risk taken by obedience to Jesus’ command. That is worth the risk of loving someone enough to take the first step toward reconciliation.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Bearing Eachother's Burdens
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Carry one another's burdens - Okay, I can live with that! Sign me up!..... Um, what exactly does that mean? I have been pondering this verse lately, as it is clear here and elsewhere in Scripture that we as Christians are called to bear eachother's burdens. The thing is, I still am not sure that I have a firm, concrete grasp on the concept.
You see, I have a friend right now who is burdened. It hurts me deeply to see them in such pain. It brings me to tears to see their sorrow and confusion. I have begged God to let me carry their fear, their pain, their sorrow, their doubt and uncertainty. If there was a way to physically take it all away and bear it, believe me, I would. But even if there was a way to just lighten the load a little bit, I would take that too. I should move on and make my point before the tears come, unbidden, once again.
I want to know what you think, (anyone who actually reads this thing). What does bearing one another's burdens entail? Is it truly a physical bearing of burdens? - like what Christ did on Calvary, where He carried my sin, shame, sorrow, and brokenness? Is it "sharing the load" by helping in any way they need? Is it simply being there, and carrying them before the Lord in prayer?
What do you think? I am interested to see what you have to say! =)
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Carry one another's burdens - Okay, I can live with that! Sign me up!..... Um, what exactly does that mean? I have been pondering this verse lately, as it is clear here and elsewhere in Scripture that we as Christians are called to bear eachother's burdens. The thing is, I still am not sure that I have a firm, concrete grasp on the concept.
You see, I have a friend right now who is burdened. It hurts me deeply to see them in such pain. It brings me to tears to see their sorrow and confusion. I have begged God to let me carry their fear, their pain, their sorrow, their doubt and uncertainty. If there was a way to physically take it all away and bear it, believe me, I would. But even if there was a way to just lighten the load a little bit, I would take that too. I should move on and make my point before the tears come, unbidden, once again.
I want to know what you think, (anyone who actually reads this thing). What does bearing one another's burdens entail? Is it truly a physical bearing of burdens? - like what Christ did on Calvary, where He carried my sin, shame, sorrow, and brokenness? Is it "sharing the load" by helping in any way they need? Is it simply being there, and carrying them before the Lord in prayer?
What do you think? I am interested to see what you have to say! =)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Life and Love - or Loving Life!
This is likely the most sappy thing I have ever written (unless you read my journals - heaven forbid :)
I'm not really sure why I want to write about loving life so much. It may have to do with the beautiful weather we have had for the past few days. Sunshine always puts me in a good mood. But loving life goes beyond weather, beyond circumstance. Love of life is similar to having joy. It is something that trancends weather, circumstance, and emotion. Currently, it is overcast outside, I have no idea how I'm going to rasie enough money to pay for school, and the headlines shout nothing but bad news. So why on earth can I be loving life?? My cold, logical side screams reality at me, and demands that I wipe that smile off my face. This is real life. Life is rough, etc. And its partly true.
However, I see one reality, sitting high above the rest, that will not be ignored: God is on the throne; He is sovereign, and He is good. I'm rereading this sentence, thinking, "can I reword that so it sounds less cliche and "Christian-ese-ish?" But that is the truth. Above all that goes on in my life, good or bad, God is ultimately in control. This makes me feel like singing and dancing, shouting at the top of my lungs. Everything else pressing upon me seems so small in comparison to this truth!
I have been studying the end times and have realized something. Studying about the end times puts all human suffering, dire circumstance, and other depressing events into perspective. I see that 1) It has not always been this way, 2) It is not supposed to be this way, and 3) it will not always be this way. That last one is the one that causes my heart to surge with hope and joy. I am in waiting - waiting for a world with no more fear, pain, sorrow, or sin. I wait in joyous expectation for my Savior to return and put all things right. No matter what happens to me, come what may, in the perspective of eternity in the presence of God the present sufferings lose their power. This is the perspective of the apostle Paul, when He wrote, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18). He understood that the suffering we go through will be "light and momentary" compared with the eternal glory "that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Do not misunderstand me. If you are currently walking through fire, or find yourself in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I am in no way trying to make light of your sorrow, nor impying that you somehow lack faith if you grieve. Pain comes, and when it does, you can mourn. And those of you who know someone going through a season of sorrow, weep with them, be there for them in this season. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Romans12:15). But what I am saying is take time to look toward eternity, toward forever in the presence of God. Look forward to the day when sorrow, sin, and death are banished forever. That perspective, though it won't make all the pain disappear, will keep sorrow from swallowing you, and keep utter despair at bay.
So, in conclusion, life throws so much our way. But those of us who trust Jesus Christ as Savior have eternal life. Eternal life starts now! I guess its not so much that I love just this earthly life, but I love Eternal Life! We have a life that will never end - and that is a life worth living for, a life worth loving. This is what God offers to those who accept His gift of salvation. Freedom from sin, from death, and a promise of eternal glory in the presence of God that far outweighs any circumstance on earth. If you have not accepted this gift - don't hesitate. For whatever you walk through, whatever road God leads you down in life, He will always be with you, and He has promised that through the blood of Jesus we may live in eternity with Him.
Be blessed, love and serve God, and love Life! "Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace"
As always, if you have any questions or prayer requests, don't hesitate to email me at Theologynerd330@gmail.com
I'm not really sure why I want to write about loving life so much. It may have to do with the beautiful weather we have had for the past few days. Sunshine always puts me in a good mood. But loving life goes beyond weather, beyond circumstance. Love of life is similar to having joy. It is something that trancends weather, circumstance, and emotion. Currently, it is overcast outside, I have no idea how I'm going to rasie enough money to pay for school, and the headlines shout nothing but bad news. So why on earth can I be loving life?? My cold, logical side screams reality at me, and demands that I wipe that smile off my face. This is real life. Life is rough, etc. And its partly true.
However, I see one reality, sitting high above the rest, that will not be ignored: God is on the throne; He is sovereign, and He is good. I'm rereading this sentence, thinking, "can I reword that so it sounds less cliche and "Christian-ese-ish?" But that is the truth. Above all that goes on in my life, good or bad, God is ultimately in control. This makes me feel like singing and dancing, shouting at the top of my lungs. Everything else pressing upon me seems so small in comparison to this truth!
I have been studying the end times and have realized something. Studying about the end times puts all human suffering, dire circumstance, and other depressing events into perspective. I see that 1) It has not always been this way, 2) It is not supposed to be this way, and 3) it will not always be this way. That last one is the one that causes my heart to surge with hope and joy. I am in waiting - waiting for a world with no more fear, pain, sorrow, or sin. I wait in joyous expectation for my Savior to return and put all things right. No matter what happens to me, come what may, in the perspective of eternity in the presence of God the present sufferings lose their power. This is the perspective of the apostle Paul, when He wrote, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18). He understood that the suffering we go through will be "light and momentary" compared with the eternal glory "that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Do not misunderstand me. If you are currently walking through fire, or find yourself in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I am in no way trying to make light of your sorrow, nor impying that you somehow lack faith if you grieve. Pain comes, and when it does, you can mourn. And those of you who know someone going through a season of sorrow, weep with them, be there for them in this season. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Romans12:15). But what I am saying is take time to look toward eternity, toward forever in the presence of God. Look forward to the day when sorrow, sin, and death are banished forever. That perspective, though it won't make all the pain disappear, will keep sorrow from swallowing you, and keep utter despair at bay.
So, in conclusion, life throws so much our way. But those of us who trust Jesus Christ as Savior have eternal life. Eternal life starts now! I guess its not so much that I love just this earthly life, but I love Eternal Life! We have a life that will never end - and that is a life worth living for, a life worth loving. This is what God offers to those who accept His gift of salvation. Freedom from sin, from death, and a promise of eternal glory in the presence of God that far outweighs any circumstance on earth. If you have not accepted this gift - don't hesitate. For whatever you walk through, whatever road God leads you down in life, He will always be with you, and He has promised that through the blood of Jesus we may live in eternity with Him.
Be blessed, love and serve God, and love Life! "Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace"
As always, if you have any questions or prayer requests, don't hesitate to email me at Theologynerd330@gmail.com
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Death
Death. This is probably one of the most avoided topics on the planet. But why? Death is one event we will all experience, but no one has personal experience with death – well, everyone will, but no one lives to tell about it. Death is an avoided topic for 2 main reasons. First, it is uncomfortable and confusing. Second, it is just downright scary. Death is forever – no one recovers from death; death leaves in its trail sorrow, pain, unfinished business, regret, fear, and anger. Come to think of it, to the average person, death has significant power in (and sometimes over) life.
I’m not trying to be intentionally morbid. The reason I’m writing about this particular topic today is that my family just received news that my Grandfather has terminal pancreatic cancer and only 3-12 months to live. Maybe the problem with death is that, for a permanent event, the idea is shrouded in obscurity, making our understanding of it elusive at best, like trying to grasp water. So I began to think – what do I KNOW for sure about death?
1. It is permanent
2. It is a step that all must take eventually
3. It is something we all experience secondhand at one point or another
4. It is one of life’s most frightening unknowns.
Maybe you’re thinking – “Its not obscure. Death is simple – it is the point where life stops, when the heart stops beating, the blood stops pumping, etc.” I have to concede that, on a physical, biological level, death is very simple. It is easy to explain how a person dies. It is much more difficult, however, to simply dismiss all the philosophical baggage that inevitable comes with someone’s passing. All the great philosophers pondered death and the afterlife, and all the amateur philosophers (ie – everyone else on the planet) ultimately ponder death as well – even if it is none other than their own.
While I could sit here and ponder and hypothesize and philosophize until the cows come home, there is one other thing about death that I am absolutely certain of: Jesus Christ, God the Son, defeated death. He has tasted death and still lives to tell about it. With His perfect sacrifice, He defeated sin’s power, and with His resurrection, He shattered the power of death over all who choose to believe on Him. Ponder that for a moment. Death – the step we all take alone, the event that provokes regret, sorrow, anger, and fear – has been utterly defeated!! All of us who trust Jesus Christ as Savior receive death as our entrance into eternity in the presence of the Living God.
Yes, death is still a sad event. Death is still full of unknowns. But Jesus Christ has tasted and defeated death; He knows all that death and dying entails. So while there is still much we don’t know, those of us who are children of God know one thing – Jesus has told us that death is no longer something to fear. “Where, O death is thy victory? Where, O death is thy sting?”
I’m not trying to be intentionally morbid. The reason I’m writing about this particular topic today is that my family just received news that my Grandfather has terminal pancreatic cancer and only 3-12 months to live. Maybe the problem with death is that, for a permanent event, the idea is shrouded in obscurity, making our understanding of it elusive at best, like trying to grasp water. So I began to think – what do I KNOW for sure about death?
1. It is permanent
2. It is a step that all must take eventually
3. It is something we all experience secondhand at one point or another
4. It is one of life’s most frightening unknowns.
Maybe you’re thinking – “Its not obscure. Death is simple – it is the point where life stops, when the heart stops beating, the blood stops pumping, etc.” I have to concede that, on a physical, biological level, death is very simple. It is easy to explain how a person dies. It is much more difficult, however, to simply dismiss all the philosophical baggage that inevitable comes with someone’s passing. All the great philosophers pondered death and the afterlife, and all the amateur philosophers (ie – everyone else on the planet) ultimately ponder death as well – even if it is none other than their own.
While I could sit here and ponder and hypothesize and philosophize until the cows come home, there is one other thing about death that I am absolutely certain of: Jesus Christ, God the Son, defeated death. He has tasted death and still lives to tell about it. With His perfect sacrifice, He defeated sin’s power, and with His resurrection, He shattered the power of death over all who choose to believe on Him. Ponder that for a moment. Death – the step we all take alone, the event that provokes regret, sorrow, anger, and fear – has been utterly defeated!! All of us who trust Jesus Christ as Savior receive death as our entrance into eternity in the presence of the Living God.
Yes, death is still a sad event. Death is still full of unknowns. But Jesus Christ has tasted and defeated death; He knows all that death and dying entails. So while there is still much we don’t know, those of us who are children of God know one thing – Jesus has told us that death is no longer something to fear. “Where, O death is thy victory? Where, O death is thy sting?”
Friday, May 14, 2010
Meaningless?
Meaningless?
“Meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “Utterly Meaningless!” With these words Solomon opens the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon, in Chapters 1 and 2, describes life – and how the same fate, death, overtakes both rich and poor, wise and foolish. He sees that, in the end, all that man strives to be and to attain comes to nothing after he dies – he is not remembered by future generations, and all his wealth is passed on to someone else. So, he wonders, why live wisely or chase after wealth? He does see that wisdom is better than folly, but what does man gain for his toil?
I see this attitude in the world all around me, especially in the teenagers I work with. They wonder, “Why live the way someone tells me I should? Why tell the truth if I would get in trouble? Having goals isn’t going to stop my parents from abusing me, gangs from controlling me, etc!” In the cliché words of the acting world, “What’s my motivation!?” They don’t ask me these questions in so many words, but these questions ring clear each time I teach a lesson. One day, I sat down to consider this, and realized that really, without God, there is no motivation to live “right.” The only motivation is to “make the world a better place” or be thought of as “a good person.” But if no one remembers generations later, and if it doesn’t change life circumstances, why bother?
I read once that “While Proverbs begins with God and asks, ‘How should we live?’ Ecclesiastes begins without God and asks, ‘Why should we live?’” This, brothers and sisters, is a revelation that has radically changed my perspective. God provides the motivation, the meaning, and the purpose in live. “For in Him we live and move and have our being.” “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Simply, it is God, not culture, not environment, not family and friends, that give life purpose and meaning. With God as your life center, you have Someone stable and unchanging on which to build your life’s foundation. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Isn’t this a wonderful promise? In a world whose ideologies and messages change like the shifting sand, we have a solid rock, Jesus Christ, “the Chief Cornerstone” on whom to build our lives!!!
Therefore, standing on this firm foundation, we have a calling – a calling to offer this Meaning and Purpose to those in the world – not violently, not in coercion, but in love. When you offer Jesus, the glorious message of the Gospel, to those around you, do so out of compassion and love, out of a desire to offer what is good and eternal to your friends and family. Give more than just a sermon. Give life, give purpose, and see what happens when God puts real meaning into life!
“Meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “Utterly Meaningless!” With these words Solomon opens the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon, in Chapters 1 and 2, describes life – and how the same fate, death, overtakes both rich and poor, wise and foolish. He sees that, in the end, all that man strives to be and to attain comes to nothing after he dies – he is not remembered by future generations, and all his wealth is passed on to someone else. So, he wonders, why live wisely or chase after wealth? He does see that wisdom is better than folly, but what does man gain for his toil?
I see this attitude in the world all around me, especially in the teenagers I work with. They wonder, “Why live the way someone tells me I should? Why tell the truth if I would get in trouble? Having goals isn’t going to stop my parents from abusing me, gangs from controlling me, etc!” In the cliché words of the acting world, “What’s my motivation!?” They don’t ask me these questions in so many words, but these questions ring clear each time I teach a lesson. One day, I sat down to consider this, and realized that really, without God, there is no motivation to live “right.” The only motivation is to “make the world a better place” or be thought of as “a good person.” But if no one remembers generations later, and if it doesn’t change life circumstances, why bother?
I read once that “While Proverbs begins with God and asks, ‘How should we live?’ Ecclesiastes begins without God and asks, ‘Why should we live?’” This, brothers and sisters, is a revelation that has radically changed my perspective. God provides the motivation, the meaning, and the purpose in live. “For in Him we live and move and have our being.” “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Simply, it is God, not culture, not environment, not family and friends, that give life purpose and meaning. With God as your life center, you have Someone stable and unchanging on which to build your life’s foundation. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Isn’t this a wonderful promise? In a world whose ideologies and messages change like the shifting sand, we have a solid rock, Jesus Christ, “the Chief Cornerstone” on whom to build our lives!!!
Therefore, standing on this firm foundation, we have a calling – a calling to offer this Meaning and Purpose to those in the world – not violently, not in coercion, but in love. When you offer Jesus, the glorious message of the Gospel, to those around you, do so out of compassion and love, out of a desire to offer what is good and eternal to your friends and family. Give more than just a sermon. Give life, give purpose, and see what happens when God puts real meaning into life!
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Great Commission
Witnessing. Sharing the Gospel. The Great Commission. Whatever you happen to call it, we're all as Christians called to do it. Ironically, this is the one thing that most of us find ourselves failing to do. I'm in that boat too. Often it's not that we intentionally set out NOT to tell people about Christ. We get too busy and miss opportunities; we aren't quite sure how to bring it up; we don't want to make the converstation awkward, etc. Whatever the reason, we leave the situation with that feeling like "I really should have said something." or "OH! I totally could have said_____!"
Sometimes I find that it is hardest to talk to family members and close friends about the Gospel. My Bible study group discussed this issue a few weeks ago - how many times we would much rather talk about Jesus to people we don't know and will likely never see again. The contradiction here never fails to baffle me, even though I often feel the same way. How is it that we feel comfortable telling complete strangers about God's love and the fact that they need salvation, but not our friends and family, whom we claim to love? Is it loving to dance around the truth, talking about things that don't really matter at all? Sometimes this hesitaition comes from fear - if the conversation gets tense, these are people we have to talk to again soon!
What I have also found to be true in my own life is that I am afraid that my friend or family member will ask me a question I don't know the answer to, and I will look like a fool. I know many other Christians feel the same way. I was talking to a friend of mine about this very issue, and he said to me "I'm just afraid I'm gonna talk to someone who knows more about the Bible than I do! What if they ask me a hard question and I can't answer?" This is a legitimate fear! This is a fear that paralyzes. I wasn't sure what to say, and all I can tell you is that what I said came from God, because I needed the reassurance too.
I told him, "It's okay if you don't know all the answers to every question. You are telling them about Jesus - you know him! Beloved brothers and sisters, God is not going to kick you out of His family just beacuse you don't have all the right answers. You have THE answer - the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You can tell people you don't know everything - but you know the One who does! Give the world Jesus; He is the one who died to set the world free. If you are a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit living within you, and you know Jesus.
So, I guess all I'm trying to say is this: be bold. Most of the original 12 apostles were mere fishermen from Galilee. They had no formal seminary training. They weren't learned about all the questions every religion had about Jesus. But they changed the world through their testimony. They testified to what Jesus had done, and GOD CHANGED LIVES! Remember, you are called to sow the seed; God is the One who makes that seed grow.(I Cor 3:5-8).
Questions, comments (if for some reason you find you can't post here), or prayer requests, feel free to e-mail me. Theologynerd330@gmail.com
Sometimes I find that it is hardest to talk to family members and close friends about the Gospel. My Bible study group discussed this issue a few weeks ago - how many times we would much rather talk about Jesus to people we don't know and will likely never see again. The contradiction here never fails to baffle me, even though I often feel the same way. How is it that we feel comfortable telling complete strangers about God's love and the fact that they need salvation, but not our friends and family, whom we claim to love? Is it loving to dance around the truth, talking about things that don't really matter at all? Sometimes this hesitaition comes from fear - if the conversation gets tense, these are people we have to talk to again soon!
What I have also found to be true in my own life is that I am afraid that my friend or family member will ask me a question I don't know the answer to, and I will look like a fool. I know many other Christians feel the same way. I was talking to a friend of mine about this very issue, and he said to me "I'm just afraid I'm gonna talk to someone who knows more about the Bible than I do! What if they ask me a hard question and I can't answer?" This is a legitimate fear! This is a fear that paralyzes. I wasn't sure what to say, and all I can tell you is that what I said came from God, because I needed the reassurance too.
I told him, "It's okay if you don't know all the answers to every question. You are telling them about Jesus - you know him! Beloved brothers and sisters, God is not going to kick you out of His family just beacuse you don't have all the right answers. You have THE answer - the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You can tell people you don't know everything - but you know the One who does! Give the world Jesus; He is the one who died to set the world free. If you are a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit living within you, and you know Jesus.
So, I guess all I'm trying to say is this: be bold. Most of the original 12 apostles were mere fishermen from Galilee. They had no formal seminary training. They weren't learned about all the questions every religion had about Jesus. But they changed the world through their testimony. They testified to what Jesus had done, and GOD CHANGED LIVES! Remember, you are called to sow the seed; God is the One who makes that seed grow.(I Cor 3:5-8).
Questions, comments (if for some reason you find you can't post here), or prayer requests, feel free to e-mail me. Theologynerd330@gmail.com
Monday, May 3, 2010
Unanswered Prayers
Unanswered Prayers –
Perhaps there is nothing more difficult, more heartbreaking, more discouraging, than feeling like you have unanswered prayers. This may lead to feeling like God doesn’t hear, or doesn’t care, especially when your prayer is a cry from deep within your heart – something so incredibly important – a job so you can feed your family, a friend who desperately needs Jesus, a friend who is struggling with faith, a family member with a terminal illness – all those prayers during which you cry out, “God, this isn’t just anyone, this is my ________ (son, father, best friend, mother, etc.)
Often, it’s not so much a matter of doubting that God is powerful enough, or even doubting that He cares for you, but a struggle that develops when His ways are not your own, when He acts in ways you don’t understand. Isaiah 55 says, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord, ‘ as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” God sees all from the perspective of eternity. We only see today; we are so limited. Even when we think we understand how something should be, the truth is, only God can see everything, how all will pan out in the end.
I write this because I am currently facing my own “unanswered prayers.” I have some people close to me for whom I have been earnestly praying for months now. I know God is all-powerful, and I know He loves me, and cares for me. “Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you.” “One thing the Lord has spoken, two things have I heard; that you, O Lord, are loving, and you, O Lord, are strong.” I know God is faithful – He has been faithful numerous times before, and I believe He will be faithful again.
So, today, if you are facing a situation where your cries to God feel as though they go unanswered, take heart. God sees you; He hears your cries, and He cares. Don’t give up praying, but pray resting in the knowledge that God’s ways are higher than yours. James Dobson once wrote in his book Keeping the Faith when God Doesn’t Make Sense, “Jesus is always on time, even when He appears catastrophically late.” When Lazarus died, I’m sure Mary and Martha felt like Jesus didn’t care because He didn’t come when they sent word that Lazarus was sick. But Jesus had something better up His mighty sleeve – he wasn’t going to merely heal the sick, He was going to raise the dead! So, if Jesus appears catastrophically late in answering your prayers, He will work all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Continue to pray, take heart – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” - Psalm 27:14
If you are in need of prayer, feel free to e-mail me at theologynerd330@gmail.com.
Perhaps there is nothing more difficult, more heartbreaking, more discouraging, than feeling like you have unanswered prayers. This may lead to feeling like God doesn’t hear, or doesn’t care, especially when your prayer is a cry from deep within your heart – something so incredibly important – a job so you can feed your family, a friend who desperately needs Jesus, a friend who is struggling with faith, a family member with a terminal illness – all those prayers during which you cry out, “God, this isn’t just anyone, this is my ________ (son, father, best friend, mother, etc.)
Often, it’s not so much a matter of doubting that God is powerful enough, or even doubting that He cares for you, but a struggle that develops when His ways are not your own, when He acts in ways you don’t understand. Isaiah 55 says, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord, ‘ as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” God sees all from the perspective of eternity. We only see today; we are so limited. Even when we think we understand how something should be, the truth is, only God can see everything, how all will pan out in the end.
I write this because I am currently facing my own “unanswered prayers.” I have some people close to me for whom I have been earnestly praying for months now. I know God is all-powerful, and I know He loves me, and cares for me. “Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you.” “One thing the Lord has spoken, two things have I heard; that you, O Lord, are loving, and you, O Lord, are strong.” I know God is faithful – He has been faithful numerous times before, and I believe He will be faithful again.
So, today, if you are facing a situation where your cries to God feel as though they go unanswered, take heart. God sees you; He hears your cries, and He cares. Don’t give up praying, but pray resting in the knowledge that God’s ways are higher than yours. James Dobson once wrote in his book Keeping the Faith when God Doesn’t Make Sense, “Jesus is always on time, even when He appears catastrophically late.” When Lazarus died, I’m sure Mary and Martha felt like Jesus didn’t care because He didn’t come when they sent word that Lazarus was sick. But Jesus had something better up His mighty sleeve – he wasn’t going to merely heal the sick, He was going to raise the dead! So, if Jesus appears catastrophically late in answering your prayers, He will work all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Continue to pray, take heart – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” - Psalm 27:14
If you are in need of prayer, feel free to e-mail me at theologynerd330@gmail.com.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Way of Purity
This is something I wrote recently. I was thinking through what it meant for me to obey God and choose the way of purity, to dismiss the world's standards and live differently, especially in the area of relationships. I also wrote this specifically addressing trying to view the single years as a gift, instead of a curse. This is meant mainly to speak to women, but hopefully it can encourage young men as well:
I won't lie. The way of purity is often lonely, heartbreaking, and pain-filled. You will see happy couples everywhere you go. Your friends will be telling you engagement stories, and it will seem as though everyone you know is getting married.
Of course you will be happy, truly, sincerely happy for them - you will rejoice at their rejoicing. The weddings you attend will be happy affairs. But deep inside you, you will feel the ache, the longing. Every love song will remind you that you have no one to hold, no one to whisper sweet things in your ear and promise you forever. From somewhere in your heart, the loneliness will well up and threaten to suffocate you, squeezing the joy out of everyday life. There will be days you feel like running for your room, curling up in ball and crying until you have no tears left. I am not trying to be gloomy or negative - just honest - this is how it will feel sometimes.
But this is my hope, my ray of sunshine piercing the clouds of despair: My Savior, My God, who has called me to this, has not asked me to walk this road alone. He has not left me to walk my valleys alone. He is always with me, my Guide and my sufficiency when I feel broken and weary. When I am tired of walking this path, He is my strength - even when I feel no one is there, He is holding me. When that consuming loneliness and discontent come upon me, He will be my joy. That loneliness cannot stand in the presence of His love and His promise.
That loneliness is now my signal to run into His arms. Yes, it is okay to take your loneliness, your broken heart to Him. He is "a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering" (Isa 53:3). He made every part of you, sees each piece of your heart. Run to Him, lay your head on His chest and give Him all your pain. Let His presence soothe away your ache and let His nail pierced hands dry your tears. Look into His eyes, and hear His sweet voice saying, "I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Bask in the beauty of holiness, in the glory of belonging - belonging to the King of Kings, the Bridegroom. When all truth seems drowned out, - hold onto this one fact, this one truth - you are loved by the King of Kings. If you run to Him, He will soothe away your hurt, and fill you with His sufficiency and joy.
So, as I said, I won't lie: the way of purity is often lonely, heartbreaking, and pain filled. But there is One who knows your heart even better than you do. He will supply all your needs. Run to Him; delight yourself in Him. Remember: in the end, when all is said and done, no one ever regretted obeying and following God - it WILL BE WORTH IT!
I won't lie. The way of purity is often lonely, heartbreaking, and pain-filled. You will see happy couples everywhere you go. Your friends will be telling you engagement stories, and it will seem as though everyone you know is getting married.
Of course you will be happy, truly, sincerely happy for them - you will rejoice at their rejoicing. The weddings you attend will be happy affairs. But deep inside you, you will feel the ache, the longing. Every love song will remind you that you have no one to hold, no one to whisper sweet things in your ear and promise you forever. From somewhere in your heart, the loneliness will well up and threaten to suffocate you, squeezing the joy out of everyday life. There will be days you feel like running for your room, curling up in ball and crying until you have no tears left. I am not trying to be gloomy or negative - just honest - this is how it will feel sometimes.
But this is my hope, my ray of sunshine piercing the clouds of despair: My Savior, My God, who has called me to this, has not asked me to walk this road alone. He has not left me to walk my valleys alone. He is always with me, my Guide and my sufficiency when I feel broken and weary. When I am tired of walking this path, He is my strength - even when I feel no one is there, He is holding me. When that consuming loneliness and discontent come upon me, He will be my joy. That loneliness cannot stand in the presence of His love and His promise.
That loneliness is now my signal to run into His arms. Yes, it is okay to take your loneliness, your broken heart to Him. He is "a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering" (Isa 53:3). He made every part of you, sees each piece of your heart. Run to Him, lay your head on His chest and give Him all your pain. Let His presence soothe away your ache and let His nail pierced hands dry your tears. Look into His eyes, and hear His sweet voice saying, "I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Bask in the beauty of holiness, in the glory of belonging - belonging to the King of Kings, the Bridegroom. When all truth seems drowned out, - hold onto this one fact, this one truth - you are loved by the King of Kings. If you run to Him, He will soothe away your hurt, and fill you with His sufficiency and joy.
So, as I said, I won't lie: the way of purity is often lonely, heartbreaking, and pain filled. But there is One who knows your heart even better than you do. He will supply all your needs. Run to Him; delight yourself in Him. Remember: in the end, when all is said and done, no one ever regretted obeying and following God - it WILL BE WORTH IT!
First of all..
Hello, anyone reading this blog.
I decided to start a blog, where I can post my reflections, reactions, and responses to what God is teaching me through His Word.
I don't claim to be highly wise, or theologically brilliant, I don't even claim to always make sense. But I thought that, just maybe, I can use what God is teaching me, the ways He is stretching and encouraging my life, to encourage someone else out there. So, I don't know how often I will post, but look for updates recounting the circumstances of life God is bringing me through, and what He is teaching me through His word. My hope is that somehow He can use whatever I may post here to encourage or challenge you as well, and to bring glory and honor unto His name!
Thanks for reading my ramblings - Blessings!
I decided to start a blog, where I can post my reflections, reactions, and responses to what God is teaching me through His Word.
I don't claim to be highly wise, or theologically brilliant, I don't even claim to always make sense. But I thought that, just maybe, I can use what God is teaching me, the ways He is stretching and encouraging my life, to encourage someone else out there. So, I don't know how often I will post, but look for updates recounting the circumstances of life God is bringing me through, and what He is teaching me through His word. My hope is that somehow He can use whatever I may post here to encourage or challenge you as well, and to bring glory and honor unto His name!
Thanks for reading my ramblings - Blessings!
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