They've always said 'You should have your devotions...' Others say you need to read the Book through every year {implying you're never going to reach their level of holiness till you do}
Well folks, after a lot of wrestlings and [rebellings], all the while knowing there was SOMETHING ESSENTIAL in all this daily reading and prayer, I've come to some new conclusions. (I did keep reading through all this, in case you're wondering)
I've always missed the underlying message about how much power there is in daily connection when Discipline in doing it every day was overemphasized. When I spend time in His presence there is something that empowers, that refreshes, that transforms even my countenance--- sometimes to the point that a Buddhist monk asked if I have a boyfriend! :) I have something to offer after this, instead of running on empty. While I knew those transformational moments were impacting, I never made the connection that the focus is more on this than on the discipline. Am I the only one who missed it?
Devotion in its full meaning of loving someone enough to spend time with them is often forgotten when we talk about having daily devotions. It changes what that time looks like, when it's more about being with Someone we love.
In all those wrestling moments previously mentioned, I also came into close proximity with my own depravity. My own needy, broken, ugly ways of coping weren't cutting it. And they weren't pretty to look at. But it brought me to the realization of how much I need Him. If I'm going to do more then survive in this broken world, my thriving is dependent on Jesus alone. There is a connection between how much time I spend with God and how I relate to life. This is the all-essential reason we meet with God daily.
When we consistently have those empowering moments, we can connect with others and give in extraordinary ways. As we allow God to make us aware of our own heart and renews it, we can help create a safe place for others to share their heart. We can stimulate them toward their own personal renewal as we share together about our spiritual journeys.
Keep wrestling!
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Fix it shops
It's been a while since I've blogged... maybe partly because I'm moving across time zones after a little while, and it's taken my blogging in a different direction as well as I prepare for the move.
Back when I lived in Mae Sot, I had a flat tire. Common occurrence for cyclists living in Asia. But this particular time, I had to push it a mile to a repair shop. I realized it was something I could do, after I had to.
Over the last 6 months or so, I've been on a journey. I've been processing a lot of personal and cultural things, like how Mennonites do different stuff. I've started noticing a few trends... we tend to like our lives under control, in fine condition {How are you? I'm fine.} and enjoy the feeling of having arrived. I've had some good input to help me come to my conclusions, which you may or may not agree with.
You see, I think we sorta like fix it shops... repair shops, cycle tire shop, you call it out for what it is.. we gravitate to conferences, conventions and meetings where we get a quick fix for ourselves to get the feeling of having arrived at our destination. We'll even push our 'bike' a mile if that is what it takes to learn how to renounce a lie, or pray just the right prayer or deal with our pain just the right way. I've been there, done that... and the tire just sort of gets a screw instead of nail so we have to find a new shop to repair it so the tire lasts a little longer. They talk about reinventing the wheel... umm, yeah, that too.
The last while, I've been reading my Bible a little differently. The story of the Bible isn't about repairs, it's about relationships. God heals, God restores and redeems, but it's always to continued relationships. The focus isn't on the tools, on the method or on the issue, it's on God.
We weren't born with anything in our hand when we came to the world, and we don't die with anything tangible to take with us. Yet so often we live like the tools, the method and the way we handle everything decides whether we are ok or not. It gets exhausting after a while to find the right fix to meet everyone's expectations, qualifications and commendation. Too often we've forgotten that relationship with God and what He says is what matters.
I'm all for learning, studying and developing, don't get me wrong. But examining our motives shows who we're doing it for.
Problems are a window through which we find God. We don't have to run from the window because the boogey man is staring in, or grab our toolbox. God has it under much better control then we could ever have.
We can be confident that He who hath begun a good work in you, will perform it according to Philippians 1:6
Our journey doesn't achieve 'arrival' status till we get to Heaven. Jesus said He would be with us always. He also said, "Come unto me all ye who are weary, and I will give you rest" and "Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me for my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
In Peter, it talks about casting all your cares upon Him for He cares for you. All the bags that life has given you come by because of sin, but Someone is willing to help carry and sort through those things.
You don't have to push that bike to the repair shop, He can come and meet you right where you are. And He may just give you a new tire, instead of a patch.
He told the Samaritan woman that if she drank His water, she wouldn't thirst again. We can come up with our patches, our fixes that are temporary, or we can come to Him.
You might bring up one of the stories of the people who had a problem so that God could be gloried, or how Paul had a thorn that wasn't taken away. That might be His providential answer in your best interest, but if so, you can count on His sufficient grace.
There are no formulas, no special tricks, just a daily walk with God. (and a few other brave hearted individuals)
Back when I lived in Mae Sot, I had a flat tire. Common occurrence for cyclists living in Asia. But this particular time, I had to push it a mile to a repair shop. I realized it was something I could do, after I had to.
Over the last 6 months or so, I've been on a journey. I've been processing a lot of personal and cultural things, like how Mennonites do different stuff. I've started noticing a few trends... we tend to like our lives under control, in fine condition {How are you? I'm fine.} and enjoy the feeling of having arrived. I've had some good input to help me come to my conclusions, which you may or may not agree with.
You see, I think we sorta like fix it shops... repair shops, cycle tire shop, you call it out for what it is.. we gravitate to conferences, conventions and meetings where we get a quick fix for ourselves to get the feeling of having arrived at our destination. We'll even push our 'bike' a mile if that is what it takes to learn how to renounce a lie, or pray just the right prayer or deal with our pain just the right way. I've been there, done that... and the tire just sort of gets a screw instead of nail so we have to find a new shop to repair it so the tire lasts a little longer. They talk about reinventing the wheel... umm, yeah, that too.
The last while, I've been reading my Bible a little differently. The story of the Bible isn't about repairs, it's about relationships. God heals, God restores and redeems, but it's always to continued relationships. The focus isn't on the tools, on the method or on the issue, it's on God.
We weren't born with anything in our hand when we came to the world, and we don't die with anything tangible to take with us. Yet so often we live like the tools, the method and the way we handle everything decides whether we are ok or not. It gets exhausting after a while to find the right fix to meet everyone's expectations, qualifications and commendation. Too often we've forgotten that relationship with God and what He says is what matters.
I'm all for learning, studying and developing, don't get me wrong. But examining our motives shows who we're doing it for.
Problems are a window through which we find God. We don't have to run from the window because the boogey man is staring in, or grab our toolbox. God has it under much better control then we could ever have.
We can be confident that He who hath begun a good work in you, will perform it according to Philippians 1:6
Our journey doesn't achieve 'arrival' status till we get to Heaven. Jesus said He would be with us always. He also said, "Come unto me all ye who are weary, and I will give you rest" and "Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me for my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
In Peter, it talks about casting all your cares upon Him for He cares for you. All the bags that life has given you come by because of sin, but Someone is willing to help carry and sort through those things.
You don't have to push that bike to the repair shop, He can come and meet you right where you are. And He may just give you a new tire, instead of a patch.
He told the Samaritan woman that if she drank His water, she wouldn't thirst again. We can come up with our patches, our fixes that are temporary, or we can come to Him.
You might bring up one of the stories of the people who had a problem so that God could be gloried, or how Paul had a thorn that wasn't taken away. That might be His providential answer in your best interest, but if so, you can count on His sufficient grace.
There are no formulas, no special tricks, just a daily walk with God. (and a few other brave hearted individuals)
Sunday, April 14, 2013
From the Cosmetic Aisle
Arbonne. Avon. Beauti
Control. Estee Lauder. Mary Kay. Natural DIY recipes. The brands go
on and on. Every year we hear about a new treatment plan that is out
of this world and works miracles. Women buy a new line in hopes of
refreshed facial beauty. Our mothers will look young like us
daughters. {yeah, right, mom} Glowing, unflawed and healthy skin
touched by a kiss of foundation, blush, mascara and lipstick are what we're
told makes a women stunningly gorgeous and completely captivating. A
male colleague of mine back in America jokingly affirmed this one day when he
told me all I need is a little make-up. “Thanks sir, for that vote
of confidence.”
A famous cosmetologist
once said, “The most beautiful thing a woman can have is her
passion but makeup is an excellent substitute.” So why do many
women settle for a substitute? Maybe because her passion has been
wounded, disclaimed or discarded. They have learned their beautiful passion should be
controlled.
Recently I heard a godly man
speak into all this. In a nutshell, he said one word for women before
the fall in the garden was beauty. And one word for women after the
garden was control. He encouraged us to live out of beauty which is
our original purpose instead of out of control. If we would put all
the energy we put into controlling our lives into creating beauty,
life would be much more meaningful and well, beautiful. I loved the
idea.
If we live out of
beauty, we may very possibly be hurt, intentionally or unintentionally. Girls destroy perfect roses by
playing 'He loves me, he loves me not...' Little boys in school make
cruel and life impacting comments. Our families impact into our
beauty/control worldviews in immeasurable ways. Every woman has her
story, but she is invited by God in another scene of healing.
Beauty has often been
trampled and beaten down but it's essence can't be squelched and it's
impact can't be stopped.
Beauty stands out
starkly in harsh realities.
God restores beauty,
never control.
Looking at some of the
world's historic wars and what was really at stake; a king was
enamored with a drop dead gorgeous queen or princess from a far away
land and he was determined to have her.
Yes, Beauty is possibly
the most powerful thing in this life.
Beauty is always an
essence in every circumstance. Control is fleeting.
Beauty always reaches
out and reconciles relationships only to become more beautiful.
Control dominates relationships, only to lose them.
Beauty merits honor.
Control brings shame.
Beauty isn't lonely.
Control acts like it isn't.
Beauty has an alluring
mystery. Controls tries to be mysterious and fails.
Beauty is really
stronger then control.
As I was reflecting on
all this, I remembered that I had become a Beauti Control consultant
as a result of a party last year. Being a good Mennonite, I wanted
the discounts and benefits of consultant status to justify the price
tag. Then recently, I was thinking of ways to make some money when I
returned home. Beauti Control had crossed my mind. I'd been picturing
my sales pitch being something like: “I'm trying to make the lives
of women in Asia more beautiful, etc... etc...”
Now there was a new
sales pitch that goes more like this, “Ladies, there is a lesson
from a long time ago that we all need to learn... we were made for
beauty and not to control... so as you apply your daily facial
routine, remind yourselves what you were created for... and live out
of beauty instead of control.”
I don't know about you
but I could get passionate about selling the message of 'beauty
instead of control.' Now that's a message of fabulously breath
taking, beautiful hope worth talking about. I'll still be sharing the
message whether I decide to sell the products or not. The message proclaiming
"Beauti instead of Control."
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Raw Emotion
It feels like a while since this blog has contained some raw footage. Raw exposure to my environment. Raw- unedited. Raw-natural, unrefined, untouched-virtually beautifully pure. Raw-no moral of the story applied. Raw-no life lesson gleaned. Just plain, word pictures of what my eyes have encountered in the eyes of those I've met. Eyes of the orphans. Eyes of the beggars. Eyes of the stressed workers. Eyes of people I haven't seen for a while and reveling in their presence. Eyes of people who know no hope. Eyes of people who have sought but haven't found, and gave up. The cry for love and grace is everywhere. Sometimes it rises to the surface. Sometimes it's buried beneath layers and requires shoveling.
When we meet the raw, we make choices. What will I do with this? Am I willing to feel what they are feeling? Or will I choose to walk away and refuse to offer? Am I going to say this is just how life is and stay out of it or am I willing to get messy?
For the long term, what should my involvement be? What is going to help them and not hurt them more?
In the meantime as I'm contemplating all this, 2 different people pass away back in America. 2 different families are grieving the sudden loss of a parent this week. The children of both are people I've either studied with or worked with for a longer period of time. And I can't really understand how they feel right now or what their description of raw would look like. There aren't any answers. And all this has added a whole new thread to my thoughts on raw reality.
This thread adds an urgency to make the most of life. To love well. To be wise about how I use my resources. To reach out and touch those around me who are seeking for love. To be intentional in loving my family from long distance. To not allow the woes of the world to keep me from friending the people in it. To not allow small annoyances and raw issues to become so Big...
Each of us is an uncompleted story. The raw fibers are still be woven and none of us know exactly what the end result is going to be. None of us know what today's pain will weave into our journal. None of us completely can grasp the raw character of another person. None of us choose the pain, the joy, or the circumstances we experience in life. And that pretty much levels the playing field of life.
So why not enjoy each "raw" individual for who they are? Why not just freely love when the other option is? Why not cut ourselves and others some slack and grant grace where it isn't merited?
Today I choose to believe there is beauty in the raw... I choose to believe that God knows what He is making... and I choose to accept that life will always have pain. I choose to allow God to use the messy things in life to make me a better person. And yes, there's a part of me that screaming, "NOOO! don't say that!" I accept the fact that I'm still raw, unfinished, and unrefined. And I accept the truth that God won't leave me in my natural state. I also accept the truth that God will use me to make a difference even while I'm 'undone.'
When we meet the raw, we make choices. What will I do with this? Am I willing to feel what they are feeling? Or will I choose to walk away and refuse to offer? Am I going to say this is just how life is and stay out of it or am I willing to get messy?
For the long term, what should my involvement be? What is going to help them and not hurt them more?
In the meantime as I'm contemplating all this, 2 different people pass away back in America. 2 different families are grieving the sudden loss of a parent this week. The children of both are people I've either studied with or worked with for a longer period of time. And I can't really understand how they feel right now or what their description of raw would look like. There aren't any answers. And all this has added a whole new thread to my thoughts on raw reality.
This thread adds an urgency to make the most of life. To love well. To be wise about how I use my resources. To reach out and touch those around me who are seeking for love. To be intentional in loving my family from long distance. To not allow the woes of the world to keep me from friending the people in it. To not allow small annoyances and raw issues to become so Big...
Each of us is an uncompleted story. The raw fibers are still be woven and none of us know exactly what the end result is going to be. None of us know what today's pain will weave into our journal. None of us completely can grasp the raw character of another person. None of us choose the pain, the joy, or the circumstances we experience in life. And that pretty much levels the playing field of life.
So why not enjoy each "raw" individual for who they are? Why not just freely love when the other option is? Why not cut ourselves and others some slack and grant grace where it isn't merited?
Today I choose to believe there is beauty in the raw... I choose to believe that God knows what He is making... and I choose to accept that life will always have pain. I choose to allow God to use the messy things in life to make me a better person. And yes, there's a part of me that screaming, "NOOO! don't say that!" I accept the fact that I'm still raw, unfinished, and unrefined. And I accept the truth that God won't leave me in my natural state. I also accept the truth that God will use me to make a difference even while I'm 'undone.'
Friday, August 10, 2012
Values
What do you always find time for?
What matters to me?
What will I give all my savings to?
What or Who am I allowing to be my Master?
Take a dollar for example. The way I'd spend it is probably different from the way you'd spend it and neither of us may be wrong in how we use it. TM used this as an example at the homeless shelter this week in his message. Values... mine...yours... God's...
As I've been telling people recently that I'm going back to Asia, I've gotten a variety of responses. Some positive. Some questioning that I would go "Again." When it comes down to it, I think it's basically a difference in our values.
For me, Asia/Burmese ppl/human trafficking/member care floats about the top of my list. For starters, I've felt God calling me in this direction. For another reason, it's God's heart that His people go and tell about His glory. He didn't bless me to hog it all to myself. He's blessed me to share the teaching that I've gotten, the money I've made, the faith I have with anyone that crosses my path and anything else He's given me.
Having said all that, there is a part of me that would love to just not be so "out of the box." To just be more "normal." Whatever that is?!!!!!!!!! At the same time, I have zero regrets about where God has taken me over the years. It's been an amazing ride and most certainly is far from boring.
So because I already love these people and care about them on both sides of the globe, I'm going to dive into learning a language that is very different from my own. I'm gonna go in over my head and because I know God, I know I'll survive with crazy stories that are full of His fingerprints. And whatever He's going to teach me along the way may create more "unique and unusual" things in my worldview but I know it's going to be good.
"My Thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My Ways." That means a shift in values. It means being a "peculiar person" for His glory. It means I no longer try to be my kind of "normal" but His kind of 'normal'.
Pray with me as I go on this journey of faith.
What matters to me?
What will I give all my savings to?
What or Who am I allowing to be my Master?
Take a dollar for example. The way I'd spend it is probably different from the way you'd spend it and neither of us may be wrong in how we use it. TM used this as an example at the homeless shelter this week in his message. Values... mine...yours... God's...
As I've been telling people recently that I'm going back to Asia, I've gotten a variety of responses. Some positive. Some questioning that I would go "Again." When it comes down to it, I think it's basically a difference in our values.
For me, Asia/Burmese ppl/human trafficking/member care floats about the top of my list. For starters, I've felt God calling me in this direction. For another reason, it's God's heart that His people go and tell about His glory. He didn't bless me to hog it all to myself. He's blessed me to share the teaching that I've gotten, the money I've made, the faith I have with anyone that crosses my path and anything else He's given me.
Having said all that, there is a part of me that would love to just not be so "out of the box." To just be more "normal." Whatever that is?!!!!!!!!! At the same time, I have zero regrets about where God has taken me over the years. It's been an amazing ride and most certainly is far from boring.
So because I already love these people and care about them on both sides of the globe, I'm going to dive into learning a language that is very different from my own. I'm gonna go in over my head and because I know God, I know I'll survive with crazy stories that are full of His fingerprints. And whatever He's going to teach me along the way may create more "unique and unusual" things in my worldview but I know it's going to be good.
"My Thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My Ways." That means a shift in values. It means being a "peculiar person" for His glory. It means I no longer try to be my kind of "normal" but His kind of 'normal'.
Pray with me as I go on this journey of faith.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Proposals
"Will you ______________?"
"Yes!!!!!"
Do you remember a day when God got intimate with you and asked you a question that would change the rest of your life?
I still remember the day I decided God was a "hopeless" romantic... and will always treasure it...
Recently I've been contemplating what it feels like to God to have us as "lovers." I doubt that He feels that same warm, fuzzy, lovey dovey feeling that I get when I have a special divinely appointed day that reminds me that Someone cares for my heart.
I can't imagine what it must feel like when we come wanting to discuss our work, our journey, our goals and our purpose...everything except our mutual love during those prayer moments. "Good grief! can't we just talk about 'us??!!'
"When are you going to change this or that..." or "God, couldn't You do_____________" or "Please open the door to______________" the list goes on and on...It's a miracle He keeps us alive when the very things we complain about are His gifts of love working for our greater good.
Another classic I'm sure the Trinity rolls their eyes over is when we get a break through. We run all over, telling everyone and then forget to say "Thanks!" Oh, we may utter a thankful thought or two, but we don't sit down and revel in His Love.
If we really think God is awesome, amazing, all-powerful, magnificant, and worthy of all honor and praise, shouldn't we find time to delight in Him? To bow in awe before Him? To find ways to "romance" God?
So in what ways can we romance God?
In what ways can we enjoy Him?
What does it mean to bring Him pleasure?
I don't have answers but I do know that our Relationship with Him is why we exist. Not our work, not our journey, not our goals...no, our purpose is a relationship with God Himself. And then to love all the others-unreached, black, white, brown, creamy, and tanned people by telling them about this amazing Love relationship.
"Yes!!!!!"
Do you remember a day when God got intimate with you and asked you a question that would change the rest of your life?
I still remember the day I decided God was a "hopeless" romantic... and will always treasure it...
Recently I've been contemplating what it feels like to God to have us as "lovers." I doubt that He feels that same warm, fuzzy, lovey dovey feeling that I get when I have a special divinely appointed day that reminds me that Someone cares for my heart.
I can't imagine what it must feel like when we come wanting to discuss our work, our journey, our goals and our purpose...everything except our mutual love during those prayer moments. "Good grief! can't we just talk about 'us??!!'
"When are you going to change this or that..." or "God, couldn't You do_____________" or "Please open the door to______________" the list goes on and on...It's a miracle He keeps us alive when the very things we complain about are His gifts of love working for our greater good.
Another classic I'm sure the Trinity rolls their eyes over is when we get a break through. We run all over, telling everyone and then forget to say "Thanks!" Oh, we may utter a thankful thought or two, but we don't sit down and revel in His Love.
If we really think God is awesome, amazing, all-powerful, magnificant, and worthy of all honor and praise, shouldn't we find time to delight in Him? To bow in awe before Him? To find ways to "romance" God?
So in what ways can we romance God?
In what ways can we enjoy Him?
What does it mean to bring Him pleasure?
I don't have answers but I do know that our Relationship with Him is why we exist. Not our work, not our journey, not our goals...no, our purpose is a relationship with God Himself. And then to love all the others-unreached, black, white, brown, creamy, and tanned people by telling them about this amazing Love relationship.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Pain Management
As part of my medical records career, I enter data into an electronic chart with many tabs and subtabs for tests, consults and a multitude of other necessities like HIPPA releases of information. One of the frequently used tabs is called "Pain Management." All kinds of chronic body aches and pain medications are mentioned.
It seems that in today's world, we believe that we are entitled to live without pain for as long as we live. No physical pain, emotional pain and certainly no spiritual pain should be in store for anyone and most certainly not a Christian.
I recall my own horror when I heard someone say a few years ago that pain is a good thing. He mentioned the 'Joy of Pain' book about Lepers in India who have lost limbs or burned their toes/fingers due to lack of feeling pain. In their situation, pain would save them...
Last year at school, I often mused over the class by Val about learning more through pain then through the joys of life. I couldn't believe it was true but as I reflected over my own life, I realized that it was indeed completely accurate. I don't know why I would have the nerve to question someone who has walked through more pain then I can imagine with losing a spouse and a child and who knows what other pain. I'm sure somedays teachers just want to "tell" their students!:)
Over the past year, I've felt the pain of closed doors and watched friends and family walk through different trials and struggles. More then once, I've wanted to hug their pain away. To totally obliterate it. Erase it from their life and even more to delete it from their hearts.
But for a butterfly to gain it's wings, it must go through a dormant stage. Listen to mothers talk and you know no birth is easy. Look at the cross... Anything that is important, comes with pain.
The lyrics of a song have spoken to me about embracing the pain and walking through it to greater redemption of my heart... Here goes the chorus:
Life is hard and pain is real
But the strongest hearts are not made of steel
They're made of tenderness and trust.
Sometimes life has it's way with us
And we find it's the heartaches, struggles and scars
That makes the strongest hearts.
So if pain is one of the main chiselers in the box, then why not be willing to joyfully endure to the end for a delightful new product within our heart that amazes us?
What if pain is what keeps us dependant on God? What if pain ultimately is a reminder that this life won't ever completely satisfy us and keeps us longing for something better that we'll only find in Heaven? What if pain is really what is going to keep us, sorta like the lepers, away from the fire of hell? What if pain is really the only way to save us from ourselves and our depraved habits?
We've heard time and again that God doesn't give us more then we can handle and that what He does is for our good, so why not ask God to be our "pain manager?" They always say,"He specializes in taking good care of His children." And I've rolled my eyes on that one as many times as you have... Even when it doesn't feel good, He has our greater good in mind.
Sometimes it's like another song's chorus goes...
Cause what if Your blessings come through rain drops?
What if your healing comes through tears?
And what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near?
And what if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
So all my dear friends who are facing hard times and tough mountains, don't stop believing that God really does care and He is in control. God loves you more then you'll ever know. Someday, as unrealistic as it seems now, you will fly again. I'll believe it until you can believe it for yourself.
Back to those pain management reports at work, sometimes the results aren't desirable. But God's ways are different. Promise.
It seems that in today's world, we believe that we are entitled to live without pain for as long as we live. No physical pain, emotional pain and certainly no spiritual pain should be in store for anyone and most certainly not a Christian.
I recall my own horror when I heard someone say a few years ago that pain is a good thing. He mentioned the 'Joy of Pain' book about Lepers in India who have lost limbs or burned their toes/fingers due to lack of feeling pain. In their situation, pain would save them...
Last year at school, I often mused over the class by Val about learning more through pain then through the joys of life. I couldn't believe it was true but as I reflected over my own life, I realized that it was indeed completely accurate. I don't know why I would have the nerve to question someone who has walked through more pain then I can imagine with losing a spouse and a child and who knows what other pain. I'm sure somedays teachers just want to "tell" their students!:)
Over the past year, I've felt the pain of closed doors and watched friends and family walk through different trials and struggles. More then once, I've wanted to hug their pain away. To totally obliterate it. Erase it from their life and even more to delete it from their hearts.
But for a butterfly to gain it's wings, it must go through a dormant stage. Listen to mothers talk and you know no birth is easy. Look at the cross... Anything that is important, comes with pain.
The lyrics of a song have spoken to me about embracing the pain and walking through it to greater redemption of my heart... Here goes the chorus:
Life is hard and pain is real
But the strongest hearts are not made of steel
They're made of tenderness and trust.
Sometimes life has it's way with us
And we find it's the heartaches, struggles and scars
That makes the strongest hearts.
So if pain is one of the main chiselers in the box, then why not be willing to joyfully endure to the end for a delightful new product within our heart that amazes us?
What if pain is what keeps us dependant on God? What if pain ultimately is a reminder that this life won't ever completely satisfy us and keeps us longing for something better that we'll only find in Heaven? What if pain is really what is going to keep us, sorta like the lepers, away from the fire of hell? What if pain is really the only way to save us from ourselves and our depraved habits?
We've heard time and again that God doesn't give us more then we can handle and that what He does is for our good, so why not ask God to be our "pain manager?" They always say,"He specializes in taking good care of His children." And I've rolled my eyes on that one as many times as you have... Even when it doesn't feel good, He has our greater good in mind.
Sometimes it's like another song's chorus goes...
Cause what if Your blessings come through rain drops?
What if your healing comes through tears?
And what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near?
And what if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
So all my dear friends who are facing hard times and tough mountains, don't stop believing that God really does care and He is in control. God loves you more then you'll ever know. Someday, as unrealistic as it seems now, you will fly again. I'll believe it until you can believe it for yourself.
Back to those pain management reports at work, sometimes the results aren't desirable. But God's ways are different. Promise.
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