There are times in this life, when we face things that honestly, we just do not know how to handle. Even as a Christian, a “Follower of Christ”, actually ESPECIALLY as a Christian these challenges enter our lives. They challenge us, they force us to face insurmountable odds that, in our own humanity, we simply do not have the ability to overcome. Be it physical, emotional, monetary, you name it. We as human beings, with all our “advancements and technology” have a ceiling that we just simply cannot exceed.
Our WILLpower is greater than our OWN power. And that is where we tend to loose sight of the greatest gift, that we abuse, and use as a hindrance and crutch. FREE-Will.
For us to honestly reach our full potential, we need to stop trying to be independent and self-reliant. This has been one of the greatest areas in life I personally struggle with. So determined to “Make it on my own”, “I don’t need anyone’s help”. Well, that’s simply not true. We were created in God’s image. And God, is a Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Working in perfect, flawless, union. It’s ….mind-shattering to comprehend, but..what of God is NOT mind-shattering? The Creator of ALL things, Time has no meaning, as He alone created it. Lives in and outside of it. I could honestly sit here and write on and on and on about how impossible it is for me to try to explain, TRYING to explain God lol! And to think, as a quote I once heard in a sermon once…”If you think the beauty of some of the scenery you have witnessed on this earth is beautiful, just wait till you reach Heaven, God has yet begun to show you what majestic tapestries He is capable of creating!”
But, to do walk those shores…yes, I say shores…don’t think you’ll be floating on clouds strumming harps lol. We need to submit our will, our wants, our desires, to the One who loves us, more than we even love ourselves. Cast off your cares and have faith, the God who has provided will continue to do so. Unfortunately, being human is no simple thing…we often get in our own way, thinking we can do things better, faster, more “effective”. And, He’ll let us, to a degree. So that we can learn. So that we can grow. So that we can gain the Faith to accept a humble heart.
It’s awe-inspiring to watch God move in someone’s life. I was privileged to be allowed to do so. She wanted NOTHING to do with God, Church, Religion, in ANY way. The anger and resentment she held….it was painful for even me to see. But I knew, Jesus had not given up on her. Just as He does not give up on any of us. He is the Good Shepard that will go searching for that one, lost sheep, wandering too close to the area the wolves hunt in. He has done that for me, on more occasions than I can recount. And time after time, I made a promise to myself, “I’ll do better this time”, “I won’t make THAT mistake again”….”I’ll go to church more often”, “I’ll participate in things…”, ect, ect, ect….and still, I would fail. Yet still, He would come and rescue me, who was stubborn, and unworthy. Clean me up, and restore me, and sometimes, yes….I would be “chastised”. But only out of love. A love that spans the ages of time and space. A love, that…He honestly allowed me to glimpse, for lack of better words. And I still have that memory, the feeling…it is like nothing I can never, nor will EVER be able to explain. A love so profound, so deep…laced with a sorrow that was so ancient, all I could do was fall to my knees in our neighbors yard, at 3am in the morning on a cold March morning.
I found my Faith that morning, and I gave up my Will….some may doubt, and the random atheist will laugh and make some “scientific” claim to “explain it” all. But as surely as I breath the breath that doctors told me nearly 11 yrs ago, I would not BE breathing 3 months from the lung biopsy they took. God had other plans for my life. And I will shout it from the rooftops! =)
The day the woman I spoke of was baptized…well, there just are no words. To see her rise up out of the water, a new creation, reborn in Christ. She had the glory of God about her, His love, mercy, and grace…without a doubt, it was one of the top 5 moments in my life. And I am ever thankful, He allowed me to be a part of it.
So, times may be difficult for you my friend. And the gathering clouds may be dark, but in our own strength…we WILL fail the attempt at getting through such storms. Give it ALL over to God, hold nothing back, there is NO burden, no pain, no problem that He can not get you through. Find your Faith….