Most of us are programmed to create Plan B in our lives. If one thing doesn't work out, then always have another to go to, then another, and then another..... It feels secure and gives the appearance of practicality, being smart and thoughtful. But with God, Plan B often times gets in His way. He doesn't want us to have Plan B. He is Plan A and that's it. Trust him.
I'm really good at Plan B and so forth. I've prided myself in it. But I've also learned in my life that God is not pleased with me at all when I do this. Awhile back this was impressed on me during a particular time in my life.
I had left my company and was trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. It was a difficult time for me. Financially, I was fearful of what was ahead. I had never been without employment before. The "security" of a regular paycheck with inherent "benefits" had always been there. Life was different and I wasn't sure how to handle it. I not only had my own issues to be concerned with, but also the pressure of how my wife was feeling and what she was going through weighed on me.
God was working on me. And what He wanted to get through to me was beginning to take effect. I knew this in numerous ways, but one really stood out. For the first time in a long time, I was very sensitive and open to God. My heart was softer. I could hear the Spirit. I could sense God's presence. I wasn't consumed with the pressures of the workplace and focusing on me all the time and what I could achieve.
This came to light one morning as I was reading through the Bible. I was in the great room in my "reading corner." It was about 8:30 in the morning. My wife had left for work and the house was very quiet. The windows and doors were open and I could hear the birds singing. It was overcast and humid, but pleasant in the coolness of the morning.
I was reading I Kings 19-20 about God's ordeal with Ahab and Ben Haddad. There were several attempts where God reached out to Ahab to work through him and give him victory, at seemingly overwhelming odds, and to show him that He is God. But Ahab didn't get it. I was reminded of how God did that in my life. And just like Ahab, so often I didn't get it.
The previous evening, my wife and I were sitting in the den and she asked if I had considered contacting recruiters to find me a job in case the one I was counting on didn't pan out. She said we needed Plan B. My response was no, because we didn't need Plan B. I believed that God was going to lead us to where He wanted and I was trusting that this new company was going to come through. This was not an easy topic for us. We were at different points in our lives then, and discussion of this was difficult.
So, when I read the passages in I Kings the next morning, I was reminded of our discussion the previous evening. My stand on not needing Plan B sounded silly to me the next morning. It sounded impractical. It sounded like I was procrastinating and not being wise. But something told me to trust in God, my Father. I believed this particular job I was pursuing was brought to me by God. I believed it would happen. I mean, God had already demonstrated I was on the right path by steering me away from investing myself and money in an internet marketing opportunity. That happened in an almost miraculous way for me. And now God was speaking to me through His Word in I Kings. This was confirmation to me. Do I have moments of fear and doubt? Absolutely! I had just read where Elijah did as well. But God was constantly with Elijah and Elijah just kept on going. God accomplished what He wanted to do because Elijah submitted, believed and trusted Him.
In my reading that morning in I Kings 20:13-15 the Bible told about the issue with Ahab. It said: "Just then a lone prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and said, 'God's word: Have you taken a good look at this mob? Well, look again--I'm turning it over to you this very day. And you'll know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I am God.' Ahab said, 'Really? And who is going to make this happen?' God said, 'The young commandos of the regional chiefs. 'And who', said Ahab, 'will strike the first blow?' God said, 'You.' Ahab looked over the commandos of the regional chiefs; he counted 232. Then he assessed the available troops--7,000.'" The next sentence begins "At noon they set out..."
So, what struck me was that God told Ahab that He would give him victory, over great odds, and why He was doing it. But Ahab, unlike Elijah, began to question God and wanted to know how and what assurances he had. Ahab was relying on what the world's ways would be. He turned to assess his Plan B, the numbers of soldiers he had and their capabilities. God had already told Ahab that He was going to do it and why.
That is why I didn't believe I needed Plan B. God had shown me He was going to do it. But, if this one job I was counting on and believed that God had put in my path didn't come about, He would bring something else. Maybe, just maybe, He didn't plan on me continuing in the path I had always followed. Maybe, just maybe, He had different plans for me. Trust in God and believe. That is what I was learning. I didn't want to be like Ahab. I wanted to be like Elijah, even with all his warts, doubts, and human weaknesses. So, on that morning I told God that I was waiting.
A few months earlier, I had gotten away to Cumberland Falls by myself and stayed in a cabin in the woods. I was completely alone. I had my Bible, a Christian perspective book I was reading and a fiction novel. I spent four days reading, talking to God, writing in my journal and just focusing on God. And God spent those four days ripping me apart and talking to me. It was an incredible experience. Since then, I had become convinced that it had been a God ordained event. This had been evident to me in several ways. This came to mind that morning when I was reading. I believed that if I had not gone to Cumberland Falls, spent four days with God, had "Don't be afraid!" pressed firmly into my heart and mind, I would never had been prepared to walk out of the internet marketing meeting and say no, which brought me to where I was that morning. Give up the known for the unknown. I was convinced of it.
God, my Father did this. He changed me. He transformed me. He grew me. He made me a new man. I was overwhelmed with what was going on in my life.
Praise You Father, the God of all! Ruler of all! My Father!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Thoughts on Elijah
A couple of summers ago it was a very intense time for me. So many things were up in the air and I didn't see any resolution to any of them, except in my very limited vision of what God could do. In my reading through the Bible I was in 1 Kings and the story of Elijah really caught my attention. As I continued reading, my thoughts focused on what Elijah might have been thinking and going through with God. I certainly was going through things with God. So, I began writing what the thoughts of Elijah might have been.
Now I understand that Elijah might have never had these thoughts. But you know he was human just like you and me and these just might have been going through his mind. It certainly helped me to see God's work in people when we really don't have a clue as to what He is doing and yet we are absolutely, directly the recipient of His workings.
Please read on and maybe God will speak to you where you are right now.
(What are written in italics are direct quotes from The Message passages in 1 Kings 16-18. My thoughts are indicated by RLO. What might have been Elijah's and the Widow's are indicated by ELIJAH and WIDOW.)
RLO: Father, I am overwhelmed and overjoyed this morning. I awoke very early and started to think about the impending end of the money I had set aside to live on. My emotions and fear began to follow. But Your Spirit spoke to me and reminded me "Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid." And I wasn't. The feelings of anxiety and fear left. I got up and started my reading in Your Word. I read 1 Kings 16-18. You spoke to me so greatly through this passage. It was about Elijah and his life at the beginning of his ministry with You. I'm going to try and tell here what You said to me.
We don't know what Elijah's life was like before he came on the scene in the Bible. But the environment and society in which he lived was horrible. Ahab, who was king at the time, was exceedingly evil and all of the population of Israel was affected in some way. So I can assume Elijah was really struggling trying to stay obedient to God and he knew of Ahab's ways and the kind of person he really was. In addition Ahab was greatly influenced by his wife Jezebel, who was also extremely evil and powerful. The Bible says:
"Ahab son of Omri did even more open evil before God than anyone yet--a new champion in evil!...It was under Ahab's rule that Hiel of Bethel...ritually sacrificed his first-born son...and his youngest son...That is exactly what Joshua son of Nun said would happen."
It was in this kind of environment and conditions in which Elijah lived. Life must have been very difficult and the world was against all that Elijah believed in. Going on the Bible says:
"And then this happened: Elijah the Tishbite...confronted Ahab; "As surely as God lives..."
God had had enough. So he sent Elijah to confront Ahab. I wonder what Elijah thought. "You want me to do what?" And then again, maybe he didn't wonder this. Maybe Elijah was desperate for God and just did it. Whichever way it was, the effect it had on Ahab was not pretty.
"God then told Elijah, "Get out of here, and fast...hide out...you can drink fresh water from the brook; I've ordered the ravens to feed you. Elijah obeyed God's orders."
Now I don't know how Elijah felt or what he thought, but what came to my mind was that he might have felt something like this:
ELIJAH: "OK, life was not perfect and goodness knows I'm not perfect, but all of a sudden my life has turned upside down. Not only are You asking me God to give up everything and do something completely crazy, like tell this evil king bad news, even when everyone around me would say I'm nuts, but I have to give up my home, all I've ever known, my family, and now I'm on the run for my life. Fear? I think I have something to be afraid of! Questions? Yeah! I have lots of questions. You'll take care of me? Come on! Be fed by ravens? But, I'm going to trust You with everything! I'll do as You say." Then the Bible goes on to say:
"And sure enough, ravens brought him his meals, both breakfast and supper, and he drank from the brook."
ELIJAH: "OK, so You did that Father. I see. But I still don't know why me, or why I'm doing this. So what? I do know that because of what You told me to tell Ahab I'm going to suffer greatly. Why do I deserve this? I've been faithful to You against all kinds of odds, persecutions, bad situations, powerful influences, why?" Then Father, Your Word says:
"Eventually the brook dried up because of the drought. Then God spoke to him: Get up and go...and live there. I've instructed a woman who lives there, a widow, to feed you."
ELIJAH: "Oh great, I'm sitting here in this wilderness alone, by a brook being fed by ravens. While it might not be ideal, I at least have food and water. But I see little by little each day the water starting to dry up and I start worrying. What's going to happen when it's gone? How long are the ravens going to keep this up? I've been out here a long time. Where are You God? What's going to happen to me? I did what You said and now look. I'm lonely. The water's drying up and I'm going to die, for what? Nothing has really changed. The world is still evil. But I hear You. You told me to get up and go. Won't that be dangerous? Ahab is still trying to kill me. That hasn't changed. Maybe if I stay here, I can outlast the drought. Why can't You use Your power to just keep the water flowing for me, even during the drought. You can do that! Why do I have to go? And You say You've spoken to a widow to feed me? What if it turns out just like this, good for a while, but then I'm in trouble again. How do I know You talked to a widow? Who is she anyway? How will I find her? I'm putting my life into this unknown person. She doesn't know me. At least I know what I have here. You've done what You said, but even with that, now the water's drying up." But the Bible says:
"So he got up and went."
RLO: I guess I have to trust and obey just like that. Elijah did. What he did was against what might be considered realistic, pragmatic or conventional wisdom. So when he got to his destination, I think Elijah would have expected this widow to be wealthy enough and be hospitable to welcome him, because God had already given her the word. But no, that's not what happened at all. The Bible says that when Elijah asked for a little jug of water because he was thirsty and something to eat, her response was:
"I swear, as surely as God lives, I don't have so much as a biscuit...you found me scratching together just enough firewood to make a last meal for my son and me. After we eat it, we'll die."
ELIJAH: "What? I thought You said "I've instructed a woman who lives there, a widow to feed you." Do I have the wrong widow? I've got to take control and look for the one You talked to. Why couldn't You have told me which widow it was? You could have been a little more specific in Your directions on how to find her. Now what do I do? I'm hungry, thirsty and really, really tired. This is ridiculous. Why can't You make things easier? This not worth it. Where is all this going? Why am I doing this? And after leaving a place where I was safe. You protected me. I had water and food. I trusted You and traveled all this way. Now I have nothing. You let me down and I don't know where to turn except for me to start making my own decisions."
RLO: But Elijah didn't think like that. Instead it didn't matter if this widow was the "right one." He depended on God's power instead. It wasn't the situation or the way Elijah thought God would work things out. No, but he trusted God and went on. Elijah said to the widow:
"Don't worry about a thing. Go ahead and do what you've said. But first make a small biscuit for me and bring it back here...This is the word of the God of Israel: "The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty before God sends rain on the land and ends this drought.""
RLO: Elijah didn't ask for a huge meal. He was obviously hungry. But he just asked for a little bit. God provided. But Elijah also showed his love and compassion for the widow and the son, when he could so easily thought only of himself, his predicament, thwarted expectations, disappointment and fear of the future. He still didn't know what God was doing with him, where he was going and why. He just knew and obeyed one-step-at-a-time and each step wasn't always pretty.
The story goes on in the Bible, but the emphasis now shifts to the widow. So she did what Elijah told her to do. For some reason she trusted him (and God) and does what is not the "smart" thing to do. She takes from the almost nothing she has, that her son's life and her life depends on. After this she knew there is no more. She already knows that starvation is imminent and this little flour and oil she has and even the little bit of firewood left will prolong life just a little while longer, and that "little while" is very precious to her. But in spite of all this and her fear, the Bible says:
"She went right off and did it, did just as Elijah asked."
RLO: That Father, is amazing to me. It's one thing to endure the hardships and potential ruin when it's only just you. But when one's decisions have potential dire impact on those you love, that is scary and amazing. There is a point at which those who are dependent on you weighs so heavy you think you can't make the decision. It's an awesome responsibility. But this poor, poor widow did it, trusted and knew that her decision about this crazy, unlikely promise would happen. The Bible says:
"And it turned out as he said--daily food for her and her family. The jar of meal didn't run out and the bottle of oil didn't become empty. God's promise fulfilled to the letter...exactly as Elijah had delivered it."
WIDOW: "Hallelujah! I was right to trust God. I'm now set. No matter what goes on around me, no matter how long this drought lasts, I'm going to be faithful to God and I will be fine. I'm telling everyone what God did for me and how he blessed me. All is well and God is pleased with my decision."
RLO: But wait. That's not what happened at all. The Bible says:
"Later on the woman's son became sick. The sickness took a turn for the worse and he stopped breathing."
WIDOW: "How could You God? I wish You had just let us die when I expected it. Why did You build me up? Put me on the joyful road of answered prayers? Bless me? Put my fears behind me? I gave You all the credit and glory. I was set, trusting You and being a great witness for You. And now You take my son away! I knew I couldn't trust You! Life is awful and always will be. I can't take any more."
RLO: The Bible says:
"The woman said to Elijah, "Why did you even show up here in the first place--a holy man barging in, exposing my sins, and killing my son?"
Elijah then immediately turned to God. He also questioned what God was doing. His faith was in crisis. He didn't understand at all! The Bible says:
"Then he prayed. "Oh, God, my God, why have you brought this terrible thing on this widow who has opened her home to me? Why have you killed her son?"
I think about my own son and him almost dying.Why oh God did You do this? Why did You take him right to the jaws of death physically? Why did You potentially kill my dreams and expectations for him? Why? The Bible continues:
"Three times he [Elijah] stretched himself out full length on the boy, praying with all his might, "God, my God, put breath back into this boy's body!" God listened to Elijah's prayer and put breath back into his body--he was alive!"
You did this for me too Father. My son is alive! Why? I don't have all the answers. But I can see how my family has changed. Oh what pain and disappointment we had to go through and still do. But it is clear You are at work. It is overwhelming for me to be aware of all the intricacies and repercussions in so many lives, with mine maybe experiencing the most powerful and evident change, and it isn't over yet. The Bible then says about the widowed mother:
"The woman said to Elijah, "I see it all now...when God speaks it is a true Word!"
So why did this happen Father? We can only see backward. We can't see forward. We only know the now! And between what You've done in the past, and knowing only the now, we trust You and rely on You for our future. Who knows? Only You. Elijah's doubts, questions, faith crisis, why? Well maybe You were preparing him for going up against Ahab and the Baal prophets. He saw the power You have, bringing the dead to life. He could rely on that. But he didn't know that at that time. Feeding him by ravens was great. But it would take more than that to convince him to trust You to overcome the prophets of Baal and to do something completely stupid in burning up the offering and alter with water poured over it. It took seeing You raise the dead through him.
There's one more event that pertains so much to me. We move into the story of Ahab and Obadiah. After the events of Elijah and the widow, the Bible says:
"A long time passed. Then God's word came to Elijah."
What happened during that "long time"? We don't know. But somehow I think that Elijah needed time to take all this in and deepen in his relationship to You God. This event, raising of the dead boy through Elijah, had been so very powerful, and You got Elijah's attention. But only You God knew what was facing him in the future. You knew how You wanted to use Elijah and there was a lot more to teach him, to grow and deepen him, so You took the time You needed with him. No hurry. You're in control. Elijah may have thought it was wasted time and impatient. He may have thought: "Man, I'm ready to go now! I just saw God raise the dead, better than anything else I've seen so far, and he did it through me! I'm ready to go. God I'm ready! I'm pumped! Let's go do whatever You want." But God wasn't ready--he pulled back and spent time with Elijah privately. Elijah may have really been frustrated and disappointed, but God was in control and knew best.
After a long time had passed, the Bible says:
"Then God's word came to Elijah. "Go and present yourself to Ahab"...Elijah set out to present himself to Ahab."
Only now was Elijah ready for the next assignment. He had to overcome fear, doubt and most importantly himself!
Then the story shifts to Elijah's servant. After Elijah humiliated and demoralized the prophets of Baal, the Bible says he [Elijah] climbed to the top of Mt. Carmel. There he:
"...bowed deeply in prayer, his face between his knees."
He was spent physically, emotionally and spiritually. The drought was going to end. The prophets of Baal had been destroyed. Elijah was struck down before God. And he prayed fervently. He told his young servant:
"On your feet now! Look toward the sea."
But the servant reported back that he saw nothing. Elijah told him to keep looking. And then the young servant saw something. Elijah was still praying. The Bible says:
"And sure enough, "Oh yes, a cloud! But very small, no bigger than some one's hand rising out of the sea."
How like You Father. To be a whisper, after all of the huge demonstrations of Your power. How like You in Your answers to our prayers, just a small cloud out in the distance. No big response. Can I see it? Do I trust it? Just out of reach, but its there! Then the Bible says Elijah told the young servant:
"Quickly then, on your way. Tell Ahab. Saddle up and get down from the mountain before the rain stops you!"
Elijah trusted. He knew. This horrible, huge drought that covered thousands of miles was over. He trusted. He knew this small cloud off in the distance was his answer from God. He knew that even though the cloud was small, it would grow into a huge water producing, drenching rain. He believed it so much that he knew it would prohibit travel and he wanted Ahab to know even before it started raining. Oh God, how unlike me. I'd want to wait and see if it were the real thing and truly an answer to my prayer before I trusted and surely before I would tell anyone. But not Elijah. He believed and he trusted You completely before it actually started raining huge buckets of water that "would develop" from this small cloud off in the distance. The Bible says:
"Things happened fast. The sky grew black with wind-driven clouds, and then a huge cloudburst of rain..."
The Bible also says:
"God strengthened Elijah mightily. Pulling up his robe and tying it around his waist, Elijah ran in front of Ahab's chariot until he reached Jezreel."
Even with all Elijah had done and he was physically, emotionally and maybe spiritually spent, You still gave Elijah the strength to run in front of the horses. Oh Father my God! How wonderful You are.
Now I understand that Elijah might have never had these thoughts. But you know he was human just like you and me and these just might have been going through his mind. It certainly helped me to see God's work in people when we really don't have a clue as to what He is doing and yet we are absolutely, directly the recipient of His workings.
Please read on and maybe God will speak to you where you are right now.
(What are written in italics are direct quotes from The Message passages in 1 Kings 16-18. My thoughts are indicated by RLO. What might have been Elijah's and the Widow's are indicated by ELIJAH and WIDOW.)
RLO: Father, I am overwhelmed and overjoyed this morning. I awoke very early and started to think about the impending end of the money I had set aside to live on. My emotions and fear began to follow. But Your Spirit spoke to me and reminded me "Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid." And I wasn't. The feelings of anxiety and fear left. I got up and started my reading in Your Word. I read 1 Kings 16-18. You spoke to me so greatly through this passage. It was about Elijah and his life at the beginning of his ministry with You. I'm going to try and tell here what You said to me.
We don't know what Elijah's life was like before he came on the scene in the Bible. But the environment and society in which he lived was horrible. Ahab, who was king at the time, was exceedingly evil and all of the population of Israel was affected in some way. So I can assume Elijah was really struggling trying to stay obedient to God and he knew of Ahab's ways and the kind of person he really was. In addition Ahab was greatly influenced by his wife Jezebel, who was also extremely evil and powerful. The Bible says:
"Ahab son of Omri did even more open evil before God than anyone yet--a new champion in evil!...It was under Ahab's rule that Hiel of Bethel...ritually sacrificed his first-born son...and his youngest son...That is exactly what Joshua son of Nun said would happen."
It was in this kind of environment and conditions in which Elijah lived. Life must have been very difficult and the world was against all that Elijah believed in. Going on the Bible says:
"And then this happened: Elijah the Tishbite...confronted Ahab; "As surely as God lives..."
God had had enough. So he sent Elijah to confront Ahab. I wonder what Elijah thought. "You want me to do what?" And then again, maybe he didn't wonder this. Maybe Elijah was desperate for God and just did it. Whichever way it was, the effect it had on Ahab was not pretty.
"God then told Elijah, "Get out of here, and fast...hide out...you can drink fresh water from the brook; I've ordered the ravens to feed you. Elijah obeyed God's orders."
Now I don't know how Elijah felt or what he thought, but what came to my mind was that he might have felt something like this:
ELIJAH: "OK, life was not perfect and goodness knows I'm not perfect, but all of a sudden my life has turned upside down. Not only are You asking me God to give up everything and do something completely crazy, like tell this evil king bad news, even when everyone around me would say I'm nuts, but I have to give up my home, all I've ever known, my family, and now I'm on the run for my life. Fear? I think I have something to be afraid of! Questions? Yeah! I have lots of questions. You'll take care of me? Come on! Be fed by ravens? But, I'm going to trust You with everything! I'll do as You say." Then the Bible goes on to say:
"And sure enough, ravens brought him his meals, both breakfast and supper, and he drank from the brook."
ELIJAH: "OK, so You did that Father. I see. But I still don't know why me, or why I'm doing this. So what? I do know that because of what You told me to tell Ahab I'm going to suffer greatly. Why do I deserve this? I've been faithful to You against all kinds of odds, persecutions, bad situations, powerful influences, why?" Then Father, Your Word says:
"Eventually the brook dried up because of the drought. Then God spoke to him: Get up and go...and live there. I've instructed a woman who lives there, a widow, to feed you."
ELIJAH: "Oh great, I'm sitting here in this wilderness alone, by a brook being fed by ravens. While it might not be ideal, I at least have food and water. But I see little by little each day the water starting to dry up and I start worrying. What's going to happen when it's gone? How long are the ravens going to keep this up? I've been out here a long time. Where are You God? What's going to happen to me? I did what You said and now look. I'm lonely. The water's drying up and I'm going to die, for what? Nothing has really changed. The world is still evil. But I hear You. You told me to get up and go. Won't that be dangerous? Ahab is still trying to kill me. That hasn't changed. Maybe if I stay here, I can outlast the drought. Why can't You use Your power to just keep the water flowing for me, even during the drought. You can do that! Why do I have to go? And You say You've spoken to a widow to feed me? What if it turns out just like this, good for a while, but then I'm in trouble again. How do I know You talked to a widow? Who is she anyway? How will I find her? I'm putting my life into this unknown person. She doesn't know me. At least I know what I have here. You've done what You said, but even with that, now the water's drying up." But the Bible says:
"So he got up and went."
RLO: I guess I have to trust and obey just like that. Elijah did. What he did was against what might be considered realistic, pragmatic or conventional wisdom. So when he got to his destination, I think Elijah would have expected this widow to be wealthy enough and be hospitable to welcome him, because God had already given her the word. But no, that's not what happened at all. The Bible says that when Elijah asked for a little jug of water because he was thirsty and something to eat, her response was:
"I swear, as surely as God lives, I don't have so much as a biscuit...you found me scratching together just enough firewood to make a last meal for my son and me. After we eat it, we'll die."
ELIJAH: "What? I thought You said "I've instructed a woman who lives there, a widow to feed you." Do I have the wrong widow? I've got to take control and look for the one You talked to. Why couldn't You have told me which widow it was? You could have been a little more specific in Your directions on how to find her. Now what do I do? I'm hungry, thirsty and really, really tired. This is ridiculous. Why can't You make things easier? This not worth it. Where is all this going? Why am I doing this? And after leaving a place where I was safe. You protected me. I had water and food. I trusted You and traveled all this way. Now I have nothing. You let me down and I don't know where to turn except for me to start making my own decisions."
RLO: But Elijah didn't think like that. Instead it didn't matter if this widow was the "right one." He depended on God's power instead. It wasn't the situation or the way Elijah thought God would work things out. No, but he trusted God and went on. Elijah said to the widow:
"Don't worry about a thing. Go ahead and do what you've said. But first make a small biscuit for me and bring it back here...This is the word of the God of Israel: "The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty before God sends rain on the land and ends this drought.""
RLO: Elijah didn't ask for a huge meal. He was obviously hungry. But he just asked for a little bit. God provided. But Elijah also showed his love and compassion for the widow and the son, when he could so easily thought only of himself, his predicament, thwarted expectations, disappointment and fear of the future. He still didn't know what God was doing with him, where he was going and why. He just knew and obeyed one-step-at-a-time and each step wasn't always pretty.
The story goes on in the Bible, but the emphasis now shifts to the widow. So she did what Elijah told her to do. For some reason she trusted him (and God) and does what is not the "smart" thing to do. She takes from the almost nothing she has, that her son's life and her life depends on. After this she knew there is no more. She already knows that starvation is imminent and this little flour and oil she has and even the little bit of firewood left will prolong life just a little while longer, and that "little while" is very precious to her. But in spite of all this and her fear, the Bible says:
"She went right off and did it, did just as Elijah asked."
RLO: That Father, is amazing to me. It's one thing to endure the hardships and potential ruin when it's only just you. But when one's decisions have potential dire impact on those you love, that is scary and amazing. There is a point at which those who are dependent on you weighs so heavy you think you can't make the decision. It's an awesome responsibility. But this poor, poor widow did it, trusted and knew that her decision about this crazy, unlikely promise would happen. The Bible says:
"And it turned out as he said--daily food for her and her family. The jar of meal didn't run out and the bottle of oil didn't become empty. God's promise fulfilled to the letter...exactly as Elijah had delivered it."
WIDOW: "Hallelujah! I was right to trust God. I'm now set. No matter what goes on around me, no matter how long this drought lasts, I'm going to be faithful to God and I will be fine. I'm telling everyone what God did for me and how he blessed me. All is well and God is pleased with my decision."
RLO: But wait. That's not what happened at all. The Bible says:
"Later on the woman's son became sick. The sickness took a turn for the worse and he stopped breathing."
WIDOW: "How could You God? I wish You had just let us die when I expected it. Why did You build me up? Put me on the joyful road of answered prayers? Bless me? Put my fears behind me? I gave You all the credit and glory. I was set, trusting You and being a great witness for You. And now You take my son away! I knew I couldn't trust You! Life is awful and always will be. I can't take any more."
RLO: The Bible says:
"The woman said to Elijah, "Why did you even show up here in the first place--a holy man barging in, exposing my sins, and killing my son?"
Elijah then immediately turned to God. He also questioned what God was doing. His faith was in crisis. He didn't understand at all! The Bible says:
"Then he prayed. "Oh, God, my God, why have you brought this terrible thing on this widow who has opened her home to me? Why have you killed her son?"
I think about my own son and him almost dying.Why oh God did You do this? Why did You take him right to the jaws of death physically? Why did You potentially kill my dreams and expectations for him? Why? The Bible continues:
"Three times he [Elijah] stretched himself out full length on the boy, praying with all his might, "God, my God, put breath back into this boy's body!" God listened to Elijah's prayer and put breath back into his body--he was alive!"
You did this for me too Father. My son is alive! Why? I don't have all the answers. But I can see how my family has changed. Oh what pain and disappointment we had to go through and still do. But it is clear You are at work. It is overwhelming for me to be aware of all the intricacies and repercussions in so many lives, with mine maybe experiencing the most powerful and evident change, and it isn't over yet. The Bible then says about the widowed mother:
"The woman said to Elijah, "I see it all now...when God speaks it is a true Word!"
So why did this happen Father? We can only see backward. We can't see forward. We only know the now! And between what You've done in the past, and knowing only the now, we trust You and rely on You for our future. Who knows? Only You. Elijah's doubts, questions, faith crisis, why? Well maybe You were preparing him for going up against Ahab and the Baal prophets. He saw the power You have, bringing the dead to life. He could rely on that. But he didn't know that at that time. Feeding him by ravens was great. But it would take more than that to convince him to trust You to overcome the prophets of Baal and to do something completely stupid in burning up the offering and alter with water poured over it. It took seeing You raise the dead through him.
There's one more event that pertains so much to me. We move into the story of Ahab and Obadiah. After the events of Elijah and the widow, the Bible says:
"A long time passed. Then God's word came to Elijah."
What happened during that "long time"? We don't know. But somehow I think that Elijah needed time to take all this in and deepen in his relationship to You God. This event, raising of the dead boy through Elijah, had been so very powerful, and You got Elijah's attention. But only You God knew what was facing him in the future. You knew how You wanted to use Elijah and there was a lot more to teach him, to grow and deepen him, so You took the time You needed with him. No hurry. You're in control. Elijah may have thought it was wasted time and impatient. He may have thought: "Man, I'm ready to go now! I just saw God raise the dead, better than anything else I've seen so far, and he did it through me! I'm ready to go. God I'm ready! I'm pumped! Let's go do whatever You want." But God wasn't ready--he pulled back and spent time with Elijah privately. Elijah may have really been frustrated and disappointed, but God was in control and knew best.
After a long time had passed, the Bible says:
"Then God's word came to Elijah. "Go and present yourself to Ahab"...Elijah set out to present himself to Ahab."
Only now was Elijah ready for the next assignment. He had to overcome fear, doubt and most importantly himself!
Then the story shifts to Elijah's servant. After Elijah humiliated and demoralized the prophets of Baal, the Bible says he [Elijah] climbed to the top of Mt. Carmel. There he:
"...bowed deeply in prayer, his face between his knees."
He was spent physically, emotionally and spiritually. The drought was going to end. The prophets of Baal had been destroyed. Elijah was struck down before God. And he prayed fervently. He told his young servant:
"On your feet now! Look toward the sea."
But the servant reported back that he saw nothing. Elijah told him to keep looking. And then the young servant saw something. Elijah was still praying. The Bible says:
"And sure enough, "Oh yes, a cloud! But very small, no bigger than some one's hand rising out of the sea."
How like You Father. To be a whisper, after all of the huge demonstrations of Your power. How like You in Your answers to our prayers, just a small cloud out in the distance. No big response. Can I see it? Do I trust it? Just out of reach, but its there! Then the Bible says Elijah told the young servant:
"Quickly then, on your way. Tell Ahab. Saddle up and get down from the mountain before the rain stops you!"
Elijah trusted. He knew. This horrible, huge drought that covered thousands of miles was over. He trusted. He knew this small cloud off in the distance was his answer from God. He knew that even though the cloud was small, it would grow into a huge water producing, drenching rain. He believed it so much that he knew it would prohibit travel and he wanted Ahab to know even before it started raining. Oh God, how unlike me. I'd want to wait and see if it were the real thing and truly an answer to my prayer before I trusted and surely before I would tell anyone. But not Elijah. He believed and he trusted You completely before it actually started raining huge buckets of water that "would develop" from this small cloud off in the distance. The Bible says:
"Things happened fast. The sky grew black with wind-driven clouds, and then a huge cloudburst of rain..."
The Bible also says:
"God strengthened Elijah mightily. Pulling up his robe and tying it around his waist, Elijah ran in front of Ahab's chariot until he reached Jezreel."
Even with all Elijah had done and he was physically, emotionally and maybe spiritually spent, You still gave Elijah the strength to run in front of the horses. Oh Father my God! How wonderful You are.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
God's in Control in Seemingly Unrelated Events
Do you ever just wonder about events in your life and how they come together into one seamless stream of occurrences? I do. I am amazed at how God works to bring things about; how many people are involved; how many situations; and no one knows what's going on and what the other events and people are doing. But somehow they come together and produce an event in a person's life, but no one knows how. And at the same time there are other billions, trillions, gazillion other so-called unrelated events going on at the same time that will come together at just the right time and place to accomplish what God wants to do in one occurrence. Just blows my mind.
I'm reading in 2 Kings right now and there is a situation going on where this is evident. It is in chapters 6 and 7 and involves Elisha the prophet, Ben-Hadad (king of Aram), the king of Israel, and an attendant on whom the king of Israel leaned for support.
We read that the king of Aram had laid siege on Samaria. [king did this for totally different purposes than what eventually transpired] "...This brought on a terrible famine...One day the king of Israel was walking along the city wall [Didn't know a woman was going to tell him what was going on in her life]. A woman cried out, "help! Your majesty!"[She didn't know the king was going to walk on the roof at just that time]...The king said "Tell me your story."...She said, " This woman came to me and said, 'Give up your son and we'll have him for today's supper; tomorrow we'll eat my son.' So we cooked my son and ate him. The next day I told her, 'Your turn--bring your son so we can have him for supper.' But she had hidden her son away." When the king heard the woman's story he ripped apart his robe...."God do his worst to me--and more--if Elisha son of Shaphat still has a head on his shoulders at this day's end."...Elisha was sitting at home, the elders sitting with him [Didn't know what had transpired with the king of Israel and the woman]. The king had already dispatched the executioner...While [Elisha] was giving instructions, the king showed up, accusing, "This trouble is directly from God! And what's next: I'm fed up with God!" [Oh,oh, now the plot thickens. It's not really smart to say these things, but haven't we all a time or two?]
"Elisha said, "Listen! God's word! The famine's over. This time tomorrow food will be plentiful...The attendant on whom the king leaned for support said to the Holy Man. "You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?" [He doesn't know God, does he? But again, haven't we all questioned God before and will in the future?]
"You'll watch it with your own eyes," he said, "but you will not eat so much as a mouthful!" [Did Elisha know how this would occur? We aren't told that he did.]
"It happened that four lepers were sitting just outside the city gate. [Apparently oblivious to what had just occurred with Elisha, king of Israel and his attendant.] They said to one another, "What are we doing sitting here at death's door?...let's take our chances in the camp of Aram...If they receive us we'll live, if they kill us we'll die. We've got nothing to lose."...When they got to the edge of the cam, surprise! Not a man in the camp! [God] had made the army of Aram hear the sound of horses and a might army on the march. Panicked, they ran [totally unrelated to all that was going on with the king of Israel, Elisha, the attendant, and the four lepers, but God was orchestrating all of it]...These four lepers entered the camp...Finally they said to one another, "We shouldn't be doing this! This is a day of good news and we're making it into a private party!...Let's go tell the news to the king's [Israel's] palace." [The lepers had no idea what this would do to the people in creating a mob.]
"The people then looted the camp of Aram. Food prices dropped overnight...God's word to the letter! The king ordered his attendant, the one he leaned on for support, to be in charge of the city gate. [Had no idea what was about to happen] The people, turned into a mob, poured through the gate, trampling him to death. It was exactly what the Holy Man [Elisha] had said when the king had come to him."
"Every word of the Holy Man to the king--"A handful of meal for a sheckel, two handfuls of grain for a shekel this time tomorrow in the gate of Samaria," with the attendant's sarcastic reply to the Holy Man, "You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?" followed by the response, "You'll watch it with your own eyes, but you won't eat so much as a mouthful"--proved true. The final stroke came when the people trampled the man to death at the city gate."
Appears to be totally unrelated instances, but God knew!!! If we could just remember, rely on, and trust that God is at work all the time. And some time it will involve us. We just don't have any idea.
One of my favorite passages that shows God's provision and how much he takes care of me is earlier in chapter 6 verses 14-17. It says: "Then he dispatched horses and chariots, an impressive fighting force. They came by night and surrounded the city. Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man [Elisha] got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, "Oh, master! What shall we do?" He said, "Don't worry about it--there are more on our side than on their side." Then Elisha prayed, "O God, open his eyes and let him see." The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha!"
Lord, please help me to remember this and trust you completely!!!!
I'm reading in 2 Kings right now and there is a situation going on where this is evident. It is in chapters 6 and 7 and involves Elisha the prophet, Ben-Hadad (king of Aram), the king of Israel, and an attendant on whom the king of Israel leaned for support.
We read that the king of Aram had laid siege on Samaria. [king did this for totally different purposes than what eventually transpired] "...This brought on a terrible famine...One day the king of Israel was walking along the city wall [Didn't know a woman was going to tell him what was going on in her life]. A woman cried out, "help! Your majesty!"[She didn't know the king was going to walk on the roof at just that time]...The king said "Tell me your story."...She said, " This woman came to me and said, 'Give up your son and we'll have him for today's supper; tomorrow we'll eat my son.' So we cooked my son and ate him. The next day I told her, 'Your turn--bring your son so we can have him for supper.' But she had hidden her son away." When the king heard the woman's story he ripped apart his robe...."God do his worst to me--and more--if Elisha son of Shaphat still has a head on his shoulders at this day's end."...Elisha was sitting at home, the elders sitting with him [Didn't know what had transpired with the king of Israel and the woman]. The king had already dispatched the executioner...While [Elisha] was giving instructions, the king showed up, accusing, "This trouble is directly from God! And what's next: I'm fed up with God!" [Oh,oh, now the plot thickens. It's not really smart to say these things, but haven't we all a time or two?]
"Elisha said, "Listen! God's word! The famine's over. This time tomorrow food will be plentiful...The attendant on whom the king leaned for support said to the Holy Man. "You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?" [He doesn't know God, does he? But again, haven't we all questioned God before and will in the future?]
"You'll watch it with your own eyes," he said, "but you will not eat so much as a mouthful!" [Did Elisha know how this would occur? We aren't told that he did.]
"It happened that four lepers were sitting just outside the city gate. [Apparently oblivious to what had just occurred with Elisha, king of Israel and his attendant.] They said to one another, "What are we doing sitting here at death's door?...let's take our chances in the camp of Aram...If they receive us we'll live, if they kill us we'll die. We've got nothing to lose."...When they got to the edge of the cam, surprise! Not a man in the camp! [God] had made the army of Aram hear the sound of horses and a might army on the march. Panicked, they ran [totally unrelated to all that was going on with the king of Israel, Elisha, the attendant, and the four lepers, but God was orchestrating all of it]...These four lepers entered the camp...Finally they said to one another, "We shouldn't be doing this! This is a day of good news and we're making it into a private party!...Let's go tell the news to the king's [Israel's] palace." [The lepers had no idea what this would do to the people in creating a mob.]
"The people then looted the camp of Aram. Food prices dropped overnight...God's word to the letter! The king ordered his attendant, the one he leaned on for support, to be in charge of the city gate. [Had no idea what was about to happen] The people, turned into a mob, poured through the gate, trampling him to death. It was exactly what the Holy Man [Elisha] had said when the king had come to him."
"Every word of the Holy Man to the king--"A handful of meal for a sheckel, two handfuls of grain for a shekel this time tomorrow in the gate of Samaria," with the attendant's sarcastic reply to the Holy Man, "You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?" followed by the response, "You'll watch it with your own eyes, but you won't eat so much as a mouthful"--proved true. The final stroke came when the people trampled the man to death at the city gate."
Appears to be totally unrelated instances, but God knew!!! If we could just remember, rely on, and trust that God is at work all the time. And some time it will involve us. We just don't have any idea.
One of my favorite passages that shows God's provision and how much he takes care of me is earlier in chapter 6 verses 14-17. It says: "Then he dispatched horses and chariots, an impressive fighting force. They came by night and surrounded the city. Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man [Elisha] got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, "Oh, master! What shall we do?" He said, "Don't worry about it--there are more on our side than on their side." Then Elisha prayed, "O God, open his eyes and let him see." The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha!"
Lord, please help me to remember this and trust you completely!!!!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Blown Away By God's Direct Answer
I had been toying with an idea of setting up my own web site to gather leads for selling individual health insurance. I had attended a couple of meetings and seminars for a company that would assist me in doing so. It all sounded very promising and I really liked their approach, their service and their product. The big seminar came up and I went. Now, I wasn't naive about what they were going to do. Get me in there with the other three hundred or so people, spend the day selling me, and then asking me to sign up. I knew that. But I really liked what I saw and believed this might be an opportunity to be in control of getting my leads myself and really growing this business. What actually happened was nothing I had planned on.
Yesterday Father, I received clear direction from you. I attended the seminar for internet selling. This was the third session I had attended. This is a program that really has great potential. I spend all day there and was sold on how it could assist us in getting income with the promise of great revenue. I had to buy the one time license and all the support, etc. that day for six thousand dollars. Huge amount of money, but would have been an investment. My wife and I talked several times over the phone during the day and we were still on target to do it. As I sat in that session late in the afternoon, I prayed to you and asked for clear direction, an answer as to whether we should do it or not. You gave it to me. Immediately, this feeling came over me, this was NOT the right thing to do. I thought about the consulting job that came out of the blue, my wife told me yesterday that she really hated making insurance calls, and I admitted I did too. She was also fearful she wouldn't be able to practice her nursing any more, if we went with this. We had been honest and confronted each other maturely. I realized that what it would require was just not me. I'm not a salesman. I'm an academic. I love to figure out how processes can work better. With no promise of any other income, but a very clear answer from you, I walked out and away. I have peace. Satan is trying to put a wedge between us by playing up the doubt issue and fear that all may not turn out the way I want. I still did the right thing. It was clearly an answer from you, Father. Thank you!
Yesterday Father, I received clear direction from you. I attended the seminar for internet selling. This was the third session I had attended. This is a program that really has great potential. I spend all day there and was sold on how it could assist us in getting income with the promise of great revenue. I had to buy the one time license and all the support, etc. that day for six thousand dollars. Huge amount of money, but would have been an investment. My wife and I talked several times over the phone during the day and we were still on target to do it. As I sat in that session late in the afternoon, I prayed to you and asked for clear direction, an answer as to whether we should do it or not. You gave it to me. Immediately, this feeling came over me, this was NOT the right thing to do. I thought about the consulting job that came out of the blue, my wife told me yesterday that she really hated making insurance calls, and I admitted I did too. She was also fearful she wouldn't be able to practice her nursing any more, if we went with this. We had been honest and confronted each other maturely. I realized that what it would require was just not me. I'm not a salesman. I'm an academic. I love to figure out how processes can work better. With no promise of any other income, but a very clear answer from you, I walked out and away. I have peace. Satan is trying to put a wedge between us by playing up the doubt issue and fear that all may not turn out the way I want. I still did the right thing. It was clearly an answer from you, Father. Thank you!
Even If I Don't Get What I Ask, I Will Be Faithful
I awoke early this morning around 4:30 a.m. and dozed off and on. I hate it when I start thinking negative thoughts and get fearful and anxious. I told myself over and over again as I lie there with these more intense negative thoughts going over and over in my head, that God is with me and will take care of us. I had lapsed back into a self-destructive way of thinking and I hate it when that happens.
Father, I just read in 1 Kings about Solomon and the wealth and glorious temple and palace he built. And about how he prayed in front of all Israel on his knees with hands raised dedicating it all to you. And then your response which said, "All I want from you is obedience, worship and devotion and also from Israel. If you do it, I'll continue to bless. If you don't I'll destroy all you built and scatter Israel." What a reminder that our, my, accomplishments and things I dedicate to you mean nothing if you don't have my heart and obedience. Father, you know I need income. There seems to be an opportunity with this consulting company. I have nothing else going. I see the large expenses keep coming in and our savings going down faster than I'd like. You know all this. I don't know the end or what we'll do in a few months. I only know you promised to take care of us. I see in your Word how you blessed the faithful with more than they had asked or hoped. I see people always having what they need when they need it. So maybe that's it. I have what I need right now. [Satan just tempted me by saying to me, yes, but God didn't provide that, you did.] Putting me in the lead and control. I don't want that Father. I know where the source is. That is you. When I call the recruiter today, I ask you that she'll have good news for me. More importantly, I ask that I'd be obedient to you and be faithful in my service to you. Please Father, take care of us. But like the football coach in the movie "Facing the Giants," but even if I don't get what I ask, I will be faithful. The joy of the Lord is my strength. I sent my son a letter yesterday with my journal writings. I ask that his heart would be tender and he will receive it in the right spirit. Please bless it Father and speak to him through the words.
Father, I love you. And I grow to love you more each day. Even when I go through hard times, I love you. I want to be obedient to your ways. To serve you faithfully with all my heart. Trusting you in all I am and do. Today Father, let it be full of love and joy. Rich in meaning. Pour myself into you and into others. Not be selfish and self-centered. Trusting you for everything. Don't be afraid. This seems to be my plague right now. Fear. And that does not come from you. Perfect love, your love, drives out fear, as I'm told in your Word. Dress me in your perfect love. That is all I see and know and feel.
Father, I just read in 1 Kings about Solomon and the wealth and glorious temple and palace he built. And about how he prayed in front of all Israel on his knees with hands raised dedicating it all to you. And then your response which said, "All I want from you is obedience, worship and devotion and also from Israel. If you do it, I'll continue to bless. If you don't I'll destroy all you built and scatter Israel." What a reminder that our, my, accomplishments and things I dedicate to you mean nothing if you don't have my heart and obedience. Father, you know I need income. There seems to be an opportunity with this consulting company. I have nothing else going. I see the large expenses keep coming in and our savings going down faster than I'd like. You know all this. I don't know the end or what we'll do in a few months. I only know you promised to take care of us. I see in your Word how you blessed the faithful with more than they had asked or hoped. I see people always having what they need when they need it. So maybe that's it. I have what I need right now. [Satan just tempted me by saying to me, yes, but God didn't provide that, you did.] Putting me in the lead and control. I don't want that Father. I know where the source is. That is you. When I call the recruiter today, I ask you that she'll have good news for me. More importantly, I ask that I'd be obedient to you and be faithful in my service to you. Please Father, take care of us. But like the football coach in the movie "Facing the Giants," but even if I don't get what I ask, I will be faithful. The joy of the Lord is my strength. I sent my son a letter yesterday with my journal writings. I ask that his heart would be tender and he will receive it in the right spirit. Please bless it Father and speak to him through the words.
Father, I love you. And I grow to love you more each day. Even when I go through hard times, I love you. I want to be obedient to your ways. To serve you faithfully with all my heart. Trusting you in all I am and do. Today Father, let it be full of love and joy. Rich in meaning. Pour myself into you and into others. Not be selfish and self-centered. Trusting you for everything. Don't be afraid. This seems to be my plague right now. Fear. And that does not come from you. Perfect love, your love, drives out fear, as I'm told in your Word. Dress me in your perfect love. That is all I see and know and feel.
I Have to Have A God-Listening Heart
I'm back in May of 2008 again and resuming my telling of the journey I have been on for the past couple of years. What was nagging in my gut was the impending future of running out of the money I had set aside to live on and not knowing what was going to happen when it did. I had been talking to a company about becoming a consultant for them and everything looked so good. Interviews had gone extremely well. I had even flown to Denver to interview with some executives and gotten word that they wanted me to join their organization. All looked good. That had actually occurred in March, but so far only talk. Looking back on it now, I can see that God had something totally different in store. But then, not a clue. There was only me and an unsure future. So back to May:
I am alone here in the house. It is early. The house is quiet. My wife had just left for work. I started reading The Books of Kings in the Bible this morning. King David has died and Solomon, his son, is the new king. Eugene Peterson says in his introduction:
"...the Hebrew demand of God to have a king was about the worst thing they could have asked for...In the midst of the incredible mess those kings are making of God's purposes, God continues to work his purposes...The rule is worked from within, much of the time invisible and unnoticed, but always patiently and resolutely there."
You are not hindered and thwarted in accomplishing what you want God. I cannot stop you with my disobedience and poor choices in my life, nor anyone in the world. Man is nothing. They think they are with all their intelligence and wealth. But we are nothing. Your desires, your way, what you want will be accomplished no matter what. When you asked Solomon what he wanted and you would give it to him, his request was:
"...here I am God, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom...I'm too young for this, a mere child!...And here I am, set down in the middle...Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart...For who on their own is capable...?"
And your response was such pleasure with Solomon's request. You promised him what he asked plus all the wealth and power he didn't ask for. Then you said:
"...if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life."
Father, I don't pretend to be Solomon, but I see where the desire of my heart must first be a "God-listening heart." Abiding in you no matter what goes on around me or where it leads. Humbly seeking to do what you want. Listening to your Spirit as you guide me. All in my life will be an opportunity for learning and growth as I surrender myself to your use and will. Whatever that may be, wherever it leads, my first desire. In the beginning of The Book of Kings it says "Solomon loved God." I love you Father. I awoke this morning with a phrase going over in my head "Strength will rise as we wait upon the lord. We will wait upon the Lord, wait upon the Lord." You're telling me to trust you and wait for you to lead, work, show me, work out your will. And while that is going on, I will have strength growing from inside. I will become stronger for anything you want me to be and do. I want a "God-listening heart."
I am alone here in the house. It is early. The house is quiet. My wife had just left for work. I started reading The Books of Kings in the Bible this morning. King David has died and Solomon, his son, is the new king. Eugene Peterson says in his introduction:
"...the Hebrew demand of God to have a king was about the worst thing they could have asked for...In the midst of the incredible mess those kings are making of God's purposes, God continues to work his purposes...The rule is worked from within, much of the time invisible and unnoticed, but always patiently and resolutely there."
You are not hindered and thwarted in accomplishing what you want God. I cannot stop you with my disobedience and poor choices in my life, nor anyone in the world. Man is nothing. They think they are with all their intelligence and wealth. But we are nothing. Your desires, your way, what you want will be accomplished no matter what. When you asked Solomon what he wanted and you would give it to him, his request was:
"...here I am God, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom...I'm too young for this, a mere child!...And here I am, set down in the middle...Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart...For who on their own is capable...?"
And your response was such pleasure with Solomon's request. You promised him what he asked plus all the wealth and power he didn't ask for. Then you said:
"...if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life."
Father, I don't pretend to be Solomon, but I see where the desire of my heart must first be a "God-listening heart." Abiding in you no matter what goes on around me or where it leads. Humbly seeking to do what you want. Listening to your Spirit as you guide me. All in my life will be an opportunity for learning and growth as I surrender myself to your use and will. Whatever that may be, wherever it leads, my first desire. In the beginning of The Book of Kings it says "Solomon loved God." I love you Father. I awoke this morning with a phrase going over in my head "Strength will rise as we wait upon the lord. We will wait upon the Lord, wait upon the Lord." You're telling me to trust you and wait for you to lead, work, show me, work out your will. And while that is going on, I will have strength growing from inside. I will become stronger for anything you want me to be and do. I want a "God-listening heart."
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Cruciform Love in the Here and Now
I just finished reading a book entitled "Broken Down House" by Paul Tripp. In this book there is a chapter on determining to love as Christ modeled. At the end of this chapter Tripp talks about how we as Christians must love with a "cross-shaped love." He gives in very functional and practical terms what it means to be committed to being an instrument of "cross-shaped love." They are too good and, oh my, so indicting that I can't help but share them. As you read, examine your heart and life. I did, and I am ashamed and shocked at how far short I fall from what God wants of me in my love. Here they are:
It means not keeping yourself so busy with you and yours that you have no practical time to love others.
It means being committed to knowing people, because you can minister only in very limited ways to those whom you do not know.
It means being willing to have your life complicated by the needs and struggles of others.
It means being willing to share your physical resources with others.
It means being willing to live with an open home.
It means being perseverant and patient even when the love you give is not returned.
It means actively looking for places where you can function as one of God's tools of love
It means resisting the temptation to be judgmental, self-righteous, and critical.
It means overlooking minor offenses and fighting the temptation to become bitter or cynical.
It means making life decisions out of a recognition of this inescapable call to love.
It means being lovingly and humbly honest in moments of misunderstanding more committed to reconciliation than to being right.
It means admitting that you are still learning to love as you have been loved.
It means being willing to own up to your sin and admit your faults.
It means not judging the success of your life by the size of your house or bank account, or by the quality of your car, but by the quality of your love for God and others.
It means regularly examining the motivations, desires, and thoughts of your heart in the mirror of God's Word.
It means moving beyond simply surrounding yourself with people whom you find comfortable and likeable.
It means being a student of God's Word, a joyful participant in the means of grace, and a committed participant in the fellowship of the body of Christ, so that the love you offer others may be increasingly pure and mature.
It means being willing to be misunderstood, mistreated, and misrepresented for the sake of incarnating Christ's love.
It means overcoming evil with good.
It means not letting race, social class, gender, age, or ethnicity get in the way of a biblical call to Christlike love.
It means being willing to have your schedule and plans interrupted or altered.
It means paying attention to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the people God puts in your path, and looking for ways to help them bear these burdens.
It means believing that God will not call you to a task without giving you what you need to accomplish it.
It means being willing to get up earlier and stay up later.
It means learning the details about someone's struggle so that you can love wisely, while at the same time guarding the reputation of the person you are loving.
It means weeping with the one who weeps and rejoicing with the one who rejoices.
It means being willing to endure tense and uncomfortable situations lovingly.
It means not allowing yourself plausible excuses that seemingly free you from love's call.
It means making a commitment to being a faithful friend.
It means being willing to take on big things, even as you humbly admit your limits.
It means keeping your promises and being faithful to your word.
It means being open to correction, loving criticism, and godly rebuke.
It means believing in the body of Christ and recognizing that you are but one of the tools in God's big toolbox of redemption.
It means being open to counsel and receptive to advice.
It means being willing to go to bed tired and to awake to another day of calling.
It means hiding God's Word in your heart and keeping his Kingdom always before your eyes.
It means refusing to become anyone's substitute messiah, but instead to point people to the presence and grace of Jesus.
It really does mean looking out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.
It means building relationships, not just for the purpose of being relationally comfortable, but so that those relationships would be a workroom for redemption.
It means loving people in such a way that they never feel like they are in debt to you.
It means remembering that you are more like than unlike the people you are called to love.
It means understanding that the call to love is a call to both word and deed.
It means daily remembering Jesus, being in awe of the gift of his love, and living thankfully.
It means not keeping yourself so busy with you and yours that you have no practical time to love others.
It means being committed to knowing people, because you can minister only in very limited ways to those whom you do not know.
It means being willing to have your life complicated by the needs and struggles of others.
It means being willing to share your physical resources with others.
It means being willing to live with an open home.
It means being perseverant and patient even when the love you give is not returned.
It means actively looking for places where you can function as one of God's tools of love
It means resisting the temptation to be judgmental, self-righteous, and critical.
It means overlooking minor offenses and fighting the temptation to become bitter or cynical.
It means making life decisions out of a recognition of this inescapable call to love.
It means being lovingly and humbly honest in moments of misunderstanding more committed to reconciliation than to being right.
It means admitting that you are still learning to love as you have been loved.
It means being willing to own up to your sin and admit your faults.
It means not judging the success of your life by the size of your house or bank account, or by the quality of your car, but by the quality of your love for God and others.
It means regularly examining the motivations, desires, and thoughts of your heart in the mirror of God's Word.
It means moving beyond simply surrounding yourself with people whom you find comfortable and likeable.
It means being a student of God's Word, a joyful participant in the means of grace, and a committed participant in the fellowship of the body of Christ, so that the love you offer others may be increasingly pure and mature.
It means being willing to be misunderstood, mistreated, and misrepresented for the sake of incarnating Christ's love.
It means overcoming evil with good.
It means not letting race, social class, gender, age, or ethnicity get in the way of a biblical call to Christlike love.
It means being willing to have your schedule and plans interrupted or altered.
It means paying attention to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the people God puts in your path, and looking for ways to help them bear these burdens.
It means believing that God will not call you to a task without giving you what you need to accomplish it.
It means being willing to get up earlier and stay up later.
It means learning the details about someone's struggle so that you can love wisely, while at the same time guarding the reputation of the person you are loving.
It means weeping with the one who weeps and rejoicing with the one who rejoices.
It means being willing to endure tense and uncomfortable situations lovingly.
It means not allowing yourself plausible excuses that seemingly free you from love's call.
It means making a commitment to being a faithful friend.
It means being willing to take on big things, even as you humbly admit your limits.
It means keeping your promises and being faithful to your word.
It means being open to correction, loving criticism, and godly rebuke.
It means believing in the body of Christ and recognizing that you are but one of the tools in God's big toolbox of redemption.
It means being open to counsel and receptive to advice.
It means being willing to go to bed tired and to awake to another day of calling.
It means hiding God's Word in your heart and keeping his Kingdom always before your eyes.
It means refusing to become anyone's substitute messiah, but instead to point people to the presence and grace of Jesus.
It really does mean looking out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.
It means building relationships, not just for the purpose of being relationally comfortable, but so that those relationships would be a workroom for redemption.
It means loving people in such a way that they never feel like they are in debt to you.
It means remembering that you are more like than unlike the people you are called to love.
It means understanding that the call to love is a call to both word and deed.
It means daily remembering Jesus, being in awe of the gift of his love, and living thankfully.
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