World events in recent weeks have sent tremors around the world politically, economically, and physically. Through natural eyes, the world looks less secure and even fearful. Thoughtful people wrestle not only with the implications of these events on nations and individuals, but with the deep spiritual questions inevitable when revolution and tragedy strike.
It is natural to blame God for what happened and to ask why a good God lets such things happen. I used to get stuck on this thought. In recent years I've learned to hold certain facts about God and Satan up as a filter through which to view the world and it's harsh realities.
1. God is good, God is love, God is just and God is holy - everything done by God is motivated and flows out of those characteristics. There is great dichotomy in those qualities. There are not simple answers to complex crises.
2. Satan is the ruler (albeit temporarily) of this world and works to steal, kill and destroy. He does everything he can to turn our eyes off of God's love and kindness and works to get us to blame God for his evil deeds.
3. God is patient in ending Satan's reign on earth. He wants to give opportunity to as many as possible to turn to Him for hope and LIFE before He ends the world as we know it and puts Satan away forever.
Until that day, we live in a world full of trouble and difficulty. Hope comes as we trust God's goodness and hold fast to faith in Him no matter what circumstance we face.
I don't pretend to understand God or His timing. I find such tragedies horrific and incomprehensible. I often feel small and helpless in the face of world events. I do know I serve a God who has power to make good out of what Satan means for evil in individual lives.
Join me in asking for God's mercy on all affected by the crises in the Middle East and Japan in particular and in taking action to relieve suffering when the opportunity presents itself.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Celebrate or Grieve?
As we approach the end of 26 years spent in Alaska, I have reason to grieve many things. In this circumstance, grief is a choice on some level. A close friend who often gives me ideas worthy of reflection invited me to celebrate what we have experienced here and the people we love rather than wallow in grief over the changes to come. I took her counsel to heart and find that, so far, I am enjoying the time I have left here. I know there will be moments of sadness and I will grieve the necessary changes of a move across a continent, but I choose to do that when the moments come, not anticipating their arrival and nursing their emotions into moments that don't deserve them.
It seems to me God encourages us to live in the moment, in the day we have rather than in the future. We are told each day has enough trouble of its own, so worry focused on what might happen tomorrow is a waste.
I'm also reminded that every good gift (including people) is from God. Choosing to enjoy those gifts as long as I have access to them is a delightful way to live these fleeting days.
It seems to me God encourages us to live in the moment, in the day we have rather than in the future. We are told each day has enough trouble of its own, so worry focused on what might happen tomorrow is a waste.
I'm also reminded that every good gift (including people) is from God. Choosing to enjoy those gifts as long as I have access to them is a delightful way to live these fleeting days.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Hindsight Clarifies Present Vision
I find it interesting that looking back even a few months makes one see the present so clearly.
Today I realized that God's kindness back in August prepared us for this season of showing the house and preparing to move across the country in two short months. In August, because of what appeared to be certain circumstances of job loss, we prepared to move ourselves out of Alaska to a less expensive place. We cleaned out closets, repaired the little things in the house, made decisions about what furniture to sell and keep and what cars to sell. It was a lot of work, but the fruit of that labor is being harvested this month. I am free to recover from major surgery while the house is being shown because that work was done!
Of course, between August and January, there was more than enough uncertainty. Even things that seemed certain have changed. Living in the moment, giving and taking as much from each day as possible brings me to this day with few regrets.
These months have once again reinforced what I learned and internalized many years ago - God IS good and fully trustworthy.
Today I realized that God's kindness back in August prepared us for this season of showing the house and preparing to move across the country in two short months. In August, because of what appeared to be certain circumstances of job loss, we prepared to move ourselves out of Alaska to a less expensive place. We cleaned out closets, repaired the little things in the house, made decisions about what furniture to sell and keep and what cars to sell. It was a lot of work, but the fruit of that labor is being harvested this month. I am free to recover from major surgery while the house is being shown because that work was done!
Of course, between August and January, there was more than enough uncertainty. Even things that seemed certain have changed. Living in the moment, giving and taking as much from each day as possible brings me to this day with few regrets.
These months have once again reinforced what I learned and internalized many years ago - God IS good and fully trustworthy.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Insights to Ponder
As I approach surgery this week I've come across a couple of interesting insights.
A praying friend helped me see that my spiritual gift was actually causing me some challenges. When presented with a problem, I see ahead to potential outcomes and sort through them for the best one. That gift has interfered with sleep some as I have attempted to develop strategies for unknowns. Now that I am aware of this, sleep has returned. I am not fighting the gift, rather I am realizing the impossibility of planning for unknowns and resting in God's goodness for the outcomes. Spiritual gifts can be used to build up the body and encourage AND they can be used to cause pain and destruction. Using them with love while rooted in God's direction is the key to their use for good.
Praying for people is a good thing. Even better, tell them what you're asking God for. Lots of people are praying for me (and thank you for asking God to give a great result, by the way). Some simply say they'll pray. A few have offered to pray in person for me. The latter is far better. I am realizing I need to know what people are asking God for so my "faith tank" is filled. I am encouraged by specific requests more than by a general promise to pray. When you get the opportunity to pray for someone, tell them what you're asking God for and what God is promising for that person. Be specific, whether by email, phone or in person. Sometimes your words are what that person remembers in difficult moments.
May God put rich blessings in your life this year...deposits of Himself that you discover and internalize.
Linda
A praying friend helped me see that my spiritual gift was actually causing me some challenges. When presented with a problem, I see ahead to potential outcomes and sort through them for the best one. That gift has interfered with sleep some as I have attempted to develop strategies for unknowns. Now that I am aware of this, sleep has returned. I am not fighting the gift, rather I am realizing the impossibility of planning for unknowns and resting in God's goodness for the outcomes. Spiritual gifts can be used to build up the body and encourage AND they can be used to cause pain and destruction. Using them with love while rooted in God's direction is the key to their use for good.
Praying for people is a good thing. Even better, tell them what you're asking God for. Lots of people are praying for me (and thank you for asking God to give a great result, by the way). Some simply say they'll pray. A few have offered to pray in person for me. The latter is far better. I am realizing I need to know what people are asking God for so my "faith tank" is filled. I am encouraged by specific requests more than by a general promise to pray. When you get the opportunity to pray for someone, tell them what you're asking God for and what God is promising for that person. Be specific, whether by email, phone or in person. Sometimes your words are what that person remembers in difficult moments.
May God put rich blessings in your life this year...deposits of Himself that you discover and internalize.
Linda
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Twists and Turns
Well, anticipation turned to wonder and amazement. In one week life took a new direction...not Florida, but Virginia; not soon, but after major surgery. How strange to me, yet how expected to God. He is not surprised and not worried. He is holding our lives in His kind and loving hands. We still have anticipation, just a different flavor to it.
As we celebrate the birth of the ONE who holds our lives, let's celebrate the moments today that we have for certain and love those around us with purpose and intent.
As we celebrate the birth of the ONE who holds our lives, let's celebrate the moments today that we have for certain and love those around us with purpose and intent.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)