What do we do when we feel like the pre-prince Cinderella? What if we – the protagonists in our respective stories – feel under-appreciated, forgotten, underemployed, tired, hopeless, or unimportant? (Or am I the only one who has these moments, these days…these seasons?)
As I struggle with places in my storyline that are less than inspiring to me, and as one who seems to want and need significance, in relationships and vocation, almost more than anything else, I cry out to God for His wisdom and His reassurance that I’m not off the path of His good pleasure and His providence for my life.
This week, and always, He reassures me with Himself. With His loving heart toward me…because all my sins have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ. That’s all that really matters. I don’t have to strive or worry or be afraid. I’m in His will if I’m resting in His sovereignty, and in my forgiven place, as a redeemed, loved child of my Maker.
Yet, what about my story? What if I screw it up? Well, I already have, and continue to at times, despite the fact that I earnestly don’t want to. But this is an amazing piece of what God does... He takes the things we, and others, mess up, and redeems them, crafting them into exquisitely beautiful stories – despite our mistakes and despite the harm from this world. But the best is yet to come...
Barlow Girl has a gorgeous song called Beautiful Ending which asks: “So tell me, what is our ending? Will it be beautiful, so beautiful?” The sister trio sings: “At the end of it all I wanna be in Your arms.” That’s the ending of my story. I’ll be safely in His arms!
When your story – when my story – feels ordinary, is a lot of work, or is filled with seemingly unbearable grief, as some of you are experiencing, take heart: the ending will be glorious. We are not forgotten or lost or hopelessly off-track in the mess of this life. In fact He is using the sad, lonely, harmful stuff of our lives to write a more beautiful ending. An ending which will make our hearts soar as never before.
My story on this earth is still being written. Some times are remarkable, like my trip to Cameroon in January and February. Some times are ordinary and my destiny feels forgotten, like this week. But the ending is known. It is glorious. If I abide in Christ, He has already written the end of my story on this earth, and it will be beautiful. I will be in His arms.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
This protagonist reflects
People have asked me lately how my blog writing is going, and, “have you started a book?” My answer has generally been that I’m in a bit of a pause… a sort of unplanned writing break which has no predetermined length (by me), and will likely contain spurts of writing within. I’ve been asking God a lot about the next steps of my story, including the next steps of writing my grandparents’ stories. Friends are praying with me about this, and I know He will lead…
This week, however, I’ve been thinking about characters in good stories. Like me, have you ever wished you were a character in a favorite story? I remember as a young girl wishing I was the real-life version of the girl in one of my picture books. This girl had found a sick little duck. She put a soft blanket in her wagon and hauled the duck home where her mother helped her take care of it and nurse it back to health – when of course she brought the duck back to the wild and freed it. I remember earnestly looking around my land-locked neighborhood for any sick little duck that may need me. Surprisingly, none were found.
I then thought about the popular Cinderella fairy tale. What little girl hasn’t at some point in her childhood dreamed of being a real life Cinderella? (I’m sure there are a few who haven’t, but I wasn’t one of those few.) Dreamed of being discovered by a prince who would rescue her from her misery? A prince who would relieve her from a life where she’s taken for granted and not considered anyone special? A kind, handsome prince who wants to be with her so much that he would search an entire kingdom to find and marry her?
Well, I’m wondering this week how often, with a happy story or movie ending, do I quickly forget about the stress or strife during the story? For example, I have never dwelled for long on the fact that Cinderella was emotionally, if not physically, abused by her stepmother or stepsisters. All the troubles she encountered, all the dull, sad moments of the story I have quickly and virtually forgotten with the stunningly beautiful ending. The ugly parts of the story were there to make the ending soar with joyful emotion. But who dwells on them once the story has ended - once the beautiful ending is known?
Did I ever once think about the duck poop the little girl must have encountered? Or the lost playtime as she cared for the duck? No, what I remember is the victory she gave the duck, by helping him back to health and setting him free. The selfless care she gave him looked like complete fun and passion, on the pages of this book which I was sure would have a happy ending.
Which brings me to the point I’ve been thinking about: A great story, while in the midst of it, may feel dull, sad, disconnected, or even wrong, to the protagonist who trusts there will be a happy ending, but feels far from it.
This week, about an hour into some spur of the moment babysitting for a friend, I discovered that the three-year old had a case of the “runs.” I immediately found that I did not particularly like this storyline of my day. While I felt badly for the ill child and sought to reassure her and care for her lovingly, I was also feeling badly for me, and was not particularly pleased with my “calling” for that evening, especially after a tiring day at the office. It did not feel exciting, like the story I want to be part of. I was disappointed, not only in the un-pleasantries of the evening, but in my responding attitude...
I sensed God’s Spirit gently reminding me, “Annie, it will not always be fun. Did you remember to count the cost of not living for yourself when you told me you wanted your life to be a better story? And remember, just because it’s not fun right now, this does not mean you’ve stepped out of the story we are writing together.”
But oh how I love the fun times, God! Yet not more than You… I do want to bring glory to you through my life. I do want a beautiful ending.
This week, however, I’ve been thinking about characters in good stories. Like me, have you ever wished you were a character in a favorite story? I remember as a young girl wishing I was the real-life version of the girl in one of my picture books. This girl had found a sick little duck. She put a soft blanket in her wagon and hauled the duck home where her mother helped her take care of it and nurse it back to health – when of course she brought the duck back to the wild and freed it. I remember earnestly looking around my land-locked neighborhood for any sick little duck that may need me. Surprisingly, none were found.
I then thought about the popular Cinderella fairy tale. What little girl hasn’t at some point in her childhood dreamed of being a real life Cinderella? (I’m sure there are a few who haven’t, but I wasn’t one of those few.) Dreamed of being discovered by a prince who would rescue her from her misery? A prince who would relieve her from a life where she’s taken for granted and not considered anyone special? A kind, handsome prince who wants to be with her so much that he would search an entire kingdom to find and marry her?
Well, I’m wondering this week how often, with a happy story or movie ending, do I quickly forget about the stress or strife during the story? For example, I have never dwelled for long on the fact that Cinderella was emotionally, if not physically, abused by her stepmother or stepsisters. All the troubles she encountered, all the dull, sad moments of the story I have quickly and virtually forgotten with the stunningly beautiful ending. The ugly parts of the story were there to make the ending soar with joyful emotion. But who dwells on them once the story has ended - once the beautiful ending is known?
Did I ever once think about the duck poop the little girl must have encountered? Or the lost playtime as she cared for the duck? No, what I remember is the victory she gave the duck, by helping him back to health and setting him free. The selfless care she gave him looked like complete fun and passion, on the pages of this book which I was sure would have a happy ending.
Which brings me to the point I’ve been thinking about: A great story, while in the midst of it, may feel dull, sad, disconnected, or even wrong, to the protagonist who trusts there will be a happy ending, but feels far from it.
This week, about an hour into some spur of the moment babysitting for a friend, I discovered that the three-year old had a case of the “runs.” I immediately found that I did not particularly like this storyline of my day. While I felt badly for the ill child and sought to reassure her and care for her lovingly, I was also feeling badly for me, and was not particularly pleased with my “calling” for that evening, especially after a tiring day at the office. It did not feel exciting, like the story I want to be part of. I was disappointed, not only in the un-pleasantries of the evening, but in my responding attitude...
I sensed God’s Spirit gently reminding me, “Annie, it will not always be fun. Did you remember to count the cost of not living for yourself when you told me you wanted your life to be a better story? And remember, just because it’s not fun right now, this does not mean you’ve stepped out of the story we are writing together.”
But oh how I love the fun times, God! Yet not more than You… I do want to bring glory to you through my life. I do want a beautiful ending.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Stories affect people
Today I had a conversation about foreign missions with the car dealership driver, who was bringing me back to pick up my car which had been serviced. It began as a travel conversation, which led me to mention my two trips to Papua New Guinea to visit my sister, who is a missionary with Wycliffe. (My sister and her husband led a translation team, translating many books of the Bible into the Bola language of PNG. The completion of this work is being dedicated and celebrated this month!)
The driver, a Vietnam Veteran, seemed genuinely impressed by my sister and brother-in-law’s accomplishment, and asked, “Are the people in Papua New Guinea literate enough to be able to read the results of their work?” I explained that a component of Bible translation often involves some literacy effort, and it varies by people group and person. Then I went on to explain how mission organizations are talking a lot about orality these days. I mentioned that some efforts, such as Wycliffe’s OneStory are focusing on getting the stories of God’s Word accurately introduced, orally, to people groups who: 1) don’t have the Bible in their first language, and 2) are primarily part of an oral society.
The driver got excited about this, saying, “Yes that really makes a lot of sense!” (I don’t know if he’s a follower of Christ or not; it was a brief, five-mile ride.) He quickly grasped how the stories would be told and shared – and likely, much quicker than they might be read. I went on to explain that getting the written Bible into people’s first language, is still very important, but this particular method begins with planting and spreading the stories by word-of-mouth first.
God seems to be showing me more and more, the effect stories have on people. The stories in His Word, of course...but also the story He's writing with my life. For example, at a wedding this past weekend, the guests at my table heard me say I had been to Africa. I did not feel in the mood to tell my whole story about what brought me over there, or the details of my call to write, so I was answering their questions politely, but with very brief answers, thinking they probably didn’t want more than that anyway.
However, the couple across from me kept prodding... They wanted details, and pretty soon I was telling the entire long version and we almost missed the buffet line! They listened, engrossed, to how God brought the trip about, and to my description of the various “coincidences” that were part of a higher plan, leading me to Cameroon, where my grandparents had lived and worked.
And here’s what keeps surprising me. I thought this whole thing – this blog, the call to write, the trip to Africa, etc. – was about my grandparents’ stories. And it is, for sure, to some important degree. Yet the intersection of my story with my grandparents’ stories seems to have a powerful effect on the people I talk with. The woman across from me, even though I had just met her, was literally moved to tears as she listened to how God had worked in my life to bring all of this about. With glistening eyes she exclaimed, “Ann, your story about all of this could be a book!”
I wonder why God chose to place Cameroon on my heart these past 14 months? And why He sent my grandparents to that country in the first place? And furthermore, I even wonder why is He having you read this right now?
God doesn’t waste anything. He has purposes. He tells stories. He transforms lives. I told Him in December 2009 that I wanted my life to tell a better story. One that He could use to bring glory to His name… So it seems He’s giving me such a story. I’ll continue to write and tell my grandparents' stories, and my story, to whoever will listen - in a dealership van, at a wedding, in this blog...and perhaps even in a book sometime. For my story is not really my own. It’s a story of God’s plan to give me a future and a hope through Jesus Christ, my Lord.
The driver, a Vietnam Veteran, seemed genuinely impressed by my sister and brother-in-law’s accomplishment, and asked, “Are the people in Papua New Guinea literate enough to be able to read the results of their work?” I explained that a component of Bible translation often involves some literacy effort, and it varies by people group and person. Then I went on to explain how mission organizations are talking a lot about orality these days. I mentioned that some efforts, such as Wycliffe’s OneStory are focusing on getting the stories of God’s Word accurately introduced, orally, to people groups who: 1) don’t have the Bible in their first language, and 2) are primarily part of an oral society.
The driver got excited about this, saying, “Yes that really makes a lot of sense!” (I don’t know if he’s a follower of Christ or not; it was a brief, five-mile ride.) He quickly grasped how the stories would be told and shared – and likely, much quicker than they might be read. I went on to explain that getting the written Bible into people’s first language, is still very important, but this particular method begins with planting and spreading the stories by word-of-mouth first.
God seems to be showing me more and more, the effect stories have on people. The stories in His Word, of course...but also the story He's writing with my life. For example, at a wedding this past weekend, the guests at my table heard me say I had been to Africa. I did not feel in the mood to tell my whole story about what brought me over there, or the details of my call to write, so I was answering their questions politely, but with very brief answers, thinking they probably didn’t want more than that anyway.
However, the couple across from me kept prodding... They wanted details, and pretty soon I was telling the entire long version and we almost missed the buffet line! They listened, engrossed, to how God brought the trip about, and to my description of the various “coincidences” that were part of a higher plan, leading me to Cameroon, where my grandparents had lived and worked.
And here’s what keeps surprising me. I thought this whole thing – this blog, the call to write, the trip to Africa, etc. – was about my grandparents’ stories. And it is, for sure, to some important degree. Yet the intersection of my story with my grandparents’ stories seems to have a powerful effect on the people I talk with. The woman across from me, even though I had just met her, was literally moved to tears as she listened to how God had worked in my life to bring all of this about. With glistening eyes she exclaimed, “Ann, your story about all of this could be a book!”
I wonder why God chose to place Cameroon on my heart these past 14 months? And why He sent my grandparents to that country in the first place? And furthermore, I even wonder why is He having you read this right now?
God doesn’t waste anything. He has purposes. He tells stories. He transforms lives. I told Him in December 2009 that I wanted my life to tell a better story. One that He could use to bring glory to His name… So it seems He’s giving me such a story. I’ll continue to write and tell my grandparents' stories, and my story, to whoever will listen - in a dealership van, at a wedding, in this blog...and perhaps even in a book sometime. For my story is not really my own. It’s a story of God’s plan to give me a future and a hope through Jesus Christ, my Lord.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Going for no
Do you welcome rejection? Silly question, right? I mean, who does? Who would? Well, I’m not there yet, but I am working to become more comfortable with rejection, and yes, even to welcome it. I’m trying to go so far as to desire it. Let me explain…
Recently I read a book titled Go for No, by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz. It’s basically a book on selling, but clearly has implications for many. I was intrigued by the premise of it: that “the most empowering word in the world is not yes…it’s no.”
It’s a story of a salesman who turns around his career by seeking a target number of rejections, rather than a target number of sales. In the story, he comes to realize that failure is his pathway to success, and that, by becoming not only tolerant of failure, but desirous of it – his success track is actually accelerated, and greatly accomplished.
While I found it a quick, entertaining read, I wasn’t sure if/how the concept fit into my life. And, of course, I considered: Is there truth in this concept? For God is the author of all truth. Or is the concept simply one man’s fabrication to sell a book?
Here’s what I’ve been finding related to this in my life.
I’m in the process, by God’s grace, of reframing my thinking. I’m seeking to welcome the victory in each “no” as a step in the process toward a future “yes.” When we pray that God will guide us, He will. So when we pray for a seemingly God-guided desire for “yes,” are we willing to persevere through a “no” or two or ten - to get to the ultimate yes? God may say “no,” of course, but let’s not jump to that final conclusion too quickly.
Recently I read a book titled Go for No, by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz. It’s basically a book on selling, but clearly has implications for many. I was intrigued by the premise of it: that “the most empowering word in the world is not yes…it’s no.”
It’s a story of a salesman who turns around his career by seeking a target number of rejections, rather than a target number of sales. In the story, he comes to realize that failure is his pathway to success, and that, by becoming not only tolerant of failure, but desirous of it – his success track is actually accelerated, and greatly accomplished.
While I found it a quick, entertaining read, I wasn’t sure if/how the concept fit into my life. And, of course, I considered: Is there truth in this concept? For God is the author of all truth. Or is the concept simply one man’s fabrication to sell a book?
Here’s what I’ve been finding related to this in my life.
1) If I come upon a roadblock – however large or small – I tend to both accept it, and get frustrated and discouraged. One small illustration:
Last Sunday I was to share my story (Africa trip, writing about my grandparents, etc.) with an adult fellowship class at Bethesda church. I will spare you all the details, but…I had major technological difficulties as I was setting up my PowerPoint picture presentation. There were four separate times as I tried to connect when I encountered failure of some sort.
By the third time, after two runs down a very long hallway to get help, I was wondering if I should give up and go without pictures. By the fourth failure, I was almost certain this was what I would need to do – and maybe this is even what God wants? I was definitely frustrated and discouraged. But last Sunday, something prevented me from accepting a final “no.”
2) Temporary rejection or failure doesn’t necessarily mean I am to accept that as a “no” from God.
So I was praying as I struggled, of course, and no doubt a few attendees who were observing my struggles were praying, too. And I remembered the prayers of a few friends the evening before, as we dedicated my morning presentation to God, and prayed that all would go smoothly for His glory. These prayers did not let me give up.
Well, the solution following the fourth snag brought victory; it brought the “yes,” and I was good to go – to deliver what God had laid on my heart – with pictures! And looking back one week later, I’m amazed that I persevered through four picture-stopping snags. That’s not necessarily my style…
3) It’s time to become comfortable with rejection, as a mature step in faith.
So today I’m wondering… How often do I see a present rejection or failure as the final decree on an idea or a hope for the future? And, do I have the tenacity to welcome a present “no” as a step toward a future “yes” about something God has laid on my heart? Or do I most often accept a “no” as final, when He may want me to have faith to keep on for the “yes”?
I’m in the process, by God’s grace, of reframing my thinking. I’m seeking to welcome the victory in each “no” as a step in the process toward a future “yes.” When we pray that God will guide us, He will. So when we pray for a seemingly God-guided desire for “yes,” are we willing to persevere through a “no” or two or ten - to get to the ultimate yes? God may say “no,” of course, but let’s not jump to that final conclusion too quickly.
Monday, May 9, 2011
God loves, therefore...
This week I would like to challenge anyone who reads this with a fun, little exercise. So here it is: Open a blank electronic file, or get out a piece of paper and a pen, and finish this sentence: “God loves me, therefore…”
This is to be a list – a brain dump, if you will. Don’t stop until you’ve captured every thought that comes to mind. There are no wrong answers...just let it flow from your heart and soul.
God loves me, therefore…
Once you’ve done the initial brain dump – stop. You can always go back and add more items later. For now, though, go back to the top of your list and read every item. What do you think? Are you living in the reality of the truth that you are dearly loved by God?
I can tell you I found that I wasn’t. Not completely, anyway… In fact, just reading my list changed the way I was thinking. And, I recently read that when thinking changes, feelings change. And when feelings change, actions and behaviors change. And when our actions and behaviors change? Well, provided it's for the better - that's when we change the world! And to think it all starts with a change in thinking... In this case, it started with a list.
So, here's my brain dump, in the order it spilled out.
God loves me, therefore...
I'm wondering if my list looks anything like yours? And I'm wondering if your list began to change your thinking like my list began to change mine? This helps me see why it's so important to read God's Word, and to let the truths from it sink in and change our thinking...which changes our feelings...which changes our actions...which changes our world.
This is to be a list – a brain dump, if you will. Don’t stop until you’ve captured every thought that comes to mind. There are no wrong answers...just let it flow from your heart and soul.
God loves me, therefore…
~
~
~
~
~
Once you’ve done the initial brain dump – stop. You can always go back and add more items later. For now, though, go back to the top of your list and read every item. What do you think? Are you living in the reality of the truth that you are dearly loved by God?
I can tell you I found that I wasn’t. Not completely, anyway… In fact, just reading my list changed the way I was thinking. And, I recently read that when thinking changes, feelings change. And when feelings change, actions and behaviors change. And when our actions and behaviors change? Well, provided it's for the better - that's when we change the world! And to think it all starts with a change in thinking... In this case, it started with a list.
So, here's my brain dump, in the order it spilled out.
God loves me, therefore...
I am whole.
I am complete.
I can love others, selflessly.
My needs are met.
My future is in His capable hands.
I will ultimately be okay, and in the interim, I have divine help.
It is irrelevant whether or not others love me.
I am ultimately unharmed by the evil around me - even the evil directed toward me.
Life is not about my good works, although those may, and hopefully will, result; it's about His love for me, and my love for Him.
I'm secure.
The future is safe.
I love Him.
This is not about me; it's about Him and His love, and His plan.
I can be vulnerable with people; they cannot harm me.
I can love others without being loved in return, because I have the Eternal, Creator God in love with me.
I cannot fall - only stumble - because He holds me by the hand.
My results are not what it's about.
My day's work is not where I get my significance.
I do not get my significance from others - I get it from God Himself.
I am free.
I can be who I'm created to be.
I don't have to live in worry or fear.
I can trust Him.
I can fail - He works it into a plan for good.
I can die, yet live forever.
I'm safe in His arms.
Evil cannot overpower me.
I can live outside of my comfort zone, yet be completely comfortable.
I'm wondering if my list looks anything like yours? And I'm wondering if your list began to change your thinking like my list began to change mine? This helps me see why it's so important to read God's Word, and to let the truths from it sink in and change our thinking...which changes our feelings...which changes our actions...which changes our world.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Regarding closed doors...
How significant is an open or closed door to a follower of Christ? I’ve heard many stories about how God opens and closes doors for people. And I recall one personal experience, in particular... I had a door of opportunity literally slam shut in my face about eight years ago. I was unemployed and living alone with no other income to rely on when I received a job offer from an organization which had put me through several grueling interviews. I was delighted to finally, and successfully, have the offer. Or did I?
Unfortunately, the offered salary was quite a bit lower than I was expecting, so I respectfully asked for an increase. I asked for a salary more in line with the regional market value for that role – a reasonable request, it seemed. Well, for some reason they must not have liked the fact that I thought my work was worth market value, and before I knew it the offer was rescinded. I was crushed by the evaporation of an opportunity, and could not understand why it had happened.
A few years later I shared my story, in confidence, over a business lunch with a man who had previously worked for that organization. He said, “Ann, God saved you…” Though our conversation had not touched on anything spiritual, he immediately and sincerely gave credit to God for keeping me from accepting that position. I knew then, without a doubt, that God had protected me, and shut that door with good reason. (Which I had trusted, at the time, but it was still difficult...)
Today as I was reading through some of Grandpa’s brief, handwritten notes, as typed by my Dad, I couldn’t help but note the number of open and closed doors. Take a look, below-- (My notes are in parenthesis.)
So, first Grandpa’s interest was drawn to China while he was still in Norway. However, the education path which would lead there was not open, so he went to America to learn English – to study and wait. The school in Norway remained closed for him, but later when the door to China was wide open through the church synod in America, he and Grandma decided to trust the Lord to open the door which was then closed – the door to Africa. How about that for a sequence of open and closed doors?
It appears, from Grandpa’s notes and history, that a closed door was sometimes, but not always, a “no” from God. Do we agree? If the Lord puts a place, a people, an occupation, etc. in our hearts, and it settles in, and remains there...do we trust Him to open a door which might currently be closed? Or do we see a different door, which is open, and think, “That must be the door I’m supposed to go through, because, look - it’s open!”
Following Christ may lead us to stand for a length of time in front of a closed door. And, at the same time we may also need to resist an open, even honorable, alternate door. Is it just me who wonders: “Who trusts like this in 2011?” I definitely want to be one who trusts like this... I want to be one who trusts that when God speaks to my heart about something, I'm willing to wait by a closed door, and not abandoned it for another, albeit open and admirable, door.
Unfortunately, the offered salary was quite a bit lower than I was expecting, so I respectfully asked for an increase. I asked for a salary more in line with the regional market value for that role – a reasonable request, it seemed. Well, for some reason they must not have liked the fact that I thought my work was worth market value, and before I knew it the offer was rescinded. I was crushed by the evaporation of an opportunity, and could not understand why it had happened.
A few years later I shared my story, in confidence, over a business lunch with a man who had previously worked for that organization. He said, “Ann, God saved you…” Though our conversation had not touched on anything spiritual, he immediately and sincerely gave credit to God for keeping me from accepting that position. I knew then, without a doubt, that God had protected me, and shut that door with good reason. (Which I had trusted, at the time, but it was still difficult...)
Today as I was reading through some of Grandpa’s brief, handwritten notes, as typed by my Dad, I couldn’t help but note the number of open and closed doors. Take a look, below-- (My notes are in parenthesis.)
My interest was drawn toward China and I planned to attend the missionary school at Framnes (Norway), but for lack of funds, that schooling had to be postponed for two years. (closed door) While waiting for the opening of that mission school I came to America for the purpose of learning English. (open door) I made arrangements that I would go back to Norway if the number of applicants for entering this mission school were too few. Otherwise, I would continue my studies in America. It turned out there were more applications than the school could accept. (closed door) And so I continued my studies for two years at Augsburg… (open door)
Later, the greatest struggle came when we had to choose between going to China, where the way was open, or to continue to trust the Lord to open the way for us to Africa – which seemed closed.
So, first Grandpa’s interest was drawn to China while he was still in Norway. However, the education path which would lead there was not open, so he went to America to learn English – to study and wait. The school in Norway remained closed for him, but later when the door to China was wide open through the church synod in America, he and Grandma decided to trust the Lord to open the door which was then closed – the door to Africa. How about that for a sequence of open and closed doors?
It appears, from Grandpa’s notes and history, that a closed door was sometimes, but not always, a “no” from God. Do we agree? If the Lord puts a place, a people, an occupation, etc. in our hearts, and it settles in, and remains there...do we trust Him to open a door which might currently be closed? Or do we see a different door, which is open, and think, “That must be the door I’m supposed to go through, because, look - it’s open!”
Following Christ may lead us to stand for a length of time in front of a closed door. And, at the same time we may also need to resist an open, even honorable, alternate door. Is it just me who wonders: “Who trusts like this in 2011?” I definitely want to be one who trusts like this... I want to be one who trusts that when God speaks to my heart about something, I'm willing to wait by a closed door, and not abandoned it for another, albeit open and admirable, door.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
What late snows?
It’s April 19 and it’s snowing outside. I want spring to be here so badly I could spit. Yet, I looked out my bedroom window a few minutes ago, and actually smiled - broadly. I smiled because I know that winter is about to end. Its demise is surely just around the corner, and that certainty makes me happy.
Even though right now winter is trying to taunt me... It’s trying to tell me that spring is not coming – that winter will never end. But I know it’s wrong. It’s lying. Because winter will end, and spring will come – and it will be soon.
Do you ever look around and see all indications of something contrary to what you believe and know to be true? Maybe you see something opposite of what you want, and there is no evidence of what you are praying for? And does it ever occur to you that evil wants you to think God is not listening? That it wants you to think that the winter of your heart will never end? That spring will never come? It occurred to me this very evening…
My grandparents were faced with circumstances that may have led them to feel like this many times. They felt God calling them to take the good news of Jesus to Africa. But they had many “snowy spring days” to get through before they would arrive and begin ministering. First of all, the church synod they were associated with – Lutheran Brethren – didn’t even have an African mission option. My grandparents’ proposal that the church begin a mission in Africa was denied when first suggested; there was no money to start a mission in another country, and the church already had a mission in China. However, the church leaders agreed to pray about it, and a year later they voted to begin a work in Africa and my grandparents were the first to go.
Their “spring snows” continued, however, as they waited for passage on a ship, and then waited a few years after arriving in Africa, for the Cameroon government to give them permission to begin mission work in that country. And this was all after God called them…after He said yes to their asking, “Is this what you would like us to do?” My grandparents’ lives showed that they trusted God. They were far from perfect, but they stayed the course and waited, prayed, and trusted.
What is faith, if not believing in the unseen? Can’t anyone believe spring will come when it’s sunny and 60 degrees outside? It is a snowy, mid-April evening like this when faith is tested, when faith must be exercised, and when truth must be clung to.
Shortly after I stepped away from the bedroom window I heard a slight noise in that direction and turned to see a robin on my window sill. It perched there a minute and then flew off. In another minute it was back. This time I noticed it had something in its beak and after it flew off again I moved closer and saw the early beginnings of a nest on my sill. The robin was disregarding the snowflakes filling the sky and was building a nest as if spring was imminent. He was not going to be derailed by a long winter...by late snows. He acted like he didn’t even notice. And I took a lesson from him.
I don’t know when spring is coming this year, but I do know it will come. And I don’t know when certain things I’m trusting God for will take shape, but I do believe they will. And by God’s grace I am going to keep trusting, keep building, and will hardly notice the late snows. Spring is imminent.
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 NLT
Even though right now winter is trying to taunt me... It’s trying to tell me that spring is not coming – that winter will never end. But I know it’s wrong. It’s lying. Because winter will end, and spring will come – and it will be soon.
Do you ever look around and see all indications of something contrary to what you believe and know to be true? Maybe you see something opposite of what you want, and there is no evidence of what you are praying for? And does it ever occur to you that evil wants you to think God is not listening? That it wants you to think that the winter of your heart will never end? That spring will never come? It occurred to me this very evening…
My grandparents were faced with circumstances that may have led them to feel like this many times. They felt God calling them to take the good news of Jesus to Africa. But they had many “snowy spring days” to get through before they would arrive and begin ministering. First of all, the church synod they were associated with – Lutheran Brethren – didn’t even have an African mission option. My grandparents’ proposal that the church begin a mission in Africa was denied when first suggested; there was no money to start a mission in another country, and the church already had a mission in China. However, the church leaders agreed to pray about it, and a year later they voted to begin a work in Africa and my grandparents were the first to go.
Their “spring snows” continued, however, as they waited for passage on a ship, and then waited a few years after arriving in Africa, for the Cameroon government to give them permission to begin mission work in that country. And this was all after God called them…after He said yes to their asking, “Is this what you would like us to do?” My grandparents’ lives showed that they trusted God. They were far from perfect, but they stayed the course and waited, prayed, and trusted.
What is faith, if not believing in the unseen? Can’t anyone believe spring will come when it’s sunny and 60 degrees outside? It is a snowy, mid-April evening like this when faith is tested, when faith must be exercised, and when truth must be clung to.
Shortly after I stepped away from the bedroom window I heard a slight noise in that direction and turned to see a robin on my window sill. It perched there a minute and then flew off. In another minute it was back. This time I noticed it had something in its beak and after it flew off again I moved closer and saw the early beginnings of a nest on my sill. The robin was disregarding the snowflakes filling the sky and was building a nest as if spring was imminent. He was not going to be derailed by a long winter...by late snows. He acted like he didn’t even notice. And I took a lesson from him.
I don’t know when spring is coming this year, but I do know it will come. And I don’t know when certain things I’m trusting God for will take shape, but I do believe they will. And by God’s grace I am going to keep trusting, keep building, and will hardly notice the late snows. Spring is imminent.
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 NLT
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