Not Equipped To Handle It

The ladies' Bible study and I are in a 6 session study by Lysa Terkeurst called, "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl."  This last week, week 3 of the study, has probably been the most personally challenging to me thus far.  There are several reason for this.  Let me share some of her thoughts first, though.

Key phrase #1 of this session:  We must operate IN God's love, WITH God's love, in order that we may REFLECT God's love.

  Lysa sets forth the premise that if we allow let God's love cover our own insecurities we would then  better use those insecurities to serve others.  To overcome our insecurities we must CHOOSE to operate under the Word of Truth-- i.e. memorize those verses of Scripture that speak directly to our own areas of insecurity and choose to believe the TRUTH when it comes to that area. (Thus, operating in God's love.)  "Operating in God's love means understanding how His love can redefine my natural thought processes.  Using God's Word, I can fill my thoughts with His truths to combat the lies tangles around my feelings." (p. 90)

  She then goes on to say, having accepted God's love as truth for ourselves, we can then operate with God's love and allow his truth to be the catalyst by which we serve others.  When we can get past our own thoughts about what others may think of us, we can then serve them more fully.  (I.E. We can choose to open our home to a neighbor or fellow church member and not be afraid of what she might think of our broken couch or squeaky table -- or is that just me that has those two items? I can open my home being secure in the fact that it's not possessions that make others feel welcomed or make me "look good", it's my willingness to minister to others that is pleasing to God and that's all that matters.)

 By operating in God's love and with God's love, you can see then how natural it would be that we then would reflect His love.  It's an outflowing of the inner flowing peace and beauty He is creating in us by allowing Him to fill up all those insecurities instead of looking to other "people, possessions, or positions" (phrase used in session 1 by Lysa) to do that for us.

Now, that all SOUNDS good, but really.  That's just TOO easy, right?  Here's the catch: the comparison trap!  We wake up in the morning and we feel good and we read some Bible, have some coffee, sing some songs, go about our day (doing good so far) and then, as it is for me, go to some one's house that night and see their beautiful leather (leather is good for children because when illness comes knocking, then you don't have to try to Resolve your way out of that vomit stain! So if I could, I'd want leather right now =) couch...brown, just the way I'd like, and suddenly I don't feel so "God is great" any more.  I begin to doubt His provision is enough-- and I end up dwelling in the land of discontentment, while all the while I have so. many. stinking. wonderful. blessings. sitting. right. in. front. of. me!  Would a couch really fix my discontentment anyway?!

Oh, there are so many other "more important" comparisons -- jobs, relationships, health,etc. -- the list goes on for miles and it's so hard to combat those thoughts of wanting things we don't have.  But continuing to do so is a sin (remember that "do not covet" phrase?) that has consequences (discontentment and leads to resentment that leads to bitterness= a really ugly person and miserable testimony for Christ) which is why God tells us NOT to covet in the first place! (He's so wise!)

Then Lysa reminds us of a great truth.  She says, "Too many of us live with an uncontrolled thought life.  It is possible to learn to identify destructive thoughts and make wiser choices.  Instead of letting these thoughts rumble freely about in my mind, I make the choice to harness them and direct them toward truth." (p101,102)  And, what we haven't stopped to consider, is that for every person that has...a beautiful brown leather couch, let's just say... that person also has their own burdens (and that couch may just be the best part of their life.)  We ASSUME other people's lives are one way, and in reality we just never know what burdens and hardships they have to deal with.

Lysa says something that is meant to help us when we're in the thick of mental battle with comparing our situation to anothers'.  I think will stick with me for the rest of my earthly life and I hope you will find worth the time it took for you to read this lengthy blog :

Key phrase #2: "I am not equipped to handle what they have -- both good and bad." (p. 99)

"I am not equipped for her good.

I am not equipped for her bad.

I am not equipped to carry the weight of her victories.

I am not equipped to shoulder her burdens.

I am not equipped to be her in any way.

I am, however, perfectly equipped to be me.

Therefore, thank You, God, for only entrusting me with what I have and who I am." (p.102)

If not an "ah-ha" phrase for you, it was for me and I wanted to share it with you today, dear friend.  Wherever this finds you, may you be growing in grace learning to operate IN God's love, WITH God's love, so that you may then REFLECT God's love to those around you!

(In a few days, I want to write more to you sharing another part of this process: being secure in your  unique calling.  Difficult stuff-- but so good!)

 

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Christ Giveth and Giveth and Giveth Again

After talking with a good friend from seminary days who has been struggling with a bit of discouragement, I was reminded today of an sweet hymn that is laced with the most wonderful Truth-filled encouragement that it is GOD Who provides all we need for our earthly journey.  This is for that precious soul, a true friend who loveth at all times and in whom I know I can confide when my soul needs a place to go.  Hope you all enjoy as well.

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

(by Anne J. Flint)

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"Consider How The Lillies Grow" (Part 1)

Luke 12:27-28 “Consider how the lilies grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field…how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!”

Consider: To think about seriously, to believe after deliberation, to look at thoughtfully.

What a road life has been these last few weeks!  When I last left you, I was in a hotel room with my family as my husband candidate for an associate pastor position.  Well, he was offered the job, we accepted with much eagerness, and now we’re in full swing of packing and getting all the details in order to move a family of six!  Quite the project, really.  But in the hustle and bustle we’ve been reading a book to our children from the wonderful ministry Lamplighter, called Challenge at Runaway Brooke.  Here is the exchange that took place between two characters that made this verse stick with me for the past several weeks.

 

“[Luke 12:27] is such a pretty verse,” said Sarah. “What made you think of it?”

“I do not know,” said Rosa, “unless it was working at the flowers.  I often think of it when I have flowers.  I like to remember that Christ used to notice and admire them when He walked in the fields.”

“Do you suppose he really did?” asked Kitty.

“Certainly,” said Rosa, “for he says so, and I believe every word He tells me.”

"And I believe every word He tells me"…do I?  Do you?  This interchange between two young girls in the story struck me in several ways.  First, to imagine Christ walking along talking with the disciples.  He had at first mentioned a raven and then the lilies—do you think that perhaps those were animals and flowers that He and His disciples were passing by?  It only makes sense…or perhaps our word “lilly” was used in place of a different kind of flower better known in that region of the world. (I didn’t take time to look that part up!)  But it really makes no difference here, for we can picture Christ enjoying creation.  Even in these early summertime days, I have not taken time to truly consider His creation.  Have you?

Second, Christ’s words are really quite powerful if we believe that every word He says is true ; that “not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”  AND then the next part, “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field…how much more will he clothe you…?”  Is there something that you need right now?  I know there are many wants, but is there something that you truly need?  Maybe it’s not a material item, maybe it’s healing or comfort, maybe it’s rest and spiritual rejuvenation.  Whatever it is that you are lacking, do you believe Jesus Christ can provide that sufficiently for today?  I know I have used these words from Scripture and from this story to remind myself probably 10 times JUST TODAY that Christ is sufficient for ALL my needs, today.  (And He will be tomorrow, too, even if I have to remind myself 11, 12, or 20 times!)  Reminds me of a popular chorus from a few years back.

All of You, is more than enough for all of me,

for every thirst and every need.

You satisfy me with Your love,

And all I have in You is more than enough.

(Enough, words and music by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio)

I DO believe every word God says is true and therefore when I am tempted to worry instead of trusting in Him to supply my need, I need to confess that and turn and depend on Him.  That's the way He designed it to work!  And He promises to supply our need -- in HIS time (the PERFECT time, EVERY time.)

May God's hand of comfort and peace be with you today!

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