Not sure where I will be headed this next round of blogs. I have two books for consideration. Both are Max Lucado books: Facing Your Giants and Next Door Savior. I may decide on one, or alternate between the two. For today's entry, I will summarize the first chapter in Facing Your Giants because I have already read that chapter.
I purchased FYG a while back because of one "giant" in particular- WORRY. While I have made some strides in this area, it is still a giant that is a constant foe of mine. Up until about two years ago, I used to have a bottle of Pepto Bismol in my car's glove box, in my desk at work and a bottle in the fridge at home. (I wonder who thought of refrigerating the stuff!?) These were there to soothe the often upset stomach and accompanying plumbing problems because I was a world-class worrier.
Oddly enough, it was one of the most trying events of my professional life that cured me of this level of worry. I remember on a November night in 2008, I got a call from Dr. Ridder, Springfield Schools' superintendent. He told me that I was named as a defendant in a lawsuit involving two girls who had gotten hit be a car while walking to school. One would think that such news would send a top-shelf worrier like myself over the edge. Pepto Bismol shots on the house! It did just the opposite. The news drove me to my knees.
After I received the call I went upstairs to our study and got out the Bible. Psalm 23 came to mind so I read and reread it. I will never forget the calm, reassurance and strength I received from the line "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." This reminded me that even when faced with adversity God is actively working in an intentional, thoughtful manner to bless His children.
He is PREPARING a FEAST for us even when our enemies are present. Only an omniscient, omnipotent God could do that. Only a God whose very essence is love would do that.
Since that time, I am sure that the stock prices of Pepto Bismol have dropped due to my decreased consumption of Pink Cement.
I am not cured completely. I still have bouts of situational worry that require prayer and meditation, but thanks to God's allowance of personal adversity and His faithful companionship during that adversity, I have come a long way in defeating the giant of worry in my life.
On the 25 you used the term "evangelistic fires." I think you would use that term to mean the same as "witnessing fires," which, I think, is synonymous with one-to-one sharing of the gospel. I am so very pleased that you are facing the challenges and priorities that such sharing include.
ReplyDeleteHowever, may I suggest that evangelistic fires should include all that is done to touch lives for the Lord, even to the point of walking the halls on Wednesay evening with a flashlight in hand. All this is fairly new to you and the enthusiasm is great. BUT be careful about getting too involved too soon. Keep asking the HS for guidance. Be willing to slow down if a red flag arises.The Christian life is a marathon, not a dash.
Again I use the word "congratulations" on your Christian growth, even though somehow it seems not the best expression to use. I know this is really nit-picking, but may I remind you that the event of the law suit did not provide the cure (improvement) for worry. It was the Holy Spirit, using the law suit as a tool.
ReplyDeleteWorry is, of course, an on-again, off-again thing. But each time you have a slight relapse and have to struggle to overcome the fear you will be stronger the next time.
How much of your daily devotional time is spent reading and blogging, compared to the amount spent praying? It would seem the blog time is between you and others, while the prayer time is between you and God. Don't let the former outweigh the latter.
In regards to your last comment- Tonight at Life Group, we had a lengthy discussion about how several members of the group were busy for God, but felt little consistent joy. The feeling that "someday I will. . ." was something that kept some members from feeling the daily contentment and joy of today.
ReplyDeleteWe talked about how cultivating the relationship with God is much more difficult that doing stuff for God. "Be still and know that I am God" ain't as easy as the phrase would suggest.