Category Archives: Inspiration

Complicate ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Not So Complicated

Care to guess what this pile is? To me, it’s chaos and confusion left unattended because of purposeful denial.

You see, I recently had a milestone birthday. To be honest this is one I hadn’t been looking forward to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so blessed and thankful to be here. It’s a gift really, but me turning 65 just seemed totally impossible! And you know what this “coming of age” means don’t you? That’s right….. Medicare.

Problem #1: I know that Medicare is also a blessing and something to be thankful for…by my mother’s generation, certainly in my own mind not by me yet.

Problem #2: Avoidance is my go-to when having to deal with things I have no knowledge base or experience with i.e. MEDICARE!!!!

Problem #3: I don’t like change and the unknown it brings. (Surprise, surprise)

Thus, the pile in the picture continued to grow. These envelopes represent only a portion of the mail I received from companies offering their services “as I navigate” you guessed it, Medicare. On top of the afore mentioned problems, being buried in information unfortunately only served to complicate my already challenging-to-me new life change.

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Romans 6:4 (NIV)

It’s funny as I think about it. Isn’t that what can also happen after our eternal “birth day?” Accepting the Gift means there’s no doubt that we’ll face a number of problems: we may not feel ready to accept all that awaits us, we’ll have to deal with things we’d rather avoid, and fear of what lies ahead can keep us from moving ahead.  On top of that, the world constantly seems to bombard us with piles of information, even claiming to help you and me figure it all out when really, it only serves to complicate our attempts at living life changed. 

I’ve been the big 6-5 for two weeks now. My red, white, and blue Medicare card has a prominent place in my wallet. You probably already know, but the truth is, it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I’d made it all out to be. Wise words, patient helpers, and lots of love from family and friends made coming into my new Medicare life a lot easier. As for living our new life in Christ? We have the wisdom of the Bible to teach us, those who will enduringly guide us, and….. 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (NIV)

…lots of love. It’s not so complicated after all!

It’s not complicated (see what I did there?) click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to read other selections on the prompt “Complicate.”

Catkins and Contradictions

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“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (NLT)

Catkins and Contradictions

I love spring and one of my favorite signs of it’s arrival is when the catkins appear on my Pussy Willow trees. This week I went out to admire the branches adorned with soft, white puffs marveling at how they looked against the blue sky. Then, something else caught my eye. There, in the middle of the day, in that same bright, blue sky, was the moon. I know it happens, but it’s so strange to me to be able to see the moon when the sun’s still up and it creates a disconcerting feeling inside of me.

Having the nighttime moon in the sunny daytime sky reminds me that things in this life don’t always make sense. Think about joy walking hand in hand with grief, seeing light in our darkest days, finding blessings in the midst of devastation, or gaining greater faith as we feel least able. These contradictions weave their way throughout my days, pushing and pulling me in different directions and stretching me in a most uncomfortable way. Maybe you know exactly what l mean.

It’s through all that tugging and straining that I question how such complete opposites can show up at the same time just like the moon and sun did.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega-the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God.”
Revelation 1:8a (NLT)

Well, it doesn’t get more opposite then that does it? God is the beginning. He’s with us as we step into our circumstances. But….God is also the end, enabling us look back and recognize the gifts those circumstances brought with them. And my friends, He’s with us in all the in-between too!

I think that’s why I love spring so much. It too, is such a contrast with the winter months. Where it seemed there was death, new life springs forth. The long, dark days become lighter. And just about the time I think it will never happen, catkins appear outside my window. I don’t know about you, but to me, it feels an awful lot like hope.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
Isaiah 43:19a (NIV)

There are so many who I care deeply for walking through challenging times right now. I write this for them, and you too, as a reminder that “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning!” (Psalm 30:5) I’m also writing these words for myself to read again and again as I need reminding that though it seems contradictory, impossible even, the moon does shine with the sun and that the Light shines in the beginning, the midst, and at the end of our bleakest days, too. I don’t know about you, but to me, this IS our Hope!

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Romans 8:28

Suffer ~ Five Minute Friday

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“After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you.” 1 Peter 2:21 (CEV)

Hopeful Suffering

“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me.
While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up!
I have defeated the world.”
John 16:33 (CEV)

There are verses in the Bible that I cling to for hope and encouragement. Some, I struggle to understand. And then there are others that are just plain hard. For me, the above verse is one of those difficult ones. 

This is Jesus speaking. With His very own words He’s telling us that there are no if, ands, or buts about it; We. Are. Going. To. Suffer. 

Anguish, pain, distress, disappointment, grief, I could go on and on. But, we’re told point blank, that all of this and more, whether we want it or not, will be part of our lives. May I just say that I don’t like it? If you know me or have read much here, you know that I’m a cling to control, linger in my comfort zone, happy ending kind of gal. Suffering? No thank you. I don’t want any part of it..

Of course, you know I’ve suffered much. I know you have, too. And we know we will again. Maybe like me, you find it easy to get stuck in all this suffering. But let’s look at what Jesus says about it, “Cheer up!” Wait, He said what? I don’t know about you but cheering up in troubled times doesn’t come naturally.

As usual this is a lesson I need, one I’m slooowwwly learning. Maybe it’s one you need too. Jesus is teaching us by example. He’s been there! God used His suffering, one we can’t begin to comprehend, for one reason only: so that we may have peace in this world full of agony.

How is peace possible? That’s the difficult part for me.

 “Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he told them, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt down on the ground and prayed, ‘Father, if it is possible, don’t let this happen to me! Father, you can do anything. don’t make me suffer by drinking from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want.’”
Mark 14:32,35-36 (CEV)

 Jesus knew he was facing the ultimate suffering, not just anguish, pain, distress, disappointment, and grief, but total separation from the Father. And at this moment in Gethsemane, like me (us), He didn’t like it or want any part of it. But, our Savior didn’t get stuck in His own suffering, instead He released His control, comfort, and the ending to the One who can do anything.

How is peace possible? I think Jesus shows us that there’s only one way: Trust. (Yikes!)

I’m beginning to understand that it’s only when we depend on God’s power more than our own, believe as He did for Jesus’ suffering, that God has a purpose for ours, too, we can finally start to look beyond the cups that have been poured for each of us to find the peace that Jesus promises for our hearts even saying with Him.

“But, do what YOU want, and not what I want.” (emphasis mine)

Just plain hard? Oh my!

Hope and encouragement we can cling to? There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it! 

Waste ~ Five Minute Friday

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You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.'” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

Dive Bomber

I’ve probably written these words before, but it continuously amazes me how much bird behavior can mirror the way we humans act. One of the frustrating parts about feeding hummingbirds is having what I call a “dive bomber.” You can usually hear them before you see them. They are the ones who sit just above the feeder and then whiz in to chase any other hummingbird away from the waiting nectar, even though there’s plenty to go around.

Every summer I see the same thing happen, there’s room for six guests around the feeder but five remain empty because one hummer doesn’t want to share. The result? A lot of wasted nectar. Just because it wants it all, doesn’t mean it can use it all. And so, the sweet liquid spoils, leaving me no option but to throw it out and begin again. Maybe you can tell I’m gritting my teeth as I type. Like I said, frustrating!

But isn’t this just how we can be with our money, our time, and our talents? We see others around who can benefit from some of what we have, yet we maneuver around so they don’t get more than we want them to. I know I’ve been a “dive bomber” more than I want to admit. I’m reminded of one of the parables Jesus told. He said, 

“Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
Luke 12: 15-21 (NLT)

I can find lots of reasons to store up my own “goods.” I may tell myself that someone else will surely provide, that the need isn’t as real as it appears, or even worry that if I give some of what I have, it will leave me lacking just like my selfish hummingbird or the rich farmer who also wanted it all for themselves. Maybe you can relate. Sure, some concerns are valid, BUT, we can’t let them stop us from doing what we know we should. 

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)

Spoiled sugar water, untimely death, moths and rust and thieves…do you, like I do, see a pattern here? The more we try to tightly hold on to, the more it wastes away. And our hearts? Well, they are left poverty stricken. I wonder if God ever finds our “dive bombing” behavior frustrating too? After all, He provides plenty to go around. Lucky for us, I’m pretty sure He is not as easily aggravated as I am!

I don’t know about you, but I often need reminded, that our wealth doesn’t come from the things of this world. Jesus gave absolutely everything He had for you and me and when the desire of our hearts is to share His gift with others, yes, through our money, our time, and our talents, that’s when we waste nothing and discover we truly have it all. 

“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”
Hebrews 13:16 (NLT)

Joining in with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to write to the prompt of “Waste.” Click over to read more offerings. It won’t be a “waste” of your time!

Unexpected Blue Jay

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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” James 1:2 (NIV)

Unexpected Blue Jay

Looking out the window I noticed that some extra decor was added to my seasonal hanging basket and the color just didn’t match with the theme I was going for. Never have I had a blue jay in the baskets before and this one didn’t stay there long. I’m guessing he didn’t find it too comfortable so flew off to somewhere else.

Have you ever had the same experience? Unexpectedly landing somewhere and not feeling like you quite fit in? Goodness I have! And it doesn’t have to be a bad place, just one that’s out of our comfort zone. Like maybe a city girl who comes to teach in the most rural place she’s ever been. Or a gal who tries hard but often feels that she doesn’t measure up, and then her husband is called to pastor two churches making her a Pastor’s wife. Uncomfortable? You’d better believe it! I know you can add your own examples of those times it’s felt like you were left dangling like me. It seems as if things poke and prod us on all sides, making it hard to settle in and leave us thinking a lot about flying the “coop.”

Join me with me for a moment looking back at the Israelites. God made a way for them to be freed from slavery. Miraculously, they walked on dry land across the Red Sea. They were fed daily and their clothes didn’t wear out. They were being led to the Promised Land by God and yet, their surroundings felt awkward and unfamiliar leaving them feeling unbalanced and actually wishing for the life they’d known as slaves. As a result, they spent their lives lost and never stepped a foot into the place God had prepared just for them.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss out on God’s best He’s prepared for me! 

The problem is, I see myself, my own weakness in those Israelites. Maybe you can relate to them too. I do believe that God is leading me through life just as he led them, that He’s providing me with everything I need in whatever situation I find myself as He did back then. But, and it’s a big but, you can still find me whining and complaining, wondering why I’m where I am, scared, anxious, and sadly lacking trust in the One who has my best in mind. This is where the words, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) burst from my heart and pour out of my mouth. 

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NIV)

The part I love most about the verses above is knowing that Jesus is the “perfecter of faith,” not us. When we find ourselves in a “wilderness,” will we(I) fall short? Probably. Might we miss out on blessings because of our (my) lack of trust? Possibly. But, and it’s a big but, I’ve found that those times are also where I’ve learned the most about following God’s plan and slowly but surely (slow learner here) overcoming my unbelief. They do say, “Practice makes perfect.” In this case it is our practice of persevering in this race of life no matter where we find ourselves and Jesus’ perfecting our growing faith in the process.

Who would have thought that an unexpected blue jay in my basket would act as a reminder for me and maybe you too, that when we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory and life feels as if it’s swinging out of control, instead of giving up or longing for somewhere else, we need only to look to God’s best, our “Promised Land”: Jesus!

“because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:3-4 (NIV)

Say ~ Five Minute Friday

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“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)

It’s easy to see why, that with a quick glance, this bird is often mistakenly called a “red-headed” woodpecker. Not until you look at him from a different perspective, in this case seeing what’s underneath, can you understand why his actual name is a red-bellied woodpecker. I’m old enough to remember radio host Paul Harvey’s distinctively comforting voice saying, “And now you know the rest of the story.” Sometimes we have to look more carefully to truly see.

When I was in Sixth Grade my A’s and B’s became C’s and D’s. My teacher, whom I loved and wanted to please didn’t understand what was happening. I looked the same, but wasn’t the girl she knew. Before long my mom came to school and there in the quiet of my empty classroom, mom said what I couldn’t say. “My dad had unexpectedly walked out on our family.” Mrs. Mayer looked at me with tears in her eyes, came around her desk, and wrapped me in her arms while whispering how sorry she was that she didn’t know. She had seen what she thought was me but now could understand that it was what was underneath, my broken heart, that told the rest of my story.  

There are pivotal times in our lives and that was one of mine. That special teacher’s compassion for me in that moment and beyond, is one of the reasons I became a teacher myself.  Her care of me became the way I tried to always treat my own students. I never wanted to let my first impressions of them or their behavior mistakenly label them in one way or another. I wanted to know “the rest of their stories” too.

And isn’t that what we all really desire? How often when asked how we are, do we say, “fine” even though we’re not? We may be exhausted, scared, in pain, grieving, confused, lonely, barely keeping our heads above water but trying not to let it show. At quick glance it mistakingly appears we have it all together and let’s be honest; there’s a part of us that wants to keep it that way. And yet, we also long for someone to see us from a different perspective, to look underneath that protective “fine,” more carefully and truly see what we can’t say, that we’re broken. Those around us are longing for the same thing.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:13 (NLT)

Jesus was letting us know that as believers He considered us friends, and He did give His life for ours. I don’t know about you, but that’s something I can never imagine doing. What if we look at it another way though? Instead of a quick glance and taking “fine” at face value, what if we lay down our day to day life…our perceived business, our phones, our own agendas, the desire to control our free time (speaking to myself) so we have the opportunity to look more carefully to truly see. Spending time with one another offers us all the opportunity to see things from a different perspective, to see what’s underneath, and to say what maybe we couldn’t before.

It’s been 52 years since I sat in Mrs. Mayer’s classroom.  I wish I could talk with her today so I could say, “thank you.” Thank you for listening. Thank you for grieving with me. Thank you for caring. Thank you for taking the time to truly see me, broken as I was and literally changing my life. That’s the kind of friend, wife, mom, MiMi, Christian, that I want to be. How about you?

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”
Romans 12:10,13,15 (NLT)

I have a little (or a lot) of time. Now that you know a little of mine, what’s the rest of YOUR story?

Joining others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com as we write to the prompt, say. Click over to see what they have to say.

Pattern ~ Five Minute Friday

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“But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.” 1 Corinthians 12:31b (NLT)

Living in the Crevices

It was something I’d never seen before. As I watched the birds out my window I noticed a Downy Woodpecker glide toward the porch. Carefully approaching to get a better look at what was going on, I observed the normally shy guy jabbing his beak into the cracks of our stonework. I have no idea what he was doing. My best guess is collecting bugs that had been trapped by spiderwebs in those crevices during the summer. But why, when there were three feeders, suet, and a cylinder made completely of nuts, fruit, and seeds, a literal bird buffet right there, was he hanging out where he didn’t belong? It still remains a mystery.

As I continued to watch this snow drenched, black and white bird and his unusual behavior a thought came to mind (as the Holy Spirit often likes to send me) we too, can exhibit similar actions. How often do we perch in life’s “cracks” instead of partaking of the abundance God provides for us?

I don’t know about you, but when I find myself weather-worn from the storms that come my way, I cling to the comfortable patterns of pecking away at worry, fear, anxiety, and all those things that I find trapped in my mind. So why, when I know the Bible tells us over and over that’s not where we belong, do I settle for less when something so much better, the best really, is right there waiting for me? Believe me, it remains a mystery that I hope to solve sooner rather than later.

As I ponder this, my thoughts have turned to the Samaritan woman at the well. (John 4:1-26) Remember? She was living a life not doing as she should either and Jesus comes to her and offers her something better.

“Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.’” John 4:10 (NLT)

“If you only knew.” As I mentioned above, I DO know., so why do I often find myself stuck dangling in my meager attempts to satisfy my own needs? I forget Jesus’ next words, maybe you do too: if you would ask Me, I would give.

God, through Jesus, has spread out before us an array for our taking. Love, comfort, wisdom, strength, peace, guidance, forgiveness, and so much more, a literal Spiritual smorgasbord awaits when we seek Him.

There’s no doubt that living in the “crevices” is not the pattern I want my life to follow. I’m guessing you don’t want that either. We also can be sure that God’s best is more than anything we could ever imagine or have seen before. Paul puts it like this:

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)

May this prayer be our prayer as we live life patterned after Christ’s love, seeking the only One who can fill those chasms, freeing us “through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:29 (NLT)

Amen!

So happy to be back joining with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com for the first prompt of 2024. It’s not too late for you to write with us too!

 

Day 31/31: Perseverance

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Run the race. Keep the pace. Eyes on Jesus

Day 31: Perseverance #writetogether31days

There’s a young woman I know who has set a goal for herself. She’s done what it takes to be prepared, but to reach the bar she’s set for herself, she must pass several tests. She studies, applies what she’s learned, drives the miles to get to the test site, sits through the exam and then anxiously waits. Sometimes the news is worth celebrating and other times she learns that she was just a few points short and must try again. 

As I sit here the ponderer I am, and look back over what I’ve written during these 31 days, I realize it is the very same for me. I know who I want to become, but to get there also requires being tested. Such is the life of a Christian. 

I’ve done what it takes to be prepared in accepting Christ as my Savior. Studying the Word and applying it to my life helps me “practice what I preach,” to be ready to go that extra mile, and  when I’m anxiously waiting in the midst of those tests and trials, to endure. Sometimes it seems as if I’m gaining in my quest for greater faith and at other times, it’s clear I’m coming up short. Feeling like I take one step forward then two steps back can be quite discouraging.  Maybe you can relate.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 (NIV)

“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:3-4 (NIV)

I know it can be discouraging for my young friend too, but the thing I so admire about her is, she does try again, and again if necessary. She perseveres and studies, practices, drives the miles, braves the testing and waiting all over again to finish what she’s started. Without knowing it, she inspires me to do the same. 

I pray for her, and myself, and for you too, that as we face those things that test us, we don’t give up. As Hebrews 12 tells us, “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” May we not grow weary or lose heart, but try again, and again if necessary. “Blessed is the one who perseveres.” Yes, these 31 days (and many more) are teaching me: such is the life of a Christian. And even when it doesn’t feel like it, that’s news worth celebrating!

Day 30/31: Door

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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Day 30: Door #writetogether31days

For over 100 years these doors had been open for anyone, anytime, to come and go as they needed to. It’s how church is meant to be. However, you and I know the world has changed and unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we’ve recently had to begin locking them. It shouldn’t be this way. Keeping people out feels unnatural, uncomfortable even; but protecting and preserving what’s inside is important, too.

The same thing can happen to us, I think. We are God’s living church out in our ever-changing world. Our hearts were designed to be open to anyone, showing love anytime, welcoming others to come or being ready to go whenever it’s needed. But, due to circumstances beyond our control, we can feel a necessity to shut ourselves up tightly, attempting to keep others out. (Ask me how I know.) It doesn’t feel right. We know that it’s not how we’re supposed to be, but protecting and preserving what’s inside us seems vital, too.

Our values are questioned. Slam! Our beliefs ridiculed. Latched. Our well-being threatened. Locked.

I struggle, maybe you do too, with how we, as temples of God can stand secure in the midst of destructive words, thieves of peace, and vandals of our faith. How can we unbar our discouragement, uncertainty, and fears to be the witnesses, open and welcoming that we’re each meant to be?

There’s no doubt that when Jesus sent the disciples out He knew that they’d face tribulation. Yet, He still told them to go. He’s sending us out into the world as well and of course, we know challenges will try to “break in” and attempt to take away from what we’re doing. But, throughout His ministry, Jesus taught those fishers of men all they needed to be successful. I believe He’s in the process of doing that with me, too. Maybe you can also sense Him instructing you. I’m afraid I’m still a work in progress and have more questions than answers, but I do know one thing for sure:

Jesus is the Key!

“I do this in order that they may be filled with courage and may be drawn together in love, and so have the full wealth of assurance which true understanding brings. In this way they will know God’s secret, which is Christ himself. He is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:2-3 (GNT)

 

Day 27/31: Strive

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“But God has shown us how much he loves us-it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (GNT)

Day 27: Strive #writetogether31days #fiveminutefriday

Looking back on most of my life, if you’d ask what I did best, my answer would quickly be “strive.” Trying hard somehow became as natural for me as breathing. But there’s more…I didn’t just want to be the best student, daughter,  teacher, wife, mother, church member, etc. I wanted to be the perfect one. I couldn’t stand the thought of making a mistake. Well, we all know how well that’s worked out.

Somehow I thought that if I put in the time, followed the rules, checked off the lists, did all the things, my working hard would result in finally feeling successful, accepted, and worthy of love. The harder I tried, the more it seemed I messed up, and then, I tried even harder. It. Was. Exhausting! Have you been there?

This way of thinking even spilled over into my Christian life and so, I made every effort to be the the “good girl” I determined I needed to be.  The thought of letting God down could overwhelm me and in turn I filled my already full schedule with more to-do’s to satisfy what I believed He expected of me. But like Paul in Romans 7:15, I did not understand myself because what I wanted to do I did not do, but what I hated to do, I did. Pursuing perfection was doing me in!

“For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (GNT)

The truth is, I always knew it was impossible to be perfect (although it didn’t stop me from trying), but what a relief it was to learn the real Truth: that I didn’t need to be perfect at all. It was as if I heard God saying, “Cindy, stop trying so hard.”

It’s difficult for us humans to accept that it isn’t all about us. (I have to remind myself more often than I’d like.) But, no matter what wonderful things we accomplish, how intelligent, generous, kind we are, how many rules we follow, or how much we love others, the reality is, we can never be good enough, do enough, or be enough to get to Heaven. Jesus is the only Way. And my friends, He is all we should strive after; because as it can only be, one day, through Him we’ll find that perfection forevermore. 

“Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, an offering that is effective forever, and then he sat down at the right side of God. With one sacrifice, then, he has made perfect forever those who are purified from sin.”
Hebrews 10:12,14 (GNT)