The World Spins Madly On.

Yesterday, particularly yesterday, I sensed that God had been actively teaching me a lesson. I didn’t hear Him at first but sensed that there was something about that day that was going to be different.

I was spot on.

God showed me 3 particular things.

1)      Don’t underestimate the God you follow. Don’t underestimate the good He can bring out of a bad situation. Don’t underestimate His love and compassion. Don’t underestimate Him and what He is capable of, what you know He is capable of.

Sometimes, most times, I feel I do just that. I really do underestimate how much He cares for me and how involved He is in my life. I underestimate how much He can use me in any situation. I underestimate my own usefulness for the Gospel and the advancement of His kingdom. But when I really stop to think about it I see clear evidence of His work in my life in so many ways – often times unbeknownst to me. Lately I’ve been feeling as though I’m understanding more of how God created me and the special gifts He’s equipped me with. The more I tap into that, the closer to Him I begin to feel. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

The second lesson is:

2)      Don’t let the world make you hard. Every act of kindness, everything you do out of love, it has eternal benefits. (Matthew 25:40 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’) Do unto others as you would have done unto you. (Psalms 18:35 - "Your gentleness made me great")

I was created by God. I was put on this earth to serve a specific purpose. I am accountable to God, as well as those God has placed here to help keep me accountable (because, in case you haven’t already observed, I’m not perfect.) Sometimes the world will seep through, other people and their opinions, the devil, whomever, and I’m left feeling like I’m doing everything wrong and nothing right. But I know, and I feel in my heart and mind, that I am doing something right. Maybe not everything, but I am doing some things right. I’m not going to sit here and boast about my greatness or the things I’ve done but what I’m getting at is that I know God is proud of me. I know God sees things in my life that He considers good and He’s helping me work though that which needs “pruning” – so to speak.

The third lesson is:

3)      Share your faith – whenever, wherever, however. It might not be as “vocal” as you’d expect it to be, but there are things that can be done, are being done, that set you apart. Take every opportunity to share with others what God has been doing in your life, teaching you. Or showing through action, because sometimes those speak louder than words.  

Lately I’ve been sensing a particularly heavy lean towards tapping into my prideful/selfish side. It pains me to announce this, but I feel it’s something that needs to be said. I can be incredibly selfish with my time, finances, efforts, ect. I live, at times, only to please myself and do what makes me happy and keeps me comfortable. That’s never how God intended me to be and what hurts the most is I know what I’m capable of doing for Christ and for the Gospel.  I think God’s really been after my heart in this particular aspect of my life. I’m learning, though, that sharing my faith doesn’t always have to be this huge spectacle – sometimes the little things are what matter the most. There is a time and place for everything. The little things you can do to impact someone’s day, or life.

I feel I’m always going to be a work-in-progress on these issues at hand. The past is in the past, I do what I can with the present and the opportunities God has given me, and there is all the potential in the world for the future. The trick is to never stop trying, never stop loving, never stop caring, never stop trying to make a difference here not only for those around you but for the Gospel and for Christ.

I want to end with this bit of scripture, particularly the intro to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) – which was something that came to mind as I was typing this out. Plus it’s a really good and encouraging read! J

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Let your light shine.