Have you ever wondered how Israel could see the power of God at one time, and then turn away the next? One day they are passing through the Red sea, the next they are worshiping a golden calf. We often wonder how they could be so stupid and blind, yet, are we any different? For those of you that know me, you have heard me speak of the great miracles I have seen in Haiti. Some of you have even witnessed some of them with me. Things so great that I even had an opportunity to share them on the radio, and then hear people say how these accounts moved them. With all of this, still, the last 4-6 weeks have been a low time for me. I have shared with a few of you that after the Isaiah project as I was praying I heard God say that I am not broken enough yet. I feel the last month or so has been a breaking process in my life. It seems that many things have not been going "right". I feel as if I have been losing control of life, and mostly because of things that are beyond my control.
It has brought me to remember where I was 4 years ago. It was the lowest point in my life. I realized that I did not believe in God, people, or even my family. I had lost all hope. my eyes were focused on me, and me alone. God, though, did not leave me there. He put people in my life that helped change my focus, to take my eyes off of myself, and to see the one who was seated on the throne, and to help me understand who I was in Him.
This week I started to realize that I was once again taking my eyes off of Him, and putting them on myself. Situations and responsibilities were helping me take my eyes off of the Kingdom, and focus, once again, on things of this world.
I have had the blessing to be going through Discipleship essentials again. This class was key in helping me understand who I am in Christ, and the depth of the love that God has for me. It seems that once again, God is using it to break me and re-focus on Him.
Jesus told us that we would go through trials. He told us to expect them. BUT, be of good cheer because HE has overcome. We cannot overcome in ourselves, but only the one who has conquered the ruler of this world.
If some of you are getting stressed over what seems to be a barrage of negativity, please listen to these words from Philippians 4; rejoice in the Lord always. I sat it again: Rejoice! let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Jesus is on the throne. He has conquered evil, and taken away our guilt and sin. Put your faith in Him, and Him alone. I know there are some of you reading that do not have this comfort or hope. I know that you have been hurt in the past by people claiming to be Christians. I know you are struggling with life, purpose, guilt, and shame. Please understand that people fail, God never will. He loves us so much that He sacrificed His greatest love, His son, for us. You ARE special, you ARE loved, you CAN have peace.
This all came about this morning as I put in a CD I have never listened to before, even though we have had it for over 3 years. When this song came on it made my breaking complete.
PLEASE, PLEASE, take 3 minutes and listen to this song. The lyrics are posted afterward, but listen to the song first. If any of you want to discuss this further PLEASE let me know. I know what you are going through, and even though I still struggle sometimes, know where to find help.
If not for Christ I would surely fall
Over myself and bear the fault
Of all my deeds so terrible
If not for Christ I would surely fall
If not for Christ I would surely fall
If not for Christ I would surely break
Under the weight of my mistakes
And in my sin be kept away
If not for Christ I would surely break
If not for Christ I would surely break
It was for me He bled and died
It was my sword that pierced His side
It was my name that Jesus cried
When on that tree He bled and died
It was for me He bled and died
And now to Christ I owe it all
He is to me a tower strong
Salvation does to me belong
It is to Christ I owe it all
It is to Christ I owe it all
Over myself and bear the fault
Of all my deeds so terrible
If not for Christ I would surely fall
If not for Christ I would surely fall
If not for Christ I would surely break
Under the weight of my mistakes
And in my sin be kept away
If not for Christ I would surely break
If not for Christ I would surely break
It was for me He bled and died
It was my sword that pierced His side
It was my name that Jesus cried
When on that tree He bled and died
It was for me He bled and died
And now to Christ I owe it all
He is to me a tower strong
Salvation does to me belong
It is to Christ I owe it all
It is to Christ I owe it all
5 comments:
Nate - this is a great post. Thanks for being so open and honest. I'm sure if we were all honest we would all admit to having those down times and you are right - they usually happen when we focus on ourselves, instead of God.
I've never heard that song before, but it's really good!
Amen to that! Thanks Nate for posting this... it's such a great reminder of what Jesus did for us and that we DO owe it all to Him. I especially love the third verse - "It was for ME He bled and died, It was MY sword that pierced His side, It was MY NAME that Jesus cried, When on that tree He bled and died, It was for ME He bled and died"!!! Not "me" as part of the Body of Christ but "me" as in "DIANE", "NATE", "BRENDA", etc. etc.... It really makes it so personal.
Amen brother. Love you.
The Lord is near.
Nate- I think you have just put into your heartfelt words what many many people are feeling at this time and in this place...
May God continue to guide you in your journey... as you have been an incredible witness to others..
Peace and Blessings Always,
Beth
Thanks Nate, I needed that today.
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