October 10, 2011
I'm reading in the book of Matthew this morning. It's the gospel I had really been studying a few months ago and then got called to other parts of the Word. This morning I was drawn back. I'm in chapters 8-9 today. Something really caught my attention - as if Jesus was speaking right to me. (This is a passage I always pause at, but today it really struck me.)
Matthew 9:2-8 is the story of Jesus healing the paralytic. Jesus' words to the witnesses always makes me pause and today they seem to be spoken to me.
Jesus: "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven."
Scribes: "This man blasphemes."
Jesus: "Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven' or to say 'Get up and walk?' But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" - then He said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your bed and go home."
...when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God,...
In Luke 5:18-26
v. 22 But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, "Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier to say, 'Your sins have been forgiven you,' or to say 'Get up and walk'?"
...(the paralytic) went home glorifying God.
v. 26 They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear saying, "We have seen remarkable things today."
In Mark 2:1-12
v. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. And they came, bringing Him a paralytic, carried by four men. Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.
And Jesus, seeing their faith said to the paralytic, "Son your sins are forgiven."
But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?"
Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, "Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? Which is easier to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven'; or to say, 'Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" - He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home."
And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying "We never have seen anything like this."
In our season of waiting, I feel like The Lord is saying to me, "Which takes more faith and glorifies Me more?
-'I will heal you and restore this...trust Me'?
or
-'Here's a job'?"
God has authority to do both. But one requires far more faith. God could have gotten us out of this season long ago. He is God. But that wouldn't have grown Jason and I. It wouldn't have required a strengthening of faith. And no one would have been watching us to see how God will heal this.
And as I was writing this story from the three different gospels, I was stretched even further.
For some reason we assume God's will for our lives will be easy. And while it certainly is 'easier' than living outside of His will, no one said it's 'easy.' The whole story of digging through the roof to lower a paralytic into a crowd is not an 'easy' act of faith. Imagine carrying a grown man, on a stretcher, through dusty, crowded streets to see Jesus. When you get there, the place is packed; you can't even get yourself through the door, let alone a stretcher. Most guys would have looked at each other, over the stretcher, given the 'oh well' nod and turned around to go home. Not these men of faith. They decided to climb up on the thatch roof, WHILE CARRYING A STRETCHER!!! Then they dig through the roof, somehow lower the man down (I'm assuming with rope someone had to go find somewhere), and hope that they could get him near Jesus. I'm sure this was no easy task. But they had faith. It must have taken hours, but they knew if they were patient they could make this work and they had faith that Jesus would heal their friend. And we're not talking about healing a scrape or bruise or headache. No. These men were asking the Son of Man to restore a PARALYTIC! That takes great faith.
Although not the same, waiting for God to take us out of this season in our family is not an 'easy' act of faith.
In both Luke and Mark, people were "reasoning" in their own minds and hearts. And Jesus asked them, "Why are you reasoning in your hearts?" Luke 5:22/Mark 2:8 Jesus would say this to me. "Christie, why are you trying to reason all of this in your heart?" My reasoning falls short as a human and can only see the obvious, in-front-of-my-eyes, way of doing things. Sure, God could just give Jason a job. But by saying, "Trust Me," there is greater faith and non-human reasoning involved. All three passages speak of God's authority to work out His will - and He does. Only God has the power and right to heal our situation.
When I look at the symbolism that further ties this story to our life, I am filled with joy and hope. The paralytic man was not alone. He was "carried by four men." (Mark 2:3) Throughout all seasons of my life, and especially those that require great faith, I have never been alone. Obviously, God has always been with me. But He has always placed friends and family and fellowship around me. This season is no exception. And these people often carry me when I am too weak and paralyzed to walk on my own. Praise God for those who "carry our pallets!"
And finally, I am extremely excited by the last part of this chapter of the story. Jesus says, "I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home." (Mark 2:11) And when the man immediately did this, both he and all those who witnessed this were glorifying God!
God will say "It's done. Your sins are forgiven. You are healed. Take your things and go to your (new) home." So much of this season has left me feeling paralyzed. But God will use His authority to say, "Get up, pick up your pallet and go home." He will say this to Jason and I. And when He does, others will see this chapter in the story and will glorify Him with us!
Not for sympathy or pain, but to glorify Him
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Somewhere in the Middle
September 2011
***A GIANT disclaimer is required here: These words are not my own. I'm taking the blog directly from Mark Hall, a member of Casting Crowns. All too often we listen to songs but don't listen carefully to the words. In other cases, songs speak volumes to my heart and my life. This song hits the nail on the head, and I just had to share it with you! Again, these words are not mine...but easily could/should be!
Mark Hall: "I've been in this place so many times I could design postcards. The sadness of knowing I'm not where I should be and the numbness that sets in can be devastating. But know this: God loves, heals, and restores!"
Verses that he suggests go with this song:
Revelations 2:1-5 / Galatians 2:20 / Galatians 6:7-8/ Psalm 1 / Galatians 5:1 / Matthew 16:24-26 / Isaiah 50:10 / Proverbs 14:14, 16:8 / Matthew 12:30 / 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, 5:14-17 / Philippians 3:7-11 / Revelation 3:14-21
Lyrics:
Somewhere between the hot and the cold - Somewhere between the new and the old - Somewhere between who I am and who I used to be - Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me - Somewhere between the wrong and the right - Somewhere between the darkness and the light - Somewhere between who I was and who You're making me - Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me - Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control -
Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common sense - Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle - With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who is - But will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle - Are we caught in the middle -
Somewhere between my heart and my hands - Somewhere between my faith and my plans - Somewhere between the safety of the boat and the crashing waves - Somewhere between a whisper and a roar - Somewhere between the altar and the door - Somewhere between contented peace and always wanting more - Somewhere in the middle You'll find me - Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control - Lord I feel You in this place and I know You're by my side - Loving me even on these nights when I'm caught in the middle
Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common sense - Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle - With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who is - But will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle - Are we caught in the middle -
***A GIANT disclaimer is required here: These words are not my own. I'm taking the blog directly from Mark Hall, a member of Casting Crowns. All too often we listen to songs but don't listen carefully to the words. In other cases, songs speak volumes to my heart and my life. This song hits the nail on the head, and I just had to share it with you! Again, these words are not mine...but easily could/should be!
Mark Hall: "I've been in this place so many times I could design postcards. The sadness of knowing I'm not where I should be and the numbness that sets in can be devastating. But know this: God loves, heals, and restores!"
Verses that he suggests go with this song:
Revelations 2:1-5 / Galatians 2:20 / Galatians 6:7-8/ Psalm 1 / Galatians 5:1 / Matthew 16:24-26 / Isaiah 50:10 / Proverbs 14:14, 16:8 / Matthew 12:30 / 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, 5:14-17 / Philippians 3:7-11 / Revelation 3:14-21
Lyrics:
Somewhere between the hot and the cold - Somewhere between the new and the old - Somewhere between who I am and who I used to be - Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me - Somewhere between the wrong and the right - Somewhere between the darkness and the light - Somewhere between who I was and who You're making me - Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me - Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control -
Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common sense - Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle - With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who is - But will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle - Are we caught in the middle -
Somewhere between my heart and my hands - Somewhere between my faith and my plans - Somewhere between the safety of the boat and the crashing waves - Somewhere between a whisper and a roar - Somewhere between the altar and the door - Somewhere between contented peace and always wanting more - Somewhere in the middle You'll find me - Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control - Lord I feel You in this place and I know You're by my side - Loving me even on these nights when I'm caught in the middle
Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common sense - Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle - With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who is - But will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle - Are we caught in the middle -
Straight from my Journal (part 2)
August 18, 2011
Pure joy! In the past few days I have been blessed by the hand of the Lord.
I first noticed His hand after a swiftly answered prayer. I had been struggling with a situation between a new friend and a group that I am a part of. As the struggle continued and this person continued to let me down, I had received instruction from someone else as to how to hand the situation. Of course nothing like this occurs in a vaccum and there was a lot of chatter and pressure surrounding the circumstance. Most, if not all, of my words and actions were prayed through. However, it eventually got to the point I had to take action. I felt awful about what I had to do, so I spent some quiet driving time praying over the situation. I wanted to love this person and treat her gently, but I knew it would not be received as such. I prayed that God would take control of the situation and somehow be glorified in the midst of such junk.
After arriving back home, I began cooking and drafting the letter that I was instructed to write, in my head. Five minutes later, a friend called. She asked if I had written the certified letter yet. When I explained I was still praying through it, she said I didn't need to; the situation had been resolved (the person had resigned). Praise God! He had answered my prayer! (Not that I had asked for that solution...just a solution.) He sees me and His hand was on me! - There was/is still "fall-out" from the situation, but I know God has it all under control!
Pure joy has filled me through my children, the past few days. Even in the midst of tough parenting, rough community/social circumstances, roller-coaster faith and hope, and pure mental exhaustion, I have been bursting with the joy living and loving my children brings.
We've had some really great, bright, sunny weather the past few days. This always brightens our moods. The other day I filled up the kids' pool and decided I would put on my suit too! Zach didn't want to get in, at first, so it was just Sarah, Anna and Mommy. We were dancing and singing in the water and had the most silly, fun time. It was so beautiful outside and I was just in awe of the girls' smiles and how beautiful they were. Eventually, Zach joined us and I was just struck by how happy and joyful I was to play with them and just stand back and watch them splash and laugh and play. Pure Joy! All the yuck and trial faded as I was overcome with the feeling of blessing and true love for my family. Only God can fill someone in such a way that can overcome all the crap in my life, right now.
And now I find myself looking for this joy all the time. I have been so distracted by trials, tribulations, and this never-ending season that I have missed a lot of opportunities for joy. I've caught glimpses of joy, but not as fully as I've experienced it lately. What the enemy has tried to rob from me, the Lord has restored and brought the victory.
We've spent afternoons by the lakes, and I've been able to just relax and enjoy my family. The area we live in is so amazing. It is the perfect back drop for enjoying my children and husband.
Another situation that showed the hand of God actually happened to Jason. He was sitting at the stop light just outside of Mossyrock, waiting to cross Highway 12. When he looked over, a log truck was trying to stop for the light, but was going too fast. It jack-knifed and the trailer was sliding through the dirt and ditch - right at Jason! If he would have stayed put, if he had not seen the trailer, he would have been hit by the log trailer. But God let him see it in time and he backed up and out of the way. Praise God and His perfect, mighty hand. His hands are clearly on my family.
Today's joy comes from the arrival of Evelyn Grace. I came down to Portland early this morning. Nicole's water was broken, and now we wait in anticipation for Evelyn. For me, this is exciting and joyful. The birth of babies are on the the greatest miracles and I can never get enough birth-days. ....Joy!
Pure joy! In the past few days I have been blessed by the hand of the Lord.
I first noticed His hand after a swiftly answered prayer. I had been struggling with a situation between a new friend and a group that I am a part of. As the struggle continued and this person continued to let me down, I had received instruction from someone else as to how to hand the situation. Of course nothing like this occurs in a vaccum and there was a lot of chatter and pressure surrounding the circumstance. Most, if not all, of my words and actions were prayed through. However, it eventually got to the point I had to take action. I felt awful about what I had to do, so I spent some quiet driving time praying over the situation. I wanted to love this person and treat her gently, but I knew it would not be received as such. I prayed that God would take control of the situation and somehow be glorified in the midst of such junk.
After arriving back home, I began cooking and drafting the letter that I was instructed to write, in my head. Five minutes later, a friend called. She asked if I had written the certified letter yet. When I explained I was still praying through it, she said I didn't need to; the situation had been resolved (the person had resigned). Praise God! He had answered my prayer! (Not that I had asked for that solution...just a solution.) He sees me and His hand was on me! - There was/is still "fall-out" from the situation, but I know God has it all under control!
Pure joy has filled me through my children, the past few days. Even in the midst of tough parenting, rough community/social circumstances, roller-coaster faith and hope, and pure mental exhaustion, I have been bursting with the joy living and loving my children brings.
We've had some really great, bright, sunny weather the past few days. This always brightens our moods. The other day I filled up the kids' pool and decided I would put on my suit too! Zach didn't want to get in, at first, so it was just Sarah, Anna and Mommy. We were dancing and singing in the water and had the most silly, fun time. It was so beautiful outside and I was just in awe of the girls' smiles and how beautiful they were. Eventually, Zach joined us and I was just struck by how happy and joyful I was to play with them and just stand back and watch them splash and laugh and play. Pure Joy! All the yuck and trial faded as I was overcome with the feeling of blessing and true love for my family. Only God can fill someone in such a way that can overcome all the crap in my life, right now.
And now I find myself looking for this joy all the time. I have been so distracted by trials, tribulations, and this never-ending season that I have missed a lot of opportunities for joy. I've caught glimpses of joy, but not as fully as I've experienced it lately. What the enemy has tried to rob from me, the Lord has restored and brought the victory.
We've spent afternoons by the lakes, and I've been able to just relax and enjoy my family. The area we live in is so amazing. It is the perfect back drop for enjoying my children and husband.
Another situation that showed the hand of God actually happened to Jason. He was sitting at the stop light just outside of Mossyrock, waiting to cross Highway 12. When he looked over, a log truck was trying to stop for the light, but was going too fast. It jack-knifed and the trailer was sliding through the dirt and ditch - right at Jason! If he would have stayed put, if he had not seen the trailer, he would have been hit by the log trailer. But God let him see it in time and he backed up and out of the way. Praise God and His perfect, mighty hand. His hands are clearly on my family.
Today's joy comes from the arrival of Evelyn Grace. I came down to Portland early this morning. Nicole's water was broken, and now we wait in anticipation for Evelyn. For me, this is exciting and joyful. The birth of babies are on the the greatest miracles and I can never get enough birth-days. ....Joy!
Catching Up
I realize it has been a long time since I've actually sat down to the computer to blog. Yesterday, while chatting with a dear friend, I was encouraged that it's time to catch up. I have three blogs I have been planning to post. I just haven't gotten around to it. So today I will attempt to catch up. You'll have to note the date at the beginning of each blog to gain perspective on when it was actually composed.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
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