Jigsaw Lessons

I spent the last four days working on a jigsaw puzzle with 1,000 pieces. This is my second time attempting such a feat. The first one was daunting and overwhelming. But the finished product was so beautiful that I asked my husband to frame it so we could display it in our home. He did. We have. With that initial experience under my belt, just the thought of the second puzzle of this size brought about mixed emotions that ranged from trepidation about the overwhelmingness (my word) of going through the process and excitement over seeing all the pieces transformed into the inspiring photo on the box.

From the beginning of the summer, this project has loomed over me, taunting me to step up to the challenge. For weeks I put it off for other more meaningful activities like sleep and candy crush lol. Yeah, not so meaningful but definitely less effort required. And then, the moment arrived, late Friday night. I had sufficiently exhausted all other time occupiers and decided NOW is the time to put together my puzzle. So I told my husband, “Honey, this IS IT! It's Puzzle Time!”

Around 4am on Saturday morning, I ended my first round of Puzzle Mania. I had the borders completed and felt pretty good about myself. In truth, borders are pretty easy because if it has a flat edge, it is almost certainly a border lol. No rocket science level of genius required there. The next round of Puzzle-ing got a little more challenging and I began to feel overwhelmed like I had two years prior. Thankfully, I like to see things through so I pressed on.

The days began to blur, I lost track of time, I stayed up all night, I went to sleep when day broke, I dreamed about puzzle pieces, I slept for a few hours and got up, and I went back to the puzzle. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, I got a burst of new energy. It dawned on me that this process was filled with life lessons. The avid learner in me got more enthused about what the puzzle was teaching me than in completing the project. And then it was over. As the puzzle lay completed on the dining room table, I sat back and smiled. I was pleased with the end product. I was even more so overjoyed by the sense of fullness I felt from the lessons I received along the way.

Perspective * Perseverance * Patience * Purpose * Position * People

The first lesson I learned was about perspective. Perspective is a term that I, and others in my circle, use frequently. Therefore, it was already a significant term for me. However, working on the puzzle gave me a visual representation of the fact that how something is viewed, considerably affects how it is processed and responded to. As I tried to figure out where a piece belonged in the puzzle, I examined it closely, looking at its shape, colour, and any special markings on it. I came to realize that an image on a puzzle piece could look different depending on the angle I held the piece while looking at it. I could hold it in one direction and determine that it must be a part of someone’s arm and try to find the section of the picture that has an arm that looks like it. However, in turning it around, it could look like a shadow. And yet from another angle, it looked like a tombstone. With each turn, I was 100% sure it was what I thought it was…until I turned it again and it looked like something completely different. Nevertheless, it could only be one thing. Hence, until I accurately perceived what it really was, I could not begin to determine what to do with it because I did not know where it actually went. For the pieces I tried to fit based on the image on them, I learned to accept that not until I got the right perspective, could I fit it in the right place.

Lesson Learned: We can form wrong conclusions because a skewed perspective will lead to a skewed conclusion.

At the height of my frustration, I wanted to give up and convince my husband to finish the puzzle for me. At that point, I was a little less than halfway through. Thankfully, the little voice in my head that holds my “never give up” banner, whispered, “don’t give up, you can do this!” So I breathed deeply, gathered all the pieces that resembled the section of the puzzle I was working on, and diligently compared shapes and shades of colour until the entire section was done. As I went through that grassy section, I stumbled upon lessons 2 and 3 – perseverance and patience.

My spatial intelligence (ability to measure space and decipher patterns visually without the aid of instruments) is very low. Unlike my husband, who can look at a piece from 10 feet away and quickly figure out where it fits, I have to fit shapes by trial and error…and error…and error. To get to the end of my project, I had to persevere even though my deficiency made me feel stupid at times. Additionally, I had to be patient with myself, not need to be quick, and allow myself to go through the trial and error…slowly.

Lessons Learned: We have to be willing to persevere despite our personal shortcomings, and patiently endure the additional effort needed to accomplish tasks that are not easy for us.

During my arduous trek through the grass section, I began to see a pattern that led to lessons 4 and 5 on purpose and position. Despite my low spatial intelligence, sometimes a piece has such an unusual shape that you would have to be blind to not see where it fits. Unless...the space it is meant to fit in has not been “created” as yet. In the second half of my Pleasurable Puzzle-ing Project, I began to realize that even though every piece has a purpose, sometimes that purpose is not revealed until other pieces were in their position.

Lessons Learned: A delay in purpose is often the result of something or someone needing to get in proper position so that purpose can be fulfilled.

And finally, as symbolized by my husband inserting the final piece of the puzzle, we need people – Lesson 5. I did a lot of the puzzle by myself and enjoyed doing it, especially learning the lessons along the way. Nevertheless, I cherished my husband’s assistance. As the saying goes, no man is an island unto himself. I probably could have completed the puzzle by myself. However, it would have taken much longer and I would have missed out on sharing the experience with my husband. I love quality time! Needless to say, working on a jigsaw puzzle together was delightful.

Lesson Learned: Allowing people (spouse, parents, children, siblings, friends, colleagues) to share in our process leads not only to greater efficiency but also to shared experiences that enrich our relationships. 

The Race of Life for Christians

Bahamas 2012 Men's 4x400m team
Victory Hug after WIN

Recently I was hanging out with some Americans and the men's 4x400m relay at Summer Olympics 2012 came up. As the sole Bahamian in the crowd I had to REPRESENT my people well and let it be known LOUDLY and CLEARLY that we WON that race because of the SKILL and DETERMINATION of the men in the race. I then shared with them how the Country practically SHUT DOWN during that race because Bahamians everywhere, at home, in offices, and even in banks, were watching and cheering for our last chance for GOLD in this Olympic competition. Needless to say, as a Country, we REJOICED when our men captured 1st place, over the USA team.  

And then, because I was among sisters in Christ, I shared with them that I actually watched the race for the first time AFTER knowing the results. However, even though I already knew that we had WON, I still sat on the edge of my seat, I still held my breath when we lost our lead, and during the last leg, I still cheered WILDLY  for the Bahamian to CATCH UP and TAKE OVER, and bring home the VICTORY. When it was all over and I sat back all out of breath from the rush of adrenaline that had coursed through my body in those 2+ mins, I laughed at myself. 

Why in the world did I get all worked up when I KNEW the outcome? And it hit me, this is how Christians behave when we forget that we already have the VICTORY because of what Christ did. He died on the cross to pay the ultimate price for our sins. Therefore, when we surrender to Him, and commit to allowing Him to be Lord and Savior in our life, we are no longer slaves to sin. Sin has no control over us. We don't have to live in fear that we will fall by the wayside and permanently live away from God's presence. As Christians, we are branches connected to the Vine and He will keep us and sustain us. 

Therefore, in the Race of Life, when difficulty comes, when opponents get the upper hand, we need to remember, that the God in us makes us WINNERS. We will regain the lead. We will overcome all adversity. Everything in our path that stands in the way of VICTORY will be made null and void. So, let's not sit on the edge of our seats and worry and fret. Let us remember what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  

Bahamas 2012 Men's 4x400m relay team
Prayer of thanksgiving after WIN

God is FOR us, so nothing and nobody can stop what He has divinely appointed for us. We may lose some battles but the war is ALREADY WON!

Say with me: I AM A WINNER! I AM A WINNER! I AM A WINNER!

Summer Olympics 2012 medal presentation
Bahamas Men's 4x400m relay team

Purpose Promise Process

I wrote the article below yesterday for my church’s bulletin. I’ll give you the back story so you can see how God lines things up to fulfil purpose. On several occasions in the past I have looked at the weekly article in our bulletin and thought to myself, “I should write articles for the bulletin” but never followed up on it. Then on Monday, I volunteered to help out at the church because I am in transition and figured giving to God’s ministry is a great thing to do with my free time. It just so happened that my timing coincided with the Office Assistant’s vacation so I was able to fill her spot. Yesterday morning when I got to church the Lord placed a topic in my spirit that I figured would be my next blog post. However, I needed to complete some projects I was working on at the church so I didn’t have time to write the post. Well, a couple hours into the work day, my Pastor’s wife asked me to finalize the bulletin by finding an article to include. Then she said as an afterthought, “Or you can write an article if you wish.” I KNEW it was a God move and even though given what I was working on I felt I may not have time to write an article, I knew this was an opportunity being presented that could not be passed up. 

Of course I was able to write the article and finish everything I needed to finish by the end of the work day. And because God is so orderly, the topic He placed in my spirit earlier in the day tied into the scrpiture verse on the bulletin cover.

God hears ALL our prayers and knows ALL our desires. The desire to write an article for the church bulletin is at least two years old. God may seem late but He really isn’t. He takes His time to line things up so we know that it was ALL Him. This season is hard but it’s things like this that remind me that God is working on my behalf through each and every circumstance I face. Check out my very first church bulletin article below...

Purpose Promise Process

God has a purpose for all of His creation. Every animal, plant, and substance, has a God-determined purpose. It is the same with every man, woman, and child. We were created to glorify God in our relationship with Him and in our interaction with each other in the earth. We each have tasks and callings that God has purposed for us to fulfil during our lifetime. Regardless of family status, employment status, marital status, or church status, God had a purpose for you when He allowed you to be formed in your mother’s womb. Your presence here at such a time as this is not a mistake.

¹³ “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. ¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. ¹⁶ Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” Psalm 139:13-16 (NKJV)

David says that God knew all his days before he was formed in his mother’s wombs and the same is true for all of us. Nothing that happens in our lives is a surprise to God. The ups and downs, twists and turns, triumphs and trials, are all orchestrated by our faithful Father to fulfil the plans He has for us. As Jeremiah told the people of Israel, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) This promise to the Israelites applies to all of God’s children, everyone who know Him as Saviour and Lord.

It is important to note that Jeremiah spoke this promise while the Israelites were still in captivity in Babylon. This shows that our circumstances should not cause us to lose sight of our purpose or lose hope in the promises of God. The process God takes us through is normally not easy. He prunes us (John 15:2) and takes us through the refiners fire (Malachi 3:3) to ensure that the good work He began in us is completed (Philippians 1:6).

When we face health issues, financial challenges, conflict on the job or at school, and relational discord, we should find comfort in knowing that every trial is divinely orchestrated to bring forth good fruit in our lives. God wants to develop our character, integrity, perseverance, and endurance. He wants to increase our faith, peace, and joy. When we go through challenges and see the hand of God move in our situations, we get to taste and see how good and faithful He is to protect, guide, and keep us in the midst of the storms of life.

Your purpose will be fulfilled as you go through the process required to mature and equip you to handle the manifestation of the promise. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

As we go through our process, we should always remember that in times of goodness and hardship, we are blessed. Blessings are promised to those who walk in the ways of the Lord. “Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways.” Psalm 128:1 (NKJV) We should also remember that we may not be able to control the external forces that wage war for our soul, but we can control our internal responses to what is happening around us. Instead of worrying and being fearful and seeking to solve our problems on our own, we should seek the Lord earnestly and wait on Him to act on our behalf.

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. ² I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? ³ Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is this God of yours?” Psalm 42:1-3 (NLT) When fear and doubt creep up and the naysayers taunt us, let us conclude as the Psalmist concludes, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Psalm 42:11 (NKJV) Go courageously through your process as you walk in the promises of God and fulfil His purpose for your life.

Sometimes

Sometimes everything seems wrong in the world
You don’t look right, don’t feel right,
Your hair is a mess and your clothes are too tight.

Sometimes you long for a do-over

A chance to crawl back into bed
 To start the day again, but this time without that awful dread.

Sometimes you wonder what is going on.

Why does life seem so limited?
Why don’t you have the things you always wanted?

Sometimes it gets a little weary

Your steps get a little slower
And you wish the next life was a bit closer.

Sometimes you cry out in the darkness

And hope that someone will hear.
Just one someone to hear and to care.

Sometimes you need to melt into the darkness.

You have to feel the pain and its immeasurable weight
Before you can fully embrace God’s pure light.

Sometimes you just want to give up

There are times when all you can do is fall on your face,
But know that God is waiting and is offering you His Grace.

Sometimes it is in your weakness

That you realize your own strength
And find the courage to go the full length.

Sometimes when everything is amiss

That is the time that you need to find your own song
The song that lets the world know you’re still here and you’re strong.

Sometimes in the midst of your drought

You may forget what this life is all about
But know that your Father has already prepared the way out.

Sometimes you have to close your eyes

Take a DEEP breath, in and out,
Lift your hands to God and just SHOUT!

I Want More

There are rivers that run through me

And upon these rivers
Flow the desires of my heart.
Who will hear my desires and care?
Who will answer the yearning of my heart?
My heart beats
The river ripples.
I sleep and hear the sound of water
Flowing all around.
It is soothing
It is luring
It calls my name
It invites me to go deeper.
There are winds of change
Beckoning to me
Urging me to fly higher
Take the limits off
And soar like the eagles.
There is a fire in my belly
That burns with the passion
Of a thousand dreams.



Who will answer the yearning of my heart?
It is I who must answer it.
I have been given the key
That fits the lock
And when I turn that key
I unleash the gifts
Deposited in my treasure box.
I must free the gifts and free myself
For these gifts will bring to pass
The yearnings of my heart
And allow the fullness of all I can be
To flow into the universe and set others free.

No Pain No Gain

On Wednesday I shared a story about my walk with Star, my neighbour’s dog (See “Never Alone”). I didn’t give the whole story though. In the midst of Star’s frolicking, she was hit by a minivan. I watched as front and back tires rolled over Star and was horrified that the minivan continued down the street without stopping. Fortunately, Star was still alive, trying to get up and crying in pain. Nonetheless, I was devastated! Phoneless, carless, I knew I needed to get help for her. I ran (yes RAN) to the nearest phone and called her owner. By this time, the tears were flowing as the trauma of the hit and run sank in. I went back to where I left Star and saw her lying on the side of the road, no longer crying out, but breathing very laboriously. I realized that this was my turn to not leave her alone. I put my hand on her stomach, talked to her and prayed for her (yes I prayed for a dog because she is a part of creation and God cares about all of creation).

By the time as her owners arrived, she was lifting her head and her breathing was normal but she still could not move. Here in the islands we believe in the healing power of the sea and so Star was moved to the sea to hopefully ease her pain. Interestingly, I had walked in shorts that morning, something I never do because of the mosquitoes, but this proved to be providential because I was able to stand in the water with Star and (hopefully) provide her some comfort.

Apart from that, we were helpless. When we tried to move Star out of the water, she growled, cried, and attempted to bite. She tried moving herself when a crab got too close but she wasn’t able to move very far. Despite her cries of pain, her family knew it was necessary for her to go home and she would have to endure some pain for healing to take place. Eventually, Star was taken home, warmed up, fed, and loved on some more. A day later, Star is in good spirits. She probably has a broken hip and a broken front paw and she has several bruises but clearly she is a fighter. I am hoping that once her bones are reset, she will heal completely and once again run and prance around!

This is not Star but this is probably the bandaging she requires :-)

There are so many lessons in this one incident. First, it was painful to watch Star hurting and not be able to help her. But my neighbour and I both recognized that we could not force ourselves on her. We often want things to hurry along and we try to assist God with what He needs/wants to do in our lives. Inevitably, we have to give up and allow His will to take place in His time. Then it was painful to move her and hear her shrieks of pain but she could not stay out there indefinitely. She needed more than what the sea could do. There are times when God requires us to play an active role in what He is doing and often our role brings discomfort to self or others. However, we have to trust His plan enough to know that there is purpose in the pain. The best thing for someone is not always the thing that causes the least suffering. Suffering often gives way to glory!

Are there roadblocks to your emotional, spiritual, or physical healing that seem too unbearable to face and overcome? I encourage you to deal with them face on and stop running from the pain. As the saying goes, no pain, no gain. Endure the immediate pain so you can attain the future freedom that awaits on the other side.

The Best is Yet to Come (by Deyon Anteko Pitter)

[Special thanks to Deyon Anteko Pitter for today's post.]

The best is yet to come, the best is yet to be ~~~ Deyon Anteko Pitter, Jan 17th, 2011

The best is yet to come, the best is yet to be
You ought to scream and shout, for these words have set you free
They promise you that no matter what storms the day may bring
When tomorrow comes, there is a brand new song for you to sing!

The best is yet to come, the best is yet to be
I don't know about you, but these words ring true for me
They send a message of hope, they send a message of faith
And whenever God delivers, it will never be to late

The best is yet to come, the best is yet to be
Let me tell you a secret, come closer and listen to me
Jesus said to tell you, all your burdens He will gladly bear
If everyday you live for Him, and send praises to His ear

The best is yet to come, the best is yet to be
God promises us a life in Him, rewards us eternally
So give up those bad habits, and lay those heavy burdens down
For tomorrow promises a reward, of a mansion, a robe and a crown

Moses Motivation

When you live in a small community, there are certain things that alert you that you are not in the "big" city anymore. One such thing is that as you sit in church, it is very likely that the priest may, from the altar, call on you to come to the front to read the assigned Scripture passage. Well, that happened to me this morning and being the dutiful person I sometimes am, I obliged.

I had no idea what the Scripture was until I opened the bulletin and started reading. Then, I realized it was a LONG passage. I recently read on a Facebook friend's page that a teacher must love the sound of his/her own voice. I guess I am truly a teacher at heart because realizing I had to read a long passage was kinda thrilling. J However, as I read I got a thrill from the passage that went beyond the sound of my sing song voice. Half way through the passage I started to smile and about two-thirds through, I wanted to jump and shout! Instead, I outwardly restrained myself and just did somersaults in my spirit.

 
The Scripture passage I read was Exodus 1:8-2:10 and Moses is the main character. We all know the story of Moses. He's the guy from the Bible, the one who led the Israelites out of Egypt. But it wasn't that part of his life that inspired me this morning. This particular passage talks about the time during which Moses was born and his becoming a member of Pharaoh's family. The same Pharaoh who was scared because there were so many Israelites and he felt that the best way to limit their growth was to kill off all male babies.

[s/n: I think there is a similar spiritual attack on males today and that is why we are currently experiencing this 'shortage' of male leaders in every arena. But that is another post for another day]

Back to Moses...So, we know how Moses' story ends - he led the Israelites out of Egypt despite Pharaoh's resistance. But when we read the beginning of Exodus, we realize that at the beginning of Moses' story, there was a death sentence on his life. In fact, Moses' life was in jeopardy before he was conceived in his mother's womb. However, we also know through God's Word that the plans God has for us are also in place BEFORE we are formed in our mother's womb. What does that mean? BEFORE Pharaoh's death sentence, God had a plan to liberate His people and that plan involved Moses' parents conceiving a little boy who would not be killed, but would LIVE to carry out God's plans.

                                       

This was so exciting to me because it reminded me that all the seemingly random things that occur in my life have a purpose. I don't have the privilege of seeing my life from the end to the beginning, but God does. God has already established the plans for my life and even though I have many questions like "when" and "why" and "how" and "what the..." even now when I look back over my life, I already see purpose being fulfilled. I am sure Moses' mother had no idea what her little boy was to become when she decided that she must, at all cost, protect him from the men assigned to kill him. Likewise, Pharaoh's daughter had no clue that she was saving the future liberator of the Israelites. Moses did not even know that he was being groomed for this position. But God knew!
 
This passage has motivated and reminded me that as I go through this transition period and wrestle with my unanswered questions, it may seem like nothing is happening, but there is MUCH going on. Each day is a day of purpose. Every encounter with another human being, in person or via cyberspace, is an opportunity to give and receive knowledge, wisdom, inspiration, encouragement, or motivation. Life is not about the destination, but about making the most of every step of the journey. 

Divine Rest

Long Island, Bahamas

During the month of July I experienced a lot of turbulence in my inner world. I wanted results, movement, answers, change. But God wanted me to experience His rest. I wanted to know what was next and how and when I would get to that 'next'. But God just wanted me to rest and experience His love for me. I thought God was being mean and punishing me for something I did, or didn't do. In actuality, He was trying to get me to understand His immeasurable love for me. 

God wants me to stop striving, stop trying to earn love, His or anybody else's. He wants me to rest in the knowledge that He loves me with an unconditional, indescribable, never ending love. In my head I know this, because I read it in His word and I believe His word to be Truth. But often times, that same Truth that I can so eloquently profess with my mouth, I don't believe deep down in my heart. And it shows in how I live.

When I live in doubt and fear, I realize that I am not living out of the Truth that God loves me, He has an expected end for me, and it is His good pleasure to take care of me because I am His and He is mine.

Divine rest means that I don't struggle within myself or with others because I am resting in the knowledge that MY God will never leave me nor forsake me. Mother and father may forsake me, but not my BIG DADDY, He will always be for me and with me.

Divine rest means I am trusting in the One who will never let me down. The arms of flesh will fail me, but not the arms of my Heavenly Father. So I can trust in Lord with all my heart, and lean not to my own understanding.

Divine rest means I know that I know that I know that even when I doubt God and let Him down, He is faithful and will honour that which He set out to do in and through my life. For He knows the plans He has for me and they are good plans.

Despite my doubt and despair, God continues to minister to me through scripture, songs, preached word, nature, people, and circumstances. I am constantly reminded that no matter what it looks like or feels like, God is an ever-present help and refuge. Whether I feel Him with me or not, He is there.

Divine rest is not about being idle, it is about moving steadily along the path already laid out for me, whether I can see the path with my natural eyes or not.

I love the Lord because He first loved me. I will take my rest in Him and walk in favour with Him as He leads me to my expected end.

Rocky or Smooth...

...Step by Step is the Way

Since I am in transition, I have a lot of time on my hands. With time on my hands, there is much opportunity, sometimes too much, to think and wonder. And with these thoughts and wonderings often comes frustration because I don’t have a lot of answers right now. And I am the type who likes to have answers and likes to have a plan. So periods of uncertainty aren’t all that fun for me. If you are my facebook friend, you know I have been sharing thankful thoughts everyday...being intentional about finding things to be thankful for no matter how frustrated or disgusted I feel is how I am keeping sane lol. It gives me a sense of purpose and encourages me, and others too (I think).

Today was another thoughtful time of assessing and re-assessing, contemplating and bargaining (with God lol). As I was sharing my angst with a friend, God’s loving care shined through that moment to give me the boost I needed to take another step. Or rather, to decide to take another step. Any movement in any direction begins with a decision...all things, good and bad, begin in our heads...nothing just happens (sorry peeps, it doesn’t).  And as I leaned into His open arms, extended in love to once again comfort me in yet another moment of crisis, an image came to mind.

The image was of a scene that occurred a couple weeks ago. I was walking along the beach on the north side of the island I live on and came across a rocky area. Although I was barefoot, I continued along because climbing the rocks would give me a better view of the ocean. Then I realized the rocks did not have smooth surfaces but jagged edges that hurt my feet. I looked back from where I had come and realized my shoes were too far away. I looked ahead at the ocean that I wanted a better view of and decided to forge on ahead, over the rocks.

I had to navigate my way over the rocks, looking for smoother parts to step on. I would take a couple steps then get to a particularly rough section and have to stop and look around to figure out where to step next. Sometimes, I could only take one step at a time. Sometimes, I had to suck it up and just step in rough places because there was no smooth area nearby. That is how the Christian walk is. It is stop and go, smooth and rough...

When we hit a rough patch, we tend to look back to the world and wish for the so-called comforts we experienced before we decided to follow Jesus. It looks easier and better but if we are honest, we have to admit that it wasn’t so great in the world and we recognize that we have come too far to go back to the old ways. So we continue on to the prize...like Paul we “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14).

As we press on, we have to stop at times and hear God’s voice of guidance. And then we have to step, forward, sideways, one step at a time, sometimes we move quickly, sometimes slowly, sometimes we seem to take a couple steps backwards in order to move ahead. Pause if you must, take a break, check your surroundings, re-adjust if you need to, but by all means, keep on steppin’.

Why Bother?

What is the point of living right
When I don’t get what I want?
The Bible tells me that
God will grant the desires of my heart.
But I seem to have a whole lot of unmet desires.
Why do people who seem to live on their terms
Get what they want and I don’t?

Maybe if I live better, do better, act nice...
I’ll get what I want.
But then I do that
And things seem to get worse.
So then I say,
What’s the point?
Why bother?

These were the murmurings of my heart when silent criticism cut in an unexplainable way this morning. In addition to wondering what the point of this Christian walk is, I was also disappointed that yet again I let someone upset me with signs of disapproval. I wondered why another’s opinion mattered so much. I thought I was beyond needing this affirmation. Why do I bother seeking approval from someone who continues to hurt even as I try to heal?

Nonetheless, I pressed on. I cried out to the Lord and asked Him to walk me through. I said, “Father help me! I don’t know why I bother to do right because things keep going wrong. But you know. So please remind me.” And like a faithful, loving Father, He did.

His answer came through this morning's sermon. One sentence jumped at me: “Being a Christian is not about safety or comfort.” Aha! Why bother to live according to God’s word? Because God requires my faithfulness regardless of the circumstances. I am not good because I want to gain favour with man. I don’t do the right thing to earn points that I can cash in for blessings. I continue on this journey in spite of the hurts and disappointments because even though fulfilling God’s call is not always fun, it will be fulfilling.

Peter says it well in 1 Peter 3:17 “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” Not my will, but Your will be done. Not in my strength, but in Yours, dear Lord.