LETTER TO LAUREN:MIGHTY WARRIOR--COMMENTARY
My heart hurts for all of my brothers and sisters in Christ who are in "a bad place" right now. My ears have heard the cries for help. Whether it is health related, financial related, relationships, emotions, stress, what ever the "bad place", my heart hurts. Since my heart hurts for my brothers and sisters, how much more does the heart of my God hurt?
There is a lesson I have learned and I will try to reference it with Bible verses. This is the lesson: Get your eyes off of your situation and refocus on God. Satan has been attacking Saints for centuries, and the stronger the Saint, the more Satan attacks.
Satan attacked the very Son of God. He tempted Him in the desert, he falsely accused Him, he beat Him, and he crucified Him. Jesus kept His eyes on The Father. How easy do you think that was? After all, Jesus was man as well as God. He cried, He laughed, He asked to be spared, and He bled.
When John the Baptist was in prison awaiting the "removal of his head" and sent word to Jesus, how do you think Jesus felt? His mission was not for John the Baptist to walk before Him in this world forever. Jesus waited on the sidelines, going about The Father's business rather than running to John's rescue. Since Jesus KNEW what was on the other side, He could not feel guilty for not saving John's life, because his soul was saved. "Do not fear the one who can take your life, but the one who can destroy both body and soul in Hell." Matthew 10:28 What do you think John's thoughts were? How long do you think he kept thinking his Cousin would come rescue him?
Lazarus was a beggar, full of sores, placed outside the rich man's gate. He has been talked about for centuries, not because he was healthy or wealthy, but because of his faith. Do you imagine that Lazarus, as Job, might have asked, "Why me?" Yet, Lazarus was seen in the bosom of Abraham, reaping his reward of the faithful. Luke 16:19-31
Even Elijah, the prophet who allegedly just transported to Heaven rather than experiencing death, suffered despondency. There was a time in his life when he was confused, hunted by Jezebel, and feared for his life, and just wanted to give up. He told The Lord, "I've had enough. Just let me die." 1 Kings 19:4. This was a great prophet! But he, too, was human. When he re-focused his eyes on God, he triumphed.
The Apostle Paul was beaten, stoned, jailed, etc. You, my dear Lauren, are also a mighty warrior for The Lord. Name one other person who has done as much as you to inspire, lift people up, to preach the love of Christ, etc. Name one other person who you think would have had the powerful ministry that is yours. Maybe God wanted you to see His power when He sent you to Arizona, just like He sent food and water to the Prophet Elijah.
I guess the point I am humbly trying to make is this: We don't decide how God uses us. We are just delighted that He does. We don't decide if we have A+ health or 185 million dollars or loving supportive family and friends. We don't get to decide where or when we are born. God has His plan. We give Him praise and glory for it and for including us in it. Can I get an amen?
This letter is also NOT a word of discouragement. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will do as He says.
What are your thoughts?
You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com and http://omaslife.blogspot.com.
Lazarus was a beggar, full of sores, placed outside the rich man's gate. He has been talked about for centuries, not because he was healthy or wealthy, but because of his faith. Do you imagine that Lazarus, as Job, might have asked, "Why me?" Yet, Lazarus was seen in the bosom of Abraham, reaping his reward of the faithful. Luke 16:19-31
Even Elijah, the prophet who allegedly just transported to Heaven rather than experiencing death, suffered despondency. There was a time in his life when he was confused, hunted by Jezebel, and feared for his life, and just wanted to give up. He told The Lord, "I've had enough. Just let me die." 1 Kings 19:4. This was a great prophet! But he, too, was human. When he re-focused his eyes on God, he triumphed.
The Apostle Paul was beaten, stoned, jailed, etc. You, my dear Lauren, are also a mighty warrior for The Lord. Name one other person who has done as much as you to inspire, lift people up, to preach the love of Christ, etc. Name one other person who you think would have had the powerful ministry that is yours. Maybe God wanted you to see His power when He sent you to Arizona, just like He sent food and water to the Prophet Elijah.
I guess the point I am humbly trying to make is this: We don't decide how God uses us. We are just delighted that He does. We don't decide if we have A+ health or 185 million dollars or loving supportive family and friends. We don't get to decide where or when we are born. God has His plan. We give Him praise and glory for it and for including us in it. Can I get an amen?
This letter is also NOT a word of discouragement. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will do as He says.
What are your thoughts?
You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com and http://omaslife.blogspot.com.
