Inner Workings

Talking to a friend last night we reflected on seemingly unfair circumstances that were affecting our inner family. Now, while morbidity and mortality may not seem appropriate for a Friday night chat, I believe I have reached the period of my life where it is a frequent reality. Ironically, without knowing my thoughts, my dear friend echoed them perfectly.

We know that we serve a good, gracious, and omniscient Father. He is the only one who is faithful and abounding in love and kindness. I have no doubts about His greater plans and purposes.

However, the age old question arose that evening - why suffering? Why so much at one time? Why to those who have served so faithfully?

I do not have the answers, but I take comfort in knowing that we see only the bottom of a large loom tapestry - the tangled threads, knotted colors, and chaotic highway of fabric. I know that God sees the pattern and enduring design, one carefully planned for my good. I know that Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."

I wish I could be there right now and provide a physical presence of encouragement instead of distant support. I wish I could see the other side. Terry aptly and biblically encourages us to preserve with joy. His words, these circumstances, and the incredible witness of our loved ones has reminded me of this song countless times the past few months. I hope you take comfort in it as I do.

We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift though all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Find Us Faithful - Steve Green

A Week on Sunday

Well, last week (as I'm sure you've heard either from me or Martha at this point) was rather difficult. No, that's an understatement... probably one of the more difficult weeks of my life. And it's looking like this month is going to be more of the same. School is in full gear, not to mention the other small issues life brings. As I was telling Marth, you know things have been bad when is the best part of your week is your Saturday morning practicle on the male genital and prostate exam (a.k.a. using live models). Anyways...

Sunday started off with a long yawn @ 6am, but progressed much better by the time I was sitting and listening to the sermon - one I very much needed. Let me share with you some of the key points, and my bubble thoughts in italics:

(1) First of all the sermon was around Nehemiah 3-6, and about embracing discipline (I think God was laughing when I walked into this one)

(2) Heb. 12:11 "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Fine God, you've got my attention, but no more trials right now, OK?

(3) Mark 1:35 "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Lord, isn't 6:30 early enough?

(4) "God will not trust the valued, aged wine of redemptive wisdom to minds that are not subject to the daily discipline... Your ability to have authority over your physical body is the doorway to all other disciplines in your life. Until we are able to excersise discipline over our bodies through the power of the Holy Spirit, our minds and spirits will be held hostage to our appetites and passions." ~ Stanley. Honestly, can we just skip this painful discipline stuff and get straight to the wisdom part?

(5) 1 Cor. 9:24-27 "Run in such a way to get the prize...therefore I do not run aimlessly... I beat my body to make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." This is where I'm at... learning to run the race continuously, not aimlessly, but with purpose - and of course, learning not to complain so much :-)

Basically, it was a rough week ended with a some much needed reminders. I continue to grow more appreciative of my friends, family, and classmates - love you guys!