There is a principle of life that we learn early on, but as adults we seem hard pressed to remember. That principle is this: It is harder before it gets easier. As young children we may not be able to say this, but we certainly accept it. None of us would have learned to walk, talk, feed ourselves or to use the potty had we not accepted that it is harder before it gets easier. However, when we become adults it is as though we forget or refuse to accept the reality of this principle. For instance, if you choose to join me in these days of Lent leading up to Easter in taking off the blindfold and seeing what you do not want to see about yourself, your life or your world, you will fully experience this principle at work: Its harder before its easier.
Giving God permission to help us see what we have been trying to avoid and then actually being obedient to what he says to do about it is never easy. In fact, the first step or two you take in that direction will mostly likely be incredibly difficult. You will probably even stir up pain and discomfort that you did not even realize was there and be tempted to put back on the blind fold. But remember, had you done that as a baby you wouldn't be able to walk or urinate by yourself today. Just because it is harder before it gets easier does not mean it won't eventually get easier. It will get easier...change is possible...freedom can be your reality...love wins...truth does set us free, but the difference between those who see it happen and those who don't is the difference between those who accept that it is harder before it gets easier and press on until they see pain give way to healing.
I have heard from some of you this week. You have shared a blindfold you have removed. You have described some initial steps you are taking to see what you have tried to ignore. Now, I encourage you: Don't give up at the first sign of resistance. Resistance always precedes a breakthrough. You had the courage to let God take off the blindfold, so don't settle for less than the truth and freedom God promises you will find at the cross.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" James 1:2-4.
God does not want you to lack anything! Keep the blindfold off and press on no matter how much harder it is before it gets easier!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
"Did You Notice that It Snowed?"
I don't know if you noticed or not, but we have a pretty good snow covering. Have you noticed the snow?
"What kind of question is that?" you ask.
"How could anyone not notice the snow?" you wonder.
"For the past few weeks all we have seen is snow and you ask, 'Have I noticed
the snow?' Of course, I've noticed the snow...all I can see is snow," you
shout back.
Now before you conclude, I have completely lost touch with reality, let me explain. The above question, as you would suspect, has nothing to do with snow. It has everything to do with God. God is as real and present in our life as the snow that we can see everywhere at this moment. And to not recognize God with us every moment of every day is as absurd as asking you if you had noticed that it had snowed.
The psalmist writes, "Where can I go from your presence? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast" Psalm 139:7-10.
God is everywhere I can think to go says the psalmist. However, while we can't miss the snow, who doesn't find it hard to NOT miss God's presence in the routine of every day life?
It is for that reason, that I particularly appreciate this season of the Christian calendar. Lent is 40 days of intentional and focused "noticing." It is about noticing God's personal, powerful presence in our every day lives so that when Easter rolls around it won't just be another holiday of family gatherings and egg hunts, but will be truly and undeniably life-changing.
I invite you to join us tonight for our Ash Wednesday service at 7 PM as we begin this journey of noticing. Then walk with us each Sunday morning for our message series, "At the Cross," to discover what is to be found at the cross that we cannot find any place else.
"What kind of question is that?" you ask.
"How could anyone not notice the snow?" you wonder.
"For the past few weeks all we have seen is snow and you ask, 'Have I noticed
the snow?' Of course, I've noticed the snow...all I can see is snow," you
shout back.
Now before you conclude, I have completely lost touch with reality, let me explain. The above question, as you would suspect, has nothing to do with snow. It has everything to do with God. God is as real and present in our life as the snow that we can see everywhere at this moment. And to not recognize God with us every moment of every day is as absurd as asking you if you had noticed that it had snowed.
The psalmist writes, "Where can I go from your presence? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast" Psalm 139:7-10.
God is everywhere I can think to go says the psalmist. However, while we can't miss the snow, who doesn't find it hard to NOT miss God's presence in the routine of every day life?
It is for that reason, that I particularly appreciate this season of the Christian calendar. Lent is 40 days of intentional and focused "noticing." It is about noticing God's personal, powerful presence in our every day lives so that when Easter rolls around it won't just be another holiday of family gatherings and egg hunts, but will be truly and undeniably life-changing.
I invite you to join us tonight for our Ash Wednesday service at 7 PM as we begin this journey of noticing. Then walk with us each Sunday morning for our message series, "At the Cross," to discover what is to be found at the cross that we cannot find any place else.
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