I am in progress!
I am in progress!
I am in progress!
Sunday 2/2/14 was one of those "I need more surrender" days. Sunday was a day that revealed that this journey of faith is truly a lifelong process. It reminded me of the truth that we "do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, and against the spiritual forces evil in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12)" Yes, it was one of those battle front, and full combat days. This day also revealed that God is true to his word when he said, "I am with you always (Matthew 28:20" Praise God and thank you Lord, that God doesn't let us go on or through this journey alone.
Here is how things unfolded. We were riding to church and out of the blue the conversation and mood in the car turned sour. We weren't late. We weren't rushed and really we were all in fairly good spirits. That is probably why the attack caught us so off guard. Anyway, a conversation about a 12 passenger van caused a slight upheaval in the good spirits. I mentioned that I'd like a 12 passenger van as our next family car. Almost immediately silence took over in the car. The mood shifted and suddenly, I hit one of those rough patches that we all go through. Somehow in attitude and emotions I hit a bump in the road.
For the next two hours I tried to work through it on my own. During worship service I tried to sing, to pray, to quote scripture, to write and even to be silent. When I tried to sing I found myself unable to get on beat, in tune or even get the words out. When I tried to pray someone would nudge me or stop me from even bowing my head. When I tried to quote scripture I couldn't find the right one and eventually I seemed to draw a blank.
As the service ended, I felt like I was no better off than when I walked in. Even though this too was a lie of the enemy. Anyway, that's when a friend, Dr. Bell, came over and asked me how I was doing. I was trying to avoid his gaze during service b/c I was afraid he would see through to my hurt and ask this exact question. Before I could guard my reply, I said, "I'm doing okay, I just hit a bump in the road." What? Why did I say that! Why couldn't I have said, "I'm great!" What if he asks another question? What if I have to tell him that whole story and I look silly? Too late! It was already out.
Now, this is the good part. Dr. Bell says, "You hit a bump in the road. Well, do you know how to ride over that bump in the road?" He smiled, and said, "You've got the right shocks right? You've got the right foundation to ride over those bumps. If you've got the right shocks, you'll barely feel them."
Almost immediately the battle was back on and the enemy was in retreat. God began to brighten and strengthen my mood. I knew that despite these clouds, or this bump, my life was built on the sure foundation of Christ and my shocks were the blood of the lamb. In Dr. Bell I regained a foothold and I was reminded that I have placed my trust in the Almighty. I was reminded of the goodness and might of God to calm even the storms caused by my insensitivity and silliness.
Over the next few moments the mood lifted and soon we were laughing and chatting about Christ being the foundation, the tires and the shocks that we can ride over and through the bumps of life. We talked about how Christ would cushion the blow, absorb the hurt and the shock and help me keep going. What an awesome God! Dr. Bell reminded me that I know how to ride over those bumps - relying on Christ. I know how to lessen the hurt and dampen the shock - Jesus! The emotional swing didn't go all the way back, but the swing was in full progress.
What a joy to be reminded that in Christ we have all we need to ride over and through the bumps of this life.
Yours in love (& in Triumph),
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