Whatever is Good...11/20/08

Well, as we are moving forward with our big decision it is daunting how much has to be done and even how many decisions we face every day. As Veldon and I were reading together this evening, Oswald Chambers, he (O.C) said that we don't need to pray to God for guidance about everything, that we are His children and would naturally follow Him. He went on to say that as His children our spirit will be uneasy when we step out of His will and then we'll know. That's a paraphrase to be sure, but I wasn't sure how I felt about what he was saying and then Veldon said the same thing "do you think that's right?". I believe we are to pray and seek Him in all that we do. Maybe obedience is a natural thing, as His children, I don't know, but the verse he chose Romans 12:2 struck me..."And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, and acceptable, and perfect." That's it! What we are doing is good, not because we are good, but because He is good and He has called us to do it. Not that we couldn't screw it up, we've proven over and over that we have a remarkable ability to screw things up, but this is a good thing. God will have to work out so much for us to accomplish this to which He has called us, but there's no worries about that...He owns the "cattle on a thousand hills"...He owns the hills too. Of course He can work out the finances and whatever else needs to be worked out. I think I understand though what Mr. Chambers was saying. So many Christians are paralyzed with indecision, they pray and pray and pray and never step out and do. Chambers says that we even hinder the progress of God's will when we continually run to Him and ask if we should be doing this or that. If it's good the answer is yes...if it's questionable you should think twice about it. Spurgeon says we should always ask ourselves "would this please my Master?". I think they are saying the same thing. Do what you know to be right and stop using prayer as a way of not doing what is right, or at least putting it off. Have some faith and do what is right.

Isn't it great that God uses so many people and circumstances to speak to us. How in the world could something two dead men, for decades now, have to say confirm something in my life in 2008? Only God could know that a couple in 2008 would need to know this, and many more I'm sure, and therefore He chose to use these men. What a great God we serve. How thrilled I'll be at that other end of this process because there will be much to share, and many miracles to relay. I'm already quite convinced of that!


Smiles,

Twists and Turns...11/08/08

Life takes amazing turns, and the road winds in unexpected places. I've always seen my life as a trip, that's not profound. Like those road trips that you took with your parents when you were young. You didn't really know where you were, or what was coming next, but you knew the destination. Asking your parents over, and over "how much longer?", and "what's next?". I was always curious with what was coming up next, the next town or even the next mile marker. It just makes you feel like you're making progress. Eventually, you will get where you are going. I've been one to always look at what's next, what's coming up, rarely do I glance back to see where I have been. This week I have though. I've looked back at life, and reflected on what's transpired. It's been an interesting review. Much of that which caused pain, and I avoid at all costs, years ago now seems benign. The wounds have healed, and even the scars, when you dare to look, are less noticeable. Our life has been both great, and horrifying. What a strange thing to say, but it's true. The loss of babies, so many babies, was horrifying. But it taught me much about me and much about my God. The birth of three children was great, greater joy than I can express, although I did find all the bodily functions a bit horrifying. Some churches in which Veldon has served have been great, others (one) horrifying. But, again we learned from both the good, and the bad, and if life requires bad to get you where you're going, that's good.

All that to say, we are heading down a new road. I know I'll constantly be looking for the next mile marker to assure me we are making progress, just like when I was a child. This new road, I'm sure, will have curves, and bumps, and may cause pain, but I believe it will bring joy. If not, we'll learn from the pain. The best part of this is that for the first part of the journey I get to travel down it with a great friend (whom I don't blog about much ;) They are ahead in their trip, but I know they will be a wealth of knowledge, and support. This is a strange sort of change in our live's, and we are all thrilled, and looking to see where God leads. I am both excited, and anxious; overjoyed, and horrified!