Yikes!

This morning I wanted to read on and meditate some more upon the Gideon story (see previous post), and have found myself disturbed all day about the final outcome. The story isn’t new to me, but today it is hitting me hard as if I just saw it on CNN.

Perhaps because it does happen in current times, just as it did in Bible days. What is it that happens? COMPROMISE.

Gideon was weak, but obedient. God showed up and did the supernatural through Gideon, just as He said He would. Weak man becomes a hero. BUT THEN…that ugly word…compromise.

Gideon made an ephod with gold donated by the people, and “Then all Israel prostituted themselves with it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household.” (Judges 8:27)

How many stories like this are in the Bible? Uzziah was “marvelously helped until he became strong.” (2 Chronicles 26:15) Then he got stuck on himself and made some terrible decisions. King David went from shepherd boy to giant-conqueror to king of all Israel, but then he compromised. You know what that led to!

UGH! I have been pondering this off and on all day today. On the heels of my balking I find myself begging God, “Please oh please AFTER You have done Your thing, may we remain true to You. I don’t want to compromise. I don’t want us to get all full of pride and think it was us doing the supernatural. It is all by You, for You, unto You. Dear God help us stay pure!!! If King David could fall, surely I am not exempt from teetering as well!”

I pray that this truth sticks with me, with all of us, as we step out in faith and believe God to do His thing. And now, at the end of this day, I am choosing to trust the Lord with this one too. I trust Him to preserve us, and with His shepherd’s staff, yank us back on course if we wander off.

I trust You, Father. I trust You. Hold my hand tight, I pray. Keep us on course. I trust You.

Overwhelmed and Underqualified

"Overwhelmed and Unqualified"

That is the title of the sermon I heard at HPC (Healing Place Church) a few hours ago. Mike Haman gave the message, and it has inspired me so much that I’ve decided to blog about it right now before I miss the moment and end up never sharing this with you. The following are some of the things he said:

God calls us to live an inspirational life, but sometimes we are HELD BACK by our feelings of inadequacy.

The enemy loves to destroy our confidence when we aspire to go the second mile.

In Judges 6:12-16 the angel called Gideon a “Mighty Hero” even as Gideon was hiding in a winepress! God sees beyond our weaknesses.

v.14 “Go in the strength you have.”

Go in the strength you have, and God will give you the strength you need. You don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect before you launch out.

Insecurity looks at circumstances. Confidence looks at God.

God always disturbs the comfortable.

TRY. Know that even if you fail, God is still applauding.

Quit telling God everything you’re not. (v. 15)

Be yourself and trust God to be Himself to you. There’s no room for God’s power in your life if you have no weakness.

Make a career out of being inadequate. You can be inadequate, but you’d better not be disobedient.

Trust God beyond your insecurities. Take God at His Word and believe He will supply what you lack.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
“Each time He said, ‘My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may work through me.”

The timing of this message is perfect for Ben and me as we deal with feeling inadequate to do all the things the Lord is asking of us. I keep saying, “Lord, this is Your deal. Please come and do Your thing, or we’ll fail miserably!” And I, with great excitement and anticipation (and trembling), know He will show up as we step out in faith and obey what He’s telling us to do.

It’s true for you, too! What is it He’s asking you to do? Feel inadequate? GOOD! That means you’ve a great opportunity to allow God show up and do the supernatural in and through your life.

Mike’s definition of the word supernatural: God’s super added to your natural.

By the way, Mike’s book The Second Mile, has just come out. It’s totally worth reading. You can order it by clicking on the word RESOURCES on the HPC website: http://healingplacechurch.org.

Gushing to God

“I told you about my life, and you listened to me.” Psalm 119:26

The other night I was still awake after everyone was asleep. I was sad about a few things, and really wanted someone to gush to. I said, “Lord, I know You know everything already and how I feel about it all. But can I just unload anyway?” Of course He welcomed that.

I told Him about how sad I was about Sthembiso dying. She was a cook at Murray Camp, the CarePoint where I have had the privilege of teaching Bible studies. She was always so kind, welcoming, and went the extra mile to help serve. I said, “Lord, why did the sweetie of the group have to die?” And He gently replied, “Why not take her to be with Me first?”

That reply really comforted me. Of course, she has gone from a really difficult life to HEAVEN--definitely the better end of the deal. Yes, why not let her go there first?

“I am weary from grief; strengthen me though Your Word.” Psalm 119:28

That night I was also pretty raw from having said good-bye to many loved ones, not knowing when I would see them again. During the last stretch of time since I’d been in Iowa, both of my grandparents and three of my uncles had passed away. Tough stuff.

I turned to the Bible and read about the disciples’ Passover meal with Jesus. He had just told them He was going to be betrayed, flogged, and killed. (At least none of my relatives told me something like that!) Luke 22:45 describes how the disciples were “exhausted from grief” after that. But before they left the room, they sang a few songs. The footnote in my Bible led me to Psalm 113-118, the psalms traditionally sang during and after the Passover meal.

So I went there, and found myself gaining hope and strength as I read about the greatness of God, His faithfulness to us, and exhortation to praise Him from the rising of the sun to its setting. Yes, strengthened through the Word, through focusing on Him and His goodness, through praising Him, our loving Lord.

Only after I read all this that night did I “happen” on Psalm 119:26, “I told You about my life, and You listened to me.”

Can I encourage you to do the same? Tell Him about your stuff and listen for a reply. Read the Bible. He will speak to you and comfort you, for He loves you so much.

Thanks, Lord, for listening. You’re a good One to gush to.