I recently started reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I cannot seem to get past the first two
chapters. I keep reading those two
chapters over and over. I truly want to
grasp and learn everything I can before moving forward. This is a new concept for me. I move so fast that I do not stop and learn
from every experience before moving on to the next event or circumstance. Is this not how most of us live our lives?
"Don't we
live instead as though God is created for us,
to do our bidding, to bless us, and to take care of our loved one?"
This statement alone has changed my way of thinking almost
immediately! I cannot believe one
sentence could change a life. Colossians
1:16, "For him all things were created:
things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or
powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and
for him. "
I have questioned God most of my life. I have spent 12 years as a single mom and
struggled to get by with a baby boy.
After my father died, my mom came to live with me. I now had to financially support all three of
us. Many, many times throughout my life,
I have asked the question ... why? Why
did my dad have to die so young? Why is
it so hard for me to get by when others seem to have so much? Why did my car breakdown and forced ne to
take the bus to work every day. Why,
why, why?
As I read these chapters, my life flashed before my
eyes. But, all along the answer to my
WHY question was simply this: ....
because He's God. He has more of a right
to ask me why so many people are starving?
Why are their people with no homes or clothing? Why are there people who don't know me? We are in no place to demand that He give an
account to us. Can we be that arrogant
to think God owes us an explanation?
God owes us nothing and we owe Him everything!
My prayers are now, "God. I know things are going to happen today that
I cannot change and do not understand, but please use me to do whatever you
need done today!" I have been asking that question in the mornings and, although
I work lots more than a 40 hour week, I seem to have lots of time to do things
for other people and to do His work. I
have time to help friends in need, able to provide a home for someone in need,
able to help my church home in whatever capacity they need and when they need
it.
Just two weeks ago, Gerry and I fly up north to visit
friends. Although we thought it would be
nice to get away and spent time with friends, God had other plans. He needed me to spend quality time alone with
my friend who was hurting. While our
husbands were out for the day, she and I went hiking through the redwoods and
found ourselves talking about issues in our lives and it was a great
opportunity for me to share how Go has changed my life. God was present and He used me!
It's amazing how my life has been transformed all because I asked Him to use me? Does that mean that I don't have problems in
my life. Of course not, I struggle with
issues every day. But, God is in control
and he is using me for His plan! When
that happens, my own issues seem to work themselves out. Imagine that!
"Life is about serving God with the gifts he has given
each one of us. Each of you should use
whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's
grace in its various forms. If anyone
speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If
anyone serves, they should do so with
the strength God provides, so that in all
things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and
the power for ever and ever, Amen. " (1 Peter 4:10-11)
if you do not have a Church home, Grace Harbor Church
invites and welcomes you to join us at 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings. Come see what God is doing!
By: Alejandra Mouzis,
new council member
Posts
Wonderful words, thank you for sharing! It's all about His kingdom and His purpose and when we focus not on ourselves, but Him, everything changes. Thanks again for sharing! Very blessed by it!
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