Our mission executive director recently wrote this on his blog, Leading from the Sandbox.
The one common denominator of all great followers of God throughout history is that of faith. As Paul says in Romans 1:17, “The righteous will live by faith.” What really is faith? First it is believing that Jesus is the hope of the world as he claimed in the passages in John quoted in chapter one. He is the way to the Father. When we say yes to God, acknowledging that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins and choose to invite him into our lives we are putting our faith in Him.
At that moment we become children of God, our hearts are cleaned up, the guilt of our past is lifted and we have an eternal destiny of life with Christ, forever. The decision to give God the steering wheel of our lives is the most important decision that we ever make.
In some ways, that is the easy part of faith. The other part of the faith equation is learning to trust God for every day, every situation and every issue that we face. Way back in the dusty pages of history, God appeared to Abraham with a radical message. “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and to the land I will show you’ (Genesis 12:1).”
Now Abraham could not Google the new location to see what it looked like, he had no map to follow, no knowledge of what God had in store for him. What he had was faith in God as God so he chose to take his family and start a life journey based on faith. That is why Abraham is the great example and hero of faith for Jesus and Paul in the New Testament.
Take a moment and put yourself in Abraham’s shoes. I doubt that he was initially overjoyed at God’s message. You want me to do what? You want me to go where? Why? Why me? I’ll bet that Abraham spent months sitting in his tent asking himself a set of questions:
Do I really trust God?
Do I believe that God has my best interests in mind?
Am I willing to trust Him with my future? Really trust him?
Am I willing to take the risk of really following God?
Faith is scary and risky! Faith means that I am saying to God “I am all in.” I trust you, I believe you have my very best interests in mind, I am willing to trust you with my future and I am willing to take the risk to follow you.
This is why life undone is an unlikely gift. It invites us to take a step of faith that we have never taken before to a depth we have never gone before because we have come to the end of ourselves and have no other good choices. Life undone invites us to answer the question, “Are we all in with God and can we trust Him with our future?”
Faith is easy when life is good. Faith is tested and hard when life is undone because now we must grapple with the goodness of God in addition to the plan of God. We may even face moments of doubt (is my faith well founded?) or anger (why would God allow this?) or resignation (is God really in my corner?).
Contrary to what some may think, these are legitimate and good questions because they force us back to God in prayer, force us back to His word and again confront us with the reality of our followership of Him. Every time we again answer in the affirmative our faith is strengthened, based now on a higher level of conviction than before because our faith has been forged in pain and difficulty.
Faith is the decision that we will trust and follow Jesus, no matter what our circumstances, believing that he is good and righteous and holy and has a plan for our lives that is beyond our understanding.
The writer to the Hebrews wrote “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1) and further, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6).”
And then referencing Abraham, the writer says, “By faith Abraham, was called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).”
When life comes undone we face Abraham moments. Will we believe, will we trust, will we follow? You may be facing one of those moments right now. Your choice will make all the difference in the world as to how you walk out the difficulties you face. Faith is always a choice. What is your choice?
Countless times in Hebrews 11 we read the two words “By faith” about an individual who chose to follow God when all the chips were down. They include Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jepphthah, David and numerous others. The common trait in each of these men and women of God was their choice of faith not only in the good times but in the hard and difficult times. Because of their faith they show up on God’s hall of fame in the great chapter of faith in Hebrews 11.
That hall of fame continues to grow. Every time we choose faith over doubt, despair or anger we join those whose names are listed above. Remember, God “earnestly rewards those who seek him.” Those who choose Him, those who trust him!
Faith is directly connected to the peace that Jesus promised in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Where does that peace come from that Jesus talks about? He says “In me” you may have peace. In Me. Our peace is not in our circumstances (they can be very bad). It is not in our conviction that everything will go back to the way it was before (It may well not). It is not in our ability to solve our problem (we may not be able to). No, our peace comes from our trust in the person of Jesus Christ. We can have peace “in Him,” in His presence, in His goodness, in His love, in His promise to be with us, and in His power to “overcome the world.”
When it is all stripped away, when all of our resources are exhausted as eventually they are, there is the one answer we have had all along, God is there, He is with us, we can trust Him. Do you…today? Are you willing to give to God your situation in faith with a simple child like trust and say, “Jesus I am all in. I trust you with my pain and like Abraham I will follow not knowing where I am going?
It was a good challenge to me to think about my faith.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Updated Status
I arrived home at 11:30 and then couldn't fall asleep right away...
On facebook, you have the opportunity to update your status, sharing with your friends what's happening in your life. So, here's a little of what's going on in my life.
Laura ...
-is wide awake at midnight...and not thrilled.
-liked having 3 seats to myself on my flight from Paris to Bucharest...and the fact I got to see the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triumf from the window.
-doesn't know if she has the strength.
-thinks evaluating life shouldn't be done late at night.
-likes my parents.
-thinks airplane flights shouldn't feel like roller coaster rides.
-needs to deal with the leaky toilet.
-is thankful for friends on both sides of the ocean.
-enjoyed the drive home from the airport...back to speaking a foreign language I understand.
-isn't quite ready to unpack.
-is glad to be in my own bed.
-is glad to remember that in ALL things God is in control!
-started to crawl into bed before remembering I'd washed my sheets before leaving but hadn't had time to remake the bed the morning I left.
-is trying to decide what to do first...grocery shopping, cleaning, unpacking, school stuff...
On facebook, you have the opportunity to update your status, sharing with your friends what's happening in your life. So, here's a little of what's going on in my life.
Laura ...
-is wide awake at midnight...and not thrilled.
-liked having 3 seats to myself on my flight from Paris to Bucharest...and the fact I got to see the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triumf from the window.
-doesn't know if she has the strength.
-thinks evaluating life shouldn't be done late at night.
-likes my parents.
-thinks airplane flights shouldn't feel like roller coaster rides.
-needs to deal with the leaky toilet.
-is thankful for friends on both sides of the ocean.
-enjoyed the drive home from the airport...back to speaking a foreign language I understand.
-isn't quite ready to unpack.
-is glad to be in my own bed.
-is glad to remember that in ALL things God is in control!
-started to crawl into bed before remembering I'd washed my sheets before leaving but hadn't had time to remake the bed the morning I left.
-is trying to decide what to do first...grocery shopping, cleaning, unpacking, school stuff...
Monday, July 27, 2009
From a Friend
I was sorting through old emails this morning and came across this email from a friend from the first time I came to teach in Romania--in 2002.
i do know that the most valuable thing you can give a kid is not proper english, a good curriculum, or even an abundant amount of knowledge. The most valuable things to give children exist and speak to us through our hearts. To allow children to see your soul, and experience theirs is true joy. To see the glimmer in their eyes, to inspire, to create and stir emotions, to breathe life with them, and learn from them. that is to truly live. If you listen, and listen close to your heart, it will tell you all you need to do and say and act. But you must not let the voices of society, tradition, normalcy, or fear of being unique block off your heart's voice. Children will aspire to what they see. Love, acceptance, and true nurturing of the soul is not something ever written down in a handbook, instruction guide, or expectations and guidelines in a teaching application. I know you have all you need in you. and the things you lack, the Lord will make you stronger or give you the tools to fulfill his ultimate plans. you are placing footprints on the souls of these young ones. Feel blessed. feel magical. feel excited and overwhelmed and under qualified, but don't forget to listen.
Friday, July 17, 2009
I Will Rise
I Will Rise
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
In the midst of the trials of life, it's so neat to be able to say, "I will rise." May we be able to keep that perspective in the midst of trials.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, 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.
Although I'm not to this point yet, I've been excited to look back over the past year and thank God for the challenges and hard times because I see the work that has come about in my heart and life because of those situations.
Women of Faith
I am blessed to have a number of wonderful women of faith in my life. Women who live life dependent on God and seeking his will. I want to share about one particular group of women and the amazing influence they have had in my life.
Seven years ago, I was frustrated at not finding a teaching job, confused about what to do, and looking for an evening Bible study. I asked the coordinator at church about whether there were any options. The only studies for women were during the day--when I hoped I'd be working. So, I was a bit discouraged. I think only a short time later I learned that a group was going to start.
I attended this group with mixed feelings--not really sure what to expect being the youngest member and in a completely different life situation than the others. But, as I shared and listened, God knit our hearts together in an amazing way. At the end of that school year I was working full time and preparing to move to Romania to teach at Bucharest Christian Academy. They prayed with me and sent me off with their love--many of them choosing to support me through prayer and finances.
My expectations were low and I figured that after I'd been gone a few months they would forget about me and our paths would rarely cross. Instead, this amazing group of women continues to keep in close contact with me. They bless me each Christmas with a wonderful package full of fun things from home. Each summer I'm in MN we get together.
Just earlier this week we spent the evening together. I think I laughed more in that one evening than in the previous month. It was wonderful to sit with these amazing women of faith and hear about the work God is doing in their lives. One woman is trusting God as she goes back to school, sitting beside classmates years younger. Another is moving to a new townhouse in preparation for serving overseas. Many are living in the midst of struggles and loss, painful times, and yet you wouldn't guess that by the way they speak or act.
These women have become dear friends and coworkers, encouraging me and refreshing my spirit each time we're together or connect. I left the house that night with an amazing sense of God's presence and love for me shown through the lives of these special women. His care evidenced through their 'hands and feet'.
Seven years ago, I was frustrated at not finding a teaching job, confused about what to do, and looking for an evening Bible study. I asked the coordinator at church about whether there were any options. The only studies for women were during the day--when I hoped I'd be working. So, I was a bit discouraged. I think only a short time later I learned that a group was going to start.
I attended this group with mixed feelings--not really sure what to expect being the youngest member and in a completely different life situation than the others. But, as I shared and listened, God knit our hearts together in an amazing way. At the end of that school year I was working full time and preparing to move to Romania to teach at Bucharest Christian Academy. They prayed with me and sent me off with their love--many of them choosing to support me through prayer and finances.
My expectations were low and I figured that after I'd been gone a few months they would forget about me and our paths would rarely cross. Instead, this amazing group of women continues to keep in close contact with me. They bless me each Christmas with a wonderful package full of fun things from home. Each summer I'm in MN we get together.
Just earlier this week we spent the evening together. I think I laughed more in that one evening than in the previous month. It was wonderful to sit with these amazing women of faith and hear about the work God is doing in their lives. One woman is trusting God as she goes back to school, sitting beside classmates years younger. Another is moving to a new townhouse in preparation for serving overseas. Many are living in the midst of struggles and loss, painful times, and yet you wouldn't guess that by the way they speak or act.
These women have become dear friends and coworkers, encouraging me and refreshing my spirit each time we're together or connect. I left the house that night with an amazing sense of God's presence and love for me shown through the lives of these special women. His care evidenced through their 'hands and feet'.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Twin Cities 'Best Kept Secret'
Maybe it should have been obvious to me during they four years I traveled between Roseville and Lakeville. Logically, there should have been two viable options for traveling the distance. But, somehow I always headed down 35W...and inevitably spent hours of my life sitting in traffic or avoiding road construction. I had come to believe that was the best way available to traverse the distance between the two cities of significance in my life. But, this year I've come across a far better way...35E. I've traveled the distance between Roseville and Lakeville/Burnsville at least 6 times recently and haven't really been stuck in traffic for more than 5 min of the entire commute (even during rush hour). So, I'm a 35E convert.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Rain Check
I stopped by Rainbow Foods this week to pick up a couple items for a friend before some coupons expired. I went to find the right bag of sugar and found the shelf empty (imagine my surprise). There was an employee scanning some products in the aisle so I approached her...
'I'm looking for this coupon item, can you tell me...'
'Rain check,' she replied and walked toward the end of the aisle.
I was a little shocked and confused with the brevity of her response. Yes, I still remember what a rain check is, but was totally lost and confused about where I might find such an item. Was I supposed to follow her or find a service desk or what...
So, I cautiously called to her departing back...
'Um, can you tell me...'
'Service desk or check out'
I'm guessing she wasn't trying to make me feel like an idiot, but truthfully I was 'close' to tears...not knowing how to survive in a world that clearly I am supposed to fit into. It seemed like something so small and insignificant and yet somehow it felt bigger...
'I'm looking for this coupon item, can you tell me...'
'Rain check,' she replied and walked toward the end of the aisle.
I was a little shocked and confused with the brevity of her response. Yes, I still remember what a rain check is, but was totally lost and confused about where I might find such an item. Was I supposed to follow her or find a service desk or what...
So, I cautiously called to her departing back...
'Um, can you tell me...'
'Service desk or check out'
I'm guessing she wasn't trying to make me feel like an idiot, but truthfully I was 'close' to tears...not knowing how to survive in a world that clearly I am supposed to fit into. It seemed like something so small and insignificant and yet somehow it felt bigger...
Culture Shock?
I've been noticing that there are some significant differences between the public restrooms here in the US compared to those in Romania. It's made me smile so...
-they exist...it's likely that even large stores in RO won't have public bathrooms available
-they're free...yes, sometimes you pay to use them in RO
-cleanliness...this can tend to be questionable in RO
-toilet paper is supplied...I am in the habit of being sure to have kleenex with me and use it more often than not
(I did have to smile as I walked into a bathroom in Caribou earlier this week and found it lacking in toilet paper.)
it's the little things that make the difference....
-they exist...it's likely that even large stores in RO won't have public bathrooms available
-they're free...yes, sometimes you pay to use them in RO
-cleanliness...this can tend to be questionable in RO
-toilet paper is supplied...I am in the habit of being sure to have kleenex with me and use it more often than not
(I did have to smile as I walked into a bathroom in Caribou earlier this week and found it lacking in toilet paper.)
it's the little things that make the difference....
Monday, July 06, 2009
Horsey and Healing
It was a matter of emergency. Kyle was leaving to go get a last-minute item for our family gathering on Friday and Abigail wasn't about to let him leave without a fuss. Deborah was lying on the couch giving her legs a rest. So, I took the plunge and offered.
I offered a 'horsey/piggy-back ride'. Up until this point I was tentative to use my foot in this way, not wanting to risk stumbling or hurting my foot further while carrying a little one on my back. It was such fun to 'gallop' around the house, distracting Abigail from the departure of her father and hear her laughter in my ears. What a fun way to start the day.
I'm trying to find a picture to share with you:)
I offered a 'horsey/piggy-back ride'. Up until this point I was tentative to use my foot in this way, not wanting to risk stumbling or hurting my foot further while carrying a little one on my back. It was such fun to 'gallop' around the house, distracting Abigail from the departure of her father and hear her laughter in my ears. What a fun way to start the day.
I'm trying to find a picture to share with you:)
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