This past week I have been so encouraged by God's gifts of grace; in particular, the way He uses us despite and even through our great weaknesses.
I find myself easily discouraged by the obstacles there are to sharing our faith in the workplace. Even after being trained at a Christian University, I have constantly wrestled with my greatest longing to share the hope of Christ with the hopeless I see every day. Reading through the book of Acts several times this past week, I have been challenged by the boldness of these early disciples to share their testimonies in the face of great oppression and danger. How can I be more bold for Christ without risking my job and losing one of the greatest opportunities for ministry?
During our middle school youth meetings we have been sharing the weekly prayer calendar from Voice of the Martyrs; we invite the youth to join us in prayers for these persecuted nations. Weekly I am astounded by the faith of the young and old in places where Christians are killed daily for accepting Christ or trying to share the Gospel. This weekend I had the privilege of going to a VOM conference and hearing the testimonies of God's work in those persecuted nations. He is alive and active around the world in miraculous ways! One of the greatest lessons from these testimonies was the mercy of the persecuted toward their persecutors; they still longed for their enemies to know Christ, and they forgave them without question! What or who can I possibly complain about in light of the persecuted church?
One of the speakers talked about the reality and inevitability of the threat to our freedom here in the US. Will we be ready when the day comes that we can no longer freely worship in public settings? Shouldn't the fact that our time is running out motivate us to share the Truth while we still can? Shouldn't it also draw us to our knees in thanksgiving for our freedom and prayer for the courage to use it?
This morning we had a guest pastor at church who shared pieces of his own experiences in some of these persecuted nations. He reminded us of the Truth of 2 Cor 2:15-16, that we are the Aroma of Christ wherever we are! I have been reminded of this fact as I have marveled at the ways God has opened doors for me to touch other people's lives; just this week a young student encouraged me that she wants to be like me in the way I love people-during a week where I have failed miserably at patience and grace in loving others. Every day I have this opportunity, no matter where I am or what I'm doing to be that sweet Aroma and carry the Victory of Christ. What a privilege and a joy-so undeserved!!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Why I Love My Job
I had the most amazing patient this past weekend at the hospital. She had spunk, a genuine loving spirit, and we shared a common bond in The family of God. This woman is in her late 70s, fighting cancer, and was recently informed she probably has 3 weeks left to live. I did not want to leave her side!
She reminded me of my grandma in many ways. We shared about our love for our church family and the hope we have in Christ. I told her how my grandma almost passed away two years ago, and that God has a way of bringing us home at just the right time. This woman called me a blessing because of our shared hope, but what I learned from her will stick with me far longer.
I was in awe of her joy, peace and love in the midst of the pain and inevitable days she faced ahead. The fact that she would take the time to hear about my life and what God has been doing was a gift for me... And for once to have the time to share it. This is the one advantage to working nights; occasionally it is quiet enough for quality conversation. I can't get her out of my head! As I said goodbye to her, she asked me to pray for her-showing vulnerability for the first time. I wish I had stopped right there to pray for her... Instead I hurried on my way to meet the next patient, Saying "I will pray" as I left. Do you ever forget to pray when you said you would? I try very hard not to, but I too often fall short.
Lord God Almighty, my prayer for Jan is that you would strengthen her in your grace, love and power as she faces new trials and temptations. Bring other believers into her life to love her and encourage her-giving her what I didn't take the time to. Above all draw her deeper into peaceful rest with you, longing for heaven that nothing on Earth would keep her from reaching, and grant her Your hope and peace to make the transition to her home with You. Let her life continue to be a blessing to others, and thank You so much for bringing us into each other's life at this time.
She reminded me of my grandma in many ways. We shared about our love for our church family and the hope we have in Christ. I told her how my grandma almost passed away two years ago, and that God has a way of bringing us home at just the right time. This woman called me a blessing because of our shared hope, but what I learned from her will stick with me far longer.
I was in awe of her joy, peace and love in the midst of the pain and inevitable days she faced ahead. The fact that she would take the time to hear about my life and what God has been doing was a gift for me... And for once to have the time to share it. This is the one advantage to working nights; occasionally it is quiet enough for quality conversation. I can't get her out of my head! As I said goodbye to her, she asked me to pray for her-showing vulnerability for the first time. I wish I had stopped right there to pray for her... Instead I hurried on my way to meet the next patient, Saying "I will pray" as I left. Do you ever forget to pray when you said you would? I try very hard not to, but I too often fall short.
Lord God Almighty, my prayer for Jan is that you would strengthen her in your grace, love and power as she faces new trials and temptations. Bring other believers into her life to love her and encourage her-giving her what I didn't take the time to. Above all draw her deeper into peaceful rest with you, longing for heaven that nothing on Earth would keep her from reaching, and grant her Your hope and peace to make the transition to her home with You. Let her life continue to be a blessing to others, and thank You so much for bringing us into each other's life at this time.
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