Pace of life; America - 1000mph
A lot is lost in a pace like that. The key is finding the rhythem of the pace of grace in this speed. I have moments where I think I have, but often (in taking my eye off Jesus) that I certainly have not.
Where are you focusing today? With all of lifes stresses and distractions...
I have had one of those weeks. I keep glancing away from Christ and looking at the circumstances of life around me. It has been a great reminder of what is truly important. I want EVERYONE I know to hear clearly. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Your eternity is dependent on that fact (start at John 3:16 if you need help pointing in the RIGHT direction) :-)
Jarret was 16 and lost hope this week. If you are reading this; THERE IS NOTHING ON THIS EARTH worth losing hope over! But it happens and some people can not handle that struggle. I see his family(my family-as he was a cousin) have to deal with the hurt and loss, the pain and struggle and i cry with them- WHY LORD. But the reminder. (enemies voice)"What if this happens-how will you handle it, what could you have done?" turns into (God's voice)"Even if this happens- I love you" (Many of his organs have now gone on to help countless people that remain-giving them a 2nd chance at life)
Jared had a 16 and 18 year old at home. He had battled cancer for years. We played beach olympics in Mexico 12 years ago where he noticed a bump on his tailbone and upon return to the states, discovered this horrible disease. He was a winning card partner (phase 10 / Skip Bo)..we made sure the ladies didn't win! We are not blessed with beautiful people like this very often. Cherish those in your life! Ask yourself "What if __________was still here, what would i do?" or "Even if tomorrow comes and __________ is gone, will I rest in knowing of our pending reunion?" (both positive responses)
Mary had a full life. Her husband went to Dominican Republic with me years back and she was one of the beautiful people I had the priviledge of serving as her supervisor years ago. Mary loved the Lord, she and I had many conversations about Him.. AT WORK! She was always striving to make more phone sales and have a higher commission (she was driven-but not by money...just for the challenge I think). We talked about the workers in the field, hired for a set amount of money and how each agreed to their terms, but the outsider would not look at that as a fair pay. I would often lay a penny on her desk and get a "Mother Mary smirk" from her. "What if you had visited her more..." and "Even if you had, she knew the great Love of a father-and that was sufficient"
S and J are getting married this week, they struggled to find someone that would marry them. They wanted private, small and simple and have elected to do their wedding in a hotel suite. This is right up my alley! Both have had tough past relationships and are now blending his and hers. They love each other and value each other's children. This is yet another highlight for me(thank you Lord). "What if you face struggles and trials..has God forgotten you?" or "Even if you face hardship, His love never changes, He will NEVER leave you or forsake you"
We have these 2 voices. One is like a thief-he comes to steal, kill and destroy. To discourage and distract. One is there to shine light and love. Sometimes we don't see the difference. Amidst the reality of circumstance, the lines become cloudy...It is because we look through a lens that is not focused on the right thing. (kind of like the eye doctor. 1 or 2..1 or 2)
Choose today to abide in the latter- . His love is overwhelming. Appropriate the abiding, resurrected life of Christ and ALL of your What if's will turn into Even if's.
He IS good, He DOES love you, He is living His life out through you. Focus on that.. meditate on that! Gal 2:20 / Col 1:27
I guarantee that in focusing on Christ living His life out through you- you will come to a place where you can truly say(sing) "It is well...with my soul". He loves you like you have never been loved. The creater of the universe dances(celebrates) around you. Zeph 3:17
Abide in Him...it is the only way.
God bless you- have an amazing day.
