"The years that lie behind you will in time be remembered only as the way that led to your new life. They can be remembered as God's way of making you more compassionate and understanding toward others." I recently read this quote from Henri Nouwen as I was reflecting over the past year and all that's happened to bring me where I am today.
I have been shown, especially in this past month or so, that some of the experiences I have gone through are happening in other people's lives. I am not talking about I hear about it and I feel bad for them. I am talking that these people have come to me with out any knowledge of me (very few people here know me or my story) and have just started sharing.
The first time it happened, I was like, what in the world? And I felt like I needed to share kindness with that person the way others have done for me in the past.
The next time it happened, God, in his providence, had been preparing my heart the week prior to think about patience. I learned that the Greeks have severalwords for patience but 2 that I have learned about-makrothymia and hypomone. There is one big difference in the patience these words describe. The first, makrothymia, is the fruit of the spirit patience. It is inspired my mercy toward others. It's the patience we need in the long grocery line, with difficult co workers or with our kids. The second, hyponome is the word James uses when he says "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming." (James 5:7). This patience is inspired by hope. The hope that Jesus gives. The hope that knows that everything in this life is temporary. It was crazy because I was reading about it, then our pastor spoke about it, then I had a patient tell me she felt like Job! (Read the rest of James 5 to see why that is really cool). So I was happily able to share all that with her and also how I believe that sometimes we go through stuff so we can help other people. The Bible says He comforts us "....so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (2 Corinthians 1:4) And then this patient said the most unexpected thing to me after I felt I had been a light "You have suffered haven't you, Joy?" Wow. I did not expect that. I just numbly shook my head and mumbled something like "I think every one suffers some times." And as I reflect on that I feel like I got a word from God and he reminded me He sees me and he knows my past, present and future. And he's able to use all of it.
The last time it happened I felt lead to share some of my story. That was a huge leap for me. I do not like to share about some things, especially what most would deem my failures. But it was amazing because I was able to open up to a relationship with that person and keep pointing back to God as the one who brought me through that situation.
3 people, 3 different situations. God setting it up each time. To God be the glory.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
New
My husband got me a new Bible for my birthday. I had asked for a parallel Bible, which sets 2 translations of the Bible (NIV and The Message) side by side. I got exactly what I wanted and more. It is perfect for me. It is 2 shades of pink, Italian leather, has a concordance, little explanations before each book by Eugene Peterson and very few study notes. It has a shiny cover with crisp, white pages. I have looked at it and read it with delight and admired it's fantastic traits. I got it almost 3 weeks ago and I have not "used" it. When I say "used" I need to explain my current Bible.
The Bible I have now is from my 8th grade graduation. I have had that Bible about 25 years. I am embarassed to admit that up until a few years ago it go barely more than a cursory review every now and again. It has my full name stamped on the front cover and the date it was given to me written on the inside by my mom, along with her favorite verse. I have written my wedding day, my kids' birthdays, and my funeral requests in that Bible. It's verses are underlined, highlighted, circled, noted, referenced, dated, and named for family members who left the legacy of a life verse. It has cards and sermon notes stuck in the back. I look at it and realize it is my life, my heart intertwined with God's message and love for me. I am having a hard time letting go of it.
This seems to be a recurring theme in my life recently and each time I think it can't get anymore personal, it does. If feels like God is saying to me "Joy, I am the New Thing."
The Bible is FULL of the word "new" but it is especially present when God speaks his promises through the prophets.
"And what I do is put new spirit in them, get them up and on their feet again." Isaiah 57:15
"You'll get a brand-new name straight from the mouth of God." Isaiah 62:1
"Pay close attention now: I'm creating new heavens and a new earth." Isaiah 65:17
"God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning." Lamentations 3:22
"I'll give you a new heart. I'll put a new spirit in you." Ezekiel 11:16
And then Jesus came and really showed what "new" was:
"Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you." Mark 1:16
"He said, This is my blood, God's new covenant, Poured out for many people." Mark 14:23
"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." John 13:34
Sometimes, ok, most of the time I want to cling to the old, the familiar, the safe and what I know. And I get stuck thinking of how I would like some of my "old life" back.
But that's not what God wants from me in this season. He doesn't want me to just observe, tolerate and occasionally appreciate the new things He's given me, He wants me to embrace it. To see it as the gift He is giving me each day. And my new Bible will be my reminder to do that. I definately won't throw away my "old" Bible. I will keep it, cherish it, go back and reference it often. It has taught me alot and it is valued. So with a lump in my throat and a few tears leaking out I have taken my old Bible out and put thee new Bible in the cover. I have made my first underline and date at Isaiah 43:19 (both translations) -"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (NIV) and "Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it?" (The Msg)
I see it, Lord. Use this new Bible and new life to keep learning from you and about you. Praise you.
joy
The Bible I have now is from my 8th grade graduation. I have had that Bible about 25 years. I am embarassed to admit that up until a few years ago it go barely more than a cursory review every now and again. It has my full name stamped on the front cover and the date it was given to me written on the inside by my mom, along with her favorite verse. I have written my wedding day, my kids' birthdays, and my funeral requests in that Bible. It's verses are underlined, highlighted, circled, noted, referenced, dated, and named for family members who left the legacy of a life verse. It has cards and sermon notes stuck in the back. I look at it and realize it is my life, my heart intertwined with God's message and love for me. I am having a hard time letting go of it.
This seems to be a recurring theme in my life recently and each time I think it can't get anymore personal, it does. If feels like God is saying to me "Joy, I am the New Thing."
The Bible is FULL of the word "new" but it is especially present when God speaks his promises through the prophets.
"And what I do is put new spirit in them, get them up and on their feet again." Isaiah 57:15
"You'll get a brand-new name straight from the mouth of God." Isaiah 62:1
"Pay close attention now: I'm creating new heavens and a new earth." Isaiah 65:17
"God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning." Lamentations 3:22
"I'll give you a new heart. I'll put a new spirit in you." Ezekiel 11:16
And then Jesus came and really showed what "new" was:
"Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you." Mark 1:16
"He said, This is my blood, God's new covenant, Poured out for many people." Mark 14:23
"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." John 13:34
Sometimes, ok, most of the time I want to cling to the old, the familiar, the safe and what I know. And I get stuck thinking of how I would like some of my "old life" back.
But that's not what God wants from me in this season. He doesn't want me to just observe, tolerate and occasionally appreciate the new things He's given me, He wants me to embrace it. To see it as the gift He is giving me each day. And my new Bible will be my reminder to do that. I definately won't throw away my "old" Bible. I will keep it, cherish it, go back and reference it often. It has taught me alot and it is valued. So with a lump in my throat and a few tears leaking out I have taken my old Bible out and put thee new Bible in the cover. I have made my first underline and date at Isaiah 43:19 (both translations) -"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (NIV) and "Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it?" (The Msg)
I see it, Lord. Use this new Bible and new life to keep learning from you and about you. Praise you.
joy
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