We even began singing Christmas Carols in the worship sets at Church..a very good indicator that Christmas is upon us.. One of my favorite is "God rest ye merry gentlemen". Simply because in a slow and pokey kind of way it speaks the simplicity of the Christmas miracle and repeats again and again the impact the season should have upon us "comfort and joy".
Also, tonight was testimony night. Powerful to hear the composition that God has made of people's lives to bring Himself glory.. I always enjoy that.
This sweet lady is in front of us with notes in hand, clearly shaking..(it takes guts to get in front of that many people and vocally proclaim your far-off-ness and all the work God did..As awesome as it is, there is a ton of oppression and self condemnation that can completely steal the glory of God if presented immaturely- which she didn't do.
So the sweet, nervous lady was cured of at least 7 types of cancer stood before us proclaiming the faithfulness of the Lord and His ability to heal..
She emphatically gave ALL the glory to God and was quick to mention "God did not promise us an easy life"
That was my cue. In my mind my instant thought was "Woah Lady, I don't wanna hear that right now!" Not because it isn't Truth, but because it undoubtedly will be affirmed in my life now. It's like that sub conscience jinx that traps you into thinking that just because she said "it" (whatever it is..)"it" is going to start plaguing you like bad juju..
I fully acknowledge the immaturity and foolishness of this thought as it passed through my mind. We all do that, I suppose accountability and truth aren't the easiest thing to pursue... BUT
There is a deepness and maturity in recognizing God's sovereignty in your life, even in areas you aren't pleased with initially, and praising Him for them anyways, giving Him glory in the midst of them, trusting Him through it entirely and proclaiming His excellencies nonstop. And it isn't easy and she did it and my soul was praising God and my flesh was tensing up.. Like when you're on a plain and there's turbulence and someone starts talking statistics of plain crashes ( I am usually that person btw)..they could be completely true numbers, but you don't want to hear it.
The major difference is the tidings of comfort and joy!
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
John 14:27
There is comfort and joy in the birth of Jesus Christ. Comfort and Joy in His ministry. Comfort and joy in His death, in his ressurection. There is comfort and joy in the sending of the Spirit of Truth. and that glad tiding is to be exercised in the midst of tribulation, struggle, illness, temptation and suffering.
When that Christmas carol crosses your mind, preach to yourself that Gospel Truth, that tiding of comfort and joy that YOU are chosen and forgiven and loved and really know peace!
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