When I graduated from BCIT in 2013, my parents gave me the gift of my forever Pinterest dreams - a gold Michael Kors watch. I absolutely loved it, until I lost it two weeks later while house sitting for a friend.
It was completely my fault, I don't habitually "put" things away, rather I leave things with the intention of coming back to it later. But, I remember being at peace with the idea that I'd "just find it later". My parents were not cool with that attitude, but I honestly just left it with God in simple faith that He's faithful in the details. Anyways, fast forward two years later, driving up the road on my way to church processing a devastating break-up and, with no perspective of God's timing, I got a phone call. After an intensive spring cleaning, the family I was house sitting for found my watch behind a couch slip cover. I wasn't even looking for it, I wasn't planning on seeing it again, I was just so reminded of this wild and charismatic belief that no matter how large a vision the Creator has for His created, He still knows every heart detail. I was reminded of that story after reading what I personally believe to be the most bizarre miracle of Elisha's ministry - the Floating Ax Head (2 Kings 6:1-7). The synopsis: a worker is cutting down a branch when his borrowed ax breaks and the head of the ax falls into the Jordan River. Elisha then throws in a branch, and the heavy anchor that is the ax head floats to the top of the Jordan River. Like what? Why? It seems like such a small thing but God's heart is so for us! And I hope that when you take the time to read 2 Kings 6:1-7 you recognize that He's good, He cares deeply, He serves extravagantly, and He provides abundantly! Also, I'm unsure if the spelling of Ax is Axe? I googled it and still don't understand which way is proper. Another mystery left unsolved! The Christian circle discusses in great length about the expectation for women in polarizing views; rarely do we discuss the radical cultural movements the Lord made when he chose to validate women in a time where it was culturally unacceptable. And by reading the Old Testament, there is a genuine realization of God's heart for women; He fights always on their behalf and has a close ear to hear every word they say.
So, my advise to you, if you're also having difficulties understanding God's vision for women, would be to read the uniqueness, boldness, and courage of Deborah, Israel's woman judge. I can't help but be encouraged that not only did she have a strong personality that was unwilling to compromise with culture, but she led Israel in victory by recognizing her freedom and identity hidden with God. |
ArchivesCategories |