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. "Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.” So that place has been called Gilgal to this day." Joshua 5:9 I've had a chance to reflect on this verse this past week; with that, I've been filled with absolute hope. It's not exactly a "bible-study" material verse but it's refreshing to know that my history is not tied to my future and decisions made before me don't reflect the decisions I'll make in future. My family has a history of mental health issues which has lead to major consequences in family relationships. I'm not quick to share that with a lot of people, obviously. Personally, I'm grateful to say I've not struggled with these illnesses. But the fear of this becoming a part of my life is very real to me. So tonight, I'm praying that you too may recognize that although biology determines somethings, God has the ultimate authority. You were born unique, you are given purpose, and when we approach God with a humble heart He is eager to hear all of our requests. Even the one's we're ashamed to express. I'm trusting that God will protect my mental health so I may live my days perceiving life in the lens of my Creator. And that's as vulnerable as it gets. January 07, 2018 was historic for me; after a lifetime of calling myself a Believer, I decided that 2018 would be the year I read the entire Bible. Today is the day that I finished the last chapter of Deuteronomy, finalizing my first accomplishment of reading the Torah!!
In summary, here's what has challenged me about reading the Bible daily. Each time I opened the Word, my heart condition would range from excitement to routine, boredom to anticipation. Yet despite my heart and head space, I still felt closer to God. The theme that was so apparent was the faithfulness of God keeping His promises. Not every chapter was relate-able, but each detail was significant and it challenged my perspective to see Father God as a dependable Defender. More specifically, Joseph's promises to his brothers who betrayed him at the end of Genesis was what spoke to me. My hope is that it also speaks loudly to your heart. Our broken situations are so small in comparison to the big ways God uses them for a clear and extraordinary vision of healing and restoration! "But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people." - Genesis 50:19-20 |
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