Faith Like a Child

Sorry this post is so late. It took place on Nov. 23 & 24, 2022.

Over Thanksgiving week my boss challenged me to stop five times a day for three minutes to meditate on God in silence. I failed miserably. It's crazy how easy it is to fill time with pointless activities and not focus on eternal moments. I did have two great experiences that I want to share. 

On the 23rd, I was sitting at the table trying to focus on God and all three boys were running around screaming and playing (not very silent). I asked Bryeten (7) to sit down with me. I told him we are going to sit quietly for three minutes and focus on God. The alarm went off three minutes later and Bryeten and I opened our eyes. I asked Bryeten if he thought the three minutes was difficult. He said it was easy. That shocked me. Then I asked Bryeten what he was thinking about for the three minutes. His answer was simple. Bryeten said he was thinking about how God is Joy and Love. As a father I could not be more proud. 

During my meditation, I was thanking God for my children and the joy they bring. God told me the joy I have for my children does not compare to the joy He has for me when I spend time with Him praying, reading, etc.

On the 24th, I started a three minute meditation on God. I paused it at 1:18 left because Chance (4 at the time) was asking me questions. I asked Chance to sit with me for the remainder of time in silence and focus on God. He got in a chair next to me, closed his eyes, and stayed silent until the alarm went off. I asked Chance what he was thinking about during the silence. He said he was thinking about how much he loves God. This blew my mind. I was so proud. I asked him if he heard anything from God. Chance said God told him, "I love you too!" I had tears in my eyes. 

During my meditation, the boys were arguing about which television show to watch. Neither show had really any value other than entertainment. This made me start thinking how often I spend time in things that won't matter in the Kingdom of God. How often do I argue with God or choose against God my wants and desires over His will?

But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

Luke 18: 16-17

God loves you!

-Steve

Rejoice in His ways

Sometimes I think we (people in general) fail to do the work God wants us to do because we are waiting for Him to get more specific about what He wants us to do. As in, we want him to spell it out for us, step by step. 

I honestly have no idea if God is "calling" us specifically to Honduras. Perhaps we'll get an answer on that soon. But what I do know for sure is that He has called us to trust Him and to be willing to put aside any illusions of control we think we have over our lives. 

Even though I have no idea what the next year will actually look like for us, I can say with confidence that I know it's going to work out for good - for us and for others. Why? Because God has been so faithful to us in the past! 

His ways may be mysterious at times, but they are better than our ways. 

Years ago when Steven and I felt called to become foster parents, the required, pre-licensure Quality Parenting Training classes were good, but in no way a substitute for actual parenting experience. We went in totally green but despite our lack of parenting skills or experience, God was able to use our willingness for His purposes. Foster care and adoption was how our family began, and it has been a constant reminder of God's presence and His goodness. Yes, it was messy. Yes, it was hard. But it was worth it and we would do it all over again. 

Tonight I was fortunate to be able to watch The Chosen's Christmas special in theater with some dear friends. I loved every bit of the 2-hour production, especially the testimonial stories from numerous musicians and the powerful historical lessons that illustrate the significance of the Christmas story for the world, both then and now. (If you didn't know, The Chosen is a crowd-funded show that depicts the life of Jesus as experienced by the disciples. It's incredibly well done, so if you haven't already watched it, do yourself a favor and go watch it now!)

The production also included a moving portrayal of the night Jesus was born, as told through his mother and father's experience. Being a mother myself, I of course can relate to some of what Mary experienced that night, but when I stop to truly think about what happened, it completely overwhelms me. Before she gave birth to the Savior in such an unlikely place  — in a stable, surrounded by animals, far from home — Mary trusted God completely and was willing to do what He asked her to do. She rejoiced in His ways, and is recorded in the book of Luke with these words, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior ... (Luke 1:47 NIV)

I am relatively confident that Steve and I will never be asked by God to do anything nearly as important or difficult as what Mary and Joseph were called to do. Becoming a missionary family and taking an assignment in Honduras (or somewhere) doesn't seem to be at that level, but it is a step of faith and an act of obedience. And I am not naïve enough to believe it will be easy. :) 

In her song, Mary continued... "for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name." (v 48)

I don't know about you, but I read that as if it's written about me/us, too. How incredible that God is mindful of us and He wants to accomplish His work THROUGH us. It's so exciting to think of it that way, to know that our part of God's story matters to Him and even to the world. 

God, through His Son Jesus, came into the world as a helpless baby with one purpose - to save His beloved people. God's redemption is for everyone. 

People need to know this. They need to feel it deep in their souls. One day, I will know that our efforts will have mattered if we can look back and say we trusted God and allowed Him to work through us to share His love. 

Let me close by sharing this song that I heard for the first time tonight. Don't forget to get up and praise the Lord, friends. He is so good. ~Kris