Holy Anguish

Last night, I was listening to a very convicting sermon given by Francis Chan that was titled “Holy Anguish”. The main point of the message was about how we grieve over things that really don’t matter when what we really should be grieving over is the thought of the people around us who might spend eternity in hell.

As I was listening to the message, my son came in the room to listen. I almost turned it off because I was worried that the sermon might scare him. But, Francis Chan was speaking directly from God’s Word, so I knew it was important for him to hear what he was saying. When it was over, I asked him what he thought about it. One of his concerns was on what eternity really meant. For him and for us, we cannot truly grasp just how long eternity really is.

I just so happened to have one of my daughter’s necklaces near me that had little tiny beads on it. I told him to imagine that the necklace was so long that it just kept wrapping around our house again and again and again. Then I asked him to take a look at one of the tiny little beads on the necklace. This, I told him, was our time on earth and what we decide to do with that very tiny amount of time will determine where we get to spend eternity. As the realization settled in, I could tell he was overwhelmed. It ended up leading into a great discussion on how important it is to have a relationship with Christ, but also how important it is share the gospel with others.

Francis Chan mentioned that he once heard someone say that you must really hate someone to not share that you know the way to eternal life. Hate seems like such a harsh word, but the point is made. Eternity is never ending, and we should be grieving for those that are lost and doing what is needed to share the gospel with them.

Take the time each morning to pray that God will put one person in your path that day to be a witness to. I think you will be amazed at the doors God will open!

"And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." Luke 10:2 ESV

Ouch!

Well, I have to say that this month started out with an unexpected turn of events. In less than two weeks, I will be having surgery to fix a ruptured ACL and torn meniscus. It happened on March 4 during a women’s soccer tournament. With four minutes to go in our last game of the day, I was racing against another girl for the ball in hopes of being able to set up a play to tie the game. I did beat her to the ball, but as I turned to head the other direction, my body went one way, while my left knee went the other. It happened so quickly that all I really remember is that I was rolling around on the ground in a lot of pain. Never could I imagine that I had done so much damage. I kind of wish I had a better story other than I was running and went the other way, but unfortunately, that’s how most ACL injuries happen.

So, I must confess that I have been in a major funk since then. Not only has the weather been gorgeous out lately, but it’s all the start of cycling season. And, I am missing out! I was literally counting down the days to my first ride with a local bike shop. So, as you can imagine, my mood has not been the greatest. I have had my good days when I am trying to be positive because I know that this is only temporary, but it still bums me out.

Another confession, I’ve put God on the back burner. When I shut people out, He unfortunately gets included. I have really been feeling the affects of it, too. I am so glad I am realizing just how much I need Him all the time…in every single situation…in every area that touches my life.

I read a great devotion this morning by Gary Wilkerson, and He asked these two questions: “What do you do when everything you try brings no result? Where do you turn when every effort you put forth does not accomplish its purpose?” There comes a time when we have no resource but Jesus alone. I have not relied on Jesus to get me through these next few months even though I know He will be with me every step of the way. I have been trying to do things on my own, and well, I have not been the easiest person to be around. Thankfully, I have a very understanding husband and children.

Whatever event, situation, or circumstance you find yourself in, remember that Jesus has everything you need. When you have no hope, no resources, no ability, Christ breathes His supernatural life into your circumstances. Writing those words makes me feel as though I can conquer anything…and I can, through Jesus Christ!

Romans 8:37, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”