I just read back through the previous post, it sounds a little high and mighty and I certainly didn't mean for that! I have found in the last couple of years the more God asks of me, especially the more speaking I do, the more He has a tendency to beat me up about things! I guess that's so I will have something to talk about!
I have been struggling to come up with what to say when I speak at the church in Johannesburg. It feels a little strange to me to think about talking and sharing with people who's situations are so different than mine. Not that I don't think all Gods children are the same no matter what continent we live on, but that our life circumstances are so different. I find it hard to offer comfort to a woman with several children, no job or income, very little in terms of material goods, no male support and little food or money. Will she look at me and think"who are you to speak to me about hope?" During church on Sunday morning though a thought came to me that Jesus offers peace in all circumstances. Not peace necessarily in life events, but peace of heart. Paul says in Philippians 4:12-13
" I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."NIV
Maybe that's where my focus should be in terms of how I share. I can't offer them financial security or physical safety, but the God I know can offer peace that comes in all circumstances. And He is more than able to offer joy that comes with that peace. No material thing I take can offer that.
So I am back again in my life to the statement that its not about me. You'd think I would have learned that by now! Nothing I have to offer people accomplishes anything! But the God I serve? He can accomplish all things!
1 comment:
That was good. I think there's something in our society that says, 'If you haven't experienced it, you can't speak to me about it'. But you are so right: Jesus was tempted in every way, He suffered...He can speak about it! Your last post was not off the mark at all! I thought it was transparent and real. Praying for you guys!
Post a Comment