Tag: bible study

Beyond My Realm of Knowledge

Published on by tinavila20Leave a comment

Podcast version available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Anchor!

When I was in university, there was a running joke between my classmates and I about a clever phrase to use whenever we didn’t know how to answer a question.

To avoid the embarrassment of being called on by a professor and forced to admit that we didn’t know the correct answer… or worse! Being on a teaching placement as a teacher-in-training, and being stumped by the question of a sassy high schooler, we’d simply reply with:

That’s beyond my realm of knowledge

It’s just a pretentious way of saying: I haven’t a clue… Beats me… Or the classic: I don’t know!

Well, more than 15 years after that nugget of wisdom was born, I find myself more comfortable disclosing my intellectual limitations.

For one, I haven’t been in such a structured academic setting in a long time. So I am admittedly rusty. However, more importantly, I’m realizing what many wiser people ahead of me have come to discover as well:

The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.

I don’t mean this to sound self-deprecating, so I hope that doesn’t come across. The truth is, that this applies to so much of life.

For example, before having my kids, I knew everything there was to know about being a parent. The older my kids get, the more there is to it. We’re growing and learning together. The answers were simple when they were babies, but they are becoming increasingly complex as their very lives do as well.

And so I find this to be true in my walk with Jesus too.

Answers came easy when I was young! Now? Not so much. On the one hand, life is more complex than I realized, and on the other hand, God is more complex than I realized. But that’s a good thing!

It’s comforting to know there’s so much outside my realm of knowledge. Even as I seek to understand, learn, and grow, there is so much yet to be discovered about who God is and how He works. The more I know, the more I want to know. And I hope that’s contagious.

Knowing About vs Truly Knowing

I’m reminded of James 2:19, where James tells his readers that even demons believe God exists, and they shudder at the thought. Intellectually knowing something to be true, doesn’t mean it changes you on the inside. It doesn’t equal transformation. Do you expect your knowledge of God or His Word to be enough to change your life?

The bottom line is that God is not about head knowledge!

If He was, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day would have nailed. Instead, they nailed Him to the cross because they missed the mark.

God wants us to experience Him. To fill us with His Spirit, so the fruit of the Spirit could flow out of us.

You may recall the scripture:

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

– 1 Corinthians 8:1

I absolutely love the NLT translation that says:

But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.

I mean, come on! As someone who loves to learn and teach and expand my realm of knowledge, I SO need that shift in focus.

Knowing more won’t solve all your problems. More of God in your life, the Source of love, because God IS love… that is what will strengthen His people.

I don’t know what kind of man He is.

I cannot wait to share this next bit with you. It’s recently become my absolute favourite story in the Bible. It’s found in John chapter 9 and it starts off kind of weird. Jesus spits on the ground, makes mud with the dirt and saliva, rubs it onto the eyes of a man born blind, and after telling him to wash off the mud, the man’s sight is fully restored. A miracle!

Not to gloss over the miracle of sight, but what happens next is my favourite part.

What should have been a beautifully redemptive moment of healing, turns into a scandalous controversy.

Here’s why:

  • Jesus healed on the Sabbath
  • This was problematic because Jesus lived during a time when religious leaders had added to Mosaic law regarding what was permissible during the Sabbath.
  • What was supposed to be a day of rest, and opportunity to connect with God more deeply, had been twisted into a heavy burden of trying to avoid breaking all the countless rules that had been added to the sacred day.
  • So instead of worshiping God for this miraculous healing, the Pharisees berate the man and demand answers regarding Jesus.

Before we go on, let’s help this hit closer to home.

Maybe YOU’VE encountered Jesus. Maybe God has worked miraculously in YOUR life. Maybe it wasn’t a physical miracle, but maybe He healed something deep inside you that no one and nothing had been able to fix.

And before you can even make sense of what’s happened, doubt creeps in (whether from outside or in), causing you to question everything.

Well going back to our Sabbath healing…

  • The man born blind won’t have it.
  • He’s annoyed at their questions, and even mocks their constant probing!

 “Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?”

– John 9:27
  • The man likely knew that the Pharisees had no interest in becoming followers of Jesus.
  • And perhaps you too are surrounded by similar probing questions coming from insincere hearts.
  • Here is what I love most about the man’s response and what I hope to communicate today…

The Message and The Passion translations are my favourite versions of my favourite verse in the whole story, so I’m including them both.

He replied, “I know nothing about that one way or the other. But I know one thing for sure: I was blind . . . I now see.”

– John 9:25 MSG

The healed man replied, “I have no idea what kind of man He is. All I know is that I was blind and now I can see for the first time in my life!”

– John 9:25 TPT

Friends, so much of what I believe is, in fact, outside my realm of knowledge despite how much I love to learn and study and expand my brain. I know we’re not all built that way and we all grow differently.

But here’s the truth of it for me:

I don’t know everything about Jesus.

All I know with certainty, is what I’ve experienced.

  • I was blind, and now I see.
  • I was lost, and now I’m found.
  • I was walking in darkness, and I’ve seen a Great Light.
  • I was dead, and now I’m alive.

Maybe reading/ listening to this had you assuming I somehow had answers beyond that… I don’t always. And I’m ok with that. There’s just so much beyond my realm of knowledge. The more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know.

But knowing His love and what He’s done is enough. And I’ll continue to pursue knowing Him as long as I have eyes to see, ears to hear, and breath in my lungs.

What’s in the Ears

Steffany Gretzinger is a great artist for more stripped down, vocal-focused worship. This is from her new album with throwback songs from the 90s but with her own take on them. The song Knowing You couldn’t be more perfectly paired with the theme of this post.

There will always be some aspect of faith that is beyond our realms of knowledge. But may that push us to dig deeper, instead of becoming cynics or giving up altogether.
I’d love to know your thoughts on this in the comments, send me a message, and share with a friend too!

Podcast version available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Anchor!

Isn’t She Lovely

Published on by tinavila20Leave a comment

Podcast available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Anchor!

We’re starting today with an excerpt from my absolute favourite children’s Bible, The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. It’s a portion of the creation account written for children as the audience.

God saw all that He had made and He loved them. And they were lovely because He loved them.
But God saved the best for last. From the beginning, God had a shining dream in His heart. He would make people share His Forever Happiness. They would be His children, and the world would be their perfect home.

So God breathed life into Adam and Eve. When they opened their eyes, the first thing they saw was God’s face.
And when God saw them He was like a new dad.
“You look like Me,” He said. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever made!“
God loved them with all His heart. And they were lovely because He loved them.
And Adam and Eve joined the song of the starts and the streams and the wind and trees, the wonderful song of love to the One who made them.
Their hearts were filled with happiness. And nothing ever made them sad or lonely or sick or afraid.
God looked at everything He had made. “Perfect!” He said. And it was.
But all the stars and the mountains and oceans and galaxies and everything were nothing compared to how much God loved His children. He would move heaven and earth to be near them. Always. Whatever happened, whatever it cost Him, He would always love them.
And so it was that the wonderful love story began…

What strikes me about this story is how the language communicates that God’s creation derives its value and beauty from God Himself.

This concept isn’t specific to this children’s Bible exclusively. It can be found throughout all the Scriptures. For example, the following verse was my original inspiration for this post:

“There I gave them my decrees and regulations so they could find life by keeping them.”

– Ezekiel 20:11

In both the children’s Bible excerpt and this verse from Old Testament prophet, the idea is that God’s people find LIFE and find their loveliness in Him, and through Him, and by following Him.

The Scriptures are clear: we are at our best, our loveliest, most aligned with our purpose, and most alive, when our lives are surrendered to God. When we are following Him. When we are walking in step with His Spirit.

We are misled when we’re convinced that we can somehow find beauty apart from God. That loveliness can exist without Him.

But how can this be?

If He is the source of all good things (James 1:17), then let’s go to the Source!

Anything good you see in this world has God as its source. Whatever you find lovely about another person, or whatever goodness someone might see in you, it comes from God. He is the source of all beauty, love, and goodness.

I had posted this on my Instagram account recently and it follows the same idea:

Have you ever met someone who’s just glowing? I’m not referring to that pregnancy glow that no one tells you is actually a layer of sweat. Nor is it the contour and highlighting technique they’ve finally mastered whilst applying makeup.

That glow is reflecting none other than God Himself.

12 They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem.
They will be radiant because of the Lord’s good gifts—
the abundant crops of grain, new wine, and olive oil,
and the healthy flocks and herds.
Their life will be like a watered garden and all their sorrows will be gone.
13 The young women will dance for joy,
and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration.
I will turn their mourning into joy.
I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.
14 The priests will enjoy abundance,
and My people will be satisfied with My goodness.”
says the Lord.

– Jeremiah 31:12-14

Can you say that about yourself? Do you find yourself satisfied with God’s goodness? Or are you clambering to find the beauty you crave everywhere else?

Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

– Psalm 34:5

There’s that word radiant again.

Radiant people, cannot also be covered in shame. It’s a juxtaposition. They simply don’t fit together. The only way we can truly be radiant, and shake off the shackles of shame and death, is by looking to Jesus.

Psalm 34 goes on to say:

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.
9 Fear the Lord, you His holy people,
for those who fear Him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

– Psalm 34:8-10

I can’t help but think of so many loved ones, and maybe you can too! I think of how hard life can be for so many. Lacking so much. Seeking refuge. Sometimes with tangible needs, like a job that will help make ends meet.

But in our privileged corner of the world, I think it’s more likely that the circles we swim in are filled with people who are spiritually poor, emotionally empty, and mentally bankrupt. Their lives lack meaning and purpose and beauty because they do not go to the Source for these.

Do you?

I’ll admit, even as I share this, I do not always. I mentioned in a previous post, The Deepest Desire, about how I don’t always go to the Source of love, joy, peace for the things I crave. For the colour I want to see light up my life. For the beauty I want to find in my everyday.

Oh how He longs to share all this with us, and more.

Colossians 1:17 has recently become one of my most favourite verses.

It’s such a beautiful reminder of our starting point in the Jesus Storybook Bible – that we are lovely because He loves us. All part of His beautiful design.

Because He is the Source: so He is before all things. And He is the Sustainer: so in Him all things hold together.

Are you struggling to hold your life together?

It’s only meant to happen in Him. Sure, we can strive and struggle to make it all work. But why would you want to? If God is completely self-sustaining, wouldn’t it make sense to draw from Him for our sustenance too?

Ending with the doxology of Romans 11, Paul opens, barely able to put into words, how awesome God is.

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
    How unsearchable His judgments,
    and His paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
    Or who has been His counselor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God,
    that God should repay them?”
36 For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things.
    To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

– Romans 11:33-36

The doxology ends similarly to the previous verse in Colossians.

A reminder that:

  • FROM Him
  • THROUGH Him
  • FOR Him

…are all things.

That progression is significant! If you have something FOR God, it would have to come FROM Him and THROUGH Him to you in the first place.

Because God loves us with all His heart. And we are lovely because He loves us.

What’s in the Ears

I have been DYING to share this song at the right time and here it is! There are several versions since many artists have covered it, and understandably so. Enjoy!

Where does this all land for you? Let me know in the comments or send me a message!

Podcast available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Anchor!

A Seat at the Table

Published on by tinavila202 Comments

*Check out the podcast version on Spotify or Anchor!

This phrase is trending hard as social, political, and racial unrest continues to challenge the status quo.

Who deserves a seat at the table? Who doesn’t? Who owns the table? Who decides who gets a seat? Can I just build my own table – with my own set of standards and conditions of merit?

Let’s cool it for a sec, and remember that actually… NO ONE deserves a seat at the table!

No one is right with God. Not. Even. One.

– Romans 3:10

Now, there’s a story in 2 Samuel about a special seat, at a special table that I really think is worth exploring.

It takes place long after David slays Goliath, and after King Saul turns on David and tries to have him killed. Our story begins after David is finally crowned king of Israel himself.

Our new king asks a question. It’s a simple question, and we may not even pay it much heed. But he asks:

“Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show the kindness of God for Jonathan’s sake?”

2 Samuel 9:1

I had to ask myself, why is this on his radar? Why does David feel compelled to show God’s kindness to Saul’s family? And what would that even look like?

Here’s the lowdown:

  • First of all, he wasn’t actually compelled, because…
  • It was not out of guilt or obligation.
  • And it wasn’t even about Saul at all!
  • He was committed to a covenant promise he made to his friend, Jonathan. That’s it.

In 1 Samuel 20:14-15, Jonathan had pleaded with David to promise to show his family kindness even after Jonathan passed.

So now, David’s on a mission. He is determined to keep this covenant promise to his dear friend. And even though Jonathan isn’t around to benefit from it, or even know about it, he will not be swayed.

Finally, David finds Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son. He was crippled after a tragic childhood accident, and could no longer walk. He was in hiding out of fear of what David might do if he was discovered.

Mephibosheth was terrified of David for two reasons:

  • He was the grandson of David’s rival and enemy, King Saul
  • His very existence was a threat to David’s throne and rule

So this is not an unreasonable concern or irrational fear. Because under normal circumstances, a new king would do everything in his power to eliminate any threat to his throne as well as any remnant of a former dynasty.

Mephibosheth was absolutely both of those things.

Instead of focusing on himself and his fear, he should have focused on who David was: the rightful king, fulfilling a covenant promise to his father, Jonathan.

Because David followed God, the kindness of God that David wanted to bestow on Jonathan’s family was a direct outpouring of the kindness that he had received from God first.

So what does David do when he finds Mephibosheth?

He doesn’t kill him or exile him. He doesn’t torture him or punish him.

David responds with compassion:

He tells Mephibosheth to not be afraid.
He restores to Mephibosheth all of the land that belonged to Saul.
He gives Mephibosheth a seat at the king’s table for the rest of his days.

This meant that David didn’t just allow Mephibosheth to inherit what had previously belonged to his family…

But through David’s extravagant generosity, Mephibosheth was invited into the king’s inner circle, and he and his household were provided for, for the rest of their lives!

Let’s consider how we might relate to this story.

Do you want a seat at God’s table? Do you, like Mephibosheth, see yourself as an enemy of God?

Isaiah 30:18 says that, God is full of mercy and rises to show you compassion…. not because of righteous things you’ve done, as we find in Titus 3:5, but because of His great love.

I hate to break it to you, but we don’t deserve that seat. We just don’t.

Because of the inherent sin we possess from birth, we are disqualified from a seat at the table.

Just as Mephibosheth whose grandfather, Saul, tried to have David killed, Romans 5:10 says that we were God’s enemies.

But as David made a covenant to Jonathan, which had absolutely nothing to do with the evil in Saul’s heart… so too did God make a covenant to His people that overrides the sin in our hearts.

In addition, David’s covenant did not hinge on the actions of Jonathan’s descendants: namely, Mephibosheth who was hiding out of fear of David and his own personal shame.

So in the same way, any ongoing shortcomings we may continue to raise as a barrier between us and God, do not affect the extravagant generosity of God’s covenant and the offer of a seat at His table.

Like Mephibosheth, we need our King to rescue us. We are poor, lame, weak, and fearful. We cannot save ourselves. We desperately need the kindness of God extended to us through His hand of restoration, redemption, and forgiveness.

But let’s not settle too comfortably into the seat of the helpless victim.

For we are not just Mephibosheth in this story – an enemy of the king. If you’re like me, and you’ve recognized your own poverty and need of a Saviour, then we can’t stop the story there.

Friend, you and I are also King David in this story! And he was known as a man after God’s own heart.

David’s actions here are like the ultimate pro tip on kindness.

How can we, like David, use our influence to fulfill the covenant promise we make as believers? How can we show God’s kindness to others, inviting them to sit at His table?

Here’s a page out of David’s book:

  • Seek out those in need of God’s kindness
    This required work on David’s part! Mephibosheth didn’t run to David for saving. David sought him out, not the other way around. Let’s not assume that because there’s no one in need at our door step, that there’s no one in need at all.

The Son of Man has come to seek out and to give life to those who are lost.”

– Luke 19:10

As followers of Jesus, we’re invited to be part of that mission and do the same! Because the fields are ripe for harvest, but the workers are few. (Matthew 9:37)

  • Bless those who don’t deserve it. Even our enemies.
    Ok, enemies is a strong word, and maybe you look around and don’t notice any. But surely you know people who rub you the wrong way… with whom you strongly disagree… whose lifestyle or life choices is perplexing to you at best.

    Mephibosheth was an enemy and a threat to David’s throne, but David’s relationship with Mephibosheth’s father, Jonathan meant more to David than that. And the covenant they shared was more important than any threat to David himself.

    Are we similarly committed to our own role in the covenant promises of God to show kindness to a world that needs it?

I close the best way I know how. By quoting a different Saul – who turned Paul, from Romans 12:9-21:

What’s in the Ears

In reflection… do you feel yourself unworthy of a seat at the King’s table? Mephibosheth certainly did! In fact, in verse 8 he asked David why he’d concern himself with a dead dog such has himself? Those are strong words!

Although we are undeserving, God has sought us out and offers us a seat at His table through His Son, Jesus. In gratitude of the kindness God has shown us, let’s consider how we may show the kindness of God to others in turn.

Have you got any thoughts on this you’d like to share? Send me a message or comment below!

*Check out the podcast version on Spotify or Anchor!

Dead and Gone

Published on by tinavila20Leave a comment

*Audio version now available on Spotify podcast!

Full disclosure, since starting this blog, I find it hard to read the Bible without a radar on the hunt for inspo on my next topic. This is case-in-point.

So, I was going through 2 Kings when I came across the most bizarre story spanning just two verses. If you thought the Bible dragged on to make a point, don’t look to this story as your example. It’s short and sweet, and weird!

So 2 Kings 13:20-21 starts by telling us that the prophet Elisha was dead and gone.

Ok, what it actually says is, “died and was buried”. But Justin Timberlake is a whole vibe. Even from 2008.

So after this status report on Elisha, we’re told that Moabite raiders were marauding. Meaning: to go about in search of things to steal or people to attack.

Some Israelites were burying some guy when they spot this group of marauding Moabites. They panic and toss the body into the nearest hole before running away.

That hole happened to be Elisha’s tomb.

This is already weird. But then… *pause for effect* the dead body lands on Elisha’s bones and is immediately resurrected upon contact.

When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came alive, stood up, and walked out on his own two feet!

– 2 Kings 13:21b

And that’s the whole story! Thanks for coming to my TedTalk.

Ok not really… Besides this posthumous anecdote, here’s some background on Elisha:

  • Followed God
  • Performed many miracles
  • Lived life with integrity
  • Served God with humility
  • Prophesied boldly

Knowing this, I’m not entirely surprised that God continued to work through Elisha, even after Elisha was dead and gone. #JTReference

Well this unique situation – you know, where a dead man was casually resurrected because his body landed on the bones of a dead prophet? It got me thinking about IMPACT.

If our faith really means something to us, then it should mean something in the real world too. Otherwise, what kind of impact are we really making?

Are we leaving people better off than when we met them?

Because Elisha lived his life with integrity and in obedience to God, God continued to make his life count in the real world long after Elisha was dead and gone.

Oh how that inspires me!

The thought of making a positive impact on someone long after our paths intersect… isn’t that what it’s all about?

But this doesn’t happen with a sprinkle of wishful thinking, a dash of good intentions, a side of hope-it’ll-work-out, or your fairy godmother’s bibbidi-bobbidi-boo.

A life of integrity is a generous serving of self-sacrifice and a bottomless pitcher of laying down your life for others (John 15:13).

It’s trusting God in obedience when it doesn’t always make sense or suit us. It’s doing something for someone who can’t return the favour. When no one’s watching to praise us for it.

It’s real surrender in the trenches that produces the fruit of godly living.

Let’s consider this analogy:

Can I call myself a runner if I only think about running?

  • Perhaps I’m really passionate about my research on running.
  • Perhaps I follow runners’ blogs and Instagram accounts featuring the most popular runners.
  • Perhaps I watch races on TV and join online chats to discuss runners’ techniques and strategies.
  • Perhaps I have running gear! Sporting the latest in runners footwear and breathable apparel.
  • Perhaps I join a running club with runners who love the sport.
  • Perhaps I even adhere to a strict diet and exercise routine that is proven to help improve my running game.

But I don’t run. Ever.

Even with an interest in running, and head knowledge behind it, can I honestly call myself a runner if the soles of my shoes never hit pavement?

Similarly, can I call myself a Christian if all I do is think about the ideals I’m aspiring toward?

Run with me one lap further.

  • Perhaps I read my Bible and Christian literature about how to be a good Christian.
  • Perhaps I follow all the best blogs (like this one, duh) and Instagram accounts featuring the trendiest Christian celebrities (That term should be a red flag, btw).
  • Perhaps I watch viral sermons and listen to famous podcasts discussing techniques and strategies for Christian living.
  • Perhaps I dress like a Christian! You know, modest is best. I even have those cool shirts with subtle reference to faith.
  • Perhaps I’m involved in all things “church” and surround myself with likeminded people.
  • Perhaps I even adhere to the strict code of conduct that all Christians should! The do’s and don’ts that prove piety and devotion to God.

But I don’t submit to the Lordship of Jesus. Not really. I don’t trust Him with my life. I don’t surrender my will to His. I don’t obey God in the areas I know He’s called me to. I don’t sit in stillness to hear from Him. When I pray, I just talk at Him…

Oh, and I don’t love people. Not really. I don’t serve my community. I don’t love my neighbour (definitely not my enemy). I don’t pray for those who hate me. I don’t show compassion to those who disagree with me. In fact, I don’t give much thought to those around me at all…

Can I really call myself a Christian, then?

Jesus made it super simple for us. All the law and prophets can be summed up in this:

Love God. Love your neighbour (Matthew 22:36-40).

Here are some simple scenarios to illustrate this point:

“You were the only person who noticed me in school.”
“Thank you for checking on me, even if you don’t know what to say.”
“Your gift helped us get through an impossible financial crisis.”
“Thank you for being kind, even if you don’t agree or understand.”

I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with Me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you—but when you live separated from Me you are powerless.

– John 15:5 TPT

My prayer is that Elisha’s story would stir in us a desire for the type of impact that’s so life-giving, people actually come alive because of God in us.

A word of caution:

  • We believe lies if we think we can do any good without the life-giving power of God at work in us.
  • We ALSO believe lies, if we think a small act of kindness isn’t worth doing unless it’s moving mountains or calling down fire from heaven.

Since Jesus Himself compared the Kingdom of Heaven to tiny seeds and buried treasure… let’s not forget how significant the small and hidden things can be!

The enemy of our souls would have us believe a text to encourage a friend, or a smile for a stranger isn’t doing enough. So we end up doing nothing! Let’s remember that some of the most life-changing work of the Spirit has been in the grassroots, not the flashy stage.

Of course, there’s also hard work and sacrifice – you don’t live a life of integrity and obedience by watching runners go by!

Remaining connected to God, our Source, and obeying Him through little things? That’s a sure way to make a lasting impact… long after we’re dead and gone.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up!

– Galatians 6:9

What’s in the Ears

This song is a reference to Ezekiel, not Elisha, but it’s still super good.

Were you familiar with this story about Elisha? Does it inspire you to reflect on the impact you’re making? Share your thoughts in the comments or send me a message!

*Audio version now available on Spotify podcast!

Character over Comfort

Published on by tinavila204 Comments

Alright, I didn’t want to get into it. But sometimes God allows me to go through stuff that freakin’ sucks and then prompts my heart to write about it. So here we are. This is truly, from the overflow.

A few months ago, I shared about how my daughter doesn’t sleep and how it’s costing my very sanity. You can check it out here. Unfortunately, no change to report on that front. But it’s a tiny example of what many are dealing with in this season.

Our problems just won’t go away!

Maybe yours is related to…

  • the pandemic
  • polarized political views
  • relationship challenges (spouse, child, relative, friend?)
  • work struggles
  • physical health issues
  • strained mental health

…and all the ramifications thereof?

So let me ask you this:

Hearing that for the first time felt like a bucket of water dumped over my head; but like the coziest hug too… somehow all at the same time.

Some follow up questions:

What am I really after in this life? What do I really want?? Is it comfort? Is it ease? Is it a pain-free, smooth ride?

Umm, yes. That’s literally what I want. And all I want.

  • I don’t want things to be difficult.
  • I don’t want an uphill battle.
  • I don’t want to be pushed out of my comfort zone.
  • I don’t want to struggle.
  • I don’t want my people to struggle.
  • I don’t want to be uncomfortable
  • And I don’t want to grow. I DON’T!

This past year has been difficult on a lot of people, but not all for the same reasons. No matter your experience, I think we can all admit that it’s pretty much been THE WORST. We just can’t seem to agree on why.

Whether you fear the virus, the government, or what another minute stuck in your house will do to your mental health… we all have a choice in how we’ll deal with what we’re facing.

I confess, this year of survival mode for me has been with a lot of numbing. Numbing with Netflix, comfort foods, mindless scrolling, etc.

But is that the ultimate goal? I’ve really got to ask myself: is this all I want?? To be numbed out of feeling any kind of pain that forces me to deal with hard things?

And what then? Say I choose to deal with those things. Once that’s done and I’ve put on my big girl pants, maybe even matured a little… What do I do with it all?

It’s meaningless if God’s Kingdom mission does not become my own life mission.

Let me say that again...

If my life doesn’t become about God’s kingdom mission, it’s all meaningless.

At some point we must ask ourselves:

Do we actually want to be used by God in drawing people to Him?
And if following Jesus is so important to us, why are we not talking about it more?

These are just questions I’m personally wrestling with. I’m sorry if they ruffle feathers. But also, not sorry…?

Because honestly, I’m just nearing the end of myself with this extreme desperation for comfort over character. After all, comfort does not build character. As much as I wish it would. And the longer I sit in the presence of Jesus, the less I care about how cushy my sweet little life really is.

If you’re looking for validation in your quest for comfort, then good news is that you can absolutely settle for simply eternal salvation with a comfortable life!

That’s because God’s love for us doesn’t change. BUT! …our effectiveness does.

If you’re like me and the latter doesn’t sit well with you, then read on, friend! There’s work to be done if we’re willing!

Here’s what I propose regarding character > comfort:

Let’s get back to the basics!

  • LOVE GOD. LOVE PEOPLE. (Mark 12:30-31)
  • LOVE YOUR ENEMIES (Luke 6:27-36)
  • TAKE GREATER INTEREST IN OTHERS – less navel-gazing? (Philippians 2:1-11)
  • PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU – or even just disagree with you! (Matthew 5:44)
  • BE HUMBLE (Ephesians 4:2)
  • HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS – desperate desire to be right with God! (Matthew 5:6)
  • SHOW MERCY (James 2:12-13)
  • HAVE A PURE HEART – integrity! (Philippians 1:9-11)
  • WORK FOR PEACE (Romans 14:19)
  • WATCH YOUR ANGER (Matthew 5:21-22)
  • BE GENEROUS (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
  • BE PERFECT – ok, ouch (Matthew 5:48)

We could go on, of course. But a common thread is that these can be super hard to do!

In general, we’re just not naturally inclined to do anything that might compromise our comfort. It goes against our survival instincts!

It requires intentional work and sacrifice. But these are the very things that will build REAL character in our lives.

It’s truly a matter of priorities. What matters more to me? Obedience to God, His will, His purpose for my life? Or my own plans and agenda?

Perhaps you can relate to this, but I have a tendency to manipulate my own interpretations of scripture or understanding of God’s character to suit my needs and desires.

Yes, God is for us. (Romans 8:31)
Yes, He fights our battles. (Exodus 14:14)
Yes, He works for our favour… etc etc etc. (Psalm 84:11)

These things are true AND biblical! But how they manifest may look very different from God’s perspective and our expectations.

My tattoo says: “YET HE IS STILL GOOD”. A reminder that even when things don’t go the way I want, God is still good. I am stubborn, forgetful, and lazy. So I needed this permanently etched on my skin as a reminder of God’s forever goodness. For a post I wrote about it, click here!

Let’s recall our original question, is He still good if He only sustains me through the very thing I’m asking Him to save me from?

Can I come to terms with that, and still trust Him?

Can I still believe that the comfort I’m giving up to follow Him will be worth the character He is building in me?

Worth the intimacy He offers in His presence? Is it worth it? Is He worth it?

Because it’s got to be a daily sacrifice of comfort.

Even more than that, it’s also a sacrifice of control. Or actually, the illusion of control.

I think this past year taught me that more than any other time in my life. I don’t actually control my life like I thought I did! The question is, will I trust God with all that this implies, or claw my way back to the driver’s seat of a car I’m lousy at driving anyway?

I’m almost positive that this blog post has got more questions than any other I’ve written. Probably because I’m still working through all this.

  • I haven’t arrived.
  • I’m not yet where I want to be.
  • I’m still selfish and moody.
  • Still fail constantly at all the basics I previously mentioned.
  • Still revert to numbing pain.
  • Still prioritize my own comfort over submitting to the character-building I know God wants for me.
  • Still learning to bring that mess of crap to Jesus.
  • Still learning to trust Him to sustain me.

My dearly loved readers….

I pray with great faith for you, because I’m fully convinced that the One who began this good work in you will faithfully continue the process of maturing you until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ!

– Philippians 1:6

What’s in the Ears

Couldn’t bear the thought of slappin a self-promoting song onto this blog post. It’s always all about Jesus. This song is a great one for that. Check lyrics here!

The struggle is so real. The tension between comfort and character is palpable. But there’s goodness in it!
Do you feel yourself fighting against it? Or is your heart shouting, yes! To be honest, I’m a bit of both. So if that’s you too, you’re not alone, friend. Let me know your thoughts on this! Send me a message or comment below!