Focus and Remember

There are times when I am reminded of just how weak I am. Jared and I have received great news in the last couple of weeks (a blog about it all is coming soon!) and I am completely overwhelmed by what God is doing in our lives. We are so blessed!!!

Yet, with this amazing blessing has come much agony on my part. I have been an emotional wreck. Instead of dwelling on God and who He is (not even to mention what He has done), I have been worried sick that something bad is going to happen. I admit that I have been quite disappointed in myself. Why now, of all times, am I in such distress and how unfair am I being to God? The only conclusion that I can come to is that it's an attack. I was talking to a friend yesterday about how easy it seems to get so caught up in life's situations that we forget what God has already done. I am going to try really hard not to do that. In Psalms, David oftened referred to how he remembered what God had done in the past. In Philippians 4: 19 we are reminded to think on the things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely of good report - and what's more wonderful to think about than God. When I remember what God has brought me through and I focus on God and who He is, an overwhelming peace and joy come over me. It's in these times that I can look up and say, "God, I KNOW that You are in control!"

A Blog by Jared

I am amazed by God - by both who He is and what He does. Almost every day I find myself more and more motivated to do something to help build His Kingdom. One of the things God has shown me recently is that you don't have to be a pastor, or any kind of clergyman for that matter, to share the love of Christ to the world. The sense of reward and satisfaction I feel by simply helping someone find a seat at church (I'm an usher) and taking up the offering has exceeded my wildest imaginations. Yet it is such a small, small sacrifice of time and energy compared to what Jesus did for us when he died for the redemption of our sins. I have come to the place in my life that I realize I don't need to try to always understand God. Sure, I want to know Him more, and I strive to do just that through prayer, scripture reading, church attendance, listening to Christian music in the car, etc. But God operates on a level that we cannot always (ever?) wrap our minds around. Who am I to question God because I don't have as much money as the guy down the street? Who am I to doubt God because I don't always get everything I want right when I want it? Who am I to bargain with God and say, "If You do this for me, then I'll do that for You." I am nothing but a sinner saved by grace - promising God I will do much of anything is just setting myself up for failure. Our pastor recently told the congregation he was thinking of putting fortune cookies on the communion table so people could learn something good about their future, because it seems that all we want as Christians is to be able so snap our fingers and BAM, the Lord just beams down whatever we want whenever we want it. So many people are looking for a word, a sign, a miracle so they can go back and say, "Look at what God did" (actually sometimes it's probably more like, "Look at what we did" but I won't go there right now). Do we not realize that God already did the miracle of all miracles when He raised Jesus from the dead and saved us from our filthy unrighteousness? Seriously. What else do we need to be convinced that God has the power to do great and supernatural things - even if He chooses not to. Here's the crux of the matter: God doesn't operate on our timetable; He operates on His. We don't know what we need to live happy, complete lives; He does. Just because God doesn't always grant our every desire at the moment we desire it doesn't mean He loves us any less. It simply means He is sovereign and we aren't. I think sometimes God must wonder how many times he must prove Himself for us to finally TRUST Him with everything - jobs, health, children, future, etc. I know what you're thinking: "Well, that's easier said than done for you, Jared." I'll admit I have lived a charmed life compared to a lot of people. But the thing to remember is that everyone endures trials, heartaches and emotions that only God can understand. The next time one comes your way, (and I'm preaching to myself here), why not just stop and thank God for being who He is and for what He's already done in your life. We are put on this earth for one purpose and one purpose only: To serve God. And if you're like me and all you're doing for Him at the moment is handing out bulletins and helping lead a Bible study for senior citizens once a month, it counts more toward eternity than all the trophies and riches in the world. All this being said, I leave you with the words of one of my favorite songs, one that we often sing at church near the end of services.Think about His loveThink about His goodnessThink about His graceThat has brought us throughFor as high as the Heavens aboveSo great is the measure of the Father's loveSo great is the measure of our Father's love