Tuesday, February 7, 2006

Once again, I received another great devotional email from Gayle. It is really, really good. It brought Rex and I to tears as we read it because it is exactly what we are feeling and are experiencing through this storm. When I have talked about the strange excitement we have in this storm, I am exactly referring to Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Our purpose is not for ourselves -- IT IS NOT ABOUT ME OR YOU. It is about bringing glory to God, pointing people to the Saviour. You can't possibly believe this and not have at least a twinge of excitement amidst all of this unknown future that we face. We truly trust God's heart even though we can't trace His hand right now. There is light at the end of this; I have to believe that. God's Word says it.
By the way, we have had the best week yet!
Donna Meadows

Email From Gayle:
Hey Donna,

I was reading in a Beth Moore devotional last night and found a couple things that may be encouraging to you. It's just words that seem to say exactly what you and Rex are living out right now.

This is only parts of 2 different days, so if it sounds disjointed, well, it is!!!

Christ calls us to walk by faith through our storms. It seems like a big requirement until we realize Christ does far more than that---He walks on the water during our storms. God has placed all things under Christ's feet---including the waves that break relentlessly against us. He is in charge. He is right there.
Please don't miss an important element in this story: Christ walked on the water before He calmed the storm. If He had simply calmed the storm, the disciples would have missed His majesty. And what a shame. His majesty was the whole point.
We want Christ to hurry and calm the storm. He wants us to find Him in the midst of it first.
--------------------------
...Whether or not we realize it, we spend untold effort in attempts to avoid pain. Yes, even Christians. Do you journal your prayers? If so, check it out. Notice how often you've asked God to deliver you or someone you know or love from pain.

I'm not suggesting that we can't or shouldn't ask God to deliver us from pain. We have biblical permission by Christ's example in Matt. 26:36-44 and Paul's example in 2 Cor. 12:8 to ask Him to remove any thorn (or cup).

I am suggesting, however, that we adopt a new, eye-opening perspective--the goal of life is not the absence of pain. It is the presence of God and the glory of God. When He can work glory without pain, He does. When He can't, it's going to hurt. But it's also going to be worth it someday (see Romans 8:18)...Let's not grow cold with this world. Let's risk it. If it hurts, we won't break. If we're in Christ, we're not nearly as fragile as we may believe...

I hope you guys have the best week yet.

Love,
Gayle