One of the reasons why I think people clamored to Christ’s teaching
was his shrewd ability to draw astute meaning from the word of God. At our core,
we humans seek meaning. Many of civilization’s greatest discoveries…why fresh
fruit rots, how water drinkers become lethally ill – even Science itself - is a
quest for meaning. Perhaps our Creator pre-wired our brains this way. So then
for the Christian, how does a decades-long quest for meaning leave one without
results? I submit that many “seekers of truth” have difficulty with the application of God’s word.
When we read the Bible we find a compilation of stories, until we comprehend the deeper spiritual meaning. As the inspired Word of God, the Bible draws from many characters and their experiences over the generations of Earth’s existence. If you are inquisitive like me, you may have wondered…why those particular stories, and not others. Why Job or Esther?
I submit, that if we can spiritually “crack the code”, these stories form a composite of tenets that will yield to a victorious and abundant life. Take for example the story of Joseph (one of my all-time favorites). Here is Joseph: gifted, favored and hated. What a journey he took through the crucible of character development! If you’re familiar with the story, you know that at one point he ran from Potiphar’s wife to escape her advances. What we don’t know, however, is whether Joseph ever had a struggle with lust. I observe a fairly consistent pattern in the Bible. That is, spiritual tests, while revealing who we truly are, are also opportunities to prove mastery. Simply, our spiritual tests are never arbitrary.
When we read the Bible we find a compilation of stories, until we comprehend the deeper spiritual meaning. As the inspired Word of God, the Bible draws from many characters and their experiences over the generations of Earth’s existence. If you are inquisitive like me, you may have wondered…why those particular stories, and not others. Why Job or Esther?
I submit, that if we can spiritually “crack the code”, these stories form a composite of tenets that will yield to a victorious and abundant life. Take for example the story of Joseph (one of my all-time favorites). Here is Joseph: gifted, favored and hated. What a journey he took through the crucible of character development! If you’re familiar with the story, you know that at one point he ran from Potiphar’s wife to escape her advances. What we don’t know, however, is whether Joseph ever had a struggle with lust. I observe a fairly consistent pattern in the Bible. That is, spiritual tests, while revealing who we truly are, are also opportunities to prove mastery. Simply, our spiritual tests are never arbitrary.
Remember, our dear Father Abraham seemed to struggle a bit
with the prospect of losing those whom he deeply loved. And in time, like a
spiritual boss, Abraham demonstrated his willingness to depart with his only
son whom he loved – thereby demonstrating mastery. Similarly, Joseph did not succumb
to the wiles of one beguiling Mrs. Potiphar – passing that test with flying
colors. Unbeknownst to Joseph at the time though, he would eventually have the biggest, most summative, most cumulative
test….the Mother of all spiritual final
exams…determining the answer to this question…WHAT DO I DO WHEN GOD BREAKS MY
HEART?
Right now, the uber-spiritual are likely wrenching their clothes and crying ‘blasphemy’. I think my target audience is at the middle and towards the other end of the continuum. For at that end of the continuum are deeply broken Christians with the veritable spiritual wind kicked out of them by circumstance. People like me. As Christ gently and slowly restores me and I find my way, I want to encourage someone today by sharing some of the lessons I’ve learned.
Right now, the uber-spiritual are likely wrenching their clothes and crying ‘blasphemy’. I think my target audience is at the middle and towards the other end of the continuum. For at that end of the continuum are deeply broken Christians with the veritable spiritual wind kicked out of them by circumstance. People like me. As Christ gently and slowly restores me and I find my way, I want to encourage someone today by sharing some of the lessons I’ve learned.
1. Our characters need development. NEWSFLASH! While we may have passed the test for ‘Potiphar’s wife’, there are many areas where we need to grow. We need to learn how to think the right thoughts, make peace with the past, relish hard work, and develop a commitment to helping others. Our characters must be able to support the level of greatness God has for us.
2. There is no growth without pain. While this is a basic premise in nature, it also applies to spiritual/personal/physical growth. Ask the training marathoner, or the resident Physician. The learning curve can be brutal…but striving and reaching one’s goal is pure bliss.
3. Self-pity is a gateway to depression. Ask God for strength and discipline to be outwardly-focused.
4. People are impacted by your gifts…yes YOU! Many of us, this author included, hold back on our giftedness…and this could be for many reasons. Perhaps, we were ridiculed or maybe we failed miserably at some attempt. One other lesson that resonates with me from Scripture is that God is looking for maximum ROI (think story of the talents and the cursed fig tree). Maybe like the widow Elisha blessed with the oil, our deliverance lies in what we have at our disposal.
5. Surrender to Time. Your actualization or deliverance will not happen overnight. After recovering from your pity party, use your time to grow. Allow for spiritual and self-discovery. In this space examine some of the “tapes” that you play that inform your thinking. Speak the Words of God, words of life into your psyche.
6. God’s silence creates better listening on our part. I had a college Biology professor who would employ an ingenious tactic. He never had to say, “Be Quiet”or “Settle down”. Whenever the class got rowdy or needed redirection, he would start speaking very softly…almost in a murmur. Of course, we would almost instantly hush up…we never knew if he was sharing some surprise test focus or announcing extra credit. If you are asking God…”Why has this happened to me?” or “Did I do something wrong?”. You will likely hear no response. As you wait for his response, you will notice that you are actively listening, seeking Him, and searching Him. You will begin to hear and know His voice. What sweet communion it is to know His voice in your mind and spirit!
And finally…
7. Never lose faith in the dreams God has given you. Admittedly, it has taken me some time to get this, but God has so many dreams for me (and you, too). Dreams are not your job description or various titles in life (i.e. nurse, wife, mother, daughter, sister). When you think of dreams….think impact. Dreams embody people we are meant to impact…starting with self (intrapersonal), familial, community or even globally. You know those ideas of goodwill you get in the shower…to write, to visit, to bake, to give, to speak, to teach…we are much too quick to dismiss these. Don’t! God is showing you glimpses of those things that are your purpose. Be courageous! Show up! Make an impact! Live the dream!
I hope you are blessed by this. Do any of the “lessons” resonate with you? Share your experiences.
God Bless!
Shenika
