"I do not understand what I do.
For what I want to do, I do not do (but I hate what I do). And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is the [disgusting] sin living in me.
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For, I have the desire to do what is good, but [I don't always do it]. For what I do is not the good I want to do.
No. The evil I do not want to do...[that's] what I keep on doing."
Indeed Paul. Indeed.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Family Fallout
I can't remember the last time I spent as much time with my family as I have for the past 48 hours. I love my family (both immediate and extended) but never took it upon myself to simply sit down and talk with them. Things have been different of late.
The reason I spent so much time with my aunts yesterday was not on my own accord. Instead, it was due to the fact that I had to directly address certain issues regarding our family. I stated to every single one of them that I came simply to bring clarity. You see, much drama has been going on of late and I've concluded (from my conversations with many involved in the situation) that the overwhelming majority of this drama has stemmed from misinformation. Put simply, it's been one big mess of he said/she said. I talked with my mom and dad about it this morning, and the cheif response was plain disappointment.
The luxury of having a really great lolo and lola was that they are quintessentially the glue of the family. In times of conflict and times of peace, having a grounded lolo/lola in the family serves as a common denominator. Add to that the fact that the Godoy family has the rich blessing of our lolo and lola and we ended up having a family that was knit together well right from the very start.
Now both of those saints are celebrating kingdom life. In contrast, we're currently experiencing dissenssion. What I've found so ironic is that many of the same annoyances and bitterness is rearing its head in our family in much the same way it did in the drama with Glorie's family. One party feels betrayed by another party. Others want to pretend like nothing has happened and refuses to even acknowledge the fact that they made a mistake. A plethora of spectators want to be active participants in the cast but end up complicating things in the process. Message after message gets misconstrued and the end result is the same--a ridiculous mess.
I've concluded, being witness to these heavy events two times too many, that pride is the ultimate catalyst to ugliness. Beth Moore once said that Pride is the ultimate anti-God attitude and I couldn't agree more. Pride is what makes people refuse to say sorry. Pride is what transforms men of character into prodigal sons. In sum, pride is the sustained train of thought that only dwells upon the line "me first." This, of course, is completely contrary to the Christian teaching of considering others better than yourself. It's unnatural...that's why it's so hard to do.
This is not to say that there isn't a distinction between pride and being passionate. There's nothing wrong with being passionate about your country or your favorite sports team. Rather, when you have "national pride" or "Bulldog pride" what you mean to say is that you are not apologetic about who you are and what you believe. The contrast is simply this: pride doesn't care whom it steps on to achieve what it wants; passion does nothing but care about what it's stepping on.
In any case pride is clearly at work here in my life. There's still lingering pride in some of my family just as there is with Glorie's family. I'm pretty sure there's pride in my life that I haven't even identified yet. So, with all that said, many will ultimately end up asking "if pride is so poisonous how do you get rid of it?" The answer to that is simple.
Love.
The reason I spent so much time with my aunts yesterday was not on my own accord. Instead, it was due to the fact that I had to directly address certain issues regarding our family. I stated to every single one of them that I came simply to bring clarity. You see, much drama has been going on of late and I've concluded (from my conversations with many involved in the situation) that the overwhelming majority of this drama has stemmed from misinformation. Put simply, it's been one big mess of he said/she said. I talked with my mom and dad about it this morning, and the cheif response was plain disappointment.
The luxury of having a really great lolo and lola was that they are quintessentially the glue of the family. In times of conflict and times of peace, having a grounded lolo/lola in the family serves as a common denominator. Add to that the fact that the Godoy family has the rich blessing of our lolo and lola and we ended up having a family that was knit together well right from the very start.
Now both of those saints are celebrating kingdom life. In contrast, we're currently experiencing dissenssion. What I've found so ironic is that many of the same annoyances and bitterness is rearing its head in our family in much the same way it did in the drama with Glorie's family. One party feels betrayed by another party. Others want to pretend like nothing has happened and refuses to even acknowledge the fact that they made a mistake. A plethora of spectators want to be active participants in the cast but end up complicating things in the process. Message after message gets misconstrued and the end result is the same--a ridiculous mess.
I've concluded, being witness to these heavy events two times too many, that pride is the ultimate catalyst to ugliness. Beth Moore once said that Pride is the ultimate anti-God attitude and I couldn't agree more. Pride is what makes people refuse to say sorry. Pride is what transforms men of character into prodigal sons. In sum, pride is the sustained train of thought that only dwells upon the line "me first." This, of course, is completely contrary to the Christian teaching of considering others better than yourself. It's unnatural...that's why it's so hard to do.
This is not to say that there isn't a distinction between pride and being passionate. There's nothing wrong with being passionate about your country or your favorite sports team. Rather, when you have "national pride" or "Bulldog pride" what you mean to say is that you are not apologetic about who you are and what you believe. The contrast is simply this: pride doesn't care whom it steps on to achieve what it wants; passion does nothing but care about what it's stepping on.
In any case pride is clearly at work here in my life. There's still lingering pride in some of my family just as there is with Glorie's family. I'm pretty sure there's pride in my life that I haven't even identified yet. So, with all that said, many will ultimately end up asking "if pride is so poisonous how do you get rid of it?" The answer to that is simple.
Love.
That Burning Sensation
First Glorie's family. Now my own.
Trust is truly a fragile thing. It's something that takes a great deal of time to earn, can be destroyed in the blink of an eye, and once broken is never quite the same again. Considering the nature of the beast, it's a wonder to consider why people even trust at all. Must be something about that indescribable feeling you get when you find someone genuine enough that is worthy of that trust (hence being trustworthy).
The events that have transpired tonight brought to light many lessons I have had a hard time learning. People, no matter how wonderful, are flawed. There's just no denying that. As a result of that flaw, at one point or another (regardless of how pure someone is) someone important in your life will fail you. That is, they will do something to violate your trust. This violation can vary from something as seemingly small as being 10 minutes late when they promised they would be on time all the way to dispelling guarded secret of yours to other people (with relationships suffering as a result). As it has happened in my life, I esteemed Glorie's family to the degree where [to me] they could do nothing wrong; they were so Godly and so pure that it was unthinkable to believe that they'd ever make a mistake. As I ended up learning, even people as amazing as Tita Maricor make mistakes. All I had to do was look in my bible to confirm this truth.
The other thing that I've been learning just delves deeper into the nature of people. I had a conversation with a friend of mine recently concerning truth and the various responses to it. The claim that they made was that just cause a person hears truth (and even understands it) doesn't necessarily mean that they will follow it or take action as a result. In other words, if I'm driving on a road that ultimately leads to a dead end, I'm not necessarily going to stop just because I see multiple signs that say DEAD END AHEAD.
I had difficulty accepting this because it didn't make any sense. If you know what to do (and why it's a wise decision), it would only make sense to pursue that "right thing to do" because it's the best decision. All I have to do is look at my own life to see clear examples that, when it's all said and done, the right thing to do is rarely the easy thing to do. It's not even the most attractive nor popular thing to do. But it is the right thing to do...and choosing that option despite all the obstacles will often reveal how mature and how wise you really are.
Trust is truly a fragile thing. It's something that takes a great deal of time to earn, can be destroyed in the blink of an eye, and once broken is never quite the same again. Considering the nature of the beast, it's a wonder to consider why people even trust at all. Must be something about that indescribable feeling you get when you find someone genuine enough that is worthy of that trust (hence being trustworthy).
The events that have transpired tonight brought to light many lessons I have had a hard time learning. People, no matter how wonderful, are flawed. There's just no denying that. As a result of that flaw, at one point or another (regardless of how pure someone is) someone important in your life will fail you. That is, they will do something to violate your trust. This violation can vary from something as seemingly small as being 10 minutes late when they promised they would be on time all the way to dispelling guarded secret of yours to other people (with relationships suffering as a result). As it has happened in my life, I esteemed Glorie's family to the degree where [to me] they could do nothing wrong; they were so Godly and so pure that it was unthinkable to believe that they'd ever make a mistake. As I ended up learning, even people as amazing as Tita Maricor make mistakes. All I had to do was look in my bible to confirm this truth.
The other thing that I've been learning just delves deeper into the nature of people. I had a conversation with a friend of mine recently concerning truth and the various responses to it. The claim that they made was that just cause a person hears truth (and even understands it) doesn't necessarily mean that they will follow it or take action as a result. In other words, if I'm driving on a road that ultimately leads to a dead end, I'm not necessarily going to stop just because I see multiple signs that say DEAD END AHEAD.
I had difficulty accepting this because it didn't make any sense. If you know what to do (and why it's a wise decision), it would only make sense to pursue that "right thing to do" because it's the best decision. All I have to do is look at my own life to see clear examples that, when it's all said and done, the right thing to do is rarely the easy thing to do. It's not even the most attractive nor popular thing to do. But it is the right thing to do...and choosing that option despite all the obstacles will often reveal how mature and how wise you really are.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Happy Birthday Jesus
This year more than ever I needed you. This year more than ever you stretched my faith out. This year more than ever I realize how significant your birth really is.
I love you, Savior.
I love you, Savior.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Friday Night Thoughts
It is often those curious times of awkwardness that I find myself questioning myself the most.
Tonight, amid all the drunken revelry at Altobeli's, I sat surveying my surroundings. It was a company dinner yet I felt to affinity to said company. I felt no affinity to the people I was with. Don't get me wrong...I care very deeply for everyone I was with; however, the intrigue was that, were the circumstances left to me, I wouldn't be sharing dinner with any one of these people.
Alcohol truly reveals many of the hidden layers in other people. I experienced both ends of the spectrum tonight. Kelsey with his loud, uncontrolable exhorts. Sam with his reserved contentment. Faces were amber from constricted blood flow. It's no wonder why so many people boast of their greatest stories during drinking sessions.
All this time I wondered how Glorie was doing. I imagined what it would be like were she at my side. I started smiling as I visioned us talking about nothing at all (and my enjoying every minute of it). The reality settled in of course but my joy nonetheless reared itself out of nowhere. And, well, it made tonight more bearable.
The night ended with everyone wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and all the guests thanking my mom for her generosity. Being the only one who didn't have a sip to drink, I drove home. Everone laughed at how obnoxious certain people were and likewise lauded Steph for her rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I quietly listened and simply continued to drive.
And, somewhere along the way, I realized that this is precisely what my family is...and I couldn't be any prouder to be a part of them.
Tonight, amid all the drunken revelry at Altobeli's, I sat surveying my surroundings. It was a company dinner yet I felt to affinity to said company. I felt no affinity to the people I was with. Don't get me wrong...I care very deeply for everyone I was with; however, the intrigue was that, were the circumstances left to me, I wouldn't be sharing dinner with any one of these people.
Alcohol truly reveals many of the hidden layers in other people. I experienced both ends of the spectrum tonight. Kelsey with his loud, uncontrolable exhorts. Sam with his reserved contentment. Faces were amber from constricted blood flow. It's no wonder why so many people boast of their greatest stories during drinking sessions.
All this time I wondered how Glorie was doing. I imagined what it would be like were she at my side. I started smiling as I visioned us talking about nothing at all (and my enjoying every minute of it). The reality settled in of course but my joy nonetheless reared itself out of nowhere. And, well, it made tonight more bearable.
The night ended with everyone wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and all the guests thanking my mom for her generosity. Being the only one who didn't have a sip to drink, I drove home. Everone laughed at how obnoxious certain people were and likewise lauded Steph for her rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I quietly listened and simply continued to drive.
And, somewhere along the way, I realized that this is precisely what my family is...and I couldn't be any prouder to be a part of them.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The lesson taught
In my life, I have learned long ago that there are certain instances where doing the right thing will be the unpopular decision. That is, there are moments in life when your actions will garner much attention (regardless of critic or supporter).
It appears as if I'm at one of those junctures at this moment.
Therefore, I consider it all the more important to highlight something very important that I've learned in the past. I've mentioned before about the brilliance of A.W. Tozer in The Pursuit of God. Now would be a choice time to quote him.
"The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God's estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God has declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance than angels. In himself, nothing; in God, everything. That is his motto. He knows well that the world will never see him as God sees him and he has stopped caring. He rests perfectly content to allow God to place His own values."
That's why Jesus invites people to learn from Him (because his yoke is easy and his burden is light). Jesus has peace because He knows who He is and that identity never gets shaken (despite attack after attack from Pharisee and Sadducee). We only achieve the same peace when we cease to pretend. When we conclude our image maintenance and embrace unbridled transparency. It's at that moment that we discover who we are and begin to wonder how that beautifully collides with what God [instead] views us to be. There's peace found there.
It appears as if I'm at one of those junctures at this moment.
Therefore, I consider it all the more important to highlight something very important that I've learned in the past. I've mentioned before about the brilliance of A.W. Tozer in The Pursuit of God. Now would be a choice time to quote him.
"The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God's estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God has declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance than angels. In himself, nothing; in God, everything. That is his motto. He knows well that the world will never see him as God sees him and he has stopped caring. He rests perfectly content to allow God to place His own values."
That's why Jesus invites people to learn from Him (because his yoke is easy and his burden is light). Jesus has peace because He knows who He is and that identity never gets shaken (despite attack after attack from Pharisee and Sadducee). We only achieve the same peace when we cease to pretend. When we conclude our image maintenance and embrace unbridled transparency. It's at that moment that we discover who we are and begin to wonder how that beautifully collides with what God [instead] views us to be. There's peace found there.
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Muse
Nothing particularly noteworthy for me. I would write but what's the point? Nothing changes. Just meaningless words written down.
I thought God was supposed to fill this emptiness?
I thought God was supposed to fill this emptiness?
Friday, December 14, 2007
Friday Afternoon Thoughts
So I survived finals after all.
I think I did well on most of them, but there's one in particular that I am rather concerned about. Nevermind the fact that the class is hard in general, and discount the fact that the teacher gains notoriety for his ridiculous grading, I'm concerned cause this was the first time I've ever been in danger of not getting a C or above in a class if I didn't do well on a final. I've never been this close to the line before...and I think I very well end up going over the edge. That would be tragic.
This year has been difficult in general. Adjusting to Disney life wasn't so bad, but representing Christ in a Christ-less environment was. School has been a kicker ever since last year (and things have only intensified this year). Then lola makes her successful transition into the next life. To say it has been an emotional rollercoaster would be a modest understatement.
Obviously the situation with Glorie has been something else. It's unnerving. I don't think I'm making progress anymore. For one reason or another I can't seem to find closure with the situation. Reading the bible helps sometimes but often times it doesn't. Praying helps but leaves no great satisfaction that lasts. It's as if everything seems like temporary distraction from a gaping hole inside of me; I can do things to take my mind off of it...but sooner or later the reality sinks in--the hole is still there.
Perhaps the biggest issue with me is that I feel like I'm the only one who has urgency to try to reconcile. I feel like everyone (team Santos and team Godoy) is comfortable with the awkward tension and I'm the only one trying to purge it. It's maddening. One thing keeps going through my head...
Before the accident, Glorie and I were friends (and still good friends at that. Now? The mention of my name will not be tolerated.
What do you with that?
I think I did well on most of them, but there's one in particular that I am rather concerned about. Nevermind the fact that the class is hard in general, and discount the fact that the teacher gains notoriety for his ridiculous grading, I'm concerned cause this was the first time I've ever been in danger of not getting a C or above in a class if I didn't do well on a final. I've never been this close to the line before...and I think I very well end up going over the edge. That would be tragic.
This year has been difficult in general. Adjusting to Disney life wasn't so bad, but representing Christ in a Christ-less environment was. School has been a kicker ever since last year (and things have only intensified this year). Then lola makes her successful transition into the next life. To say it has been an emotional rollercoaster would be a modest understatement.
Obviously the situation with Glorie has been something else. It's unnerving. I don't think I'm making progress anymore. For one reason or another I can't seem to find closure with the situation. Reading the bible helps sometimes but often times it doesn't. Praying helps but leaves no great satisfaction that lasts. It's as if everything seems like temporary distraction from a gaping hole inside of me; I can do things to take my mind off of it...but sooner or later the reality sinks in--the hole is still there.
Perhaps the biggest issue with me is that I feel like I'm the only one who has urgency to try to reconcile. I feel like everyone (team Santos and team Godoy) is comfortable with the awkward tension and I'm the only one trying to purge it. It's maddening. One thing keeps going through my head...
Before the accident, Glorie and I were friends (and still good friends at that. Now? The mention of my name will not be tolerated.
What do you with that?
Monday, December 10, 2007
It begins
96 hours of death (or as governmental schools have coined 'Finals week') begins today. How shall I fare?
__ Yes
__ No
__ Maybe
(circle one)
__ Yes
__ No
__ Maybe
(circle one)
Friday, December 07, 2007
Friday Afternoon Thoughts
Nothing particular profound to say today. Just an experience I thought I'd share that relates to the quote from the previous post.
I heard that quote before I went down to Orlando to go work at Disney. I never really thought about it until I started working there. Disneyworld seems to be a popular location. I mean, thousands of people go to the parks every single day. It was kind of weird.
Enter the weekend right before easter. I had never been worked so mercilessly in my life. Day after day of 13 hour shifts just became straight up grueling. Then, that easter sunday, I remembered that quote. I was walking through the many backstage areas of Magic Kingdom when I thought I'd explore that thought and let it sink in.
I opened the doors to the main area of Tomorrowland and INSTANTLY I saw well over 5,000 people in front of my attraction alone. As I surveyed the rest of T'land, I realized that I was looking at well over 15,000 people just randomly walking around.
Then it hit me. Each and every one of these people are absolutely priceless to Jesus.
Little kids zoomed past me with their ice cream in hand (and appropriate Mickey ears on). Dads happily put their children on their shoulders and basked in the joyous atmosphere that is Disney. Even the guests with disabilities graced me with the bright smiles on their faces.
After my heart stopped taking it all in, I came to the conclusion that people really are beautiful. Not perfect...but strikingly glamorous all in their own regard.
I didn't complain one time that day.
I just wish I lived every day as impacted as I did Easter Sunday 2007.
I heard that quote before I went down to Orlando to go work at Disney. I never really thought about it until I started working there. Disneyworld seems to be a popular location. I mean, thousands of people go to the parks every single day. It was kind of weird.
Enter the weekend right before easter. I had never been worked so mercilessly in my life. Day after day of 13 hour shifts just became straight up grueling. Then, that easter sunday, I remembered that quote. I was walking through the many backstage areas of Magic Kingdom when I thought I'd explore that thought and let it sink in.
I opened the doors to the main area of Tomorrowland and INSTANTLY I saw well over 5,000 people in front of my attraction alone. As I surveyed the rest of T'land, I realized that I was looking at well over 15,000 people just randomly walking around.
Then it hit me. Each and every one of these people are absolutely priceless to Jesus.
Little kids zoomed past me with their ice cream in hand (and appropriate Mickey ears on). Dads happily put their children on their shoulders and basked in the joyous atmosphere that is Disney. Even the guests with disabilities graced me with the bright smiles on their faces.
After my heart stopped taking it all in, I came to the conclusion that people really are beautiful. Not perfect...but strikingly glamorous all in their own regard.
I didn't complain one time that day.
I just wish I lived every day as impacted as I did Easter Sunday 2007.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
A quote worth remembering
"Everybody you lay your eyes on is somebody for whom Christ died." - Andy Stanley
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
The Target Revelation
I frequent this general merchandise store called Target. On my trip there yesterday, I witnessed the most beautiful thing while in the checkout lane. I just wanted to buy a pack of my beloved Trident gum when this guy and what appeared to be his son swiftly placed ahead of me in the race to form a line behind the current customer. Then the following ensued:
Dad: "Ok can you please pick those light bulbs up and put them on the belt for me?"
Son: *proceeds to perform task and looks up at his father as soon as he finished*
Dad: "Great job! Can you pick up the other one and put it in there?"
The other item by the way, was a big box of heating pads. It was of epic proportions when compared to the size of the small 2-year old son.
Son: *attempting to lift the heavy item and puts it down* "Dad!!! I can't pick it up"
Dad: *looks son straight in the eye* "You can pick it up. You are very strong."
Son: *lifts heavy item and repeats* "Dad I can't do it! I can't do it!" *all the while he was very ably transferring the item from the cart to the belt*
Son: *amazed that he finished the task looks up at his father again*
Dad: "I told you that you were strong."
I stood amazed. It was never a question of whether or not the son was able to perform the task or not. It was all whether or not he could do what his father said he could do.
And he did.
Dad: "Ok can you please pick those light bulbs up and put them on the belt for me?"
Son: *proceeds to perform task and looks up at his father as soon as he finished*
Dad: "Great job! Can you pick up the other one and put it in there?"
The other item by the way, was a big box of heating pads. It was of epic proportions when compared to the size of the small 2-year old son.
Son: *attempting to lift the heavy item and puts it down* "Dad!!! I can't pick it up"
Dad: *looks son straight in the eye* "You can pick it up. You are very strong."
Son: *lifts heavy item and repeats* "Dad I can't do it! I can't do it!" *all the while he was very ably transferring the item from the cart to the belt*
Son: *amazed that he finished the task looks up at his father again*
Dad: "I told you that you were strong."
I stood amazed. It was never a question of whether or not the son was able to perform the task or not. It was all whether or not he could do what his father said he could do.
And he did.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Friday Night Thoughts
Was busy early this afternoon so instead of FAT we have FNT (pronounced fuh-nt).
Apparently this week is faith week for me. It started when I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine. Somewhere along the way they said something obvious. "God required Isaac from Abraham..." They continued with how that thought was pertinent in their life but that thought lingered in the back of my head. Why exactly would God require Isaac from Abraham anyway? Is God sadistic? Wouldn't it be unthinkable to require the most precious thing in your most faithful servant's life?
Enter Andy Stanley and Beth Moore. As I continued to dwell upon this little thought in my mind, the more I remembered what I had learned from reading their books. Thought after thought came flooding into my mind as I considered things from Abraham's point of view. And what I've found is, well, beautiful.
Now, the sunday school answer would be "God is just testing your faith." And that statement would be 100% correct. Scripture would even agree with that assessment. The writer of Hebrews states that without faith it's impossible to please God. Said writer even goes to the extent of listing a "hall of fame" for faithful people late in the book. Again, these are all dead-on in terms of what God was testing. However, the challenging (and frightening) thing about it is that it dives much deeper than staying only with faith.
The crux of the matter is the relationship with God.
Let me explain.
Faith is important in that when it's all said and done, you will be forced with a decision; do you believe God is who He says He is and do you believe God can do what He says He can do. It's easy to say yes to those questions when you're on the outside looking in, but if you were in Abraham's shoes would you truly be able to say the same? If you were in Moses' shoes, would you seriously be able to say yes (knowing full and well that yes is a likely ticket to death?). I'm not trying to be morbid, but those questions bear much more significance when you're in the middle of the turbulent waves of the storms of life.
Yet the bigger, overarching issue here is the relationship. None of that faith that God is testing will be present if we don't have a reason to believe God. We won't have a reason to believe God if we don't have a relationship with God.
Think about it.
Abraham could have asked thousands of questions the during the whole process of sacrificing Isaac.
"Why are you doing this? I thought you gave Isaac to me to bless me?"
"This doesn't make any sense to me...don't you hear me praying to you?"
"I know that you're pleased with faith...but why this?"
"This is so hard for me...why? just why?"
You can probably think of a few more. Note that all of those questions are 100% valid and 100% real too.
But what do you think God is more interested in...answering all those questions or having a relationship with Abraham?
God could've answered every legitimate question Abraham had concerning Isaac, but do you think that would REALLY make Abraham love him anymore? If God told Job precisely why he lost everything he had, do you think Job's natural response would be, "Really? I just love you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much for taking everything in my life! You are teh ROXORZ God!!"
No. Don't be dumb.
God is pleased with faith because it's one of the key indicators of a growing relationship.
What more, God gives endless reasons to believe Him. It starts what He's already done for you, continues with what He keeps doing for you, and builds with what He will do for you. That's why God is so huge on reminding the Isrealites of their past.
"Remember how you got delivered from Egypt? Yeah that was Me."
"Red Sea splitting? Me again."
"Persians being crushed despite you being grossly outnumbered? Oh that's right! Me!"
The examples should start to flow when you pause and reflect in your life. Keep it at the forefront the next time your faith is tested.
Apparently this week is faith week for me. It started when I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine. Somewhere along the way they said something obvious. "God required Isaac from Abraham..." They continued with how that thought was pertinent in their life but that thought lingered in the back of my head. Why exactly would God require Isaac from Abraham anyway? Is God sadistic? Wouldn't it be unthinkable to require the most precious thing in your most faithful servant's life?
Enter Andy Stanley and Beth Moore. As I continued to dwell upon this little thought in my mind, the more I remembered what I had learned from reading their books. Thought after thought came flooding into my mind as I considered things from Abraham's point of view. And what I've found is, well, beautiful.
Now, the sunday school answer would be "God is just testing your faith." And that statement would be 100% correct. Scripture would even agree with that assessment. The writer of Hebrews states that without faith it's impossible to please God. Said writer even goes to the extent of listing a "hall of fame" for faithful people late in the book. Again, these are all dead-on in terms of what God was testing. However, the challenging (and frightening) thing about it is that it dives much deeper than staying only with faith.
The crux of the matter is the relationship with God.
Let me explain.
Faith is important in that when it's all said and done, you will be forced with a decision; do you believe God is who He says He is and do you believe God can do what He says He can do. It's easy to say yes to those questions when you're on the outside looking in, but if you were in Abraham's shoes would you truly be able to say the same? If you were in Moses' shoes, would you seriously be able to say yes (knowing full and well that yes is a likely ticket to death?). I'm not trying to be morbid, but those questions bear much more significance when you're in the middle of the turbulent waves of the storms of life.
Yet the bigger, overarching issue here is the relationship. None of that faith that God is testing will be present if we don't have a reason to believe God. We won't have a reason to believe God if we don't have a relationship with God.
Think about it.
Abraham could have asked thousands of questions the during the whole process of sacrificing Isaac.
"Why are you doing this? I thought you gave Isaac to me to bless me?"
"This doesn't make any sense to me...don't you hear me praying to you?"
"I know that you're pleased with faith...but why this?"
"This is so hard for me...why? just why?"
You can probably think of a few more. Note that all of those questions are 100% valid and 100% real too.
But what do you think God is more interested in...answering all those questions or having a relationship with Abraham?
God could've answered every legitimate question Abraham had concerning Isaac, but do you think that would REALLY make Abraham love him anymore? If God told Job precisely why he lost everything he had, do you think Job's natural response would be, "Really? I just love you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much for taking everything in my life! You are teh ROXORZ God!!"
No. Don't be dumb.
God is pleased with faith because it's one of the key indicators of a growing relationship.
What more, God gives endless reasons to believe Him. It starts what He's already done for you, continues with what He keeps doing for you, and builds with what He will do for you. That's why God is so huge on reminding the Isrealites of their past.
"Remember how you got delivered from Egypt? Yeah that was Me."
"Red Sea splitting? Me again."
"Persians being crushed despite you being grossly outnumbered? Oh that's right! Me!"
The examples should start to flow when you pause and reflect in your life. Keep it at the forefront the next time your faith is tested.
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