In day 2, there's a question... "how do we explain our callings to those affected?" This was a huge question for me relative to several things in my life.
Three years ago, I struggled to fathom, understand, and then relate what I sensed was the Lord calling me away from a ministry I dearly loved and saw myself doing for a long time. I'd served 8 years as a university minister and saw no end in sight. Yet, I grew in my understanding that God was calling me plant a new church in our community.
How do you communicate that to your family, friends, and even your minister-friends in other churches?
Abram was told to leave and go. No details. And he did. I am so convicted by his response of obedience and want so deeply to be able to respond to God like that each time I hear His voice.
I reflect on the impact of Mary's pregnancy about Joseph. It took an angel appearance for him to believe and go with God rather than divorcing her quietly.
I think the length to which God must go to lead us in a new direction is equal to our need for faith growth.
I also loved the quote, "The weaknesses of God's children do not strain the strength of God."
Jeff! If you EVER asked me to do what Abram asked of Sarai. And then lie about me! Honey, you would be history!! Sorry, I do not have the faith of Sarah!!!
Believe me when I tell you this - - - it not only takes great faith for the ones picking up and leaving, it also takes faith for the ones left behind. I kept thinking, "Okay God, if you're calling my kids, you'd better make me okay with it too." It has taken years, and even though I'm still not "fine" with it, I can now pray sincerely for their mission in Croatia. That took a lot!
Auntie Carolyn...
Never thought of it much like that! But you're right. Other people's obedience is not only costly to themselves, but also to those around them.
I think I underlined most of day two, so I'll just comment on the last little section.
The statements from F.B. Meyers at the end of this lesson really are powerful. I can think of countless times that an attitude adjustment (somethink I heard a million times from my Dad) or a change in perspective has made all the difference in my life. I hope that I learn to always "look at difficulties through God and not look at God through difficulties". Still processing that...I know it's true but it's so hard to apply!
In day 2, there's a question... "how do we explain our callings to those affected?" This was a huge question for me relative to several things in my life.
Three years ago, I struggled to fathom, understand, and then relate what I sensed was the Lord calling me away from a ministry I dearly loved and saw myself doing for a long time. I'd served 8 years as a university minister and saw no end in sight. Yet, I grew in my understanding that God was calling me plant a new church in our community.
How do you communicate that to your family, friends, and even your minister-friends in other churches?
Abram was told to leave and go. No details. And he did. I am so convicted by his response of obedience and want so deeply to be able to respond to God like that each time I hear His voice.
I reflect on the impact of Mary's pregnancy about Joseph. It took an angel appearance for him to believe and go with God rather than divorcing her quietly.
I think the length to which God must go to lead us in a new direction is equal to our need for faith growth.
I also loved the quote, "The weaknesses of God's children do not strain the strength of God."
Posted by: Jeff Noble | February 23, 2006 at 07:56 PM
Jeff! If you EVER asked me to do what Abram asked of Sarai. And then lie about me! Honey, you would be history!! Sorry, I do not have the faith of Sarah!!!
Posted by: Carolyn Noble | March 07, 2006 at 10:02 AM
Believe me when I tell you this - - - it not only takes great faith for the ones picking up and leaving, it also takes faith for the ones left behind. I kept thinking, "Okay God, if you're calling my kids, you'd better make me okay with it too." It has taken years, and even though I'm still not "fine" with it, I can now pray sincerely for their mission in Croatia. That took a lot!
Posted by: Carolyn | March 07, 2006 at 10:15 AM
Auntie Carolyn...
Never thought of it much like that! But you're right. Other people's obedience is not only costly to themselves, but also to those around them.
Posted by: Jeff Noble | March 07, 2006 at 10:33 AM
Wifey Carolyn... remember the Nike slogan. I doth now pronounce it upon thine self... "Just do it." Hahahahaha.... uh... just kidding.
Posted by: Jeff Noble | March 07, 2006 at 10:33 AM
I think I underlined most of day two, so I'll just comment on the last little section.
The statements from F.B. Meyers at the end of this lesson really are powerful. I can think of countless times that an attitude adjustment (somethink I heard a million times from my Dad) or a change in perspective has made all the difference in my life. I hope that I learn to always "look at difficulties through God and not look at God through difficulties". Still processing that...I know it's true but it's so hard to apply!
Posted by: Kristy Hales | March 08, 2006 at 10:24 PM