Green-light has been a bit more silent than normal recently and there have been reasons on our end. The current reason being that we are in the process of re-evaluating the structure of this blog--since it's been an AMAZING 1-year from when we started. (Seriously amazing!)
Watch this space because we won't leave you hanging!
Ladies, I’m so glad we are talking about Rahab today, for she has been on my mind all day yesterday and today! We have been having a truly glorious event in Joplin this past week. The Limner Society, which is a group of Christian artists, came and shared their art with us all week. I saw a painting done by a truly gifted woman of her interpretation of Rahab. It was breathtaking. The color pallet was done in browns, charcoals, and blacks. She had a rust brown head covering on, and all you could see of her face was a wisp of black hair and one piercing eye. I was stopped dead in my tracks when I saw her! So, all of that to say that Rahab is truly a captivating character! This is how the introduction commentary to the story of Rahab begins in my bible: “….story of danger, intrigue, and cleverness…”
Rahab: prostitute, lives in Jericho, aid to foreign spies, chosen accessory: a scarlet cord.
One thing that really gets me about Rahab was that she was a prostitute. I have heard her story several times throughout my life, and it seems that every time that little fact is casually grazed over. If it is mentioned, it seems to immediately be followed by how instrumental she was in saving the spies Joshua sent out. And although this is so very true, I just don’t want us to make light of the fact that she was indeed a prostitute. Her profession was to sleep with man after man, for money. The end. No sugar coating. Rahab’s house was more than just a hiding place; it was a place of business. She is given the title “Rahab the prostitute” and keeps it throughout the rest of the story. Only God could take something meant for destruction and turn it into new life. Her life of prostitution was claiming her for destruction (physical, emotional, and spiritual), but God used that to provide a way out and a new beginning. Her home was in the city wall, (Joshua 2:15) so even her place of rest was set for destruction.
“And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent.” – Joshua 6:17
The physical representation of God’s provision, rescuing, and restoration in Rahab’s life is symbolized through a scarlet cord hung outside the city wall from her window.
“…. Then she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.” – Joshua 2:21
She was looking for someone to be faithful to her.
“Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a sure sign that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” – Joshua 2:12-13.
She had lived a life of never being able to depend on anyone. Prostitution isn’t the most romantic line of work, and a woman can certainly not expect any of the men she does business with to be faithful to her; let alone for them to turn into her knight in shining armor. But God in His great mercy did just those things for her! The scarlet cord hanging from her window was only a representation of a union, a promise, and a hope for a future in Christ. But Rahab isn’t the only one who has been granted these gifts! We also have a union, a promise, and a hope for a future with Him!
P.S. Oh, and I’m also guessing that Rahab was a weaver since she had stalks of flax all over her roof! (Joshua 2:6) Just another reason to love that woman :)
Dearest ladies, if we were all together in person, I would give each of you a big glorious hug today! It has just been one of those days for me, where God’s romance is just above and beyond. It was like everywhere I turned today something special was happening to me. I had a butterfly come and rest on my hand early this morning; it was the loveliest thing. Wishing joys like that for all of you as well! Let’s talk about Miriam now. This may be a bit odd, but does anyone else think of the name Marian when you say Miriam? I do, which immediately makes me think of Maid Marian… so should we humor ourselves and call Miriam “Maid Miriam” just this once? I think yes.
Maid Miriam: captive Hebrew slave in the foreign land of Egypt, sister to Moses and Aaron, prophetess, witness to the deliverance of the Lord, and accessory of choice is a tambourine.
Ok, so I love, love, LOVE Maid Miriam’s character. There are so many ways God used her, not only to save Moses’s life, but in turn to also play a part in the deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery. Maid Miriam is first mentioned in Exodus 2, but the part I want to focus on this time is Exodus 15. To set the scene up: God just did a crazy awesome miracle by parting the Red Sea in order to save the Hebrews and defeat the Egyptian soldiers. Now Moses and Maid Miriam are leading the people in songs of worship in order to show their awe at the wonders of God.
“Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.’” - Exodus 15:20-21
Wow, this sounds like one of the best things I’ve ever seen. As a fellow Bedouin woman who prefers a tambourine as my accessory of choice, I totally think that Miriam has the right idea here! I mean, doesn’t it just paint a marvelous picture in your head? Here are these women, they have come from slavery, been chased by Egyptian soldiers, just walked across THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA, and watched as hundreds and hundreds of soldiers died foot steps away from where they just were… and then they pick up a tambourine and begin to dance. Best response ever! Maid Miriam was doing exactly what I wish my response to be on just a normal day, let alone under extreme conditions! Her tambourine symbolized way more than just an exotic choice of instrument; it showed joy, worship, undignified abandon, freedom, and an overflowing spirit. Oh that God would increase my heart to be more like Maid Miriam, to dance with an unabashed spirit!
My dearest greenlight ladies! I totally want to skip the intro for today’s post, because I am just too excited. I want us to become better friends with three women that I thoroughly find to be wonderful characters. I am just really excited about these women, and what God did through their lives. So here they are: Rebekah, Miriam, and Rahab.
Their stories can be found in Genesis 24, Exodus 15, and Joshua 2. There are many, many, many things about God and His character that can be proved in their stories, but the main things I want to focus on this time are these ladies accessories! Come on, let’s be honest…. This is one of our favorite things to talk about as women. So let’s start with Rebekah.
Rebekah: from the town of Nahor, relative to Abraham, soon to be wife of Isaac, and receiver of a 1/5 ounce GOLD nose ring.
Ok, first off this story is one of the most romantic love stories in the Old Testament to me. I would like to quote from my bible’s commentary concerning this: “The first meeting of Isaac and Rebekah (vs. 62-67) is a masterpiece of atmosphere, tenderness, and understated emotion.” With a description like that, I now feel it absolutely necessary that we read it….
“Now Isaac had come from Beer La-hai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac, (cue romantic music!) She got down from her camel and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.” – Genesis 24:62-65.
All together now, “Sigh……” :) It’s great, just great. Now let’s get back to that nose ring. Abraham’s servant first gives Rebekah the nose ring in verse 22, after she has watered the camels; this was like a version of an engagement ring. In verse 30 we see that Rebekah’s nose ring is the first dead giveaway sign to her brother, Laban, that something is up. This nose ring seems to be a pretty big deal, so I started thinking about it; what could it symbolize? These were my thoughts: nose ring= belonging to someone, being identified with them, possession, ownership. Even though we don’t yet have our own physical versions of nose rings, (or just a diamond band on the second to last finger of the left hand) we most definitely have these things in Christ. We belong to Him, are identified with Him, are His possession, and He has sole ownership of our hearts and affections.
God is faithful, Rebekah is wonderful, and I now have a greater desire for a nose ring. Tomorrow let’s become better friends with Miriam!
Well dearest ladies, it shall soon be fall again. This is my all time favorite season. I love waking up to cool crisp mornings, when the mist still hangs like a scarf around the morning’s shoulders. I love seeing the trees change their dress from lilac and emerald, to burnt orange and gold. Fall means a busy campus once more. People scurrying to their 8 a.m. classes, most of them already praying for Christmas break. But not me, I love campus when it’s full and bustling. I eagerly wait for those days; and can I just say that I miss cardigans and boots! And yes, I am one of those nerds who loves a fresh bouquet of sharpened pencils (thank you Meg Ryan for forever making that famous).
Fall is also the hardest time of year to me. I hate to say it ladies, but fall is when I get real lonesome. I never miss my husband more, than I do in the fall. Maybe it’s because it is my favorite, or maybe it’s because I see so many couples on campus; who knows really why it is. I never knew you could miss someone so much that you’ve never even met. I know that this blog is all about contentment and a purpose filled singleness, and while God is surely teaching me all of those things in abundance…. I just have to admit, that in the fall I tend to forget that sometimes. Fall means lots and lots of little deaths to my own wants and longings.
“For my loneliness, Lord- Your strength. For my temptation to self-pity, Lord- Your strength. For my uncontrollable longings for this man, Lord- Your strength.” -Elisabeth Elliot
Elizabeth Elliot and I become super close pals every fall. She pretty much goes with me everywhere during those times. Now that is a woman! Her and Jim’s story of waiting without hope, but all the while in perfect obedience, is one that I want to model for sure. I feel like sometimes I get confused on how contentment really works. When I think: “Ok Missy, now be content in your singleness” I think it’s supposed to translate to: “Ok Missy, never ever long for a husband until God brings you one”. That’s not really how it works. For Elizabeth, her contentment worked itself out through obedience. She trusted the place and season that God had assigned to her, but she still desired to marry Jim with all of her heart. I can trust God when He says singleness is where I am supposed to be, but I can still desire a husband without that desire feeling like discontentment.
Faithfulness, peace, trust, understanding, contentment… these are the goals I’m striving for. I guess what I’m trying to say is, that sometimes I don’t make it; but in no way less does that mean that God is not still working out fulfillment and purpose to my season of singleness. He can still work in beautiful messes.
Love Your Neighbor...It’s one of the Ten Commandments, to Love Your Neighbor. “Great, I got it, I love myself, I love my neighbor, bing, bang, boom…let’s worry about more important commandments” In a nutshell, this is what my arrogant subconscious thinks…
Have you ever done or said something that you thought was funny but someone took it the wrong way? You really didn’t mean to be rude…it’s not your fault that she didn’t understand that you were being sarcastic or quoting a line from The Office. When I offend someone, my gut reaction is to defend myself.
The other day, God said, “Hey wait a second, Andrea. Do you ever get offended by anyone?” I said, “Well yes, but that guy is consistently a jerk. And that girl is totally annoying. And he cut me off in traffic. Of course I put him in his place, was short with her, and rode his butt the rest of the way down Rangeline. Do you expect me to just let people walk all over me, God?!” God gently (but unmistakably) revealed that I am living a double-standard life style. I am indignant that anyone would think that I am rude, but I get totally bent out of shape at Joplin traffic. I think that people are being sensitive when they are offended by me, but I think I am justified when I judge other people.
If I want to label myself as a follower of Christ (and I do!), my only option is to be more Christ-like. More patient. More loving. More compassionate. More aware of how my actions will affect others.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." -Galatians 5:14 (ESV)
Green – a color representation of new things, fresh things, being alive. I truly want to “go green” this week.
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.' The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him." (Lamentations 3:22-25 ESV)
Most of my associations with waiting are negative: waiting lines, waiting rooms, waiting lists, waiting on hold...all passive, all boring, even frustrating. I've wondered, is waiting on God like waiting in line? Thankfully, the answer to that question is NO! A few weeks ago, I was exploring Bible passages that have to do with waiting and I came across I Corinthians 1:4-9:
[4] I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, [5] that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— [6] even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— [7] so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, [8] who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (ESV, emphasis mine)
Paul is thanking God for the way He sustained the Corinthian church while they waited for Jesus to return. The kind of wait that Paul describes includes the following:
being enriched in Jesus Christ in every way, including speech and knowledge (vs 5)
the testimony about Christ being confirmed among them (vs 6)
no lack of any spiritual gift (vs 7)
sustenance from Jesus Christ to the end (vs 8)
the experience God's faithfulness through a clean conscience and fellowship with Him (vs 8-9)
What if my wait for [insert whatever dream is in your heart] looked like the church's wait for the return of Christ? What if it involved being enriched in Jesus Christ in every way? What if my submission to him confirmed my testimony about Christ to others? What if every day along the way, I enjoyed an assortment of spiritual gifts, sustenance from Jesus himself, and a clean conscience before God? That doesn't sound passive, boring, or frustrating. What I'm learning is that waiting on God is not sitting still; it's living with an expectation. In our case, as believers, we are living with the expectation of massive, daily good and future pleasures that far outweigh our present struggles.
Sitting cross-legged on the tile floor, I had my my eye on a group of little boys who kept peeling off their name tags and sticking them in each others hair, only half-listening to the lesson. I looked up, however, when I heard our children's minister say, "Quiet down, everyone, I want you to hear what Lainey just said. Lainey, tell everyone what you just told me." We were learning about Abraham and the promise he received that he would one day be the father of many nations, a promise God made 25 years before Abraham's wife gave birth to their first son. Lainey, a quiet and thoughtful six year-old, waited for the class to pipe down and then repeated her comment for everyone to hear, "God could have given Abraham a son right away, but God waited because he wanted to see if Abraham would trust him."
Does it seem like you are always waiting on something? Waiting for summer break. Waiting for a family. Waiting for a door to open, a promise to be fulfilled. For me, it is tempting to doubt God during a long wait. I wonder why, when he can do anything, he does not make promised blessings materialize immediately. Lainey's wise and simple words reminded me that a long wait is intended to reveal something about my heart. Do I trust Him? "'Wait' isn't a fashionable word," Terry Virgo has said recently. "How we handle delay seriously shapes who we become."
Throughout salvation history, God's people have waited. A lot. In the writings of Old Testament prophets, we read expressions of a fervent hope for future good. But not only that, these writers express an expectation for God to help now. He is not only in our future, he is our very present help. Isaiah prays, "O Lord...we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble" (33:2 ESV). Even as we wait for God to work out his will, he will be our arm, our strength, every day. Isaiah also says, "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint" (40:31 ESV). Even as we wait for something, there is current, accessible provision. Notice how active the wait-ers are in the passage above? They are soaring, running, walking, growing in strength. Not twiddling their thumbs. Not growing disgruntled or depressed. Not losing the sparkle in their eyes or the bounce in their step.
Isaiah was waiting for the coming of Jesus and now, as His church, we wait for the second coming of Jesus. For part two of this post (coming a little later this week), we'll look at how the church is instructed to wait for the return of our King and what we can learn about the kind of fruitful, satisfying, and active wait that is possible for those who hope in God. I'm praying you will be refreshed and encouraged to find out what God intends for you to experience as you put your hope in him during whatever season of waiting you find yourself. Be sure to check back later this week!
Sorry to do this, but because of scheduling conflicts Building Bridges #3 will be out later this afternoon/evening. Jenny McCutchan is up next! Stay tuned she is an awesome girl, and you don't want to miss her story!
“As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.” – Luke 10:38
Hello dearest ladies! It was so good to see you at Celebration Midwest, and go on our fun, soaking wet, rain excursion ;) I hope your summers have been going wonderfully! I’m just going to get straight to it, I have been thinking a lot about Martha lately and what she was like. So many times throughout my life I have heard people say things like, “learn to have a Mary heart in a Martha world”, or “I wish I was more like Mary instead of Martha”, or “I have such a Martha heart”. I have said all those things myself at one point or another. When I get stressed out over details I tell myself to stop being like Martha. When I try and plan too much and get bossy I tell myself to stop being like Martha. But recently I have been wondering at Martha’s bad rep. Lately it seems like God has flipped some kind of switch in my mind, and I’ve started wondering “Hey wait a second, what’s so wrong with Martha?!”
The very first thing we read about Martha is her hospitality. She opened her home to Jesus. Hospitality is such a tricky thing for me sometimes. I love opening my home, but then get stressed out over the details that shouldn’t really matter. Is it more important to have eight matching table settings for a dinner party, or have extra people come and fellowship? I struggle. This was the very thing Martha struggled with too, and the thing that gives her a bad rep in the list of Bible women. But to me this is the one thing I really appreciate about her! I can identify with her soooo much. What I love about it is Jesus reaction to her struggle, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed” (Luke 10:41). I know Jesus is talking about resting in Him here, but a part of me would like to think He is talking to her practically too. Maybe something along the lines of, “Martha, you are worried and upset about the table settings not matching, but only one thing is needed, enjoying fellowship with me.”
I think what I get frustrated about is, in Sunday school the story of Martha and her reputation tends to end there; her being scolded about being worried. But just one book over, in John chapter 11, Martha is brought into the story again. When the sisters find out that Jesus has come for Lazarus’s death, Martha is the first one to greet Him. “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed home.” John 11:20. The very thing that Jesus had asked Martha to work on the last time they saw each other (loosing herself in Him) is the very thing she shows Him now by being the first one to go to Him. No one ever really mentions that part about her. No one ever talks about how she learned from her mistake and how Jesus forgave her. I love Jesus and Martha’s relationship; it makes me feel more hopeful about my relationship with Him. So I am totally ok with having a Martha-like heart now. :)
I've got family in from California & Florida ... and I will just say, living in STL I get my ocean-culture fix via my relatives, for sure! Makes me want to pack myself in their luggage, buy a surfboard and hit the oil-free beach with them when they return home (I can hear the Jaws theme song now! ... ha)
My gramps recently passed away, and my family (mom's side) is in town for his funeral on Saturday. I've had an extra dose of "the fam" this week as I've not only been hangin' with my dear, out-of-town relatives, but I've been house sitting for my Aunt (dad's side) here in the Lou as well. I've loved spending this time with family members who I don't often see. We grew up together as kids--it's been a blast reminiscing AND making new memories with them. Long story short, life has been as busy as an F5 tornado these past two weeks and I'm exhausted in the best way possible! So here's my short & sweet nugget of a post for this evening:
With all my family in town from out-of-town, I've been thinking a lot about how much I love them and how much I wish we lived closer to one another. Although we grew up together, there are so many things I don't know about who they are now as adults, and I'm finding that I so long for more time to get to know them better--the week is passing quickly and there's so much more to get to know! When I think about The Church and God's Kingdom, I think about how my time with my Kingdom Family (The Church) is everlasting--praise Jesus!--and I think about why I value spending time with the church body outside of Sunday meetings. For me, life without time spent in community is not living, because living without relationships is completely fruitless. As I spend time getting to know others, I get to discover who they are, I get to know myself, and the best part is I get to know God (my Father) more and more!
There have been times in the past when I've almost pulled away from the church (the local family God has put me in), as I somehow thought I could live life better solo. And I'm thankful (and humbled at the same time) to say that God has graciously taught me THE JOY of spending time in relationship with Himself and as a result, with others.
Today I can say that I completely value Family and am incredibly thankful to God for the creation of it, all starting with Father-Son-Holy Spirit. I could never live without it! And that leads me to ask, how's your Family life these days?
Sorry for the random posts and then deletes.God has been stirring my heart a lot lately about miscommunication, relational breakdown, and struggles that get worse because people just don’t talk.
I wanted to promote discussion about sex and get people talking for once, but I realize that the purpose of this blog is actually to just share where we are at in a hope to encourage others and honor God and recognize what He is doing in our lives.
So again, sorry if you found my previous posts unhelpful. If you did read them, as I wrote, those were just my irks, frustrations and personal experience with miscommunications between the sexes . Not anything more than ramblings of an incomplete idiot.
Well,what has God been teaching me? In the past few months, through a variety of channels, the topic of dating keeps coming up. Now personally, I am a twenty-five year old Christian woman who has not dated anyone for some time, but really I enjoy my singleness. Yes, I desire to me married and have a family, but I also LOVE LOVE LOVE all the opportunities I have because I am not dating someone.
That said, the topic of dating keeps coming up in conversation. The topic of sex and sexual sin and how that relates to singleness keeps coming up. One thing that I can’t wrap my mind around is in a healthy Christian marriage sex in some aspect or another could hypothetically be an everyday occurrence. As a single woman, I suppress and often don’t know what to do with my sexual desires….so how do these two worlds go together? How will I one day transition from one to the other? I really don’t know…
I don’t know why this topic is on my heart…but it has been really helpful to talk about it. I often wish it were a more prevalent conversation between the sexes and between my married and single friends. But sex is awkward to talk about…wish it wasn’t, but it often is. Why is dating awkward? Or full of pressure? Again, sometimes I just wish as guys and girls we could be open and honest with one another and hear each other for what we have to say. I would definitely appreciate the insight!
What I do know is God is good! And that He give wisdom in abundance to anyone who asks, (James). So that is what I will continue to do. Ask for wisdom and trust that I will find what I’m looking for in God’s timing not mine!
Sorry for my temporary silence while I enjoyed Memorial Day with my family...I hope you enjoyed a day of of work, as well!
Recently, a friend shared something with me, and I found it very helpful.I was telling her about my latest “plight” (yes, you know, it’s Andrea here…37-crushes-at-once Andrea).Anyway, I was telling her, “There’s this guy…” and “Well, we spend a lot of time together but it’s hard to tell what he’s thinking…” and "I was just sure that he liked when he said..." etc, etc.You know the conversation.She said, “Maybe he’s just trying you on.”When she said it, I thought, "Ouch!" But the longer I thought, the more feasible it sounded.
Just like you or I might “try on” a scarf or a pair of shoes, a guy might try us on, too."Is this girl a good match for me? Does she compliment me?" These are important questions that guys need answers to.“Liking” someone, and then doing something about it, is a big deal, especially when the concept of the rest-of-your-life-together is involved; hence why he might “try you on” first.
Looking back, I realize that I’ve been tried on more than once.You know, all the time you spend with this certain, special guy...you gravitate toward each other in group settings, you find yourself texting about...anything. You’re just sure that something is going to happen, and then when it doesn’t, you’re disappointed.
Don’t be disappointed!God’s timing is perfect…and no doubt you’ve learned a thing or two about yourself in the process.I know I did.I learned that I’m a little too flirty and whimsical…even fickle. I also tend to over-analyze everything.“What is he thinking now?” and “What did he mean when he said…?”These questions can keep you guessing for days, weeks, even months!
In the mean-time, keep your eyes on God, and don’t be disheartened.When it’s time, God will send the right man along to pick you up (not just try you on).
Going green!
-Andrea
P.S. I'm so excited to see many of you at Celebration Midwest!!!!!
If I went back to who I know God to be and the nature of His word, (For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from my mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace. Isaiah 55:10-12 NASB), I realised that I must have the wrong perspective. God has actually planted an oak tree in my heart, that has different properties to the apple or the pear tree, but they are nothing less, and I haven’t got a bad deal. God hasn’t forgotten His word, or denied my desires or dreams, He IS fulfilling them, HIS way, in HIS time.
I am also so aware of “creating an Ishmael”, by snatching for myself what I want NOW, rather than waiting for the fulfilment of God’s promise. If I would only look to what He IS doing (rather than what I perceive I lack), and as I am thankful and choose to live in gratitude, joy and peace, I start to see more of His plan and purpose, and realise that my heart is more satisfied than I ever thought it could be. He really is the strength of my heart and my portion forever, and I can TOTALLY trust Him. Those who hope in Him will never be disappointed. I can CHOOSE to be happy. I can CHOOSE to thank Him, and I can CHOOSE whether I am going to walk in the realisation of my hopes and dreams, or wallow in self-pity or disappointment.
We are also called to “walk by Faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NASB. I forget that sometimes and get frustrated or angry that I can’t see! But then I ask Him to give me the faith to keep walking, and He always does. I’m so excited for what God has for my life, and for yours, because we’re loved by an incredible God, who doesn’t settle for good – He gives us BEST.
Hello again! I'd like to introduce my 2nd guest blogger in the week. This lady has taken a special place in my life. She regularly serves Jubilee in worship leading, and she has encouraged\challenged\ and listened to me as the ups and downs of living in another country had me all over the place!
Hi, I’m Catherine, a 25 year old Zimbabwean, living in Cape Town. I have had the privilege of getting to know lovely Martha Lee during her time here in Cape Town, and here I am sharing with you ladies from the other side of the world!
I’d love to share with you part of a season I’ve gone through this year. As long as I can remember, I have had ideas of how my life would turn out – the career I would end up in, the house I would live in, the man I would marry, the children I would have, the exploits I would do for God, then to add to the ideas or dreams, are prophetic words I have had over my life that have led me to believe certain things would happen in a certain way and in a certain time. Today, I don’t think one of these things have worked out the way I had envisaged. Were these ideas and dreams wrong? Or were they right, but God has got it wrong and disappointed me? I have seen that there have been many similar stories, feelings and questions amongst friends in my community, and the disappointment, disillusionment, offence and frustrated longing made me come to God to find His Truth about it all. I know that He is ALWAYS good, that He has plans to prosper us, not harm us, give us a future and a hope, that He always keeps His promises, and that He is a Father who gives good and perfect gifts. I asked God to show me what was going on, and this is what I felt Him show me.
I saw that He has planted in each one of us a seed, loaded with potential for life, fruitfulness, abundance. This is like the dreams, the promises, the prophetic words over our lives. Just as a seed is planted into the dark soil, out of sight, so with us, it often seems that after the dreams or words are spoken, they seem to “die” and we’re left wondering what that was all about. The glorious reality however, is that underground, the seed does die, so that germination can take place, and the life inside can be released and slowly push its way to the surface. We then get all excited, looking at little shoots poking through the soil, and think “I’m going to have an apple tree, JUST like hers” (looking at someone else’s life that has worked out the way you think yours should), or you think, “I KNOW this is a pear tree, I’m SURE of it – it’s what I’ve always wanted”. However, as the little shoot grows taller, gets some leaves, you compare it with the stages of the other apple or pear tree and think, “hang on, this isn’t right! What’s going on?” And so the process continues, with a looking, a longing, a frustrated, even jealous comparison with those around you, or the ideals you’ve held onto so tightly for so long. Unfortunately in this time, so much energy is spent in looking elsewhere, comparing and feeling disappointed, we fail to see what is emerging in our own hearts and lives. And here is the challenge….
We are thrilled that you've stopped in to read up on the happenings of Christ in us! Our hope is that through our testimonies and the recognition of the life Jesus Christ offers, you will find yourself inspired, encouraged, and released by His Spirit into the overwhelming victory and love that our Father has had in store for you. May our good good God bless you ridiculously!!!
