every so often, in the last few months or so especially, I have been provoked to realising how little I make of the opportunities which present themselves through life's daily irritations, injustices and restrictions to become more like Jesus... I keep reading of and hearing these people (like Joni Eareckson Tada for example) who in the midst of great suffering (e.g. being imprisoned for their faith or suffering total paralysis ) actually managed to turn these into an opportunity to rely on God more ... indeed I have met people who just through living in a Bible college community have been inescapably confronted with their need to be more Christ-like because of all the incredibly irritating things that this lifestyle means you have to deal with (not least the other students and the living conditions).
... and yet, when I am aware of difficulties in my life (especially when I think my peers are getting a better deal) my first reaction is to draw attention to how hard done by I am - either through straight out moaning, or by making sarky comments or jokes at my 'oppressors' expense... I'm gutted I haven't allowed God to make more of the opportunity at Wycliffe to turn those things into challenges, and hurdles to jump over, to become fitter in my spiritual life and give thanks for that... and now I've realised this, I'm not sure what to do engage with it, either for myself or how to encourage my fellow students to do this with me...
any wisdom?
2 comments:
Wisdom? Not sure about that. I use "triggers" to get me on the right track when I'm off on the wrong one. A trigger is something that reminds you what to do.
For example when I did YAPS there was a Sister Winsome who came and talked to us about prayer. I thought hang on I don't pray enough. I looked around me and made a commitment to pray for the person on either side of me for th rest of my life. I wondered how could I remember to do that and had a daft thought. Every time I see a cat (in Crookes as you know there are loads) I'll pray for those people.
Now we're here in Sicily and I still do it 5 years on, however, it also reminds me to pray for others. Sicily is full of cats so you get to pray all the time.
The first Christian book I read aftyer giving my life to Jesus was Corrie Ten Booms The Hiding Place.
It talks about giving thanks in all circumstances. Whenever I feel myself getting critical and sellfish I remember that book and the Lord helps get me on the path again.
A bit of a ramble and probably not helpful but thought I'd post anyway :-)
'giving thanks in all circumstances' I think you hit the nail on the head Tchad thank you!
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