Life is hard, and then you die...

I was thinking, and had some random thoughts. There is a quote that my brother-in-law has on his blog by Ian Mclaren, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle." I love that, because I get so caught up in my own little world--my own problems, stuggles, pain, etc. and forget that everyone around me also is struggling with something (or many things) at that very time. We're not called to try to compare our situation with anyone elses (in fact, we're told not to!!) So it shouldn't be--well, "I'm struggling more than that person", or "they just don't understand what I'm going through." We are called to "esteem others better than ourselves" to "have compassion, and make a difference", to "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus". Jesus didn't go around telling people how awful His life was or how horrible the things were that He was going to have to put up with.

The fact is--is that life is hard!! No one has an "easy" life. For a believer, though, we have something to look forward to!! This life is hard, yes, butthink of the life to come!! How wonderful that life will be! For the unbeliever, however, they have hardships in this life, but will not have a wonderful life to come. They have eternal torment ahead of them. So a few things--1.) Why do we (I) as believers act like we are in despair all the time, when we have so much to live for and look forward to 2.) Why do we not have an urgency to share with others the hope that we have. I'm not saying that you should never cry, never struggle, never wrestle with things or be down. I'm writing this because the Lord has used His Word to bring things back into perspective for me.

I've been skipping around in my devotions, but in the last few days, I keep being drawn back to Philippians. It's a great book to get back to a proper perspective on life. 1.) Who is Christ 2.) Who are we in Christ 3.) How should we live with that knowledge and in light of eternity?

Streams in the Desert....

A few months ago, my mom picked up the 1925 edition of the book Streams in the Desert for me. It's a very recongnizable title, but I especially appreciate the older version for the language. It has been such an encouragement to me in my many days of both enjoyment and struggle in the working world.

A thought occurred to me not too long ago, and the more I thought about it, the more I see it's true. Northland is really an artificial environment. The world is not like Northland--it's not friendly and ready to assist you in the struggles of life. Northland is an amazing place--and a great start for someone going into ministry, or someone just desiring to have a deeper walk with the Lord. It doesn't take long to get frustrated, annoyed, and just worn out working in a secular environment if you expect it to be like Northland. :)

I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Olson speak at my church this past week--he said this phrase, "Life is hard, and then you die." It sounds pessimist and harsh. However, life is hard. You know, though--I was reading a few weeks ago about heaven--if our life here on earth were perfect and painless, why would we look forward to heaven??

I'm so thankful that our Heavenly Father allows struggles in life to purify us, to grow us, and to give us a longing and desire to be with Him in a place with the absence of tears or pain.

As thankful as I am for Northland--the people, the focus, the classes, and countless other things--I'm almost completely resigned to the fact that I will not be returning there as a student. The Lord has provided, and I am able to pay off what little school bill I have remaining from last year--however I've committed to not going into debt again for school. So...either I'll go back in 3 years or so (after saving vehemently :) or I shall continue in my present course of working and saving for the future. I know God will direct, and until He leads me somewhere else, I shall endeavor to be the best bank teller I can be! :)

Jesus, what a friend for sinners...

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

I'm back!!! :)

I am writing from the basement of the JEC at Northland. I can't believe I'm here!! I'm here for three whole days!!

It's just been in the last week or so that I've really had peace about not being back at Northland. I am so thankful for the things that the Lord has been teaching me. The two main places I've been learning the most are work and in the jail (my Sunday / Wednesday ministry :) If I were at school this year, I would not be able to be as heavily involved with the jail, or my job ;) I am so thankful that God's thoughts are not my thoughts--His are so much higher and greater than mine.

So, here I am, visiting friends, resting, reading, and spending some extra time in God's Word. This has been a most relaxing and refreshing visit already, and I know that it will continue to be a profitable time.

God's Work

This Sunday was an extremely hard one for me. It was the first time that I saw the extension team back at my church from Northland. I was so discouraged because I want to be where they are. I want to be going to school, but I'm not. I cried for a little while--then I remembered a little motto that I've kinda been holding on to for a while--Most problems in the life of a believer are due to a wrong view of who God is. So, I thought about the situation. Is God really good?? Why isn't He giving me what I want when I want it?? Do we ever verbalize these questions?? No, but how many times do we think them? Then I remembered something that I read in Psalms--I know the Lord is good. His plans are not always my plans--but you know what?? They're much better than my plans!! If I were back at school right now, I wouldn't have the new job that I have. I would not have been able to share my testimony or the gospel with these ladies that are in need of a Savior. God is teaching me--stretching me beyond my comfort level in many different areas of my life that I'd never be able to be stretched in if I were at school.

I was reminded not to long ago by a friend--"God can work outside of Northland." That was exactly what I needed to hear. God is the same God wherever I am--wherever I go or whatever changes occur in my life--He remains the same. He is not limited to a Bible college, church, home, work environment--His work is powerful and will be done despite my failings. I am so thankful that He uses weak vessles to carry such a marvelous message.

Who is my God??

Again I am where I was at the beginning of the summer. I was sorry to leave Northland, sorry to say goodbye, but knowing that God had a plan for the summer, even though I had no clue what that plan would be. I am so thankful that God doesn't always reveal a few steps down the road, but just the next one that I need to take. I would never have thought at the beginning of the summer that I'd be where I was--learning a new job, working in the jail ministry, things that I could never have forseen, but I am so thankful that God's ways are so much higher and greater than mine. The last few days I've become discouraged thinking about not being able to go back to Northland in the fall. Hearing of everyone returning makes me wish that I was going back too. Then I stop and think--who is my God?? Does He not have a plan for me?? Is there not a reason why I'm not going back to Northland right away?? Just like He had a plan for this summer--He has a plan for the time that I have out of school--saving. I've been mulling over this thought in my mind for a while--many of the problems that we have in our lives as believers are of our own making, and they are because we have a wrong view of God. Complete trust doesn't mean hanging on to our own little "strongholds" we build--not even holding on with a pinky--it's letting go completely, because we know that the One who created us is the one who saved us and sustains us.

Jesus, I am resting, resting

Just was thinking about this song--

Jesus I am resting, resting,
in the joy of what Thou art,
I am finding out the greatness
of Thy loving heart...

Today was my first day at a new job. I was so excited and a little nervous (as with most changes, there are always the "unknowns") I have learned so much already, and am eager to learn more.

I was just recalling the other day---the events of this summer. There have been many things going on, much to think about, decisions to make, and lots of time waiting. I am so amazed when I see how the Lord has provided again and again for my needs and even many of my wants. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was packing to return home from Northland, and then I think of all the things that have happened--whew!!! Time sure does fly!!