Today I have spoken with so many wonderful people that are dealing with "stuff." It is human nature I suppose to always have "stuff" to deal with - both the expected and unexpected. Some people can deal with "stuff" courageously, looking for God-opportunities that lie therein. Others are overwhelmed by "stuff" and in the process of trying desperately to have control they actually lose themselves. Stuff can get in our way, but stuff can also teach us.
What stuff are you dealing with right this very moment? Anything seem big enough to swallow you up? Anything you've been overly-focused on at the expense of another? If you had to make a list of the "stuff" in your life, how many items would it contain? Would it fit on a note card? A notebook?
Think for a minute about the stuff the people in Scripture had to interpret. In the Old Testament there are many examples of "stuff" getting in the way of God's best intentions for God's people. Think about Moses. Remember when he was standing in the very presence of God and he said..."but God, I can't even speak well?" Like, "God, seriously, you don't want me do you?"
Think about David for a second. A young shepherd called to be King. He found himself in front of Goliath. Sometimes "stuff" feels pretty gigantic. He had faith so strong (and aim so good) that the "stuff" was taken to the ground.
Maybe it's Daniel that came to your mind. Ever felt like your "stuff" might swallow you whole? Facing a lion with hope and prayer allowed Daniel to triumph and God to be glorified.
Then there's those NT angels always bringing "stuff" to people - good news is how it's titled, yet it might not have seemed so good if you were young Mary or Joseph.
I bet the Disciples had a lot of "stuff" too. Think about the first time you left home. Think about these young fishermen called to drop their nets. Their fathers were probably heard saying, "What about our family business?" They had "stuff" too, yet they followed as obediently and faithfully as they could.
Read these words from the Book of Hebrews:
12 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Does your "stuff" hinder you? How can you work through it, or shed the stuff that binds you? What would it take for you to enter into this Easter weekend free from "stuff" - and free to be the newly created son/daughter of God that lives with abundant joy?
Stuff happens - but God is faithful. Stuff happens, but we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses that we need not be hindered. Stuff happens, but we are free to run with perseverance the race of the gift of life. Stuff happens, but God can turn our stuff into stepping stones. Take sometime to examine your "stuff." Set it on a shelf for awhile. Look at it through the eyes of God. Maybe, just maybe, all that "stuff" isn't so important. Maybe all that "stuff" is going to glorify God as you too are glorified. Stuff happens - do not grow weary and lose heart.
Prayer: Lord, help me to focus less on the "stuff" in my life and more on the sacred journey of this Holy Week. Help me to run with perseverance, not to give up or feel overwhelmed, but to grasp on to your faithful promises of life and joy. Be with those this day who need to know that they do not bear their burdens alone. Call me into loving relationships with those who need to know the joy of life in you, and help me to set my stuff aside so that I can fully grasp onto the gifts I am going to receive this Holy Week. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment