A Stretch of Faith

Have you ever hit that breaking point? That place where you aren't sure where you're going? That moment when you were so certain about life, and then suddenly so little is certain? It is then when it is so crystal clear to me what is truly certain in this life; the overwhelming and uncontainable love, mercy, grace, and hope that we have in Christ. I have recently reached a cross roads myself, and though I feel unsure about what my future holds, I know that God has the big picture all worked out and that as long as my trust remains in Him, my life will hold few regrets. He is my sustainer. "But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, 'you are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off, fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you and I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:8-10). It’s at times like these that even the smallest step of faith seems like the biggest of leaps. Joni Eareckson Tada said, "Great faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It's simply taking God at His word and taking the next step." I absolutely love the song "Word of God Speak", by mercyme. The words go, "Word of God speak, would you pour down like rain, Washing my eyes to see, your majesty, to be still and know, that You're in this place, Please let me stay and rest, in Your holiness[...]" The idea that we can rest in the holiness of God. What a magnificent idea, that the creator of the universe beckons us to come and just settle down into the depth of His holiness, that we need not worry about what the future holds, because His word contains promises that we are incapable of fathoming. I see missions not as a huge leap of faith, but just one small step of obedience at a time. It is not the ultimate sacrifice, but the ultimate blessing.
That you would take a small step,
Amber

Remembering Mary

Each of us faces the challenge of living this life as Mary in a very Martha world. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story, in the bible Jesus visited two sisters whom he cared for greatly. Their names were Mary and Martha. Mary spent all of her time just sitting at the feet of Jesus, simply basking in his presence. Martha, however, busied herself about the house cleaning, cooking and taking care of the guests. Eventually Martha becomes frustrated that she had to do all of this work by herself, so she asks Jesus to have Mary help. Jesus commends Mary at taking time to pause, and just enjoy spend time with him. I find that I am naturally, in my carnal nature, a Martha. It is very easy for me to get caught up in temporary, day to day things, and forget to rest at the feet of Jesus. This week God has been reminding me to pursue life as Mary. I remember the times when I was so focused on resting at the feet of Christ, that even when bad days came my way, I was overwhelmed with peace and even joy. When times get stressful, it is so natural for us to become flustered or feel too stressed to spend time in communion with God. I find that people today, especially in America, are very focused on the now. They want the next new thing, now, to have fun, now, and a break from work, now. One may ask oneself, "How many times did I pause today? Pause and enjoy the glory of God? Pause and remember what Christ has done for me? Pause and recall God's plan for my life?" In a very go culture, I would encourage you to take time each day, and rest in the presence of the Almighty. I am not saying a devotional time, though this is very important. I am saying to take time away from your schedule, and just marvel at the beauty of Christ. I am asking that you would try to walk in communion with God each day, talking to Him and thanking Him throughout your day. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" (Psalm 100:4). As I try to develop a mission's mindset more and more, I realize that people are God's passion. I realize that if I want my heart to break for the things that break God's heart, I must desire to know His spirit intimately. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).  If I want to find true peace in God being my healer, provider, creator, and encouragement, I must chase after Him, just as He chases me.
That you may find rest,
Amber