Hope in Suffering,  Sin & Repentance

Counsel to Myself from 11 Years Ago

January 4, 2018 /

sm cardsIn cleaning out my office yesterday, I came across my very old pack of Bible memory cards. I used to go through them every day (until I had the verses memorized) and I would also review various sermon illustrations, teachings I received from friends and spiritual mothers, people and ministries for intercessory prayer, and the (many!) things I needed to repent of. A lot.

It’s embarrassing to see how far I still have to go re: these important areas of my life. But it’s also sweet, too, to see God’s grace at work in my life and His kindness and care for me, even while I am still so very much in process.

I wonder how many of you recognize any of these notes from various teachings you have heard from me? See. It’s really true that all I ever do is repeat what wise people tell me …

REMEMBER

  • I can only do my best (not always “the best”)
  • Only two tasks: love God and love people
  • Take time: productivity in growth is measured in MONTHS looking backward, not in terms of a project or one day or one week
  • The learning curve is exhausting
  • Our love for God is so closely related to our love for people that we will never love God more than we love people (1 John)
  • The wonderful thing about family is that deeper love kicks in
  • Character is a combination of opposite virtues: tough minded and tender-hearted
  • Emotions follow thinking. Be biblical!
  • Hebrews 10: When we feel alone, we are vulnerable. It is not good to be alone.

REPENTANCE

  • Put off idols (food, order, comfort, perfect service); be renewed in the Truth; Put on Christ.
  • We always withdraw FROM and TO so learn to be a great withdrawer! A professional, expert withdrawer. Withdraw TO God (not to an idol because idols do not satisfy)
  • The biblical view is that withdrawal is a mark of maturity and spiritual discipline
  • The results of a sedentary life: spiritual intimacy with God is damaged; bad role model for future children; 30 lbs overweight (and growing!) so I lack energy and don’t sleep well and can’t fit in clothes; GUILT on top of life’s challenges; bad steward of body and health; unable to bear pregnancy well.
  • The blessings of obedience especially regarding food / “escaping” / toning and activity: spiritually (intimacy with God, worship, journaling, devotion to God is alive and strong!); emotionally (more balanced, calm, kind, patient, godly, loving, hopeful, not despairing); physically (strong, able to be active, can carry bags, walk, bike, hike, SCUBA dive, swim, ski; can wear clothes and be confident and modest); more energy to bear pregnancy, travel, teach; better sleep and more time).
  • “Lord please help me to stretch, tone, have activity today. Eat for hunger only and do so with moderation and control (not overindulge). Identify my desires and meet them legitimately (God-honoring) or be self-disciplined.”

SUFFERING (ESPECIALLY IN RELATIONSHIPS)

  • Remember! Perspective. Patience. Prayer. LOVE THEM WELL!
  • It is hard when you are attacked. It is always a shock when a Christian brother or sister attacks. If we unearth an area of sin, as usual, the other person wants to make YOU the problem.
  • Memorize it: “I pity you for your graceless criticism of me because it reveals the appalling condition of your heart.”
  • This may be an angry, defensive, hard-hearted, Hebrews 3 Christian. Don’t be overly vulnerable and open. This person may be doing you intentional evil. Act with respect and distance. God knows you need this to grow stronger and wiser.
  • Bear up patiently under the pain of unjust suffering and learn what God wants you to learn. Be patient. Relax. Give yourself time to get through this.
  • Breathe deeply! Look around and enjoy life. Don’t forget to live.

[A re-post from 2013]

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