the thrill...

hey friends...

lately i've been pondering mundane and ordinary living. It seems as though from the time i became a christian, someone was always telling me that I was going to do something amazing for God.. and that he had a huge plan for my life that was going to change the world.. and while this is probably still true, I think when i heard that I took it to mean that because I was serving God, my life would be this exciting and important thing.. and I think that since i was so young in my walk with God, I thought the things I was going to do for the Kingdom would be because of me and my talents.. because God had made me special.. and i was getting that confused with God's ultimate will and HIS glory. However, God has lovingly shown me that just because he has a plan for my life and He will probably use me to do a few things that change eternity for someone else.. doesn't mean that i can escape the trials of ordinary, every-day ins-and-outs of life that the majority of Christ-followers willingly endure throughout their earthly lives.

No matter what I am doing for the Lord.. If i make doing that thing my goal.. and if i'm seeking the excitement of accomplishing that thing... then i will miss out on the gift of salvation: simply seeking to know the Lord; just having Jesus. Jesus gave himself on the cross so that we could know the Him and be with Him.. not so we could live exciting lives doing things for him.

I'm reflecting on these things because I have been serving in the same church for 10 years now. And this is an amazing place to be.. I've always known that. But i guess I've kind of always thought I was meant for bigger things than Conway Arkansas, and that God was going to send me out as soon as possible (i know, so prideful!) But God has so opened my eyes to the blessing that staying put has actually been for me.. Knowing God and His goodness through ordinary and mundane times will prepare me for life's many, many valleys, because we know that we will face trials of many kinds. What a faith-saving lesson. And what is so amazing about God's grace, is that knowing Jesus, no matter if we are chained in a prison, or leading worship on a platform in front of thousands... means that we can bear witness to HIS awesome power.. a power that lives inside of us.. and it is an absolute thrill...

I love this, by the way:

"2 Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously.[ 3 Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way. 4 When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. 5 And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for - God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. 6 So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. 7 Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 8 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. 9 Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. 10 The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ - eternal and glorious plans they are! - will have you put together and on your feet for good. 11 He gets the last word; yes, he does."

1 Peter 5:2-11 (The Message)