Posts Tagged: Christianity
Fixing Others
Too often we think we have to fix others. So often we think we need to have answer for someone’s struggle in life. When we think we can fix someone, we are being prideful. And what right do we have to think we can fix someone when we have not created the person? When a creator creates something, they know the ins and outs of that creation. God knows everything about His creations and knows how to heal the hurt and pain that needs healing. I have been reminded recently that I was not created to fix a situation or a person. I was created to walk beside them in their journey and empower them not lead their journey. Even when I can not fix anything about the situation or the person.
It is through walking the journey of life with someone that relationships are tested and the result of this usually they become stronger than they were before. We are called to walk in the trenches of life’s moments even when you have no idea how help someone and when it is messy. And we may feel inadequate. This is when we learn to lean on God for guidance and strength.
It is in these moments when we don’t know what to do it is God to shows up. We have to be open hearing His voice. Sometimes He will provide the answers and other times He gives us the strength to walk the journey. Jesus walked in the trenches of life with people to show them that they matter to their heavenly Father. Through the journey of walking with people and leaning on God, this is also when our relationship with God gets stronger. Because sometimes He is the only being heavenly and earthly strength that we can lean on.
Walking that journey with each person and situation in our life will look different. Sometimes we need to just be in a moment with someone and not say a word because words are not adequate. Sometimes it means to do a task with someone. Sometimes it means to be ok with not having answers or solution for their struggles. Sometimes it is pointing the person to their Creator. Sometimes it is showing love over and over again even when it is not reciprocated.
When we realize that we are not called to fix anyone, it takes the pressure off of us. It allows to walk the journey with people in freedom. And we don’t need to worry about finding that solution because their Creator will be the one to provide what they need.
Who in your life have you been trying to fix? And how has that affected your relationship with them? Who in your life do you need to walk beside them in their journey?
Command to Love
As I reflect the day, this year was a good birthday filled with family and friends. I would not have wanted my day any other way. But then I also reflect on what is going on in the world there is so much hate and division going on right now. People are maliciously hurting others because the person or people group are not the same as them. These differences happen to be in race, religion, social classes, personalities, sexual orientation and I could go on and on. Its disheartening to see people hurting others intentionally. And it is even more disheartening when we look through the lens that everyone is someone God created. He made us all so differently. And I am so glad He made us so different because life would be so boring if we were all the same.
My prayer is that when we see others we would look at them with the eyes of God and see them through eyes of love and not hate. See others through eyes of compassion and empathy. And realize every one has a story that matters. When we see people through eyes of love, we see people a whole new light. It does not mean we have to agree with everything that person says or does or that boundaries should not be in place in some relationships depending on the circumstances. But it does meant that we have to treat them with love. And when we treat people with love we begin to see that God has a greater plan for their lives and our lives. Love opens doors that were never opened before. Love brings forgiveness that was not possible before. Love brings a face and a story to the issues that we are so passionately against. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 When God commanded us to love another, He did not say you have to love this person but not that person. We can not pick and choose on who we are called to love. There are times we hate or have a strong dislike for someone whatever reason may be. And sometimes we have good reason to hate or have a strong dislike because of the circumstances that brought it on. But God has given us a strong warning that we are not to hate others. “We love because God first loved us. Whoever says, “I love God,” but hates his brother is a liar. The one who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love the God whom he has not seen.” 1 John 4:19-20 We often do not think of the words we are saying; are they showing love or is it bringing more division to a world that is full of hate and malice. Because we are too worried about our own agenda and we want to make sure people hear our agenda.
While forgiveness and love is something that is hard to do, it is necessary for yourself and the person you are forgiving. So the next time that you are ready to treat someone with less than the love that they deserve; look at them through the eyes of love. And sometimes it means asking God to help with that. Also think about the many times that you were shown love, grace, mercy and forgiveness when you did not deserve it. We need to choose love and not hate and division. Even when it means putting aside our differences and our agendas. When we choose love, we will see amazing things happen that we may not think that would have been possible before. So today let’s choose to see others through the eyes of love and see that they and their story matters. I challenge you to put your own agendas aside and just love on those that are put in your path.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKFb4rNsA20&w=560&h=315]
Faith
Sometimes we are asked to up something we love by God so that He can deepen our relationship with him while blessing others. This was me in the last couple months. In March, God asked me to give my camera to a missionary who is teaching photography classes in India. He also asked me to give my car away in the same day.
Giving my car away was not as big of a deal as my camera. This was the only camera I had and if you know me, you know that being able to create beautiful images is one of my passions in life. If I am being honest, I felt like in some ways I was giving my child away. It was not something I came to terms with right away. It was not easy but I know it was what I was supposed to do.
Around this same time, He asked me to start my photography business. In the human mind, it does not make sense to give your primary piece of equipment that you need for a photography business. But in God’s mind it made sense because He saw the whole picture. And saw pieces to this story that I did not see in my limited mind. But I had faith that He would provide for me. Because I knew He would not ask me to do something if He wasn’t going to provide for me.
Because of me giving my car, the couple that I gave my car to, they gave their car to another family that did not have a vehicle. Over the last couple months, I have saving money and I eventually saved enough money to purchase the same camera I had given away. In the meantime, God provided cameras I could borrow. Two weeks ago, I purchased another camera. The day after I bought the camera, a friend got in touch with me and I was told they are going to send me a check that is going to pay for the camera that I bought!! This friend then explained that my faith inspired her to have faith for things they want or need. Giving creates an infectious spirit and the reaction like dominoes.
When we do what God asks us to do, know that He is going to bless you and that He will provide. And sometimes the way He provides is not the way we think it is going to happen or is not in our timing. And we must be open to that. If we trust and obey God with what He asks us, He will do what He promises us that He is going to do. And He will do it in His time not in our time.
I do not share this story to show how great I am because reality it was not an easy journey and I did not completely trust Him at times. I do not have it all together nor will I ever. And I did have doubts along the way. And there were moments that I was like “God, you asked me to give my camera away and to start a photography business at the same. And here we are X amount of time later and I still do not have a camera.” But in these moments, I remembered that He is true to His promises and that He has and will continue to provide for me. Looking back, I would not change much about this whole part of my story. Because my faith and trust in Him deepened in my waiting period. Also because of my obedience and faith other people were impacted.
So, next time God asks you to do something that does not make sense, go for it. He will follow through on His promises and He will provide in ways that you do not think He will. And in the process, our relationship with Him will deepen. When He does provide, be ready to be amazed because He is a great Father and He delights in providing for His children.
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
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