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March 25, 2008
Notes from Faithwalkers - Mary Knox
Listened to this here. Hard for me to stomach, but good to ponder.
Discovering God in Life-Tsunamis
John Eldridge says that our lives are a story. And within that story lies our life message.
Max Lucado says that your story is still being written.
Rick Warren says that you have a storehouse of experiences that God wants to use to bring others into his family.
In his book "Epic," John Eldridge says that God is the author and main character. You're not the main character.
Heb. 12:2 - God is the author and perfecter of our faith.
In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. -(Missed the verse reference.)
God shows up. He goes with you. He gives you grace. And He blesses you.
John Piper says that the aim of God in your challenge (cancer for him), among a thousand other things, is to knock the props out of you and from under your heart so you rely utterly and totally on Him.
Some more of the thousand other things:
-The nearness of God is my good. Nothing else.
-Trust the Lord.
-Develops faith.
-Develops worship & prayer life.
-Draws us closer to God.
1 Peter 4:12 - Don't be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes upon you.
James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
This is challenge is God's curriculum/boot camp/training to make us fit for God's use in the world.
To get us desperate for God.
Proof that God wants to use you.
Moses persevered because he saw him who is invisible - Hebrews 11:27b
John Piper said that you will waste your challenge if you do not believe it is designed for you. You will waste it if you believe it is a curse and not a gift. You will waste it if you don't treasure Christ above all else. (Note: not sure if I agree with the idea that God sends "challenges" specifically for us. Thinking that some challenges are simply the result of living in a fallen world. See post on "When God Doesn't Make Sense.)
God is most glorified when we are most satisfied with Him.
God will use this to make you treasure Him the most.
Without God, nothing makes sense.
What brings us to Christ? That we're sinners. That we're horrible at life. It brings us to the cross. It brings us to the blood of Christ.
The challenge becomes your ministry.
God is sovereign. God is good.
Submit and surrender to the author. Let Him do whatever he wants with your life.
Proverbs 20:24 - A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?
Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Posted by Megan at March 25, 2008 08:50 PM
Comments
Wow, Megs...that was really encouraging for me to read.... thanks...
Posted by: Nancy at March 26, 2008 08:55 AM
I've read through them a few times and several things have stuck with me:
"John Piper says that the aim of God in your challenge (cancer for him), among a thousand other things, is to knock the props out of you and from under your heart so you rely utterly and totally on Him."
"John Piper said that you will waste your challenge if you do not believe it is designed for you."
"Let Him do whatever he wants with your life."
If I am heart searchingly honest, there is something that borders on a little terrifying about UTTERLY relying on Him. Putting my life, heart, situation, ... completely in His hands is not entirely safe in my innermost economy, otherwise why do I proudly think I can do it better. I have learned and am still learning that He is good and I can trust Him. He is, after all, the Creator & God of the universe, not just the God who lives in me.
If I had to pick some past trials to go through again, there are some I would never choose ... ever, but I would not trade them or what God taught me through them for anything. God has taken sin & pain and turned it into treasure as only He can.
Thanks for sharing your notes and thoughts on Mary's seminar, Megan! I agree with Nancy, very encouraging and thought provoking.
Posted by: wendy sue at March 28, 2008 08:53 AM