Tuesday, December 15, 2009
10:59 PM | 
Posted by
Erin
I was in the middle of wrapping presents tonight when it hit me. Out of the blue.
Well, it wasn't really out of the blue. It was on a wall hanging that I bought at P. Graham Dunn in Gatlinburg, Tennessee this past October. Right there in front of my face.
Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certian of what we do not see.
I just had this conversation today with a good friend and I asked him the all important question of why people keep waiting for other people to change; situations to change; expectations to change; perceptions to change; opinions to change. I couldn't understand why they don't just take action and surround themselves with people who aren't so...one-sided, old-fashioned and traditional (in a bad way).
This post probably doesn't make any sense to most people following this blog. But let me tell you: it makes perfect sense to me.
Faith.
Sure of what we hope for.
Certain of what we do not see.
I imagine that the wise men had truckloads of faith. Who follows a star for miles and miles? Who knows that a star is going to lead them to the correct location? Who is so sure of this fact that they prepare gifts for the subject of their destination? The wise men did.
Now that's faith.
Have you ever tried to follow a star? It's not that easy because the Earth rotates. Consider clouds and fog and then you have a serious problem. I can't even follow GPS without turning down the wrong street and hearing, "Recalculating. Perform U-turn in 1/4 mile."
Not to mention the whole Herod thing. They confronted Herod before they found Jesus but they followed divine instructions not to return to Herod after they found Jesus. They knew not to disclose his location.
That's faith and obedience.
Do you think that the wise men's wives understood what was going on? I can hear it now, "Ok honey. If you want to take our frankensense and follow a star then go ahead. That's crazy talk and the kids have school. I'll be here when you get back. With the kids. Who have school. Did I mention they have school and you are leaving us to follow a star?"
Even though everyone they loved probably wrote them off, they still followed the star.
That star led them to the Son of God.
Sometimes we are faced with situations that don't make sense to the people we love. They want us to do what makes sense. Or follow what they think is the easy or right answer.
But maybe God just wants us to have a little faith.
How easily we forget that the God who breathed light into creation is concerned with what concerns us. He will not lose sight of what is going on in our lives. Even when it doesn't make sense.
So, to my friend, I want to say that I get it. I understand how when we feel like God wants us to do something, we do it. We are certain of things that we can't see. We are sure of what we hope for.
Faith doesn't make it easy...
Faith doesn't make it sensible...
Faith only makes it possible.
Faith. I probably need more of it.
So, to my friend, I want to say that I get it. I understand how when we feel like God wants us to do something, we do it. We are certain of things that we can't see. We are sure of what we hope for.
Faith doesn't make it easy...
Faith doesn't make it sensible...
Faith only makes it possible.
Faith. I probably need more of it.
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13 comments:
I love this, Erin.
Wonderful! You gotta have faith!
I came by to welcome you to SITS! We're happy to have you with us!
Great post i think we all need a little more faith at times
BTW following from MBC
You go girl, the next Beth Moore. You always make things so simple and understandable. What a great gift.
I love this post, and I love your blog. I just visited from SITS, but I think I may now have to follow. :) Your part about the kids having school made me laugh. Also thanks for your insight. I love God as well. It's hard, but even when we don't know what is going on, we know He's sovereign.
And you have a sense of humor...too cool! I have the same verse in our half bath hanging on a wall. Hoping that everyone will see it and read it and contemplate it at some point!
These past few days have been BAD. But faith is what is carrying my through, not blind allegiance, but knowing truth from my Father who loves me.
Amen, faith is what it takes.
Welcoming you to SITS. It's a great place to make new friends.
Erin,
Thank you for your precious words to me today. My heart was so touched. Truly.
I enjoyed this post. When you mentioned the faith of following the star, it made me wonder if you've seen the documentary "The Star of Bethlehem"? If not, GET IT from your local Christian bookstore or online. It's really good.I am going to post about it, actually.
On a side note, my brother just returned from Egypt and brought me home an alabaster jar. I was thrilled. It is absolutely beautiful.
Merry Christmas friend.
My son and I are reading an advent book that describes the adventures of all who followed the star - each night a different soul. It has made me think the same thing - such faith - humbling to say the absolute least.
And your Hannah Montana post below - so moving. Your blog is a big drink of water for this thirsty soul. Thank you for that.
Stopping by from SiTS, but I'll be back.
What great points Erin! And I just LOVE the wise men's wives conversation- lol!!! You have such a wonderful blog here- I love it!
Also, thank you for dropping by my blog!I'm sorry it took me some time to get back to you though! It's been so fun to discover your blog, as well! And I'm your newest follower!!
Shannon at:http://www.milkandcuddles.com/
This post makes a lot of sense! I just preached on the Shepherds last week, but didn't think of it from the perspective you shared here. Will have to remember this for next year! Good post.
(Note: I linked here from a comment you made on Julie's blog).
I gave you an award!
Great post Erin! and without faith it is impossible to please God...so convicting. And when we do have faith in God, he rewards...like the wisemen got to see Jesus, what better thing is there?? Thanks SOOO much for your encouraging words on my blog. It just warms my heart. love you and hope you and your beautiful family have a sweet Christmas. =)
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