I started reading a book today entitled, "No Matter the Cost." The first chapter begins with a quote from Joseph Campbell that reads "We must be willing to get rid of the life we planned so as to have the life waiting for us." That quote really got me. How true it is that we all struggle with trying to manipulate events and people to arrive at some place that we think is best for us. For some that means trying to return to some imaginary time back "when" things were simpler, easier and happier. For others it means seeking to find some place in the future where things are more under control and less ambiguous. The problem is that neither place exists. How sad it is to forget that it really isn't about us, nor can we control people or events. There is a better way to live.
God's agenda is so different than ours. It seems that most people don't understand that. But it doesn't really matter if one believes it or not. History is littered with the destruction of self-deluded people who wasted precious time seeking what was not to be found only to end up in a place of unhappiness.
What would it be like to let go, to REALLY let go, of our manipulations and schemes? What would it really be like to trust in God, to REALLY trust? Would our anxieties disappear? Would fear be replaced by hope?
Too many settle for a small life where they are in charge. They work hard at it but it's all for nothing. The only life that can bring strength and joy and honor is a life surrendered to God through Jesus Christ. David Whyte said it well: "anyone or anything that does not bring you alive is too small for you." Everything other than a disciples life, sold out to living according to God's agenda, no matter how difficult is too small. To trust in Him, no matter what, is the only thing big enough.
One day God will have the last word. When you stand before Him will you be able to say that you didn't settle for a 'self-propelled little life'? The only way to find the life worth living is to trust in God by denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Jesus daily. That is what I commit myself to... what do you say? Who do you say He is? Is He worth letting go of all your illusions, agendas and control? If so, you will find life. If not, you will find fear, anxiety and loneliness.
God's agenda is so different than ours. It seems that most people don't understand that. But it doesn't really matter if one believes it or not. History is littered with the destruction of self-deluded people who wasted precious time seeking what was not to be found only to end up in a place of unhappiness.
What would it be like to let go, to REALLY let go, of our manipulations and schemes? What would it really be like to trust in God, to REALLY trust? Would our anxieties disappear? Would fear be replaced by hope?
Too many settle for a small life where they are in charge. They work hard at it but it's all for nothing. The only life that can bring strength and joy and honor is a life surrendered to God through Jesus Christ. David Whyte said it well: "anyone or anything that does not bring you alive is too small for you." Everything other than a disciples life, sold out to living according to God's agenda, no matter how difficult is too small. To trust in Him, no matter what, is the only thing big enough.
One day God will have the last word. When you stand before Him will you be able to say that you didn't settle for a 'self-propelled little life'? The only way to find the life worth living is to trust in God by denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Jesus daily. That is what I commit myself to... what do you say? Who do you say He is? Is He worth letting go of all your illusions, agendas and control? If so, you will find life. If not, you will find fear, anxiety and loneliness.
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