The Teacher

October 30, 2009

I cannot even express what an encouragement it is to know that my friends and family are praying for me…and keep praying. God is teaching me so much, but He does not always teach His lessons in quiet, safe classroom settings…no He used storm tossed seas to teach the Disciples about His power and authority, He used hunger to demonstrate His compassion and His Father’s provision, He used sinners to carry out His plan, He used sickness, death and life, sin, sorrow and joy---all to teach His people and bring His Father glory. He sent His followers out as sheep among wolves---they were placed in the world but they were not of it. Jesus asked His Father to protect us---to protect us from the Evil One, not from pain, hurt, suffering, sacrifice, storms, sin, sinners, etc. Our souls---what matters---are safe and secure in Jesus.

These are comforting thoughts for me as I learn these good, tough heart lessons. God has assigned me my portion and my cup---He has placed me with unbelievers 24/7 (for the most part), which can be wearisome for my soul. Pray that I stand firm in Christ---that I remain steadfast to Christ yet follow in His example by being a friend of sinners. Christ will protect my soul, though it is weary, so I entrust it to Him to sustain and strengthen me to do His work---to be Christ to these lost sinners. Pray that I see them through Christ’s eyes, that I’d have the same compassion that Christ had for the “sick” (He did not come to the well, but to the sick---the ones in need), and that I’d leave all in Christ’s hands (worries, fears, etc).

The mission in front of me is not easy (Although I sure wouldn’t want it to be easy in the first place!), but I am spurred on by Christ and His example (Heb. 12:1-3). The joy He supplies me with is like dynamite in my soul and the hope I have in Christ is beyond words---I have the best mission in the world (we all do!) of sharing the best message ever! Christ died for sinners…we can come to the Father by His blood…in Him we can be free…Christ offers us life---ABUNDANT LIFE! Such a message is worth suffering to share, it is worth the weariness, it is worth the loneliness, it is more than worth anything I can undergo. It is message I am unworthy of, but can share because it is not based off my worth, but off Christ’s.

God is giving me opportunities to share my love for Him with the unbelievers around me through my actions and attitudes. More and more though, He is opening up doors of opportunity to share my faith through conversations with the new friends I am making. I struggle, but Christ is so faithful and patient with me. He is leading me by the hand and teaching me every step of the way, how to share Him with my coworkers and unbelieving friends. He is not an easy Teacher, but He is a good Teacher. May I be like Mary of Bethany who sat at Jesus’ feet, learning all she could from Him---may that same soft and teachable spirit be true of me as I continue down this path that God has placed me upon.