5/365 2020 a humbling lesson through a stranger
When you pray for God to open your eyes, you may not like what you see.
Andrew, Bre and Abe were able to attend church with me this morning. We got Abe settled in his class and entered the room our adult service is in. I normally sit in the middle seat, front row, left side (because it is easier for me to pay attention if I don't have people to distract me. Honestly, sometimes I am worse than a child.)
I was leading the way and was almost to "my spot" when it occurred to me that not everyone likes to take advantage of front row seats. I turned and asked Andrew where he would like to sit. Not only did he choose the opposite side of the room, he chose about half way back of the room. "Oh, boy, this is going to be a challenge. Not only are there people sitting in front of me, this is the first time Andrew and Bre and I have been able to attend service together since they moved to Evansville, and it's the very first time they've been to Better Life with me."
I gave myself a quick pep talk. "Focus! Concentrate! You can do this! "
God knew where I needed to be for Him to speak to me today and He used Andrew to make sure I was there, because left to my choice, we would have sat in my usual spot and I would have missed the truth I needed to be made aware of. Compliments of a stranger.
He and his family arrived a few minutes after we did and scooted into the row next to a family who started coming in the fall. A few bars into the first song this man raised his hands in worship. Our pastor did not get very far into the message before I heard "amen's" and other words of agreement and appreciation come from this man's mouth. It was encouraging to watch him interact with a man not even in the same room. (Our main campus is in Morehead. We have our own live worship and then watch the sermon live on a large screen.)
There is someone in my life I love and this stranger brought them to mind, so clearly it was like "my person" was sitting a few rows in front of me. Truth be told, I am not patient with my person. I want them to be more like me, rather than accepting them for who they are. Often I am easily angered and quickly annoyed by most of their habits and mannerisms.The same ones this stranger was exhibiting and I was wholeheartedly embracing. As God kindly but firmly opened my eyes to see myself as He sees me and my interactions with this other person, I was embarrassed by the condition of my heart and my thought patterns. As the sermon progressed, so did my chastisement. Service ended with me repenting because I have not loved the person I have known for years in the same way God loves me. I have not accepted them the same way I was willing to accept this stranger and his ways. My actions may have passed muster with flying colors, but my attitude has not been anywhere near what it should be.
Painful as it was, I am thankful God opened my eyes to see myself more clearly this morning. And that He loves me enough to discipline, correct, teach and train me.
Hebrews 12:11
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Andrew, Bre and Abe were able to attend church with me this morning. We got Abe settled in his class and entered the room our adult service is in. I normally sit in the middle seat, front row, left side (because it is easier for me to pay attention if I don't have people to distract me. Honestly, sometimes I am worse than a child.)
I was leading the way and was almost to "my spot" when it occurred to me that not everyone likes to take advantage of front row seats. I turned and asked Andrew where he would like to sit. Not only did he choose the opposite side of the room, he chose about half way back of the room. "Oh, boy, this is going to be a challenge. Not only are there people sitting in front of me, this is the first time Andrew and Bre and I have been able to attend service together since they moved to Evansville, and it's the very first time they've been to Better Life with me."
I gave myself a quick pep talk. "Focus! Concentrate! You can do this! "
God knew where I needed to be for Him to speak to me today and He used Andrew to make sure I was there, because left to my choice, we would have sat in my usual spot and I would have missed the truth I needed to be made aware of. Compliments of a stranger.
He and his family arrived a few minutes after we did and scooted into the row next to a family who started coming in the fall. A few bars into the first song this man raised his hands in worship. Our pastor did not get very far into the message before I heard "amen's" and other words of agreement and appreciation come from this man's mouth. It was encouraging to watch him interact with a man not even in the same room. (Our main campus is in Morehead. We have our own live worship and then watch the sermon live on a large screen.)
There is someone in my life I love and this stranger brought them to mind, so clearly it was like "my person" was sitting a few rows in front of me. Truth be told, I am not patient with my person. I want them to be more like me, rather than accepting them for who they are. Often I am easily angered and quickly annoyed by most of their habits and mannerisms.The same ones this stranger was exhibiting and I was wholeheartedly embracing. As God kindly but firmly opened my eyes to see myself as He sees me and my interactions with this other person, I was embarrassed by the condition of my heart and my thought patterns. As the sermon progressed, so did my chastisement. Service ended with me repenting because I have not loved the person I have known for years in the same way God loves me. I have not accepted them the same way I was willing to accept this stranger and his ways. My actions may have passed muster with flying colors, but my attitude has not been anywhere near what it should be.
Painful as it was, I am thankful God opened my eyes to see myself more clearly this morning. And that He loves me enough to discipline, correct, teach and train me.
Hebrews 12:11
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Comments
Post a Comment
thank you for taking the time to share