Seasons

I remember being in class as a kid and having the “golden rule” on the wall. It was something we repeated daily: do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Well, the other day I was deep into Luke 6 and there it was, right out of scripture:

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. ~Luke 6:31

Right in the midst of Jesus’ sermon on the mount. As He brings these unworldly ideas to the people…not at all what they expected, but everything they needed. Everything we still need today!

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you .” ~Luke 6:27-28

It’s easy to love those who love us; Jesus says even sinners can do that. But, to treat everyone, even our enemies with love and kindness, no that isn’t easy. But, as Christ followers, it is exactly what we are called to do. The older I get, the more aware I become to the darkness, the spiritual warfare that is happening. It’s hard to do, to be a Jesus follower in a world where that makes no sense to people. But, it truly is such an honor, such a blessing. God has entrusted so much to me, to all of us who call Him our LORD. He has given us much to do in this world, to be His hands and feet, to be His love and light. And truthfully, lately, I have been in my head, feeling the weight of this. And feeling it more as a burden than a blessing. But, when I take a step back, I truly see what a blessing it really is.

….From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. ~Luke 12:48

As I read this verse the other day, and again as I type it, I took a huge deep breath. This is how I have been feeling and I am not alone in this. But, lately, I have been missing the honor and blessing this is. So, here is my prayer to God and maybe all of our prayers in a season where we feel the weight, where we feel the Lord at work, but we aren’t quite sure what He is up to. (There is a reason we don’t!! But, that is a different post for a different day.) Back to what I prayed the other day, and maybe a prayer to help you in this season as well:

Lord, thank you. You are at work in my life. And you already know how imperfect I am. You know my sins, my innermost thoughts, and you know how I will fail in the days to come. Yet, you choose me. You chose me to be in Lahaina when it burned down. And you have chosen me to be back in Minnesota, in Lakeville for THIS season. Help me to be here with JOY and love, light and thankfulness. You are my strength. Empower me, and use me…not for my will, but for Yours Lord. Amen.

Love and blessings,