I want to start this blog with a video. While you listen to this song, I want you to consider and reflect on one of two things. The first to reflect on is the severity of certain pains, hurts & stresses in your life. For many of you this aspect of reflection will not be difficult, and for others it may. We can all think of different difficulties that we each face from the day to day and then sometimes we can see even deeper within the dark crevices of our soul. When we come face to face with those kinds of pains many times we cannot fully face the reality of who we are. As a result, we yet again push those pains down to survive each day having never dealt with those deep issues within.
As you listen to this song ponder on these things, ask yourself, "Do I tackle these pains, stresses & frustrations alone or is God in the midst of my struggles?" This song has been on my heart so heavily these past couple weeks and I felt the need to share it, and also share how much it has affected my thinking. Enjoy the song and remember to reflect.
The second thing I would like you to reflect on is to consider those pains, stresses and sorrows that others in your life may be facing. The first aspect can be easier for you to ponder on; however, it is the second that should take time. Do you remember the look of emptiness, sadness, pain, tears upon a close ones face? What of the face of a stranger? Do you look into their eyes and truly see all that is there? Do we really take the time to see people? Can you think of all you have done to help, comfort, or serve others in their time of need?
There has never been a stronger pull for me to serve others than when I have suffered as I have. I realize that there are those in life that have faced very little in life. They have been exceedingly blessed with a life with little struggle; however, there are those that have faced heartache after heartache. So many lives that did not even survive infant-hood. this is the reality of the world that we live in. Does this make God inherently evil? Does this somehow make our Creator unjust? In all the pain, throughout all the unanswered questions spoken in the dark, the lonely tears that have stained your cheeks deep in the shadow of the night, it is in all those moments that God's greatest glory can be showcased. No God is not evil, and He is not unjust. We live in a fallen world, full of broken and hurting people.
I think I am coming to a realization that compassion is not birthed out of a vacuum. Perhaps compassion is the truest sense of knowing that despite the incredible cruelty in this world and even within ourselves, we learn to not obsess over the wretchedness of ourselves but rather turn and love (care) for those that are hurting as well. A large portion of sadness in Western society is the epidemic of loneliness. It runs rampant throughout the world but rather intensely in North America. A nation that has so much riches is so poverty stricken of intimacy and love. A people that has everything monetarily and starving in all things concerning the condition of a healthy and thriving heart. This statement, I know, is a blanket statement, but not at all far from the truth.
I believe there is a two step process of suffering that a person takes to becoming more compassionate concerning loving others as Christ has loved them.
1. The inward struggle: They struggle with the reality of their own pains and sufferings. The Lord reveals to them the reality that through persecution and pain obedience in Him can become a reality and His glory is ultimately displayed through the testimony that you as a believer hold. In this level the Christian can become very self focused. Much obsessive introspection can consume the believer; however, they must be mindful to remember that the trial that they are facing is not ultimately about them but rather the testimony that they will have. This testimony has a sole purpose of displaying the wonderful glory and power of God.
Even Christ learned obedience through suffering here on earth. Hebrews 5:8-9, states, "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all that obey him." Suffering doesn't have to seem like a vain thing with no purpose. Suffering can and has been used throughout time and history as a means of pruning God's children. He desires to mature, and prepare us for a higher level of witness and ministry to the world.
2. The Outward Response: This compassion that wells up within the servants heart then begins to need release. This deep sense of gratitude that ultimately consumes your heart overflows with the knowledge that it was by Christ's lovingkindness, mercy and grace that you have even survived the time of suffering that you survived. It had nothing to do with how strong you were, or how great you are at persevering or digging your heals in and weathering the storm. No, it comes down to the simple fact that God's great mercies and love are what brought you through. Ultimately you wish to share that experience with those around you (or your should), and what was once an inward experience or transformation thus becomes an outward witness and testimony.
But here is the clincher. You cannot give up! Do not for one moment believe that your pains and suffering are in vain, because, they are not! Your life is special, it is unique and it has a very special purpose for this world! You are not in any way useless or worthless, and I can prove it! The Lord woke me up early.... early.... early this morning to remind me something that I can never forget ever again and it is in Psalm 139:13-14, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." You are fearfully and wonderfully made! Imagine God using gentle fingers to form your existence in the womb... as small as each of us begin, and yet He formed each of us. Does that sound like a God that formed a life for a purposeless life? I think not! In the end that life is created for a unique purpose. Each of us is meant to share that beautiful testimony with those around us that have also forgotten that they too are called to sing a special song in life.
You are called to serve. Do you know how I know this? Because the hurting, when they overcome their trials are vessels by which God can reach those that are still hurting. This is because when you have overcome your trial, you are strengthened to the point that you transfer that testimony from the inward maturation to the outward ministry expression! The gospel is meant to be shared! It is not meant to be caged, silenced or hidden! We are the vessels by which that great work is spread! But we must accept the fact that we are called by His great name, that He inevitably gets all the glory (no matter the struggle), and that we are each wonderfully and fearfully made. Now lets go out and share this great news with those that don't yet realize what they are made of through Jesus Christ our Savior!
It may look bleak now, but realize that nothing worth having comes through the drive through window. Instant gratification is exactly what it sounds like... cheap. However, if you desire a life that is filled with love, peace, joy and kindness towards others, then be prepared to wait. Only time will be the factor between a life heated and burned in the microwave or gently baked in the hot heat of a furnace oven. Its not about time, it is about quality, but in the end I desire to hear my maker speak those beautiful words, "Well done thy good and faithful servant."
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