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Today is Easter. The glorious anniversary of Christ rising again after death. A day filled with hope, new beginnings and a journeys of change.
A year ago, Easter to me was about family time, CHOCOLATE, and while I would remember it was the day that Christ rose again and conquered the grave, that religious truth didn't impact me. Now though the way I view these religious holidays is changed.
I woke up this morning feeling sorrow that He had to die and receive such a tortuous death. I was filled with Joy knowing that for us this sacrificial lamb found new life and has cleared the way for us to receive redemption and forgiveness for our sins.
I spent the first 30 minutes of my morning reading through scriptures in each of the books of the New Testament that detailed the accounts of the Resurrection of Christ. It is such a wonder how he conquered the grave and fulfilled the prophecies of generations. How lucky those followers of Jesus were to witness first hand the events of the resurrection. I would love to be able to go back in time to those moments, to see and experience such joys in the face of such persecution. To feel justified that the one they loved was exactly who he claimed to be and to know that their lives had the very real presence of Jesus. Glorious and Amazing!
Then I reflect on my life and what I have to be thankful for. I may not have a first-hand account of the resurrection but the power that God gave for those moments are still around today and are still impacting lives everywhere. My life is a testament to the power of Jesus being fulfilled. Your life too is an opportunity to see that God is here with us, never leaving us, and all because of the power of believing that He IS Risen!
It is such a mighty weight to know that Jesus gave his LIFE for me, for you, for all of us. Do you live in a way that is worthy of life that was sacrificed for you? Probably not. And that's not a mean judgement on my part, but fact, that our lives are sinful and do not match the perfection of our holy God, but nonetheless we are still afforded the eternity to spend with our Saviour.
When I think of such a huge sacrifice that was made for me, it is humbling. Am I worthy? Am I making an impact that shows that I am found, can see, and will never need to fear death? Do I show with my waking moments that this life on this Earth is huge blessing, regardless of the eternity that will be given after I have completed my journey on this Earth?
The truth is that I am not free of sin, I am NOT perfect, but I yearn to be, I want to make the best choices that I can. I want to give myself over to the guidance and comfort of knowing that every step that I will make and the choices that I will make can be guided by God. I don't have to do this alone.
Each hurdle that comes my way, is an opportunity to not allow the enemy to take over but to make the hard choices that define me and will be Godly even if they hurt.
It is a big weight to know that we are all accountable to the very person who gave their life for each of us. It is not just a matter of trying to be perfect, as Pastor Shawn says, we will always fall short of the goodness and perfection that is God. It is accepting that while we cannot ever match up to God, we can however to choose to make the right decisions. We can choose to repent of our sins. We can choose to be as close to his likeness as possible. We can choose to spend our time being thankful for what we have, what we are given, and what we have overcome.
I have much to be thankful for. I was raised by parents who loved me. I am close to my brother and sister. I had a great childhood. I did well in school. I know how is feels to love. I have been heart-broken (and yes I am thankful for knowing what it means to be broken-hearted). I know how it feels to be betrayed (and that betrayal has made me stronger). I am healthy. I have friends who love me as I love them. And most of all, I have a relationship with God that fills my heart, body, & soul with comfort and joy and love and hope.
The parts of my life that didn't always go right have always taught me something. We like to say "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger" and that is absolutely true. Those lessons during adversity though should also be teaching us something deeper. A connection with God will keep you afloat. You won't need to sink underneath the waves. There is a life-raft that will hold you up and get you to the shore. If you haven't read the bible or even picked it up lately I hope while reading this you are feeling the urge to pick that up. Review some of the scriptures because there is real advice in there that can help you or guide you. Go a church (Promontory Community Church is great if you're in Chilliwack...hint hint). You don't have to be alone.
I love going to church. Standing in a room full of people making a connection to God is so good. It is hard to even put into words how much it means to see worshippers all together, all connected, all finding a way to the Lord who doesn't forsake us.
I have been given this life, and it makes me so over-joyed to know that I get to be part of a great picture. I treasure my time here on this Earth, walking a path that I was always meant to be on.
I am loved. And one day, I too will rise after the grave to find my place in heaven with God. And how could anyone ask for more comfort than that?
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Late Nights
I have a hard time saying "no."
I don't want to hurt people's feelings.
I don't want my actions to cause another pain or distress or longing or sadness. So I say "yes" thinking that it will please people. Somewhere along the way though all those "yes"'s become a burden. The lines get blurred and before I know it the things I did and didn't want to do are all mixed up and I can't remember if I actually wanted to be where I am.
Now there are plenty of things that I am involved in and say "yes" to because I actually do want to do them. It's the yes's that should have been no's that are a bother to my life. It's those times that detract from me. It's those times that bring out the worst in me.
I am, for the most part, happy. I am usually the woman smiling through whatever junk comes my way. That glass is sure half-full and I'll do my best to fill it up. Falling apart generally just isn't an option that I will let in. Sometimes I think strength comes from standing amidst the things that I don't want to do, and pulling them off brilliantly regardless. Although now I'm starting to see strength could just be standing up and saying NO.
I push and push myself until there is nothing left to give. I forget to set aside time alone. NO wait, I do remember to set aside time for me, time for God....but it's those times when a friend calls that needs some help. And how do you say no to a friend in need?
I think to myself at the beginning of the week, ok Thursday night I'll do nothing, just be me and myself and be still. Then I find that so & so needs something that night, and so before I know it it's Sunday again and I've given all of me to everyone else all week. I get a lunch break that might be peaceful, and those 30 minutes - between bites - can be productive emotionally but it really isn't enough.
A few days ago I was adding in some events to my scheduler in cell phone, and ran out of room - can't book anything else in. That made me stop and consider the situation. I began to look through the events to see what could be removed and then I started to notice a pattern. Most of the things I am going to or agreeing to go to, or have time set aside for have nothing to do with benefitting me in anyway. IN fact most of these appointments are all about other people.
I don't expect that everything I do in life to selfish and self-centered. Giving is integral to me and my self-value. But I don't know if I know how to draw the line.
This pondering then leads to reflection upon the so-called "friends." This is an area of my life where I've always seemed to find people who ask but never give.
Last year I went through a hugely traumatic experience. The two closest friends I had at that time didn't offer ANY support. I take that back, at the time I called them to relay what had happened. They both said that they were there for me....yet neither one of them went out of their way to contact me. I felt lost and alone. They didn't send me any support. No random messages of encouragement. Had the situations been reversed I would have done all I could to help them. I would have wished it was me going through the pain rather than them. I would have prayed for God to lift them up and through this experience in any way he could have.
When I reflect back upon these two friendships - who have now fallen away to minimal contact (and by minimal I mean, one whom I haven't spoken to since July 7 last year.....I called her to tell her what happened...and she never bothered to ever call me again or send any message of support or encouragement.......the other, well we somewhat connected a few weeks ago, but it was awkward and I'm not sure if it will ever repair itself). I miss these women but I know that they are now some people who came into my life for a specific time and while there was no fight....I find that they were more one-sided friendships. I gave & they took.....maybe they see it differently.
Through that situation though two other friendships were made stronger than ever. I have re-connected with Nicole. We are so lucky to be there for each other. And Katherine, who has been a friend to me for years but is now even closer than before. We've got a great friendship where we can be cleanly honest with no sense of fear or rejection. I've also been gaining some newer and strong friendship more recently - but those are worthy of a blog post all their own.
Life is too short to be hard of heart, but it's also too short to spend with people who don't care.
I've noticed that I get my desire to write in this blog late at night. It's almost 1 am and I should be asleep, but the need to write is overcoming. Do I need to say no to this? Probably but I'm still typing. :)
So now the true spirit of this post is to reflect and ask God to guide me. I need to know where I should be saying yes and what needs a no. Busy is good, but overwhelmed is too much. Knowing you are wanted is comforting, being used is depressing.
I'm not used to asking people to pray for me. It seems selfish. I feel that I should ask people to pray for others in my life who need the prayers more than I. Tonight, however, I need the prayers for myself. So if you are reading this and feel like your prayer could contribute - please do :)
Lord,
You have given me a life that is worthy of love. You have provided me a life where I got to know a mother's love. You have provided me a life that has a father's protection. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams. You gave your only begotten son to allow redemption for all sinners. I wake each day knowing that you are always beside me. I am here to do your bidding. I am here for you, because of you and for you and I pray that you will not let me forget that. You are all things beyond all things. The creator of a world so wonderous we could never understand all that is here. To say that I am in awe of you, is the biggest understatement.
It is now though, Father, that I lay all of my worries, all of my troubles to your hands. My heart is heavy with all the weariness of the world and I don't want it to be that way. If my heart is weary it will not be free to truly feel your love so give the guidance to let it all go to you. You are mine when I allow myself to be yours. Don't let go of my hands....I don't want to walk without your support. You are the greatest relationship in my life, let me build my life around you.
As I stand here before you, with concerns and cares that are minimal in the scale of your plans, please realize that in my world those concerns and cares are bigger - you already realize this I know - but I am seeking your guidance. I am seeking solitude in your presence.
In Jesus name,
Amen
xxx
I don't want to hurt people's feelings.
I don't want my actions to cause another pain or distress or longing or sadness. So I say "yes" thinking that it will please people. Somewhere along the way though all those "yes"'s become a burden. The lines get blurred and before I know it the things I did and didn't want to do are all mixed up and I can't remember if I actually wanted to be where I am.
Now there are plenty of things that I am involved in and say "yes" to because I actually do want to do them. It's the yes's that should have been no's that are a bother to my life. It's those times that detract from me. It's those times that bring out the worst in me.
I am, for the most part, happy. I am usually the woman smiling through whatever junk comes my way. That glass is sure half-full and I'll do my best to fill it up. Falling apart generally just isn't an option that I will let in. Sometimes I think strength comes from standing amidst the things that I don't want to do, and pulling them off brilliantly regardless. Although now I'm starting to see strength could just be standing up and saying NO.
I push and push myself until there is nothing left to give. I forget to set aside time alone. NO wait, I do remember to set aside time for me, time for God....but it's those times when a friend calls that needs some help. And how do you say no to a friend in need?
I think to myself at the beginning of the week, ok Thursday night I'll do nothing, just be me and myself and be still. Then I find that so & so needs something that night, and so before I know it it's Sunday again and I've given all of me to everyone else all week. I get a lunch break that might be peaceful, and those 30 minutes - between bites - can be productive emotionally but it really isn't enough.
A few days ago I was adding in some events to my scheduler in cell phone, and ran out of room - can't book anything else in. That made me stop and consider the situation. I began to look through the events to see what could be removed and then I started to notice a pattern. Most of the things I am going to or agreeing to go to, or have time set aside for have nothing to do with benefitting me in anyway. IN fact most of these appointments are all about other people.
I don't expect that everything I do in life to selfish and self-centered. Giving is integral to me and my self-value. But I don't know if I know how to draw the line.
This pondering then leads to reflection upon the so-called "friends." This is an area of my life where I've always seemed to find people who ask but never give.
Last year I went through a hugely traumatic experience. The two closest friends I had at that time didn't offer ANY support. I take that back, at the time I called them to relay what had happened. They both said that they were there for me....yet neither one of them went out of their way to contact me. I felt lost and alone. They didn't send me any support. No random messages of encouragement. Had the situations been reversed I would have done all I could to help them. I would have wished it was me going through the pain rather than them. I would have prayed for God to lift them up and through this experience in any way he could have.
When I reflect back upon these two friendships - who have now fallen away to minimal contact (and by minimal I mean, one whom I haven't spoken to since July 7 last year.....I called her to tell her what happened...and she never bothered to ever call me again or send any message of support or encouragement.......the other, well we somewhat connected a few weeks ago, but it was awkward and I'm not sure if it will ever repair itself). I miss these women but I know that they are now some people who came into my life for a specific time and while there was no fight....I find that they were more one-sided friendships. I gave & they took.....maybe they see it differently.
Through that situation though two other friendships were made stronger than ever. I have re-connected with Nicole. We are so lucky to be there for each other. And Katherine, who has been a friend to me for years but is now even closer than before. We've got a great friendship where we can be cleanly honest with no sense of fear or rejection. I've also been gaining some newer and strong friendship more recently - but those are worthy of a blog post all their own.
Life is too short to be hard of heart, but it's also too short to spend with people who don't care.
I've noticed that I get my desire to write in this blog late at night. It's almost 1 am and I should be asleep, but the need to write is overcoming. Do I need to say no to this? Probably but I'm still typing. :)
So now the true spirit of this post is to reflect and ask God to guide me. I need to know where I should be saying yes and what needs a no. Busy is good, but overwhelmed is too much. Knowing you are wanted is comforting, being used is depressing.
I'm not used to asking people to pray for me. It seems selfish. I feel that I should ask people to pray for others in my life who need the prayers more than I. Tonight, however, I need the prayers for myself. So if you are reading this and feel like your prayer could contribute - please do :)
Lord,
You have given me a life that is worthy of love. You have provided me a life where I got to know a mother's love. You have provided me a life that has a father's protection. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams. You gave your only begotten son to allow redemption for all sinners. I wake each day knowing that you are always beside me. I am here to do your bidding. I am here for you, because of you and for you and I pray that you will not let me forget that. You are all things beyond all things. The creator of a world so wonderous we could never understand all that is here. To say that I am in awe of you, is the biggest understatement.
It is now though, Father, that I lay all of my worries, all of my troubles to your hands. My heart is heavy with all the weariness of the world and I don't want it to be that way. If my heart is weary it will not be free to truly feel your love so give the guidance to let it all go to you. You are mine when I allow myself to be yours. Don't let go of my hands....I don't want to walk without your support. You are the greatest relationship in my life, let me build my life around you.
As I stand here before you, with concerns and cares that are minimal in the scale of your plans, please realize that in my world those concerns and cares are bigger - you already realize this I know - but I am seeking your guidance. I am seeking solitude in your presence.
In Jesus name,
Amen
xxx
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Headache
I over think constantly. Over think everything. If there is a subject with two possible opinions, I'll find at least three. Then I'll think about all three. Re-evaluate all three. Then reduce it to two, re-think, and then leave it alone and let me decision come about in some much more organic way. In other words when I am forced to make a decision.
It frustrates people in my life. Someone comes to me with some issue, and people are normally looking for someone to agree with their opinion. We always say we want an "honest" opinion, but we don't. We want agreement. And more than agreement you want someone to actively take your side.
So I know how frustrating it is when I don't immediately agree with something that someone brings me. I'll think about it from the "other" side - not be argumentative, but I like to try and understand how another perspective can view a situation. Then I come up with all these other variations on the theme, which most likely no one else wants to hear. Does that make me a good friend? bad friend? or no friend at all?
No wonder I have a lot of headaches.
It frustrates people in my life. Someone comes to me with some issue, and people are normally looking for someone to agree with their opinion. We always say we want an "honest" opinion, but we don't. We want agreement. And more than agreement you want someone to actively take your side.
So I know how frustrating it is when I don't immediately agree with something that someone brings me. I'll think about it from the "other" side - not be argumentative, but I like to try and understand how another perspective can view a situation. Then I come up with all these other variations on the theme, which most likely no one else wants to hear. Does that make me a good friend? bad friend? or no friend at all?
No wonder I have a lot of headaches.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Finding a Purpose
I haven't been writing much in the last few weeks, I've been diligently attending the Olympics, working, and taking quiet time to connect with God to try and come to some enlightenment about my purpose.
I'm trying to not force the answers to come to me, but it's hard to not be impatient when patience has eluded me most of my life. I like to live in the very moment I am, fully committed, and fully immersed in what is occurring. I like to make "it" happen, so sitting back and trying to allow the control to be in God's hands is unfamiliar territory to me. I know that He is going to guide me to right places at the right times and allow the right opportunities to come to my way and that I need to be ready to accept them as they come and trust in the path that it will be right.....but at the same time knowing that God is planning this all out means that it is on His schedule and not mine. And I like fast and furious, not so much the slow and gentle.
So reflection, prayer, and waiting have been the game....little pieces are coming to me and I am getting it...I'm pretty sure that he is getting me prepped for the steps I need to take.
I find that no matter what I am doing in my life, no matter where my days are taking me, part of my mind is always thinking of God. I'm keeping myself connected to Him. There have been a few times where I have tested the waters to disconnect myself from God, re-arranged my thoughts to see what happens when I let go of His hand....and I do NOT like the results...I see all too quickly how much positivity he brings to my life. How thinking in God's hands and ways means that I am able to keep the enemy from my door. Warm and protected are those within God.
I feel like a child, who wants to run and play with the "big" kids but still wants to hold Mom and Dad's hands because it is safe and protected where they are. Playing with the big kids means you are going to have to test yourself, prove yourself, and be out of your element...and while playing with them is fun, you are risking hurting yourself if you go with them.
So at the moment staying as close to God as possible means that I don't have to risk falling flat on my face. I don't mean it in a cowardly way, but I have so much to learn about where I'm being directed. I need to learn how to interpret what God tells me. I need to learn to recognize the signs of when God is directing me, and the cues I need to follow. I want so much to please him, and there are times when I wonder if he is happy enough with me, with my progress. Am I retaining enough?
I meet these amazing people who are strong and kind and so full of Christian love and hope....and I wonder if I will ever get to that point. My friends will quote passages that fit the moments we are discussing, and I am amazed at how well they know the bible...how they remember the words that are so unequivically important to the moment...what admiration that a book I barely know they are able to remember pages from. Then there are times when I pick up the bible and it feels like an old friend....stories I know so well that I feel them into my core, the very words seeming to be an essence of who I am.
I'm trying to not force the answers to come to me, but it's hard to not be impatient when patience has eluded me most of my life. I like to live in the very moment I am, fully committed, and fully immersed in what is occurring. I like to make "it" happen, so sitting back and trying to allow the control to be in God's hands is unfamiliar territory to me. I know that He is going to guide me to right places at the right times and allow the right opportunities to come to my way and that I need to be ready to accept them as they come and trust in the path that it will be right.....but at the same time knowing that God is planning this all out means that it is on His schedule and not mine. And I like fast and furious, not so much the slow and gentle.
So reflection, prayer, and waiting have been the game....little pieces are coming to me and I am getting it...I'm pretty sure that he is getting me prepped for the steps I need to take.
I find that no matter what I am doing in my life, no matter where my days are taking me, part of my mind is always thinking of God. I'm keeping myself connected to Him. There have been a few times where I have tested the waters to disconnect myself from God, re-arranged my thoughts to see what happens when I let go of His hand....and I do NOT like the results...I see all too quickly how much positivity he brings to my life. How thinking in God's hands and ways means that I am able to keep the enemy from my door. Warm and protected are those within God.
I feel like a child, who wants to run and play with the "big" kids but still wants to hold Mom and Dad's hands because it is safe and protected where they are. Playing with the big kids means you are going to have to test yourself, prove yourself, and be out of your element...and while playing with them is fun, you are risking hurting yourself if you go with them.
So at the moment staying as close to God as possible means that I don't have to risk falling flat on my face. I don't mean it in a cowardly way, but I have so much to learn about where I'm being directed. I need to learn how to interpret what God tells me. I need to learn to recognize the signs of when God is directing me, and the cues I need to follow. I want so much to please him, and there are times when I wonder if he is happy enough with me, with my progress. Am I retaining enough?
I meet these amazing people who are strong and kind and so full of Christian love and hope....and I wonder if I will ever get to that point. My friends will quote passages that fit the moments we are discussing, and I am amazed at how well they know the bible...how they remember the words that are so unequivically important to the moment...what admiration that a book I barely know they are able to remember pages from. Then there are times when I pick up the bible and it feels like an old friend....stories I know so well that I feel them into my core, the very words seeming to be an essence of who I am.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Belonging
I always felt like I never belonged anywhere, my heart always missing a piece, feeling un-whole and lost. Lately I've realized that the missing piece was God and my relationship with him. Suddenly I feel whole. Now I know with him I can walk this path. God wants me to complete the things he sent me here to do. I am compelled to be who he needs me to be. Each of us is here for a purpose, and while I may not know his great plan, I know that like each of us, I am an integral piece of it. Each day I pray "Give me voice God to do the things you want me to do. Give me the strength to do what I must. Give me the determination to see it through."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Finding My Way
I have been spending the past few weeks just really reflecting and searching upon where I need to go.
I feel that I have embraced my faith and am accepting my life alongside Christ and being completely honest and true to that relationship...now though, what do I do with that?
I want to realise my purpose and actively pursue that. I know that God has a plan....I'm just waiting to figure it out.
I'm wearing my faith on my sleeve. I'm not afraid to show how deep my commitment is to being a Christian. I hope that my enthusiasm for my faith translates into all areas of my life.
It is amazing to me when I hear that I am reaching into other people's lives and giving them cause to return to a life connected to church or just energizing people with my excitement to my faith. I'm astounded that I have any kind of impact like that on anyone. I'm just so unused to such a reaction.
During Sunday's service a video was shown about the volunteers who run a mission with Ruth & Naomi's - and while it was playing and they were explaining that they have plenty of volunteers I had started thinking that we needed to get a some other types of local missions set up for the volunteers that are willing but aren't being used. So I had started thinking along those lines and intended to contact the office this week to discuss that.
Well before I had a chance to call the office I received a call from someone else who is having that idea too!
It is moments like that where I realize that as my heart is opened I am brought to the action that I already desired. Maybe this is part of my plan. Local outreach just speaks volumes to me. I feel that I've probably experienced so many things that I could really give a shoulder to others who need advice or just someone to listen to.
I have my health, I am strong, I am capable - now let me put that to use to push the path forward alongside Christ's design for me. You created me Lord and now I need you to lead me upon the path of my future.
I pray that I can give enough of myself to really make a difference. I don't want to find that I have not achieved my potential. Or missed things that I should have been part of along the way.
I have felt such a dramatic shift in my life that I am trying to understand how to adjust the relationships of old with the new relationships....
well this post is all over the place, as my mind is just shifting around so much at the moment.....the musings are getting hold of me.
Will come back slightly more collected soon!
I feel that I have embraced my faith and am accepting my life alongside Christ and being completely honest and true to that relationship...now though, what do I do with that?
I want to realise my purpose and actively pursue that. I know that God has a plan....I'm just waiting to figure it out.
I'm wearing my faith on my sleeve. I'm not afraid to show how deep my commitment is to being a Christian. I hope that my enthusiasm for my faith translates into all areas of my life.
It is amazing to me when I hear that I am reaching into other people's lives and giving them cause to return to a life connected to church or just energizing people with my excitement to my faith. I'm astounded that I have any kind of impact like that on anyone. I'm just so unused to such a reaction.
During Sunday's service a video was shown about the volunteers who run a mission with Ruth & Naomi's - and while it was playing and they were explaining that they have plenty of volunteers I had started thinking that we needed to get a some other types of local missions set up for the volunteers that are willing but aren't being used. So I had started thinking along those lines and intended to contact the office this week to discuss that.
Well before I had a chance to call the office I received a call from someone else who is having that idea too!
It is moments like that where I realize that as my heart is opened I am brought to the action that I already desired. Maybe this is part of my plan. Local outreach just speaks volumes to me. I feel that I've probably experienced so many things that I could really give a shoulder to others who need advice or just someone to listen to.
I have my health, I am strong, I am capable - now let me put that to use to push the path forward alongside Christ's design for me. You created me Lord and now I need you to lead me upon the path of my future.
I pray that I can give enough of myself to really make a difference. I don't want to find that I have not achieved my potential. Or missed things that I should have been part of along the way.
I have felt such a dramatic shift in my life that I am trying to understand how to adjust the relationships of old with the new relationships....
well this post is all over the place, as my mind is just shifting around so much at the moment.....the musings are getting hold of me.
Will come back slightly more collected soon!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Would I sacrifice?
I was reading today about the crucifixion of Jesus. Now the part of the book that I got to coincided with my lunch break, and I was moved to tears. I cannot begin imagine the tremendous pain that Jesus went through. It is hard to understand and comprehend how terrible of a death it was.
That got me thinking about who I would die for. I would give my life for my baby nephew. There would be no hesitation on my part. If the loss of my earthly life would result in his life being saved, I would not need another reason. If it meant saving anyone in my family I would gladly give my life as the sacrifice to save them.
However, if someone came up to me and said that a stranger was going to die or I could die to save them, I don't think I'd really likely decide that the sacrifice would be worth making. It's not that I think my life is any more valuable than anyone else's but I just don't think I could make sense of that sort of exchange of life.
Maybe if I learned that this person I could save was a good mother, or had the intelligence and ability to figure out a cure for cancer, or was going to do something amazing for the human race should they survive, and I could take their place in death.
But if that person was a murderer or had done many heinous things then I would not likely think that I could trade my life to save theirs.
Likely though the main reason I would exchange my life for someone else would really only come down to love - who on this earth do I love enough to save?
Yet Jesus came and gave his life for all of us...no matter what sins we had committed. He readily lived his life knowing that at the end he was going to suffer. He knew that he was going to be tortured and put to death. He knew that his death was going to wash us all clean, and allow our sins to be forgiven. He gave his life for us, for people he had never met because he loved us all so much before we even came to be.
Thank you Lord for saving me.
That got me thinking about who I would die for. I would give my life for my baby nephew. There would be no hesitation on my part. If the loss of my earthly life would result in his life being saved, I would not need another reason. If it meant saving anyone in my family I would gladly give my life as the sacrifice to save them.
However, if someone came up to me and said that a stranger was going to die or I could die to save them, I don't think I'd really likely decide that the sacrifice would be worth making. It's not that I think my life is any more valuable than anyone else's but I just don't think I could make sense of that sort of exchange of life.
Maybe if I learned that this person I could save was a good mother, or had the intelligence and ability to figure out a cure for cancer, or was going to do something amazing for the human race should they survive, and I could take their place in death.
But if that person was a murderer or had done many heinous things then I would not likely think that I could trade my life to save theirs.
Likely though the main reason I would exchange my life for someone else would really only come down to love - who on this earth do I love enough to save?
Yet Jesus came and gave his life for all of us...no matter what sins we had committed. He readily lived his life knowing that at the end he was going to suffer. He knew that he was going to be tortured and put to death. He knew that his death was going to wash us all clean, and allow our sins to be forgiven. He gave his life for us, for people he had never met because he loved us all so much before we even came to be.
Thank you Lord for saving me.
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