The truth as I know it:

We witness a miracle every time a child enters into life. But those who make their journey home across time & miles, growing within the hearts of those who wait to love them, are carried on the wings of destiny and placed among us by God's very own hands. ~~~ Kristi Larson

Thursday, July 02, 2009

What could you do today to begin to live with a bigger, better view of God?

That is the question that ends Chapter 3 in "In a Pit...." and it is similar to what Frances Chan asks in "Crazy Love", "What are you doing today that is causing you to live by faith?" Both these questions make me stop and pause. But then you just turn the page in Batterson's book and there are some core rocking points he makes. In telling about a lady who was afraid to step out for God (in this case, go on a mission trip to Ethiopia, but it could have been anything... expect healing for a child, save a marriage, etc. etc.) he recounts her story. Sarah says, "there are a MILLION reasons why I shouldn't go." She goes on to talk about finances, commitments, lack of talent, etc. etc. that she told herself all pointed to reasons NOT to follow this burning call. However, she ends her story this way, "But I only needed one reason to go: I was called." Wow! I really wish I had the kind of faith that would allow me to put aside EVERY good reason not to and just follow the one reason that matters most!

Isn't that how it happens so many times? At least for me it does. I know I am called to do something (whether it be share my story with someone or help an orphan), but I can reason and "think" my way through all the excuses of why it must be something I ate rather than the moving of the Holy Spirit. I can count all the talents I lack, all the financial reasons why things don't make any sense, I can think of the commitment I have already made to my own children and allow them to be the righteous reason I turn down opportunities. But in the end, none of these things need to make sense to God. In the end, He is just waiting for me to step out DESPITE all these things, simply because He asked me too. When I learn to live like that, THEN God will find glory in my story. Then my Lord will be exalted by my life. Then, and only then, will I experience God's unleashed power. There are so many small things in my life that I don't trust Him for. So many things in my life that I feel are "up to me". How absurd! Despite MY best efforts, here I am still wallowing in my pit of "me." Hmmm, maybe it's time that I give up "me" and try a HE approach to all this?

The caption leading up to Sarah's story says it all: "She decided to live her life in a way that was worth telling stories about."

Thank you Matt for the quote today! :)

"I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, He can work through anyone." St. Francis of Assisi

21 comments:

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

Great post. Sometimes painful to read things like this when we are "comfortable"..you know? God doesn't want us to be comfortable...He wants us to step out of the boat and walk on the water with Him.

Another great book...John Ortberg wrote (he is really funny and motivating)..If You're Going to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat...you would really like it. Beware though...it will move you to get out of the boat. Your husband needs to read it too...

You must be processing a lot of things in your head right now...I hope God can give you some answers as to what His plans are for you...they are always wonderful plans when they are His. That is the hard part...trying to decide if they are His plans or our plans...you know? Anyway, I am rambling...just really liked your post sweet friend.

Later gator,

Kristine

Angela said...

Awesome post. My 'pit' grew into a 'rock band'. Not sure if you ever heard of us, Me Myself and I. We were quite full of ourselves...

this statement really touched me...
I give up "me" and try a HE approach to all this?

amen sister!!

Linda said...

Hi, I'm Lynnette's mom, and I enjoyed reading your post today and I also read back a few posts to see what makes you tick! Ha!

You sound like as fun person and a good mom. I like your humor!

I am glad Lynnette featured you today on "Getting To Know You",..now I am off to read about the friends you posted.

Have a good day!
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

Unknown said...

I hope you'll meet some new blogging friends today. You are too cute. :)

Intentional Living Homestead said...

Wow, what a great post...you sure got me thinking as I have read Crazy Love but thinking I need to read it again.

Lauren said...

our friends just bought us "crazy love" this morning!!! I can't wait to get into it! It's so great to "meet" you!!! :)

Be Blessed!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Great post....so glad that I stopped by.

Have a Happy 4th!

Barb said...

Hey, Ondrea . . . I've been away for awhile so you had some reading for me to catch up on :-) . . . as always, you've given me lots to think about - I love it when you do that. Seriously - words needed to hear. Thanks!
Barb

Karen said...

Stopping by to say Hi. I saw that you were featured with Lynnette's "Getting to Know You." You have a beautiful family and a cute blog.

Blessings,
Karen

Amanda said...

Hi! I hopped over from Lynnette's blog. Thank you for sharing this! It's absolutely convicting!

Ms. Sarah said...

Great post. I will be back for sure. I found you off lynnettes featured blogger :)

Unknown said...

I too read Crazy Love and was touched by Chan's passion to get real. We are nothing and He is everything!

I keep a quote on my wall near my desk - Live my life in such a way, that when your feet hit the floor in the morning satan shudders and says, "Oh NO...she's awake!"

I want have a faith worth writing about too!

Blessings and nice to meet you! Lynnette sent me over too!
Jill

Jenilee said...

I love the picture in your header! :) definitly matches your blog name. :) visiting from Lynnette Kraft and looking forward to getting to know you on your blog!

Michelle said...

God calls all of us to something special, and sometimes more than one call to a person's life. I learned early on, if I felt God had called me to do something I would just say, "Okay God, you want me to do this I know you have already opened the door, and will make a way." And then I just followed the path. You're right, the HE instead of me approach is the way to go!

Stephanie said...

Hello from Lynette's blog...and thank you for sharing this today. How true that we need to CHOOSE to obey God no matter how many excuses we come up with. In teaching 3-5 year olds on Wednesday nights, this is something we've been talking about constantly as we studied Psalm 23 and now Psalm 63. All we need to do is listen and follow Him...it's so simple, yet so hard to do sometimes...because we're human and we so want to do things MY way instead of HIS way. Thank you so much for encouragement today!

Tonya said...

Visiting from Lynette's. Great blog, beautiful family! Hope you get lots of visitors today!

Tonya

Lilyofthevalley - Tanya said...

Hello and congrats for being featured today!

Good post too!

Pami said...

I am Visiting from Lynette's, so glad i did I love your blog and this is a great post...congrats on being featured!!!

Kristin said...

Hi! I meant to stop by from Lynnette's on Friday and I forgot. Then, she reminded us to do it today and it's so weird because I just started reading "Crazy Love" this weekend and realizing that I have been living for "me". Then to stop by today and see your post.....well, I think the Lord is definitely trying to tell me something!

I love your blog. I am adopted too, so that's something I believe in strongly too. I look forward to following your blog!

Kristin

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Great post...just blog hopping form Lynettes....I really enjoyed your blog

A mom of many said...

Nice blog! Thanks for your passion for orphans. we adopted six orphans from Liberia so it is close to my heart.