Romans 12:6-8) We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
I don't know exactly how spiritual gifts work, but I do know that they are truly a gift from God. Romans 12:6 says they are. He graces us with His character which manifests in spiritual gifts. Like I said I don't know all there is to know about spiritual gifts, but I do think can people have multiple gifts. I believe we are born with the ability to practice these gifts, but because of the Fall in Eden we are selfish by nature. When we are born again in the Spirit He takes over and controls those gifts and perfects them in us. Gifts may arise that we never knew were there due to our relationship with Jesus Christ deepening. I know that has been true in my own life.
No one gets through this life unscathed. John 16:33 promises we will have trouble in this world. I told my friend yesterday that the trials in life can do one of two things to us. On one hand the trials can make us angry, bitter, foolish, and selfish. On the other hand the trials can make us brave, courageous, bold, and passionate, and selfless. One choice can paralyze us and render us ineffective for Christ. The other choice can put us in a position to refine our gifts and to use them to further God's Kingdom. The choice is ours. In my life I had no idea what my gifts were until I faced some really hard times.
I want to focus on the gift of encouragement right now. I think it is interesting that the Greek translation for the word encourage (exhort) is paracletos (paraclete) which means to call to one's side. I like that. Other definitions of encourage are: to inspire with courage, to stimulate by assistance, build up confidence, or promote. I will tell you about my dear friend at the beginning of this entry. She is just straight up encouraging. It appears to come so easily to her. I hope I have helped her realize God created this ability in her. She is a vessel for His encouragement. Jesus encouraged when He walked this earth and we are called to encourage one another. I will also talk about my dad. He encourages those around him with his wisdom on life.
I said earlier that our life circumstances and trials can either build up our gifts or minimize them. I can think of some people in my life that have used their trials to encourage others. My Dad is perfect example of this. Encouragement can happen in different ways. My dad encouraged me as we journeyed along the path of Mom's decline from cancer. At the time I didn't realize how his encouragement was working. It wasn't obvious, but is now.
1. My dad, Dan. I have gotten to know my dad much more over the last five years. I was always a daddy's girl and very close to my dad, but my mom was the more dominant personality in my life. It wasn't until my mom was diagnosed with cancer that I really, really got to know my dad as an adult. She was always the social director of the family. She mostly planned what went on. My dad was more the silent force. Anyone that knows him knows he is a man of few words, but his few words are very meaningful and purposeful. My mom's mental capabilities were GREATLY affected by the two large tumors in her head. She could no longer handle the roles she used to carry. Dad took over like any real man would do. He was her liaison. Mom also became very introverted the longer her disease progressed. For any of you that know her you know she is not naturally an introvert! Dad simply handled not only his affairs, but now hers also. He helped plan holiday get-togethers and family camping trips and outings. When I would go to visit them Mom would sleep most of the time so Dad and I just had more time together to banter about life and to contemplate my relationship with Mom that at times was very troubled. We just had more time together because I was no longer going shopping with mom or going to horse shows. We would just sit, watch Eli run around, and chat.
As hard as it was for Christy and I to watch Mom slowly die he watched his life mate truly lose her mind. I don't use that term lightly. The cancer slowly destroyed her mind. Mom would often act irrationally and say hurtful things and Dad always reminded me that it was the cancer. He encouraged me to be patient. Personality wise she was no longer the woman I had known for 31 years. He encouraged me (and Christy) to give her the benefit of the doubt and to remember the battle that was going on physically in her body. This encouragement was incredible. I mentioned earlier that Mom and I had our share of conflict in our relationship especially the last seven years of her life. I remember I had flown home quickly in January after getting word that Mom had a bad seizure and was in the hospital. Dad had been told there was no longer anything the doctors could do for Mom. He was sent home with medication for her to "keep her comfortable." I remember Dad and I sitting and talking one night. He said, "Anna, if there is anything you need to deal with before your mom dies you need to do that." No one knew how long she had left, but Dad's gut said it wasn't long and his wisdom knew once she was gone the dynamic for dealing with issues would be different. I had many things on my heart that I wanted to talk to Mom about, but I knew her mental capacity would not allow us to really dig into some tough issues. I simply had to forgive her for hurts...bottom line and end of story. I had to let it all go. I can never thank him enough for encouraging me to do this. He has also encouraged me to remember the mom I knew before cancer ravaged her body. I love him for this.
True encouragement is not saying what someone wants to hear, but also saying what they need to hear. His encouragement came in practical ways. It came at a time when we were all struggling to handle a horrid situation. He wasn't encouraging me to do the easy things, but the RIGHT things. I believe Biblical encouragement involves building someone up in Christ. It is encouraging them to reach beyond themselves and match their actions with Christ's actions. It is building up their confidence to be more than they thought they could be or to help hold on to hope when they are out of strength.
I have a dear friend that is extraordinary at encouragement. Through some very difficult times she has been one of my biggest cheerleaders behind my husband, dad, and sister. The best part about her is that you know she is being sincere. She's not just saying things she thinks you want to hear...she means what she says. She truly has brought me out of rotten moods. Dave is my biggest fan, but he can't fill every role to me. Sometimes a girl needs another girl, ya know?!
I'll shortly explain how she encourages me in ways completely different than my dad did in the case of losing my mom. I see her basically every day because we are both gym rats. She is one of those people that when she asks how you are doing she really wants to know. I know! How crazy is that?! She encourages me daily to be honest with her about how I'm feeling so we can deal with it...together. She also knows when I'm not being honest! As you know I have some serious hormone issues (that are improving by the way!) which can wreak havoc on essentially every aspect of my life. I know I'm safe to tell her the truth. She always calls me to her side so we can bear the burden together. When I feel emotional she helps talk through the situation in practical terms. She is such a positive influence on my life. She truly has a special gift from the Lord.
Stay tuned for the next entry to read more about how people I know are following Jesus' example and are practicing the gift of encouragement. My goal is at the end you will see how all of us can reach out to another soul and offer a helping hand, a kind word, and inspiration to become more than we thought we could be. No matter our trial or our walk of life we can help carry another's burden.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
It Really Isn't Too Hard!
The study guide that I have worked though the last 3-1/2 months has been outstanding. If you have not read Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer I highly recommend it. I read it a few years ago, but think one could/should read it once a year. The companion guide is also outstanding!
Deuteronomy 30:11) His commandments (obeying) are not too difficult. It is withing my reach.
"Dear God, it's me Anna. I would like to ask for unending blessings today. If something difficult does come up please remove the trial immediately so I will not be inconvenienced in the least bit. Oh and about this other thing that I'm dealing with that I don't like...can you please take it way like yesterday? Everyone else has it waaaaay easier than I do. I've pretty much learned everything there is to learn from this. It's just really hard to do the right thing and turn my pain into positivity so please make it all easy. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
Okay, maybe I have never said those exact words in a prayer before, but I have wanted to. I have thought them and prayed them in a roundabout sort of way. I for sure would prefer an easy path. Sometimes it all seems so difficult. Here is HUGE lie that Satan places before me. I think I have it the hardest and everyone else has it much, much easier than I. Why is everything so hard for me I ask Him. Following and obeying God is hard. Anything worth anything IS hard. I have been guilty at declaring spiritual warfare when times are tough or God's promises are delayed. The Bible says spiritual warfare is real. Read Ephesians! God also shuts doors in front of us. This is true. In my frustration I have cried "spiritual warfare" and have been certain God has told me no. Well you know what? Life is hard. Followers of Christ lose jobs, get cancer, have health problems, lose children, get the short end of the stick, get lied about, abused, killed, martyred, etc. The list is endless (and scary). While we know the battle between good and evil is raging in the unseen, God does allow His children to endure hardships in this life.
John 16:33) I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!
Here is the same verse from the Amplified Bible. It's great!
John 16:33) I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Dave works for Procter and Gamble as most of you know. As an outsider I get a kick out of hearing all their acronyms and types of words they use and how. Part of Dave's job involves reviewing the job performance of others. He makes their "opportunities" known to them so they can grow in their job and become a better part of the P&G team. An opportunity in an area that needs work. I have many opportunities! Using this words sets a positive tone. Going through hardships gives us opportunity for growth and John 16:33 promises we can take heart because has overcome evil. It usually doesn't seem like it especially when we are in the deep, dark woods.
Back to my original point about living an obedient life. It is hard. So how does this play into recognizing our opportunities? The first verse I listed out is from Deuteronomy. I am reminded how relevant the Old Testament really is. This verse is assuring us that obedience is possible. It is possible to take our pain, frustration, depression, discouragement, etc. and let God shape it into something that brings glory to God and furthers His Kingdom. He desires us to count it joy that we have hardships. Looking for the opportunity in our pain is Biblical and Deuteronomy 30:11 says it is possible. Genesis 50:20 is one of my favorite verses. Joseph's story has inspired me greatly time and time again. God can take painful circumstances and turn them into something beautiful.
Genesis 50:20) You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
I enjoy reading work by Pastor Adrian Rogers. He uses the term "navel gazing." It means to look down at our navel while we are going through hard times. We ask why me, why now, when will this be over for me, everyone has it better than I do, what did I do to cause this, why doesn't God love me, etc. I am challenged to take my eyes off my own navel and look outward. How can I obey God in the midst of this? Who opportunities does God have for me that I can pass on to others? How can I really burn Satan by glorifying the Lord through this? While praying for spiritual protection is Biblical and important let's not always assume every hardship is warfare. God may be allowing it to do a greater work in me and in turn whose lives cross my path.
Romans 5:3-5) Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.
Deuteronomy 30:11) His commandments (obeying) are not too difficult. It is withing my reach.
"Dear God, it's me Anna. I would like to ask for unending blessings today. If something difficult does come up please remove the trial immediately so I will not be inconvenienced in the least bit. Oh and about this other thing that I'm dealing with that I don't like...can you please take it way like yesterday? Everyone else has it waaaaay easier than I do. I've pretty much learned everything there is to learn from this. It's just really hard to do the right thing and turn my pain into positivity so please make it all easy. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
Okay, maybe I have never said those exact words in a prayer before, but I have wanted to. I have thought them and prayed them in a roundabout sort of way. I for sure would prefer an easy path. Sometimes it all seems so difficult. Here is HUGE lie that Satan places before me. I think I have it the hardest and everyone else has it much, much easier than I. Why is everything so hard for me I ask Him. Following and obeying God is hard. Anything worth anything IS hard. I have been guilty at declaring spiritual warfare when times are tough or God's promises are delayed. The Bible says spiritual warfare is real. Read Ephesians! God also shuts doors in front of us. This is true. In my frustration I have cried "spiritual warfare" and have been certain God has told me no. Well you know what? Life is hard. Followers of Christ lose jobs, get cancer, have health problems, lose children, get the short end of the stick, get lied about, abused, killed, martyred, etc. The list is endless (and scary). While we know the battle between good and evil is raging in the unseen, God does allow His children to endure hardships in this life.
John 16:33) I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!
Here is the same verse from the Amplified Bible. It's great!
John 16:33) I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Dave works for Procter and Gamble as most of you know. As an outsider I get a kick out of hearing all their acronyms and types of words they use and how. Part of Dave's job involves reviewing the job performance of others. He makes their "opportunities" known to them so they can grow in their job and become a better part of the P&G team. An opportunity in an area that needs work. I have many opportunities! Using this words sets a positive tone. Going through hardships gives us opportunity for growth and John 16:33 promises we can take heart because has overcome evil. It usually doesn't seem like it especially when we are in the deep, dark woods.
Back to my original point about living an obedient life. It is hard. So how does this play into recognizing our opportunities? The first verse I listed out is from Deuteronomy. I am reminded how relevant the Old Testament really is. This verse is assuring us that obedience is possible. It is possible to take our pain, frustration, depression, discouragement, etc. and let God shape it into something that brings glory to God and furthers His Kingdom. He desires us to count it joy that we have hardships. Looking for the opportunity in our pain is Biblical and Deuteronomy 30:11 says it is possible. Genesis 50:20 is one of my favorite verses. Joseph's story has inspired me greatly time and time again. God can take painful circumstances and turn them into something beautiful.
Genesis 50:20) You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
I enjoy reading work by Pastor Adrian Rogers. He uses the term "navel gazing." It means to look down at our navel while we are going through hard times. We ask why me, why now, when will this be over for me, everyone has it better than I do, what did I do to cause this, why doesn't God love me, etc. I am challenged to take my eyes off my own navel and look outward. How can I obey God in the midst of this? Who opportunities does God have for me that I can pass on to others? How can I really burn Satan by glorifying the Lord through this? While praying for spiritual protection is Biblical and important let's not always assume every hardship is warfare. God may be allowing it to do a greater work in me and in turn whose lives cross my path.
Romans 5:3-5) Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)