I have loved reading in the New Testament as I strive to be more of a teacher, leader, and parent in the manner of Christ! I fall far short of it, but it has been humbling, inspiring, and directive in helping change my life as I strive to be more like the leader Christ was.
I have noticed something in the Book of St. John where I am reading right now: the beginning of the last several chapters I have read seem to be taking away any excuses I might have for becoming whom God wants me to become.
I first noticed it in chapter 9, when Jesus heals the blind man and tells the people that the blind man was blind not because the blind man or his parents had sinned, but "that the works of God should be made manifest in him." It made me think of my weaknesses and inabilities, and I thought, "maybe the shortcomings of my situation that feel beyond my control are not there because I have sinned, but because God needs to work an obvious miracle in my life to the world?" It made me think of the Savior, how he could have been born in a palace, son of a powerful and virtuous king...but he was not. He was born in a lowly manger and still accomplished what God had for him to do on this earth.
I then started looking back at the chapter before that, chapter 8, in which he forgives the woman taken in adultery. Not only was she a sinner, but it was obvious to everyone! He gives her license to go and become whom God sees she can become in spite of committing one of the greatest offenses against God, for he saw into her heart, that she was truly repentant, and that she would, as it says in the JST of verse 11, "[glorify] God from that hour and [believe] on his name." Hmmmm...past sins cannot get in our way.
Moving back further: In chapter 7, Jesus's very own kinsman have no faith in him and who he is, those who have seen him be perfect his whole life! Wow. Apparently the consent and approval of those around us (or the lack thereof!) is not essential to becoming God's servant.
Chapter 6: the feeding of the 5,000. I have blogged on this before, but a quick recap: even if it seems that the resources we have (and the resources of those around us, from friends to "children") are limited, the Lord can work His miracles through us. No excuses.
It made me curious as I t,hought about this, reflecting on the previous chapters that I had remembered, so I looked into chapter 5 as well: there, the lame man's excuse is "I have no one to move me to the water to heal me!" "I have no one to help me accomplish this seemingly impossible task before me!" is a cry I can relate to! Of course, I have an amazing husband, wonderful children, and friends and family, but don't we all look around at one point and say "help!" and feel it isn't there? Apparently, I am not looking toward the right source for that help :).
So, what is to be my act of faith to open the way for miracles into my life? Hmmm....good question :). But at least this much is clear: I know that whenever I start telling myself excuses, chances are that is all they are...excuses. And, chances are, if I look around enough, I will find a way that God has provided for me to accomplish His wonders in my life.
I have noticed something in the Book of St. John where I am reading right now: the beginning of the last several chapters I have read seem to be taking away any excuses I might have for becoming whom God wants me to become.
I first noticed it in chapter 9, when Jesus heals the blind man and tells the people that the blind man was blind not because the blind man or his parents had sinned, but "that the works of God should be made manifest in him." It made me think of my weaknesses and inabilities, and I thought, "maybe the shortcomings of my situation that feel beyond my control are not there because I have sinned, but because God needs to work an obvious miracle in my life to the world?" It made me think of the Savior, how he could have been born in a palace, son of a powerful and virtuous king...but he was not. He was born in a lowly manger and still accomplished what God had for him to do on this earth.
I then started looking back at the chapter before that, chapter 8, in which he forgives the woman taken in adultery. Not only was she a sinner, but it was obvious to everyone! He gives her license to go and become whom God sees she can become in spite of committing one of the greatest offenses against God, for he saw into her heart, that she was truly repentant, and that she would, as it says in the JST of verse 11, "[glorify] God from that hour and [believe] on his name." Hmmmm...past sins cannot get in our way.
Moving back further: In chapter 7, Jesus's very own kinsman have no faith in him and who he is, those who have seen him be perfect his whole life! Wow. Apparently the consent and approval of those around us (or the lack thereof!) is not essential to becoming God's servant.
Chapter 6: the feeding of the 5,000. I have blogged on this before, but a quick recap: even if it seems that the resources we have (and the resources of those around us, from friends to "children") are limited, the Lord can work His miracles through us. No excuses.
It made me curious as I t,hought about this, reflecting on the previous chapters that I had remembered, so I looked into chapter 5 as well: there, the lame man's excuse is "I have no one to move me to the water to heal me!" "I have no one to help me accomplish this seemingly impossible task before me!" is a cry I can relate to! Of course, I have an amazing husband, wonderful children, and friends and family, but don't we all look around at one point and say "help!" and feel it isn't there? Apparently, I am not looking toward the right source for that help :).
"He that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; For I do always those things that please him." (John 8:29)One by one, the Savior showed by example that my excuses are merely that...excuses. He is truly able to work with us to overcome all obstacles to doing God's work and becoming whom He would have us become, but, in each of these circumstances, he first requires an act of faith on our part: to gather the fish and bread, to wash our eyes in the water, to raise our eyes to look around for hope in the depths of despair.
So, what is to be my act of faith to open the way for miracles into my life? Hmmm....good question :). But at least this much is clear: I know that whenever I start telling myself excuses, chances are that is all they are...excuses. And, chances are, if I look around enough, I will find a way that God has provided for me to accomplish His wonders in my life.
I love this! It reminded of me of 1 Nephi 3:7 when Nephi says he will go and do and The Lord will prepare the way. So, he shows his faith and then Laman and Lemuel still wanted to leave. They had the attitude that they tried, it didn't work, so they could go. I love verse 15, Nephi adamantly states they are not leaving until they accomplish what The Lord commanded them to do. I often give a half hearted attempt and then make excuses that it didn't work, but I tried. When in reality, I should have a determination to do what I was supposed to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Made me laugh when you mentioned your shortcomings so there can be an "obvious miracle." You funny wonderful girl. Any time you need a self-esteem boost just give me a call. Although it's good to hear you're a miracle so the rest of us don't have to feel so bad. :)
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