I’ve been struck lately by the idea that the God of creation would somehow live inside of me. The why and the how are beyond my comprehension but the knowledge that the literal presence of God should be showing in a discernable way in my life has me anxious. How do I exhibit this truth- or more to the point do I exhibit this truth? I know doing more for the sake of appearing spiritual isn’t the answer. Praying only drew out that my own spirituality is inadequate to reflect the nature of God. Yet we are created and sustained to reflect God…
Trudging across a field to watch my son practice baseball, a friend came to sit with me. I was a little perturbed because I wanted to finish a gardening book. My friend is going through a rough time right now. Her husband’s job is in peril and they are facing a move. I tried to be understanding as I slid my book back into my purse.
She talked on about this and that and mentioned that she had received an email about a plant called plantain. This is not the fruit that looks like a green banana but a weed that can be used to treat insect bites, rashes and scrapes. It is its own little free green pharmacy. I looked up its picture on the web and found that it is edible, anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory and a host of other great anti-things.
Remarkably this plant grows in the tough soil of pathways. Well, I had to find this little wonder. I searched around my yard but didn’t find even one of these common weeds. Back at the ball field again I began to tread dutifully to my spot on the sidelines. Halfway across the battered field I looked down to see hundreds of plantain spread across the field. The constant crush of feet is perfect place for this people-healer to be ready to live out its purpose. I hadn’t recognized it, not the plant or its purpose. Only after searching for insight and gaining a picture did I discover the truth was literally under my feet the whole time.
I could sense God nudging me. Is God’s spirit exhibited through me in the same way? Where was God shining in me? Right there in the crush of life, when I care enough to listen and pray for a hurting friend, God loves her through me. It is amazing that even while God is still working on me, He can work through me as well.
Church planting is tough. It is difficult when things aren’t going as you expected and it is difficult when things are going great. You need to continually pull away to search out the truth that God is pressing into your heart, to get an accurate picture in focus and to find the right place to live out truth. Then live it so that God can love through you.
Colossians 1:27
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
