He Showed Me the Way!

I’m kind of down in spirit as I write this post. I had a very challenging day in class, received some criticism from my students, and it was not easy to take. I didn’t hear it immediately, but once I got in my car on the way home, I heard the words I gave to my students in yesterday’s class, admonishing them to go beyond what is fair, to work with their students where they are, not where we want them to be. Didn’t know those words were going to come back so soon to haunt me, and especially didn’t think I would have to do that in a graduate class!

Life is not always fair. Situations don’t always line up the way we think they are supposed to. Sometimes we have to go out of our way to lead someone out a place that is self-imposed. Sometimes we have to give up our pride, our confidence in what we’ve done – our annoyance of those who haven’t done what they should – sometimes we have to give up the right for the wrong! How do I know, my big brother did it for me!

Jesus lived a sinless life. After being called to come forth in public ministry He labored tirelessly with the masses – healing the sick, casting out devils, teaching, preaching, mentoring His disciples – all in the midst of on-lookers who criticized His every move. To top all that He was convicted, tried, and executed for crimes He did not commit – and in the face of unbearable slander and accusation – His only words were, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

I could never attempt to compare my minor problems, (some of which I also create for myself) – with that of my Savior – but I can look at His example, and I can attempt to follow His character. And I even have one better – because He lives in me – and longs to “bear my burdens” – I can give this one to Him… I can allow His spirit to rule and reign in this situation, knowing that He has a way of taking dead situations and bringing them to life!

Being the oldest of six children, I never had a big brother to watch out for me. It’s so good to remember, I have one now. Even now i feel better…it’s well! I will rejoice in the God of my salvation, my Savior, my burden-bearer, my Comforter, my Redeemer, my Friend.

8-11Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does..

1 Peter 5:9-11 (MSG)

“Thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus!”
Maria