The electricity has been going off sometime in the wee hours of the morning for several days. We are in hot season just before the rainy season starts full force, and the days and nights are... hot. I get all excited about taking my nightly shower and heading to bed, where 2 fans keep me cool all night long. (sometimes it's the air conditioner...but usually the fans) Well when the electricity goes off, those hours of blissful sleep are sadly interrupted...and I wake up cranky!
This morning had a special 'crankiness' to it. I longed for my hot pot to be working so that I could have my caffeinated tea and I refused to dig into my stash of diet coke. (because I have given diet coke up, except for emergency situations like migraines...and celebratory situations, like vacations...good study session etc...) My gratification was delayed more than an hour.
Finally I sat down with my tea and breakfast with a sigh already feeling much better because I was back in front of my fan. : ) Wouldn't you know the Lord had me read Hebrews 11and 12 today. I was brought to my knees with my lack of faith and gratitude. In comparison to what the saints of old endured I have suffered nothing.
Moses left the comforts of Egypt
Sarah waited and waited for Your promise
Noah acted on Your words alone
My mind began to wander...
I imagine Abraham and Isaac had hardship as they traipsed up the mountainside but that paled in comparison to the turmoil in Abraham's heart. Not only was he going to lose his son, but by his own hand.
Forty years in the desert! No destination just wandering at the will of these pillars of cloud and fire. They had to begin to wonder, what was the point? How do you plan for your future? What do you talk about with your neighbors day in and day out? Why not try worshiping an idol?
I have suffered nothing in comparison, especially a little heat and lack of sleep. My crankiness did not grow into a full fledged rebellion there wasn't any anger in my heart, I was just cranky. But my crankiness really can be part of a downward spiral that leads to a 'golden calf' of my own.
The Lord doesn't want that for me. He has created my faith and He is nurturing my faith so that it will grow stronger and purer. So instead of allowing my crankiness to continue, He graciously pointed me back to Him. My heart overflows with thankfulness!
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
I wonder if the electricity will go off tomorrow morning? What makes you cranky and headed downward? Here's a reminder for you and me...
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim, it the light of His glory and grace!
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