Yesterday (which started around 1,5 hours ago) I was reminded of a sermon that I hear on my way home from the camp two night before. Since then I almost became a fan of Dick Foth:) Actually, it was only the part of the sermon which made me laugh into tears. But it was so heart-piercing. I remember two points that he made: 1, that miracles happen in the desert, and the 2nd was awkward thanking "Thank you, God, for embarrassing me with your blessings." The first one was at some point just a reminder of what I already knew, just to strengthen me. But the 2nd... Oh, it was a mind blowing eye-opener for me! Dick told a story how he and his wife Ruth had to stay at a train station in Hungary. They were told that their visas were not OK, and they couldn't leave Hungary. And they had only 3 USD in the pocket. What you do in this kind of situation? You are left with nothing else but prayer. That's what they did, starting with this thanksgiving spiced a little bit with irony, "Thank you, Lord, for embarrassing us with Your blessings". And no matter, how sarcastic that sounds, it actually talks about being thankful for whatever situation in your life. Today I had my embarrassing blessing. I went to my friend's band performance at one club wearing a long white skirt. And at one point when I was coming back from the ladies' room a guy just poured out his beer on me!!! On my white skirt!! Oh, I smelled, and it was really embarrasing and I felt at some point outraged. And my skirt got these big stains all over it. I thought it will dry out and nothing will be seen. Dream of it! They were yellish (not sure if there's sch a word in English:)) Not very visible, but still I know that they were there. Then, other things happened, and I felt down... No good mood. It's really interesting how quickly it disapears...
So... Did I embraced this embarrasing situation? DO YOU embrace the moments of your life you would better like to turn back in time and push the erase button? Sometimes I as a minister want not to see what is wrong in me and my ministry: my flaws of character, my mistakes (I tend to rationalize, and minimize them). I mean, I'm a minister. I should be an example. I have to be perfect. But I'm not. Things should go smooth for me. But sometimes they are not. My pride is challenged by God, because He looks for humble servants and obedient children. Not grown-ups who know how to do stuff. I don't know about the others, but God definitely puts me into situations where I look stupid when I' rebellious or when I think I know things and solutions... He embarrases me, and not with a purpose to humiliate me, but rather to show me who's the Boss, to help me grow in faith. I love to understand that over and over. And Holy Spirit always reminds me in these moments the embarrasment that Jesus was exposed to when being at the court and being nailed on the cross. People expected Him to be strong and He got some harsh words towards him. It's a terrible feeling, but what can you say... People are cruel, they don't see into your heart, and don't know God's ways for you. I remember King David saying to God when He had to choose the punishment that he would better choose God's hand to punish him rather than people's, because God is mercyful and has compassion. And these embarrasing moments in believers' lives are precious when they are from God. You can thank Him, embrace them, and prepare for something extraodinary to happen. I think I'm off for a new adventure of facing the embarrasing moments in my life, laughing at them, praying over them and making them a part of the wondeful life with Jesus.
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