May 4, 2011
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Driving Grateful and Worth It!
Our vehicles are old. They are not in the best shape. We were saving for new ones….until we started this adoption. Now we are driving by faith!
On Sunday afternoon after unsuccessfully trying a “cheap fix” for a big problem in our mini van, I plopped myself on the couch in a huff. I said to Blake in my best spoiled brat voice, “This is just great - people are going to look at us and say, ‘Look they obeyed God and now they have no money!’
An hour later I was listening to Louie Giglio teach on finding God’s will for our lives. He talked about how Christians ask God every day, “What is your will for my life?” He said that we can’t ever really know the answer to that question until we see the problem with that question….. You see this is not MY life. It is God’s. He paid my ransom, and I willing surrendered. I gave up the rights to my life in exchange for His gift of love and salvation. A ridiculous trade from God’s standpoint….we get perfect love, salvation, eternal reward; He gets our hearts….well part of our hearts…and well …some of the time…
I consider entering eternity. I consider paradise and being welcomed by Jesus. And then I consider realizing that my chance to honor Him, to show my gratitude for His sacrifice was utterly wasted. I accepted salvation, I got in on the prize of Heaven, but I bring to the feet of Jesus nothing but a lifetime of living for myself…a lifetime of pursuing my own happiness.
I realized how completely foolish it is, on my part, to demand anything from God “I did this for You so I should get a reward….like NOW.” Really, Christina? Do you deserve anything from God? Do I think that our small sacrifice is even worth a drop in repayment for the blood of Jesus Christ? Will not the reward of a child be enough? Will not the blessing of being apart of God’s plan for this little one be worth more than any material possession? Do I dare tell God He owes me more? I am undone by His mercy that keeps Him from giving me what I DO deserve.
Besides feeling remorsefully convicted, this truth of my life being His also feels like freedom. I find I can tolerate driving a mini van without AC, or find a way to manage with one vehicle. I can’t help but giggle to myself at the cardboard stuck at the base of the window to prevent it from falling into the door. It dawns on me that it is truly a wonder that Blake’s car still manages to get us where we need to go even though it roars like a spaceship taking off when it goes faster than 10 mph. I decide its kind of adorable how the rubber seal hangs out of the trunk like a tail if it is not closed just so.
I will drive our vehicles with joy and gratitude when I am reminded that my life is not my own. Everything of this world will pass away. Only my love and worship of Jesus Christ and the love that I offer to others will last until the end. Our vehicles will be left behind whether they’re worn out or brand new. I think I would rather leave behind that which is worn out if it means having more to lay at the feet of Jesus when I reach Heaven, wouldn’t you agree?
Comments (4)
great post!
totally get it too, because we are driving 2 old beaters…and yet, we are glad we don’t have to walk.
i agree with rachel – great post!
the more i read from you the more i like it .. & you : )
and wherever you are compared to where we are – know here in cali we’re praying that God will do what’s best with ethopian adoptions … yours especially!!
Such GREAT perspective in this post. Loved what you wrote. Truth, for sure! And so hard for us mortals to remember.
Now look what the Father has done. The old van is going to someone else to appreciate. Never underestimate His power. He hears you and will bless you in HIS time. Always remember that HIS timing is perfect even when we don’t seem to think so. Enjoy your new/used vehicle along with AIR CONDITIONING….!!!!
Love ya…..