January 30, 2013
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Playing Hookie
That’s what I am doing this morning…playing hookie. I spent the last day and a half taking notes for Blake since he was sick and this morning Blake is taking notes for me, but I’m not sick.
I am listening to Bethel worship (my fave right now), looking at the snowy mountains out the window, and relaxing in my quiet and now clean room. I have been so spoiled here: no cooking, no cleaning (besides keeping our room straightened), no washing sheets or towels. I am not going to want to leave. 
Yesterday in class they talked to us about spiritual vitality in adversity and managing stress. The consensus around here is that everything that happens to us (good or bad) is given to us by God. I had to take some deep breaths because I seriously don’t believe that. I believe that God is sovereign and that nothing happens that he doesn’t allow, BUT I don’t believe that everything that happens is God’s will – He gave us humans free will, and our choices have consequences…on our lives and also on the lives of others. I understand what they were trying to do though….they were challenging the “prosperity gospel” that is so prevalent in the states which I don’t have a tent in that camp either! I just kept telling myself that this was more than likely the point, and that there was no need to stand up and start arguing about all of the horrible injustices in the world and holler, “You think that is God’s will???!!!” I read a blog this week about a family that is bringing home a 15 year old orphan from I don’t remember where who has never been outside of a crib and never had anything but formula and watered down bread. She has been neglected her entire life. Her new adopted family said, for every one that is saved there are millions of others who aren’t. I have no doubt that God’s heart is shattered over this!! I think this is when He is crying out, “Where is my body?!”
Here is the link to that blog post:
http://www.nogreaterjoydad.com/2013/01/for-those-who-feel-orphans-have-better.html
It is difficult. We see God working is so many ways and in so many situations. We believe He cares for the sparrow. But the fact is 15 million children die of starvation every year. 15 million children far more precious than sparrows suffer horrifically day after day after day until their precious hearts stop beating and their lungs stop inhaling and exhaling and they die. We lose their priceless and beautiful little selves on this earth. I tell myself God is good and that He is love and that He is merciful. And then I tell myself I am His body. His hands His feet. His mouth. I am a mere human but with God inside of me. I HAVE to do something. I have to find where it looks like God has forgotten, and be His body and prove that He hasn’t. That God DOES rescue. That God DOES defend. That God DOES feed and clothe and embrace and show compassion. I’ve heard a million times: “God doesn’t need you – He chooses to use you.” But maybe the world DOES need ME. Maybe I have to be the body (the action) of Christ or it will appear as if God doesn’t feed, clothe, rescue, and defend.
Maybe I’m wrong. I’m wrestling not stating as absolute truth.
Life is very, very hard. Harder for some than we can ever begin to relate.
But there’s no doubt. We are somehow in someway responsible to do something.
Comments (3)
Christina,
This is a powerful message…I realize you weren’t conveying a message, per se, but a process. However, you are the first person I have ever heard challenge the ‘God doesn’t need you’ theology. I have used that one myself in many situations where I didn’t want to stretch beyond myself to sacrifice. I believe that I have been wrong and I am challenged by this message. We ARE needed because, like you said, we are his body and it is Christ in us, the hope of Glory. God does need us to reach out to others. Thank you so much for being willing to wrestle with these things and to shed some light on issues that are hard to look at.
I couldn’t agree with you more and also follow Adéye Sale’s blog. Amazing family that is sure being Gods hands and feet.
I recently read this blog post and loved it! It is right along the same thoughts. I think you will really relate to it.
http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/scandal-evangelical-heart
and good for you for taking some “you time” and enjoy the no cooking or clean up
you brought up so many questions I’ve had over the years. …The consensus around here is that everything that happens to us (good or
bad) is given to us by God. I had to take some deep breaths because I
seriously don’t believe that….
I’ve had trouble with this as well as what so many people say…Everything God does is good or God is good all the time even the ‘bad’ he does to us. In the OT though God didn’t always do good things to people-he opened up the earth and killed people. Was that for their good?
… “God doesn’t need you – He chooses to use you.”….I’ve heard that as well and I get the point but don’t think it’s totally true. God does need us to go and preach the gospel, be light, and so many other things he mentions in his word