See that white chair in the middle of my living room? Notice its surrounded by lots of equipment. Someone had to sit in that chair with the cameras, lights and crew. Someone had to talk about times of struggle, times of sorrow and times of making mistakes.Today, I got a little glimpse of what it must be like for those glorious 'ol patriarchs in the Old Testament...where all they did is on display for thousands of years and still is, for us to read and ponder how they could miss the mark so many times. Of course, they would be all about glorifying God - glad to allow their failures to give us a better picture of Christ.
Just like the followers of Christ in the New Testament - those like Peter who we see being hard-headed, quick to judge, quick to be irrational and deny Christ...my dirty laundry was flapping in the breeze today. Actually, my husband and I must have made quite the clothesline scene with the laundry we hung out today. At least Mark got to shoot his segment in the garage (sure wish we would have spent some time cleaning out there!)
A lusting David, a quick-to-anger Peter, a despairing Jonah...humans doing human things, making human mistakes. Things haven't changed much...we are still humans doing human things, making human mistakes. At least that is how it is in the McClain household. Who would have thought that the nasty mess we had made of our lives would one day be something that could bring God glory in the end? But, God, since that first rebellion in the garden, has made a way for man's mistakes. God is in the business of restoring and redeeming.
God's in the slopping-up-your-mess business!
As we move into another day of shooting, Mark and I are relieved that we lived through day one! We have an anointed and amazing crew taking good care of us and a faithful Father who not once has forgotten us - no matter if we are watching our marriage crumble, weeping over the glorious restoration of our family or sitting in a chair - in the middle of lots of equipment spilling our guts...so that God may be glorified.
Years ago, who would have dreamed that God would use HIS story in our lives to encourage others! Don't think for one moment that the tribulation you face now won't be used in ways that you cannot fathom! There is purpose in your pain - to draw you closer to Christ, increase your faith and so that you in-turn, can minister to others who struggle.
Some day you just might find yourself sitting in a chair in your living room!
I'm overflowing with anticipation at what God is going to do with your story and how He is going to continue to use it for His glory on a much grander scale. Your willingness to air all that dirty laundry is humbling, inspiring, and challenging. God will bless! He already has, and He will continue. Much love to you, dear friend!!
ReplyDeleteGrace and Peace,
Angel