Last Saturday I had the best nap I’ve had in a long time. I was so noticeably refreshed that I pondered the reason with some angst. That’s me, never taking anything at face value. While others may have just gotten up and said “Thank you Jesus,” I needed to understand why I was so rested. After a little prayer and reflection, I realized that three big things were behind me. Saturday was the first day that I was beyond my older son’s wedding, the 2020 election, and college applications for my younger son. It was all finished and out of my hands.
While I don’t know the fate of my son’s college selection process, nor can I guarantee a blissful marital journey for my son and daughter-in-law, I reached a pivotal point where I followed the instruction of 1 Peter 5:7. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” However, as a habit from my childhood, when I lay one burden at the Lord’s feet, I reach over and grab another to carry. I’m a burden carrier. This is what I do. #prayforme
Shortly after my blissful rest, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was called for Joe Biden and he became President-Elect. While I’m aware that nearly half of America is disappointed with this outcome and the next couple of months will surely be uncomfortable, I’m more focused on the path forward for Americans who profess to love God and follow Jesus. The world is watching as we fight over political policies and insult each other because of ideological differences. This is an opportunity for us to advance love and kingdom kindness, leading the way for the country to truly be one nation under God.
One Body, Many Parts
There are Christians with whom I will never agree except that Jesus is Lord. We are one body with many parts. Ear lobes and ankles don’t hang out together. I’m okay with that. However, my fellow Christian Americans, our behavior will either enable or inhibit the world from knowing that God is with us. There is a blind world looking for hope, faith, and peace found only in Jesus. They can’t see it and we aren’t helping.
Remember Blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10? He was waiting on the side of the road for Jesus. It must have been frustrating for him, unable to see. He couldn’t look down the road and see Jesus coming in the distance to prepare himself. Jesus was traveling with a huge crowd. It’s hard enough to spot someone in a crowd when you have perfect vision. Poor Bartimaeus depended on clues from the crowd to know when Jesus was present. Verse 47 tells us that “he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth and began to cry out.”
I wonder what blind people hear right now? We once were blind, but now we see. Those who are still blind, waiting for Jesus, searching for hope…they will only know Jesus has arrived when they hear us. Our behavior and voices will signal to the blind that Jesus is present. Imagine if Bartimaeus had heard cussing and fussing, accusations and anxiety. He would have logically concluded, “Jesus must not be here.” Sadly, many spiritually blind Americans are concluding the same thing today. Where is Jesus? He cannot possibly be with those folks.
Can You Hear Me Now?
So while I laid my 2020 burdens down, I carry a new burden into the future. I am determined to be positive, affirming, loving in my thoughts, words, and deeds. When I feel like somebody deserves a good clapback, I pray to refrain. I remind myself daily of the wisdom in 2 Timothy 2:23-25.
“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.“
Remember, blind people are listening.Let’s think before we speak and consider our reactions.
SHINE Through Your Cracks!