Confession: I don't like autumn.
I know, I know. You're thinking: WHAT?! It's the season of football, all things apple, and pretty leaves! Are you not American?!
Yes, I'm American, and yes, I know I'm in the minority on this one. Alright, so here's the root of the confession: I don't like change. I like comfort, and fall means the comfort and ease of summer is passing.
Summer equals relaxation and simple pleasures to me. It's the season of warmth, beaches, flip-flops, vacations, sunshine until 9pm, and frozen yogurt. (Well, okay, while I'm confessing - the frozen yogurt part is really year-round for me!) Fall signals the end of this peaceful season and the disruption of the laid back summer mindset that encompasses us all. Fall means gearing up and getting busy.
Here's a thought: Jesus probably didn't like his comfort to be disrupted either. However; thankfully, he recognized that going with change instead of fighting against it was the wiser way to respond to changes God brought about in his life. We get a glimpse of his attitude toward the massive change God was bringing his way when we read Matthew 26:39. Jesus prays, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
I love that we get this insight into Jesus' thought processes and honest feelings. I just love that this short but significant prayer was included in scripture so that we can see that he was not initially always "for" what God asked of Him and that his flesh sometimes resisted things, much like mine does. The fact that he didn't really want something to happen and asked God to stop it helps me relate to Him more.
The difference in Jesus' response and the response that often leaks out of me is that Jesus had the wisdom to recognize right away that God's will is best, even when it doesn't feel good. Did Jesus want to die? No, we learn from his words there that He did not. But, he realized that God (who sees the entire canvas while we just see the index card in front of our faces) knew best. He yielded to God. He had the wisdom and maturity to lay down his desires and submit because He trusted God enough and knew that whatever God wanted was so much better in the end than what his flesh wanted in the "now."
Eventually, most of us come to that conclusion as well, but sadly it's usually after a struggle with frustration and selfishness - wasted energy. I long to be rooted deeply enough and in such constant communication with God that my instant response is like Jesus' here - honest, but recognizing God's sovereignty and going with it.
Change is not always pleasant, but it's necessary and good in the end. Think about how Jesus' story ended! Going back to my petty example - I know that fall and cooler weather are necessary for the life cycle of plants and all that God created. Thankfully, I also know that summer will come again! Jesus knew this too - He knew that his temporary suffering would result in circumstances far greater than what he could see in that moment.
Think about you. In what areas do you need to stop resisting change? Where does God want to see progress in your life, despite your hesitancy to yield that area to Him? I challenge you (and me) to spend time with him sharing how we honestly feel about this specific area and asking Him to remind us that He's the one painting the canvas- He's the one with the bigger picture in mind. Ask Him to help you (and me!) rest in that today and allow Him to do his work in us, even when it's not comfortable.
I know, I know. You're thinking: WHAT?! It's the season of football, all things apple, and pretty leaves! Are you not American?!
Yes, I'm American, and yes, I know I'm in the minority on this one. Alright, so here's the root of the confession: I don't like change. I like comfort, and fall means the comfort and ease of summer is passing.
Summer equals relaxation and simple pleasures to me. It's the season of warmth, beaches, flip-flops, vacations, sunshine until 9pm, and frozen yogurt. (Well, okay, while I'm confessing - the frozen yogurt part is really year-round for me!) Fall signals the end of this peaceful season and the disruption of the laid back summer mindset that encompasses us all. Fall means gearing up and getting busy.
Here's a thought: Jesus probably didn't like his comfort to be disrupted either. However; thankfully, he recognized that going with change instead of fighting against it was the wiser way to respond to changes God brought about in his life. We get a glimpse of his attitude toward the massive change God was bringing his way when we read Matthew 26:39. Jesus prays, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
I love that we get this insight into Jesus' thought processes and honest feelings. I just love that this short but significant prayer was included in scripture so that we can see that he was not initially always "for" what God asked of Him and that his flesh sometimes resisted things, much like mine does. The fact that he didn't really want something to happen and asked God to stop it helps me relate to Him more.
The difference in Jesus' response and the response that often leaks out of me is that Jesus had the wisdom to recognize right away that God's will is best, even when it doesn't feel good. Did Jesus want to die? No, we learn from his words there that He did not. But, he realized that God (who sees the entire canvas while we just see the index card in front of our faces) knew best. He yielded to God. He had the wisdom and maturity to lay down his desires and submit because He trusted God enough and knew that whatever God wanted was so much better in the end than what his flesh wanted in the "now."
Eventually, most of us come to that conclusion as well, but sadly it's usually after a struggle with frustration and selfishness - wasted energy. I long to be rooted deeply enough and in such constant communication with God that my instant response is like Jesus' here - honest, but recognizing God's sovereignty and going with it.
Change is not always pleasant, but it's necessary and good in the end. Think about how Jesus' story ended! Going back to my petty example - I know that fall and cooler weather are necessary for the life cycle of plants and all that God created. Thankfully, I also know that summer will come again! Jesus knew this too - He knew that his temporary suffering would result in circumstances far greater than what he could see in that moment.
Think about you. In what areas do you need to stop resisting change? Where does God want to see progress in your life, despite your hesitancy to yield that area to Him? I challenge you (and me) to spend time with him sharing how we honestly feel about this specific area and asking Him to remind us that He's the one painting the canvas- He's the one with the bigger picture in mind. Ask Him to help you (and me!) rest in that today and allow Him to do his work in us, even when it's not comfortable.
Love this, Leigh!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary Lou! :-)
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