Monday, August 4, 2008

Awesome Devotion!

I love it when God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Today was one of those days. As I was reading through emails one of my adoption buddies posted this devotional from Joni Eareckson Tada's website. I respect Joni a lot for how she's lived her life despite what others see as a debilitating accident. It is so perfectly fitting for me right now. Today. This week. This season.



We Were Made for This



I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth - everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. --Isaiah 43:6-7



Ever wonder exactly why God created you? Or why he placed children in your specific family? God couldn't have spelled it out any plainer than in Isaiah 43:6-7. He created you and me for one purpose: to showcase his glory, to enjoy it, display it, and demonstrate it every day to all those we encounter. What does it mean to put his glory on display? It means highlighting his attributes and characteristics. It means making hard choices to do the right - that is, the righteous - thing. It means biting your tongue from gossiping, going out of your way for a neighbor in need, telling the truth even when it's hard, not snapping back when someone hurts you, or speaking freely and openly about your Father in heaven. In short, it's living like Jesus lived when he walked on earth.


* * * * * * * God is invisible. In the Old Testament, whenever he wanted to display his character, his innermost being, he did so through something visible like a burning bush, a pillar of cloud or of fire, or a "theophany" (an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ). In the New Testament, God displayed his glory through his Son, Jesus. But Jesus doesn't physically walk on earth anymore, and bushes that burn are only in prairie fires or piles of raked leaves. So how does an invisible God display his glory in this age? Through you. What a privilege. Father God, what an honor I've been given! You no longer choose burning bushes through which to speak, you choose people like me. Point out ways I can showcase your character and glorious qualities to others today. In so doing, I'll be glorifying you... I'll be living the life I was created to live.


I was humbled by this statement: "In short, it's living like Jesus lived when he walked on earth." Am I doing that? No, not always. I can do better, I can do more, I am challenged to live my daily life as Christ would. This is an awesome reminder of what our job here on earth is. Living a life of purpose. Living so that others see Jesus in me. Teaching my children through my actions more then my words. Getting out there and doing, ministering to others, helping others, building relationships.




5 comments:

Christy. said...

What a great devotion, I needed to hear that this morning.
We are going onto week 2 with my brother-in-law staying with us and other relatives staying here to take care of him.
I am trying to show them grace and Jesus' love but I am spent. My prayer this morning was that I would have renewed patience and grace to all of them. I think that will be my prayer each minute.... :0)
Thanks for the encouragement that I am where I am supposed to be, showing Jesus to my family, even when it is SO hard!

Nicholas said...

Wonderful Erica!!

Unknown said...

Erica,

Hi I'm Jill and I have been reading your blog for some time. I love how you are truly inspired by God and want to follow His call for your family NO matter what.

We too are listening ONLY to Him, despite the voices of those around us who do not approve or understand.

We don't ask why anymore - we simply say Ok Lord if it be Your will. I so understand the devotional you posted on many levels too long to share here. I hope to have the chance to get to know you better.

You can read about our 6th adoption - as we embark to bring Gabriel home from Ethiopia this December. Blessings in His amazing grace and love,
Jill

Pamela Dawn said...

Erica,
Thank you for visiting The Johnson Chronicles. We're blessed because you came. It's especially special because we share a heart for Ethiopia and God's children there. God bless you and your beautiful family.

Juan

God's Girl said...

Living for Jesus... it is truly all about Him! Thanks for sharing!