Patience is a virtue

Patience: we all struggle with it. We all forgo it when things get too hard. We all prefer to live in our own little bubble, and do things how We want to, when WE want to. Whatever we do, it's ALL ABOUT US! Sure, we occasionally think of others, but the first thought is to think "how I can help myself today ... ?" We even shelve God, in the pursuit of our own successes, and getting our way.

Most of the time, the things we ditch our patience for, are oh so trivial. Things like praying for a girlfriend, and having to wait 6 months to get one. We expect it, when we want it. We never consider the importance of what we want; where we are at in our lives; the impact of getting what we want.

Whilst driving to Craigieburn earlier in the year for a VFL game, a song came on that really challenged and convicted me: "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller. From the movie Fireproof, this is a song of encouragement and godly dependence.

Dwelling back upon this tonight, I really needed to hear this. Due to some situations I am in - employment, finance, and study issues ... this really speaks into my heart. The fact that God is always, ALWAYS in control. That whatever He has planned for me is far better than me getting my will, when I want it. The things I ask for, the things I can do for myself are useless in the face of God. This is where patience is of utmost importance. It's hard, trust me, I know that ... but most things that are good for us take time, and require concentration, dedication, and trust ... so why do we take the easy option? Because we don't want to work for things. We just expect things to come on a silver platter - money to grow on trees, and when we snap our fingers, we'll have whatever it is that we want.

So, it's renewal time. Renewal of heart and mind that is. Time to ditch the impatience, and to trust God ... trust His plans ... trust His timing ...

Straight lines and curve balls

We all have a plan in life. Something that, as we age, we refine, and add purpose to our pursuit. All these ideas formulate within our heads; some small, some huge; some achievable, some near on impossible. Whatever they are though, 'tis these that consume our time, our efforts, our money, and our life. We are driven to succeed. We are driven to be wealthy. Why though? Why is it that materialism is so important? Society. Pride. Insecurity.

We are more worried about chasing after objectives that make us look cool, or look important in the eyes of those who see us. Objectives that result in much material wealth, and hence enhance our status within our social circles. This is our straight line in life. We have our goals, and we chase after them, with everything we have. We make excuses when we fail. We change our minds and paths to suit what's admissible within society. We only care about yours truly.

It's at this point that the curve balls start. God laughs when we tell Him what our plans for our lives are. He also ignores us. What He has planned for our lives is far more significant than anything we could ever think of. There are no bright lights and bumper stickers; no trophies and action figures ... what there is, is grace, and provision. God says to us "my grace is enough." Who are you, and who am I to complain with that statement? God's grace IS ALWAYS enough! Regardless of what society tells us, the only thing worth living for is God. The only aspirations and dreams worth pursuing, are God's. The only opinion worth anything, of any note, is God's.

Remember, when life throws you a curve ball, don't whinge, don't avoid it, don't take a slight detour around it ... embrace it. That curve ball is God's way of telling you that He has something better in store, if you will just listen ...

"WOW" moments

The closer I become to God, the more I am amazed at what He is capable of. I really shouldn't be, I know that, but sometimes the things He does just leave us thinking "WOW!" It's moments like that that make being a Christian; someone who is looked unfavourably upon by society, worthwhile.
The biggest example of this in recent times for me personally, came in God granting me some insight into His plan for my life, and for others' life, whilst at the same time just working so heavily within the lives of these individuals, that leave us all thinking and wondering if it was all merely coincidence.
They say that with God, nothing just happens ... and I hold to that. Why? Well, given that He is the Creator of all things - and therefore all-knowing and all-powerful, He is in full control of where we end up in life. With the exception of one aspect: sin.
God is perfect and righteous. He is also sovereign and loving. Sin is not a part of His being in any way, shape, or form. For humans, it's what we do. I know that some people won't like hearing that, heck, I don't either ... but that's the thing, the truth hurts sometimes. We need to learn that we can do nothing on our own, we are sinners that need saving. Sure, outwardly, we are amazing creations, having being made in God's likeness, but inwardly, well, our fate has been set since Eve was deceived back in the great garden in Eden.

"I'll stand my soul Lord to you surrendered. All I am is yours."

That one line highlights the change of mindset I have undergone since submitting my life to my Saviour, and accepting the free gift He offered me, with open arms. Growing up, my self-wroth always came from things like footy, and relationships; if I could even call them that. They were the only things that were of any form of interest for me. It was all about what can I do for myself to make myself look better in the eyes of everyone? Would I have to compromise my morals, do something illegal, what? I look back now and can't believe how naive and dumb I was!
I thank God for not turning His back on me, or on anyone else for that matter. He loves the World, and that's why Jesus had to die on the Cross. (John 3:16 emphasises this, and verse 17 is just as cool). This is probably the biggest "WOW" moment that God has ever granted anyone, and He has given it to the whole World, if they choose to accept it.
As mentioned earlier, lately, God has really been showing me more and more of His scope, and the potential He has given me, to achieve great things for Him, throughout the course of my life. I don't deserve these privileges, coz really, I am the filthy rags of this World, but I know now that that is why God is choosing to use me. He has made me His ambassador to those living in a fashion that keeps them under Satan's wing, and free of God's grasp. So God, I'm all in ... in now understanding my position, I accept this challenge; I accept your vision; and I surrender all to you ...

I apologise for how disjointed this post is. I wrote it in two sittings, and it sort of changed a little from start to finish.

Confessions

You crave honesty, yet you fear the truth.
You want to know, but knowing only leads to heartache.
The truth hurts, but honesty should be rewarded.
We make mistakes, as we are only human.
We tell ourselves we screwed up, but sharing that with loved ones, is again a different story.
Confessions are simply human nature, though it doesn't mean we like hearing them.

Where Angels Fear to Tread

Out beyond your window, lies a place where angels fear to tread.
Cast in shadow, is this place, and surrounded by despair.
No-one dares to venture forth, for the elders tell of a banished fiend, who dwells amongst the wreckage.
Chaos. Anarchy. Death. They say he brought these things, upon this quiet, sheltered town.
But is this really the place, where angels fear to tread?
Law and order faltered, but free-will, and ambition appeared from many closets.
This man spoke out, and encouraged a rebellion, but banished he became.
That is why he is to be found lurking, where angels fear to tread.
Cast out of society, and rejected by his family, this man had nowhere to go.
Into the depths of Hell, his thoughts began too lead.
Struggle, would his heart, to break this downward spiral.
But all this fight, and all this love, would be in vain.
Who would ever believe, that such a man could falter?
His thoughts became more depressing, as every minute swept by him.
His appearance soon became distorted, resembling his surrounds.
For we all know, that darkness is all-consuming.
Lost for hope, and abandoned by all, it was only a matter of time, before his Spirit fell.
For he was stuck in a darkness, where angels fear to tread.
It reached a time, when he had had enough.
He reached for the blade, and held it tight, in amongst his fingers.
He thought of his family, and a tear streaked down his face.
What he would give, just for one last look.
He saw their faces, cried out, and dropped the blade.
It was for them, that he had rebelled, and cried out to the World, sacrificing himself.
The pain was so raw, and intense, and completely broke him down.
He snatched up the blade, and slashed at his wrists.
As his life slowly ebbed away, he knew that he had lost.
For his strength, and his will, had fled, when he had been cast out.
But his last comforting thought, stayed with him well past his dying day.
For he was not the bad person, that was left to society.
They couldn't handle change, for extreme it was considered.
Herein lies the place, where angels fear to tread.

Those Eyes

He pulls his mask down over his eyes, waiting for his chance.
He's an anarchist. Enmity and discord, flow within his veins.
He holds his weapon close, his lips are parched, and breath is sharp.
The woman rises, and bids her beau farewell.
The masked man is alert. His excitement, electric.
Her feet follow the path, his car follows her.
He's had her before, but it was all legal then.
"I'll show her," he mutters, vengeance on his mind.
One last time, he'll touch her skin, kiss her lips.
Stroke her hair, make love to her.
He wants her too hurt, but he loves her so.
Can he really do this?
He's consumed by a broken heart, and jealousy's his friend.
If he can't have her, then no-one can, for they don't deserve the chance.
She reaches her door, his car stops.
Fumbling with her keys, she never sees him rise.
He holds his breath, and prepares too seize his prey.
She turns the handle, and a scream hits the air.
"Mummy!" Her child throws his arms wide, and hugs his mother tight.
The man stops dead. The child looks familiar.
He knows those eyes, and that nose, for they both belong to him.
He drops his weapon, and flees the scene, tears falling thick and fast.
He understands everything now, why she left, why he was bitter. If only he had known.
Abandoned her, and chose to work, was what he had done.
She had left, and he had burnt with fury.
She was looking out for the child, giving him a steady home.
Now he understood . . . what life was all about.

Innocence

Innocence is something we all have, it's dangerous, and it makes us vulnerable.
We take things for granted. Things like safety, freedom, love.
An idealistic view of the world, helps us sleep at night.
We don't see the death, the destruction, the suffering . . . that is oh so widely publicised.
Things aren't always as the appear, but apparently, seeing is believing.
Innocence is good, when you're growing up, and can't handle the devastating nature of the truth.
But the older you get, and the more you see, it's time to let that innocence go.
Yes, innocence can protect you, but knowledge prepares you, for the rollercoaster ride that is life.
Holding onto innocence, for too long, is naive, and dangerous.
Let it go, so that you can be ready for whatever is placed in your way.