Living in the tension
I have been feeling a lot of tension lately. By tension I don't mean stress; I mean the feeling of being the rubber band stretched tightly between the Truth I have staked my life on and the currently reality in front of me every day. I know with everything in me that God is Healer; yet every day I am faced with unhealed sickness, disease, disability, and emotional brokenness in the people around me.
It's not a comfortable place. In fact, it is often profoundly uncomfortable to stand in the presence of two diametrically opposing realities without giving in to the one I can physically see. The strain is physical, emotional, and spiritual; and it can be hard to find others willing to stand with me in such an awkward place. Indeed, this is the place many instead falter and fall.
Actually, I have fallen myself, many times. Over and over again, I have learned how deeply I must rely on the grace and goodness of God to reach down and help me back to my feet, over and over again.
This is why I have given my life to the Lord. Not out of a sense of duty or a fear of burning in Hell.
Rather, I have tasted and seen. I have experienced the tangible goodness of God, and I refuse to settle for anything less for myself or those around me. God is and always will be a Healer of bodies, minds, hearts, emotions, and relationships. He does not cause sickness and disease; nor does He look at a tormented child and refuse to extend His hand.
The presence of disease does not mean God makes people sick. It means we are involved in a war and battle wounds happen. Bystanders get caught in the line of fire. Our enemy delights in attacking innocents and watching others blame God.
So the tension remains. I find I am unable to maintain my stance in my own strength. Straining with willpower causes me to fall faster.
I have to find another way to use my strength. So I give everything I have to God.
Not mentally, with a silent prayer. Literally.
With every ounce of strength I have, I throw myself at God in worship, in praise, in intercession and prayer. I use every bit of energy I can find to press and strain towards the only One who is able to make me stand in this place I have chosen.
At times, I am raw and wounded and bleeding as I run to Him. The tension has pulled me past my current ability to bear. No matter. I throw myself towards God all the more and let Him restore what would otherwise fester and rot.
And as He lifts me to my feet once again, I look around for others to stand beside me. I am looking for others willing to live in the tension; ready to confront the world's ugliness face-to-face and declare the goodness of God, smiling all the while.
Is it you? I hope so. I need you; the world needs you more. Let's stand back-to-back, encouraging each other - "so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Eph. 6:13).
It's not a comfortable place. In fact, it is often profoundly uncomfortable to stand in the presence of two diametrically opposing realities without giving in to the one I can physically see. The strain is physical, emotional, and spiritual; and it can be hard to find others willing to stand with me in such an awkward place. Indeed, this is the place many instead falter and fall.
Actually, I have fallen myself, many times. Over and over again, I have learned how deeply I must rely on the grace and goodness of God to reach down and help me back to my feet, over and over again.
This is why I have given my life to the Lord. Not out of a sense of duty or a fear of burning in Hell.
Rather, I have tasted and seen. I have experienced the tangible goodness of God, and I refuse to settle for anything less for myself or those around me. God is and always will be a Healer of bodies, minds, hearts, emotions, and relationships. He does not cause sickness and disease; nor does He look at a tormented child and refuse to extend His hand.
The presence of disease does not mean God makes people sick. It means we are involved in a war and battle wounds happen. Bystanders get caught in the line of fire. Our enemy delights in attacking innocents and watching others blame God.
So the tension remains. I find I am unable to maintain my stance in my own strength. Straining with willpower causes me to fall faster.
I have to find another way to use my strength. So I give everything I have to God.
Not mentally, with a silent prayer. Literally.
With every ounce of strength I have, I throw myself at God in worship, in praise, in intercession and prayer. I use every bit of energy I can find to press and strain towards the only One who is able to make me stand in this place I have chosen.
At times, I am raw and wounded and bleeding as I run to Him. The tension has pulled me past my current ability to bear. No matter. I throw myself towards God all the more and let Him restore what would otherwise fester and rot.
And as He lifts me to my feet once again, I look around for others to stand beside me. I am looking for others willing to live in the tension; ready to confront the world's ugliness face-to-face and declare the goodness of God, smiling all the while.
Is it you? I hope so. I need you; the world needs you more. Let's stand back-to-back, encouraging each other - "so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Eph. 6:13).
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