Saturday, August 20, 2011

What is promised.

I read two quotes this week in two different places, echoing the same theme. They articulated something which has been rolling in my mind and heart, and I'm grateful for their words.

"It is a pagan idea to dwell on the possibility or impossibility of God's suspending the laws of the universe and working tricks and wonders and miracles... But it is a Christian idea to believe in God being constantly present and continually creating, if only we are open to Him." 

-Vincent Donovan, Christianity Rediscovered (a book I highly recommend, btw)- HT, Brittany :-)

and

"One of the many temptations[...] is to create reasons or explanations of what God is doing... We want a reason and if God won’t give us one, we’ll find one (or make one up)... We want reasons because we want our suffering to have a purpose... For example:
-God is setting up all the heathen and arrogant doctors for a great demonstration of his power by making our situation so impossible that they can’t deny that a miracle has occurred.
-God is punishing me for sin by causing my child to suffer.
-God is preparing me for a great ministry and using my child’s suffering as a “thorn in my flesh” to keep me humble...
-God is…, God is…, God is…
At times, it bears a striking resemblance to superstition. The only thing we can be confident that “God is…” is that God is working everything for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose."
 -Needy Parents blog.

1 comment:

Remer said...

I love reading your blog-- peaceful, challenging, and encouraging. Thanks for sharing.

Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.