Is it sunset or sunrise? Is the day beginning or ending? Is light coming or will it be darkness? What lies ahead?
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This was a topic of discussion in C.S. Lewis' book, The Great Divorce. Both in heaven and in hell it was twilight. In both places the residents anticipated the dawn, but it's clear from the story that in one place dawn is coming and in the other eternal darkness.
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For some the dusk between morning and night has them confused. The events of life have kept them in these dimly lit hours so long that they don't know if it's dawn on the way or dark. For some the approach of the dawn looks like the approach of darkness. It's hard for them to anticipate daylight when they have been in the gloom of dusk for so long.
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This morning I met with one of our guys who is really discouraged. He's anticipating the night when in fact the day is about to dawn, but he can't see it. He only sees his sun setting when all around the birds are singing as the day arrives. When we go through difficult experiences of life it seems that darkness is what awaits us. We lose vision, lose hope, lose our bearing of what God is doing. The dusk, our problems, anticipate either night or dawn and we don't know which awaits us, but there is this promise of the morning approaching as the author of scripture writes,
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2 Peter 1:19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
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It's not the dark ahead, but morning. When you are discouraged, depressed, anticipating your dusk to soon turn to dark realize that God has promised morning for us. Light is coming, not fading away. Hope is rising, not disappearing. Life isn't over, it's just beginning. The dawn is on the way. The morning star will soon be here and darkness will disappear forever.
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I did my best this morning to encourage my friend and give him hope for the day ahead. I fear his dusk lingers. He is awaiting the night and not hoping for day, but listen carefully...the birds are chirping. The Son of righteousness is soon to come. Morning nears.
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4 comments:
Dear Pastor,
Just feel like sharing how i feel now. I remember clearly God prompts my heart to start a campus ministry which i have a burden for. But unfortunately, at this very moment, when everything is ready. Conflicts start to appear between my friend n I regarding this ministry. I acknowledge a different stages of life we are in and maybe my pride in some ways that make me feel better than him. I realize i cant continue in this ministry anymore. I make a decision to quit from it. However, lately many relationship problems come into my life and discourage me greatly. I always pray to God, hoping to be an understanding friend to others but i feel so unworthy to achieve it. Sometimes, why is it so difficult for us to grow more like Jesus. Esp when we deal with people, deal with relationships. I come to a point feel that i dun think i m qualified to involve in the ministry to nurture the younger ones.
Yun,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You finished with these words, "I come to a point feel that i dun think i m qualified to involve in the ministry to nurture the younger ones."
May I tell you that you are right? Neither you nor I are qualified to do this thing called ministry. It's Christ in us that does the ministry, gives the gifts, speaks, leads and a hundred other things. Each time I speak I feel completely unworthy of saying anything to anyone. That's exactly how I should feel. It's called seeing myself "right sized." It's called humilty and knowing I'm unable, unworthy and any other un- you want to add.
Yun, that's why God picked us! He picked us because we ARE unable and unworthy. He picked us so that we would allow HIM to minister through us. Read 1 Cor. 1 and you will see what I mean.
Here's the thoughts that run through my mind each time I do ministry-
my life- God gave it to me
my salvation- God sought me and saved me
my gift- it comes from God
the bible- God wrote it and gave it to us
the words to say- from his Spirit
the insight into his word- again, His Spirit
ALL I have and do come from him and are for his glory! ALL!!!
What do you and I bring to this? Yun, we are simply available for God to use us. All the rest comes from Him.
One pastor said that 85% of ministry is just showing up. I think it's more like 95%. So, brother, just show up, be available and let God work through you. It's when we come to the end of our abilities that we finally realize all we have and do comes from him. He will do great things with a simple life that is available to him to use.
Hi Pastor,
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I nearly cried the moment i read your 1st and 2nd paragraph.
I felt so struggle and bad for my own pride when this situation appeared. I wish so much that i could get rid of that pride so that i can restore the situation and the relationship with this person. But, i came to realize im just so weak to even forgive. I knew it was bad for being unforgiven but at this current moment, i just couldnt do that.I need time for the restoration.
But, i am very thankful for my mentor who is willing to walk me through this stage of growth in humility. When i kept condemning myself for my own inadequacy, she is here to encourage me and reminds me that i am a human being who is sinful by nature.I am weak and the Lord knows it. Of course, your encouragement also helps me a lot. At least, it comforts me greatly. =)
Yup, i agree every gift that i have now is from God and i have nothing to boast unless i boast in the Lord. I just need to be patient to let God mould me.
By the way, i am a sister.hehe. Once again, thank you very much for ur message. I am encouraged to continue my journey once again!! =)
Yun,
thank you for your note. I'm sorry I goofed on your gender. I don't know names in your part of the world well, do I? Sorry. Thanks for your words. I will be praying for you in the days ahead.
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