This is one of my many “favorite” verses in the Bible and it was applicable today as the rain changed our plans. We were scheduled to pour the concrete for the major sidewalk project today but wound up doing salvation bracelets with the children and raking leaves with one of the house mothers. It was not what we planned but what the Lord had in store for us today, because today was a day for building relationships, not material things.
The extra time spent with the criancas (children) was a blessing because there are so many new children at the orphanage, that we need the extra time with them to learn and memorize their names. This is important so that we can call them by name as we interact with them.
The time spent with the house mother hopefully showed her that we are willing to put aside our foolish pride and do whatever work our hands find to do as if we are doing it unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-loosely paraphrased).
A Christian that is unwilling to change when prompted by the Holy Spirit is in danger of missing opportunities to grow personally and to deepen their understanding of the Love of Jesus.
Inflexibility is one of the worst human failings. You can learn to check impetuosity, overcome fear with confidence, and laziness with discipline. But for rigidity of mind there is no antidote. It carries the seeds of its own destruction.
If the title of this blog strikes you as funny or strange, just remember that it is true. We all like our schedules, routines, and plans. The question is how well do you respond when God asks you to change your plans because they do not line up with His? In the book of Isaiah, the Lord says,” just as the heavens are above the earth, so are my thoughts and my ways above yours” (Isaiah 55:8-9, again loosely paraphrased).
As you go forth today, remember that the “change of plans” that you face today, may be God trying to work His will in your life. Because God is calling us out of our comfort zones into a life of complete surrender to the cross. To live dangerously is not to live recklessly, but righteously. And it is because of God’s radical grace for us that we can risk living a life of radical obedience for Him. Loosely paraphrased, be a “wet baby” today.
In His Grip,
Michael
P.S. Found out today that I am preaching the Saturday night message at the church!! Keep me in your prayers.
Comments
What an amazing reminder of God’s glorious grace and mercy He has for us all!
Blessed by the stories coming out of your journey and all the
Seeds He is sowing in the hearts of these children through all of you!
Continually praying for His outpouring of love and safety for you all…
So excited to hear about your adventures Ty! 🙂
This blog should be published as reqiured reading for Christians and anyone who whats to grow (in God’s grace) and be happy (in Jesus). These phenomenons,like inflexibility, that are not sins or against any law can be so detrimental to the ONLY life we have. The unwillingness to change when prompted by the Holy Spirit is dangerous…Continue to be open to the Holy Spirit especially during this Pentacost season.
Be Prayerful and Careful, EJ’s Mother, Eolia II