What’s “that thing” for you? The thing that intimidates you? The thing that is hard to face…that threatens to undo you? It might be embarrassing to admit.
Maybe it’s speaking in front of crowds… Driving in city traffic? Facing your boss on Monday morning? Or facing your mother?
For me, it’s technology. Cursed technology.
I’m in the process (and it’s a looooong process) of trying to make this blog and ministry platform better. Hopefully you’ll notice some positive changes over the next few months, but the first steps I’ve had to take have involved a boatload of technological instructions that have been, shall we say…spiritually formative (read: MADDENING AND SCARES THE PANTS OFF ME). It has felt like 2 steps backwards when I’m trying to go forward (can you relate?)
I swear I picture a huge curtain like in the Wizard of Oz and gleeful little imps behind it working a control panel with levers and switches designed to send me hurtling into the abyss.
Anyway, all that to say that some of you were kind to share or tweet about this post from last week, but if people clicked to read there was…a big fat NOTHING. Sorry!
Others of you missed this post because I was unable to transfer subscribers til yesterday.
BUT, here’s the great thing (and where YOU come in).
What I experienced in this intimidating process is exactly what I hope you experience when you show up at this blog site.
I was reminded, and I want to remind you:
- You are not alone. People are willing to help if you’re humble enough to ask. I had some amazing saints come alongside me, taking time out from their busy days to encourage, reassure, and slay the dragons that were keeping me at bay. I pray you feel that way about this blog too. We are here for each other.
- Everyone is doing their best. When we expect that of ourselves and each other we’re much more likely to extend grace. Nobody (ok very few people) set out to make your life miserable.
- This “thing” (whatever it is) will not kill you. The world is NOT coming to an end (unless Jesus shows up, in which case I’m confident He will abolish technology when He establishes heaven on earth). I keep hitting technological bumps that are humiliating, but I’m telling myself if I live to fight another day, it’s a win. Mistakes have consequences but they’re not fatal.
- Your identity is not dependent on what you accomplish. We are ALL beloved riffraff with a God who will never leave us and brothers and sisters with us, looking together for glimpses of His grace in the everyday stuff of life.
We need the dual perspective that this may not matter in the grand scheme of things, but we do, and God’s purposes will prevail.
The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Romans 8:35 MSG
So whatever you are facing today that is daunting, know that you’re not alone. Breathe deep. Lean hard. God’s love holds.