When the Armor of God Becomes a Barrier to Reconciliation

Interesting week this week.  Most weeks are interesting, but the last 7 days have been a doozy.

"But the advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." -Jesus, John 14:26 

First and foremost, Gabe is working in San Diego this week.  Science.  When I ask him questions about his work, he speaks mostly in a language I hardly understand, full of numbers and symbols.  I nod my head and repeat what I can remember so that he doesn't realize how little I know about genetic disease, and that I absolutely only speak English.  So far so good.  He has changed my outlook on life and people and pain however, and it is very different from my previous perspective.

This summer I said goodbye to my business of four years.  It was time for a change and even though I loved my work, I am thankful to the Lord for stopping me in my tracks and re-positioning my steps.  I'm excited about what is to come.  With this transition brings time.  Time that is normally full of websites, social media marketing, phone calls, emails and just plain hard work, is now available for other things.  This week specifically, it has been filled with coffee, rest and conversation.  I forgot what life is like with kids in school, husband working out of town, and no job.  Quite frankly, minds are blown because it's been amazing.  If I could only get paid to talk to folks. . .

I've lunched with two awesome people this week who have walked through great pain.  Still are really.  This is pain that I honestly have never experienced, and some of it is murky water.  Situations that are difficult to navigate and there are no easy outs.  Sometimes life brings great confusion, great regret, sadness, sorrow, helplessness and remorse, but we have to walk the path anyway and trust that God is big enough to handle it all.  He doesn't stand at the gate and look at us with disdain, but because of our intercessor, He stands with open arms.  This is hard though.  

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.  For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do.  Romans 8:1-3

Today mom asked me what I said to the women I met with this week who have had to face difficulty head on with no escape.  I did talk to them a little bit, but mostly I listened.  I know how God magnificently rescues me on a daily basis.  He's so quick and covert in His deliverance.  I want to hear what these women are walking through, because I know God is in the details.  When there is pain, there can also be miraculous healing and new life.

In Psalms 78:19, the Hebrew people spoke against God, saying, "Can God spread a table in the wilderness?" Once He freed them from slavery, they kept forgetting how powerful He is.  They questioned whether He was powerful enough to provide food for their growling bellies.  They didn't trust Him.  I've got news for you, He can spread a table in the wilderness, even for you.  He actually wants to pull you up from the dust.  He can make you a clear path, and guide you straight toward a banquet table personalized just for you, smack dab in the middle of what you though was your own personal hell.

Psalm 37:7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him  to act.  

As a Christian, I don't want to be known for what Bible verses I can make relevant to your problems.  I've done that before, and it was lost on people I love.  I don't want to be caught up in political arguments.  Jesus never would have been.  He was too busy living, loving, healing and meeting people exactly where they were to get into political debate.  All of these questions about social and political alignment, who freaking cares?  If someone takes the time to meet with me and ask me questions about anything, I will answer, but forwarding careless articles full of one sided stupidity is over-rated.  I'd like to just be there, and be willing to have a hopeful conversation.  I may not help all that much, but God can direct your path.  He loves you, and you deserve to know it.  Because of Jesus, we all sit within ear-shot of the King of Kings.  This is bigger than we realize and my opinions of sin should not get in the way of your relationship with God.

Ain't nobody perfect, my friends, not even close, and some will experience a loneliness in life that we could never fathom.

Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you, and keep you;  The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you;  The Lord lift up His countenace on you, and give you peace.