Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Confessions of a Different Sort

This week's true confessions are going to take a different turn.  Stay with me.

I don't typically discuss my faith on my blog.  You know, that whole concept that religion and politics are off-limits.  I don't know why.  Maybe out of fear of offending someone, because I have my own questions, not really knowing what to say in the first place.  I know that I believe in God and I know that he is watching over me, but what do I REALLY believe?  What is FAITH?  How do I KNOW?  Do I really understand the awesome power He has?  The amazing love He has for us?

In any case, I rarely discuss my relationship with God in this forum; however, He really hit me over the head on Sunday.  I belong to a LCMS (Lutheran) church and about 4 months ago, our church started a second, contemporary service.  Hubs attends both services (he's the chair of lay ministry, so he has to, but would choose the traditional if given the option) while the kids and I have been attending the contemporary service.  I have been moved to tears in many of these services.  Honestly, it is usually the music that does it.  However, this Sunday was different.  The sermon was about sharing our walk with God and how it isn't just the pastor's job to teach others about God.  Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 to "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."  Huh.  Gotta think about that one.  What would I say if someone asked me why I have hope?  If someone asked me about my personal relationship with God, what would I say? 

Later that evening, the family went to a church potluck, had some yummy grub (some of it decidedly non-Lutheran even!), and we watched the most eye-opening video.  I was moved to tears (which I tried my best to hide so as to not look like a crazy person).  This video made me realize that even in the vastness of God's creation, he knows me and he's always know me.  He loves me.  He is going to hold me together.  I just have to trust him.  I am not in control.  Like the Psalmist said, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14.




The lecture went on, discussing the enormity of the universe that God created (you can watch the rest of it on YouTube  and I encourage you to watch when you have the time).  I sat in my seat dumbfounded.  How could I question God?  How could I advise God?  How can I doubt?  If God can create the Heavens and the Earth, I should trust that he did a pretty good job with little, insignificant, me.  He has created stars that are enormous.  Heck, I don't think there is an adjective to accurately describe them!  But not only has he created the Heavens and the Earth.  He created me.  He created every molecule in my body.  Every fiber of my being.  He will hold me together.  I just need to trust.

8 comments:

  1. I'm glad you posted this. I will have to go back and watch when there's more free time in my day (today is *not* that day). But I'm glad you were hit in heart. Sometimes we don't notice the message we need to hear and when it hits you, it can bring you to your knees.

    ((hugs)) my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. WOW! This was awesome. I love that you shared your faith. And I love what Kristen said. More often this week I have been brought to my knees. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Faith and trust are so HARD. Thank you for the reminder to remember just how awesome God IS!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have heard this before and it is soooo moving. It definitely is a tear-invoking message!! Thanks for sharing with us!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. love that you shared this.

    all the science talk was over my head - but then again so is the magnitute of God!

    but the laminin right hook? cold chills. seriously.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bari, I could have written so much of this post. I don't talk about religion or politics for the same reasons. I also struggle with the enormity of God and the reality of his existence.

    I just watched both of those clips and WOW. WOWOWOWOWOW. That's all I can say. The second one moved me to tears.

    Christy

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've tried to watch this a few times but the kids keep interrupting {sigh}. I will definitely be watching when I can actually *concentrate*. I am amazed at how big and awesome God is. Thanks for sharing this side of you with us. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm going to start my snow day watching these videos. I wonder why it is that we are all so quiet about our faith, our religions. Loved this post. You did an excellent job.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are like big, squishy hugs to me - and I love hugs!

Happy New Year 2020

It looks like my M.O. is to open this blog when I get the notification the domain name renewed. LOL oh well. I hope everyone is having a n...