Redemption
I said I wasn't going to blog until I finished the book, but I just can't help it. I've got a few chapters to go, and I was really tired last night. Like many others who have read the book, I am also going to give it away. So leave me a comment with a number from 1-100. I'll give it to the person closest to my number. Even if you have already read it and want to give it to someone else to read, enter the drawing. (As many times as you want.) I believe it will change your life. Please, please, please...even if you have never left a comment on here before. Don't be scared!!! I promise I don't bite. :)
I got a quote in an email yesterday by a man named Larry Crabb.
"We seem more interested in managing life into a comfortable existence than in letting God spiritually transform us through hardships."
I can't agree with that more. It's like I said earlier, who wants to be uncomfortable? We are always seeking to feel good. However, I have found some of my biggest moments of growth have come through hardships.
Yesterday I confirmed some news that I was already suspicious of...and it wasn't good news. I was kind of angry and sad all at the same time. I had to make a choice though. I could look at the situation for what it was and focus on how unfair and wrong it was, or I could take that energy and use it for good. I am faithfully trying to use it for good.
God looks at things so differently than we do. I see a mess, He sees beauty. What I label as bad, He uses to make good. He never told me how long it would take, but He did ask me to trust Him that He is in control of it all.
I think one of the best lessons I have learned from The Shack so far is that I'M NOT THE JUDGE. I do see where labels have their place, but those are man made. They're not God made. He said to "guard your heart", but He never said to pass judgment on someone for the choices they make. He said to "trust Him with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, (because Larissa you will never understand) acknowledge Him, and He'll make it right." I see a mess...God sees beauty.
I know God is sad for what has happened. I know God is sad for my kids. I know He's sad for my friend who lost her mother to cancer, or my friend who lost her baby. He understands that more than anyone. He watched His son die on the cross and made the ultimate sacrifice, but HE KNEW the bigger picture. HE KNEW all wrongs would be made right.
Yesterday as I sat and thought about what my next step was, I just had the biggest sense of peace that only God can provide come over me. There will be resolution, in one way or another and it will be made right. That resolution may come with some pain, but the end result will be worth it.
With God's grace I will make it, and so will my kids. I will chose to see the blessings that I have instead of the obstacles to overcome. And I will have the faith to know that God is in the middle of it all. God and only God makes all wrongs, right.
Don't forget to comment with your number!!! I'll give it away sometime next week.
I got a quote in an email yesterday by a man named Larry Crabb.
"We seem more interested in managing life into a comfortable existence than in letting God spiritually transform us through hardships."
I can't agree with that more. It's like I said earlier, who wants to be uncomfortable? We are always seeking to feel good. However, I have found some of my biggest moments of growth have come through hardships.
Yesterday I confirmed some news that I was already suspicious of...and it wasn't good news. I was kind of angry and sad all at the same time. I had to make a choice though. I could look at the situation for what it was and focus on how unfair and wrong it was, or I could take that energy and use it for good. I am faithfully trying to use it for good.
God looks at things so differently than we do. I see a mess, He sees beauty. What I label as bad, He uses to make good. He never told me how long it would take, but He did ask me to trust Him that He is in control of it all.
I think one of the best lessons I have learned from The Shack so far is that I'M NOT THE JUDGE. I do see where labels have their place, but those are man made. They're not God made. He said to "guard your heart", but He never said to pass judgment on someone for the choices they make. He said to "trust Him with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, (because Larissa you will never understand) acknowledge Him, and He'll make it right." I see a mess...God sees beauty.
I know God is sad for what has happened. I know God is sad for my kids. I know He's sad for my friend who lost her mother to cancer, or my friend who lost her baby. He understands that more than anyone. He watched His son die on the cross and made the ultimate sacrifice, but HE KNEW the bigger picture. HE KNEW all wrongs would be made right.
Yesterday as I sat and thought about what my next step was, I just had the biggest sense of peace that only God can provide come over me. There will be resolution, in one way or another and it will be made right. That resolution may come with some pain, but the end result will be worth it.
With God's grace I will make it, and so will my kids. I will chose to see the blessings that I have instead of the obstacles to overcome. And I will have the faith to know that God is in the middle of it all. God and only God makes all wrongs, right.
Don't forget to comment with your number!!! I'll give it away sometime next week.
posted by Larissa at
10:19 AM
18 Comments:
27!!!
And great post, by the way!
I'm not leaving a number cause I already have the book and am reading it for the 3rd time! :)
I'm so glad you are loving it! I think it is one of the best pictures of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit ever!!! My favorite chapter is "Here Comes Da Judge." Wow, it just blew me away!
Okay, here's my guess. 30.
I really want to read this book. I say 72.
My number is 50! And in the spirit of old times, "I'm glad we're friends".
5. You amaze me. Always.
Wow, LOVE this post. You are who I want to be. I can't wait to visit with you more not only on the book but with some of both of our thoughts as well on this type of attitude you are talking about. Soon.
I guess 44
Every time I read your post's I just feel inspired! My guess is 72.
I LOVE YOU! My number is 3... :-)
Lucky 13!
I'm guessing 11. I'm glad you liked the book. All the buzz has me curious.
Hey woman! How are you? How is school?
7 is my number. Love this post.
have heard so much about the book. would love to read it. and if i win, i will send it on. it will be fun to track where all it goes. jenni killough did a summer book contest like that. whoever ended up with it at the end of august was supposed to mail it back to her.
oh, yea, 33 is my number!
Oh.. Oh.. pick me... pick me!
since my favorite number is gone..I will take 77. I have heard so many good things about this book!
It is all about being transformed to the image of Christ!
Ok I am going to say 52:-) It also looks like you and I are learning the same things together again...funny how divorce makes people analyze everything lol
40!
I hadn't heard of The Shack before last week. My preacher mentioned it and a friend recommended it this weekend and now you've blogged about it. Third time's a charm--I'll have to find a copy now.
Great post by the way. I found your blog recently by searching for a friend that passed away a couple years ago. You have a great way with words and I've enjoyed reading your posts.
Thanks!
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