Saturday, April 16, 2016

Dynamite: Soaring on Silver Wings

Recently I had the opportunity to soar above the clouds and watch majestic mountain ranges float by beneath me. As I was contemplating the amazing miracle of aerodynamics and the concept of being suspended in the sky, a train of thought started churning its wheels…

If I tried to break a window, jump out of the plane and fly, I'd be pronouncing my death sentence.

If I walked into the cockpit and started pushing buttons and levers because I thought we were going the wrong direction, I'd probably get myself in a predicament, dead or alive, that wouldn't be enviable.

Why? Because I have no knowledge of flying.



Later that week the same thought train picked up speed after reading this verse:

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." {2 Corinthians 12:10}

Familiar? Yes, I'm sure it is for most people. I know I've read or heard it at least a hundred times.
Yet sometimes we never slow down enough to really internalize, really grasp the significance

I turned to the literal Greek translation of this verse, eager to gain a deeper blessing.
And as I read through the Strong's definitions of the key words, I was struck by the poignancy of this concept.

Allow me to share my literal translation of this verse…

"This is the reason that I take delight in being left without strength, being the recipient of stinging insults, experiencing hardships, being chased and forced into narrow corners and situations for Christ's sake; because it's when I have no strength left that I am dynamite." {Glesni's Literal Translation}

Going back to the airplane analogy, it's when I realize that I can't fly by myself…
when I admit I don't even know how to guide the plane or run the controls…
when I merely sit back and admit that I know nothing — that's when I soar on silver wings.

This is how my life becomes dynamite.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Return from Silence

I've wrestled with many things over the past few months. In fact, I am still wrestling with things.
Life isn't easy. And I wouldn't want it that way.

You always know you're in trouble when the devil leaves you completely alone.

But in the midst of my various life experiences over the years, especially this past one, I have learned some precious lessons. And it's high time I begin sharing again.

Because why keep something to yourself that is transforming your life or has done so in the past?
It all boils down to selfishness, not enough time, not prioritizing. 

I'm not making any promises about blogging every week or every month. I know the hecticity of life and the demands of time far too well.

Rather, I am merely seeking to share thoughts along my journey in the hopes that someone else might be blessed too.

"God trains His soldiers, not in tents of ease and luxury, but by turning them out and using them to forced marches and hard service." – Charles Spurgeon