Eclipsed

He is jealous for me.

Love like a hurricane,

I am a tree bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.

When all of a sudden

I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory.

And I realize just how beautiful you are

and how great your affections are for me.

How easy it is to get caught up in the "just a sinner" mentality? We constantly analyze our behavior, single out the awful, and say to ourselves:

There's no way God could love me unconditionally.

Well, surprise.

He does.

I believe that recognizing a sinful nature and imperfect past creates an awareness of a dire need for a savior. But I also believe that when you remember and ponder on this, you can't dishonor the cross by solely focusing on the negative and disregarding the redemption found in Christ.

In 1 Timothy 1:15 and 16, Paul writes this: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of who I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."

Paul

* a man who slandered the name of Christ

** a man who hunted and killed Christians

*** a man who gained fame for his brutality and unabashed devotion against Christ

This man, who in his own words, was the worst of sinners, received eternal life from the Man whom he hated with all of his heart. In 1:15 and 16, he recognizes his sin, but look at what he says in verse 17.

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."

He spins immediately away from his label as a "sinner," accepts his salvation, and lets the glory of God eclipse everything.

"When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory. And I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me."

I feel like if this song would have been written in Paul's day, he would have been screaming it at the top of his lungs. I know I would.

Remember who you are, where you've come from, and where you're going. But most importantly, please remember to let the glory of God eclipse you.

Unwanted Deliveries

When Satan comes after you, he sends what seems like all of his minions to torture and test you. This week, his minions delivered me several unwanted packages.

My first package came on Sunday, when my boss unjustly criticized me at work. He dropped a box full of bitterness and resentment at my feet and left me to carry it all week.

My second package came Wednesday morning, when I got news of my grandfather's death. Satan sent a letter stuffed with death straight into my mailbox and waited for me to open it.

My third package came when it was announced that the funeral would be on Monday, hindering me from traveling to Houston to serve God's people alongside my dearest friends from Friends University. Satan delivered disappointment and confusion into my lap, and laughed as I drowned in it.

My fourth package came when, after leaving the donut whole last night, I forgot to turn my lights on. Satan's messenger (the policeman, haha) slid a 91 dollar ticket into my hands, and stiffly walked away.

But then, a fifth package came. And as unexpected as the previous drop offs had been, this one took me by complete surprise.

This unique package came when I stepped into the campus ministries lounge to withdrawal from the trip. I expected to just drop off my package of bad news, turn around, and walk out. But my friends had other plans.

They sent me the greatest package; one that outshone the desperate and resentful packages I received previously. Inside this package was a loving group of friends aching for my loss and sharing in my sorrow and disappointment. Yet when I pulled out the first two parts of the package (care and concern), hope stared me in the face and dared me to pull it out. And I'm so glad I did.

Words of encouragement flooded my ears, tears forced their way out of my eyes, and prayer and worship began to heal the wounds inflicted by Satan's messengers. A piece of paper that was laid neatly at the bottom of the box caught my eye. Three short sentences reminded me of my Hope that never fails.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."