Something that has been an unexpected joy in my life with our team is leading and facilitating book studies for the FYM team. Throughout the course of their 9 months in England the FYM’s will read and work through 8-12 books on topics such as spiritual identity, prayer, evangelism, spiritual warfare, world view, core beliefs of the faith etc. of both the classic and contemporary nature. Last night I finished up my third book study with the team as we read through and discussed “Who I Am in Christ” by Neil T. Anderson.
In the final chapters there were several awesome poems and I thought I would share two with you this morning. The first reads:
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve; I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things; I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy; I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life; I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for; but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all me, most richly blessed.
Author and source unknown Neil T. Anderson “Who I Am in Christ” p 243-244
And an excerpt from a poem by Edith Lillian Young reads:
“Disappointment – His appointment,”
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God’s better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Tho’ it may come in disguise,
Neil T. Anderson “Who I Am in Christ” p 263
Currently, God is working with me on both perspective and patience. Sometimes I just want to rush God as he works out healing in my life or the lives of others. I find myself wanting to fast-forward life 9 months from now instead of seeking what God would have me learn between now and then. I find myself with people or the “wrong” people when I desire solitude. I find myself in solitude when I desire to be with a specific person or people. I often put first my desires when I am called to put the desires of others before mine, to be a servant leader. I find myself feeling disappointed, instead of seek His appointment.
As hard as it may be some mornings, like this morning, I desire God’s better choice for me. After all, as Edith Lillian Young reminds us, “His appointment must be blessing, Tho’ it may come in disguise . . . .” (NLT).
Proverbs 17:3 says, “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.”
May our hearts be tested and refined by the Lord, in order that we may see and embrace God’s better choice for us this day.
Chaddington
