I Am Amazed

But Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God to those people whom God has called - Jews and Greeks.  - 1 Corinthians 1:24

I am amazed when a man struggles to walk with the help of a cane to the front of 1,000 people, and though physically weak and frail speaks with authority and strength. 

I am amazed when a man sits in a wheel chair unable to stand, and speaks before 1,000 people proclaiming his life has never been richer, his relationships never so full.

I am amazed when a man lies in a bed barely able to raise his head and before a 1,000 people reads scripture to encourage and give hope.

 I am amazed when a man with every right to withdraw from his church family because of the pain and sickness he endures, continues to show them great love and spiritual leadership.

 I am amazed when a man is near death and yet is not afraid.

Having physical strength and health, having a comfortable living, having all that we want and need are often the very things that keep us from the intimate, rich relationship with God we so desire. The thief comes to steal away from us the real secret of true life deceiving us to desperately pursue the wrong things. To live the abundant life (John 10:10 NKJV) is counter-intuitive to what we told from birth in this world. 

Brothers and sisters, look at what you were when God called you. Not many of you were wise in the way the world judges wisdom. Not many of you had great influence. Not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and he chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose what the world thinks is unimportant and what the world looks down on and thinks is nothing in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. God did this so that no one can brag in his presence. Because of God you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God. In Christ we are put right with God, and have been made holy, and have been set free from sin.　1 Corinthians 1:26-30 NCV

The power of a Godly life lived with full faith and assurance is perplexing to those who do not know The Lord and underestimated by many who do. God's power and the richness of living the abundant life are realized only when we surrender ourselves and our own strength to His. As I write this one of the Shepherds from our church is nearing the end of his life here.  It is after 4 years of cancer that has taken away his physical strength and shortened what we consider a normal life span. There is great sadness by his family and friends as he draws closer to leaving this place. Yet in that sadness what is known as we watch this great man of faith is his life is only beginning, his joy will only increase, his hope will be realized, and the power of his life of faith speaks louder than ever. I am amazed by this and I want what he has.

 

Our Father in heaven, we so desire to be closer to You, to draw our strength from You and You alone. Give us this day at least a moment of understanding that reveals the richness of knowing You. 　In Jesus name.

Scotty Elston
Shallowater, Texas