Telling of Power

Sometimes I wonder that if maybe I were born different, I might appreciate things slightly more, or at least have a better perspective. Let me clarify that I am in no way speaking against my upbringing or complaining about the life I have had in which case I know God has protected me. But I see people who have had great trials in their lives and come out of with faith in God that I have tried to have for so long. I have tremendous faith in God, but these people, they are made to give their testimonies.

Now I know what your thinking, well Emilie...everyone is made to give their testimonies. I agree. However I believe that there are people who have testimonies that only God could piece together so perfectly. Take my testimony for example, well, I don't have much to say, I grew up in church, baptized at the age of 10, hit my teenage years, rebelled for a short while. My conscience wouldn't allow me to rebel anymore so I stopped. Became more involved in my youth group, decided to come to Bible college. Wow riveting stuff right? Well I know I didn't go into detail, but if I did, it still wouldn't impact you much.

But there are people, lots of people, who not by their own will, have stories that glorify the Lord because of the work He's done in them. When I say "not by their own will" I mean, some things happened to them that they could not control, such as I could control rebellion but for a short period of my teenage life took it upon myself to go ahead and act upon. I could get dramatic and say "I hit bottom and God lifted me from the darkness I had created for myself." BUT that would not be the facts. Actually I just felt this urge to return back to what I knew was right all along.

SO whats my point? God never uses the strengths of this world to really drive something home. He uses the weaker things, the things that blindside us, that really make us think. Sometimes it comes in the form of people who have been battered, some form of physical disablement, sometimes it comes in major choices whether it be save the person that has not been saved and let the Christian die, or should I profess the name of Jesus because if I do the people might rise up against me.

I wonder if I didn't have this "privileged life" would I still sing "Holy is the Lord God Almighty" or would I be bitter and jealous? Would I praise God in the midst of my uncertainty of life? Or would I curse Him? Would I love Jesus all the more? Or would I mourn in my ailments?

Would you? Could you?

I would love to say yes I would sing, and praise, and love, but would I? It is only realized after being tested by faith that you can truly say yes...I would. I have been tested, and I hope I passed, but compared to others, my tests have been trying, but compared to a rape victim who forgives her/his offender? Compared to the person born blind, never seeing their mother's face or the sunrise, or anything, yet seeing beauty in God's love is beyond me.

This life is a vapor, how are we spending it? What are we gaining from it? How are we glorifying God in it? If we have a story are we too afraid to tell it? If God has granted us the GIFT of a life so telling of His power, how are we using it to bring other's closer to Him?

This is on my mind and I had to share it.

All to God.