Posted by John McGee on March 29, 1999 at 12:36:21:
In Reply to: Just a thought heavy on the heart this morning. posted by Viva Nashvegas on March 29, 1999 at 09:34:29:
: Life can indeed be heavy on us at times. These fears are common to all who seek God. i think it is important to remember that it is not up to us to move anywhere. You mentioned taking cover if we can just press on far enough. I have learned that we will never make that hill. Even if we do, the enemy advances to a new position and we are forced to press to another.
But then is life hopeless? If we can't ever find the solace we need, if we are all grossly inadequate to the task what can be done? The only course is to give up... To stand up with arms spread toward the fire and let ourselves be destroyed. This sounds bleak i know, but the strange thing is in such times of abandon we realize that the fall is exactly what we were supposed to take. For here we see that we are not walking at all, but being carried.
Oh God that i should always be held close to Your breast while You protect Your child like the lamb whose leg you must repeatedly break until at last i learn to quit trying to stand.
We must learn this paradox of logic to progress. What makes since is of no value. God uses such things to frustrate the wisdom of those who would turn His grace into a systemic function, or battle plan, as it were.
So take heart, you don't have to walk, we don't have to walk. I know that i can't. I can't move one step from where i am. i have not the will nor the strength to do it. Thank God that my Jesus will not leave me behind... and he will not leave any of His children behind.
For a practical example of this, go visit a farm with sheep. I can take you to one. I find so much comfort in interacting with them, God speaks through them...
They are helpless- the look in their eyes is one of utter innocent fear at everything. Their gaze softens only when a trusted human is near stroking and comforting them with words of encouragement... literally...
God has great metaphors.