Worshipping Even If

We’re all so different.

Different in personalities, the way our bodies work, and our priorities.

While singing in church last Sunday, I observed three distinct differences.

The congregation rose to worship. All but the man in front of me. Why?

The man in front of me was distracted.

He instead was sitting, reading and typing on his phone’s screen.

Not worshipping at all.

A few rows up, another man stood to worship.

Clapping in time with the music, I noticed his clap was different.

One of his arms was useless. Literally.

Yet he was clapping the best way he could by using his arm and his good hand.

He was engaged, giving his best to our Lord.

Near the alter was a third man.

His mind is not whole like mine, yet he is very sincere and kind.

He was worshipping as he knelt, arms spread wide in submission to God.

Three men. Three different responses. Two engaged, one not.

The man sitting on his phone was missing out.

Funny thing is this: he looked “normal” on the outside.

Normal body. Normal mind.

The two men engaged in worship had something “wrong” with their physical body.

But their focus was on God.

The absence of conflict creates complacency.

When our bodies function, our minds work, and we sit in relative comfort, it’s easy to rely on ourselves.

Why would we need God?

But when life isn’t perfect, or causes us to say ouch, back we rely on Him and His provision.

Let’s keep our focus fixed on God, in good times and bad.

Let’s fully rely on Him, instead of our incapable selves.

Let’s follow the example of the men, who embraced worshipping God, no matter what.

My book releases on Tuesday. Epic event in the short life of me.

But I’m like the men who have something “wrong”.

My life has not been what I pictured.

But I’d rather have my scars, because I can witness to you the faithfulness of God.

Because of the choices of others, I can testify of the goodness of God even if.

Even if life sometimes says ouch, God is still sovereign. Good. He’s the calm amidst the storm.

Our testimonies are richer when we walk with God during life’s storms.

Just like the men who chose to worship even though they looked different, let’s also choose to worship God when life looks different.

God is and was and always will be on the throne of life. Embrace Him always with yours.

Photos by Zac DurantGuillaume de GermainJoel MunizBen WhiteStephanie Klepacki, & Luis Alberto Sánchez Terrones on Unsplash

God’s Provision

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?  Matthew 6:26-27

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Thought I’d remind us of God’s provision today.

His provision of earthly needs like TP, food, water.

His provision of spiritual needs like forgiveness and grace.

And His ultimate authority over the devil.

And also His provision of emotional needs like comfort and peace.

God’s storehouses are always filled to overflowing.

His power knows no bounds.

Even for our physical needs?

Yep.

Remember the Isrealites?

He fed them in the desert.

Every day.

He knows your every need.  Even your physical ones.

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Funny story:  yes, I’m still stuck on finding toilet paper.

Where is it all, I still beg to know?

Recently, my son, who lives on his own, was over for lunch.

Said he was down to his last roll of TP.

Discovered my mother was rationing as well.

My daughter calls, says a pallet of TP has literally just been unwrapped on the floor of the store.

Immediately, we jump into the car and run into the store, locating our mystified treasure.

Sure enough, there’s some.

Not a ton, maybe 50 packages.

My son, husband and I each grab one.

Score!

Literally feel as if we have won the lottery.

We deliver one to my folks, not getting too close, of course.

They are truly grateful.

And so is my son.

Have I seen any more TP in the stores since then?

Nope.

Still don’t know where it all has gone.

But when my son and parents needed it, God delivered.

Shouldn’t be surprising.

God sees you.

He sees your every need.

And He’s got it.

He’s more than enough to cover you emotionally.

He’s more than enough to cover you spiritually.

And He’s more than enough to cover you physically.

Keep trusting Him for enough.

Because He is.

He is enough.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

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Photos by Claudiu HegedusMarkus SpiskeWill Bolding, & Guido Jansen on Unsplash

Proof

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9

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You want proof God exists?

You want proof He is here?

Open your eyes.

Look around.

Really look.

Before God,

Your life was a mess.

Before His salvation,

Your life was a wreck.

Your life after God has had many disasters.

But He is there every single time.

Carrying you through.

Not unscathed, but whole.

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Instead of looking at your life and focusing on the disappointments,  be amazed at how He has been there.

And still is.

Instead of asking God for proof of His very existence,  look at His proof staring you in the face.

Your spouse.

Your children.

Your job you didn’t know you’d need.

Your safety net of family and friends.

Physical provision just when you needed it.

Emotional support from a friend when it mattered most.

Unexplained bursts of joy in the midst of trials.

A peace which passes all understanding keeping your heart secure, while life on the outside looks chaotic.

God smiles at us all the time.

Through others.

That’s the proof.

Me, I tend to focus on the “too bad’s”.

Too bad life isn’t this way.

Or that.

And then I become unhappy.

Frankly, I have the distinct ability to wallow in the unhappy.

Gee, no wonder I do when I focus only on the “too bad’s”.

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Look at life, instead, this way.

We live in a broken world.

But God has made all the difference in this life.

His provision has carried you through things you didn’t even know were wrong.

His love has filled you with peace time and time again.

So instead of focusing on the “too bad’s”, focus on the “it’s great that’s”.

Choose to focus on the good that most certainly outweighs the bad.

And see His hand that has been on your life, is on your life, and always will be on your life.

Proof.

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Photos by pixpoetryAnnie Spratt,  Artem Bali, & George Hiles on Unsplash