Turned the alarms off this morning instead of hitting snooze, so we didn't get up in time for church. Nay, not even in time for the 11:30am service. (Sorry, I've always wanted an occasion to use the word "nay.") We must be more tired than we realize because we have gotten more sleep in the past two days than I ever dreamed (no pun intended) that we could need.
Although the morning was already gone, we still managed to have a fairly productive afternoon. Matthew worked rather diligently on his "Prezi," which is just a fancy format for a presentation. I crafted and wrapped some Christmas gifts. (I have now begun the countdown. 62 days, 4 hours, 20 minutes, and some seconds. Thank you, xmasclock.com. I understand that it is not even Halloween, but it doesn't feel very autumnal around these parts. Not seeing very many colorful leaves or festive pumpkins...so I'm skipping straight to Christmas. It's better anyway.)
Long story short, we went to the evening service at Holy Trinity. It was the most similar to a "normal" evangelical format that we've been a part of since we've been here. They sang Phil Wickham, which is always a glorious thing, and the guest speaker's message was targeted right at me. There was a time for invitation at the end, which was apparently a foreign concept for this congregation. The normal head vicar (pastor) got up and explained the situation. He said not to be "freaked" by the show of emotion of the people who had come forward for prayer. It wasn't like there was a crazy revival going on with people speaking in tongues or screaming or jumping up and down. It was a very orderly time. Some people were crying, but that happens quite commonly when you break down enough to admit that you need someone else's help or prayers. I guess it goes back to the stoicism that characterizes the British. Always maintain that stiff upper lip. Keep calm and carry on and all that jazz.
As I mentioned, the guest speaker (Mike Pilavachi), could have probably pointed his finger straight at me and I wouldn't have been offended because the message was so specifically tailored to what I needed to hear. He taught out of "One Kings 19" (not "First Kings 19"), which is the story of Elijah being encouraged by God at a particularly low point. I'll let you do the background reading if you wish, but basically, Elijah had just come off a pretty significant high. On Mt. Carmel he had shown the prophets of Baal (a false god) who was really Boss (aka, our God). However, Elijah was discouraged when he came down from his literal and figurative mountain because he was feeling very alone. Four times in this short passage he mentions that he "is the only one <follower of God> left." He kind of throws himself a pity party under a tree and falls asleep asking God to just kill him now and get it over with.
Now, I am by no means at the point that I am wishing I were dead. All you moms out there that are reading this do not need to drop everything to call me and make sure that I'm alright. I promise, I'm fine!!! I also do not feel super lonely because I have Matthew here with me. But, there have been a few days when I have come down from the high of traveling to a new place or going on a small adventure and thought, "I would really love to be on the other side of that ocean right now with my friends and family..." or "Gee, wasn't it nice when I had a consistent group of people my age that I could spend time with and bond with over a movie or snacks or crafting?" etc.
Then, I heard this sermon. Here are the key points as I interpreted them and as I felt God was conveying them to me:
When Elijah hit his lowest and was down in the valley (literally), feeling like the only one out there who felt so estranged, God didn't respond to Elijah in the way we might expect. He didn't tell him to suck it up, quit feeling sorry for himself, and get back out there to convert people. In His neverending grace and mercy, He did the opposite.
1. He encouraged Elijah to rest and He took care of his physical needs. An angel (from the "catering corp") brought him food and water and told him to go back to sleep and take another nap. Funny how our problems seem way more insurmountable when we are physically and emotionally drained. (We all know that can't be my excuse anymore after all the sleep I've gotten this weekend! haha)
2. He took Elijah up Mt. Horeb and showed him that the 'big events' were not where He could be found. He has Elijah experience an earthquake, a mighty wind, and a blazing fire; but, God is not in any of those impressive and obvious phenomena. Instead, He reconnects with Elijah through a still, small whisper. The high Elijah had felt on Mt. Carmel was not meant to sustain him. A sweet and personal intimacy with God on Mt. Horeb would be his renewal. As much as we can become addicted to the adrenaline highs that come from seeing God do blatant and miraculous things for us, we have to remember that He will provide for us in the most subtle ways if we stop to pay attention.
3. He gave Elijah a partner and encourager in the faith. As soon as Elijah comes down Mt. Horeb, he meets Elisha. Elisha would serve as a fellow believer and friend in ministry for Elijah. Isn't it so thoughtful of God to bring just the right people to our lives at just the right time? (Most recently for me - Paola and Jen and John Cooper.)
4. He revealed to Elijah that he really wasn't "the only one left." In verse 18, He tells him that there are yet 7,000 Israelites that have not bowed down to Baal. Of course, God only shared this little tidbit after having Elijah learn all those other key points. Again, isn't it just like God to have the direct answer to our prominent complaint but decide to treat the underlying issues first?
I came away from that message extremely encouraged and wanted to get it written down (or typed) so that I could look back and remember it. It's good for me to be reminded that the God of Elijah is the same God of Kelsey. His character has not and will not change. I can learn from stories of the Old Testament, and they can be realistically applicable to the 21st Century.
If this post was not your cup of tea, feel free to disregard it. There will be a new one tomorrow. However, I hope at least one other person can take something away from the lesson I have learned today. Thanks for reading!
Although the morning was already gone, we still managed to have a fairly productive afternoon. Matthew worked rather diligently on his "Prezi," which is just a fancy format for a presentation. I crafted and wrapped some Christmas gifts. (I have now begun the countdown. 62 days, 4 hours, 20 minutes, and some seconds. Thank you, xmasclock.com. I understand that it is not even Halloween, but it doesn't feel very autumnal around these parts. Not seeing very many colorful leaves or festive pumpkins...so I'm skipping straight to Christmas. It's better anyway.)
Long story short, we went to the evening service at Holy Trinity. It was the most similar to a "normal" evangelical format that we've been a part of since we've been here. They sang Phil Wickham, which is always a glorious thing, and the guest speaker's message was targeted right at me. There was a time for invitation at the end, which was apparently a foreign concept for this congregation. The normal head vicar (pastor) got up and explained the situation. He said not to be "freaked" by the show of emotion of the people who had come forward for prayer. It wasn't like there was a crazy revival going on with people speaking in tongues or screaming or jumping up and down. It was a very orderly time. Some people were crying, but that happens quite commonly when you break down enough to admit that you need someone else's help or prayers. I guess it goes back to the stoicism that characterizes the British. Always maintain that stiff upper lip. Keep calm and carry on and all that jazz.
As I mentioned, the guest speaker (Mike Pilavachi), could have probably pointed his finger straight at me and I wouldn't have been offended because the message was so specifically tailored to what I needed to hear. He taught out of "One Kings 19" (not "First Kings 19"), which is the story of Elijah being encouraged by God at a particularly low point. I'll let you do the background reading if you wish, but basically, Elijah had just come off a pretty significant high. On Mt. Carmel he had shown the prophets of Baal (a false god) who was really Boss (aka, our God). However, Elijah was discouraged when he came down from his literal and figurative mountain because he was feeling very alone. Four times in this short passage he mentions that he "is the only one <follower of God> left." He kind of throws himself a pity party under a tree and falls asleep asking God to just kill him now and get it over with.
Now, I am by no means at the point that I am wishing I were dead. All you moms out there that are reading this do not need to drop everything to call me and make sure that I'm alright. I promise, I'm fine!!! I also do not feel super lonely because I have Matthew here with me. But, there have been a few days when I have come down from the high of traveling to a new place or going on a small adventure and thought, "I would really love to be on the other side of that ocean right now with my friends and family..." or "Gee, wasn't it nice when I had a consistent group of people my age that I could spend time with and bond with over a movie or snacks or crafting?" etc.
Then, I heard this sermon. Here are the key points as I interpreted them and as I felt God was conveying them to me:
When Elijah hit his lowest and was down in the valley (literally), feeling like the only one out there who felt so estranged, God didn't respond to Elijah in the way we might expect. He didn't tell him to suck it up, quit feeling sorry for himself, and get back out there to convert people. In His neverending grace and mercy, He did the opposite.
1. He encouraged Elijah to rest and He took care of his physical needs. An angel (from the "catering corp") brought him food and water and told him to go back to sleep and take another nap. Funny how our problems seem way more insurmountable when we are physically and emotionally drained. (We all know that can't be my excuse anymore after all the sleep I've gotten this weekend! haha)
2. He took Elijah up Mt. Horeb and showed him that the 'big events' were not where He could be found. He has Elijah experience an earthquake, a mighty wind, and a blazing fire; but, God is not in any of those impressive and obvious phenomena. Instead, He reconnects with Elijah through a still, small whisper. The high Elijah had felt on Mt. Carmel was not meant to sustain him. A sweet and personal intimacy with God on Mt. Horeb would be his renewal. As much as we can become addicted to the adrenaline highs that come from seeing God do blatant and miraculous things for us, we have to remember that He will provide for us in the most subtle ways if we stop to pay attention.
3. He gave Elijah a partner and encourager in the faith. As soon as Elijah comes down Mt. Horeb, he meets Elisha. Elisha would serve as a fellow believer and friend in ministry for Elijah. Isn't it so thoughtful of God to bring just the right people to our lives at just the right time? (Most recently for me - Paola and Jen and John Cooper.)
4. He revealed to Elijah that he really wasn't "the only one left." In verse 18, He tells him that there are yet 7,000 Israelites that have not bowed down to Baal. Of course, God only shared this little tidbit after having Elijah learn all those other key points. Again, isn't it just like God to have the direct answer to our prominent complaint but decide to treat the underlying issues first?
I came away from that message extremely encouraged and wanted to get it written down (or typed) so that I could look back and remember it. It's good for me to be reminded that the God of Elijah is the same God of Kelsey. His character has not and will not change. I can learn from stories of the Old Testament, and they can be realistically applicable to the 21st Century.
If this post was not your cup of tea, feel free to disregard it. There will be a new one tomorrow. However, I hope at least one other person can take something away from the lesson I have learned today. Thanks for reading!
I just read this (Monday evening 10/24). I am so thankful that God spoke to you through the sermon on Sunday and that you could see how it applied to you and soak it in. We all need to be reminded that God is still in the big and small if we just take the time to slow down and recognize him. So glad you are seeing that. Also that you see that every day is a new day to start fresh and be refreshed.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Mom