Sometimes our Christian life can stumble others. Especially when our circumstances reflect a cloudy mixture of faith and grief, and our prospects appear bleak to the searching eye of those around us. Let’s face it, sometimes the way God works in our life is downright confusing, particularly for those watching us struggle.
So, recently God has challenged me: “How much of your spiritual journey are you willing to share for the sake of others?”
Now, I’m not talking about sharing what God is doing in our circumstances; that story is easy to tell, a joy to broadcast. I’m not even talking about sharing the things God teaches us that have “touched us.” No, I’m speaking of sharing the Spirit’s work in the deep places–in the secret refuge that feeds the spring within our heart.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea . . .” (Psalm 46:1-2)
Now, I imagine that you’re thinking, “No, that’s my place–a private place.” And I know how you feel.
Yet, isn’t it God’s preserving work in the secret place of our heart that keeps us from perishing in the storm?
Consider the picture Psalm 46 paints.
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” (Psalm 46:4-5)
Spiritually speaking, how well that passage describes God’s work in the quiet places in our heart where “streams” flow, untouched by earthly cares! How perfectly it portrays the hope that’s keeps us sane and anchored in Christ, no matter the storm.
Yet, if others can’t partake of those heavenly scenes, then our Christian life may actually discourage the faith of those watching us. So then, will we not lift the veil and let others glimpse the golden “city” that lies within?
God’s most powerful work in our lives is that which is wrought in our heart, therefore it’s vital that we share it, because, friends, this world isn’t falling apart–it’s blowing apart. And the world needs to know the breadth and depth of God’s faithful love in the lives of His people.
So today, will we invite others into the chambers of our inner sanctum? Will we share the silent streams of grace, His hidden brook of comfort pulsing behind the cloud of our suffering experiences?
“Come and see the works of the LORD . . .”
“Come and see.” Always God’s invitation to the hungry . . . the weary . . . the wondering.
. . . is it our invitation?
What part of your spiritual journey will you share to encourage someone’s faith today?
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Comments 10
But failures, really sin, is exactly what we should be transparent about. I think in many ways, that’s the only way God uses us to help others. And I’ve seen people who could have been a great help to other Christians, lie to themselves about needing to keep things “private”, when really they were letting pride get in their way. It’s a great lesson though because there’s so much freedom in telling the truth, especially if our great God is involved!
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I agree, Felicia, there is much freedom in telling the truth. The enemy loses his hold over us when we drag sin into the light, for it has no power there. Being transparent with each other in the body of Christ is what promotes spiritual growth, health, and a powerful witness that draws others to want to be part of it. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your insightful comments. 🙂
Not only is it the pre-believer who can be overwhelmed and confused by things we share of our walk but other believers as well. I have, at times, been considered “radical” or “to have gone too far or to be “over-Spiritualizing” things. At times, I think others can think we are being “higher-than-though” in what we share. I think we have to be sensitive in what we share but willing to share whatever God shows us or guides us to share. Thanks for the thoughts, Bethany.
Okay, that was suppose to be “higher than thou” not “higher than though” ; )
I wonder if that’s because we tend to communicate spiritual thoughts in “Christianese.” Great insights. . . and how I can relate to your experience!
Bethany, you are always an inspiration to others.
Jan,
You are always so sweet! I hope God encouraged you through it. 🙂
One of the boldest statements of faith we can make is found in Galatians 2:20 “…it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…” After you faithfully reach this point in our walk with the LORD, to say this and mean it, returning back to the world looks much less appealing. Christ is All and in comparison, what can the world offer? It is amazing to consider the honesty, transparency and faith that Paul writes such a testimony to fully surrendering his life to Jesus: “I have been crucified with Christ” That gets attention, praise God! Being completely open, honest and transparent in relating our faith journey can be shocking to many, especially those not open to the sharing. They will typically look to worldly reasoning: “Why are they saying this to me?”, not understanding the Pure, Spirit-led motivation, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Acts 28:27, a re-quote of Isaiah by Paul speaks to the need for the recepient to perceive, understand and be open to His word–something that is left up to God, opening the hearts of unbelievers as we share our journey. As ambassadors, we must be open and giving with our faith–fully surrendered and sometimes “shocking”–all for His glory and His Kingdom.
Thanks for your insight and observations. 🙂 I was thinking particularly about sharing those precious bits and pieces we want to hug to ourselves, more than transparency about failures (though that wouldn’t be a bad idea).
I agree. I think the peaks and valleys of our walk of faith all have their value in sharing. Suffering can be a blessing, tribulations in the valley lead to even loftier blessings on the mountain tops. Tougher to explain but just as real to someone going through a challenging time. The precious moments we want to hug and hold on to are so amazing they last an eternity! God Bless, luke