Carry On

She was sitting at a table at a local cafe. Across from her was an older man of intellect. They struck up a conversation about their lunch, which led to their lives, which led to a conversation of faith. The older man began deconstructing the thought process of faith-led decision making that this young girl was sharing.

Wearing a black hat with black rimmed glasses, he stared at this zealous Christian with a browed glance. His years were evident in his face yet his eyes were young in wonder. He carried a background in psychology and sat in awe at what seemed to be a moronic yet intriguing thought-process.

He asked, “so, if you are stressed about making a decision…instead of rolling in the stress until you find your own self-peace, you instead decide to just tell God ‘You deal with it.’”

With a grim she responded, “I wouldn't address Him quite like that but essentially, yes."

“How odd. So instead of taking responsibility for your issues, you are putting these burdens on a third-party…then ignoring them,” he quizzically asked.

“Yes, and it works for me. But you see, it only works for me because I genuinely believe this third party exists, hears me, and will bring me peace. If you asked Captain America to take your burdens, you might giggle at the idea but ultimately you would know the only person you can trust is yourself. On the contrary, as a Christian my third party is God. I believe God is real, that He listens to me, and He moves on my behalf out of love for me. Some can truly only trust themselves, but for faith-led decision makers, there is someone we can trust far more than ourselves.”

He stared at her thinking, 'she must live in such a fairytale - life will catch up eventually.' He paid his bill and walked to his car, but their conversation lingered in his mind. 'Could living a life of peace be that simple?'

***

It is always tempting to mirror the world around us. I feel tempted sometimes out of deep empathy for unbelievers who reside in hopelessness and stress to be their mirror so they feel like that situation is the norm and to carry-on. When I sit and listen to them, I always feel the answer at the tip of my tongue. It feels like a fire waiting to be unleashed. When the opportunity for me to speak arises, with humility and conviction I share about the hope of Jesus. Sometimes it is received as if they just received a glass of water after being parched their entire lives, and sometimes it is cordially brushed away and the conversation changes faster than a stoplight. If they do not receive the hope of Jesus, the gift of Christ continues to sit waiting to be opened. If you have found yourself in this situation, take heart. The weight of their salvation is a group effort between you, the church, and God (1 Cor 3:6).

I implore you to live in a conviction of the fullness of who Christ is and find hope even in the most hopeless of situations. "For if we are besides ourselves it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you," 2 Corinthians 5:13. I want to encourage you to live this mantra. To internally be besides yourself for God! Meditate day and night on His goodness (Psalm 77:12), leave your stress at His feet (Matthew 11:30, Luke 10:38), and simply be out of your mind in love with Jesus. It is the only place we find 'life and life abundantly,' (John 10:10).

I am here if you need prayer. I am here if you need hope. I am here if you need encouragement. I am here if you want to have the faith to live in expectation for a move of God. So thankful for you all - carry on for His glory and do not feel discouraged in sharing your faith, the world needs you!