Perspective

By Marti-Mari Kellerman

In the space of a short few weeks our lives have changed dramatically. Many people all over the world would, a mere month ago, not have been able to fathom this strange new reality. Many of us took our daily routines for granted. Being able to meet with family and friends. Going to work or school, being able to go to church, the gym or out shopping. A walk, a run or cycle out in nature. To name but a few. Little did we know how drastically all of this was about to change. In a heartbeat. Our very freedom of being able to do and go as we please, taken away in an instant.

South Africans are in our second week of “lockdown”. We have been told to stay home, to stay safe. Much like the rest of the world. 87% of the world’s children reported as currently being unable to attend school. Each family effectively locked into their own home. Only allowed to leave for emergency services like medical care or basic necessities. That is now the law. Unless you are a healthcare or essential worker.

But this excess of time that was so unceremoniously dumped into our laps is also a rare and special gift. One that should be embraced and cherished. To draw near to God, focus on spiritual growth and time in the Word. To spend quality time with our families. To do fun activities with our kids. To catch up on rest and sleep. To exercise and get fit. To do all the things we never seem to have time for at home. To learn a new skill or dust off an old one. To slow down. And just be.

If you ask anyone that know me well, they would know that my challenge in life these days is balance. Not enough time. I struggle with keeping all the precious balls of modern day life in the air. To manage all the things that is expected of me. As a mother, a wife, a daughter and sister, a small business owner, a home maker, friend or colleague. Not even to mention self-care or staying healthy and fit. Or spending time with God, growing my faith. Sometimes it just gets too much. Overwhelming. And I always seem to fall short. Somewhere. To drop one of those precariously balanced balls...

So I guess in the current circumstances, the word that resonates with me most is “perspective”.

The dictionary defines it as:
"the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance"; "a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view"; "a particular perspective is a particular way of thinking about something, especially one that is influenced by your beliefs or experiences".

Let’s face it. We are all in this together. And each of us will be affected in one way or another. Through our health. Our financial security, work/job stability or ability to generate income. Emotional trauma of being unable to be with our loved ones. Or having to take the daily risk of going to work as a healthcare or essential service worker. And not being able to stay home.

So do we focus on our fears and anxieties? Our worries and concerns about the future? Do we get tangled up in the web of uncertainty and doubt? In the, now very unknown, expectation of our futures and financial security. Our ability to meet all the demands life has been throwing at us. Whether we would be able to recover from all of this in the end?

Or do we choose to see the silver lining? The calm inside the storm? The gift amidst the chaos?

During the early days, when it was just becoming apparent that South Africa was the latest victim on the Corona virus’s ever expanding hit list. And the government was just introducing the concept of social distancing. I woke up in the middle of the night, feeling suddenly anxious and afraid. And this scripture was a whisper in the dark.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:2-5‬ ‭AMP‬‬: “Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as Christ’s sufferings are ours in abundance [as they overflow to His followers], so also our comfort [our reassurance, our encouragement, our consolation] is abundant through Christ [it is truly more than enough to endure what we must].”

If we keep our eyes on God, He will give us peace. Inner calm and spiritual well-being. He will comfort us and encourage us in our time of trouble and uncertainty. So that we can also comfort others. The Word promises reassurance, encouragement and consolation. In abundance. More than enough to endure what we must!

Paul goes on to say that they had felt as if they had a received a death sentence. That they were even convinced that they would die. But that it had happened so that they would not trust in themselves, but in God who raises the dead. That they had set their hopes on Him, as He had rescued them from the threat of death and would continue to rescue them. They were convinced that He would rescue them again from danger and draw them near. While the prayers of the church joined in helping them. They said that many people would be thankful for the “gracious gift of deliverance” that was granted to them through the prayers of many believers... 2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I believe that this scripture confirms that God would rescue us from the "threat of death" - this deadly virus. He is able to raise the dead! He will also rescue us from this threat we are facing. But we must not trust in ourselves. Or our own selfish needs and desires right now. But set our hopes on Him, lift our eyes to Him. Seek Him and His instruction by reading His Word. And pray!

What is our perspective?

Will be give in to our fears and anxieties about the future? Do we worry about circumstances we have no control over? Do we complain and grumble about having to stay home, our kids, our boredom, our frustrations?

Or do we hope? Do we believe. And grow? Do we pray. And focus on the positive?

Nothing will ever be the same. Ever again.

We do not yet know what our new reality will look like. But in a world after this, my hope is that we will emerge to live on an elevated level. Not just having endured what we must. But also growing in the process. That we will live intentionally. With purpose. And with gratitude. Our minds and hearts forever changed.

Never again will we take for granted the things we once had. Human contact. Spending time with loved ones. Being able to go places freely. Being able to move and interact. Having a job and the ability to earn an income. Being thankful for our blessings. Our homes and families. Our health and livelihoods.

It's all about Grace... mx

thespaceforgrace.blogspot.com 

a new beginning

And so it is a new year...

A new beginning. A fresh start.

It is remarkable how - even though nothing really changes in the transition from December 31st to January 1st - we somehow feel refreshed. As if we have been given a new lease on life. We suddenly have new goals (for the same things), new energy (to tackle the same problems), new hope (for positive change in the same circumstances). We wait in hopeful anticipation of what the new year may bring.

When we have had a particularly rough year - like 2013 has been for many - we are especially eager to wave farewell to the old and expectantly welcome the new.

Even though I have just finished the new testament (and my NLT chronological Bible), I've decided to also start the new year with the new testament (this year taking on the Amplified Bible). After all, that is exactly what it represents: a new beginning, a fresh start. New life.

The very first chapter in the new testament (Matthew 1), describes the birth of Jesus - a promise fulfilled by God, representing the new covenant with His people. Offering a new beginning, a fresh start. Offering a new life to those who, unlike Herod, would accept Him as their Savior - the very meaning of His name (Jesus), also called Emmanuel - 

"God with us"

She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]. All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet, "Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel–which, when translated, means, God with us." [Isa. 7:14.] (Matthew 1:21-23 AMP)

I would like to start this year having God-with-me. I want to walk it with my Savior, so that I will not miss God - the purpose of life.

Matthew fastforwards 30 odd years to the scene where Jesus is baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist and the Spirit of God descends on Him. 

I have never noticed this before... In the last verse of Matthew 3, God proclaims His love for Jesus. But in the very next verse starting off Matthew 4, Jesus - led by the Spirit - is tested and tried by satan. Even though He is God's Beloved Son, in Whom He delights...

And behold, a voice from heaven said, This is My Son, My Beloved, in Whom I delight! [Ps. 2:7; Isa. 42:1.] (Matthew 3:17 AMP) THEN JESUS was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil. (Matthew 4:1 AMP)

Priscilla Shirer (One in a million: journey to your promised land)

it's all about faith

I haven't been writing for a while... The more time goes by, the easier it becomes not to. The less time I seem to have. The more excuses I find. And the easier it will be to stop altogether. 

I have come to realize that if I don't get back into it soon, that is exactly what will happen.

The truth is that I have really been struggling lately. Hitting an all time low. Refusing to let me out of its debilitating grip. Squeezing. Suffocating.

Ironically, just before it happened, I got several messages urging me to never stop doing this. Ever. So, somewhere at the back of my mind, I know that I still have to do it. I feel a sense of responsibility to keep going, because this is not just about me or for me anymore - as much as I'd like to argue otherwise. And I have learned that the hardest, most painful things to write, are usually what means the most to others.

This year - one that I was hoping would be the year of breakthrough for us - has really (no sugar coating) been an exceptionally rough one for me. A series of crushing disappointments. On multiple levels of my life. Seemingly the more I pray, trust, hope... beg. The worse it's become. Until I have come to a point where I am unable to do it anymore. Doubting my faith. Questioning my God.

To some degree, I have actually been afraid to write. Of what I might write. Catapulting from a spiritual high to an extreme low, is in itself a disappointing blow to me. 

I've come to a point where I don't want to go to church. Or do mentoring. Or pray. I don't want to talk about it anymore, because I am honestly sick to death of all the cliches: "God has something bigger, better planned for you. Everything will work out... in His time. There is a plan and a purpose with all of this"... I am tired of hearing how things are working out so perfectly for others - magically falling into place by some or other miracle. It all just seems so futile. Like some cruel, twisted joke. And even though I still read my Bible on most days, I find a disturbing feeling welling up inside of me. Silently, disdainfully scoffing at the message. Angry at God. Not believing a word. Because how do you believe when things just keep going from bad to worse?

I must say... I have been sufficiently chastised. From various angles. My husband. Friends. A sermon meant specifically for me. Because my attitude needs some serious revision. I need to see this as an opportunity to grow and learn. To quit feeling so damned sorry for myself. Making it all about me. Because it's not. 

In the end it's all about faith.

Granted - It is not always easy to have faith. Especially if you are trusting God for something that just does not seem to happen. And doesn't look like it is going to...

(Encouraging word by Priscilla Shirer - a mighty woman of God. Incredibly inspiring when I need a boost of faith)

rain down on me - part 2

The gravel farm roads are starting to resemble a riverbank. Streams of water running along its banks. Joining together in countless murky pools and puddles. Greedily snatching at sand, gravel, small pebbles and branches - carrying it along its course. Digging away at the surface. Eroding the exposed earth. 

Rain clouds are gathering. Full in expectation of its release. Bursting. The skies are dark and heavy with water. Fat drops drizzling from above. Slowly at first. Growing in its urgency. Gathering momentum, strengthening the assault... Finally, drenching the scene.

As I am walking along, taking all of this in - I think about a devotion I've read in this little book Come Away My Beloved by Frances Roberts, called "Rain". And I recall thinking that it is all about perspective. Winters and rain do not have to be a thing of hardship and suffering. It could be about blessings and abundance! About God's joy and provision.

The devotion starts with an urging to go and look "for the rain is coming" - proclaiming that the drought is over and the sound of rain is approaching. It says: "Yes, I will send showers of blessing upon the hearts of my waiting people; for before they call, I have prepared an answer, and while they are seeking Me, I shall come down upon them." 

God's Spirit is the Rain. He comes to revive and refresh. He comes to bring relief to the parched ground. To bring forth new life. To bring flowers to the desert.

Joel 2:23 NLT says: "Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness."

I haven't written here for a while. Partly because I have been really busy at work. Partly because I am at a place where I don't really know what to write anymore... Exhausted from repeated disappointments - taking everything out of me. Sucking me dry. The storm raging in my mind.

It is hard to come back from a place like that. Especially if it starts to consume your life. Overshadowing all else. As the Casting Crowns song so beautifully claims (all you can do, is to) Come to the Well.

I seem to find songs that, for some reason, I latch onto and then for a period of time, repeatedly listen to. Until I begin to hear the layers of meaning underneath the words. Until it sinks in and becomes my own. This is my current song. And it so beautifully relays the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John, describing Jesus as the Living Water.

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water... those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:10, 14 NLT)

it's a dog's life - part 2 (Luka)

A while ago I wrote a post about Jasper, one of our two border collies. Ever since, I have had the knowledge in the back of my mind that I had to write something about the other one, Luka too. After all, I can't write about the one and not the other...

But what to write...

Then the other day, I came across a verse in Psalm 36. I wrote about the rest of this passage (verse 5-9) in another post, in the shadow of Your wings. But this little verse somehow did not seem to fit. At odds with the rest of the passage. Standing out. It stuck:

"You care for animals and people alike, O Lord."

Alike. That says something about the importance of animals to God. They are of the same value to Him that we are. God created us in His image. And He gave us authority over animals. To care for them. (Genesis 1:27-28)

This verse made me think of Luka. At 12 years old, she is not the lively little pup she used to be (sadly, I never got to meet that little pup - although she may just have been a bit much for me to handle, by the sound of it). But she certainly is not letting age get to her!

One handicap that she does have is arthritis. Her back legs and hips are the worst affected. It is heart breaking to see the once extremely active dog struggle to get up after laying down for a while, when it's cold. Snap when you accidentally touch a sensitive spot. Not able to do the things she used to.

All because an insensitive, careless human being threw her with half a brick. For barking. The most natural response for any dog. I don't know how anyone can be so cruel, so heartless.

Ironic to see that man now walking with a limp of his own...

God cares for animals and people alike.  

to be thankful...

Some days I find it really hard to be thankful. Oh, to live with a spirit of thankfulness...

Us humans seem to be incapable of ever having enough. To be content with what we have. Where we are. Who we are.

We always want more. And more.

Even those of us who have more than most. Still we want more. More, Lord.

We are blinded by the things that we still need. The things that we still want. The things that we still want to do.

We so often forget to notice that what we do have. And appreciate it. Be thankful for it.

The Word says that we should make thankfulness our sacrifice to God. To keep the vows that we have made to Him. That if we do, we can call on Him when we are in trouble. That He will rescue us. Give us His glory.

Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Him. That if we keep to His path, He will reveal to us the salvation of God. (Psalm 50:14-15, 23)

when we struggle with doubt

Doubt. A tiny bad seed that creeps in between the good, that grows and spreads. Consumes and destroys.

It is what makes us blow things up. Out if proportion. Unrealistically larger than life. It is what makes us worry and question and fear.

It is what made me wait two days before adding my last post. What made me question myself all over again for doing this. It is what makes me worry about the future and question God's timing. His promises. His presence.

I have been reading about Moses and the Israelites. And finding it excruciatingly frustrating. It is not my first attempt at trying to read about them - God's people. And I have given up on them more than once.

They got to experience miracle upon miracle, upon miracle firsthand. And still they doubted. A God that lead them out of slavery, poverty and captivity. A God that parted the seas and gave them manna out of heaven. A God that traveled in their midst by cloud and by fire.

God had to repeatedly tell them: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord your God." Numbers 15:41 NKJV

That says something about our nature, how little faith we have.