Guided by God

If you’ve moved at least once, you may have survived a door that, instead of opening into the new bedroom, unexpectedly dropped into the basement. (true story) Or you painstakingly remodeled the kitchen or bath all over again in a different house. You probably adjusted to new school and office routines. Maybe you planted your favorite perennials because someone else was enjoying the original effort blooming at your former home. Longer distances may have meant some homesick holidays or brought your family closer to far-flung kin.

The ability to adapt to change is one of a family’s best characteristics.

Think of the last time you were the new person who showed up in an old place? It may have been your expectations, your hairstyle or shoes (or lack thereof) setting you apart. They were discussing a strange idea or speaking a foreign language. You were carrying luggage with id tags. Just thinking about the experience now, you are feeling exhilarated, stuffing a knapsack to show up at the airport and whimsically pick your destination (ala my husband). Or the mere idea of packing sends you running for the security blanket (that's me). When was the last time you were surprised by God or allowed him to break you out of a routine?

As Christian clans with wide interests and wild opinions, we share a few basics with the global church. God united us in his Namesake and documented our heritage in the Bible. More than the bestselling-ever collection of books, the Bible is our unique GPS, chock-full of colorful adventures complete with map settings and diverse narration, wired with human tension and supernaturally powered. Even the final destination is pre-set.

Living in love across time and space requires an enormous amount of give and take, an enduring patience with wise to poor choices, and a liberal use of I’m sorry and I don’t know. Paul had experienced his share of new circumstances and complicated relationships when he advised Galatians: Do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Are you willing to risk changing your mind in order to listen to people more carefully and to love people more openly?

When we meet up with other Christians, it’s always a potluck occasion. Servings of encouragement, challenging questions, gratitude and generosity are on the menu. Through standing firm in our Father, our Name and our Story, communion is the defining moment Christians become more together as an eternal family than we are individually. What are you preparing to bring to the Great Communion?

Because you and I are in Christ Jesus, His glory and our good are linked together. Because we are united with Christ, whatever is for His glory is also for our good. And whatever is for our good is for His glory.
-Jerry Bridges: Trusting God, 1988