"We never argue. But every now and then, we have intense moments of fellowship."
Jeff and Shari Easter/Gaither DVDs
Going from memory rather than offering an exact quote, the thought surely applies to Ray and I . . . particularly in the area of politics. In years of Presidential elections, we can barely talk.
Ironically, we are on the same page. We are in agreement about the candidates. We agree on the issues, for the most part. He has even, with help of others, changed my views on gun control.
The conflict centers on HOPE or lack thereof.
As evidenced by this blog, I've been reading political books. Nook, fortunately, allows readers to download "samples." Different than being tied to a store, one can peruse those samples at their leisure. Sitting at McDonalds, I downloaded several samples. I began to read one that warned Americans of our downward spiral, of the possibility of becoming a second or third world nation. I felt fear rising.
I reminded myself that I was reading a "sample." A different outlook could unfold with the passing pages. But . . .
Here's where my thoughts went: "If seemingly good men add no hope to the warning of the United States going bankrupt or becoming a third world country, what's the point!!!? If the author offers no solutions or no possibilities of turning the tide, why bother? The fear that would result would only further bring our country down.
Ray sort of leans to the side of blame and no hope; or so it seems to me. When he tells me Congress always does this, or people discover someone is bad and yet continue to vote them back in, I say (to him, for me), "BUT GOD . . . "
God is bigger! God has a plan! It may be for our discipline. It may be hard---very hard. But I can't lose sight of hope. I just can't live there.
Yet, while Ray and I participated in some "intense fellowship," another conviction surfaced in my heart: Has Satan distracted me? Has a spirit of holy determination planted itself within my heart, yet become distorted? While fighting not to lose my freedom to worship God, have I forgotten God? Has what started as fighting for my faith become fighting for my country? Neither of those is bad or wrong--unless my eyes wander from God. Unless I begin to take on this battle like it is something "I" can win.
The difference is so sublte--that of fighting for God or fighting with God. That of doing what I believe God would have me to do; BUT trusting Him with the outcomes.
Maybe somethings are too far gone to be reversed. Maybe these are what we consider "end times" and our hope must be eternity-centered. The Jews believed Jesus was going to free them from the domination of Rome. To some degree, that is our hope. We can certainly pray and work toward that end. BUT . . . GOD!
God, whatever Your plan, give me the heart, strength, and courage to cooperate. Help me continually recognize that Your ways are not my ways. When it feels like the world is falling in around me, help me to HOPE--and help me to pass it on.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
