perspective...

i was reading the second part of mark 14 this morning... trying to imagine what it would have been like to be peter... after... during... his rejection of Jesus. what a horrible story to have recorded for all to read. sure... in the end he done good... without a doubt.

but i wonder what long-term impact that day had upon his life?

then the story connected with some times in my life where i've done things or said things that in essence weren't any less horrible.

i remember a time when i was completely caught off guard by a temptation. i mean... i didn't see it coming at all. and when it hit... it was powerful. i remember the adrenaline rush... the pull to give in. it was no passing thought that i could easily turn and run from. it consumed me.

i'm thankful that somehow... G*D visited me in that place and gave me presence of mind. and i said "no" to it. but frankly... it left me shaking in my boots for a good long time. and for awhile i felt vulnerable and fearful... because i knew how easily i could have given in... and how destructive it would have been if i had.

because of peter's failure... and the subsequent follow-up scripture post regarding his restorative encounter with Jesus on the beach... i know that G*D understands and cares for us even when we fail. and i know that even if i had given in... he would have loved me. and G*D knows there have been plenty of times when i have.

but what that experience... and peter's story give me is perspective.

...they help me remember my frailty... and how susceptible we all are.

...they help me love those i meet who keep taking wrong turns... because i can remember how hard it was for me to take the right one... ...even after knowing Jesus personally and deeply.

...they remind me of how important it is to engage G*D constantly... so i'm less vulnerable... and to protect myself with every thing G*D's given me for the battle.

...they remind me of the power that is in Jesus... and how important it is for me to tell others because they need his strength flowing through them as well. they need to know the rush of victory over the shame of failure.

...they remind me of the freedom there is in forgiveness... ...in experiencing G*D looking you straight in your eyes... full of compassion and understanding and strength in spite of the fact that he knows everything you've done... every place you've been... every thing you've ever said... and every conversation of your mind and feeling of your heart.

what a great G*D we have!

fog-party!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comments

[Mindy Kaiser]

Thanks Randy! This was just what I needed to hear today!

God is so forgiving and has such great love for us!

Forgiving myself when I fail is what I seem to struggle with.

Thanks again and God bless you! ..... okay, I have to ask What does fog party mean?

[Randy]

"fogparty" is just an image in my mind that illustrates how fuzzy life can be... yet... because G*D is there in the fog... even though things will never get completely clear until some distant time... it's always a time to party.

so "fogparty" is my reminder to laugh, dance and enjoy the mystery... and especially G*D in it all.