You never know...

I have been beating myself up lately, about alot of things.  One is keeping up with this blog.  Can't figure out why, but I'm still not grooving with the blog concept yet.  You'd think I would because my husband believes I have enough words for 3 or 4 people.  But anyhow, this temptation to disdain a wide variety of aspects of myself has been a reality recently. 
                                                                                                                (Romans 7:15-25)
Now, if you've heard me give a talk anywhere, you've probably know that I am radical about the importance of believers seeing themselves as the unique and important creatures God made them to be.  In other words, I've urged folks with intense passion to not take satanic bait to spend time speaking ill to that child of God in the mirror, but instead to live out the truth regardless of one's feelings. 
                                                                                                                (Ephesians 2:10)
So it is with me.  I DO stand in the truth of God's creation of me, and refuse to savor the self-abusive moments.  However, there are times like these where remaining in the truth is tough.  Whether it be a recent comment made by another, a certain time in the month, an inability to overcome a feeling, or whatever, hanging onto God's perspective can sometimes feel like it's by a thin thread.
                                                                                                                (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Just tonight, out of nowhere, someone from whom I have never received an email, just felt compelled to shoot me a quick note of encouragement.  And, in God's infinite intimate mercy, it was about one of these self-pummeling areas I've been fighting just today!  I am honestly in awe of such kindness of God that He would move another of His children to speak directly to a struggle evil was trying to win over me today.  As a result of this person's obedience, my heart is encouraged, God is on the throne in my thoughts, and His Truth prevails again.  This is how faith increases.  These are the kindnesses of God we are to treasure in our hearts to sustain us when times get tough.  This is the beauty of being His body empowered through a complete Spirit of love.  All that, from a quick email!
                                                                                                                (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
And think about it from her perspective.  Maybe she felt silly, like it might sound weird, or worried about my response.  You never know.  But, she moved with the prompting of the Spirit.  She obeyed.  And in so doing, God is getting much glory through her simple, what she thought might be barely-noticed act of obedience to encourage.
                                                                                                                 (Hebrews 3:13)
Hebrews says we need to be encouraging one another as much as we can in these tumultuous times.  I'm a living testimony on this Monday night, October 20th that you never know just how much a simple word of encouragement can be used by God...to turn a person's day around, to reaffirm the reality of God's Spirit and closeness, and to spur another person onto greater love and good deeds. 
                                                                                                                  (Hebrews 10:24-25)
I know I for one don't want to miss any opportunity to both bless and be blessed by giving someone a shout out of encouragement when God brings them to mind.      
                                                                                                                   (Colossians 4:5-6)

Comments

[Ali]

Wow. That is all I can say right now. God is crazy awesome. Just crazy AWESOME!

[Ali]

God is speaking to me right now through Colossians 4:5-6. I have to make a phone call this morning, and I am not looking forward to it. But I believe that God is going to give me the grace (and strength) that I need to appropriately handle this conversation. And I pray that I have peace with the outcome of the conversation. Thanks, Tammy.

[Brittany]

Tammy,

I just wanted to thank you for coming all the way out to Indiana to speak this weekend. Your message was very well timed in my life, and has given me a lot to think about. After going to a Christian college for 4 years, I've gotten pretty tired of most speakers, but I was so thankful that I got to hear you. Don't beat yourself up about the blog, it's got great content!
Blessings!
Brittany