Monday, February 7, 2011

Crisis Changes You Forever

"For I am being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure."

-- 2 Timothy 4:6

Paul was near the end of his life. He looked forward to a race finished and a heavenly crown as he entered the presence of Jesus. We focus on that rather than the words "drink offering." We'd rather not remember that Paul suffered for his faith. Truly suffered.

Somehow we've come to believe that following Jesus should be easy. We'll do our bit -- got to church, give a little money, volunteer a time or two -- and life will go by orderly and without great disaster. Then when we are poured into the fire of crisis, to a place when no other can offer help and hope, we feel abandoned and broken. It is at that point where we find God waiting.

Oswald Chambers wrote that after the crisis, life changes forever. "When the crises arises, you realize that things cannot touch you as they used to," he writes. Truth that can only be realized on the other side of the crisis. Priorities change. Things that were once so important, no longer matter. They are put into the context of eternity. And, really, who cares about all the little aggravations of life?

We do, of course, or we wouldn't call them aggravating. We focus on the daily struggles, high points and low points, of our lives. We get bogged down and lose sight of the distant destination that will come at the end. Yet, when is the end? As Pastor Meghan said, none of us have any guarantee of even the next breath. That kind of puts it all in perspective.

The fire isn't an easy place to be. Been there, done that, don't ever want to go back. I've got enough souvenirs, thank you very much. But I also know I wouldn't be where I am on this journey without ever having gone through the fire. It drew me closer to my God. It made me lay down at Jesus' feet in a way I'd never even contemplated. It filled with me the Holy Spirit and gave new meaning to a life destroyed by circumstances beyond my control.

Are you ready for the fire? Are you willing to walk the difficult path that draws you closer to God? Are you willing to suffer as Paul did so that in the end you will know that you fought the good fight for Christ? The journey isn't easy but it is worth the price.