I've been reading a lot lately....
Random books mostly, but currently The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.I borrowed the book from a friend to freshen up on the details before the movie comes out in December, but as I'm reading God is teaching me, funny how He uses a fiction book to reveal things about Himself.
I'm only in the second chapter, but let me give you re-cap of whats happened so far (there's a point, I promise)
The story is about Bilbo (a hobbit) and if you know anything about hobbits, then you know that they are quiet and unassuming people who despise adventures and anything out of ordinary. They are quite happy living their lives in their safe communities eating five or meals a day and seeing the same faces everyday. Bilbo was just like any other hobbit, safe and happy in his little house in the Hill, until Gandalf (the wizard) chose him for an adventure. The morning he is supposed to embark on this adventure no one is around, so he thinks he got out of it and sets about doing his normal things, preparing his breakfast, then his second breakfast and sitting down to relax when Gandalf arrives and tells him to run. He needs to be on the adventure in 10 min, people are waiting for him. Bilbo goes, runs out the door and forgets his hat,his cloak, and his handkerchief and he's so distressed by this that when he meets with his group of fellow adventurers he starts making excuses as to why he needs to go back. His new friend Dwalin then pulls out a spare hat and cloak, and even though they are too large, gives them to Bilbo to protect him from the elements. Content, but still missing his handkerchief, they continue on their journey until Gandalf arrives and gives him "a lot of pocket-handkerchiefs".
Doesn't that remind you of someone? It reminded me of myself, that much I know. I get so caught up in my life, and making sure I get my things in order that I forget to listen to what God is calling me to do. Back in 2007 God called me on an adventure to Germany and though it terrified me and I had less than a month to prepare I went- and thank goodness I did! I met my husband there and we are coming up on our third anniversary next week! Hebrews 13:5 says "...I will never leave you nor forsake you" and thank goodness He never does! Even when we are so dizzy with whats going on in our lives, and the adventures that it feels God has thrust upon us with out our consent He is still there! Right beside us, every step of the way.
But what about Bilbo's hat and cloak? He still had to leave them behind! Just like Gandalf, God always provides for us. Even when we lose the things we own, he gives us what we need. It might come in a funny package, being too big or not exactly like what we had before, but He makes sure we're taken care of.
Matthew 6:25-34 says
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Jesus, give me the shove I need to get out the door, to go on the adventures that You have planned for my life even when I have no desire to go on them myself. Help me to get past my personal comforts and to lean on You and trust You to take care of me. I know you won't abandon me, and if I leave my figurative hat and cloak behind help me to remember that you will provide exactly what I need, when I need it. Thank-you for being so faithful.
And, that's what's been floating around in my head lately, what's God teaching you?
Love,
Carrie
