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| Author | Topic: Chapter 5 |
| Pastor |
posted 3/25/09 2:36 AM
#3 Anxiety fades as our memory of God's goodness doesn't. In what ways has God been good to you? How often do you recall his goodness, either out loud or in your mind? I would love to say much about the value of memory (both pleasant and less than pleasant) and the way in which often time memories are redeemed- things we once thought as bad become cherished. And instead of using some silly example from my life, I often think of the story of Joseph and his brothers. So much of Joseph's life seems difficult but he is convinced that God is taking him somewhere good. Thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused and arrested, forgotten in prison and Joseph still believes that God has made him special. I choose to see my life in that way. I have had some bumpy roads, but I believe God is leading me someplace special. Anyone have a story of how God saved or rescued you that is inspirational in your life? |
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Karen (Moderator) |
posted 3/26/09 4:33 PM
It's hard to answer this question right now in the stage I'm in with this severe depression that I can't get rid of. But, if I answer from memory, God has rescued me lots of times from situations with my bipolar (and I'm hoping it's about time for Him to do it again). There are some times where His rescue stands out more than others because He used the bad stuff for good. Ten years ago I got to the point where I could no longer work as a teacher because my bipolar disorder made it too difficult. Being a teacher was my identity, so it seemed like I lost myself and my life was over. But instead God took me in a totally different direction and I actually became kind of glad I had bipolar. With the extra time I had on my hands, I was able to do so many more things. I started doing some volunteer work which I never would have been able to do when I was working. I had heard volunteering was rewarding, but I had no idea that it would turn out to be so uplifting. They thought I was helping them, but I was getting a lot more out of it than they were. My computer skills and my trumpet opened some doors that made me more comfortable volunteering and being around strangers, something I NEVER could have done before. The extra time provided me with lots of opportunities to work one on one with people to help them out, and I loved it. I was able to help numerous people and organizations with websites, etc. Plus, I became much more compassionate and understanding of people who weren't "perfect." I always had such high expectations of myself and other people before. I was able to talk to other people who were having issues with depression and provide encouragement. What happened was God pointed me in a completely different direction and pretty much changed my life. And, I liked where He took me. There's more to it, but this gives you the general idea of how God rescued me. I wonder where He's going to take me this time. If only God's time and my time were the same...... |
| Tom |
posted 3/27/09 2:49 AM
You picked a tough one to answer. There has been so many times in my life that feel like God was testing me and my wife. From life threating accidents to major surgery cancer and numerous small issues. The one time that I truly believe God talked to me was 23 years ago. I was a real mess personely and was at the crossroad of falling into a selfmade hell or picking myself up and getting on with life. After weeks of inner fighting the demons I was driving alone headed to another job when my mind filled with memories of a better time. There was this voice speaking to me reminding me of forgotten events that had been a big part of my early years. This filled me with a new desire to get myself straight with God and to start being the person God wanted me to be. it was as if a grear weight had fallen from my shoulders and life seemed to look much brighter. Even though it was a longer process then just that moment it was the start. Without that little conversation in my head with God I know I would not be where I am today if he,God, had not taken the time to talk with me at that time. So I say to you always be open to him you never really know when the voice in your head will be God talking. |
| Pastor |
posted 3/27/09 4:37 PM
I think both of you have nailed the idea. I think memories are extremely valuable as a personal Bible, telling us of God's continued action in the world and in our life. I also think that these stories are the ones we need to share with one another as witnesses of God's presence. The truth is that we have to tell and retell the story as we gain a greater sense of what God was and is doing, and how it might affect -inspire, encourage, uplift - others. Additionally, these stories are really important within our families, as they have a greater power with the people who know us best. And sometimes we need to hear our own story again, like when we are in the midst of a storm, so that we beleive that the sun will shine again. |
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