It’s a matter I tend to forget, that there’s always a back story in the lives of people. But just like most of the rest of the world, I get a snap shot of the life of someone and build an entire story off of that snap shot. A few minutes in time, doesn’t make a life. I certainly don’t want people to look at me as I sit in the lobby of a hotel working on this blog, judging me from this period of time. What would they think as I sit here alone?
Poor ol’ thing. Look at her sitting there with her Bible and no makeup. She’s probably some religious fanatic with a house full of cats. (no offense to cat people.) Perhaps they think I am what I am, a Jesus fanatic, writer who slightly quirky. That’s truth and it’s okay. But regardless of what they think, the strangers do not know the back story of my life. They don’t know that I have an amazing husband, family and church. That I am loved. The very same way that I do not know the life of the sweet Asian couple helping each other get their breakfast. Or the teen wearing two silly hats with his mom and siblings, perhaps a grandmother heading out on a “long ride” I heard her say. Vacation? Home? Funeral? I don’t know. I’m just seeing the snapshot. Not the whole story.
Luke 7:11-17
And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
The people of Nain had no idea that something was about to happen. They likely knew the back story of the widow and her son. They knew that without him, she’d be in a world of trouble. She’d already lost her husband. Now she’d lost her son. The only provision she had for life… or so she thought. She didn’t know something was about to happen. Jesus arrives on the scene and it’s no longer a funeral, it’s a revival! It’s a rumor about to take off!! She didn’t know, nor did they that God was going to intervene in the situation. Jesus knew the backstory. He knew the widow ever second of the widows life, far, far more than the snapshot view we get in verses 11-17.
My time in this lobby is verses 11-17. I’m just seeing the snapshot. The truth of the matter is, my life for the last umpteen years may be verses 11-17 in the scope of God’s plan. I do not know what God is up too. That’s what I need to remember. That’s what you need to remember. Life frustration’s come. Some of them are gut wrenching (like the widows). But God can change it all with just one touch.
With just one touch the son got up, went home with mom; and I’ll bet all the food that the friends and neighbors had dropped off for the funeral, made the fixin’s for a great revival party.
Well. Today I’m in the south. Andy and Opie territory as a matter of fact. And I’ve had a touch of revival in my soul from Dr. Myron Guiler’s message at Temple Baptist Church in Mt. Airy, North Carolina last night. Tonight we are headed to see the Primitive Quartet. Glory to God!!! We didn’t even know they’d be here. And now here we are! God is so good.
There’s lots of things we don’t know… why do we always assume we do? Every day can be a struggle. But remember that it’s just a snapshot. That picture may change drastically and God’s glory may be getting ready to enter the scene.
Please Jesus…
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This blog is in it’s 8th year. Hosted on godaddy.com for the past five. Expenses incurred for the operation of this site are without complaint and with gratitude for the opportunity. If the Lord would impress you to give to help cover some recent technology issues, I’d be grateful. I’ve not been in the world’s workforce for 3 years and for that I glorify God. It’s given me the opportunity to not only write and work on music, but minister to nursing home patients, volunteer in the Christian School teaching art and help other ministries with marketing. All of which require technology, communication, time and gasoline. Again it’s without complainT… but just in case you have a desire to help, or have “extra money” 🙂 Know that I would be eternally grateful.
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