Brokenness and Contrition

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. --Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

The Lenten season has begun. In the remaining 38 days before Easter, many of us will be preparing our hearts to focus on the magnitude and meaning of Christ's sacrifice on our behalf. For some, Lent involves contemplating the meaning by choosing to sacrifice some part of our own lives as an action of penance. Some choose to prepare through religious fasts, others with a slightly more personal spin, such as giving up eating chocolate.

Lent is not a renewal of our New Year's Resolutions any more than Christmas is about finding the perfect gift for the in-laws. One of the larger aspects of it is the oft-misunderstood concept of penance. Penance is defined as "the desire to be forgiven." A similar concept is contrition, which literally means "crushed by guilt." When I contemplate the work done on the cross, I cannot help but think of the intense physical pain that Christ endured. He was literally crushed for our iniquities.

When the Holy Spirit moves in us in such a way that we are moved to contrition, we too are crushed. Our conscience is pierced and we recognize not only that we deserve to be punished for our sins, but that we simply cannot pay the exacting price that God, who is completely just, deserves. Even though I know I grieved the Lord my God on countless occasions my faith and assurance of forgiveness enables me to see that it is not up to me to pay the price for my wickedness and sins. Christ has paid that price.

We do not need to let the evil one continue to beat us down or break us. If we have responded to God's offer of the free gift of grace, then the only part of us that needs to be broken is our will. Throughout this season of Lent, I will let Christ continue the good work he started in me, by seeking ways to let his will be the driving force in my life, rather than my own. Through prayer and meditation on God's Word, I will feel myself benefit from the peace and healing that Christ's affliction has bought for me. It's a sobering thought, and not an easy one to grasp.

Somehow I doubt that a mere 5 weeks is enough for such a process.

Any Volunteers?

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said "Here am I. Send me!" --Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

God speaks to each of us in unique ways. There are times when He shows us quite clearly what it is we are to do. Other times He points us in a particular direction and from there we must rely on the prompting of the Holy Spirit to help us see where it is we are to go. What matters most is not how well we understand God when he calls us, but that we respond to his call unequivocally.

When God called Isaiah to go prophesy to the nations, Isaiah replied without hesitation. "Here am I. Send me!" He didn't know that the Lord had in mind for him to do, nor did he know where the path would lead him, still he bounded to his feet, ready to serve the Lord. God was about to do big things throughout the kingdoms of Israel and Judea, and Isaiah's short response was all God needed to hear before things really got rolling.

We need to have the same attitude about volunteering to be used by God that Isaiah did. Whether we know exactly what God has in mind or not, we must voice our availability as soon as God asks. When He calls our name and points us in a particular direction, we must step forward dutifully and say "here am I." We can do this without fear because we know that God will be with us every step of the way as we serve Him; it's His plan, we're just along for the ride.

Memorable Names

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. --Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

People have trouble pronouncing my last name. I have heard just about every conceivable mispronunciation of my first name as well. When I introduce myself, I make certain that the second syllable of "Lauren" is heard clearly, otherwise I may have to answer to Laura, Laurie or Lorna for the remainder of the conversation. There is nothing wrong with those names of course, it's just that none of them are MY name.

I, like most people feel a bit slighted when the proper spelling or pronunciation of his or her name is overlooked or disregarded. One cannot help but take it personally when something so personal as a name is passed over discourteously.

There are times when I feel as though I have only just been introduced to God and have to be reminded of how to correctly pronounce His name. The last thing I want to do is fail to recognize Him with the appropriate reverence. I know that His name is the name above all names. Furthermore, God the Father is one and the same with the infant born to Mary and raised as Joseph's son. Jesus the Christ is King of the Jews as was mockingly attributed to him the night of his crucifixion. Centuries before the Messiah made his appearance, his name was determined.

Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace.

I am fascinated by those names, and even more so when I consider them in light of God's character. The great I AM has seen fit to dwell among us in human form, not to experience life, but to save us from death. That is what makes His name worth calling upon and worth remembering.

Salt in the Wound

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. –Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

Mono Lake, located within 20 miles of Yosemite National Park in California, is one of the oldest lakes in North America. The most notable features of the lake are the towers of Tufa (too-fuh). These formations result when mineral deposits get washed into the lake from the streams of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains and are subsequently left behind as the freshwater evaporates. Every year the salt concentration of the lake rises as evaporation continues. Currently, Mono Lake is more than twice as salty as ocean water.

That is a fact I cannot easily forget.

A few years ago I was in Mono County participating in three week course for my major as an environmental scientist. One of the projects involved a day trip to Mono Lake where my classmates and I were to conduct a series of scientific observations. As I climbed out of our small boat and set foot on the creaking dock at the end of the day, I heard a small gasp behind me followed by an unmistakable “plunk!” Sharon had been attempting to dry her hands on her pant legs when her ring slipped off her finger, slid between the cracks in the dock and sank unceremoniously into the saline waters.

“My ring!”

I knew how upset I would be if I had lost such a beautiful piece of jewelry, so I immediately began rolling up my pants as I waded into the lake.

“YEOW!!!!” I yelped as I splashed around trying to find the ring as quickly as possible so I could get back on dry land.

If I had known how much pain my skinny legs were going to endure, I would have proceeded far differently. I would have either forgone shaving that morning or refrained from jumping into the water so quickly. Although more than 8 hours had passed since I shaved my legs that morning, the amount of salt in the water was enough to irritate my skin, inducing the worst case of razor burn I had ever had.

***

When Jesus was up on the cross, he was not there wishing he had done anything differently. He chose to endure the wretched, merciless punishment of death for each of us. He “rolled up his pant legs” so to speak, knowing exactly how painful the sting of our sins would feel against his human flesh. Still, he did not flinch. He did not complain about it; he did not curse us for our carelessness and our part in his death. The wounds inflicted on him at the cross bring us peace.

In both the physical and spiritual sense, he jumped into a truly inhospitable, painful environment to keep our souls from being eternally corroded because of our sins. I may have thought twice about my decision to help my friend recover her precious jewelry involved, but Jesus never hesitated to recover God’s precious children.

I’ll never forget how salty Mono Lake is. More importantly, I’ll never forget to be thankful for what Jesus endured in my stead and the eternity of peace I have because of his sacrifice for me.

No Complaints

"When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction." --Isaiah 29:23-24

I can't think of anyone who doesn't know how to grumble or complain. We live in an imperfect world, so it is natural for us to be imperfect in how we behave in times of difficulty. We are far more likely to focus on the negative things, even when they are outnumbered by positive things and examples of God's goodness.

Sometimes life's circumstances truly are awful and undesirable through no fault of our own. Take my recent experience for example. The first draft of this writing was composed in a hospital room. As you may or may not know about me, I have cystic fibrosis and find myself regularly hospitalized because of it. In past hospitalizations I would allow myself to become overly emotional, crying through every known verse and chorus of "woe is me" and "this isn't fair" with a little bit of "life stinks" thrown in just to add some variety.

This time I'm choosing to see that even though this isn't fair, I still have plenty of blessings on which I can focus. My relationship with God is such example of something that is particularly positive in my life. He continually reminds me of his love and care by blessing me with frequent visits from my incredible husband, family, and friends. God's comfort and presence is felt when I think of how wonderful medical science is, and how God guides the healing hands of my doctors. I am uplifted as I consider the reality that God continues to provide for me at every turn.

As the saying goes, "hope springs eternal." My hope in Christ is what keeps me going even (and especially) when I'm struggling with my health. Life may not be fair, but so what. Why complain about that when I have so much for which to praise God. The work he does in my life is worthy of my praise at all times.

Willingness to Go

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said "Here am I. Send me!"--Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

God speaks to each of us in unique ways. There are times when he shows us quite clearly what he wants us to do. He sets our feet moving along a clearly delineated path, and guides us along. Other times we may not be able to see very far ahead and we have to trust implicitly that the Holy Spirit will go before and behind us, watching over our every move. What matters most is not how well we understand God when he calls us, but that we willingly answer his call.

When God called Isaiah to prophesy to the nations, Isaiah responded without a moment of hesitation. His enthusiastic reply of "Send me!" should be echoed by each of us when God's voice resonates in our own ears.

God appeared before him in glory and splendor, with a choir of angels and simply asks "Whom shall we send?" I find it interesting that Isaiah unequivocally answers God's call without being given so much as a description of his mission. He doesn't even glance around to see if anyone else volunteers for the job. He knew that God was speaking directly to him, and he knew he had to answer obediently and faithfully.

Isaiah's attitude was one of willingness. God desires the same from us. Whether we know what God wants us to do or not, we must voice our availability to him. With hearts that are open to God's prompting, we are essentially saying "send me!" When God calls our name, points us in a new direction or illuminates a new path for us, we must bound to our feet and cry "Here am I! No matter what steps we must follow next, God will be there every step of the way as we commit ourselves to serving him.

Beauty for Ashes

And to provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. --Isaiah 61:3

The Christmas ornament was beautiful. Each one of the dozens of indentations on its globed surface acted as a prism, displaying hundreds of tiny rainbows, but overall, it was deeply purple in color. The other ladies from the church and I "oohed and aaahed" as it was held up for the entire group to see. Several women inquired where the item was purchased, most likely so they could go find one to add to their Christmas trees this year. The item truly was one-of-a-kind. We were shocked to learn that such a beautiful item had once been ashes, spewed forth during Mt. Saint Helens' most recent eruption.

To turn something as unappealing as volcanic ash into a beautiful Christmas ornament takes a lot of work, and a lot of time. The right amount of ashen debris must be accumulated for the task. The ashes then undergo a great deal of pressure, and are subjected to extremely high temperatures. When the ashes have become a liquid mixture, they are molded into the desired shape. The beautiful colors were there naturally, very similar to the swirling rainbows that can be observed in a thin film of oil on the pavement.

God has the ability to turn the ashes in our lives into something beautiful. Every heartache, every painful loss, every discouraging or devastating situation is an opportunity to let God's work be done to change us into something lovely. In my own life I have collected more than a few handfuls of ashes, and God is still working to turn them into something that will reflect His glory. Throughout this process, God is teaching me to rely on Him fully, and trust Him to work things out in my life so that others can look at me and see His splendor.

I am not yet an oak of righteousness; perhaps I'm only a sapling. As I root my life firmly in Christ, and stand on the promises of eternal hope that He has given me, I become stronger. God's work is far from complete in my life, but every day I'm learning that in order to reflect Him, I'm going to have to endure some pain--if only for awhile.

Like that beautiful ornament, we are all one-of-a-kind. God's plan is unique for each of us, and the circumstances of our lives are too. No matter what hardships or difficulties we face here on earth, God is continually creating beauty from our ashes, and clothing us with a garment of praise.

HazMat Salvation

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. --Isaiah 64:6

For one of my projects at work I have been scouring any available government databases that may contain details about hazardous waste sites or releases of toxic substances in a particular area. I liken myself in a small way to Erin Brockavich whenever I'm working on something like this --except I dress more modestly. After a week of searching for documentation or records of some type, I am forced to make two assumptions. Either 1) No hazardous materials were ever released into the area; or, 2) hazardous materials were in fact released, but they went unreported. Which do you think is more likely?

In some ways sin is a lot like hazardous waste. Just as it is impossible to store and dispose of hazardous waste 100% efficiently and safely each time, it is equally impossible for us to keep the effects of our sinful actions under wraps for an infinite amount of time. In one way or another, every sin, whether or not we think it is insignificant, affects us. Sometimes we can go for years without suffering the consequences of sin. However, when our lives here on earth are over, we will have to answer for every indiscretion, every selfish action--every sin.

If God were to keep a record of my sins in a database, the sheer volume of the entries would be enough to grant me a one-way ticket to hell. If all my wrongdoings of the last 25 years (not to mention my remaining life) were itemized in a spreadsheet, I would be ashamed and embarrassed by how many times the same behaviors were repeated. This is enough to make me consider myself a hopeless case. If God had something akin to a National Priorities List (the EPA's list of extremely polluted sites) for sinners, each of us would be on it. No one would be spared.

Aside from the salvation we have through grace alone by faith alone in Christ alone, none of us stands a chance of having our sins blotted out of existence. Fortunately, the work that Jesus did for us on the cross had a greater impact on our souls than all of the best environmental cleanup efforts could do for toxic waste dumps. Because Christ took our sins upon himself, a database of my sins now has an entry that states "Remediation complete. No further action required."

When God looks at my heart, He no longer sees a leaking, stinking, hazardous waste dump. I have put on the righteousness of Christ in place of my own sinful nature. I am no longer condemned to an eternity apart from God.

Guilt, Shame and Peace

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him. --Isaiah 53:5

Dr. Laura Schlessinger's current reader response poll/questionnaire asks questions about defining and responding to guilt, shame and embarrassment. Although I'm certain her inquiries are largely sociological and psychological in nature, I couldn't help but formulate my answers based on religious perspective.

I think that guilt is that unsettling feeling that we get in our stomachs that lets us know that we've done something reprehensible. It is the Holy Spirit alerting us to the fact that we have behaved selfishly and disobediently. It is the feeling that makes us cringe to think about what would happen if our spouse, kids, parents or Savior were to walk in on you at that very moment.
Shame is the reasonable and appropriate response to guilt. It is realizing the weight of our misguided action or decision, and knowing that there are unpleasant consequences coming our way that we fully deserve.

Feelings of guilt and shame can be overcome, but not without taking responsibility for our actions. Unfortunately, nothing we could ever do would be enough to remove the guilt of our sins from us. This is only accomplished through the work that Christ has done on the cross. In order for our guilt to be removed from us, Christ had to take in on--all of it. The weight of my sins was on his shoulders as he hung battered and beaten and bleeding on the cross. He was publicly shamed because of me and all of the detestable things that I have ever done. Every lie, every selfish motive, every impure thought I've every had was put on him.

This realization makes me disgusted with myself. However, because I believe that Jesus loved me enough to take on my punishment willingly, I have peace. I have the peace and untold relief that comes from knowing I will never have to stand before God still reeking of my sins.

There are positive aspects to guilt and shame. Without shame, I would not feel compelled to drop to my knees and thank Christ for standing in my stead. Without feelings of guilt, it would be easy for me to think that I can make up my own rules and never have to pay for them. Guilt and shame remind me that there is Someone out there who is far more powerful than I am or ever could be. Without these feelings and their associated emotions, I would never be motivated to seek relief from the pain my selfish ambitions cause. My fallibility forces me to seek after God.

A world without guilt or shame would be a scary place because such a world cannot exist except where there are no moral absolutes. A world without guilt or shame would remove all hope for something better. A world without guilt or shame would be a godless one, and therefore a meaningless or empty one.

For those of us who are Christians, although we may live in what appears to be a godless world, we need to remind ourselves that there is more than meets the eye. There is hope for a future beyond this. We can live with the peace of mind that comes from knowing Christ has conquered all--even guilt and shame.

It's Okay To Be Weak

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. --Isaiah 40:29

Because we live in a world where strength, and power are praised, many of us do our best to hide our insecurities and shortcomings. We often go to great lengths to exaggerate our strengths and downplay our weaknesses in order to make ourselves look better to others. In truth, the very people we try to impress may just as well be struggling with the same feelings of weakness and may be just as weary from trying to hide it.

There are times when my physical health isn't as strong as I would like it to be. During those times, my spiritual health can also wane. Although such times of weakness feel like they last for far too long, I know that each and every time that happens, God has given me a new point of view and a new way to trust in Him. I have learned that it is okay to be weak just so long as I remember that there is One who enables me to be strong.

The very fact that I cannot do certain things on my own only serves to emphasize that Christ is the One who works through me. If I never struggled with anything, I would never learn anything. If the path I walk as a Christian never tripped me up, I would never spend as much time on my knees in prayer as I do. Being strong has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with God.

I am the first to admit that I am a weak when it comes to certain areas of my life. I am also the first to admit that I have come this far by faith and it is that very faith that connects me to a source of strength and peace that is indescribable. Nothing this world has to offer even comes close to that kind of power.

Hearing His Voice

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying "This is the way; walk in it." --Isaiah 30:21


"The Voice"

Sometimes when it's quiet, things are still and I'm alone,
I know without hearing a voice unlike any I've ever known.
It seems to tell me "what" and "where" and "how" I must do.
And then in an instant I know the voice belongs to you.
It tells me "this is the way; walk in it."
"This is your path; follow it."
Quickly deciding I make my choice
to follow God's spirit and follow his voice.


I'm always amazed at how God will speak to me when I least expect it. A few years back I spent the day with friends at a local Christian college, and I had the opportunity to attend a Bible study group with them. The speaker that day had chosen to talk about how we need to listen and be attentive to God's voice. He quoted Isaiah 30:21 which, at the time, was a verse I hadn't been able to get out of my head.

I first memorized that verse in 1997 after it was selected as the class motto for my older cousin's graduating class. At the time I didn't really understand what it meant to listen for God's voice. I hadn't been a Christian for very long, so I was still in the "just trying to be good" phase of my walk with God. I imagined that following God was like playing a game of follow the leader. He would lead, and I tried to follow.

More and more I am struck by the mental image I get when reading this verse. The part about the voice being detected behind us seems interested. To me it means that God allows us to make our own decisions, but the Holy Spirit is the voice of reason, prodding us from behind to keep us moving along the right path. Whenever we make decisions, there's a quiet voice inside us that tells us the right thing to do.


There's a line in Michael W. Smith's song, "Don't Give Up" that says "don't be surprised if the road divides; just take the one less traveled by." Listen to that voice behind you as it tells you what path to take. The more time you spend walking with the Lord, the easier it will be not only to recognize his voice, but to know which path to take. I pray that as I continue to walk the path that God has set out for me, I will be able to easily recognize God's voice. I will trust him to let me know when to turn to the right or to the left.

Rough Roads

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous hand. --Isaiah 41:10

Most anyone who has survived the critical decade (ages 16-26) will agree that life can get rough. Sometimes God presents us with challenges that are not easily overcome, and not quickly forgotten. When we're on those rough roads, it is easy to give in to feelings of doubt that make us question if God is really in control, and we wonder if it's fair that being a Christian doesn't automatically guarantee that life will go smoothly.

I often struggle when I'm traveling the rough roads. I go through phases where the smooth straight-aways of life feel too few and far between. When God takes me off-roading (spiritually speaking) it is a bumpy, uncomfortable ride, and usually a scary one.

Throughout college I hit more rough roads than I care to admit. I had to drop a number of classes here and there because I got too sick to keep up. I also had to repeat quite a few classes, and make up some incompletes along the way. There were days when I felt too frustrated to continue, and after nearly every grueling final, I swore I wanted to quit because it was so hard.

My spiritual and emotional life also hit some bumps. I wrestled with God in anger on several occasions. I blamed him for things that hurt me very deeply, and I questioned whether he really was a loving God. I didn't understand why people and things that were very dear to me were taken away. It took quite awhile, but I came to accept that I don't always have to understand God in order to have faith that his plan is best.

Although life certainly isn't as smooth as I want it to be--and I'm sure many other people feel the same way--God gives me the persistence I need to keep traveling the rough roads, and to trust him when he leads me there. When he takes me off the beaten path, he shows me things that I may have missed otherwise. When I have to slow down, God uses that time to teach me how to appreciate the here and now, and not be so concerned with rushing forward to whatever is next.

So far, the rough roads have forced me to learn how to make careful decisions. They have also taught me to trust God to lead me safely through unfamiliar territory. As much as I hate to admit it, I realize that those times have been and will continue to be character building experiences. Sometimes I think that I would rather be less of a character, and have fewer of those difficult periods in life, but I am learning that the rough roads are where God shows me the path he wants me to follow.

Answer the Call

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying "Whom shall I send and who will go for us" and then I said "here am I. Send me!" --Isaiah 6:8

No matter who you are, God can use you. Think about all the people he used in the Bible who didn't think they were cut out for the job. God used Moses to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, despite Moses' self-proclaimed speech impedement. God used David, a mere boy, to slay the giant Goliath. He even placed a dreaming Joseph in a position of authority second only to the pharaoh. He used Esther to reach the heart of her husband, kind Xerxes so that the lineage of Jewish people leading up to Jesus might be preserved.

In this verse, God speaks to Isaiah and asks him to be his prophet even though Isaiah was "a man of unclean lips". God doesn't necessarily need us to help him carry out his plan. After all, he's God and could command the stones to come to life to praise his name if he wanted.

When God puts it on our hearts to do something for him, we need to have the faith to stand up and say "Here am I, send me!" We shouldn't sit back for awhile and think "well, maybe once I've learned a few more Bible verses, then I'll be able to witness to people...". We don't need to worry about our abilities or our perceived inabilities to be useful to God.

Spiritual growth is a continuing process. That's why it's called growth. What if we waited until we reached our full-grown size before buying any clothes? For one thing, we wouldn't be able to venture out of the house wearing nothing but a smile. In a similar way, we need to put on what fits us spiritually right now. God has a purpose in our lives at this very moment. As we grow spiritually, God will provide us with the new "clothes" we need to fit our growing spiritual maturity.

Nothing can happen unless we're willing to listen to God's voice. In addition, we need to find our voices and answer him when he calls us with a challenge to follow him. By saying "send me!" I guarantee we can be part of an interesting and rewarding experience, though it might not always be an easy one.

Fear and Trembling

This is the one I esteem; he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. --Isaiah 66:2b

God is amazing, and I am awed when I think that he, the ruler of the universe, enthroned in heaven, lowered himself to my level in order that he might communicate his love for me. He, the Creator, chose to humble himself so that we might be saved. In doing this, he opens up a unique opportunity to each of us, allowing us to come to him freely. Do you ever stop to think that talking to God in prayer is not dissimilar to the familiarity we experience in how we converse with our friends and family members?

I feel blessed that God chooses to make himself accessible. I admit that I sometimes take that accessibility for granted. I allow myself to become too casual in the way I address him. Of course, God does not require that we use any lofty vocabulary or elevated language when we converse with him. However, I think it is reasonable that we maintain a sense of perspective and holy fear. He is and always will be God--sovereign, holy, perfect. We are mere humans--flesh and blood--and are unworthy of standing before him based on our own merits. Yet by his grace and through his mercy, he allows us to communicate directly with him.

God esteems us when we come before him clothed in an attitude of humility. To be esteemed means "to be looked upon with favorable regard." I fail to understand how God is able to look at me in such a way, in light of my many sins. I have lost count of the number of times I have dishonored or disappointed him in some way. However, by recognizing my own unworthiness, I become contrite, that is, I feel sorry for what I have done and am moved to repentance.

Reading this verse reminds me of a song by Nichole Nordeman, called "Tremble". The lyrics talk about how we cannot approach God casually. Rather, it is appropriate that we tremble in his awesome presence.

--
"Tremble"

Have I come too casually? Because it seems to me there's something I've neglected.
How does one approach a Deity with informality and still protect the Sacred?
'Cause you came and chose to wear the skin of all of us,
and it's easy to forget you left a throne.
And the line gets blurry all the time between daily and divine; it's hard to know the difference.

Oh, let me not forget to tremble.
Oh, let me not forget to tremble.
Face down on the ground do I dare to take the liberty to stare at you?
Oh, let me not forget to tremble.

What a shame to think that I'd appear even slightly cavalier to the matter of salvation.
Do I claim this gift you freely gave as if it were mind to take with so little hesitation?
'Cause you came and stood among the very least of us,
and it's easy to forget you left a throne.

Oh, let me not forget to tremble.
Oh, let me not forget to tremble.
Face down on the ground do I dare to take the liberty to stare at you?
Oh, let me not forget to tremble.

The cradle and the grave could not contain your divinity.
Neither can I oversimplify this love.

Oh, let me not forget to tremble.

--

I pray that in those times when my relationship with God is just as personal and comfortable as my relationship with my closest friends, I will not lose sight of his holiness. I must not forget to tremble as I humble myself before him.

Famed Underdogs

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.--Isaiah 40:29

Who among us has never found himself cheering for the underdog? There is something awe-inspiring and perhaps even emotional about seeing an individual (or team) come from behind to shatter all expectations and go on to triumph. Bob Costas, an NBC announcer says of underdog victories, “[it is] a wonderful mystery.”

Mr. Costa’s remark is in reference to the historic win of the Puerto Rican basketball team in Athens. Other notable victors in this year’s Summer Games are the South African swim team and the Iraqi soccer team. Each came to the Olympics not being expected to perform well, let alone become world champions. These teams now find a place of honor in the record books and in history.

Similarly, underdogs of the Bible have claimed a respected place in what is sometimes referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame” found in Hebrews 11. What the world perceived as notable disadvantages proved to be a winner edge when it came to the overall game plan. Read the details for yourself in the stories of Noah, Abraham, and others in Hebrews 11.

The term “underdog” is one that is applied by observers based on external evidence and past performances. When the secular world looks at us Christians, they may deem us weak, saying that we use religion or our faith as a crutch. They may conclude that we are naïve for believing in someone we cannot see. The world would like us to believe that living selflessly makes us losers.

For all intents and purposes, we are underdogs—in an earthly sense. Fortunately, we know there is more to life than the present moment. We are able to see the bigger game plan that includes the spiritual world. The spiritual world is the one where we find God’s playing field, and it is there that we are undoubtedly favored to win.