 It’s been a few years now since God called me into ministry. I can say it has certainly been an adventure, and I had no idea what it would look like back then. When I look back now, I can see so much naiveté in myself and I’m reminded a lot of Joseph.
When we talk about the story of Joseph in the Bible, we often refer to all his hardships and trials and how God used him for greatness taking him from the pit to the palace. But, one of the first things I think about when I think of Joseph was his inability to hold his tongue. As I have read about the dreams God gave Joseph, I have often wondered why He didn’t also give him the common sense to keep it to himself. But, then I have to remember how I felt when God called me. I was so excited. Not only did God put the dream in my heart, but He confirmed it multiple times. Having the dream and the confirmations made me extra eager to share my excitement with everyone else. I only wish God had dropped an instruction manual in my lap with the call He had given me. Take a little free advice from someone who has learned the hard way—hold onto that dream like precious treasure and only share it with a few. I found that many people didn’t care to know, others won’t see it in you, some will think you are bragging or gloating, and still others will be just plain jealous. I’m not saying that is the case with everyone. We all have God appointed friends who are happy to share in our excitement, but we probably shouldn’t go announcing it on the seven o’clock news just yet! And always be considerate of the feelings of others. Joseph’s dreams involved him ruling over his brothers. His brothers were already jealous of Joseph because he was their father, Jacob’s, favorite. So imagine how his news kindled their fiery hatred toward him. If you’ve read the story, you know it didn’t go well. (pun not intended) Discovering God’s call on your life is wonderful. It’s exciting, scary, humbling, and definitely something we want to share. But we must remember, we don’t always get to wear the crown as soon as we get news about it. David was anointed as King, but it was many, many years later before he would actually wear the crown. Jospeh went through years of troubles and trials before he stepped into his position. In both cases, God was preparing them. We don’t know it all when God calls us. Yes, we know He does equip the called, but we must follow His lead. If we try to get ahead of Him, things will not go well. But, when we remain humble and let Him take control—in other words stay out of His way—He will place the crown on our heads at just the right time. We don’t have to tell others about our calling or attempt to prove it. God’s power will be on display through us as we seek to bring glory to Him alone. And in His perfect timing He will lift us up in honor. So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 1 Peter 5:6 (NLT)
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 What if Hillary Got Saved?
You are probably wondering what on earth this blog could be about with a title like that. I was watching TV when an interview with Hillary Clinton came on. They were asking for her opinion on Bernie Sanders and his probability of becoming President. (You can probably imagine how that went.) I have to admit I do not get warm fuzzy feelings when I see Hillary Clinton. I have never been a Hillary fan, and her stance on abortion and other issues are particularly upsetting to me. I can’t count how many times I have turned the TV channel when she has appeared on my screen, but not tonight. Why? Tonight when I saw her, I couldn’t help but wonder what she looked like as a child. I admit it was a strange thought. But, my heart always melts when it comes to children. I can feel the deepest compassion for young children, and I especially hurt for those who are lost or missing. Seeing missing children posters really cause my heart to ache. I tried to imagine Hillary as a young girl. There’s no doubt that Hillary is disliked by many people in the world. It’s really hard to love someone with her actions, and policies. But, Jesus loves her. When He sees her, He sees her as a small lost and helpless little girl that He would love to rescue. Well, I found an internet picture of a young Hillary and posted it above. We often see only what people allow us to see. We may see the most undesirable qualities in a person, and that can cause us to dislike that person immensely. But tonight I looked at Hillary and wondered what happened to that young child? I know the young and innocent Hillary is still inside her. What has life dealt her behind the scenes? We can see everything the media has displayed openly, marriage problems, failures, lost election, and everything else has been presented, often showing this woman with a tough brave face. Some may say she volunteered for the publicity. But, we still haven’t seen the tears that have fallen in her private moments. What fears has she felt? What pressures has she struggled with to be what everyone thinks or wants her to be. Maybe she has always aspired to be and do exactly what she is doing now. But, is she happy? Has she ever truly known happiness? Has she ever truly known the love of a Savior? What if there was someone in Hillary’s life that just chose to love her? What if someone explained to her that no matter what she accomplishes in this vapor of life we live here on earth—it will never be enough. What if someone told her she was worthy of love without her accomplishments? What if someone could make her understand that there is a love and a freedom that cannot be bought, but is far more priceless than treasures or wealth? What if Hillary got truly and radically saved? What if she actually believed that she was created by a God who loves her, and longs to give her a life worth living? What if she was finally free from all guilt and shame, and was able to let go of all her failures because she was truly forgiven? What if she understood that eternity is much longer than this lifetime on earth? BUT, what if we loved people who count us as deplorable or detestable? What if we just tried to see the unlovable people we meet as truly lost children? Maybe we would find it easier to love the lost and share with them the only hope of peace, freedom, and new life that only Jesus can give. So, yes, I pray that Hillary gets saved. I pray that one day, someone somewhere will get through to her with the love of Jesus, and help her find real life, real love, and real happiness. After all, if Jesus could save me, He can certainly save Hillary. |
AuthorDonna Sparks is an International Speaker and Evangelist. She is the Author of Beauty From Ashes: My Story of Grace, and, No Limits: Embracing the Miraculous. Archives
July 2020
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