Like a Sunset

"God, make me like a sunset, please."

I asked this of Him recently. The funny thing is that it was the middle of a cloudy day where the sun wasn't even visible and a sunset still five hours away. You're probably thinking, "The funny thing is, Jessica, that you even thought to ask such a question! A sunset? Really?"

Hold on to your galloping animal (and I know you've got one, because everyone has a water buffalo) and let me attempt to explain what I was thinking when I asked this interesting question of God.

First, let me explain. No. There is not enough time. Let me sum up. :) (Princess Bride quote right there.)
I have been feeling rather peaceful as of late. Maybe it is simply because I have settled into my schedule, but I think it's because God knew I needed some peace. The constant hustle of life has not changed, in fact, it has increased, but I came to the realization that my fairly busy schedule should not be something in my life that stands in the way of peace. Peace is not sipping lemonade in a beach chair in Florida with a gentle breeze and a bright sun. Nor is it Christmas break when you have nothing to do. True peace is a peace of heart, no matter what the situation. So I have peace. Moving on to the sunset part.

I was talking to God, and thanking Him for this incredible peace when I had this strong desire for something else. And I knew what it was. "God, I am grateful for this peace I have, but I need passion too." For me, peace of heart without passion for God is laziness. I needed a passion that would light me on fire for all things Christ. Fire like a sunset.

A sunset is both peaceful and passionate. Its beauty is both still and fiery. Gentle and bold. Quiet, yet its very color announces its presence. Its passionate brilliance is peacefully loud.

What could be more passionate and peaceful than a sunset? A sunrise is peaceful, but in my opinion, it lacks the passion of the day.

So, you see, I wanted to be like a sunset to claim a brilliant passion for the cross while living peacefully.

God, make me like a sunset that burns in peace and passion both.

For Us

"Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord's presence like a tender green shoot; like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.
He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned out backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed."
Isaiah 53:1-5

God came to earth, knowing that we would reject him, and eventually kill him. He sent his precious son into earth as a helpless baby boy that first Christmas long ago, knowing that we would break his heart so that our hearts could become whole.
Every time I read these verses I am awed by the sacrifice God made to "save a wretch like me." He didn't have to save me; I certainly didn't deserve it. But He loves me. This powerful love inspires tears of gratitude to a God who will carry me and protect me and love me forever.

And then I want to do something for Him, yet all He asks of me is to love Him back. During the Christmas season I am reminded of this indescribable sacrifice God made because of the powerful love He has for me.

Don't forget this Christmas of the tiny bundle of love sent to earth to be the Savior of the world--Jesus Christ.

Strength for the Impossible

Picture this: Down in a valley surrounded by mountains, a battle is raging. Smoke and confusion permeate the air while bullets and canons send forth death in the shape of lead balls. The men in combat are dying left and right. You decide to walk into the heat of the battle. Dressed in long flowing white robes, you slowly move forward as bullets whiz past your head and cannonballs lodge themselves into the earth at your feet; but you remain untouched. As you keep walking, the mountains begin to crumble, causing panic all around you. When you reach the center of the battlefield you stop, looking up to the heavens as the world around you crashes to the ground.

Now you know what I pictured when I read this verse: “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

“Even then…” Even when the world seems to be falling apart around us, when life seems to be worthless; even when the mountains move and hills disappear, and as far as I know, that hasn’t really happened! Even then God’s faithful love endures. It will always be there, no matter what.

God will love us even when—especially when—we are afraid, when the future is unsure and when doing the impossible seems…impossible! “For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’” When I find myself scared to take another step into my life, whether big or small, I take this verse quite literally. I picture (you’ll find I like to do so) God, my Father, reaching down to grasp my right hand in his and leading me forward like a father would his child. His gentle words “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you,” give me encouragement to move forward and take that step with his help.

Strength comes from trusting that God will be there for us whenever we need Him—which, for me, is every second of every day of every year of every decade (you get the point). I have no strength on my own; I have to trust God for every ounce, knowing that because of his great love for me I can face what may seem impossible, and so can you.

 “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” (Daniel 10:19)