The first verse that sticks with me is one of hope... " I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ"- God used this verse in a very profound way in my life right before I left for Africa. We had training camp in Georgia before we went- it was filled with biting ants,tents, red clay that ruined everything I had that was white, and no real bathrooms- it was a treat.
But God used that time to really dig in deep to many of the people there, before we were sent out. One night we were having a worship service/rally thing. I can't even tell you what sparked it, but by the middle of the worship set I was crying uncontrollably, seriously doubting that I could do this. I had absolutely no faith that God was still working in me, that I could go and represent him to another people, in another part of the world. I felt hopeless, desparate and completely unworthy. Just then a man by the name of Ben walked over to me- he was one of the leaders, but I had never spoken to him before. He leaned down next to my crumpled, sobbing body and just quoted that verse...he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.... and walked away. God's words spoke directly against the lies that I had been beliving- it was exactly what I needed to hear.
Most people know the verse " For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.", but I really like the next verse...." If i am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me."- A big challenge- Is my life really fruitful labor? Sometimes, but often I think I am just living day to day, for myself, being completely unfruitful... What an eye opening reminder to plug back into God and live a fruitful, laborful, life.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ- Wow. Can you get any more challenging than this? Worthy of the Gospel- do you know how much the gospel of Christ is worth?! And to live a life worthy of it...to me, this is the biggest and most applicable challenge. Luckily, Paul continues with a few more challenges that can help us achieve this....
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count other more significant than yourself. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others..." Its not all about you, Erin... give it up.
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is your in Christ Jesus.... who made himself nothing taking the form of a servant...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross" If the son of God, who was equal to God can take the form of a servant and be humbled, who am I to hang onto my pride?
"Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as light of the world" I'm not sure if you have talked to me much lately...especially while teaching, but boy was I a grumbler! And now you would think, well you aren't teaching much this summer, you must be happy! Nope, grumbling Erin returns and I am here complaining and questioning not being able to work much this summer! It seems no matter what I am doing, or not doing, grumbling comes into the picture for me. What a thought though, not grumbling can help you shine as the lights of the world in a crooked and twisted generation! Think about how great a witness you could be, just by not complaining all the time. What a challenge.
And that's just the first two chapters!!!
Anyways, I just felt very challenged and thought maybe if I share it with the world I can a) have some accountability for actually working towards living a life worthy of the gospel, and b) maybe encourage/challenge some of my friends out there too:) P.S I purposefully didn't put verse numbers in there, so you will have to go find them yourself:)!
Im going to go keep reading and see what else God has in store for me.. Krafft out!:)
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