I am astounded, and more than a bit humbled by our little chunk of reading from Acts today. Paul and Barnabas, two new-ish followers of Jesus, are traveling around telling people of all they've seen and heard, essentially saying, "If you want your life to be different, this guy Jesus is the real deal..." Their message had power (miracles make for GREAT public speaking devices) and people believed them. Then five minutes later, those same people heard someone say something different and decided they believed THEM instead, and tried to murder Paul and Barnabas.
(Can you imagine how perilous it would be for self-help/spirituality authors today if every time one of their devoted fans moved on to the next big idea, they tried to kill them??? The Oprah show would be a bloodbath...)
Anyway...this happens again in the next city they visit: one minute, the crowd is so certain that Paul and Barnabas are gods, they're preparing to sacrifice animals in their honor. Then a few moments later, they hear some other persuasive speaker, and pull out the rocks to stone our intrepid traveling pair.
What's up with that? Why are we so prone to believe one thing, and then five minutes later be utterly convinced that something else is "the truth"? And more importantly, how can we get off this crazy ride and land somewhere steady and solid?
I didn't really have an answer for that question when I typed it a few minutes ago, but then I heard Ayiesha Woods' song, The Remedy and thought, "Well, there it is..." Download it, listen to the lyrics, and let me know what you think. The reminder (and reassurance) is well worth the 99 cents. Who knows? It might be the first time you've ever paid to get off a ride :)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
11 comments:
My favorite line is "Caught up in a brain storm"
I'm not sure why but we humans do seem to be fickle in our attachments for some reason. The newest fad that grabs our attention or an intriguing new movie at the theatres draw us in and entice us to spend our hard earned wages. As Paul and Barnabas' experiences show that is also true for what we claim to believe but if we can't settle on a single "truth" that is irrefutable how can we call it Truth at all???? I think that in itself is a glaring example of how illogical this jumping from one belief to another truly is. If we can change our minds down the road then how can what we believe honestly be Truth especially when what we say we belive at one moment contradicts what we say we believe the next? There is only one Truth and changing our minds doesn't change that but it does show that truth doesn't really exist for those that change their minds like a revolving door.
Melissa
Fickle, easily swayed? No way. Keep an open mind, the truth will out!
I think it is human nature to look for the easy way, even when we know God's way is the right way.
I have one answer to prayer to report--I found a roommate/place to live in LA! I'm still waiting on the job and husband, but I know God is working behind the scenes and He does hear my prayers.
congratulations Breeza!!!
today's post was well needed. as i pray for a husband, i keep thinking of a wonderful catholic man to share my faith with. meanwhile, i have a really wonderful ex-boyfriend that still comes up in my head. he is not catholic, but is willing to attend church with me. i am caught between wondering if he is the right guy for me and i just don't see him in front of my face or if God is planning to send me someone completely new. i am trying to have patience and understanding. the post describes exactly what i am going through. depending on what others say or analyzing little details i am VERY fickle about what to do.
all along i honestly do feel like God will show me which man is meant for me. i just need to listen more to proverbs 3: "lean not on your own understanding"
p.s. GREAT song lyrics
Congratulations Breeza! I am so happy to hear how God is working in your life and answering your prayers.
I really do believe that God is here with all of us and in the midst of our 40 Days of Faith. He hears our prayers and I can't wait for Him to answer mine.
Congrats, Breeza!
Wonderful news. Keep the faith and those other needs will be taken care of too.
Congrats Breeza! It just gives me more hope to hear about the answers to other's prayers.
Congrats Breeza! Wonderful news. I agree with Liza. We are fickle because we're looking for an easy way out of what ever mess were in. We need to get on the right path and have faith and stay on it.
I am skipping ahead quite a bit in order to leave this post. I was not sure if it would be read if I left it where I am. Trish, I completed your book in two days. It was phenomenal. God really used your life story to speak to me; thank you for allowing Him to use you for His work. I was very excited to see your webpage upon completing the book last Thursday. I prayed throught the weekend on the 40 days everyone is experiencing now. I put myself completely in yesterday. So, I am a little behind the rest of the group but no less inspired, touched, excited, or scared. I am looking forward to watching all of your lives unfold as I imagine where you are as I complete my 40 day journey. I am praying God is revealing amazing things to all of you. Thank you for your example!
Post a Comment