Thursday, February 24, 2011

Boldly Free


Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Some days I feel very bold and some days I feel more like a forlorn Charlie Brown after Lucy has pulled the ball once again out from underneath my swinging foot. In these times when we have such change before us, moving on, packing up and starting over, it is a common feeling to be overwhelmed by all there is and wish for a hardened and secure time, under the veil, when stagnation and routine are the order of the day, not transformation and change. But change we must and like Charlie Brown, I want to be trusting enough to get back in and try to play ball again. I desire a life in the spirit and yet it is a fearful business, this trusting God at all times.

Paul reminds us that we are to be bold in the face of challenges and trials, not because we are better than anyone, but because we have give our all to God through Christ and will be made new day after day. The possibilities before us are good gifts from God, fearfully and wonderfully transforming. This is where we are called - to the edge with God not to center covered by creature comforts.

Today, I ask God to make me bold despite myself. Today when I wanted to throw the covers back over my head and hide, may I be given a new measure of trust and a renewed sense of freedom. These changes are to bring us closer to God and the work we are called to do. May we be ever grateful for the ongoing transformations in our lives knowing they are from God so that we might be renewed for the sake of others.

1 comment:

hassopheret said...

I've been reading you since we met at the DioPa Women's Conference. I really appreciate the discipline of blogging every day, in part because it escapes me. TOday's post resonated with me because of the Charlie Brown/Lucy/football reference. I also have a Charlie Brown post: http://hassopheret.blogspot.com/2010/11/guest-post-by-charlie-brown.html