We've been singing this song as a family lately in the car that recites part of Joshua "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Throughout Scriptures we see households coming to faith, households being judged for disobedience, and much of the time it is the choice of one or two that affects the entire household. Ty and I wrestled through the idea of dedication and how we truly were offering our children to the Lord when we dedicated them as babies. We acknowledged they were a gift we were entrusted with for as long as He so chose. I'm not saying I wouldn't be indescribably sad if their days are much less than I expect, however we also realized it was beyond our control and we wanted to publicly declare they are his. We also have considered that our actions, in joining foreign missions, affect our whole family and feel confident in our decision to do so even knowing this. But it wasn't until last week, watching my children drink literally from my cup of "suffering" that I saw it. I grasped it. The weight of our decision and the responsibility in following the Lord was heavy and real upon me in that moment. As I watched the kids and I listened to the leader say stop fighting the suffering, and embrace it, that is just what I did.
Last week we participated as a family in part of a day of worship training/rejuvenation at OM. Ty was involved in the planning and execution of the event and helped lead one of the corporate worship services. I came with the kids and we participated in that time. The theme was "living water" and we were given a water bottle when we entered. Throughout the service there were 4 sections, and in each we used the water for something symbolic. J was interested in a drink of mine at one point so I shared what was going on and why people had drank some. He expressed how he loves Jesus and wants to know more about him and love him more and I told him that was why we drank and that he could also take a drink. Later, we were to use the water and pour it into a cup with some powder in the bottom. It was to mix with the powder (which turned it red) and then we were to drink of that. This was in lieu of the Lord's Table, and yet was symbolic of it as well. The leader talked about embracing the suffering of Christ in identifying with him. Of course, both kids were interested in the juice and I was explaining to J how by taking a drink we were identifying with following Jesus and committing to follow him even though we knew it would be hard and would mean giving things up to do so. Now, I know this may seem a bit advanced for his age, but he gets it. We often talk about how hard it is to follow the Lord-using scenarios in his life that are hard (choosing to obey, etc.) Also, he is old enough to grasp many things we have given up even in joining international missions and moving across country. He said "Mom, I want to choose to follow Jesus and I KNOW it's hard but I want to anyway." So again, I let him drink. I also let his little sister and as she took a drink I was struck by the symbolism. She was drinking something that was really mine to drink because I let her share in our family experience. The truth of the matter is, our kids will share in our suffering when we identify with Christ whether we want them to or not. The choices I make as a parent involve my kids. We've been singing this song as a family lately in the car that recites part of Joshua "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Throughout Scriptures we see households coming to faith, households being judged for disobedience, and much of the time it is the choice of one or two that affects the entire household. Ty and I wrestled through the idea of dedication and how we truly were offering our children to the Lord when we dedicated them as babies. We acknowledged they were a gift we were entrusted with for as long as He so chose. I'm not saying I wouldn't be indescribably sad if their days are much less than I expect, however we also realized it was beyond our control and we wanted to publicly declare they are his. We also have considered that our actions, in joining foreign missions, affect our whole family and feel confident in our decision to do so even knowing this. But it wasn't until last week, watching my children drink literally from my cup of "suffering" that I saw it. I grasped it. The weight of our decision and the responsibility in following the Lord was heavy and real upon me in that moment. As I watched the kids and I listened to the leader say stop fighting the suffering, and embrace it, that is just what I did. It was a beautiful moment seeing how God truly is leading our whole family beyond ourselves for His name sake. I want to pray that we will never be called upon to truly suffer for the gospel, and yet I can't because that is not what I read in God's Word. I read that we are to join Jesus in his suffering and we are to suffer much for his name sake. I also see my brothers and sisters around the world suffering for his name and let me tell you-his name is glorified greatly through those situations! Also, many many more are coming to Christ through those sufferings than are through my witness in my comfortable community. Some might say I'm cold and heartless that I looked upon that moment as a true rededication of myself, my family and my children to the Lord and his sovereign plan-including suffering. However, it was not cruel and ugly but beautiful and intimate as we entered into that communion with our precious Savior. I saw the beauty of the cross. My prayer is that if we are called to suffer, truly suffer, that we will be found faithful and that His name will be exalted. Difficult? Most definitely! And yet, that is my only option if I am truly wanting to identify with my Savior and Lord. This is only one of many difficult things He is opening my eyes to. And I am so very grateful that He is.
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AuthorsCarolyn & (sometimes) Ty Archives
March 2016
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