My prayer often is, "Lord, help me love the people here the way you love me." He's answering that prayer but the outcome is different than I anticipated.
We were at a neighborhood block Christmas party and were the only believers there. The Lord opened conversations for both Ken and I . We came home and exchanged stories and I felt such joy at seeing God move...but I hurt. Loving people hurts.
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| My neighbor friends! I'm so thankful for them. The lady on the left is becoming like a grandmother to me. |
My neighbor, "Roy" asked me if I went to church that day (he was making fun of me in asking. But I joyfully shared what we were learning at church). "How about you?" I asked, "Did you go to church?" I learned that he is a-religious. So I asked him why. I'll keep that private, but it goes back to the question, "How could God be so loving and let horrible things happen?" I nodded, "It's a question we all ask at some point, isn't it?" I shared how sin entered the world through 1 man, but by 1 man Jesus, we are rescued! He told me I was sharing a bunch of B.S. and asked, "What are you hoping for?" I smiled, "One day all of this will be made right! I will be with my maker. Forever."
He told me he was happy I found something that made me happy. I said, "What if you're wrong." He got irritated, by not mad, "See, that's the same B.S. you Christians say. You just want an insurance plan, just in case you're wrong!" The Lord gave me this to say,"If I wanted an insurance plan, wouldn't I add a bit of Hinduism, Buddhism and some Muslim beliefs? I leave all of that and follow Jesus alone." He was quiet. "Roy's" comments didn't hurt my feelings. I hurt because he is going to hell.. a bitter, angry man, shaking his fist at God. I hurt because no one should talk of the King of Kings the way he did...but I too was an enemy of God. It didn't look like Roy, but it was sinful rebellion against God.
Another neighbor, "Edward" shared his delight in many programs that are helping him cope with life. He listed off the benefits of each: this one has such a strong teacher and role model, this other TM therapist has peace, and on the list went. "Roy" overheard this and said, "Summer doesn't care about any of that." I quickly answered, "That's not true. Everyone is looking for all of the things you he's searching for, aren't they? That's why so many people visit Thailand. I see what you're looking for, Edward, and God is all of those things. He's strong and loving and so much more." "Edward" is so kind and smiled, "I'm so glad that works for you. I want that for you and you should keep doing that." I'm praying that we have many more conversations.
God is at work. Always. Sometimes we can watch it unfold. Thank you to those of you reading this, praying for and financially supporting us. Our community is dark, but we have the privilege showing off the light in us. Merry Christmas. God is with us! I'm not searching for another hope. Messiah has come! He's coming again.
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