7.06.2010

Faithful Faithful Faithful

When we visited Bet She'an in Israel, our tour guide Marty was unusually frustrating with us.  He asked us what the disciples had to offer the then-modern city.  Bet She'an had theaters, colleges, running water, and temples for every "spiritual need."  We sat and told him an entire list of things Christianity offered, and each time he told us how his Roman city met that need.

Later that day, Marty told us what the disciples had to offer.  It wasn't any theological theorem or proof.  It was simply their story.  Marty proceeded to tell us his story.  It was simply that God is faithful, faithful, faithful.  Marty had gone through some rough, rough times, including a sudden divorce.  Yet, each time, God revealed his purpose and blessed him.  More than once, when Marty needed a car, someone would approach him and offer him one!

I tell you all of this to share that this has been my story for the last month.  Every need that has come my way has been met.

First, my job at UT Southwestern was totally unexpected.  I had applied here in late March and heard nothing for a month and a half.  Then, I had two interviews within a week at UT!  Both involved research and were looking for a short (1-2 year) commitment.   Very quickly, I landed a job and was moving to Dallas.

Naturally, I needed a place to stay.  I made arrangements to stay with some family in Denton for a time.  This was a huge blessing as I could focus on starting my job, etc for a few weeks.  I looked into apartments and found a decently priced one near my work.  I found it the second day looking for apartments!

Now, my Honda is falling apart quickly.  First, the air compressor went out, so I don't have any A/C.  Then, my car overheated on the highway last week.  I think it's stable for now, but I'm not sure.  However, after everything else, what do I have to fear?  I am confident that even if my car dies, it's not only God's plan, but it's for something even better.

I was taught a huge lesson that day as well.  All my life, I've had this fear of... well, people.  I didn't want to be late for fear of my boss not liking me, I guess.  But, this stems from a larger fear of impressing, wanting people to like me.  But, that took a huge hit when I showed up an hour and a half late.  My boss understood, and things went on as normal.  It's allowed me to realize some things are more important than others.  A relationship won't be broken over some sort of bad impression or a mistake.  That was huge for me.

Anyways, I'm amazed at how fast things have gone here.  Through the craziness of the past month, God has been my rock.  Moreover, He's been shaping me to rely on Him each day.  "Abide with me, and I will abide with you."

As a sidenote, I can't stop listening to Gungor's CD Beautiful Things.  Every track on there is pure gold and really reminds me of my relationship with God.   Here's some lyrics to chew on:


You called and You shouted
You broke through my deafness
You flashed and you shone
Dispelled all my blindness
You breathed Your fragrance on me
Late have I loved You

I drew in Your breath
And I keep on breathing
I’ve tasted I’ve seen
And now I want more
You breathed Your fragrance on me
Late have I loved You