Visible or Invisible?
As Jesse mentioned in the previous blog, He and I had the amazing opportunity to meet Clarence, a homeless man, at the "Lord's Kitchen". I am going to pick-up where he left off, and make the story even more complex. It's amazing how God can use you and open your eyes to things around you if you only let Him!
Clarence is a drug addict and he openly admits it. He also believes in Jesus Christ and He openly admits this also. Most might think this as contradictory. But I can truly testify that this man greatly desires to follow the Lord and it broke him to the point of tears as he was telling us about his "weakness".
How many of us are so readily eager to share our "weakness" with others, let alone complete strangers. Once again, most might think, "Well, I don't think that I have a sin like that...I don't do drugs or I am not an alcoholic!" Then I was reminded of Romans 1 where it lists off a variety of sins or "weaknesses"...envy, murder, arrogance - and the end result of each is death. God does not discriminate one sin from another. Sin is sin. The reason Clarence is in the spotlight, along with others who suffer from the same "weakness", is because it is openly visible. People are easily able to point it out and pass judgement without much self-examination.
But are we not taught that God examines each of our hearts...He knows our every thought and every need. Therefore, in God's eyes, it makes no difference if our "weakness" is public or hidden in the depths of our heart.
After our brief encounter with Clarence, he boldy proclaimed that today he was going to return to his rehab program - that is if they take him back. I want to pray for Clarence and everyone else, that we would have the courage to persevere through our "weakness" and that we would seek God for our strength!
Stephanie
3 Comments:
This week has been the most touching one yet for me reading your journals. I can't imagine the emotions you guys must have felt actually being there!!! You will become even more compassionate in your pursuit of service after this week. I'm sure you will meet many more 'Clarences' in your travels, just use your gifts to uplift them the best way you know how. We are SO proud of you guys!!!!
I too have been reading your journals and this one really hit home. As you said, just because our sins aren't as "obvious" as Clarence's, doesn't mean we are any better than he is. We all need to FROG - fully rely on God! Thanks for the reminder Steph. Praying for safe travels/adventures in the days ahead. We love you and are so proud of you!
"Hey, Hey..." Good to read/see that y'all are doing well out West. I preached and talked about Haiti this last weekend in Muscatine - made me think of your ongoing ministry...Keep on KEEPIN' ON. I miss you all (and Jesse, too!)
Matt T.
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