Time in Prayer

Thursday, January 29th, 2009

In the midst of a hectic few days with having our electricity out, getting stuck in the snow 6 times (time for new tires and a vehicle with 4 wheel drive), and living out of a suitcase it was all worth it to spend time indoors at the Rock (Embrace’s sister church).  It’s because we were able to have some Jesus time today.  Over the next year we are having a world-renowned spiritual director, Glandion Carney. He works with Richard Foster and Dallas Willard.  Glandion will be conducting staff and personal spiritual retreats in 2009.  Today we were able to sit in on some lectures and meet one on one with him for an hour.

My time with him presented some surprising moments as I talked about my spiritual goals for 2009.  The Lord started connecting some dots for me.  The first is when I felt called to start Embrace it was for the broken, hurting, and rejected all of which I have experienced and I’m sure you have too.  Lately, I have been challenged at how to accept those who have caused the brokenness, hurt, and rejection.  At one point or another we all have rejected and hurt Christ, we even have been the “other man” or “other woman” in our relationship with Christ.  This week has brought up a lot of emotions for me.  I know I have forgiven those who have hurt me but I believe God wants to bring continued healing in my life.  Sometimes I experience intense suffering off and on, especially the past few years for a number of reasons.  I understand that God wants to use my suffering as a way to humble me.  Suffering keeps the balance of humility.  No matter what has happened or continues to happen in my personal life and at Embrace I am persuaded God is the only stable reality one can have in their life.  As I was being hit with this in my prayer time with Glandion I received the image of Joseph in my head.  Joseph was hurt, rejected, and broken by his brothers and others who came into his life.  In the end he was given a position of authority to bring change and help those who were “hungry.”  Also Joseph extended forgiveness to his family.  I’m still processing all of this…