The woman who was speaking is not a world-renowned speaker. Her clothing isn't flashy. She rarely takes the spotlight away from her husband who usually does the talking. But, she spoke a loud message in her funny, relatable, and powerful voice.
Her son had entered a contest in which votes would determine the winner. He created a video about honor. After asking family and friends and even her church to vote, she was stunned at the reaction of her close walking-buddies. "I'll have to vote for whoever is really the best. I think that someone in the service should win. Is it really fair that you asked your church?". These were some of the things they had to say.
Baffled by her friends reactions, she went home and deliberated. How could such good friends (for 18 years) have such a hard time making a simple vote? Sheesh. And you think you can count on people?! And then, she asked God about it.
God, why would my friends react like this and why are they having such a hard time with voting?
And this was His answer. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). He said, Sherry, it's much easier to mourn with those who mourn. You need a LOT of Jesus inside of you to be able to rejoice with those who rejoice. Hmm. Ahh. Woowwwwww.
Is it that we think rejoicing for someone else means there will never be enough "rejoicing" for us? Are we jealous? Do we think God isn't big enough to pour out more blessing on our lives?
She went on to tell some true and funny characteristics about central PA people. You know, someone tells you that they like your new car and you pretend that you didn't hide it in the garage so that no one would notice. You have an in-ground pool and you try to minimize it by saying it doesn't have a diving board. You bought a name-brand watch that you were saving up for, but cover it up by a long sleeve sweater.
Why can't we be secure in His blessings and be secure in what He's doing for others?!
We can. You aren't the older brother to the prodigal son. You are ALWAYS loved and there is PLENTY of blessing to go around.
Here are a few other little "nuggets" that I'm chewing on...
God has plans to PROSPER us and not to harm us.
If we hold back our own blessings, we're hiding what God did for us.
It's not me who does these things, it's Jesus.
False humility is holding back our destiny. You can be pitiful or powerful, but not both.
If you're faithful with what He's given, He'll want to give you more.
Appreciate. Celebrate. Rejoice. Use it.
What you focus on, you will find.
REJOICE!
4 comments:
Awesome Sam, I heard Sherri give this testimony at Beautiful One last summer and i LOVED it. It was one of my favorite sessions. Very powerful.
it drives me bananas how much the church doesn't do this! I hate it. I love to rejoice with other people...and mourning with someone else is so meaningful for the one in need...why can't people just share their emotions...why? glad you posted about this sam...
Hi, I came across your post while looking for something inspirational. The line "Appreciate. Celebrate. Rejoice. Use it." Truly. Hits. The. Nail. On. The. Head. I read One Thousand Gifts in December and have been reading Grace for the Good Girl and the message is the same for me through both...be thankful in ALL things, don't fear, and LET GOD. I'd been struggling a bit with being totally open with God (trying to do it all by my bad self--something I don't recommend!)and these two books sent me to my knees and got all up in my face! So to come across your post tonight was just wonderful. Thanks for being a blessing. --Alia
Alia, thanks so much for your comment! "Be thankful in ALL things", gosh that is SO good. We could wake up to that every morning and it still would never get old. I checked out your blog after I read your comment, I too am a teacher! Praying grace and pizazz for you, every day you speak over those kids!
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