Tuesday, June 3, 2008

What my favorite preacher said on Sunday...

When our kids were little John used to put all five of them in our wheelbarrow and give them very crazy, fast, seemingly dangerous rides around the yard. For the younger three it was a bit thrill and a bit terror. They would laugh half of the time and cry the other half. Hands gripped to the sides of the wheelbarrow they wondered if Dad would ever stop and let them off. For Luke and Lis, on the other hand, this ride was the time of their life. Their screams and shrieks were those of great delight and fun. Often times they were seen with their hands up in the air or even trying to stand up and get more out of it.

After sharing this story on Sunday, John went on to describe the difference between faith and joy in the Christian walk. Faith, he said, is like getting in the wheelbarrow. Yes, we get in, we say ok to trusting God with our entire lives no matter what happens, and then we hold on for dear life, white knuckles and all. Joy on the other hand, is not only getting in the wheelbarrow and saying yes to a ride, but letting go and standing up with screams of delight along the way. Joy is loving the process of trusting God.

I can't stop thinking about wanting that kind of joy.

3 comments:

Cherie Baker Vann said...

wow, so good, and what great timing for us! we are stepping out into new areas of faith, and even though we're excited and eager, our emotions are trailing a bit behind us! THanks for posting that, I'm going to show Todd! :)

Mommy Roth said...

Hi Betsy! This is Steve Roth's wife and I was in Becky's wedding with you. Kinda strange to be blog surfing at 4:30am but I can't sleep and go in for a version with our 3rd this morning. Anyhow I just read about joy/faith and it is a great encouragement as today I am tempted to be anxious and fearful of the unexpected instead of anticipating the nearness and goodness of God in this situation. Thanks for the encouragement from your husband. Glad you all are doing well and the Lord is growing your famiy in godliness. I'm sure Becky really misses you tons!
Love, Elizabeth Roth

Elastigirl said...

Elizabeth..I know exactly who you are! Good to hear from you, say Hi to Steve for us. I am so glad that you were encouraged last night reading through this. Isn't the Lord good to provide just what we need at the right time? When are you due with baby #3? Yes, I REALLY miss Becky. It's very hard to be so far away from those that we love. God Bless!