People that I talk with often give me illustrations for what they're experiencing. This one captivated me. A man described how he is feeling; his wife is seeking a divorce after 20+ years.
The pattern of their marriage problem is common. I wrote two posts about the pattern: 1st, 2nd.
His wife followed Jesus throughout their marriage. He made a decision to follow Jesus about 7 weeks ago; his wife's announcement that she wanted a divorce was the catalyst for the changes he's making.
"I feel like there's this fence between us. I'm leaning over the fence as far as I possibly can with my arm and hand extended as far as I possibly can. I'm certain that if she'll come close enough to let me hold onto her, if I get another opportunity, I'll never let go this time.
She told me that the only way she could see that this might work is if she's given the opportunity to come closer to the fence.
She's waited on me for 24 years. God's waited on me for 47 years. I know that I'm not going anywhere. I think it's my turn to wait."
Jesus is the only thing I can describe for the intensity of the change that's happened in him over the past 7 weeks. I want to be VERY CLEAR -- this is not a "I gave my life to Jesus and I'm just a different person" story. This is a "I gave my life to Jesus, and I am a sponge soaking up who this Jesus is through steps at my church, reading, thinking, writing, talking" story.
What I see...he came close enough to the fence, and Jesus isn't letting go!
I did not know where to post this. Tonight I attended SoBe for women. I sat at the table with Kim Stewart. So right off the bat I felt blessed, because it was like sitting with a rock star (I only know her from watching her on stage). I had no expectations going in to the evening. However, I must say I was more than moved! I met amazing women at all different phases of life. Kim's story of her son and his journey to her life touched me to the core. She stated she was scared, but mainly at peace because she knew God would take care of the situation. She was at peace in one of life's most stressful situations. Then she sang the song and the night had totally meaning to me. I have four kids, work full time, and am a wife. So many times in my day, I tell my kids to wait a minute, or that they are going to have to be patient with me. You know I am wrong! I need to give them me, give them that minute and not make them wait. The evening was AMAZING and may have changed my life as a mother forever! Thank you GCC! I am so lucky to have church, but more importantly to be a child of God!
Posted by: Marshell | March 05, 2010 at 10:59 PM