Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday January 5, 2010

A friend responded to the article in my monthly newsletter "Larry Lilly’s Journal" and part of his response may encourage you as it did me.

"After speaking to you yesterday, it is apparent, to me at least, that you still suffer from the stigma imprinted on your person by our friends from the government. It is tantamount to an inferiority complex. That can be the source of strength and motivation when properly channeled. Two perfect examples are Napoleon Bonaparte (his physical size) and Chuck Colson (like you and me, a felony record). Both of these conditions leave lifelong scars. Scars remind us where we've been. They don't have to dictate where we are going."

Austin Bennett sure nailed my current situation and helped me to get out of a rut. I was especially moved by the last phrase in Austin's note:

"Scars remind us where we've been. They don't have to dictate where we are going."

As we accept God's way, the mind of Christ, we can and must move on to His plan for us rather than passively submitting to the mold society may deem the proper one for us. Paul mentioned this concept in Romans 12:2

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

The late Vernon McGee's theme song has a line in verse three that is often overlooked, but is precious to me:

"For I will be with thee thy trials to bless. And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress."

When Christ is with us, the most painful of life's experiences become a marker, a scar to remind us that this terrible thing did not kill us and by choosing His grace it need not cripple us, but serve as a reminder that with the Lord we are on a journey with Christ.

My prayer: O' Lord revive me again in 2010.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2010 use with credit.

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