Doing the right thing is hard. When God tells you to do something that requires even the smallest amount of faith, chances are that there will be people in your life who don't get it. There will be people you would expect to encourage you in pursuing the right thing, who actually think you're crazy. And the more faith it takes, the more radical it seems...and the crazier you look.
Of course, Jesus told us this would happen. "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first...If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also...I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices." Thankfully, He didn't stop there. "You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy...I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
We're doing some things in our lives that some find ridiculous. "Why would you take someone in to live with you? I mean, good for you, but be careful." "Why would Erin go to Rwanda? Isn't that unsafe...and expensive?" "And why on earth would you adopt from Rwanda?!! What about having your own kids? It's SO much cheaper to adopt from the US - they need homes too! Doesn't seem like a wise financial move. How could you ask people for money? It's going to be awfully tough having an interracial family, you know."
Yes. We know.
I think some see us as the "crazy religious" people. Even some fellow believers see us this way. And we're okay with that, really. It's all part of doing the right thing. We're just doing what we're supposed to be doing, and not everybody is going to understand that. I get that and expect it. But I won't lie...it does hurt.
Makes me see a little more clearly how God must feel. How would it feel for the very people you created out of pure unselfish love, to drive nails into your wrists and spit in your face? To entirely reject you? I mean, it's all part of it. You'ld expect it. But it still hurts.
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June 16, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Jeremiah, We always believe that your crazy, but not for following God. We think your crazy in a good way. Our prayers are with you.
Jeanine
June 16, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Jeremiah,
No matter what...You can never go wrong, doing the right thing. Just remember, God doesn't grade on the curve.
Meaning at the end of your life you have to stand in front of Him and answer for you. And you alone.
It does not matter if everybody on the face of the earth chooses to do the wrong thing, still I try to do the right thing. (remind me to send you the ant story).
June 16, 2009 at 3:22 PM
I am not trying to be anonymous.
(?)
No matter what ...Previous post by Susan Lane
June 16, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Jeremiah;
I believe that you and Erin are an inspiration to many including me. Not that you need approval from anyone other than God but I think your choices are supurb and it definitely shows that you live a life less ordinary. I am very sorry if you get hurt in the process.
When you first started this blog you wrote that it is a tool to get connected in each others lives. You asked us to share and comment to get a better feel for what is going on in our life and knowing what to pray for. I have not known you that long but I already know that I can be open and trust you.
For me my life seemed to be going great and at a high point. I will not get into much detail here but I will let you know that I need prayer. I have not done anything wrong but what I am doing is not working. I love my wife and children with all my heart. Words really cant explain. My wife feels that I do not love her. This does not compute with me because no matter what happens I would never give up. I love her. of course I am following God and trying to listen, he knows best. I have to do something and find a way for her to know I love her or I am terrified that I will lose what matters most to me. I also kind of understand a little better now how Jesus felt. Sorry I could not be more up beat today. Please pray for us.
June 17, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Prelude -
I have been praying and will continue to pray for you and your family. It sounds like an incredibly tough spot to be in.
Have you poured out your heart to her about this...I mean, really let it all out about how much she means to you and how much you love her and why?
Keep pressing on, my friend. I will lift you up.
June 19, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Jeremiah, I have known you your whole life and I know you're crazy.:) But helping a friend get his feet on the ground, going on a mission trip to Rwanda and adopting a child are very sane things to do. You are in my prayers everyday! God will bless you for being willing to follow Him no matter what.
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