Devotional from Asha Grinnell
See below for a devotional from Eastside Staff, as Lifeline Pastor Asha Grinnell shares a written word of encouragement and a video with her kids.
This morning, I walked out into my garden and whispered a silent prayer to the Lord, “Show me your glory. I know it is here and, quite frankly, everywhere, but I need clear eyes to see it!”
Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by this whole “quarantine” situation that is significantly permeating into everyday life. It doesn't make sense to my children, who were already being homeschooled. They too are grieving the way life “used” to be. I often find myself having a socially distant conversation with someone while the movie reel of what could be plays in my head. I smile, nod, and talk, but inside I'm unpacking feelings. I used to be intimidated by this exchange inside my head, but now it's more surprising than crippling. I think we all have exchanges like this going on under the surface. The situation is different, however, for each of us. We all have something to overcome. It might be an obvious fear or as subtle as unraveling feelings, but I have good news! As we have been going through Philippians as the body of Christ, I was really captured by this passage:
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. –Philippians 2: 1-5 (NLT)
We can stop fighting to be more normal, more put together, more perfect, and we can just rest. It's okay to make exchanges inside. Exchanges are healthy. Although changing can be uncomfortable, painful, and annoying, it means we are moving forward. It means we aren't stuck. It means we are overcomers.
“If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.”
-Gail Sheehy
“Change, like sunshine, can be a friend or a foe, a blessing or a curse, a dawn or dusk.”
-William Arthur Ward
All I have is this: we have overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony because we are deeply loved by God. His love changes everything! So, as you change today, remember you are not alone! Be gracious with each other. Be kind. Share what you have and enjoy the beauty of being able to give and receive. Testify to His goodness and faithfulness even in the midst of great struggle. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and watch the world grow dim as you embrace Him.
“Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” –Psalm 61:1-2
