A more profitable comparison

My two current compulsions, making lists (furlough preparation) and comparing myself, spilled into my devotional time this week, and I started making lists comparing myself with Jesus. In case there was ever any doubt, one thing became evident (besides the fact that I am a teacher/ nerd to the core), which is that I can't be compared even remotely to the creator of heaven and earth!

Look at the wimpy list of things we can possibly do for God versus the amazing unending list of verbs that describe God's actions on our behalf.

We can love, seek, serve, follow, honor, listen, obey, embrace, enjoy, trust, know, accept, approach, imitate, bless, praise, and worship the Lord. (You might think of other synonyms, but this is more or less the extent of our actions.)

Now look at the extensive list of things God does for us:

He gives us life, communicates with man, seeks and saves the lost, forgives our sins, sacrificed his Son, bears our pain, intercedes on our behalf, heals the broken-hearted, sets the prisoner free, hears the cry of our heart, reveals His will to us, gives us a future and a hope, promises we will see Him face to face, restores peace, tends His flock like a good shepherd, carries us in His arms, covers us with His wings, delivers and hides us from evil, judges our enemies, blesses us with all good things, heals our diseases, extends mercy and grace, demonstrates His faithfulness every morning, loves unconditionally, provides for all our needs, suffers with us, shines His light on our path, takes away our burdens, gives us joy in all circumstances, shields us from harm, counsels us even while we sleep, calls us His friend, knows our hearts and motives, understands our weakness, lifts us up, rejoices over us with singing, cares for every detail of our life, lives through us, co-labors with us... and the list goes on and on without end.

What jumped out at me again is that God needs nothing. He is everything. The two lists are mutually exclusive except for love. We can love God, but only because He loved us first. We can serve Him, but only as He gives us the energy and gifts to share with others. He is the source of everything we can offer to Him.

What a privilege it is to be called a friend of God, and to be His voice, hands, and feet to minister to a lost and dying world, bringing hope where it is desperately needed. I'm looking forward to our five months of being in the U.S. to communicate the love of Christ in my own English language again. I'm praying for many divine appointments with people who need to hear the gospel message of healing and hope.

In the past I've arrived in the states weary and in need of rest. For the first time ever, I feel energized and equipped for whatever comes my way. Maybe flying instead of driving has improved my outlook! My devotions sure look different than they usually do within four weeks of a major trip with the family. I'm still praising and worshiping mostly, and my personal prayer needs are limited. It used to be the other way around, with most of my prayer time spent with frantic pleas for mercy, begging Jesus to return in time to spare me the agony of going to the states as a battle-weary mother in need of ministry myself, feeling ill-prepared to minister to others in need.

Now, enough procrastinating. I've got to get back to my real list of things to be done. The countdown has begun. Our departure date is April 16th!