Not a fan.

I recently just finished the book Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman. I highly recommend this book to every follower of Jesus! (Actually, non-Christians may also enjoy it because it blasts American Christians for our hypocrisy). It is incredibly challenging and really, really good. Below is a couple of portions that I really enjoyed.

"The phrase 'cross to bear' has become part of our vernacular. 'Cross to bear' is an idiom that is used when a challenging situation or responsibility has been put on us against our will. For a follower of Christ a cross is not forced upon us, it is taken up. Jesus sets the example. In John 10:18 Jesus says, 'No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.'"   p. 168

"Taking up a cross and dying to self sounds like torture. We think that such a decision would make us miserable. Is that what it means to follow Jesus? We wake up every morning and commit to misery. But when we die to ourselves and completely surrender to him, there is a surprising side effect to dying; we discover true life. In a twist of irony, we find that giving up our lives gives us the life we so desperately wanted all along."   p. 171

I loved these paragraphs because I have totally found this to be true and have marveled at the process. Kyle explains it so well here. I've also said it this way: "The more I deny myself and submit to Jesus, he is faithful to change my heart. As he changes my heart I become more 'me' or who I wanted to be than I was before when I was holding on and not submitting (because I was afraid of losing what I thought was so 'me')." 

The Middle of The Race

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trip us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith." Hebrews 12:1-2
"So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." v. 12-13

What perfect words to read this morning! Exactly what I needed to encourage me! I have been feeling weighed down with the loss of everything I'm leaving behind to go to England. I feel like I've been saying goodbye since February. I'm saying goodbye to a great job, being with my awesome church family daily, my precious dog, friends, possessions, and a comfortable and somewhat predictable life. Even as I write this I am reminded of the sense of loss I have been carrying with me. And yet, I know I am not supposed to carry these burdens around with me. These verses come to mind:

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:6-8

As I was reading the verses from Hebrews I was thinking about running. When I run it is always the middle of the run that is the hardest because I get tired. I'm also tired at the end but I am motivated by the "finish line" and resolve to push through because the end is in sight. I am in the middle of a race to August 22nd. It is really hard and I'm getting very tired. I need to do what I do in the middle of a run: acknowledge this is the hardest part and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

The Hebrews passage is more than a simple comparison to running, however. There are two more effective things I can do to persevere. 1) Strip off the weight that slows me down and 2) Keep my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. Looking at 1 Peter 5:6-8 above, I am not meant to carry the burdens - this weight of grief. I strip them off by casting them on Jesus who is able to bear them for me. 2) I must keep my eyes on Jesus knowing He has called me to this purpose and trusting Him with my future just as I did 10 years ago when I first put my trust in Him.

Lord, please carry my burdens and lead my life! I trust in you alone! Amen and amen and amen! =O)