Sunday, January 21, 2007

 

Crazy and Free

Approximately six months ago, I was driving down to South Florida after my return to the States to visit some family and friends after not seeing many for almost a year, as well as taking this time to seek the Lord as I was in the midst of making decisions on where in the world do I go from here? As I was driving it was a very freeing experience, I know, you're thinking Lori have you lost it, well maybe. It was freeing because I was able to hit the open road like I'd done some many times before leaving this country to go live in a foreign land where for almost a year my means of travel were by foot, train, tram, or air. So what am I getting at? The point is that this specific drive down to West Palm that I've done a million times over was the beginning of a new chapter or better yet new level that God was going to bring me to in my walk with Him. Little did I know how He would and continues to bring freedom into my life that's drawing me closer to Him. However, during this ride down to South Florida a song by Mercy Me began playing and the words to the song "Crazy" struck me like they never had before. Again, the Lord answered my prayer as I was seeking His direction. It was the beginning of learning how to really hear God speak as I was crying out to Him. Here are the lyrics:
Crazy
Why I would I spend my life longing for the day that it would end..
Why would I spend my time pointing to another man..
Isn’t that crazy

How can I find hope in dying, with promises unseen..
How can I learn your way is better In everything I’m taught to be..
Isn’t that crazy

I have not been called to the wisdom of this world..
But to a God who's calling out to me..
And even though the world may think I'm losing touch with reality
It would be crazy
To choose this world over eternity

And if I boast let me boast
Of filthy rags made clean
And if I glory let me glory
In my Savior's suffering
Isn’t that crazy

And as I live this daily life
I trust you for everything
And I will only take a step
When I feel You leading me
Isn’t that crazy

I have not been called to the wisdom of this world..
But to a God who is calling out to me..
And even though the world my think
I'm losing touch with reality
It would be crazy
To choose this world over eternity

Call me crazy
You can call me crazy
Call me crazy
As a believer of Jesus Christ, things are not going to make sense when we follow Him. I haven't been called to the wisdom of this world but to God, who has called me to live out His plan and purpose for my life. So over the course of the years, as I've decided to live in foreign lands and return to my own country and then move to the opposite side of it, I'm learning how to listen and trust my Heavenly Father with each step. Although the road has had changes throughout this journey, sometimes it's been smooth and easy to drive, other times there's been bumps, roadblocks, or mountains to maneuver through, with each twist and turn, it's a stepping stone to get closer to the One who created me for His purpose, design, and glory not my own.

Since I've been here in Washington, I've been able to meet people who are crazy in love with Jesus. Which in turn, has taught me and continues to teach me how to freely, love and worship the Lord like I never have before. This journey of serving God is an amazing one, it truly is crazy at times, but it's so worth it. It has been neat to be able to visit different churches who have completely different styles and methods of worship but it's all been worship just in different ways.

Some of the things the Lord has shown me here lately are elementary, He's showing me how to get back to the basics which is to find peace and rest in Him and Him alone. To stop looking at other things or people, but to truly rest in who He is.
Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts by troubled and do not be afraid.
~John 14:27

To be a living sacrifice, to truly walk in His spirit. That's why He gave us the Holy Spirit so that He can live in and through us!

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ------this is your spiritual act of worship. ~Romans 12:1

So what does crazy and freedom bring? I'm going to recall a saying a good friend mine reminds me often of which is, "It's all about the journey!" The journey of following Jesus is truly a crazy one, He wasn't accepted by this world and it's fine by me if I'm not accepted either. I've already been accepted by the One who truly matters.



# posted by Lori @ 8:26 PM
Comments:
How refreshing! I feel like reading your post has given me a beautiful glimpse into your heart. Thanks for your thoughts! Shan told me you just signed up for Turkey! Yay! I'll finally get to meet you :) Thanks for the authenticity as you walk this journey! Peace to you.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : Wednesday, January 24, 2007 1:38:00 PM
 
Thanks Kjersten, glad He was able to use it for refreshment and encouragement. I'm looking forward to meeting you too, it's about time our paths cross:)Thank you for your encouragement as well! Peace and grace.
# posted by Blogger Lori : Saturday, January 27, 2007 1:44:00 PM
 
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