Witness part 3
Experience. That's what really makes or breaks us. Sometimes, occasionally, once in a blue moon, someone might be "naturally" good at something. Or, at least, it might appear that way. Because we don't often see what goes on behind the curtain. We don't see how much blood, sweat, and tears is shed in order to achieve that "perfection." Here's my point. For the most part, you have to do something wrong before you can do it right. That's called learning and growing. We grow because of the things we go through--even if they seem like a disaster at the time. And then, once we've gone through something... we can share that experience. We can help others go through it. Because, let's be honest, we all go through the same sorts of things. Now watch this: "Wherefore in all things it behved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17). And again, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Which is to say... Jesus knows what we are going through. He's been through it. Touched by the feelings of our infirmities. Made like unto us. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). God wrapped Himself up in human flesh so that He could experience what we experience. So that we could trust Him every day in every way. So that we would never have to feel alone. Because we are NEVER alone. God lives in us. In our hearts. Just as we live in Him. So don't sweat it if things don't always work out "perfectly" the way you think they ought to. It's about the ride more than the destination. It's about enjoying the ride. Learning and growing with every twist and turn. Letting people help you along the way, and helping people along the way. Receiving and releasing. When someone shares what they've experienced... it can help us with what we're experiencing. And I'm not talking about "know it alls" who haven't been through it but have an opinion on it. Unasked for advice is unwanted advice. But if you've been there, done that, got the t-shirt... and you can share yourself with someone else... that's powerful. A map is nice (the Bible) but a guide is priceless (the Holy Spirit). So what I'm trying to say in my normal wander around hoping my point makes itself way, is that it's ok to go through things that don't SEEM like they're necessarily great. Because we know that all things work together for good. Either a lesson or a blessin', right? Every experience we go through shapes us. Makes us who we are. So we need to take the good and leave the rest. Eat the watermelon and spit out the seeds. Find the silver lining in every cloud. And then share what we've got. If you know it, throw it. If you've been there, help others get there. You can't be a witness without sharing your experience. What you've seen. What you've heard. What you've been through. What you've... lived. It happened for a reason. Share it!