Note from Valerie: Char Cole, Faye Lowes, I and whomever else is around meet with Terrie Purgason every Friday just before Care Fresno Kids Klub for a time of prayer over the Klub meeting. Terrie usually shares a SOAP that she has written with us. I just loved this one about getting a grip on ourselves and asked her if I could share it with you. Thank you, Terrie!
GET A GRIP ON YOURSELF
Acts 26:24b - 25a
S = Festus said, “Paul, you’re crazy. You’ve read too many books, spent too much time staring off into space! Get a grip on yourself; get back in the real world.”
O = Paul’s story is Paul’s story. It’s real. God spoke to him. He intruded on his life in a spectacular way and this supernatural work of God changed Paul forever. When God called Paul to a life that was just the opposite of what he was living, his whole world was turned upside down.
Festus thought Paul was crazy and told him so. When he said to Paul, “Get a grip on yourself; get back to the real world!” -- in essence he was saying to him, “Paul, live up to my expectations of who you should be. Fit into my worldview (which of course is the real one).”
But Paul stood his ground! As he had said earlier, “What else could I do?” When God calls, God calls. Look at the wisdom in how he responded to the expectations of his accusers, those who were trying to fit him into their own mold. He said, “With all respect. . . I’m both accurate and sane in what I’m saying. . . .”
A = “Getting a grip on yourself” is not a bad thing. It means to come to terms with who you are whose you are and why you are. Many times those opposing us will challenge our story as being wrong! They do not understand that God’s grip on us leads us into a personal encounter with Jesus who ushers us into new life. Then, with our grip on Jesus, we can stand firm – and -- in respect of others, remain steadfast in who we are and why we’re here.
Each one of our stories is unique. And when God calls, God calls. It may not seem spectacular, but God does speak to us. How does He do this?
Here are some of the ways:
1. God invites us into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. God speaks through Scripture.
3. God speaks through teachers, leaders, friends, children, parents, spouses, the world ...
4. God speaks to our hearts through worship.
5. God speaks through a conviction of right and wrong.
6. God speaks by giving us strong urges and promptings to pray for or encourage someone.
7. God speaks through our circumstances.
What does God have to do to get us to listen to Him? He had to blind Paul in order for him to see.
Are we paying attention to God? Do we really believe that He speaks to us?
After reviewing the 7 ways He might be speaking, how can I be more intentional about listening to Him?
To listen to God is to be gripped by the reality of new life in Christ, and it may turn our world upside down.
What are we gripping on to? Or better yet, Who are we gripping on to? If it’s Jesus, we can stand firm – with wisdom -- to face those in opposition to us with boldness and respect.
P = Father,
I believe you are confirming the vision you’ve given me for your church, your body, your bride – to see her become everything you designed, salt and light – ambassadors of reconciliation, transforming the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The opposition to women doing what I do (from both men and women) is an on-going reality. Many want me to get a grip on their theology, worldview and/or practices. But in obedience to you and respect to them, I must stand firm and be who you’ve called me to be. As Paul said, “How can I do anything else?”
I don’t need to argue my case. I know who I am, whose I am, and why I am. So, I just need to tell my story and “put my know into my go!” You’ve opened doors for me that no one can shut. May I courageously and boldly move forward into all that you’ve designed -- by “getting a grip on myself” and following Jesus.
Posted by Valerie at November 30, 2006 05:43 AM