How Do I Know God is at Work?

When it comes to being a wife and mother, I do not feel like I am a particularly strong example. I am adequate, but I make lots of mistakes and I have some regrets. This weekend at the retreat, Shaunti Feldhahn spoke about the differences between males and females, as well as how our culture impacts those differences in all types of relationships. Marriage is clearly the most intense relationship between man and woman, but male/female relationships in parenting and work are also important to consider. Because I was coordinating the event, I did not have the energy to take notes during the sessions - I just sat back and absorbed all that I could at the time. I plan on re-reading Shaunti's books because I believe they are packed with God's Truth, and I believe they closely relate with the journey He is taking me on right now.

As I was decompressing from the weekend's activities and processing the weekend's message, I came across several internet commentaries of people who are against Shaunti's message. This is certainly not surprising because (1) her message is extremely counter-cultural, and (2) it is Biblically based. Additionally, Shaunti's message is founded on strong scientific research. In my academic studies, I have found numerous counter-cultural messages that are scientifically based, yet these are not the studies one hears about in the mainstream media. I find that interesting and disturbing, but not completely surprising. As I feel led, I may have opportunities to share some examples of this on the blog.

On Sunday, Pastor Glenn referenced the following scripture in Acts. It is ahead of where I am currently reading, but it fits perfectly with the weekend's processing.... Acts17:16 reads that Paul "was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city" (NLT). Idols are in many things. The most obvious relate to material possessions, but all we have to do is take a close look at our very own priorities to identify potential idols. Sometimes my desire to be right or be understood is an idol in my life; sometimes comfort is an idol for me; and sometimes simply having my own way is an idol. Without even knowing it, our beliefs about what we need or deserve, based on cultural shaping, are our idols.

As I read the comments of others in regards to why they thought Shaunti's message was wrong, I was amazed by how people misread her message. Yet, again and again, I am struck by the realization that in order to know Truth, we must be in relationship with Truth. Without a focused relationship with Christ that earnestly seeks Truth, the power of our culture will overpower our understanding of Truth.

This is Spring Break week, so the boys and I are home hanging out together just like the good old days prior to Kindergarten. I feel like I do not get enough opportunities to share my faith with them in words or lessons, though I pray my daily actions and lifestyle will speak Truth into their lives. I am sometimes concerned for their spiritual growth because we do not often have in depth conversations about Jesus. While I occasionally see glimples of spiritual fruit in their lives, it is not often enough for me. This morning while they were creating clay army tanks and bombs, I asked them if I could recite some of my memory verses to them for practice sake. They hesitantly agreed and it lead to some great dialogue.

The first verse I shared was 2 Timothy 1:6-8:

"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gifts God gave you when I laid my hands upon you. God did not give us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.... With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclaimation of the Good News" (NLT).

Even as the phrase, "be ready to suffer with me," came out of my mouth, I knew Tanner would ask about its meaning. As a result, I had the wonderful opportunity to share about why Christians must be prepared to suffer. We talked a bit about end times and the need to know Jesus and scripture with more fervance than our culture (in their language, of course). We talked about the antichrist and the triumph of Truth - all while they were building tanks and bombs out of clay.... When the brief conversation concluded, I thanked God for the opportunity to connect with my sons on a spiritual level. All of this was a result of my commitment to memorize some scripture in 2009. Hmmm - This is how I know God is at work.