Qtee

[James SungJin Park]

7/6/2013

"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit" John 3:8

Last Sunday while I was helping out with the cleaning after worship, I found a book called "Rebel with a cause" by Franklin Graham. F G is the son of Billy Graham. I told myself someone probably left it there for us to read so I borrowed it. No harm....no foul. I hope.

I haven't finished it yet...three quarters into it and my score thus far.....a C+ at best. I mean...is the classic story of a PK who did everything in his power to find his own identity....being the son of the great Billy Graham predestined his life by the entire world. Franklin in a sense would be the prince of the Evangelist. Anywhoo...I was on my way back from doing some volunteer work at my high school and I purposely took the local 6 train from the Bronx all the way to Brooklyn so that I can finish the book. I borrowed it without permission so at least I can do is to finish reading it before I put it back where I found it. 

As Franklin was tackling the dilemma of what "true faith" was in his young years....he talks about his many experiences as the son of Billy Graham and one part stood out for me. What is true faith? What sort of attitude should we have about true faith? Is there a correlation between faith and a miracle?

The passage from John 3:8 are the words Jesus spoke to Nicodemus. What is Jesus talking about? As I meditated on this passage today, God is encouraging me to dream and be more courageous.

A couple of quotes from the book:

 "Commit yourself to bigger things than you can humanly do. Then you can watch God work a miracle"

"Faith isn't required as long as you set your goal only as high as the most intelligent, most informed, and expert human efforts can reach."

This struck a chord in me. Lately, I realized how bounded I am at work from the things that I can do. I feel trapped...caged. I mean, I am given instructions of what I must do and can't do. And as long as I follow it.... I will get a paycheck every other week. How can I apply my faith in my job? 

I guess when I serve in church, I thought it was different. Through today's QT, God reminds me what I am doing is not so much different. 

I strategize and plan as a leader in church.  And I feel there is nothing wrong with that. But "JUST DON'T CALL IT FAITH"

God reminds me to be more courageous and truly trust in HIM. I say I do...but so many times I don't. So many times, I hope only for the best outcome from bounded situations.....from a BOX!  God reminds me HE CAN DO ANYTHING. Seek righteousness in my son's name and I will give it to you and through you....reminds me The Lord.

Let's all stop micromanaging not trying to make a mistake but trust in The Lord because HE responds to our every need on a moment to moment basis through the Spirit of God.

--
James S. Park