Suffering and Singing

Guest Blogger: Mike McKinney, Meredith's brother

What is your worst nightmare? Let me ask that another way: what is that imagined scenario that if it were to actually happen... 

you wouldn't even be able to stand. 

A kind of scenario that would impose on your mind what the Apostle Paul said, "we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death" (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). 

Look at those words...

• "utterly burdened": the burden they felt was to the max (as in, there couldn't be a greater one)
• "beyond our strength": their ability to "keep on, keepin' on" ran out (the way that a car cannot keep running when it is out of gas)
• "that we despaired of life itself": the word "that" connects this phrase with the previous two, and shows what being "utterly burdened" and "beyond our strength" did to them: it made them "despair of life itself." That word "despair" literally means to be "utterly without a way." In other words, the burden they felt and their lack of strength made them think, "Where do we even go from here? Should we even continue life? I can't do this any more." 
• "Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death": just to some it all up in a nugget of depression, he said that they believed that God had appointed their death then and there. 

You ever felt that way? You ever been on the edge of that cliff? I have not. Now I know the Scriptures do not say if suffering comes, but when it comes (1 Peter 2:19; 4:12; James 1:2; John 16:33; Romans 8:16-17; and many more, just look them up).

When it comes. 

But check out this crazy thing that Job said thousands of years ago, "Though he slay me, I will hope in him" (Job 13:15). There are two people Job is talking about: himself and God. So lets put God where He is supposed to be in this verse, "Though God slay me, I will hope in God." So Job said that God is the one who absolutely ruined his life, but God is also the very one He hopes in and praises. Whaaaat? How does that even make sense? 

Answer: the greatest gift that God could give you is Himself. But Jesus is God, therefore the greatest gift that God could give you is Christ. So if you have Christ, then even if you lose everything in this world you still have the greatest thing: God. 

Our problem is that we like to take greater delight in lesser pleasures instead of God, which doesn't make any sense because the pleasure found in Christ is greater than any other pleasure. If we are doing this, then what is the most loving--I repeat, loving--thing that God could do to you?

Take from you that thing you are finding pleasure in over Him... and then leave you with only Christ, so that you realize that even in that "scenario" I asked you to image earlier, Christ is more than enough.  

God is more than enough when you despair of life itself. 

Look at the way Paul finishes his thought, "For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead" (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). 

God did this to them. God did it. God did. And Paul is glad, because he knows that God is bringing them to Himself in order to prove that Christ is more than enough even amidst the worst suffering (the kind that makes you want to check out of life). 

But look at the last phrase: "who raises the dead." Why would he say that? I think it is because he knows that things might not end well; they may actually die, but they know that one day God will raise them from the dead into the New Creation.

The remedy for all suffering is the knowledge that God is granting you suffering in order to show you that Christ is more than enough in that suffering. Christ is satisfying enough to cause singing in the midst suffering. 

I have included this song by Shane and Shane which was inspired by Job 13:15. Enjoy. 

"Though You Slay Me" (featuring John Piper) by Shane and Shane

Lyrics:

I come, God, I come
I return to the Lord
The one who’s broken
The one who’s torn me apart
You strike down to bind me up
You say you do it all in love
That I might know you in your suffering

Though you slay me
Yet I will praise you
Though you take from me
I will bless your name
Though you ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who’s all I need

My heart and flesh may fail
The earth below give way
But with my eyes, with my eyes I’ll see the Lord
Lifted high on that day
Behold, the Lamb that was slain
And I’ll know every tear was worth it all

Though you slay me
Yet I will praise you
Though you take from me
I will bless your name
Though you ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who’s all I need

Though tonight I’m crying out
Let this cup pass from me now
You’re still more than I need
You’re enough for me
You’re enough for me

Though you slay me
Yet I will praise you
Though you take from me
I will bless your name
Though you ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who’s all I need
Sing a song to the one who’s all I need

Click here if you want to listen to the entire sermon that was used in the middle of the song.

Déjà vu

I’m Having Déjà vu…

These past couple weeks have been wonderful, but a whirl wind – I love it & I “strongly dislike it" (my mom always corrected us as kids if we said we hated something – “Hate is a strong word, my darlings. You mean strongly dislike.” Funny little lady, but a wise one)...

When I say I love it, I truly mean it. I am so thankful to have had numerous visitors, a fresh area to experience new and exciting places, as well as time to see friends and family along the east coast. These are all gifts that are meant for good and to bring joy to your heart! But, sometimes I just get so caught up in the hustle 'n bustle of life.

Busy-ness is often the enemy… he loves to occupy our minds with things of this world, making sure we don’t slow down to take in each moment. To stop and thank God for His blessings, living each day with intentionality – living life with purpose… living life on purpose (friends, take a minute to sign up for Lara Casey's monthly newsletter - her letter from this past month with details on #IntentionalAugust was wonderful – sign yourself up). We spend so much time rushing from task to task, & we often forget to recognize some of the most important moments that make up our day, constantly looking for ways we can be more efficient in order to get ahead.

Last week we were giving our prayer requests in my small group (the fact that I have found a small group is an answered prayer, yay Jesus), and mine was that I would learn to balance my schedule in a healthy way. That I would be able to do the things necessary for me, both spiritually & physically, to stay healthy. I’m very much a creature of habit – I love a routine. In college (just three months ago – ha. I feel like I am saying “back in the old days” : ), I had it down to a tee, and the moment I cherished most was the morning hours of quiet time: Jesus, coffee, music. It was the best, and exactly what I needed to keep puttin’ along.

Well, there’s been a shift. I’m working now & I have spent the summer time adjusting… trying to figure out what works best when trying to balance all of my to-do’s. It’s taken a lot of experimenting, learning whether or not to say yes or no, as well as breaking away from the habit of "people pleasing". You’re probably thinking, Meredith, come on sister. You’ve been in NC for three months… get your act together already! I know, I feel ya… but, that’s why this is a work in progress – I need His help, because I’ve done it the other way, and I failed time & time again…

If I’m not careful, I have the tendency to become overwhelmed easily when faced with a big list of “stuff” (can you tell I’m a list girl?). And it’s not a trait I like. It’s not attractive to be around someone like that… (e.g. last weekend getting stuck in traffic and lost on the way up to New Jersey – sorry you had to be the one stuck in the car with me, Mom. I love you!)

Like I said, I’m having déjà vu. Hello, Meredith McKinney of Fall semester Junior year. I was no fun, overwhelmed, stressed, busy… I knew the answer was Jesus – He was my way to peace & a sound mind, but I felt I didn’t even have the time to do what I knew I needed to make the time to do. It was ugly, but the Lord yanked me out of that. He heard my hearts cry that I needed something more.

I will never forget the weekend that changed my heart forever, realigning my perspectives, and bringing me back to what truly matters. It was November of my fall semester Junior year. Without even a moment  of extra time (or so I thought) I decided to go on my church’s college weekend retreat – my head said no, but my heart screamed yes. I didn’t know how deeply I needed that weekend of rest, but God did... That weekend, there was a message given by Tim Mannin titled “Busy Life”. I felt that every word that flowed from his mouth was directed right at me, my heart, & everything I was wrestling with.

“Where is your spiritual tank?” – empty

“Do you see a connection between the amount of “noise” in your life and the connection you currently have with God?” – maybe… okay, absolutely

Pastor Tim went on to illustrate that there is a God that loves us so deeply, and there is an enemy that has come to kill, steal, & destroy. The enemy will often use the busy tasks of daily life to prevent us from experiencing a life of true joy through seeking Christ first – to the point that we feel as if we are “too busy for God”. (side note: I hate to say it, but those exact words had come out of my mouth the week before. I’m telling you, this was exactly what the Lord wanted me to hear that weekend.) He finished the message by slowly praying the words from Psalm 23:1-3 over us…

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.
 He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
 He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

// Psalm 23:1–3

Those words grabbed my heart, and I knew that the only way to supernatural peace & rest was not through first accomplishing my list of to-do’s, and then making the time I had left for God, but it was making time for God at the start, providing Him my first, and creating the space needed for Him to move in and multiply my time for my needs, according to His will.

The Lord is calling me (again) to create space, turn down the noise, & to know that He is God.

In two short days, I will be getting on a plane to fly home to Oklahoma (also known as the greatest state in the U.S., I’m almost positive it’s fact ; ) I want to make sure to be intentional with that time that I will have with those people I love so dearly. I want to take time to rest – both physically & spiritually. I want to healthily get things done, be smart with my available time, all while taking the necessary time to stop, rest, & know…

I love when my brother says the prayer before meals, because he always includes the simplest sentence, yet the statement is so profound:

“Lord, please slow this time down for us.”

Yes, Lord… do just that, please. Help us to enjoy life from moment to moment. Help me to see Your beauty in the smallest of details, to take full advantage of each opportunity you place in front of me – that I will be able to see with your eyes the vision you want me to see. Seeing this world through your lens, not viewing You through the perspective of this world.

big hugs...

See you all soon,

Mere

P.s. this song has been on replay for me lately – it's a good one. Precious words. Take a moment to listen, if you'd like : )

Birthday City

Well goodness!

August is birthday city for our family. Keren, Mom, and Dad all have birthdays within two weeks of each other – it’s like Christmas in August with all these gifts goin’ around! But, I love it… I love celebrating them, and I believe they deserve to have days equally (if not more) as wonderful, fun, & giving as they are to those around them.

Last weekend my mom and I had the privilege of going up to New Jersey for the weekend to celebrate Keren, my beautiful sister-in-law and soon-to-be momma. It was such a joy to be able to share that time with her family members as well… if you know me, you know that I love everything about family. I love the inside jokes, the pestering, the gathering, the love, the accountability, the counsel… the list goes on. Everything about it is such a gift. But, I think the thing that I have enjoyed most, as of lately, is the growing. Our family is so fortunate to have in-laws that we have been able to get to know and love as our own. Instead of one brother and sister, it’s as if I have two of each. Each of them older, wiser, & have unique life experiences that are helpful to learn or gain wise counsel from. They bring so much joy to my heart.

[Sharlee Rother Photography]

One of my favorite memories from this past weekend was from the different dinners we shared with the McKinney’s and Jezequels (Keren's family). These meals not only brought together people we love, but they were filled with people who are all also anxiously awaiting our new sweet niece or grand-daughter (that sweet pea doesn’t know what she is in for : ).

All in all, the weekend was filled with lots of fun, and I had plenty of mommy/daughter time in the nine hour car ride there and back – yikes! Although the car rides were long, and there may have been a bicker or two while stuck in stand-still traffic, there were multiple times I kept thinking “I am so grateful for a mother like her. I’m so happy she was born, and that she is uniquely mine.”

My mother’s birthday is August 9^th and my Dad’s birthday is August 11^th – same year and everything… fun, huh?! My mother likes to think that those 48 hours make her much wiser and more mature. She is a hoot, a firecracker, spunky, spicy, a DI–VA : ) but, she is a God-fearing diva, and she loves the Lord an outrageous amount.

My dad on the other hand is a little goober… Sweet as a peach, patient, hard working – he is our teddy bear, but such a rock for this family of five. Together, these are two goofy peas in a pod – but I love them so, and without their Godly counsel, wisdom, & guidance I would not be who I am today.

Ever since I was a little girl, I can remember them as two people whose lives had been altered by the understanding and truth of who Christ is and what He has done for us. They have hungered & thirsted for more, and have done what they can to maintain accountability to increase in their knowledge and love for Him.

"Blessed are those who hunger & thirst for

righteousness for they will be filled"

// Matthew 5:6

My parents not only desire to live a life worthy of the Gospel, but they have an even deeper passion to see that our family is not just a “Christian family”, but that we are a Christ-centered home. He is not just a part of our lives, He is the center of our lives.

I can remember my parents encouraging us to notice that Christ is an aroma… His Spirit is something that has the ability to be sensed, or “smelled”, on others when you just say a quick hello, give a smile, or a gentle hug… His Spirit lingers long after you have left, and imprints on others, making them wonder what was different? There was something about him/her? Only to later realize that it was the sweet "aroma" of Christ within them… I can still picture the verse that was printed out on a piece of paper in the downstairs bathroom of our old home:

“…As far as God is concerned there is a sweet wholesome 

fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us,

 an aroma to both the saved and unsaved all around us.”

// 2 Corinthians 2:15 (LB)

My parents may have different personalities, but their hearts are in sync with the same passions, driven by the same principles. Principles that they have now impressed onto us. There are three things that I can distinctly remember as reoccurring themes when growing up:

1. The power of prayer

– my mom has always been a woman who earnestly seeks to demonstrate the power of God in the amount of time she spend pleading with Christ on our behalf. She will pause anything to pray for someone she sees who has a need to be met, whether it be a stranger or a loved one. My father on the other hand is the man I can call throughout the day and ask to pray over me through the phone right then and there. But he doesn't stop there – once he is finished, he writes it down in his prayer journal, takes it to his Monday morning meet with his accountability partner, and then the two of them then re-cover the situation in prayer.

2. The joy in giving

– I can remember the first time this clicked for me… I came home to our kitchen and our two comfy club chairs that we loved were gone. I asked my mom in shock where they had gone. She told me that she ran into someone who was in need… what?! My heart was changed for the better on that day. There are multiple times where my father has given of his time and service to others, but one example in particular brought me to tears. There was a drawing at our church one Sunday for a gas card, and my dad who had just claimed he never wins these things... won! Woo, go Dad! But, what happened next blew me away… someone came up ecstatic about the gift card, and he just turned and gave it away. No one saw but me, he did it out of pure generosity and love. Amazing.

“So when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” 

// Matthew 6:3-4

... and lastly,

3. We work hard, we play hard

– this is my mom’s motto, kind of funny : ) … she always says “work as if you’re working for Jesus and not for man, because you represent God first in all that you do and your family second.” She would encourage us that we are held to a higher standard, called to be different, and if we proclaim the things we do, we will be held to those. And after you give all you’ve got, you can "play hard", living your “life to the full” (John 10:10) and enjoying the blessings that come with each and every day.

I’m so thankful to have parents that have been great examples through their constant growth in both hunger & thirst for the Lord, encouraging & loving us all along the way… happy birthday weekend, Mom + Dad – I’m so happy you two were born.

Love + Miss you all,

Mere

…Oh!

P.s. Guess who comes home in less than a week… this girl. Let’s get coffee, chat, grab lunch, anything! I can’t wait to be on flat, dry, red-dirt soil in good ole’ Oklahome.

P.p.s. What's "birthday city"? (Blank) city is something our family uses to describe when there is an abundance of that around... e.g. "cute city!" - when there is cuteness all over the place. It's really quite simple : )