Celebration {Genesis 18:1-10}
3:00 PM
A
while back, I went to mass not expecting what I’m about to share. I knew our first topic was celebration and I
had a plan to begin this week researching and writing.
The
morning before mass began with finishing up my readings in the book of
John. I had been struggling. I have been in a season of letting go. I have a very difficult time “letting go and
letting God.” I have great ideas and I
like to help! But as I sat in church without
any expectations God showed me how BIG He truly is and gave me something to
celebrate.
In
the Book of Genesis, up until the 18th chapter, Abraham and Sarah
were still waiting for their promised son.
They were old and barren and they had “helped” God out with His
plan. Out of nowhere, three people
suddenly appear at their tent in the heat of the day (18:1-2). Abraham began to serve them. I learned that in the days of Abraham,
showing hospitality is an immediate and practical way to obey God. These three people who show up represent the
trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Have
you ever felt barren? Like nothing was
ever going to change? You are stuck in a
cycle of repeating events – one appliance after another breaks down. And each time you look at your bank account,
it’s just not quite enough to cover all of your expenses. Or perhaps you’ve been praying for someone,
for years! And nothing has changed. They are still committing the same ole sins
they’ve been doing for years and you’ve returned to Jesus wondering why? Then you find the time to put your feet up –
it’s the hottest day of the year, and you just want to wait it out, and people
show up – unexpectedly – and now you have to cook and prepare for them.
Ladies,
we all need to be prepared for the Lord to show up! Our expectations are to be in Him. His blessings are abundant when we wait – and
they are worth celebrating!
Paul
tells us in Colossians 1:24 to rejoice (celebrate)
in our sufferings. And Jesus told Martha
in Luke 10:41, “you
are worried about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only
one.” Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her.”
It’s been a few weeks since I heard this message, and I have
been fed far more than I ever expected.
God always shows up in places and times we least expect. Rejoice!
Be glad. And leave on the altar
all that frustrates you. He knows. He sees.
Ask the Lord to remove what is in your heart that causes fear, guilt and
shame. And He will! He will give you a reason to celebrate!
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