“Now the Lord is spirit and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”

2 Corinthians 3:17

Have you ever been in an environment or situation where you felt your questions were not up to par or maybe even exposed your ignorance.  I was in such a situation yesterday in a live Autism webinar. It was filled with educators, particularly adept in the field of special education. I am very interested in Autism for a variety of reason, but suffice it to say, my educational background and profession was unique in the group. It is a wonderful group whose goal is to help educators effectively teach  children on the Autism spectrum. Through a case study presentation, the group serves as a think-tank to help with a specific challenge.  As a life coach, I am an observer of patterns of behavior and obstacles that might prevent one from reaching their goals.  I posed a question to the group. In that moment, I realized my uniqueness professionally and FELT ignorant. The question wasn’t ignorant or in appropriate, but I FELT different, even apologetic as it left my mouth. Ever felt that way in your spiritual journey? You are in good company. Even those closest to Jesus asked quesitons.  Continue reading →

I began reading ‘The Joseph Calling’ by Os Hillman this morning. There are a couple of words that stuck out because they are like sandpaper on the chalkboard of my life.

Humility and a broken and contrite heart.  

When I recall the early life of Joseph, it begins with an arrogant youth flaunting his God gift in front of his older brothers. We all know that didn’t go well. The blessing of that moment is that they sold him rather than kill him. God, of course had a plan and as we recall the account we can clearly see the hand of God in his life and the salvation of his family. The man that came out of that 13 plus years of hardship was refined by fire; humbled by his God and redeemed for an eternal purpose. God’s plan took way more time than I’m sure Joseph realized, but he still trusted in his God. I wonder if the moments of double and fear, the questionings and anger are removed from the account or if Joseph never experience it. Perhaps it’s there in the written account and I have not studied it, nevertheless it is the refined man of God that is our example. He was placed in God ordained circumstances for a greater purpose and it was not until he become who God wanted him to be that he was usable for the kingdom; the greater good, redemption.

Ever feel like your circumstances are meaningless? Os Hillman say in his devotional, the modern- day Joseph’s are broken by failed finances, failed marriages, failed relationships and perhaps career failures. They come through the circumstance, perhaps God ordained, or of our making, refined by fire and usable for kingdom work, redemptive work. The focus again is the outcome, not the circumstance or even the internal spiritual struggle that takes place. The result is a broken, contrite humble heart. That’s our Joseph example.

Are your circumstances something that God has entrusted you with to fulfil a greater plan for others?

Are your circumstances refining you to be a humble, refined broken leader in some area of the kingdom for His Glory?

That certainly was Joseph’s experience years later. Thoughts to ponder.

Lord help me reframe my circumstance and see them as a gift you entrusted to me for my refinement and kingdom work. No matter how insignificant or difficult it may seem to me now. No matter how long it takes, create in me a clean heart, broken and poured out for your glory and my ultimate good.