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Embarrassment for the glory of God

4/23/2012

34 Comments

 
I'm so glad you are here! I hope during your visit you get a glimpse of God's heart for we become what we are gazing at. Currently I am writing my way through Judges sharing glimpses of God's heart and character for a weekday devotional. To check out the entire series so far head on over the the Judges Devotional. And if you blog, come on over on Friday's for a blog link up.   

And have you had a chance to check out all the blog posts linked up from Friday? Super encouraging.  
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Want to hear my most embarrassing moment? 

Ok, well, Durango, the cute little town I lived in for 10 years has a beautiful river running through it with a bike path right next to it. Well, I was on a walk with God, just praying and I found this little spot along the river where a lot of trees blocked the bike path from the river. So, there I was right on the edge of the river with the trees behind me separating me from the sidewalk, confident no one could hear me. So, I decided to sing to God. Ok, so let me just tell you that getting me to sing in front of people takes a lot. Singing just feels so personal. It's like your wearing your heart on the outside, I just feel so vulnerable. So there I am singing. I have my eyes closed and I decided to raise my hands to praise Him with everything I could. After singing a couple of songs I opened my eyes I saw three rafts full of people who had floated down the river right in front of me! They were probably not more than 10 feet away. Seriously, how embarrassing! They did not make a peep. Why would a whole boat full of people not say anything! Not even a throat clearing or something. If singing in front of people is not too difficult for you, then I am not sure you can feel the real weight of this. 

I still wonder what the people in those boats thought. I mean seriously, what would you think? Wacko comes to mind. When I got embarrassed, it was quickly about me, rather about God. Here I was, wanting to offer Him a sacrifice of praise. He gave me the opportunity and the first thing I did was get mad at Him and throw a little fit. Something that started as a pure offering ended in a fleshly tiffy.

But really, the question arises, why would God do that? Why would He take something so private and expose it? Why would He do something that caused me embarrassment?

I bet the Israelites felt the same way. 
They had 400,000 guys and went to stand up for injustice and fight the Benjaminites with 26,000 men."Now the sons of Israel arose, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God and said, "Who shall goup first for us to battle against the sons of Benjamin ?" Then the LORD said, "Judah shall go up first." So the sons of Israel arose in the morning and camped against Gibeah. The men ofIsrael went out to battle against Benjamin, and the men of Israel arrayed for battle against them at Gibeah. Then the sons of Benjamin came out of Gibeah and felled to the ground on that day 22,000 men of Israel. But the people, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves and arrayedfor battle again in the place where they had arrayed themselves the first day. The sons of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall we again draw near for battle against the sons of my brother Benjamin ?" And the LORD said, "Go up against him." Then the sons of Israel came against the sons of Benjamin the second day. Benjamin went out against them from Gibeah the second day and felled to the ground again18,000 men of the sons of Israel; all these drew the sword. Then all the sons of Israel and all the people went up and came to Bethel and wept; thus they remained there before the LORD and fasted that day until evening. And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD." Judges 20:18-26  

They asked God about going to battle and they ended up loosing. God had them go to battle but they didn't win, they lost, big time, to an army 15 times smaller than them. How embarrassing! So opposite of the prosperity gospel. And how crazy is their attitude. They encouraged each other and got up to do it again. I did not have this attitude when I was embarrassed. I was mad at God. Having felt those same feelings, I'm proud of these guys. Then they ask God again if they should fight again. God says Yes and they loose again! God sure does not do things they way we think they should be done sometimes. And yet their response is to turn to God again and fast. Wow! Sometimes those silly Israelites do offer us a great faith example and here is one of them. Thanks Jesus for this!

Thank You for people who have gone before us that have had things happen in life that are not how they expected but turned to You anyway. Thank You for telling us this story in Scripture that we can see the big picture of how You ultimately did come through for them. You are just plain awesome God and we like You a whole lot.
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Mind Sharing?
34 Comments
Shanda Oakley link
4/23/2012 03:02:51 pm

I love to watch people worship from different cultures or religions. The differences amaze me. I imagine any non-Christian would think you were a bit odd! I'm sure even other religions think us wierd to close our eyes, sing and raise hands!!!

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Laura link
4/24/2012 01:25:38 pm

I bet that is cool! In Colorado the majority of people aren't Christians, so I'm pretty sure they thought I was crazy. I just hope God used it somehow. ;)

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Pamela link
4/23/2012 09:26:33 pm

I. would. die! :-) Sometimes I think God must laugh at the things we get ourselves into. I hope I can have the "do it again" attitude of the Israelites. If I fail--I get right back up and try again (after much prayer!).

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Laura link
4/24/2012 01:26:31 pm

Is it bad that I am glad you can relate. ? ;) I seriously don't get embarrassed that easily but I still am squeemish over this one.

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Denise link
4/24/2012 12:28:08 am

Appreciate your sharing.

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Laura link
4/24/2012 01:26:58 pm

Thanks Denise!

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Carly link
4/24/2012 12:37:30 am

he he he i always like this story laura :) not your embarrassment part of course, but your love for God and then how you so vulnerably share it. you are a great!!

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Laura link
4/24/2012 01:28:06 pm

Thanks Carly! I think you're super great too!

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Bruce
4/24/2012 01:03:20 am

Nice post, Laura. I have been thinking a lot about this lately, myself, and have been reminded that what we sometimes experience as embarrassing is actually an opportunity to grow in courage. We did that silly thing, others saw us, and we lived through it. What I am learning in my own life is that God is delighted when we try and trust and enter the awkwardness anyways (if it's not just a plain dumb thing to do)- and then we experience His presence and support as we face our fears.

Grace is intended to strip our shame as we stand in His light and our marred appearances are healed. That is part of the gift of renewal- that in our flounderings, we find faith in fear, and hope in the hurtful situation, and ultimately, His presence and power in our participation.

Nice post. Thanks.

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Laura link
4/24/2012 01:30:32 pm

Oh I love this! So well said, thank you!!
Awkwardness... working with college students... well, they embrace awkward so I think I am getting better at "entering the awkward". Great phrase Bruce!

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Amy Dotson link
4/24/2012 03:25:48 am

Right there with ya sister! I am a very, I guess you would say, "emotional" person. All I have to do is think upon God and the things of God, and the tears flood. I just can't help it, and have always been that way. I often go walking on my lunch break and pray/listen while I walk. I know the people that pass by me regularly must think I am some kind of unstable emotional wreck since they only see me crying and blubbering. And I am NOT one of those pretty criers either - I get the full blown swollen lips, red nose, and everything. You go ahead and sing, and I'll keep wailing - but not at your singing, I promise;)

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Laura link
4/24/2012 01:32:05 pm

lol! Oh thank you!! So glad I'm not alone! lol!

You are awesome Amy!

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Heal Now and Forever link
4/24/2012 09:28:03 am

I love that you sang to God out there on the path. I love singing when I am walking outside so it is nice to meet a kindred spirit!
Love,
Jodi

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Laura link
4/24/2012 01:39:06 pm

yay!

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Theresa Miller link
4/24/2012 11:30:58 am

I share your sentiments about singing. Although I have sung with four of my sisters for a while, I'm likely not now because it did feel so personal and vulnerable. I applaud you for worshiping where you were. I guess those people needed to see that. I also like this take on the Israelite's. I'm guilty of only thinking about how they continued to lack faith. Thanks for these words!

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Laura link
4/24/2012 01:58:56 pm

That is so neat you have 4 sisters and that you sung together! Wow.

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JoAnne Potter link
4/24/2012 11:17:47 pm

Your title says it all--You may have known embarrassment, but God was delighted, and I bet the people in the boat were, too. How can anyone resist pure joy?

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Laura link
4/26/2012 07:22:29 am

Oh thank you JoAnne! To think God was delighted makes it all worth it!

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Becky Daye link
4/24/2012 11:27:12 pm

God delights in a joyful noise! That picture is absolutely beautiful- and what a sweet place to sing to God. Reminds me of Psalm 1! Thanks for sharing your post!

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Laura link
4/26/2012 07:23:07 am

Thanks Becky!

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Amy Tilson link
4/24/2012 11:31:31 pm

I so wish I had the courage to do this in the first place. I think even my thoughts of embarrassment are a sign I'm too focused on myself. I needed this!

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Laura link
4/26/2012 07:24:02 am

Oh believe me if I thought there was anyway I thought someone would see or hear me I totally woudn't have. ;)

Glad it encouraged you.

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Traci link
4/24/2012 11:53:10 pm

yes, God's ways are not our own.

Come check out my list of 100 Smoothies! Comment if you'd like on which one is you favorite!

Love, Traci @ Ordinary Inspirations http://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com/2012/04/100-smoothie-recipes.html

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Laura link
4/26/2012 07:25:31 am

Oh I love smoothies. :)
Great post on wisdom!

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roseann elliott
4/25/2012 12:44:00 am

Hi neighbor @ ann's...oh what embarrassed you brought such pleasure to Him...not your embarrassment...but your heart lost in love for Him...blessings~

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Laura link
4/26/2012 07:26:29 am

I can't wait to hear His take on it in heaven. Hopefully I will get to see what God did with it. :)

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Christina link
4/25/2012 01:16:52 am

I often complain when things don't work out the way I expect. I fail to trust in His plan. This is a great post, full of truth. Blessings!

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Laura link
4/26/2012 07:27:41 am

Me too. Adjusting expectations takes me awhile and the quicker I am to turn to the Lord for help on letting go, the quicker the attitude change.

Thanks for the encouragement Christina.

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Sylvia R link
4/26/2012 06:38:44 am

I love this anecdote from your life, Laura. I'd be so embarrassed, too! But then, I think "Why? Why should I be?" I related this incident to my husband, and he just smiled, cocked his head to the side, shrugged, and said, "Maybe those people learned something." Who knows what wonderful outcome might have resulted!

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Laura link
4/26/2012 07:29:10 am

Oh I hope so!! I hope its some cool thing that I get to hear about it heaven and how it impacted lives. Seems like if God used it, it would make it worth it and just be wasted embarrassment. But I guess if it pleased Him that should be worth it.

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Court link
4/26/2012 08:56:06 am

Thanks for sharing such a cute moment between you and God! I once danced, and I don't dance at all! with him and it was so precious.

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Laura link
4/29/2012 02:41:33 pm

Oh that is so awesome!!

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Create With Joy link
4/29/2012 10:38:06 am

Congratulations, Laura - you've been featured at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy!

I love your devotionals and appreciate the inspiration you bring to the party each week.

Thank you for blessing us with your presence! :-)

Create With Joy
http:///create-with-joy.com

Reply
Laura link
4/29/2012 02:42:23 pm

Wow! Wow! Wow!
Thank you so much I am so honored!!!

Reply



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