Friends, Romans, not the Country, Man

There continues to be a slew of things to share. Figure I'll share a verse that really impacted me in the last week.

As I grow in my faith, I am more surprised by how little progress I have made. That said, I've come a long way from where I less than 3 years ago, but I know I haven't even scratched the surface of potential.

I am really not one of those people that can rattle off chapter and verse at will - I never developed that trait when it came to sports statistics either. Random trivia from the 70's, 80's and 90's - I'm full of it. I rock the Pop Edition of Trivial Pursuit, but that maybe my problem - a life of trivial pursuit; meandering without direction, driven by work and seeking affirmation from people or sources that I now know weren't the right ones on which to focus.

So when I was asked to answer a question for my pastor and he referenced Roman 8 and 12, I thought I'd read them to get some feel for his context. Paul gives some good direction - but that's pretty Paul-esque, isn't it? - then 12:12 stopped me cold.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer." (NSRV)

As I shared on a note on a really cool website, www.youversion.com, a Bible-based website that allows you to add notes and tags to verses, add journal entries and share with others in the community. In ten words, Paul sums up a way of life; a mantra - I called it.

"Rejoice in hope - there's not a question of why or how, it is setting our faith free to guide us. When I am at my most stressed and frustrated, I have lost focus and started worrying.

Be patient in suffering - it is interesting that we talk about being tested or getting through the tough times. I am learning that there is much to be learned about my abilities, capacities and where I am to be when things are pushing me outside of my comfort zone. I don't believe in being tested. We aren't put anywhere we can't get through. We may not understand the reasons or circumstances, but we will be better through our tough times. The key to it all is prayer. When we need direction, wisdom or lighten our load, bring all things to the Lord in prayer.

Okay so Paul used 10 word; me a few more.

Told you I have a long way to go.

Mobile blogging - this could be dangerous. Someone take my car keys now.