a tall order for 2015

I find it interesting that I read chapter 15 of “Experience the Impossible” so close to the new year. While it can be a great time to make resolutions and goals (although I believe a year when a child is born gets an exemption), it’s also important to think about what God might be asking us to do.  Johnson talks about miracles, and if we are supposed to passively observe God perform them (which is obviously sometimes the case) or be active participants, as the disciples were. Johnson explains “They [the disciples] were not commanded to observe the sovereign invasions of God into impossible situations. That is a given, and is the joy of every believer. But there remains a command that requires obedience and pursuit on our part” (Johnson p. 58).

            Isn’t this uncomfortable? What about the times when we ask for miracles like healing loved ones and he doesn’t? I don’t have a perfect answer, but Johnson’s closing thoughts are powerful. Whether you agree or not, I ask you to consider the implications of the stance. “…we should at least attempt to do what Jesus did- including raising the dead. The fear of looking foolish to others has kept many from responding to this command of the Lord. In addition, we might never do this assignment well. But that does not give me the right to change the assignment to what I do well, and then call that my ministry” (Johnson p.58).

            Does God call us to things we might screw up? Does God call us to things that might alienate us and bring criticism? How do we know if it’s acceptable to call what we do well a ministry?  

            By now you may notice a common thread in my posts: God asks us to do things that are hard. He doesn’t stop storms from coming, as Caz mentioned in Sunday’s sermon. But what will we miss if we don’t even try to do the miraculous, difficult things that God asks of us?

Beth  Kropf