For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Cor 4:17-18)
With all we have, we still want. We tell ourselves that we are satisfied with whatever the Lord provides for us, but we are always "dreaming" of that bigger house, that "easier" life, that "perfect" world. It's okay...it's human nature!
Knowing that the day will come when all of this passes away is sometimes what keeps us going. Like remembering years later an event which you thought would never arrive, and realizing that 20 years have passed, so too, will be that day we have sacrificed for and prayed for. When it arrives, we will immediately rejoice! The suffering we've experiences, the pain we've endured, the anger and the desperation of our past will fade graciously into nothing. We will rise!
There is a purpose to all of this (this life we live). There is a promise as well. We are called to serve the Lord with all we have, in every area of our existence. Not just on Sunday mornings, not just when it's convenient, not when we feel like it - always! He watches over us always, so who are we to think we can sit back and have the kingdom laid at our feet without doing anything for His glory? I am not about pleasing those around me, I am about pleasing the Father in Heaven (as my kids would say - "that's the way I roll").
Don't worry about what others think of your open prayers, your comments that God reigns in Heaven, worry about what God thinks - after all, they are His prayers we utter, not our friends. It's not important if the words are "politically correct" or if something you say may offend a non-believer. We weren't put here to please others, we were put here to please God. Let the Holy Spirit guide your words. If they give honor and glory to the Lord, they can't be wrong. Rise to the occasion, rise to the calling of Jesus!
Standing before the Creator will be the single, greatest moment of each of our lives. Do you want to stand there with your head bowed in embarrassment, or in reverence? Do you want to look into the eyes of Jesus and see His joy or His disappointment? Do you want to hear the words "well done" or "move on"? Rise! Lift your hands! Praise! Rejoice! If it is for HIS glory, it can't be wrong!
