Good Enough - Mark 10

What I learned tonight:

God isn't too interested in what we are giving, he's interested in what we are holding back. The concept of being a "good person", is not enough. We are not saved by works alone. God wants our will, something which is much harder for most of us, than just not murdering, stealing, lying, cheating etc. Sacrifice is required.

Marriage is given by God to help us understand the marriage we will enter into in Eternity with the Bridegroom of our Soul. Satan loves to see marriages fail because it destroys the parallel of earthly marriage to a spiritual one. We all like to imagine that we will go to Heaven, and that once there, we will remain, forever, in eternal bliss. It is unthinkable to us that at some point God could say, mmm I just don't love you anymore, Ive changed my mind, Ive found someone else, Im bored. Why then do we think those are valid reasons for dissolving marriage in our present state. Simply, they're not.

Weakness is looked down upon in this society, but God loves a needy people. He wants us to be so desperate that we will cry out to Him for help even if others tell us not to. Nothing is too small or great for Him to handle. He wants us to believe that He can help, that He is able. We are not a lost cause, nor is anyone we know. Vision comes after faith. We usually want it the other way, "you show me something, then I'll believe." God wants us to trust first, and once we do that, then He can reveal Himself to us.

I am so grateful for fellowship, for encouragement, for something edifying and real... which brings me to the next part:

DONNA

I was overcome tonight with the realization that I have been so blessed to know this woman as my friend and surrogate mother. Her spirit is unwavering and beautiful. She has been such an example to me of faithfulness, kindness, perserverance, godliness and strength. She has suffered so much in her life, physical pain as well as the pain of a mother, wife, friend, and she has overcome every experience with grace and humility. She radiates gentleness, and yet the strength of her conviction is obvious. I have learned much from her. I have much to live up to, but I am thankful that I have seen, up close, the work God is able to do if we are willing.