Today started out as normal as I could imagine. I woke up as last minute as I possibly could due to my inability to go to sleep at a decent hour. The only decisions I had to make were simple; "What should I eat for breakfast? What should I wear to church?" I make it to church (a little late, like always) and sit down in class and began joking and sharing about our weeks with the other students there. Normal enough, right?
We began digging into Hebrews, swimmin' around in there and figuring out how to apply it to our lives. We were reading in Hebrews 12, it was talking a lot about discipline and using the comparison as God as our Father. "It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?" (vs. 7) It goes on to say in vs. 11 that "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." I couldn't help but think of my own daddy, and how mad I would get at him when I would get in trouble. Oh man, I would be furious! My daddy never stopped disciplining me because it was painful for me (or even him), he continued and was consistent. I am so blessed to be able to relate to this comparison. I now am able to see that when hard times come, or when I am dealing with a consequence of my actions that It will yield "the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (vs. 11) This was so encouraging to remember to keep going and learn from everything that happens in our lives.
But get this...
Tommy had shared about last week a young man from Puerto Rico joining the class and sharing about his life. He told us that it was an amazing time sharing the gospel with him and talking with him about his life. He was hoping to see him again this morning, but there was no sign of him. About halfway through our class a man walks in. He was an unfamilar face and Tommy turned around and said "What's up, man?" I naturally assumed it was the man from the previous week Tommy had shared about until he said "What's your name?" Ryan was he name we learned, and he sat and joined our class while we continued learning. He shared how he just wanted to come to church today (he walked, actually), how he hasn't been in a long time. He had never been to that church, but came today. (Ok, God.... we get it.) A little later something unique and eye-opening happened. Ryan started literally pouring his heart and life story out to us. Ryan had been through and experienced crazy, and I mean CRAZY life situations. I don't even have half the time I need to explain what I heard, but some phrases that have stuck with me were... (and these are not exact quotes, but just an idea of what he said)"I am trying save money for a car. I know some people get cars for free, like their parents just give it to them..." or "I have tried everything to quit smokin' because I told God I would, but I really can't... I don't know how." or "I feel like it's my fault that my brothers are all messed up on drugs, because I influenced them to use." I know that you ahve no idea, or do I expect you to understand his story or what we heard. I am pretty sure all of our hearts were just breaking as he spoke, and we listened. I learned SO much from this one morning.
This showed me a beautiful picture of the gospel. I watched our class listen and love on Ryan, someone who was probably fearful of walking into a church. Someone who just needs someone to love him. Someone who is looking for answers. I saw a group of people love on him and pray for him and have broken hearts for him. Jesus calls us to love those who in return may be able to do nothing. I am quickly reminded of Luke 14 and the Parable of the great Banquet. Jesus tells those he is with (at a ruler of the Parisees' home) that we should invite those that are lame, crippled or blind (I don't think this nessesarily means physically). "You will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be paid at the resurrection of the just."(vs.14) I saw a beautiful picture of this today. I will always remember Ryan, even if I never see him again. I am so thankful he came today. He put things in perspective for me. Sometimes I get so caught in my little bubble of life that I forget how some people just simply need love. They need Jesus, and we are the only way they are going to see Him. Every little moment I need to be striving to be like Jesus. I need to love those who may not even love me back. If the worst thing I am dealing with is finals, I've got it so good. I am going to continue to pray for Ryan, and hope you will, too.
Love.
Miss you Mamoo.
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