On Palm Sunday our pastor gave us a challenge. It was apparently an easy request to fulfill. We were asked to worship Jesus with common materials that we found around our homes. He had someone in the congregation pick a balled up piece of paper out of a plastic container. On the paper was written “a pen.” He then asked us to share what we had done via email or tell someone in the church office once we had accomplished our mission.
Prior to this he had delivered a wonderful sermon based on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He noted that people had used “whatever they had” to praise Him. The story of waving palm branches is very familiar to many of us. Those present also tossed garments on the ground in front of Jesus as a way of worshiping Him.
I squirmed slightly in my seat at the mention of using a pen though. This blog had initially been written as a way of sharing Jesus with others. Hence the name: “part of His story.”(Somehow the capital H was lost in translation when the domain name was created.) I wanted to write it to make it clear that my story and the stories of those I knew intersected with Him in powerful and often miraculous ways.
Yet, as I shared in one earlier blog entry entitled, “who cut in on you?” many things get in our way as we aim to share Christ. It should be the most natural process for His followers. Worship should be a constant reflection of what Jesus has done for us. His character should seep into every aspect of who we are as we connect with Him in prayer. And, we are to pray without ceasing.
But, trouble comes and we are overwhelmed. Fear and dread grip us and we forget we are God’s children. The act of waving a palm or picking up a pen seems nearly impossible. Our focus becomes ourselves and the need for prayer and praise evaporates.
The week prior to Palm Sunday I couldn’t even stand and sing. I felt like I had the spiritual wind knocked out of me. I wanted to hide as many difficult situations seemed to be crushing me. I did not want to be seen as I try to be a strong person. I want to be an encourager not the one who needs courage and support.
It took a challenge and a reminder that God is larger than all of that. That the power that God exerted in and through Christ can not only lift us up but save us. It is our only hope yet a wonderful promise. Keeping our eyes on where our home is and identity really comes from is comforting. The reality of Jesus being present with us always is as real as any troubles we may face.
In the midst of all of that I realized something that changes the way I see “my” blog. I certainly used the pen to write a rough draft of this blog. Yet, God created my mind and the hand that held it. I may wonder how many people will read it and whether it matters or not. But, God motivated me to finish it. Most of all (I hope) Jesus will be worshiped as a result of what I shared. Maybe others will pick up a pen as well. Hopefully, it will encourage others to share gifts that only God allowed them to have. The challenge continues to use all our gifts to worship Jesus. Whether it be by using pens, mouths, wallets, hands, feet, phones. I challenge you to use “whatever you have” to praise the One who gave it all to you!
Blessings & Happy Easter!
partofHISstory 