Finger prints
A popular Christian song talks about seeing the finger prints of God in our life. I had one of those experiences recently. I was invited to give a 40 minute talk on an inspirational topic of my choice. While I was preparing I prayed to make sure that I focused to resist seeing the talk as an opportunity to show off what I knew or to impress people. I wanted to share about something where I had learned more about my relationship with God and how that new awareness had brought blessings in my life. I considered a few healings of physical problems that I had experienced and then started from there.
This was the first time I had given a public speech like this so I practiced and practiced and practiced. Each time I practiced I found a slightly better way to say something or a more uplifted outlook so the talk kept improving. I felt that I was gaining a better understanding of the significance of the ideas and benefiting from the activity.
Leading up to the day of the meeting there seemed to be a number of things that might disrupt my preparation. During the week leading up to the talk I started to lose my voice and at times to come down with symptoms of a cold. In the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the author writes “The procuring cause and foundation of all sickness is fear, ignorance, or sin.” (p411) It was helpful to consider that my own fear and anxiety could be the basis of these health problems. I reasoned that God had provided this opportunity for sharing and it was for God’s glory, not mine. Since God was not afraid, there was no room for fear and there could be no room for sickness either.
The spiritual ideas and Bible stories I was thinking over were so comforting and reassuring. I was gaining a better awareness that God was present and was providing me with all I needed, to include wellbeing.
On the morning of the speech I felt at ease. During the activities of the day I found it very uplifting to spend time appreciating all the love that went into the preparation for the meeting. There was a great deal of selfless activity supporting everything going on. It was nice to be able to consider my role as part of a larger activity.
Throughout the day I reaffirmed what I have found helpful when challenged by doubt or nerves. Later in the morning when I had free time I sat down in the hotel lobby and prayed. I flipped open the Bible, looking for guidance. In this case it was perfect for my situation.
In 10th chapter of Daniel in the Bible it describes Daniel as seeing a vision of a man. He lost all his strength and fell into a sleep. The man from the vision awoke Daniel and he stood up. The man told Daniel to not be afraid and that since Daniel had sought knowledge of God and wanted to be humble before God his words were heard. This was perfect because it reminded me of why I wanted to do this in the first place; to love and learn more about God and be of service.
Later Daniel lost his ability to speak and the man in the vision touches his lips so he can speak. He tells the man in the vision that he has no strength or breath. The man touched Daniel again and strengthened him and told him “fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong.”
This was great. It was reassuring to consider that the ability to speak came alongside the ideas to be shared. That phrase about peace and being strong was very helpful in reminding me that I did not need to rely on my own ability, but the ability given to me by God. I prayed to quiet my own concerns and just see this unfold in God’s own way.
The most helpful line of all for me was what Daniel replies after regaining strength. He says “Let my Lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.” Wow was that powerful. I could completely turn over the activity to God. Neither the strength to share nor the ideas to be shared originated with me. By quieting my own concerns I could “let my Lord speak.”
Leading up to the speech I kept these ideas close and felt at ease. It was such a perfect story for what I needed. I am assured there was no coincidence involved.
This was the first time I had given a public speech like this so I practiced and practiced and practiced. Each time I practiced I found a slightly better way to say something or a more uplifted outlook so the talk kept improving. I felt that I was gaining a better understanding of the significance of the ideas and benefiting from the activity.
Leading up to the day of the meeting there seemed to be a number of things that might disrupt my preparation. During the week leading up to the talk I started to lose my voice and at times to come down with symptoms of a cold. In the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the author writes “The procuring cause and foundation of all sickness is fear, ignorance, or sin.” (p411) It was helpful to consider that my own fear and anxiety could be the basis of these health problems. I reasoned that God had provided this opportunity for sharing and it was for God’s glory, not mine. Since God was not afraid, there was no room for fear and there could be no room for sickness either.
The spiritual ideas and Bible stories I was thinking over were so comforting and reassuring. I was gaining a better awareness that God was present and was providing me with all I needed, to include wellbeing.
On the morning of the speech I felt at ease. During the activities of the day I found it very uplifting to spend time appreciating all the love that went into the preparation for the meeting. There was a great deal of selfless activity supporting everything going on. It was nice to be able to consider my role as part of a larger activity.
Throughout the day I reaffirmed what I have found helpful when challenged by doubt or nerves. Later in the morning when I had free time I sat down in the hotel lobby and prayed. I flipped open the Bible, looking for guidance. In this case it was perfect for my situation.
In 10th chapter of Daniel in the Bible it describes Daniel as seeing a vision of a man. He lost all his strength and fell into a sleep. The man from the vision awoke Daniel and he stood up. The man told Daniel to not be afraid and that since Daniel had sought knowledge of God and wanted to be humble before God his words were heard. This was perfect because it reminded me of why I wanted to do this in the first place; to love and learn more about God and be of service.
Later Daniel lost his ability to speak and the man in the vision touches his lips so he can speak. He tells the man in the vision that he has no strength or breath. The man touched Daniel again and strengthened him and told him “fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong.”
This was great. It was reassuring to consider that the ability to speak came alongside the ideas to be shared. That phrase about peace and being strong was very helpful in reminding me that I did not need to rely on my own ability, but the ability given to me by God. I prayed to quiet my own concerns and just see this unfold in God’s own way.
The most helpful line of all for me was what Daniel replies after regaining strength. He says “Let my Lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.” Wow was that powerful. I could completely turn over the activity to God. Neither the strength to share nor the ideas to be shared originated with me. By quieting my own concerns I could “let my Lord speak.”
Leading up to the speech I kept these ideas close and felt at ease. It was such a perfect story for what I needed. I am assured there was no coincidence involved.
Labels: Christian Science, spirituality
posted by mgschmidt at 5:51 AM
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