I’ve been doing lots of reading lately. One day I was scrolling through Amazon trying to figure out which book I would read next and I came across a book by Oprah called What I Know For Sure. I haven’t read the book, but the title of it got me thinking…if I had written that book, what words would fill it’s pages? What do I know for sure?
Initially I wasn’t sure I would have the knowledge, wisdom, or confidence to come up with anything that I know for 100% sure. Over the last few weeks this topic has been on my mind and I actually ended up being able to come up with a few things I know as complete truth after (almost) 21 years on this Earth.
The poorest are the richest.
This is something that sounds so backwards, but has proven itself to be true over and over again. The most faithful and dedicated followers of Jesus I have ever met are people who have the least. The people who are the have the least physical wealth have the most spiritual wealth and vice versa.
One of the books I recently read was called The end of me by Kyle Idleman. In this book he talks about the “Upside-Down Ways of Jesus” and references The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (v. 3)
“First four words: “Blessed are the poor.” You might be thinking, Yes! I win, because I’m completely broke.
Then you stop to think about it. Maybe Jesus misspoke—surely it should be “Blessed are the rich.” Because if you say to a rich person, “Hey, you have a beautiful mansion here,” what does he say? “Yes, I know. I’m so rich.” Nope. I bet he says, “Thank you. I’m so blessed.”
And yes, I see the words in spirit, and I realize Jesus isn’t talking about money for the most part. But the point remains. We think of a blessed life as one that ends up with plenty of money, not plenty of poverty. Add on the fact that Jesus uses a word for poor here that translates to “destitute” or “bankrupt.” Blessed are those who are bankrupt in spirit. Really the word we use is broke.
Blessed are you when you’re so broke you have nothing to offer.”
The people who have no option but to rely on the Lord are the most confident, faithful Christians I have ever met. They are blessed.
This book continues on to talk about how we need to make room for Jesus and empty ourselves. In Western culture we are so wealthy and self-sufficient that we have no need to rely on the Lord. I would highly recommend this book.
Truth is a catalyst for transformation.
The World Race has taught me a lot about this. Each week we give each other feedback. This is where we encourage each other and share constructive feedback all with the intention of bring the person into awareness and growth.
Sometimes feedback is really great. Sometimes it really sucks. I’d like to think that I’ve experienced transformation on this trip. And when I look back on this journey the thing I can pinpoint as the cause of transformation is truth. Truth from my leadership, squadmates, books or scripture.
From my experience, accepting truths about yourself – good or bad – is the best way I’ve ever found to take a step towards change. It’s one of the hardest things to do – accepting something hard about yourself. BUT, it is SO worth it.
A book that my squad leader recommended to me when I was stepping into a season of accepting those truths is called Spiritual Sonship to Spiritual Slavery by Jack Frost. This is the #1 book that I would recommend to anyone. If you want to transform your relationship with Christ, this is the book! Everyone needs to read this, seriously.
God is good ALL of the time.
We say this over and over and I think that most people try to believe it, but sometimes things happen in our lives that really seem to support the opposite. Sometimes bad, hurtful…even devastating things happen in our lives and it is impossible to see how it could be for the good.
Our God is limitless, all-knowing, and all-powerful. I don’t understand, but there is ALWAYS HIS PURPOSE IN OUR PAIN.
