From the
Pastor
October 2008
You're Right!
I am sure that many of you
have heard of Randy Pausch, the late professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
Perhaps you have seen him on television or online delivering The Last Lecture
— which is also the title of his bestselling book.
Having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given only
months to live, he fought a heroic battle against the disease, and through his
words and example has inspired millions.
In one of the chapters of his book, Randy lists some of his
favorite clichés. My favorite on that short list is this one:
Whether you think you can or can't, you're right.
While more of a comment on
human nature than anything else, there is a theological application here as
well. Throughout our lives — both individually and as a community of faith — we
are faced with challenges; tests if you will. (Randy Pausch refers to these as
"brick walls.") How we deal with these events in our lives may depend to a large
degree on our attitudes.
In John 15:4, Jesus reminds us of the importance of staying
in an intimate relationship with Him — "Live in Me. Make your home in Me just
as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but
only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined
with Me." (The Message)
If we believe that to be true and grow in our relationship
with Christ, then the previous statement becomes one of faith; i.e., Whether
you think WE can or can't, you're right.
God promises to do great things through us, if we stay truly
connected — if we, like branches connected to the vine, draw our strength and
guidance from Him. However, if you or I deny that relationship or limit that
relationship so that we "can't" fulfill our God-given tasks and ministry... then
you're right.
Can you? Or can't you?
Can we? Or can't we?
Either way you're right.
Stay connected and see what God is able to do.
Keep
Praying!!
