Angels

Have you ever wished to have an an angel come and tell you what God wants you to do?  I know I have.  All you think is, "oh, an angel will come, give me some message, I will go do it, and it will be a fun experience."  Well, I realized something the other day: it does not work like that.

When an angel appears to someone in the New Testament the first words they usually say are "Do not be afraid."  Here are a few examples: Luke 1:13, 30, 2:10, and Rev 1:17.  A few days ago my small group leader said something that made me realize this is not just a passing welcome phrase.  Having an angel appear to you is truly frightening.  The sheer power and awe of an angel is overwhelming.  I doubt it would be the sunny, fun, grand experience we envision it as.

In light of this revelation, do I still want to have an angel appear to me?  Yes, I do.  Why?  Because God is even more awesome and powerful.  Because the fear seems to subside as they speak those words.  Because it would not be an experience easily forgotten.

So, while I do not expect an angel to appear to me, I know that if one does I will be terrified.  I know that it will not be what I expect.  Just remember, angels are not the cute little guys with wings and harps.  They are warriors.

God's promises

So it has been a while.  But I wanted to share a song that I have grown to like in the last few months.  Raising support to be a missionary has felt like shadowlands at times.  I have found this a good reminder of the promises of God and that I am not alone in the struggles of life.  The last line is the key to it all.  Do you believe that God will never leave, won't give more than we can bear, will be there when we cry out, or that He will breathe life to your soul?

You promised me that You'd never leave, or let me goYou promised me that You'd love me through the highs and lowsYou promised me You won't give me more than I can bearYou promised me that when I cry out that You'd be there 

The shadowlands are what I knowSo I'm hanging on to Your every wordThe shadowlands surround me nowBut You walk with me through the cloudInto the sun, into the sun 

You promised me if I sow in tears, I'll reap in joyYou promised me that You will breathe life into my soul 

The shadowlands are what I knowSo I'm hanging on to Your every wordThe shadowlands surround me nowBut You walk with me through the cloudInto the sun, into the sun 

I know it's true all that You sayI believe in You and I am standing onThe promises you've made, hey, hey 

The shadowlands are what I knowSo I'm hanging on to Your every wordThe shadowlands surround me nowBut You walk with me through the cloud 

Into the sun, into the sun, the sunInto the sun, into the sun 

You promised me and I believe

And while you are here, take a listen to the song.