Dear Faith Family,
Nothing is more debilitating in life than getting hung up on your hang-ups. Knowing that we are not doing what we desire to do and feel we are supposed to be able to do, especially when we think we know why, is one of the most frustrating experiences as a human. It's like a professional athlete "getting in his own head" or a novice guitarist whose fingers can't seem to sync up with the cord in her mind, neither being able to accomplish what they want and know how to do, both fixated and frustrated by what's keeping them from what they desire. Both are stuck, one digressing from peak performance and the other in danger of never getting there. The frustration of getting hung up on our hang-up not only keeps us from flourishing but keeps us from maturing.
What is true in physical ambitions is also true in our emotional, relational, and spiritual aspirations. Let's take our faith goals. How frequently have you felt the frustration of knowing what you are supposed to, and supposedly able to do, in your faith but are not doing? How often have you listed out what's keeping you from doing what you want to do and why, only to wind up back in the same spot not too far down the road?
The truth is, when we get hung up on why we are unable to do what we want and feel like we are supposed to do it, our normal human response is to try harder or try a different technique. Yet doing so rarely leads to anything other than giving up—maybe not forever, but at least for a while until we have the energy or impetus to try again. The cycle of fits and starts can be exhausting, especially in something as important to us as life with God.
The stories in the Book of Acts often hit us with hang-ups, revealing what we want to do but are not doing and why. This is especially true of the stories in Acts 8 that Chaz began walking us through on Sunday. While maturing requires us to recognize what's holding us back, the stories of our faith don't encourage us to try harder or even try a different technique. Instead, over and over again, the foundational stories of our life with God inspire us to yield to the Spirit's leading, to get out of our own head and way, getting in by giving in. That's what Philip did, and what we are encouraged to do.
So this week, I would like to invite you to do a few things:
First, listen to Chaz's sermon & read his sermon notes for the "real" end of the sermon!
Then, re-read Acts 8 and make a note of your hang-ups revealed, especially regarding the "E-Word." Write them down on a scrap piece of paper.
Then, read your hang-ups to Jesus, handing them over to him before you tear up the paper and throw it away.
Finally, yield to the Spirit, committing to give in to His love and leading, praying (with the rest of your faith family):
Everlasting Father,
you desire that all should come to you
through your Son Jesus Christ:
Inspire our witness to him,
that all may know the power of his forgiveness
and the hope of his resurrection;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Love you, faith family! God bless.