Tag: Jesus

Uncategorized

Break Our Hearts

adacostauf

(I’ve started writing so many times and then stopped. I’ve wrestled with this – with posting on any platform. I follow Jesus. And I just feel like if there’s a time for His children to speak, it’s now.) 

I grew up believing I was so blessed to be born in the greatest country. The land of the free and the home of the brave. Reading our history, it’s so easy to see the hand of God. How many times He has rescued this country. How this country has become so important, even though it’s so young. I was blessed to go on road trip with my papa after I graduated college. From state to state, seeing the national parks. God is so creative – each one is so different. So unique. It’s truly beautiful.

Yet while many choose to focus on American pride, others lash out and despise it because of the history that isn’t popular. The cruelty. 

Politics and politicians become idols and no one can agree to disagree. The economy becomes an idol. We lead the world in producing entertainment, which, along with inspiring lust, greed and gluttony – becomes an idol. We fight for women’s equality but somewhere along the way, equality translates to murdering life in the womb. We say all are created equal, yet there are now videos to prove that the evil reality of racism still runs deep. We say we’re “One nation under God” yet so many churches are filled with being politically correct and preaching the prosperity gospel instead of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I don’t know a lot of things. I do know Jesus. 

He is the Father of all mercies and the source of all comfort (1 Cor 1:3). He is just. In Matthew 23:23, He warns about neglecting the “Weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness.” If you ask Him, He transforms your heart to be like His. If you ask Him to help you see things His way and ask Him to help you love others as He does; He will. When He walked our steps, He took all of our punishment, all of our sorrows, upon Himself. When the Just Judge saw injustice, He called the wrongdoers out. He rebuked demons. He healed the hurting. He defended the condemned and condemned the self-righteous. He does not want His children to be silent when injustice is done.

I never thought I’d see the nightmare of Ahmaud Arbery, being murdered because of the color of his skin. I never imagined I would one day watch a video where George Floyd, would be calling for his mama because he couldn’t breathe – because evil, dressed as a police officer, had a knee on Floyd’s neck. 

Racism = Evil. 

It’s not a black vs. white or a democrat vs. republican issue – it’s a good vs. evil issue. The time for God’s children to speak up is now. The time for His light to shine is right now. Christ is essential in this broken world. 

We place our votes with politicians hoping they’ll perfect our country. Yet this world will never be in perfect peace until the government rests upon God’s shoulders (Isaiah 9:6). He Himself is justice and mercy. He alone is good.

I see comments like, “I’m not racist, so why should I feel bad?” Or, “I’m not the one who committed the crimes, so why do I need to feel sorrow and repent?!” Or, “How can you say black lives matter? All lives matter.”

Blue lives matter. All lives do matter. Yet someone’s post going around social media holds the key: It was about the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7). The shepherd left his 99 sheep to go find the one. The 99 mattered to the shepherd, but the one that was lost, feeling alone, out in the field, threatened by wolves – that one was the one in need of extra care. That one was the one who needed to be taken care of in that particular moment. So the shepherd left the remainder of his flock to bring the one home – because he mattered. He was beloved. Because the flock would never be the same if the one was missing. The 99 would never be whole without the one. Until everything was right with the one. Until the one was protected from the wolves and all the rest of its enemies – nothing would be right. Black lives matter. 

If you want a glimpse of this in modern day, look at the peaceful protestors protecting the lone officer. They knew he was there to keep the peace and protect them. Yet he was separated from his group, so to protect him from those who might intend ill-will, they made a wall around him. It was mercy in action.

How many times throughout scripture did Jesus go after the one that was hurting? All His children matter to Him in ways we can never comprehend – but He made it a point to pursue specific people with specific needs because they needed it in that moment.

 God does not make mistakes. He came because He so loved the world (John 3:16), not just part of it. Not just one specific pigmentation. Psalm 139 says that God knits us together in the womb. We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (v.14). He so carefully and artistically crafts us into being.  We are made in the very image of God – Imago Dei (Genesis 1:27)! The Creator who sets the stars in the Heavens is incapable of making a mistake. He has a purpose for everyone. Yet He is so kind, that He gives us free will. This world is sinful and broken – but if we know Jesus, we have hope that far exceeds the wretched turmoil of this world. He deliberately created diversity. And diversity means rejoicing with those who are rejoicing and mourning with those who are mourning. Calling out injustice. It means that, while you might not quite understand one side – you listen to them. They listen to you. You have Jesus in the midst. 

I know that God wants us to do our part. He wants us to turn from our wicked ways, seek His face, so He will heal our land (2 Chron 7:14). While we would have to leave this world in order to escape from all evil – we can still take a stand, repent, and pray for healing. Our nation is sick. We need the Physician.

Christians – we can always live in joy because we have Jesus. We know eternity is secure and He is our hope in the midst of the storm. Yet living in a way where we don’t let the grief of many – many of our brothers and sisters – affect us…living in a way where our hearts aren’t totally broken when we see men murdered for the color of their skin; and it doesn’t make us want to scream out and demand justice? We can’t be numb. There’s a lyric in a song by Casting Crowns, “Jesus friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours.”

Jesus, break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Help us to listen. Help us to weep with those who weep.

Be so dedicated to pursuing the justice, mercy and faithfulness of the will of God that you’ll never have to worry about defending yourself to the hypocritical judgements of this world.

“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your confessions, and return to the Lord. Say to Him, ‘Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you our praises…In You alone do the orphans find mercy. The Lord says, ‘Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; My love will know no bounds, for My anger will be gone forever…O Israel, stay away from idols! I Am the One who answers your prayers and cares for you.” – Hosea 14:1-4; 8

“That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to Me now, while there is still time. Give Me your hearts. Come to me with fasting, weeping and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the Lord your God, for He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” – Joel 2:12-13

“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right.” – Acts 10:34-35

“Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our ancestors by being unfaithful to one another?” – Malachi 2:10 

Joy

Who are you in the Fire?

adacostauf

Who are you in the fire?

Right now there’s this storm. It’s taken over the world and it’s filled with fear that leads to panic. Panic-buying, fear-obsessing.

I get it. 

I get the anxiety. I know the storm. Because symptoms are not pleasant. Lying in bed, gasping for a breath at 4 a.m. isn’t pleasant. Wishing you could have your family with you because you’re not feeling well and all you want is your loved ones – but they’re in Heaven – it’s harder than words can describe.

Coughing fits aren’t fun. Feeling short of breath isn’t fun. Having – what I can only describe – is a demonically-wonky virus is not something I’d wish on anyone. Seeing the reality of this world on the news is heartbreaking. 

And watching people question God? Believers are either adamant that He’s punishing us, others are indignant – and atheists are dumbfounded over how people can believe in God and love using their sarcastic question: “How can you see this in the world and believe your wizard in the sky exists?”

Who are you in the fire?

“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

When He walked this earth, Jesus healed all who came to Him. He raised the dead. He Himself is the Resurrection and the Life, (John 11:15).

A lot of us want to think that because we believe in Him, we’re covered. We shouldn’t be sick. Our loved ones won’t die before their time. We won’t face pain.

This world – it’s still fallen. Until Christ returns, it’s going to be that way. 

The truth is, the nations like their idols. We obsess over the economy. We become engrossed with singers, sports and other kinds of entertainment. With this virus – this pestilence – it all came to a screeching halt. The idols of society toppled down. The virus has been tragic for many, because so many have lost their lives – so many others still, have lost jobs. Some are completely alone and that loneliness stings. But for others – parents are spending quality time with their kids. Families are coming together. Singers are stepping up to spread joy and hope by sharing concerts online. The worst kinds of tragedy, while it will reveal the darkest side of humanity – it also reveals the absolute best.

So who are you in the fire?

Wednesday night was so rough for me, because I couldn’t get a breath. The symptoms had been off and on for days, always with the shortness of breath (and lots of little other things this virus likes to throw out), but it was like someone was squeezing my lungs – stabbing me in spots. My doctor told me Monday that the worst was over (my fever was zip and my lungs – thank God – were clear), but that night I begged to differ. I was scared.

The Bible warns us against fear. But that unknown, not knowing if I’d fall asleep, not knowing how the waking up would go? I’m pretty sure the fear gave way to anxiety which didn’t help with the breathing part.

I remember saying, “Jesus help.” And: “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” I woke up to daylight and no lung pain (still breathing issues though). Somehow just uttering His Name calmed my storm that night.

Yet during the day I asked Him why He allowed this for me. I understand the ways of this world and illness happens. I’d been self-quarantined already. I’m already a borderline-germaphobe. But I just wondered.

“Who are you in the fire?” The voice was still, small – and as always, I’m always surprised when I hear it.

Who are you in the fire?

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were in the world at a broken and scary time. They were punished by King Nebuchadnezzar because they refused to bow down to his gods and gold statue, and thus thrown into the fire.

They chose God, they firmly had their hearts fixed on Him and only worshipped Him, but still the world got to them. Yet even when threatened with the fiery furnace, even when being condemned to it – they didn’t relent in their faith. They went into the fire, dealing with the flames of the world, but there wasn’t just three of them in the fire. God was in there with them. The King of Glory who is on His throne was in the fire with them, still. 

They didn’t waver in their faith. 

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” – Daniel 3:16-18

Personally I’d love to have that kind of faith, where I could be faced with that situation and be that bold. Yet for those of us in Christ, Jesus already knows are innermost thoughts and desires. He sees us and meets us where we’re at.

Maybe – just maybe – while the singers, sports and economy are idols – maybe fear is as much an idol as they are. I can go into the fire (known as covid-19) letting that idol consume me with the symptoms, or I can finally gasp out the Name of Jesus and find rest. 

Hebrews 13:5 says, “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”

Symptoms are going to come. If we open our Bible and read what the prophets wrote, we’ll see that this virus is like a birth pain. I’d love to say it will get better, but things in this world will get worse over time until Jesus returns. I believe and won’t give up praying that this virus will go away and stay out of this world (2 Chronicles 7:13-14). And we should never stop praying. God wants to see His children rise up with faith, turn from their wicked ways, seek Him and He will heal our land. 

 For those who have accepted Him as their Lord, what joy we can look forward to! We have eternal life, free from pain and death.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” – 1 Cor 2:9

Yet while we’re in this world, while we’re dealing with symptoms and the fear of what could happen attacks our minds:

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from this pestilence. But even if He doesn’t – even if the symptoms come and the diagnosis is bad, even when prayers aren’t answered how we’d like them to be. Even if we lose our jobs, even if we lose in stocks – even if loved ones won’t be there in person for our most important days…even if He doesn’t…, let’s still fix our eyes on Him and not bow to the idol of fear. 

“But on the judgement day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss.” – 1 Corinthians 3:13-15

>> “O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tried and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:27-31

This! A lot in this world are questioning where God is in our troubles. He sees them. He’s right here. And for those of us who are weak, I find it amazing how vs. 31 says, “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.” New. New strength. 

The fire is rough. It makes us weak. But if we fix our eyes on the One who walks with us in the valley low, He will give us new strength.

So who are you in the fire? 

Joy, Wander, Wander

Joy & Wander

adacostauf

I’ve started a few of these. Through studying journalism, I was taught that you have to have a brand. But how can your brand be truly yours when you’re still trying to learn who you are, what you like and what you want to write about? 

I feel like there’s this part of us that likes to put up formal fronts, so we can sound cool. Somewhere along the way, we lose our genuineness. 

I grew up with the most wonderful (hear: I’m biased) family. And my grandpa – who was my dad on earth – loved adventure. He was constantly planning trips, sorting out different routes for the road. Talking about his past adventures to national parks, etc. He dreamed of having a home with an ocean and mountain view. He brought me up loving travel.

When I graduated college, he got sick. But a year later, he had the strength to go on a road trip out west to cover so many of our nation’s national parks. He told story after story of his life growing up (he shipped out at sea when he was 13). And we’d go and explore and stop at the most random – but best places.

I have my love of wander from him.

And always – always – when we’d see something that would give us awe, we’d talk about how amazing that thing’s Creator was. Because aside from my memories of traveling with Poppie, that’s why I love travel. I love seeing God’s handiwork in everything. I love how, no matter where you go, all creation is so different. You can hop from one state to the next, one country to the next, and every mountain range is a bit different. No two volcanoes are the same. The sea life in one part of the world is different from another.

I love seeing how God creates. 

This world is constantly changing and so much of the brokenness of it monopolizes the news. Jesus is the hope for this broken world. His goodness is constant. Through every trial, every loss – He never leaves us or forsakes us. And with Him, no matter how lost or heartbroken we may be or our world may be, He is still good. We can still have joy because we know Him.

So I hope to tell the stories about some of my travels on here, but most of all I hope to point to the joy we can have in Jesus!