Unwinding God’s Vision – Week Three

One of the richest women I ever met was poor by earthly standards, but my brief encounter with her was enough for me to know she had everything in life that mattered. I met Gardenia on my first trip to Cuba. Our team joined a local church group on their regular visitation rounds. Each person we visited, we gave a simple food gift, read Scripture, and offered prayer. But our visit with Gardenia was a little different.

When we entered her home, the humblest of all we visited, Gardenia was praying and worshiping loudly. She was in the presence of the King of kings. Even though she invited us into her home, she did not stop praying. Instead of pausing her conversation with God, she just made us a part of it. She praised God for our visit and prayed for each of us.

I distinctly remember how she talked to God with familiarity. She thanked Him for sending us and reminded Him how she had just been asking Him to provide for her. From what I understand, she had just run out of food, and as she was praying and petitioning God to meet her need, there we were with a bag of chicken, milk, and oil in hand.

When I recall Gardenia, I think of joy, depth, and power. She knew God and God knew her. Her home was a sanctuary for the Most High God. I believe when Jesus talked about storing up treasures in heaven, this was what He had in mind. Even though by worldly standards she was missing out, Gardenia had everything in life that truly matters.

In James chapter 1, James tells the men and women who are in humble circumstances they should boast, but warns the rich man that his possessions will soon pass away. Then he continues, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12 NASB)

I think much of our frustration with God comes from differing objectives. We tend to determine success by external measures – answered prayers, financial provision, goals met, etc. But God often has an inside-out, upside-down approach to life. What on the surface may seem like success is not. Or what looks like trouble may be a blessing. His measure is much different than ours.

God’s vision is about our growth, not our status. He wants to transform us from the inside out. True success is when we are becoming more like Jesus, when we find joy in every day, when we are full of life regardless of our circumstances, and when we love others without the expectation of love in return.

Often the process of spiritual growth includes pain and hardship. On the surface, it may seem the challenges of life are unfair and without purpose, but it is through those very challenges that God is shaping our character. The person who stands firm in trials is blessed by God not only here on earth but also for all eternity.

What uncomfortable situation is God using to shape you? How do you think He would define success for you, today?