In the
midst of this challenge, I took some time to reflect on what I gave
up for lent. For forty days and nights, I told the Lord that I would
give up one of my closest friendships that I felt was taking me away
from Him because the friendship seemed to really consume a lot of my
time and energy.
I
worried from the beginning that I would lose my friend, someone I
held so dear to my heart, but I had to trust the Lord with what He
had given me, even if I came to find that I was one friend short when
lent was finished.
Like
Pastor Phil said, it isn't sacrifice if it doesn't hurt.
And it
hurt.
But,
this past Friday, a little more than midway through lent, God showed
me how He blesses sacrifice, no matter how big or small.
I was
sitting in my living room after a early morning lacrosse practice,
when I heard a knock at the door. I was confused, because my
roommates all had places to be, and I was really hoping it wasn't my
somewhat scary neighbors.
Instead,
what I saw was my friend, who opened the door, gave me a hug, a dozen
yellow roses, and a card. He closed the door, got in his car and
drove off before I was even really aware of what had just taken
place. I was even more confused because he lives out of state.
During
our time apart, with no talking, texting, facebooking, etc, I had
already convinced myself that our friendship was done, but that God
would get me through all of it. I was sad, but so sure that what God
told me to do in giving this up for lent was right.
On
that Friday afternoon, God was good to me, and showed me how he
blesses obedience.
The
card and flowers showed me that this friendship was still in tact,
and is so much stronger now because it is founded on the LORD, and
his direction in our individual lives.
I
thank God for all He has given me, and what he chooses to bless me
with. It is a blessing to be obedient, and to sacrifice what He
calls us to give even if it hurts at the time.
In
Christ,
Lilia
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