I knew immediately the reason for his enthusiasm. Back in August my son had written a 3-hour music theory Counterpoint exam, and we were awaiting his results. With "Auntie Sharon" being his piano teacher she had access to his grade upon it's availability. My son could contain himself no longer - "I got 81%!"
Still sitting in the car, I sat in amazement! WOW! 81%! Prior to his exam he was passing the practice papers, but he had not obtained a mark that high on any of them. This is First Class Honours! AMAZING!!!
When was the last time you were amazed? Does it take a lot to bring about that emotion or are you easily surprised by life's joys? Just this morning I read the following verse during my quiet time:
"Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, 'I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.'" Luke7:9
That intrigued me. Was there any other time that Jesus was amazed? I quickly did a search on Bible Gateway and discovered one other verse:
"And He was amazed at their lack of faith." Mark 6:6
These are the only two times in scripture when Jesus is 'amazed'. Once at lack of faith and once at incredible faith. He reserved this emotion in response to the level of faith.
I wonder, is there anything about my faith that amazes Christ? Which amount of faith would Jesus be amazed to see in my life...in your life? IF Jesus is amazed at me, is it for my great faith or lack of it?
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:6
**Just have to add one more "Amazed" moment!! I just found out that the Birthday poem I wrote for Holly on Lysa TerKeurst's blog - won! I am so totally surprised!!!! Overwhelmed by the kindness of others and God's love for me!
10 comments:
Wow, Joy! This post will make you think!
I would only HOPE that Jesus would be amazed at my determination to believe in Him to resurrect a very dead marriage when I know many people think I am just naive, need to go on with my life, God has something better, etc. Yet, something inside me says no, God will do this. It's not just God's Will be done. It's God will restore this husband's heart and this marriage that God Himself divinely joined.
Yes, I have days that I ask Him in my weakness to just release me from this belief and conviction because it seems SO impossible and so naive to continue believing this man will ever see the Light. (He is a Christian gravely deceived by satan.) Sometimes, I wonder what would be easier, convincing a Christian man of his error or revealing God to an unbeliever for this restoration to happen. I don't know. I do have peace at knowing this man is a child of God and that because of that God IS chasing Him and will not let him live in disobedience forever. God is grieving over his decisions just as much -- rather more-- than I ever could. So, maybe my answer is this situation is better than an unbeliever making this choice for divorce.
Sorry for the book. Congrats,Joy. Make sure you get some of that Targe popcorn! It is yummy. I've never had the hotdog as Holly has. The soft pretzels can be good depending on the day.
In Him,
Paula
Seems like talent runs in the family! I was "amazed" when I read the poem you wrote for Holly! You are a great writer!
Congratulations to your son on his great music score!
Marilyn
Loved this about being amazed!
Please tell your son congrtualtions on his amazing score! Wow!
And, I am not amazed about your winning!! I am not the least bit surprised! You, darling girl, are an amazing writer! We in bloggy land are very much aware of your talents from God! Your blog amazes and blesses me when I see the depth of your soul shared in a post. YOu are one awesome lady! Congratulations on winning the contest--but I'm not sruprised!! You rock!
Love you!
Susan
I am so sorry that I did not check my spelling in my comment!!
Hugs,
S.
Of course it did...
Wonderful thoughts on faith and its tie in with Jesus' amazement. Something to ponder as I walk out this weekend. I so want to be a woman of faith...of constant belief. May God so shape me toward that end through whatever he deems necessary.
Thanks for the teaching. Now, go enjoy your prize!
peace~elaine
Julie, may I just say that your depth of love for Jesus is apparent on every comment you leave on people's blogs. I think you are on most every blog I visit. How doooo you do it?
I think Jesus would be amazed at my lack of faith sometimes and at my faith at others. I hope he forgets the lacking days...He reminded me the other day when I was thinking of how we Christians "bash ourselves" sometimes...we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus...
Let's all celebrate a little, huh? I know you celebrate others. Sweet love of Jesus...
CONGRATS Chris...and mommy too! What a wonderful affirmation of all the hard work he puts into his piano practice and theory too. Way to go!!
Read your poem...beautiful! Congrats! Wanna make a run to the border?? I know how to get to Target!...and Bath and Body Works...and the Olive Garden and... :o) Let's go!
I want Him to be amazed at my faith too but sometimes I know He probably wonders. This was a great post--makes me think and I will carry those thoughts with me all day. Thank you once again!
Great teaching Joy. Great perspectives on 'amazed'. Thanks.
love,
holly
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