Lenten devotions 2008

Sun, 9 Mar 2008

MARCH 10 - INTO THE DEPTHS
By Susie Lambright, resident director

THIS WEEK’S THEME: Into the depths

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DEVOTIONAL:
2004 was a difficult year. My father passed away in June. His death was expected, the end to many years of health struggles, and a release from the pain of this world at the end of a life well lived. I grieved during the summer when life on a college campus is slower. I had time to spend reminiscing with friends and family about dad's life, to take long walks to talk with God about the emotions that I was experiencing and to pray. God taught me about the cycle of life in a fresh way that summer.

That same year my brother passed away on New Year's Eve. Unlike my father's, this death was unexpected, hard to understand and much too early. This happened days before a new semester began on campus and I was back at my live-in position the day after his funeral. There wasn't the time and space to mourn the way I had after dad died. God taught me this time about sufficiency for each day and renewed my wonder at the beauty and the mystery of I Corinthians 13:12, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

While the depth of pain and loss were similar in these situations, God knew the needs of my heart were different. I had unique things to learn about the character of God each time. These were lessons that my heart needed. They have made my faith deeper and my strength stronger.

When I look at the Scripture passages for this week, I see those who love God, even Christ himself, going through various types of pain -- pain that was deep and real. God did not let them avoid the pain because through it they came to know more of God -- the God of infinite love. May we also have the strength to go through those situations in our own lives so that we can also know more of this God that we serve.

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Devotion organizer’s note: To clear up some confusion, we do not include a Scripture with the devotions on Mondays, but rather focus the devotion on the week's theme (a subtheme of "Out of the depths"). The lectionary then offers us four Scriptures that we include with the devotions the rest of the week.
Posted at 19:41 #



Disclaimer:
The views and beliefs expressed in the devotional piece prepared by each individual reflect their own spiritual growth journey and thoughts, and while created in a campus environment that encourages thoughtful questions and reflection on biblical Scripture and contemporary Christian themes, do not necessarily represent the official institutional positions of Goshen College or Mennonite Church USA.