Something Greater

Photo by: Cody J. Haines

by: carole l. Haines
6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. (Matthew 12:6 ESV)

Something greater, bigger, stronger than all I face each day. Someone who sticks closer than a brother. The right hand of God who leads me onward, deeper, closer to Himself. Jesus is that Something Greater. Yet, I was cut down to a nub the other morning by this Lord I love. It was a gentle cutting;  surgical, precise, but it was deep. He always sees us so clearly. I sensed from Jesus that I am sometimes ashamed to speak of Him to strangers.

I walk so much of my time amidst believers, and freely speak to them of Him. I work for a Christian Learning Center, and serve in the Church in several ways. But put me out in the world, and I am like a fish out of water. I cried that morning, asking Jesus to forgive me, and to help me be more willing, able, and adept at sharing Him with strangers. I see people and I pray for them, strangers who I sense need His love and care in their lives; but too often, I do not initiate conversation. It’s like I have visions in my head of praying with them, or talking with them; but then walk away, satisfied with the vision itself.

I am an extremely introverted person, socially awkward; at least on the inside. But God is calling me out, I feel it. Now, here I am, in a strange place on travel, and I am asking God to help me speak of Him to others. I feel a panic even as I write those words, but I truly believe Jesus is God’s answer to the world’s woes. I truly believe that He is the Hinge-pin upon which the door to Heaven opens. He speaks of Himself in this way in John 10:

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:7=11 ESV)

Jesus, I yield this day to you, every moment. Help me not to be satisfied with imaginary prayers and conversations, but to actually share Your love with others today, ion Word and Deed. Give me boldness, as you did the First Disciples, and the zeal and joy over Your truth and love; which I believe in more than anything else. Give me sensitivity and kindness. For it is Your Kindness Lord that leads us to repentance. More than anything else in my life, I pray that I shine forth the Kindness of God today. In the Beautiful Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen