Living Large

Yesterday was a hot tea and movie kind of day for me. Home alone, just me and the TV...

 

One of the movies I watched was "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel". The very abbreviated story line here is there are a group of British retirees who can't afford to live in England so they end up retiring to this "hotel" for the elderly in India. Of course, when they arrive it was not what they expected. Although, I disagreed with the way most of the adult issues were handled in the  movie, it was very interesting to me to watch how the characters either embraced or rejected the very different culture they found themselves immersed in and how they dealt with their prejudices and stereotypes.

 

The one line of the movie that leapt out at me was in a scene near the end when the young Indian man who manages the hotel is trying to convince his mother why he should not sell the hotel and give up the love of his life for an arranged marriage and a better job in Delhi. She tells him his life would be better if he would just do what she wants him to. He replies to her, "Not better, smaller."

 

It seems over the last few months there has been a recurring theme to my Bible study, quiet times, etc. Ever had that happen? Where it seems like no matter where you turn, you are getting the same message? Every teacher you listen to...everything you read say the same thing? In my experience, that is when you need to listen.

 

The theme that has come up over and over for me lately, has been "supernatural living". Beth Moore in the simulcast...my Nehemiah study...my Daniel study...on the radio...Dr. Lewis just this morning. All talking about supernatural living. Living large.

 

What in the world does it mean? I claim to be no expert because I'm not sure I have really lived there for much of my life. I KNOW that it means living by faith. But honestly, that sounds trite almost. It shouldn't - but it just has such a churchy sound to it. I say that I live by faith. I say that I believe God will take care of me. But does my life demonstrate that I am living by faith...expecting a miracle...living large, or does it reflect that I am moving along in my own strength doing the things that I could do on my own, anyway?

 

Ever have one of those Bible verses that you have heard all your life to the point that you say it without even thinking about it much less what it means? How about this one: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13

 

Lets say it again. "I can do ALL THINGS through CHRIST who STRENGTHENS me."

Again. "I CAN DO all things THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens ME."

 

I can, I really can! Not in my strength but in His! Living in faith! "Nothing is impossible with God!"

 

I am not there. Right now, I am not living the large life. I am living the safe life. I want to live the supernatural life that God has for me, but I am not there.

 

So I ask myself:

What do I need to do - surrender - change to get there?

What goals do I need to set higher? Too high? God high?

Where has he been leading me that I have been digging in my heels? Hmmmm?

 

I don't have answers, yet. I see glimpses - feel nudges - but not the whole picture. I know I need to get moving...like Abraham who set out without knowing where he was going. I need to keep pursuing God for direction and be willing to be obedient when He gives it. It is a work in progress, but God who has begun a good work in me, will be faithful to complete it.

 

There is a quote frequently attributed to Voltaire that says, "Good is the enemy of the best." In the movie, Sonny's mother wanted good for him, but what he wanted was something larger. I do not want to settle for a good life, if God has a larger life out there for me.