If you have a full life, you'll see your heroes fall. Similar to nature's testimony of God's character, this common occurrence should reveal to everyone the truth that we all "have sinned and continue to fall short of God's glory."
What initiated this pondering was a post on Tim Challies' blog about one of my heroes (dead before I was born, which usually makes them less likely to disappoint). Challies brought up discrepancies raised by scholars over some of my hero's beliefs and a discussion started about whether the difference matters, since we've learn so much from him still.
The man, the discussion are a moot point here. What matters is that I struggled with the fallen image, true or not. I had thought the inspiration I had gained went beyond him, but when I was disappointed I realized just how focused on him it was.
As I wrestled with all this, another insight arose. It's good to be disillusioned! Everyone should be.
Once your star has fallen, you notice a brighter light in the night sky. Every time an image tumbles, I look up and God is still there.
What about you? Have you been disappointed by someone? Do you hold bitterness towards them or towards God because of their failure? Maybe you were clinging too much to a person, a sinner just like you.
The grace we have received, we also must give. . . even to our fallen heroes. Compare their faded light and your flickering light against the blinding light of God's faithfulness and love. You and I disappoint Him, but He never lets go.
. . . let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1b-3)
Another awesome post, Katy, and to be quite frank with you, I really needed to read this. Thanks for taking the time to write these gems. They continue to be a huge blessing to me.
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P.S. Can I recommend you start asking the Lord for a book idea and whether or not He would have you start working on it now? God has really given you a gift for both powerful spiritual insights and writing, Katy. Every time I read your posts, it has a significant impact on my perspective and challenges me spiritually. Your writing is the kind I could feel really good about marketing. Just a thought....
Brad, thank you so much. I appreciate hearing feedback (good or bad), but yours is such an encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI'd be open to writing a book if I knew there was something God wanted added through me that isn't already in the endless printing of books. :)
Thanks so much for your kindness!
I've struggled through this same thing before and some where along the line, I had an almost identical thought process - the disappointment, the disillusion and then the realization that there is one true Hero who will never ever disappoint. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, Lily! It's always nice to know we're not alone in our experiences.
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