The month after my decision to join Teach for America has been an interesting one. I've discovered an even greater number of fears, learned about the feelings of others and daydreamed about what will be. Though *uncertainty* is the word of choice playing Pinball in my head, God has shown Himself supreme through each bump into the wall or flashing light in the arcade game going about my brain.
On Wednesday, I participated in a "Webinar" with TFA's Faith Community Relations Team. These corps members are responsible for reaching out to other members who have expressed an interest in learning about how the TFA experience and faith may go hand-in-hand. I listened to three different people share how their faith was challenged, questioned and (ultimately) strengthened. Pretty encouraging!
At the end of the chat, someone mentioned Luke 12:48..."...To whom much is given, much will be demanded..." I spent some time reading Luke after that. You should too! In this particular book of the Gospel, Luke described many accounts regarding the oppressed; whether that be the poor, women or those who were socially unethical. Also in this book were the stories of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. (Seriously, read the book of Luke again...and focus on the stories he tells. You'll be blessed!) There are so many things in chapter 12, in particular, that basically "knocked me upside the head" this week! I have not BEEN blessed, I AM blessed. So much has been given to me (a wonderful family, supportive friends, a superb education and experiences I never could have imagined...not to mention, I am saved by the Lord Jesus Christ -- what could be a better blessing than an eternity with Him?!).
I hope that each and everyone of you can find a hint of encouragement in these words...
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. 39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"
42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
