On the Subject of Understanding…

               What do I want to write about? What does the Lord want me to write about? Are they the same thing? If I were to answer the first question, I would say that I want to write about too many things. I have so much to share, but not enough time. How does one write about an ongoing experience of 4 months? How does one share how the God who created the universe became more of his friend? How does one share the process of refinement that continues through his life? How does one share about the highs and lows he’s been through and how this 9-month experience was and continues to be different than expected? How does one explain that this is better than he could have imagined but in a different way than he could have comprehended? How can I put words to what’s been taught without words?

              Hopefully the last stanza gives a little bit of insight to my life. A peek. A subject I would like to focus on today is the subject of understanding. This may seem odd at first, but bear with me and I’ll explain my experiences of the word understanding and some connotations. There is also a lot I could write about this, so I’ll focus on the most impactful for myself.

              It was during our time in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica that I learned a deeper meaning of the word understanding. My squad and I were told that we would evangelize in the streets later that week. If we rewind to Colin a few years ago (the old creation), that man would have dreaded having to share about Jesus to people he didn’t know. The new creation (that is only in existence because of the grace of God) was excited. I felt the passion to share freedom rise in my spirit. What is the difference between Colin a few years ago and modern-day Colin? Good question, dear reader! This is where the topic of understanding comes to play. Colin a few years ago didn’t understand that his freedom was bought for him. The old creation didn’t understand that he had been justified by faith in Jesus Christ and could have peace with God. He didn’t understand that he had received reconciliation to God through Christ as a gift. He didn’t understand that there is no condemnation in Jesus. I could go on and on about all the things he didn’t understand. But the new Colin, who walks in the freedom that Christ bought for him, had this understanding and was excited to share with whoever he met on the streets in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.

              That was written in past tense, to be grammatically correct, but this understanding is still with me as you may have guessed ??

              I’ve been studying 2 Corinthians, and chapter 3 verses 4 – 6 is what really helped me realize a lot more about understanding. Another great section is chapter 4 verses 4 – 6. Paul talks about how certain people are veiled (or cannot see) to the truth by the “god of this world.” To combat this, he then reveals that we have a light that shines in the darkness because of the knowledge (UNDERSTANDING!!) of the glory of God that’s been given to us as a gift by the grace of God. This is key, because how can you share knowledge you don’t have? You will have a hard time being a light in the darkness (you’ll have a hard time being a Christian in this world) if you don’t understand who God is, what He’s done for you, and what He’s already done for others. How can you share who Christ is if you don’t even know him? How can you know Christ if you don’t spend time with him?

              Thanks for reading this blog! This is the stuff that the Lord has been highlighting to me! Also thank you for everyone who comments, it is great to hear from everyone and I am SO thankful for your prayers and support! Love you guys a lot and I miss you all!

–          Colin