I was thinking about this concept in another way during our Bible school class Sunday. I was thinking about how much Jesus knew of what would happen when He went to the cross. Since He was fully human, did He have the same limitations that we humans would have in knowing exactly what would happen in the future? Or since He was also fully God, would He know exactly what He was going to have to endure in all the gory terribleness? He certainly knew He would have to endure separation from God, something He had never had to experience, and the horror of which caused Him to cry out,"If it be possible, let this cup pass from me!"
However, did He know the full degree of suffering and physical pain that would be inflicted upon Him? If He did know, and I suspect He did, it makes His sacrifice all the more remarkable. Sometimes I wish I could know the future, but when I look back on my life and think of some of the struggles I endured, I wonder if I would have had the courage to go on if I knew ahead of time what I was in for? I am pretty sure the answer is NO.
Which is one of the reasons I love Jesus. His courage and sacrifice humbles me.
I still cringe thirty years later when I remember a group of friends who picked up a live frog and were tossing it amongst them like a baseball. I was horror stricken, but stood frozen and mute. I knew what was the right thing to do and say, but couldn't. I wanted them all to like me more than I wanted to save the innocent frog. Finally, unable to stand it another second, I called out, "Oh, the poor frog."
The frog tossing stopped. They let the poor frog go. I still wonder if the frog lived after all that knocking about.
If I could have seen into the future and known that thirty years later my conscience would still sear over my lack of courage in doing the right thing, taking a stand earlier and boldly...might I have spoken sooner? I think episodes like this are in part why I feel so driven to write. We humans can't see the future, but we can use our own failures to warn those of the pitfalls and consequences of ignoring or trivializing the danger and lure of sin. I think few young people understand how deeply remorse cuts into one's soul. Who considers the repercussions of not standing up for a frog?
I guess I will take the plunge and buy the full paid version of Sketchbook Pro. I should not hold back because I do not know what the future holds. I should embrace it, and go forth boldly using every God-given talent for His glory. Maybe if I am courageous in the little things, God will give me the character and grace to tackle the bigger things.
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Matthew 26:39
39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."
Offering the opportunity to someone who has no experience with this type of business, despite the size of the industry world-wide comes to mind. Most of us think, "What if it doesn't work?" When hope, expectation, hard work, and so many other factors will make the difference, says the right question to ask if "WHAT IF IT DOES?!?!? We get too comfy in our day in and day out complacency.
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