Thankful to be here…

I belong to two quilting groups. One is an ‘official’ guild and the other is a group of mostly Christian women who get together to work on their various projects. Even though both groups have those who are concerned about the well-being of others, the guild has many rules and bylaws that apply to all aspects of what is done. While not completely secular, it is not the same as the smaller group. In that one, all decisions are spontaneous and based on what will most bless other people.

A few days ago, God reminded me that I am an exile living as an ambassador for Him in this foreign place. My citizenship is in heaven and He tells me to live here as He told His OT people to live in Babylon where they were exiles:

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. (Jeremiah 29:4–7)

Since this was true for God’s exiles in Babylon, it would seem to be even more true for Christian exiles in this very “Babylonian” world. What then shall we do? As Piper writes, we should do the ordinary things that need to be done: build houses, live in them, plant gardens, and so on. This does not contaminate me if I do it all for the real King and not just for eye service as men-pleasers.

That is, many artistic people can become involved in accomplishment and competition, the human desire to be noticed and glorified. That no longer interests me. I’ve been scolded for not entering my quilts in the shows and competitions. God is using the difference between these two groups to bring out the reason that I do what I do; it is not to pin another ribbon to my wall.

Yesterday, one of the small group members dropped into our mini-retreat. She had not been well-liked but when she left to have surgery on her back, some of us prayed diligently that God would heal her attitudes as well as her back. One of the quilters decided to make her a special quilt. She said she even argued with God about it, wanted to keep it for herself, but this inner voice kept telling her who it was for. When that labor of love was given to the other woman, the results were dramatic. No one had ever shown love to her like that. She was overwhelmed with joy expressed in many tears.

Seek the welfare of the city where God has sent you, or the neighborhood or wherever I am at. Think of myself as sent to this place by God, because I am. I’m to pray for those around me, as well as pray what Piper calls ‘metro prayers’ that ask for great and good things to happen in this city. He is not indifferent to the welfare of this “foreign” town. Besides, the welfare of our city affects the welfare of His people.

I’m not to abandon my sense of being an exile, nor succumb to the pull of worldly attractions. It does feel good to win prizes and be honored. But this morning I am reminded that I will do the most good for this city and this world by getting my values from the “city which is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). I’m to call as many of its citizens as i can to be citizens of the “Jerusalem above” (Galatians 4:26). 

PRAY: Lord, You never got caught up in the profits of being a carpenter or the fame of healing the sick, even raising the dead. Grant me the grace and wisdom to live so that the people around me will want to meet You. I’ve already learned that gifting them with a quilt is a step in the right direction. All agree that the hard work with much time and money spent is nothing compared to the joy of those who see Your love expressed to them in this very ordinary task. Thank You for putting me in this place.

Update: Our granddaughter had two surgeries yesterday and more to come. Half of her right knee is crushed and she cannot walk yet. She was found to have a broken thumb in her right hand that had not been discovered with all her other injuries. Again, we are amazed at her bright attitude and cheerful spirit. Only God.