"How you relate to human beings is how you relate to God, and how you relate to God is how you relate to human beings." — Father Richard Rohr
There are some truths that stop us in our tracks—not because they are complicated, but because they are arrestingly simple. This quote by Franciscan priest and author Richard Rohr is one of them. It's a mirror, quietly reflecting back the very heart of our spirituality and relationships. It challenges our compartmentalized notions of faith and invites us into a fuller, more integrated life.
There are some truths that stop us in our tracks—not because they are complicated, but because they are arrestingly simple. This quote by Franciscan priest and author Richard Rohr is one of them. It's a mirror, quietly reflecting back the very heart of our spirituality and relationships. It challenges our compartmentalized notions of faith and invites us into a fuller, more integrated life.
Everywhere I go, I meet Christians who were hurt in a church or wounded by the words and actions of other believers. Some people become bitter because of these experiences. Others throw up their hands and give up on church altogether. And a few even leave the faith. The typical scenarios of "church hurt" might include these:
Life often presents us with unexpected challenges—health crises, financial struggles, relationship difficulties, and moments of deep uncertainty. When I found myself in an unexpected health battle, the only thing I could do was trust God and seek Him for wisdom and understanding. You might think that trusting would come easily for someone who has been healed multiple times, but I have learned that every new trial is another opportunity to trust the Lord at a deeper level. Trust is not an automatic response; it is a learned journey, one that I willingly take if it means bringing glory to God.
Exodus 15:26 tells us the great I Am is the God who heals! In Hebrew, Jehovah Rapha means "the God who heals." "… 'If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.'" Even when circumstances seem broken, you can stand on God's Word that He is the Healer. But what activates the healing power of God's Word? Your mouth! The Word is filled with healing Scriptures to pray and declare–and now is the time to activate them.
I want to share a word that the Lord gave me several years ago. There is an old phrase that we have heard spoken of as "A Diamond in the rough" which is basically referring to someone who has talent, but they have not completed their training. This person may have exceptional characteristics and a lot of potential, but they are still in need of some final touches that would complete their lives. The phrase is metaphorical and relates to natural diamonds which are created by going through a very demanding process.
There's a tension in the Kingdom: many are called, but few are chosen. God's favoritism doesn't draw the line between the two—it's about decisive faith. The line between the called and the chosen isn't as much by God's preference but by our response. In every generation, God invites us to rise, to lead, to become a vessel through which His power, presence, and purpose overflow. The call is open. The invitation is sent. But only those who lay claim to it, who respond with boldness and action, step into the identity of the chosen.
Joshua's words went out to "the chosen generation." God had waited until all those who were stiff-necked and rebellious had grown old and died. That younger generation would go forth and inherit the promises. After they crossed the Jordan, God told Joshua to "make flint knives for yourself and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time," (Josh. 5:2). The older generation was circumcised, but the younger generation had not been. They were to bear the mark of covenant in their flesh before God would take them any further.
I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! (Malachi 3:10 NLT) There is very much prayer being made, and appeal being pressed for revival.... If the Spirit of God either ignores or transcends so much that marks the Christian system, and makes it as though it counts so little, (and the Holy Spirit never compromises on what is vital and really of God), does it not mean that He calls for a reconsideration of very much that obtains?
Jesus asked His businessmen disciples if they could drink His cup. It's the same question He's asking you and I, "Can you drink your cup?" Sonship has a precondition of maturity and covenant. Are you willing to do what Father is doing? For richer or poorer, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. Youthfulness and exuberance in business mixed with a touch of bravado and optimism have a unique scent (diaper). The fragrance of maturity is tempered with humility and wisdom.
Have you felt unable to move forward and take the next step? Have disappointments of the past immobilized your faith and caused you to get stuck in your tracks? I believe spirits of Fear and Self Protection are whispering into many ears and leading to a dead end. If this is you, God wants to reintroduce you to His Grace as an untapped source of power and strength.
