Never Give Up! by Sarah Nyhan

I can make a religion out of spending all my time inspecting the invitation to participate in relationship with God. Religion or witchcraft also looks like trying to reduce relationship with God down to a religious performance. This was never about Him using me and He will never settle for me simply playing a part even in my ignorant attempts to manipulate Him. 

There is no formula. Relationship is total freedom and total respect, but never excusing, enabling, or condoning. It doesn't depend on me, yet everything I do matters. I can insist on going down a path that leads me to the end of myself if I don't trust and see yet that I am completely safe, secure, and deeply, dearly loved. God wants me close, but will endure the pain of my wrath when saying no to me is better for my ultimate health and healing. This was never about punishment. He has always been passionately furious for me and His redeeming wrath will not settle for anything less than what is absolutely best for me. 

People are watching us even if they aren't ready to listen. It's ok to be silent and not force connection. It is intelligent, wise, and safe to wait until people have laid their weapons down. We do not have a legalistic obligation to be in relationship with anyone, but we can experience more freedom as we participate with God in pursuing the process of forgiveness and forsaking taking punishment into our own hands. We are not responsible for the growth and change that others will find in their own conversation and relationship with God.

 

https://sarahnyhan.com

Comments

[Brad Jersak]

Thanks for your comment Mike,

Sarah and I had a wonderful conversation about this very point. On the one hand, "Never give up" invites those in despair out of the belief that their life is over or that they should end it themselves. On the other hand, this is not accomplished by pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps, as if those who are overwhelmed by discouragement could ever dig themselves out of the pit through self-will. Rather, ironically, we make the lateral move from despair to surrender. Surrendering our lives to the grace and care of a loving God is the means by which we don't give up! In that sense, giving up and surrendering are actually opposites--i.e. we overcome despair not by puffing up, but by kenosis.

[Mike Richardson]

Hi
I was struck by an alternative meaning to your slogan which would imply always give down. Without the condescension overtones how would you feel about that? Is that what becoming a servant looks like? Is it Kenotic as Brad would understand? You can find me on Facebook MikeRichardsonpoet for speed