“This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.” 1 John 4:13 (NIV)
“I don’t have it in me,” I whispered to God yesterday. Several friends had shared happy news about successes, achievements and blessings. I longed to celebrate with them. But in my secret heart, the contrast with my own recent loss and pain kindled an ugly temptation to self-pity.
I could keep my voice bright and fake it. I could say the appropriate things. But I wanted to coax my heart to match, to find sincere joy for my friends. How does a man who is out of work celebrate when his friend gets a fantastic new job? How does a woman grieving a miscarriage attend a friend’s baby shower? How does someone crippled with pain wholeheartedly rejoice over another’s miraculous healing, without that whisper deep in the soul: “Lord, what about me?”
But as I confessed, “I don’t have it in me,” the recognition filled me like a deep breath of peace. Of course, I didn’t have the power in myself, just as I didn’t have the power to forgive those who hurt me, or sing a song of praise through a throat raw with tears, or to serve day after day in small ways that seemed to offer no evidence of results.
I can’t do any of it. But Jesus can. And He lives in me. My prayer changed. “Lord, love them through me. Change my heart to be more like yours. Lift my eyes off my needs so I can rejoice for my friends. It’s not in me…but it’s in You.”
And He answered. He helped me celebrate the good things He is doing in the lives of others, enabled me to respond genuinely, even to take a few actions to support and promote others. I don’t know what moral challenges I’ll face today, but I hope I’ll remember not to face them in my own feeble power. It’s not in me. But it’s in Him.
Faith Step: Ask Jesus to empower you to celebrate the blessings of another today.
