In accordance to today's decision from our Supreme Court. I went to God in prayer; while flipping on FOX news...initial reaction was to convey a negative attitude.
However, in Romans 13 we are reminded to submit yourselves to the authorities that God has placed in power. Vs 5 "Therefore, it is necessary to submit to authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience." Later in the passage I was reminded to give respect to those whom deserve respect. Romans 12:14 "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." This stands out to me because one can't ignore the parallel between not holding grudges...
While we fight in this journey; mind you that God has already won. We find ourselves in dispair and our hearts may ache for those who don't know him...but I myself even, in Romans 2:1 "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things."
We are CONSTANTLY reminded; consciously or not, that judgement is within itself a wretched sin. I find myself praying asking God for strength to...in despite my bitterness bless those who do not know as I, in my imperfections can not judge another for their choices. While Peter and John were being persecuted amongst the Sadducees while spreading the GOOD NEWS after Jesus rose from the dead. They said in Acts 4:19 ""Judge for yourselves whether it is right in Gods sight to obey you rather than God."
If that doesn't hit home, not entirely sure what else will. Can you imagine standing in front of authority, challenging the law with what the Holy Spirit has filled your heart with? This gives me chills !!! Constantly, I am asked how through the years after "proclaiming" my same-sex attraction and the obstacles I have faced (diagnosed with HIV in January of 2010 and merely a few months later in October after immersing myself in what seemed like an endless bag of syringes, the diagnosis of Hepatitis C, how I can still praise God. How can I still thank God?
During the last seven months, with the free will, that the Lord has given me, I chose to turn to God, and thank him for sending his Son. There are so many things...that we question in Him. Perhaps we are ungrateful for the job we have...or for others it may be for the job you don't have. In my case, its always been wondering what my life would've been like if I wasn't adopted...or I question what my life would've been like if I didn't have HIV and I was heterosexual. My therapist left me with this scripture found in Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. One we decide to embrace what we have...and seek God...we are able to understand why the things around us occur.
Perhaps...this may be the ending point because the Lord has shown me...in this time of grieving and conviction, that there is hope for the weary and that this was in His plan so we can minister the Gospel to others.
I leave you with this question.... in Matthew 6:33, we are reminded of the constant questions we ask ourselves of what we don't have, or we wonder what life would be like instead...perhaps the real question may be... "What does a life through Christ feel like?"
