A bitter seed was growing inside Korah (Numbers 16:1ff).
His grumbling against Moses grew louder and louder. Just who does Moses think he is anyway? Why is he so high and mighty? Who put him in charge?
Upon hearing the charges brought against him by Korah and 250 prominent leaders of Israel, Moses—the most humble man on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3)—fell. Facedown.
Would you? Would I?
Moses took it to God, the One he trusted.
He told Korah that God would make it clear whom He had chosen.
And he asked Korah a question.
This one haunted me.
Isn't it enough for you that the God of Israel has selected you out of the congregation of Israel to bring you near him to serve in the ministries of The Dwelling of GOD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?
Numbers 16:9 (Msg)
“Isn't it enough for you?”
And so it began last Monday.
An innocent little verse in my daily Bible reading in the book of Numbers in the Old Testament.
So I, too, tried to humble myself.
I listened to God asking me, each day, all week,
“Isn’t it enough for you that I ___???”
Can you ask yourself the question too?
Here are graces I discovered in the question...continuing my grace count to 1,000...
Voice (# 299)
- Isn’t it enough for you that I’ve given you freedom in a blog (# 300) to write whatever you want to about Me?
- Isn’t it enough for you that there are people who actually read (# 301) that blog you write?
- Isn’t it enough for you that you’ve made genuine spiritual connections (# 302) through that blog?
True Friends (# 303)
- Isn’t it enough for you that I’ve given you such caring friends (# 304) that they even look at wedding pictures you post on Facebook?
- Isn’t it enough for you that friends drove all the way to Alex City for Morgan’s wedding (# 305)?
- Isn’t it enough for you that Jeff desires to be your best friend (# 306) through thick and thin?
Purpose (# 307)
- Isn’t it enough that I give you opportunities to minister (# 308) to other people?
- Isn’t it enough that I’ve continued to sustain the 5:30 singing time (# 309) so you can unite your voice with others (# 310) to make a joyful noise (# 311) to Me?
- Isn’t it enough that I’ve placed people in your life who seek you out for spiritual conversation (# 312)?
Introversion (# 313) [this one is hard]
- Isn’t it enough that I’ve given you enough extrovert qualities (# 314) to keep you social but enough introvert qualities (# 315) to thoroughly enjoy spending alone time with Me?
- Isn’t it enough that I’ve blessed you with special friends who will love you with or without your introversion (# 316)?
- Isn’t it enough that I give you multiple avenues (# 317) to use your introversion love of writing (# 318) to connect with other people (# 319) about Me?
Direction (# 320) [about driving in Atlanta!]
- Isn’t it enough that I’ve given you Jenna (expert navigator and calm girl!) (# 321) to ride with you?
- Isn’t it enough that I’ve given you accurate Mapquest directions (# 322) and lots and lots of extra time in case you get lost (# 323)?
- Isn’t it enough that the peace I’ve put inside you (# 324) can override this anxiety?
Opportunities to share (# 325)
- Isn’t it enough for you that I’ve given you the Women of Faith weekend (# 326) to absorb Me so you’ll have even more of Me (# 327) to share with others?
- Isn’t it enough that I don’t hold you accountable (# 328) for the outcome of sharing, but just for the obedience to do it?
- Isn’t it enough that I have given you the gift of faith (# 329) and all I’m asking you to do it talk about Me with other people (# 330)?
Yes, Lord!
Not only is it enough that You have chosen me to serve You (# 331),
You are more than enough (# 332).
And my God will supply
every need of yours
according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19[He] is able to do
far more abundantly
than all that we ask or think...
Ephesians 3:20
* * *
What would your questions look like?
12 comments:
God has truly given you some great opportunities and you use them well. :-)
Wow! That is a powerful point! I've been so spoiled in life that I tend to want without thinking as well. I need to start asking myself that question more often.
This is a great sermon. I can almost hear God say to me, "Isn't it enough that I've saved you from your sin and self destruction and given you family and life eternal"?
I find myself in desire of a repentant heart.
This is dynamite powerful Lisa.
I LOVE this.
I was just thinking on Saturday about a section in the Passover Seder called the "Dayenu". Dayenu, roughly translated, means "it would have sufficed" or "it would have been enough." During the Dayenu, the Haggadah ("script" for the meal) names blessing after blessing that God has poured on Israel--and all the participants respond with "Dayenu".
If God had parted the Red Sea but not led us through on dry ground...Dayenu.
If God had led us through on dry ground but not fed us with manna in the wilderness...Dayenu.
Of course, the greatest "Dayenu" is found not in the Jewish Seder but in the fulfillment of the Passover: in Christ Himself.
If God had sacrificed His Son and done absolutely nothing else for me--Dayenu. That itself is sufficient, enough, plenty, even abundance.
(By the way, I'm hoping to e-mail you back this evening about that theology of time--it's coming, I just don't quite have time yet on my lunch break!)
Oh my. I absolutely love this new word Dayenu. I’m not familiar with it at all, but I see the concept all the time.
Jeff and I used to say on the first leg of a trip: even if we turned around and went home right now, the trip’s been worth it, thanks to good conversation. Now I know to add…Dayenu.
And I’ve often had the thought that even if Christ blessed me NO MORE the rest of my life, he’s already done FAR more than I ever deserve.
…Dayenu.
No rush on the e-mail about time. :-) It might contradict itself if you hurried.
Wow! What a question. When God asks a question like that you know that your life will never be the same again.
Lisa, thank you for sharing this question which provides enough quiet time conversations for the rest of the year!
Ha. Yes, that question does pack quite a punch, Donna. That’s how I felt when I came across it in Numbers (of all places!). It definitely helps me work into a better perspective on my “problems.”
Amazing and timely reminder. Thank you for sharing this.
I am definitely going to ask myself this question for a while now! Thanks so much for pointing it out.
Isn't it enough...? I hadn't thought about it in those terms. You have gotten me to think and ponder and search my heart. Thank you.
Faith is a small thing, done in small ways -- and collectively the small things become great things. Good post, Lisa.
What a beautiful and enlightening post, Lisa! I already feel like I am not grateful enough for the things that God has given me. I realize now that I still have a lot to learn for my spiritual growth.
Thank you so much for this post. I learned a lot from you today. God bless! :-)
Irene
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