We are starting something new here at Craving Grace. One contributor will be writing a reflection from the sermon each week. This is not necessarily a summary, but more of a place to reflect on the message, resonate with something that was said, or share how we will respond with our lives. We hope you’ll enjoy these posts, and that they will help you spend more time in reflection as a result.
Well, my husband, Matt Ryman, preached yesterday. The thing that struck me most was his point about self-confidence. The fact that it needs to go in order for us to serve God. This, coupled with what Jonathan Noel shared immediately following, really convicted me.
See, I stay in what I believe to be pretty safe grounds in my life. I do what I think I can do, and am hesitant to step outside of my comfort zone. All of this feeds my sin of self-reliance and self-confidence. When I am confident I can handle the things in my life, I live in a way that is not dependent on God. I manage everything and get by, day by day, trusting in my own ability.
The problem here is that I can’t handle my life. I can’t love, serve, submit, trust, believe, or humble myself as I should. I can’t do any of these things on my own, without depending and receiving the mercies of God, which are new every morning. When I think I can handle my life, I am lying to myself, and I am denying the relationship that Christ’s death has guaranteed for me with the Creator of the Universe and Lover of my soul.
I need to lose my self-confidence, and by His grace, learn to live a life of what Matt called, “God confidence.”
(don’t forget you can listen to the sermon’s online.)
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Thanks for sharing Hana! I felt convicted of pretty much the same thing! I love how Jonathan tied in the song at the end too. I am constantly battling thinking I can do everything on my own. This is not only self-reliance from God but also is not letting others help which builds community.
Much to think about…
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:33 pm
I missed the service on Sunday but it sounds like it was good. I’ll have to listen to it.
I like that the blog will have sermon reflections.
June 24th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Matt did a great job! And I like the sermon reflection here, Hana. I struggle so much with self-confidence and self-reliance. I grew up in a family situation where, if anything were to get done, then I had to do it myself. A lot of dependence on self, because others were not dependable. So, it is hard even now, because I have so much to be responsible for with home, kids, work, etc, that I continue to strive in my own power.
The other thing that Matt said, which resonated with me, was the part at the end about being in community involves holding each other accountable to our commitment to the Lord. And how he said that often when we confront people, they view that as us passing judgment or that we are being legalistic. I think that is what makes true confrontation so hard, because of that possibility.
June 24th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Thank you God for bringing Matt and Hana to UPC. What a blessing they both are to our church family. I, too struggle with trying to do “it” in my own power forgetting about my heavenly Father who loves me more than I could possibly imagine.
June 28th, 2008 at 6:31 am
[…] you missed this past week here’s a recap of articles: Monday - Sermon Reflection by Hana Ryman Tuesdsay - Reflection on Brave Hearts by Mary Beauvais Wednesday - Sublime Strawberry […]