I believe it is well-documented that I have issues when it comes to books. I am always starting a new one and rarely finishing them--unless you count the fact that I read the last page of a fiction book after the first chapter to make sure it is going to be worth my time to finish it. (I know. I have issues!)
The bottom line is that life is short and my time for reading is shorter. I don't want to waste time reading the same point over and over. Most non-fiction books have communicated their point by about the third chapter, so when I feel like I have gleaned what I can, I move on.
With all that being said, I am now 35 pages into a book that I am fairly certain I will finish. I have underlined so many parts of Crazy Love by Francis Chan already that I feel like I could take a break from it for a week or so and just mull what he has presented so far. (I am enjoying it so much I refuse to do that.)
Truly, there are some fantastic points to ponder in Crazy Love, but a line I read this morning really stopped me in my tracks. After Chan describes the intricacies of life in this world as God created it, he says:"This is the God who takes time to know all the little details about each of us. He does not have to know us well, but He chooses to." (italics mine)
I have never considered that second part before. I accept that God created us. He knit us together in our mothers' wombs, but He did not stop there. He knows the hairs on our heads, not just because He made us, but because He keeps knowing us. It is not a past tense knowing. It is an active, ongoing knowing. Why? Because He wants to, according to Chan.
I am not sure if that makes any sense to anyone outside my brain, but think of it like a human father. How many people are walking around on this Earth who had men involved in their conception that 'checked out' after that. They participated in the creation of their children, but not in their daily lives.
I thought back to that young man I watched studying his newborn Sunday night. It was not enough that the baby was flesh of his flesh, the Daddy wanted to know him fully.
This thought humbles me and intimidates me. I cannot imagine what I have to offer God. Why would He want to know me? It is a crazy love indeed!
7 comments:
Oooh!! Great timing! I just picked that book up yesterday! He'll be at worship conference in April I'm going to and I wanted to be familiar with the book. It's one of four I now have on my side table right now, but no time to read. Glad to hear it's a good one!
I guess I need to get a copy of this book as quickly as I can, because God has put it in my path no less than five times just this week. Talk about a subtle hint. : )
Thanks for affirming all I've already heard about this book, JMom.
I'd ask to borrow yours, but I know how I am about books I've already written in myself. I'll look for it on Amazon. Thanks for the hearty recommendation.
I am reading it right now too. It is so good. I have heard him speak twice and he always brings THE WORD. I end up buying the CD of the messages because I am always like....oh yeah I need to hear that again!
Francis Chan was one of the speakers at a national youth event that our youth group kids (my son included) went on a few years ago. I heard over and over how wonderful he was, and that he really got to the hearts of the kids. I'm placing an order at CBD in the next day or two - I will add it because of your recommendation! =)
That is powerful. I never thought of God our Father wanting to know every detrail of me either. I need to get that book this weekend. Thanks.
I am also reading it right now, and LOVING it!! It gets even better-- and so challenging-- the further you read. Francis is a GREAT speaker. So passionate, so real. Glad he decided to write a book. :)
I am reading the last chapter now with the 9th/10th grade girls at church. You are going to LOVE the book...get ready for a life-changing experience!
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