September 30th, 2021
By Lani Cole-Mitchell
I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
- Wicked, the Musical
The Tony Awards aired on Sunday evening, and it was a beautiful celebration of welcoming back live theatre after more than 18 months of darkened lights on Broadway. Musical numbers featuring singing and dancing were highlighted, and it was refreshing to watch as we emerge from the craziness of Covid. One number, in particular, brought back iconic duets from Rent, Showboat, and, of course, Wicked. Kristin Chenoweth (the original Glinda) and Idina Menzel (the original Elphaba) sang an emotional rendition of the song, For Good, of which I referenced a portion of the lyrics above. It was moving, inspiring, and beautiful to experience as they tearfully embraced when they finished the song.
Those lyrics have sat with me all week. It tells the story of two completely opposite people who were friends, became enemies, and back to friends with a beautiful theme of love, forgiveness, acceptance, and embracing change. (Side note: I highly recommend seeing this musical if you have the opportunity!) Why would I start a devotion with lyrics from a song that is clearly not Christian or referencing God in any way? I share these lyrics with you because if you peel back the "secular" layers, you will find an honest and authentic story of two people who overcame their differences, admitted mistakes, sought forgiveness and were ultimately changed for the better.
How many times in our lives have we looked back at relationships and peeled away the differences and saw the good in it? Is there someone in your life who you haven’t been in contact with that you miss? What created that divide in your relationship? Was it a difference in opinions which resulted in an argument? Whatever it was, can you in this moment push the negativity aside and think about the good in that particular relationship? Even if there is no reconciling, have you grown positively from it? Was there once joy, laughter, or even a learning experience?
While imprisoned in Ephesus, Paul wrote to the Romans. He was writing to a predominantly Jewish population of people sharing an overview of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sadly, Paul never made it to Rome, but his letters did. In Romans 8:28, Paul wrote:
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
All things work together for good for those who love God according to HIS purpose
I emphasized and underlined those specific words for a reason. See, in the midst of relationships, especially when there is a falling out, we sometimes forget that God is still present. We internalize and take that pain, anger or hurt and twist it around for our purpose. We blame the other person regardless of who caused what, and often result in driving a wedge between what was once an amazing friendship.
The song continues:
Elphaba: And just to clear the air, I ask forgiveness, for the things I’ve done you blame me for
Glinda: But then I guess we know there’s blame to share
Both: And none of that seems to matter anymore
Maybe it’s time to take a deep breath, and reflect upon that faded relationship. Can you swallow whatever difference you may have, truly forgive, and see God moving and working in ways you didn’t expect? Let’s be truly honest, there may not be a chance for reconciliation. It’s possible that too much time has passed and/or the other person may not be ready. That is OK! See, when you allow God to be present in those really tough moments (like Paul writing to Rome from jail) you grow in ways that are truly unexpected. You grow in faith and character. The ability to embrace that moment is a gift.
People and relationships aren’t accidental. They are purposeful and meaningful, especially when God’s presence is known and accepted. Some relationships may stay strong, and some may fade, and my prayer for you this week is to acknowledge God’s presence in each of those relationships and know that you have the unique ability to learn, grow, and change for the better.
Who can say that I’ve been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better
And because I knew you
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed
For good
God, you know our hearts and you know us inside and out. In this time of prayer, Lord, we pray that the struggling relationships we may have reveal your love and grace. Help us to see your goodness even in the most difficult situations so that we may grow in faith and character. Not because of my will, but yours, and yours alone. We pray that you are present in all relationships and the focus of all that we do and all that we are. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.
I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
- Wicked, the Musical
The Tony Awards aired on Sunday evening, and it was a beautiful celebration of welcoming back live theatre after more than 18 months of darkened lights on Broadway. Musical numbers featuring singing and dancing were highlighted, and it was refreshing to watch as we emerge from the craziness of Covid. One number, in particular, brought back iconic duets from Rent, Showboat, and, of course, Wicked. Kristin Chenoweth (the original Glinda) and Idina Menzel (the original Elphaba) sang an emotional rendition of the song, For Good, of which I referenced a portion of the lyrics above. It was moving, inspiring, and beautiful to experience as they tearfully embraced when they finished the song.
Those lyrics have sat with me all week. It tells the story of two completely opposite people who were friends, became enemies, and back to friends with a beautiful theme of love, forgiveness, acceptance, and embracing change. (Side note: I highly recommend seeing this musical if you have the opportunity!) Why would I start a devotion with lyrics from a song that is clearly not Christian or referencing God in any way? I share these lyrics with you because if you peel back the "secular" layers, you will find an honest and authentic story of two people who overcame their differences, admitted mistakes, sought forgiveness and were ultimately changed for the better.
How many times in our lives have we looked back at relationships and peeled away the differences and saw the good in it? Is there someone in your life who you haven’t been in contact with that you miss? What created that divide in your relationship? Was it a difference in opinions which resulted in an argument? Whatever it was, can you in this moment push the negativity aside and think about the good in that particular relationship? Even if there is no reconciling, have you grown positively from it? Was there once joy, laughter, or even a learning experience?
While imprisoned in Ephesus, Paul wrote to the Romans. He was writing to a predominantly Jewish population of people sharing an overview of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sadly, Paul never made it to Rome, but his letters did. In Romans 8:28, Paul wrote:
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
All things work together for good for those who love God according to HIS purpose
I emphasized and underlined those specific words for a reason. See, in the midst of relationships, especially when there is a falling out, we sometimes forget that God is still present. We internalize and take that pain, anger or hurt and twist it around for our purpose. We blame the other person regardless of who caused what, and often result in driving a wedge between what was once an amazing friendship.
The song continues:
Elphaba: And just to clear the air, I ask forgiveness, for the things I’ve done you blame me for
Glinda: But then I guess we know there’s blame to share
Both: And none of that seems to matter anymore
Maybe it’s time to take a deep breath, and reflect upon that faded relationship. Can you swallow whatever difference you may have, truly forgive, and see God moving and working in ways you didn’t expect? Let’s be truly honest, there may not be a chance for reconciliation. It’s possible that too much time has passed and/or the other person may not be ready. That is OK! See, when you allow God to be present in those really tough moments (like Paul writing to Rome from jail) you grow in ways that are truly unexpected. You grow in faith and character. The ability to embrace that moment is a gift.
People and relationships aren’t accidental. They are purposeful and meaningful, especially when God’s presence is known and accepted. Some relationships may stay strong, and some may fade, and my prayer for you this week is to acknowledge God’s presence in each of those relationships and know that you have the unique ability to learn, grow, and change for the better.
Who can say that I’ve been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better
And because I knew you
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed
For good
God, you know our hearts and you know us inside and out. In this time of prayer, Lord, we pray that the struggling relationships we may have reveal your love and grace. Help us to see your goodness even in the most difficult situations so that we may grow in faith and character. Not because of my will, but yours, and yours alone. We pray that you are present in all relationships and the focus of all that we do and all that we are. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.
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