How to Change Your Stars
"Young William Thatcher: "Can it be done father? Can a man change his stars?"
John Thatcher: "Yes William? If he believes enough, a man can do anything."
-"A Knights Tale", 2001
Last week, I was sitting at a funeral service for a man who changed his stars.
"It is Well, with My Soul", "The Power of Your Love", "Amazing Grace,"the chapel echoed with music, as one achingly beautiful, sad voice after another, lovingly sang from the heart. It was his son and grandchildren, who took turns singing his favorite songs.
His wife V shared how God had turned their family around.They married young. He looked like James Bond (of the Sean Connery kind) in his prime. She was feisty, brainy, and bold. Sparks flew and they eloped.
Sparks soon turned into fireworks, and the first 20 years of their marriage was, at many times, a war of wills. Their five children, a witness to it all.
After 20 years, they separated. They lived independent lives for 9 long years.He in Manila, and she, at times, living in the U.S.
But that was not the end of their story.Because at the darkest point of their lives, they met the star-changer, who brought CLARITY to their lives.
The Power of Clarity:
1. Praying for CLARITY opens my eyes to my true condition.
It is easy to think that life is good and that we are living meaningful lives.But God exposes the true condition of our hearts so we can see our desperate need for Him.
In the memorial service, V, his wife, described how God opened her eyes to see how her pride and willfulness had contributed to the break-up.Strong, capable, and highly intelligent, she lived life her way, and the sin of pride affected her choices.
She repented of her sins and made Jesus, the Lord and Savior of her life.Unknown to V, God was working behind the scenes to change their stars...
Just like her, we, too, can pray for people.Pray that God will open their eyes to see the truth about their situation, and their need for Jesus.
...open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.
Acts 26:18
2. Praying for CLARITY makes people come to their senses and make wiser decisions.
Although they were already living independent lives, God was also working in her former husband's heart. His children kept praying for him.And just like the prodigal son, he came to his senses.
"What was I doing taking care of others, when my very own children needed me?"
After 9 years of separation, husband and wife were reunited.But he was not the same man, and neither was she the same woman.God had brought them to their senses.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
It was amazing to hear how God miraculously redeemed their marriage.Not only did their love for each other grow stronger, their home and family became a haven for many. A godly testimony of how God can change even the most complicated of situations.
He became a tireless evangelist. Ready to share, not just his warm bear hug or humor, but the God that saved him. Many lives were changed for the better.
I know that as a fact. As a young family, Joey and I spent many mealtimes in their home. We witnessed how the power of obedience to God transformed this family from darkness to light.
I was traveling abroad, when he unexpectedly passed away. But we willingly changed my travel plans, so I could fly back and give honor to the man who had allowed the Lord to change his stars, and pay tribute to his wife, his strong, faith-filled, loving companion. There were others who flew in too.
The chapel was filled with people, young and old.I still remember V's words:
"...after 20 years of living for ourselves, and 9 years of living apart, God gave us 29 memorable years of living life together again as husband and wife. Our children have whole marriages, and we are blessed with 18 grandchildren, all who are close to their grandparents."
Isn't God so amazing? He can redeem even the most hopeless and complicated situation and give you the best in the end.
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the great locust, the grasshopper, and the caterpillar, my great army, which I sent among you.
Joel 2: 25
Do you want God to change your stars? Do you need clarity?
It starts by putting your trust in the Bright Morning Star.His name is Jesus.
...Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place, and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Philippians 2:9-11
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