Egypt - Part 6 “DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD? REALLY?”
May 13th 2009 -
I heard a man share his personal story of a week in a monastery a few years back. It was inspiring and funny. Talked about his caffeine withdrawal and the need to find a computer. Ever sense I have wanted to visit one. Well, today was that day! It was the best choice and I am so glad it was in Egypt.
This monastery dates back to 300 AD and is a tribute (I believe) to the Disciple turned Gospel writer, Mark. He inspired Egyptians to trust in Jesus and that trust led to a Coptic Monastic movement that birthed this amazing place. I know I’m in Egypt and I should use Arabic, but I’m tired and not really very smart (I fake it) so I will use a Hebrew word for this place… “Shalom.” This word encompasses the peace of Creation before sin entered it. The peace of God to Man, Man to Creation, and Creation to God – not just peace in war, but a harmony that is played when things are the way they were intended.
The people here have suffered great persecution, wars, natural disasters, and personal attack, yet they truly believe in the ONE – the CREATOR – the SAVIOR! They give their life to daily pray for the world — not just the food in front of them – the World!!! There is a monk praying in this place 24/7/365.25!!! Everything they think about during the day has to do with the ONE and His plans for the creation. I felt like I had been with someone who had really seen God or at least a “burning bush.” This feeling must have been what Aaron felt when Moses shared his story. It was undeniable.
I wonder if people can tell that I believe in God and can notice convincingly that I look back at several moments in my life as “burning bushes?” Do people around you believe in God because you do? If not, what is it that we are missing?
