By Nicole Beck
November 15, 2012 at approximately 8:43 a.m. (Mountain Standard Time), Mt. Saint Nicole erupted just outside of Laurel, MT. The eruption lasted a little under 30 seconds. Although reports say that residual ash from the blast is still settling nearly 24 hours later, the majority of the effects were felt by 16 year old Bryant Beck.
It appears that build up of pride, selfishness, poor communication and poor organization (among other things) were the underlying cause of the mid morning eruption. Upon examination, it was clear that issues were unsettled in the depths of her hollows. Pressures had reached an uncontrollable level. A last minute attempt for divine intervention was to no avail, and those in close proximity suffered.
How does this stuff happen? Why does this stuff happen? It’s so ugly and unacceptable. I’m so embarrassed and ashamed. The whole rest of the day and through the night, I wrestled with this problem or should I say “problems”. Although I prayed throughout the day for forgiveness and guidance and a newness of spirit, it was not until I opened my Bible this morning that I could hear my Lord’s reply. It came in the form of the story of Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33:10-17. In a footnote, I had read about some awful things that were happening in Judah under the leadership of Manasseh. (Hmmm, I wonder if pride, selfishness, and lack of both communication and organization had anything to do with it?)
God allowed the Assyrians to capture Manasseh and his countrymen. The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. The Assyrians put a hook in Manasseh’s nose, bound him in bronze shackles and imprisoned him in Babylon. In Manasseh’s distress, he sought the favor of the Lord and humbled himself before God. When he prayed to him, the Lord was moved and listened to his plea.
It was not until Manasseh was emptied of himself—of what he had made himself, that God was able to work through him again.
My desperate plea for God to control my heart and tongue came too late. I was so full of what I had made for myself, that I had no more room for God’s presence in me. I had filled my cup with pride, selfishness, and worry. The guilt and shame I felt through the rest of the day were my nose hook and shackles. There went my pride. Look where selfishness and worry got me—far from God and His will for me.
If God can love, forgive and use Manasseh, I am hopeful that he can see through the residual ash of the eruption and use me as well.
