A Tale Of Three Kings
Predictable unpredictability, and what God wants from us.
“What does this world need: gifted men and women, outwardly empowered? Or individuals who are broken, inwardly transformed?”
“...he seemed to grasp a deep understanding of the unfolding drama in which he had been caught. He seemed to understand something that few of even the wisest men of his day understood...God wanted a broken vessel.”
- Gene Edwards, A Tale Of Three Kings
Life is crazy isn’t it?
One day it’s one way, then the next day, it’s different.
The above picture was taken on January 11, 2023; right before life became a little more complex. In it is a wide-eyed, inspired me— sitting in a modestly-decorated first apartment— reading A Tale Of Three Kings1, not knowing how true its content would become in my life and in the lives of those around me.
When I stare at this reflection of myself, I see someone with a lot of dreams and anxieties. Dreams of becoming another A.W. Tozer, internet influencer, or Frodo Baggins (maybe Samwise). Anxiety about measuring up to others’ expectations, and anxiety about leading young souls wisely.
In my mind, I was making my way through the enchanted forest, fighting off my foes, living on the knife's edge of finding the hidden treasure and reveling in the beautiful mystery of it all. But only God knew that the adventure had barely begun.
There are many things I am not sure of, but I am sure of this: If we are open to it, God will use any circumstance as a means of cultivating growth in us. So if I were to give you (but primarily my future self) a word of encouragement, I guess I would say, “Be still, be broken, and know that He is God.”
Expect the unpredictability of life, expect His predictable goodness.
By Gene Edwards