Integers have been spinning around my head of late. I struggle to see the necessity of mastering this skill, but I’m trusting that those older than me know why I must submit to this twisting of brain cells. I’ll admit, I do enjoy it sometimes. So far one of my favorite things to do is solving formulas for a variable. It’s like a puzzle. You have to move things around and get rid of things until you have isolated the variable and its value is shown on the other side of the equals sign. Take this equation for example: 1/5(10-15x)+5=3
In order to find the value of x we have to isolate it. To do that we have to strip it of all that surrounds it and is attached to it.
The other day I heard someone refer to our relationship to God in mathematical terms - God being the constant; us being the variable. Somewhere between peaceful sound sleep and sub-consciousness my mind (as it often does lately) started thinking about math. But this time into the equation swirled God. Suddenly it hit me. I am the variable. God is the number on the other side. Throughout my life there have been things, even good things, that have inexplicably been taken away from me. Recently it seems to be intensifying. I have felt...isolated. Is this what I need in order to finally find my value in Him? Stripped of all that surrounds me, pulls me, and that I desire? Even that which is in and of itself good? Must I be isolated?
But the beautiful part of the equation is that whatever is done to the x is also done to the number on the other side. "Forwe do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, ...[And since] He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." (Heb 4:15; 2:18 NKJV) Every time something has to be given up, stripped away, purged, He knows how it feels because it was done to Him as well. And at the end I will find my value in Him alone.
Do you know what the meaning of Algebra is? No, it is not the above meaning. :) It is derived from an Arabic word al-jabr which means...restoration.
Oh God, do al-jabr in my life. Even if it means isolation!
But the beautiful part of the equation is that whatever is done to the x is also done to the number on the other side. "For
Do you know what the meaning of Algebra is? No, it is not the above meaning. :) It is derived from an Arabic word al-jabr which means...restoration.
Oh God, do al-jabr in my life. Even if it means isolation!
Thanks for this, Jenae! I appreciated the way you shared this...it's my heart's desire too!
ReplyDeleteI'm also wondering if I could possibly use this post on http://ylcf.org. I believe it'd be an encouragement to many young ladies, and would love to be able to share it with your name and a link back here (if you want. If you'd prefer less publicity, that's fine too!)
If you wouldn't mind dropping me an email at alaskawildrose @ gmail dot com or commenting on my blog (linked in my profile) to let me know if it is okay, I'd really appreciate that! :)
Chantel
Mmmm... Wow.
ReplyDeleteHuh, that's beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you! :) I was afraid it wouldn't make sense. But I have been seeing several pictures of God and the Christian walk in math class. I was thinking in class yesterday about writing a book called "I met God in math class.' :) I have many papers to write first though and tests to study for, so that book is going to be on the shelf for a while.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I'm going to look at math differently from now on.
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful, Jenae! I'm often amazed at how many life-changing glimpses of our Father surround us in the simplicity of daily life, just waiting for those whose eyes and heart are open to see them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this... and don't drop theidea of the book-- I think it could be an incredible blessing!
Praise the Lord! I will definitely let you know if and when I write the book. ;P I love writing. We'll see what comes of it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenae! Wow! That is what I like doing.. finding God in everyday things. But what I can't believe is that I have a BA in Math and never saw this before! It is a powerful analogy. (I know there are so many more out there, too. God designed the whole world to speak to us, I'm sure.) I'm still chewing on this one, tho.. Thanks again! (John Krum)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Uncle John! I don't think I knew you had a BA in math. :) I have seen other connections to God in math, but putting them in words that make sense is hard. If I ever write my book you'll get a proof copy. ;) I'm glad you were blessed!
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