Now for the super sweet stuff. I have heard it said before and Priscilla mentioned it again last night - often times when we think we are waiting on God, he could very well be waiting on us. In my heart of hearts I want to be available to God; I want to be surrendered to however he might desire to use me to participate in what he is doing in the world. Yet I am realizing more and more that when you take a step back, you'll see that the action is happening close to him. Fruit is produced out of those connected to the vine. He has designed us to be a part of his great plan, and yet he graciously allows us to choose to stay where we are, or get up and participate. He invites us to draw near to him so we will be at the ready and in tune to his still, small voice when he asks us to act. I certainly do not want to miss out. I know he is pursuing me, but it is I that must take the action of moving towards him. I am becoming increasingly honest daily about my desperate need for him, and I am learning to run to the Word he has left for us, where I know he will faithfully meet me every time.
So here I sit in my big comfy chair on this peaceful Fall day, knowing God has so much to share with me if I will get alone with him. Several of the verses I am planning to read further about today have been prompted by the powerful Max Lucado book I mentioned yesterday. He talks about how Peter spoke of preparing himself for the persecution that was inevitable as he followed Christ. This is from pg. 81:
"Peter said it this way. 'Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy' (1 Peter 3:14-15 The Message)."
Referencing Peter's posture in this passage, Max says my favorite thing in the whole book so far:
"So how can we prepare ourselves? Simple. Imitate the disciples. Linger long and often in the presence of Christ. Meditate on his grace. Ponder his love. Memorize his words. Gaze into his face. Talk to him. Courage comes as we live with Jesus."
I am going to do that right now...
3 comments:
I really needed to hear this post...thanks for sharing, sweet girl. You are a blessing.
This is amazing....I loved reading it so thank you so much for sharing it!
Mmmmmm.....gingersnaps! My grandma use to make the BEST gingersnaps, but I never got the recipe before she passed. I'm going to have to give this one a try! I so miss me my gingersnaps! Thanks for joining me on my challenge....I can't wait to get started digging into the word of God tonight before bed! :)
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