"The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board. This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities." Ephesians 3:6-8a
I can confidently say God is refining me...with what seems like a chisel...hurting (my pride) every time...
Today I had a beautiful friend come to the salon for me to do her hair. I'm always amazed how getting your hair done can be a time of refreshing and incredible fellowship. This impecable young woman and I began to share about high school & the days when Jesus wasn't a priority. It was a moment. It hit me...the scripture:"Scripture reassures us, "No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it." Romans 10:11
Anytime I have looked back at my life and process through the times I acted on my own behalf....more times than none...well lets be honest.... everytime - I've felt regret...compromising in my mind a "do-over" will need to be necessary. But anytime I've recalled a moment 'I know for sure I acted in obedience to the Lord' or when I walked in Him, righteously - I NEVER have regretted and actually begin to feel proud and honored about the life I live...and remember to give it right back to him.
No one ever regrets living in the love of the Lord and walking in His ways. The outcome of a life lived in obedience is that you are honored to live it, people are served and blessed by you and your life AND most importantly God is honored and GLORIFIED...
We are confident - so confident that we are selling everything to go where God is calling us. I must be honest with you though - as I want to give an accurate account - and prove that God uses flawed, sometimes hesitant people...The truth: I.... well we, sometimes get a bit worried. Stress about giving away our stuff. Distrust that God is going to act appropriately. Doubt His calling on our lives. And freak out that were giving up things that really do mean a lot to us...they have memories. But then I have those moments, where God - in all His mercy - meets me where I'm at and comforts me with the Truth of His Goodness...His Presence fills the gaps I've created with my doubt...and His sheer encounters make me confident that we're gaining so much more than we are losing...Him...all we need. All we were ever created to need.
To my family it is foolish. I expected it. And in their love have still shown some grace by not full fledge calling me an idiot...but no doubt voicing their concerns and opinions. Still some nodded their heads not really sure what to say (the kind of response I'd rather prefer). And just like the motto "There's an app for that.." I remember "There's a scripture for that.."
"This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength." 1 Corinthians 1:25
We stay confident in this truth and I leave you with this.
"Then Peter chimed in, "We left everything and followed you. What do we get out of it?"
Jesus replied, "Yes, you have followed me. In the re-creation of the world, when the Son of Man will rule gloriously, you who have followed me will also rule, starting with the twelve tribes of Israel. And not only you, but anyone who sacrifices home, family, fields—whatever—because of me will get it all back a hundred times over, not to mention the considerable bonus of eternal life. This is the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first." Matthew 19:27-30
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