"You were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, 'it is hopeless'…"- Isa. 57:10
So many times we have heard the verse that talks about abiding in Him and apart from Him you can do nothing. But I know I for one do not live like it. I live like all Jesus did was save me and now the rest is up to me. I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesn't "believe" that theology, but sure lives it. That's a dangerous place when you say you believe something you don't live. There is a subtle but destructive disconnect somewhere. The Lord has recently pointed one out in my life. I'm tired and stressed because all I do is try to make it work on my own. And the Lord in His great love let me do it till I couldn't move any more.
"…I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate." – Matt. 23:37-38
That last part really hit my heart……"your house is left to You, desolate.". That's how I hear it said. His love is so big for us that He is not willing to leave His sons and daughters orphans. That's what that striving spirit is, believing you are an orphan. You my never say it but actions speak louder. This journey He has me on, He has you on, is a journey to life. Everyday He is drawing you, drawing me into coming more alive, if we are willing. A lot of vulnerability is required, a lot of trust, and ALL dependence. We risk looking foolish..like little children, living like this. But….He did say only those who become like little children will inherit the kingdom (matt. 18:3). Little children are marked by the attributes of, they love and trust. They also receive love much better than adults. Thank God He is renewing us day by day and calling us to life and rest and childlikeness. His ways are not our ways and those are blessed who are not offended with them(Luke 7:23, Matt 11:6). This is His journey and we must go by His ways. Be willing to embrace the "foolish" things. Oh thank God for it because it is real life..true life. Let Him teach you how to be a son and then abiding in him and loving will flow naturally.
" But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matt 7:14 NIV
