1. He is enough for me.
This lesson I haven’t grasped just yet. This one is a work in process. He has convicted my heart to realize that I have put other things above Him–substituting His perfect fulfillment with a thought that He can be pieced or matched with something else. That isn’t how God works. He is jealous for me and my heart. He will not allow other gods to be put before Him.
In yet another reminder today, we sang the song that reminded me that He is enough for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6MzgVsP2uE
2. Life won’t be easy, but the fight will be worth it.
Another lesson that the Lord is teaching me is that following Him is a daily battle. I wasn’t called to follow Him with the promise of a great and easy life (and how boring that would be). He calls us to follow Him in full abandonment. He calls us to die to our selves every day and to pick up our cross. He calls us to display the fruit of the Spirit. He calls us to love others and meet the needs of people. His commandments are difficult to follow when our world reflects opposite views. The world says to protect and take care of yourself. The world tells us to be self-centered and enjoy your desires. Choosing to go against the world and what society reflects is a challenge–however, obedience blesses us (spiritually, emotionally and physically). Obedience also gives us opportunities to be used by God that would not have happened if we stayed wrapped up in our own agendas.
In the midst of a crazy week, the Lord allowed me to encourage two of my friends, pray for a lost friend, see the Lord redeem the lost friend, heal another friend, provide my financial goal (and surpass it), provide wisdom, and give rest and restoration for my soul. The list could go on. And in the midst of the week, I felt empty and exhausted. I felt like I could give up. However, as I reflected on the week, it excited and rejuvenated me. I realized that if I want to be used by God, I have to rely on His strength to get me through each day. I must rely on Him to protect and defend me when I face the spiritual attacks of the enemy. I must call on His name to renew my mind as I study His Word. I have to seek discernment to be used by Him and see the opportunities He provides.
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
3. His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness/failures.
Straight forward to understand in the head, not so easy to understand in the heart. He has brought me to an understanding that I CANNOT do this on my own. No matter how I try or attempt to take control or fix a situation…I am not all-knowing. And when I do attempt to control the situation or forget to be people-oriented, His grace is waiting for me. He continues to teach me how much I need is grace. He continues to teach me that I am not as awesome as I think I am (humbling–even though I am awesome but because I stand in the righteousness that Jesus gave me through the cross, not in and of myself).
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
A total God story, in relation to this lesson, happened a few weeks ago. I woke up on a Sunday and felt yucky. I didn’t want to go to church, but I was reminded that the Lord promises to bless obedience and He promises to use me when I step out in faith. When I was driving into church, I called out to the Lord quoting this scripture. Calling for His strength and power to help me through the morning and to also give me a discerning heart for how He wanted to use me that morning. As I walked into Sunday school, I noticed a girl sitting by herself, so I introduced myself and sat down next to her. Within 2 minutes of conversation, I found out she had completed the World Race in 2011-12. I freaked out for like 1 minute…just relishing in God’s complete sovereignty. Enjoying the blessings for obedience and His grace. I was so excited to hear about her experiences, but also able to introduce her to friends at church (because she is a newbie). Fast forward to service, they just happened to read 2 Corinthians 12:9. just like I just happened to meet Rachel…reminding me that I had called out to the Lord and reminding me that the Lord was faithful and He answered.
Prayers:
1. Financial support (around $8000 left to go)
2. Dependence on the Lord (not my own abilities)
3. A teachable spirit and a discerning ear
4. My teammates–pray for #1-3 for them as well 🙂
Thank you for your continued support, love and prayers!
