Wow. I'm ashamed. It's been way too long since I have visited blog-world. There have been several times throughout the past month when I've thought, "Now that would be a great post!" only to lose the energy later to make it all punch out on this screen. It's been an unusual month - Really the only way I know to describe it. It's been a little tiring, slightly draining, and yet spiritually invigorating.
Isn't that interesting when that happens?
That in our trials, God's strength can be supernaturally revealed to the point where we literally feel carried right through the difficult circumstances?
Now, I will announce that there have been several times in my life when I have faced a difficulty and I have had to fight with everything in me just to experience a glimpse of God's peace and presence. And after all my energy was sapped from the battle, God's tender presence became known to me and I felt as though I could just fall asleep in His arms out of complete and utter exhaustion.
This time has (glory to God!) been much different. A trial was set before me, and I immediately was convicted of my circumstantial faith. At that point, I made a conscious decision that I would believe my God regardless of the outcome. I cannot explain to you the immense satisfaction of soul that followed that decision.
My God has been so good to me, friends. Without a shadow of doubt, I can say: He is good. Over and over again, my heart has recited the following verse: "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you" (Psalm 116:7). And I ask you today - Have you taken time to just reflect on the goodness of your God?
We live in a culture that is so hyper-focused on personal satisfaction. How sad it is to me what is happening to our generation. It's all about us. Our happiness, our wealth, our opinions, our feelings. In third chapter of the book of John, John's disciples come to him telling him that Jesus - the one John has testified about - is baptizing others. John's response to this knowledge is so powerful. He says, "A man can only receive what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of Him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:27-30).
John's joy was complete because he had experienced the presence of his Savior. And John was then satisfied to step down and take a position of inferiority, out of his desire to make Jesus high and lifted up. So many times in life, I am unwilling to step down from my personal throne. I resist becoming ... less. I feel entitled that things should go my way. I regretfully fail to realize that my feelings of entitlement are pitiful in light of the Cross of Christ. My mindset is at times so self-centered that I get lost in my own circumstances, and my prayers often reflect this frame of mind. It's when I finally get a glimpse of the perfection of Jesus - when I experience the presence of my Savior - that I realize that this is life of mine would be nothing without Him. He must become greater; I must become less.
Whatever weakness you are experiencing right now - whatever trial - God can still use you. Most of the time, He can use you more. Because there's something about the trial process that creates in us the humility we've long been lacking. The humility that God so treasures. The kind that says: He must become greater; I must become less.
So in light of your present circumstances, sweet friend, may you personally experience the powerful presence of your Savior. And like John, may your joy be complete in the person of Jesus. It is yours to claim.
Blessings to you,
Heather
