In our world of customized products and fast delivery, I sometimes get confused with the world and my spiritual life. Lately God has been showing me that the path we are on is not my path, my family’s path or anyone else’s path, it is His path. Two verses have illustrated this to me. The first is Psalm 138:8 ESV “The LORD will fullfill his purpose for me;” and in 2 Thessolonians 1: 11 Paul prays “…, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power. 12. so THAT the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you….”
Wow, what verses to remember. I fall into the trap of thinking that I come up with the strategy and God is the great implementor. The type of “I dream of jennie” type God that comes rushing in when I have trouble and sorts it out so I can finish my plans and make myself happy and comfortable. I did not realize that this type of belief had so much of my mind when we left the U.S., but now I surely see that I struggle with this entitlement. This sin which my flesh believes gives me “rights” causes so much anxiety, pain, despair and loneliness.
Through our Father’s mercy and grace, I am starting to slowly re-learn that I have a purpose and plan for my life. It is not mine, but it is God’s purpose. He created me and the plan/purpose. Now I go out and through His power I fulfill this purpose so that the wonderful name of Jesus is glorified. When I meditate on this truth, I see how the Psalmist finishes the verse in 138:8 with “your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” In my words, “Lord don’t stop now and don’t forget me because I will drown in the mud slop of this world unless you provide the plan, purpose and power.”
Please be praying for us that we will have the resolve to lean on His power and that we will not feel entitled to certain plans, but to give up our life for His plan. This is the freedom that produces joy, hope, love, peace and faith.
It reminds me of one of my favorite hymns:
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
God Bless,
Jay