Two Fold Revelation
I believe God has done a pretty good work over the years to prove that His approval of me, His acceptance and love as well as His will alone is what I must seek. Beth Moore said it well when she answered a fellow sis-in-Christ when asked how she can be so confident in God. Her answer was that if every person knew everything about her, all her choices, opinions, her history, her secret thoughts, no one would accept her therefore she is free to not seek or dwell, or live under others judgment. I thought that made sense. I have figured that out seeking after certain people's approval is like chasing the wind. I also look at it in a different perspective. "Behold, the Lord God helps me; who is he who condemns me? Behold, they will all wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them." Isaiah 50:9 I know that God always accepts me, always loves me, always looks out for me. In my darkest times, He was with me. In my times of celebration, He laughed for joy with me. He is my dancing partner when I dance and He mourns with me when I mourn. Even more than that, "...comfort all who mourn,..giving garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." Isaiah 61:2b-3
My second realization has been longer in coming, or harder for me to remember, and hold on to, it is what makes all this two fold. While speaking to others of seeking peace in God, I have my own area of struggle in seeking peace in others, not necessarily their acceptance but that they do what I want. I want others to be at peace so that I can draw from that peace. So while I have come a long way in the first part this second part is a work in progress. As Isaiah also says, I am in a wine press, God working to create a wine in me that when others are in my presence they be strengthened as by a good and pure wine. Cool.
P.S. Speaking of Beth, her recent post, "Maybe Something a Little Refreshing" is refreshing indeed. I encourage you to read it and pray you find it as encouraging as I have.
My second realization has been longer in coming, or harder for me to remember, and hold on to, it is what makes all this two fold. While speaking to others of seeking peace in God, I have my own area of struggle in seeking peace in others, not necessarily their acceptance but that they do what I want. I want others to be at peace so that I can draw from that peace. So while I have come a long way in the first part this second part is a work in progress. As Isaiah also says, I am in a wine press, God working to create a wine in me that when others are in my presence they be strengthened as by a good and pure wine. Cool.
P.S. Speaking of Beth, her recent post, "Maybe Something a Little Refreshing" is refreshing indeed. I encourage you to read it and pray you find it as encouraging as I have.
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