Thank you for attending the new class with us yesterday. I sent out an e-mail that talks about how to prepare for the next lesson. Please read the passages I mention and think about how you view heaven.
I do want to touch on who we are again. We really are created. Someone else designed us and knows what He intends for us. He defines us. We don't. He has the right to use us for His purposes. As I think about my response to being used, I frequently don't like it. I don't know if I would have gotten into the landing craft on D-Day. I would have been angry and fearful of what awaited me when the craft landed. At times, when my life is difficult, I find the same resistance to God using me. Sometimes I have to step in to try to bring peace between family members, when what I want is for those family members to take care of me. God knows that my best requires what He has planned for me. Sometimes I see that after the fact. Sometimes I recognize that if I had my way I would always be rested and ready. I also would not have the faith and dependence upon God that He has developed in me through the trials. I would not be confident in His care because I would not need it. When I realize this I am grateful for the trials and struggles that He uses to teach me He is with me.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me...
God, please keep pounding into me that the most important reality of my life is your loving and powerful presence.
I will never leave you nor forsake you...
Thank you that in spite of my resistance, you will not let me go.
Steve
i can understand what you say about being resistant to being used. i tell myself that i want God to use me, but i want it on my terms. (personal autonomy.) i want to play "Let's make a Deal" or i'll think something like "OK God, use me, and here's how." Even if intellectually i know i need to trust Him, "i" keep getting in the way.
ReplyDeleteHenry Blackaby said something like 'Sometimes people do things for God and hope He'll bless it later'. That's what i've been doing for a long time. i make the plans, i develop the strategy, and i tell myself, it's all good, because i'm doing it for God. But it's not what He asked me to do. i need to listen and "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him" (Psalm 37:7); and listen some more.
Thank you for offering this course. i look forward to growing in Christ with all of you.
paulette