People
often think that the life we know is better than the life we do not know. That
is why women stay in abusive marriages and continue to suffer the torment. They
believe they do not deserve better.
When we
come to Christ, He humbles us; yet He gives us His holy boldness. We start to
realize that we are not defective; and that in Him, we are "enough".
Christ in
us transforms us into all that He intends for us to be. We no longer need to
strive for perfection, because God's Spirit within us changes us from one stage
of holiness to the next (2 Corinthians 3:18).
We find
our true identity and fulfillment in Christ alone (Colossians 3:3-4, 2:9-10;
Philippians 1:13-2:16). We are adopted as God's children, conformed to Christ's
image and co-heirs with Christ of God's Kingdom.
Most of us
need a breaking point in our life in order to step over the line from self-effort
to Christ-reliance. The trials, which God allows in our life, are designed to
bring us to the end of our self.
My
breaking point was when the love of my life decided that there was no option
for us, but divorce. I had no job, no alimony and no foreseeable future.
In this
bewildering new world, my only option was to rely totally on God for each
moment of my day. As I did, I entered a deeper relationship with our Lord; one
that I continue to this day.
As I
listened to His Spirit within, He led me to get a job at a Montessori school
where my training and relationships taught me to nurture my own soul.
He also
gave me two other jobs, so I could pay my bills and save for a rainy day.
Eventually, in His perfect way and timing, He brought a nurturing, appreciative
husband into my life as well, and restored my ministry as a Pastor's wife.
Prayer:
Father
God, You brought me to the place in my life where I stopped trying and gave up.
I cast all of my cares on You, because I had no doubt that You cared for me.
You taught me that Your Spirit will put us in the right place at the right time,
if we will listen to that still, small voice within us (1 Kings 19:11-13).
Remind us
that the sooner we stop trying, and enter into Your rest, the sooner our life
will hold unspeakable joy, even in the midst of sorrows. Your Spirit leads us
to be productive for Your Kingdom; and in the process, all of our needs are
met.
Thought
for the Day:
As we
totally surrender our heart to God in prayer, we give Him our weaknesses and
failings - even the sins we commit in secret. We no longer live in shame, but
in the fearless confidence and identity of Christ in us.
- Job
11:13-15; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 1:27
Many thanks to Matt Milligan for his photo.
