A Lesson Mid-Journey

Sometimes, it isn't until you come to the end of your journey that you see and can finally benefit from the lessons learned.  It is very rare, at least in my own personal experience, that the "A-HA" moment happens in the middle of the journey.  This morning, though, I was blessed by such a revelation of God, I couldn't wait to write about it here.

Lately, some very unusual trials have come my way.  These trials have been somewhat of a "straw that broke the camel's back" kind of ending to a much traumatic 2012.  I would have never imagined at the beginning of this year the heartache that would brush our lives over the course of this year.  But as you'll read shortly, that's when Jesus does His best work...through our trials and heartache.  Each morning, I read a daily devotional from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  It is written in first person as if Jesus is writing directly to the reader.  After reading it several times this morning, it occurred to me how the entire devotional just for today, November 29, describes my life for the entire past year.

I share it with you here hoping that the words will work like a healing balm to your heart and soul...just as they did for me.  Please know you are loved.  You are cherished.  I believe that when you choose to follow Christ with your life...your past, your present, your future, along with the joy and pain that accompany each year of your life...are ALL rooted in Jesus.  And because of that, He can use it ALL for His glory and your eternal benefit.

"In this age of independence, people find it hard to acknowledge their neediness. However, I have taken you along a path that has highlighted your need for Me: placing you in situations where your strengths were irrelevant and your weaknesses were glaringly evident. Through the aridity of those desert marches, I have drawn you closer and closer to Myself. You have discovered flowers of Peace blossoming in the most desolate places. You have learned to thank Me for hard times and difficult journeys, trusting that through them I accomplish My best work. You have realized that needing Me is the key to knowing Me intimately, which is the gift above all gifts."  -Sarah Young from Jesus Calling

Good stuff, my friends.  Really good stuff.  I pray that today you will realize your need for Jesus and that by simply acknowledging your need for Him will lead you to know Him more intimately.  A true and priceless gift, indeed.

Have a great day,
Linds

Scripture Memory Verse 22

Wow!  I can't believe 2012 will be over in just a month and a half.  Only three more verses to go before I complete my goal for the year. 

My verse for the second half of November still sounds and seems so out of context compared to the rest of the chapter.  In Psalm 139, since verse 19, I can really get a sense of David's frustration toward the people of his day who dishonored the Lord with their words and actions.  Through his venting, I have been comforted in knowing that it's perfectly alright and even understandable to become hurt (and maybe even offended) by those who haven't experienced the Lord's presence in their lives.  We live in a hurting world, and based on what I can tell from Psalms, the world was not much different during biblical times either. 

My verse...

I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.  Psalm 139:22 (NIV)

Persevere, my friends.  We are almost at the finish line.
Linds

Scripture Memory Verse 21

I am barely getting this in on time.  But better late than never.  Here is my verse for November 1st... (Can y'all believe it's already November?!)

Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?  Psalm 139:21 (NIV)

This verse sounds so harsh.  You must read it in its entire context in Psalm 139.  In this particular verse, David, the author, seems angry and frustrated.  It's just one of the many emotions he articulates in this passage.  (Just felt like it needed a disclaimer.)  :)

Hope God is changing your life through His Word...
Linds