This morning’s message was powerful. The pastor taught from Hebrews 12:1-3:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Once again, the Lord was speaking to me about fixing my eyes on Him and not losing heart as He perfects my faith! Earlier, I had been talking with some friends about how it feels like God is stripping away everything I’ve allowed to come between Him and me—something I’ve prayed for many times. Specifically, He’s working on my control issues and my tendency to step in and “fix” things when I feel like they aren’t being handled the way I think they should be.
It’s as if God is building my spiritual and faith muscles—it hurts, and I feel sore—but I know that, in the end, He will be glorified!
After church, I spent some time cooking while Tom read to me from False Intimacy by Harry Schaumburg. We had a wonderful conversation about God and what He is doing in our lives. Some of the ideas in the book challenged me, pushing me to examine and question certain aspects of what we’re doing more deeply.
I realized I needed some answers and encouragement—I’ve been engaging the enemy too much, allowing doubt and fear to creep in. And once again, I found myself asking the same question I’ve asked so many times before: Why do I keep falling into doubt and fear so easily, just like the Israelites?
God is always awesome. He is always big. He is always in control.
Thank you, Jesus!
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