After coming home and crashing for a few hours, it was time to get going again by preparing for some great friends to come over for the annual watching of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation". We have seen both children in this family go through our student ministry and become strong in their faith. Their parents and I have logged many miles together during mission trips and retreats. This is a benefit of staying in one place for an extended period of time. (We are finishing up our 10th year at PVBC). Before going to bed I asked the Lord to ease my mind before drifting off to sleep. He directed me to this passage. Romans 8:31-37New Living Translation (NLT)
- 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us."
Since God gave His ALL to save me, He will continue to do His All to protect me. Over the years there have been many who have judged me on the way I do ministry (good and bad). I am grateful at the end of the day that He is the ultimate authority. His approval is what I seek, not that of men. The only thing that can separate me from God love is me. When I shift attention on what I do not have or what I perceive God is NOT doing, I lose that sweet fellowship with Him due to my self-absorption. Tonight as I drift off to sleep, my prayer is for Him to continue to hold me close. I have bigger dreams, but I must trust His pace and timing. To run ahead of God would only make me tired. Tonight I am resting in Him. Let's see what tomorrow holds.
Well said my friend, very inspiring! I admire what He has done, is doing and will continue to do through you, it is encouraging, thank you my brother in Christ.
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