Who in the world likes to hear those words? Yesterday I had a great conversation with someone who knows my heart well… more than I know my heart I think. We were talking about waiting on God and the topic came up of Abraham in the bible and how he waited 99 years to have a child of his own. I was like, “I know, I know and I told God I am not waiting that long!” She laughed and I laughed at myself. In my quiet time I heard the words it’s a process. With many soul wounds from my past the process for me has been quite extensive. What is my process? It starts off with God plucking me out of darkness and into the light.
With a little hesitancy I honestly admit thinking at the beginning that being a Christian meant things were going to get easier. My faith journey has been full of pits and valleys. Life does not get easier but it is a WHOLE lot better with Jesus. Essentially I believe my process is heart preparation to know God is good and trust these words from Him:
For much of my life I have been hiding in a shell. Slowly I come out of that to witness there is beauty in this world despite struggle and pain. With the help of others I have even found the beauty in myself. And being in the blog world is one way to share that part of me. Because of my great compassion for others I have seen God work in me through my honest words. So, if I could have one blog post to sum up my message this would be it. The words below, written in my journal many years ago, describe the impact I want to have in this life and after I leave to party in Heaven:
Let’s be real and stop posing as if we have no issues. Show others the only perfection is Jesus in us. Be honest, vulnerable, and transparent because that gives others the courage to do so as well. This will give them the courage to confess and be free. All of us have a past, secrets, or sin in our heart. Share with them yours so they will know they are not alone. Then share with them the message of HOPE in Jesus. Care about people, care about them like they have never been cared about before. Show them how special they really are. Love yourself. Obey and love God with all your heart. Accept His love for you. Embrace with boldness loving others out of an overflow of that love. Practice the word of God. Do what the bible says and don’t just read it. Love deep despite being hurt even if you have to do it afraid and trembling. Love people with your actions not just your words. Let God have all of your heart. Be real with Him and let Him be real with you. Embrace the truth in love. Filter the words of man to discern if it is God speaking. Let God do a work in your heart. Find passion and compassion. Boast about your weaknesses so the power of God will be known in you. Stop envying others and start seeking God and His purpose for your life. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others. Be comforted. Be still. Love your quiet time with God. And be willing to look like a fool for the sake of the gospel.
