Persevere
Several people have asked for the poem I used yesterday in my message. I hope it encourages you as it has me...
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudgin seems all uphill,
When funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint on the clouds of doubt,
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.
Author unknownOne of the most difficult, painful seasons of my life, God spoke to me and said, "I never promised you a rose garden, but I have promised that I would be with you every step of the way; make a way where there doesn't seem to be any way at all. Trust me. Hold my hand, take a step. I'll net let you fall; I'll not let you fail. Just trust me." I want to pass His message on to you. God never promised you it'd be easy. When you look closely at all of the wonderful inspirational stories in scripture, stories about people like David, Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel, yu see that the will of God is often difficult, even painful. It doesn't always end well. But if you will EMBRACE God's purpose for your life...act upon it...and persever in the face of challenges...I promise you this: your life will be an adventure. Not a fairy tale...but an adventure.
WEIGHT
I picked up my daughter Jen and her fiance' at the airport last night. It is the first time I was able to meet Churchill, so I must say that I was nervous meeting the man that is going to be taking my little girl back to Uganda to live. Well, Jen is 31, so I can't actually call her my little girl. But as mothers, you know what I mean...
We're running like crazy getting this wedding together by the end of the month, then there was the Heart to Heart fall kick off that demanded so much of my time, and creative energy, not to mention the responsibilities of pastoring multi-sites and...okay, I'll stop. I'll stop because I know you have your own lists of things that are weighing you down. I mentioned these things only to let you know that this picture from God is as much for me as it is for you...
Picture a woman walking, all hunched backed and struggling with each step under a huge weight. I'd say she was glistening, but that wouldn't describe it. She was sweating profusely trying to carry her heavy load. The bag on her back was bigger than she, and it looked like she wasn't going to make it much longer. All of her attention was on putting one foot in front of the other and wasn't paying attention to where she was going. She ran into a large man on her path. When I say large...I MEAN HUGE. He was tall, and his shoulders were broader than the shoulders of football players complete with those big pads. They were so large you really couldn't see up past the shoulders to the face. But you can hear his words...
Listen as he says, "Drop your burdens daughter. They are too heavy for you. They were never intended for you. Give them to me. My shoulders can take it. I can bear them for you and I will take care of them on your behalf if you will trade them for my burden." Then who I knew now to be God, held out a dainty little purse with the word "TRUST" embroidered on the side. Then God continued, "Daughter, your burden is to simple trust me. That's all you have to do. I'll take care fo the rest."
WOW...I know it's a simple truth. But it is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO hard to do when the things you are carrying are important to you. Let go... that seems... inconceivable. But that is what God wants you to do right now. He wants you to give...really give to him all that is wearing you down. Give to him your burdens, and as scripture tells us, he will give you rest. Shake your shoulders right now. Shed the weight that is making life so difficult. Give it to God. Give it all to God right now.
PRAY: "Father, I give you my family concerns. I give you my weakness I just can't seem to correct. I give you my financial concerns. ..things that I can do nothing about. I give you well...every weight...every concern...every difficulty. And I declair that I trust you. I trust you with my children. I trust you with their spouses. I trust you with my parents. I trust you with my husband. I trust you with my ministries. I trust you with these prevailing weaknesses in my life. I trust you with my debt. I TRUST YOU!"
TRUST ME!
God is good. My daughter is getting married to a man from Uganda, in less than a month. Without going into detail about the miracle visa that he received so that she could have a US wedding for family, church and friends as well as a Ugandan wedding...let me just say that we have six weeks to pull off her dream wedding. I'm so thankful for the miracle, I'm thankful that Jen will have her US wedding before moving to Uganda to start her marriage and ministry with the man God prepared for her. But six weeks? Of course there is still the responsibilities of a multi-site church that go on, sermons to plan, meetings to attend, ministries to kick off. I've been running 16 - 18 hours a day and still running farther and farther behind. Have you ever heard the addage, "The faster I run, the behinder, I get"? Have you ever lived it? Well, if you have, then this picture is for you as well as for me.Picture a little boy walking barefoot by a dam on his way to fish. He sees a leak in the wall, he looks around for someone to fix it, finding himself utterly alone, he puts his finger into the hole to block the leak. He's very please with himself until another leaks starts. It's within reach of his other hand so he drops his fishing pole and plugs that leak with a finger with that hand. Soon another leak springs and he manages to use a toe to stop that leak. No sooner was the leak stopped than another leak starts to trickle water. No longer pleased with himself, the boy is sweating, straining every muscle to keep the holes plugged. Somehow he manages to stop the leak with a toe from his other foot. Frustrated afraid he cries out to God when another leak starts. "God, I tried to fix things. I've tried to plug every hole, but I just can't do anymore. I don't have any more limbs. I can't reach it. I can't fix it. And I'm getting so tired trying to control all of the other leaks. I don't know how long I can keep this up."
Hear the voice of the Lord. "Who said it was your job?"
STOP here...pause...selah...think about it. Sometimes you and think that we're responsible to fix everything, or at the very least fix "this thing." But God wan't you to know that it's HIS job. It's time for us to take our hands off. It's time for you to take your hands off. Let God be God. Let God do what only He can do. Take your hands off the situation, so that He can do HIS will. It maybe that somethings need to be destroyed before they can be rebuilt, remade and renewed into God's purposes. It's painful. But in the end it will be so much better than anything you or I could do or even think of doing. In the end it will be for your good and for His glory. You've got to trust HIM! You've got to take your hands off.
Picture a woman pulling a loose thread at the shoulder of a garment. Her intent was to make it better. What happened was it cause the whole shoulder seam to unravel and the sleeve fall off. Not only can God fix what you can't...you have to realize your involvement might even make it worse.
Picture a boy sitting in the back of a closet, crying. The mother hearing the muffled sobs and goes to investigate. When she opens the closet door, her son cries out..."Mom, close the door. you don't want to see me. I've been bad. You won't love me anymore." The mother, bends down to pull the little boy out of the closet and into her arms. She says, "Son, don't you know that there is nothing that you can do that will cause me to stop loving you. You're my son. I love you. There may be some consequences to your actions, but it will not be the loss of my love. Here, let me just hold you for a while. Let me love you for a while. Then we'll see about what needs to be done. Trust me, there's nothing you can do that will ever cause me to stop loving you."
Picture a dog, at a pound, waiting for adoption. It's frightened of adults. It is obvious, that it has been abused by someone in the past. When prospective adoptive families come into the pound, they don't consider him a viable option. The dog is just not friendly. It's not what their looking for. But then a man comes in. He stands by the door waiting. Holding his hand out to the dog waiting for it to smell him.
Hear God say, "I'm waiting patiently for you. I'm standing here, longing to put my arms of love around you. I know you've been hurt in the past. Some of it has been through my children. But you must understand that I will never allow anything into your life that will destroy you. I love you. I want to help you get through this victoriously. Trust me. Smell me. Taste and see that I am good. That I love you. That I'm always going to love you. Do not cower away from me. I'm standing here waiting with arms wide open. I love you. But it's your choice. I'm not going to force you. But I'm asking you to trust me enough to walk into my arms and allow me to love you, heal you and give you new hope and direction. A new home."
All of these pictures came the same day. Even though some do not have words from God, I thinkyou can hear His intent in them. I urge you to trust God today. Trust Him with your difficult situations. Trust Him with all those things that are overwhelming you. Trust His love. Trust that HE will work all these things out for your good and His glory if you will but trust Him. Take your hands off and give it into HIS Hands. TRUST HIM!!!
God’s Embrace
My husband and I have just come back from a vacation in the Smoky Mountains. It was a wonderful trip. We read...walked...reconnected with each other...played games...and drove through the mountains. But for me personally, it was also a time to reconnect with God. There has been so much stress, so much discouragement, so much stuff in my life that I had drifted in my relationship with God. I don't know if that ever happens to you. But it felt like I just couldn't take any more stuff...and then came time for our vacation. THANK GOD!!! It was just what I needed. I put down all of the baggage I had been carrying and hugged God. I let Him hug me. You might not be able to get away to the mountains, but you can still consciously put down your baggage and rest in God's embrace.
Picture…the Lord brought something to my remembrance. Sometimes I come into the office or house carrying a lot of stuff like my purse, briefcase, computer, bags, coat, gloves and, well, you name it. When my husband is at the church office or home before me he usually rises to hug me. But when I'm carrying all of this paraphernalia in my arms, the hug is kind of perfunctory. We do our best to embrace and then move on to whatever we need to do. But there are times, when I think to myself, "If I lay all of this stuff down, I could get a really good hug." I tell him, "Just a minute," and drop what I'm holding to reach out to him and we are able to give each other a good hug. When I drop everything, the hug becomes meaningful, a moment when we minister to one another.
Hear…the Lord say, "When you are carrying a lot of baggage, worries or concerns, I can't embrace you as I would like. We simply go through the motions, and that is not what you need. That is not what I need or want for you. Perfunctory embraces do not minister to you at your point of need. They are meaningless. Drop the baggage. It is only when you come to me, empty handed with open arms that our times together will be sweet.
Consider: So, just drop it. Let it go, so that the lover of your soul can truly embrace you. Let go of the baggage so that you can hug Him in return. In such an embrace, you will be ministering to the Lord of all glory as He ministers to you. But letting go is harder than it sounds. Years ago I learned of an effective monkey trap. All it involves is a jar like container that is tied to the ground, loaded with "monkey food," whatever that is. What makes this trap so effective is that the opening is just large enough for the monkey to slip in his hand. But small enough that the hand expanded with goodies cannot get out. The monkey will screech and holler while it yanks and tugs. What it won't do is let go of what is in his hand to secure his escape. He will not let go for his own freedom. What things are you having difficulty letting go? It may be an independent spirit that declares, I can do this by myself and I know what I'm doing and I can get this accomplished. But God is telling you, "No, drop it." He's not impressed with your agenda, goals, plans or what you hope to accomplish. He is looking for a heart that will just love Him. Let go of your independence, and choose dependency on Him. You may be carrying guilt, fear of failure, or confusion from past hurts. Whatever it is that you are carrying in your arms it is stopping you from entering God's embrace. Let go of past hurts by forgiving. Let go of what is truly petty and unimportant by prioritizing according to eternity's perspective. Let go of things that really don't belong to you anyway by remembering to whom they belong. Let go of what you are powerless to control by giving it to God in prayer. When you let go of everything that you are holding you can enter into the seclusion of His embrace where He can minister to you, touch you, and whisper words of love and longing. Let go.
Pray: "Lord, I truly long for your embrace. All of the things that have been going on in my life are really draining me of spiritual and emotional life. It's not really that I've wanted to hold on to them. I guess that is something that just comes naturally. I've been holding on to disappointment, frustration, hurt and a good bit of anger. I've never thought of myself as an angry person. But while you were talking to me just now, I recognized that is what I've become, because I've been holding onto things. I'm sorry about that. I really don't want to hold on to any of this junk. I choose right now to drop it. I am dropping it so that I can hug you…really hug you, and allow you to hug me back without the barrier of weights. I love you. I love your arms around about me. I love just being with you and hearing your voice. It is so sweet. It is so soothing. I love you."
God of Fire
Our missions trip to the Philippines was beyond description. We helped trained new believers who live and work in the "smoky mountain" dump in Manila and others who live in the cemetery. Which just having a small taste of the ministry of the amazing woman, Jane Walker. We then flew to Davao, Mindanao for training of pastors, leaders, children's workers, multimedia of a wonderful church under the leadership of Pastor Herley. We met with old friends. Made new ones. We preached a "First Love" conference, Philippine style. Was able to witness the breath taking ministry of their youth "Harvest" event where over 900 received Christ. We worked morning, night and afternoon and enjoyed every moment of it. Finished the trip off with "island hopping" with a picnic that included a roasted pig, swam and even had a bit of scuba diving. But during it all, we were getting news from back from home. My was daughter going through a devastating season, our dog Jasper, only 6 years old became blind and diabetic almost overnight. There were many times this week, since we came home when we thought we were going to have to put him to sleep. Jasper, for those of you who love dogs, understands is part of the family. Its been such a struggle. My youngest son is going through very difficult leadership challenges and his wife's mother was diagnosed with Lupis. Those being the big things, but there were many, many smaller challenges that all combined to nearly overwhelm me, while we were gone and the week since we've been back. I've found myself shouting at God, angry, hurt and very discouraged. But in the midst of wonderful ministry, and through firey trials beyond any I have expereiced in recent years, the Lord spoke. I hope He speaks to you through this word.
Picture…I saw the Lord upon His throne. His eyes were like flames of fire and the words coming out of His mouth were like lightening bolts. In confusion and not a little fear, I inquired of the Lord, "When I have seen you seated upon your throne in the heavenly realm, you have always been majestic in your bearing, high and lifted up. There have been times when you have been the very personification of a loving Father, reaching out to embrace and comfort your children. Never before have you shown yourself to me as a terrible force, one that must be feared. I don't understand. I know that you are a righteous, holy and just God, and someday you will judge all who have ever walked upon this earth. But isn't this the day of your grace? This looks like judgment to me?
Hear…the Lord say, "You are not seeing my judgment. You could not bear to see that. What you are seeing is my love for you. Just as a parent is fierce in the protection of their children, I aggressively protect my own. You are watching my words as they go forth in power, destroying the attacks of the enemy. All that has happened or ever will happen to you has passed through my hands. I allow them because I know that I can use them to develop and strengthen you. They are not accidents. I have not fallen asleep while the enemy has been at work. I know what you need to prepare you for the things that you have yet to experience. I'm your Creator as well as Father. I am fully aware of what you can stand. I will not allow you to be destroyed. I come against all of the plots and strategies of the enemy that have the ability to truly damage or destroy you. My love for you is fierce. I will not let you be damaged. Strengthened, yes. Matured, yes. Harmed, absolutely not."
Consider: Once when we were in the Smokey Mountains a ranger explained to us that we should not approach baby cubs. Yes, they are cute and adorable; and they look like they couldn't do much damage. But where there is a baby bear, there IS a momma bear. She might leave you alone if you are just walking in the woods, but if it looks like you are messing with her baby, look out! I've never actually seen that happen, but I've read enough accounts to know that it is true. Not only is it true in the animal kingdom, it is also true in the human realm. You can say something hurtful to me and I'll work through it. You say or act in a hurtful manner to my children, there is going to be some words. I am not going to sit idly by while you hurt my children. Believe me. Do you think that our Heavenly Father is less of a parent than the ones found in the animal kingdom? Do you think that he is less than the ones made in his image? He is a loving, caring and protective Father. Sometimes when we are in the midst of problems and heartaches we tend to forget. All that comes through the Father's hand can be used to develop and strengthen us if we will allow it. We need to ask Him, "How do you want me to respond to this? How can this help me to be a more loving and authentic person?" We also need to thank Him for the times we are totally unaware of His fierce protection. When we take time each day to thank Him for the things we have seen Him do on our behalf, we also need to thank Him for protecting us from things that we never had to see. Remember, God loves you unreservedly, passionately, and aggressively.
Pray: "Father, thank you for your unfailing love. Thank you for getting me up this morning, even though it was not exactly when I wanted to do it. Thank you for giving me breath to breathe. Thank you for all of the blessings you have given me. List the things that God has done for you. Name each one specifically, large and small.__________________________________ I want to also thank you for the things that I haven't seen. Thank you for fighting on my behalf. Thank you for the accident's that didn't happen, for the illnesses that did not ravish my body. Thank you for saving me from big mistakes through your guidance. Thank you for bringing key people into my life, and for keeping others away. Thank you for everything seen and not seen that you have done in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen."
"Let's Dance"
It's been an interesting month. But aren't they all? I went to my mom's in the Detroit area to help her with household things, where I had an altercation with a bagel knife. I lost. A trip to the emergency room, to the doctors and twice to a specialist and my finger is finally on the mend. Just still not up for a lot of typing. My daughter went to Uganda. I'm getting ready to lead a team to the Philippines. We had our annual leadership retreat. Lots and lots of work for that one, but oooh sooo worth it. I've preached at all three campuses. Okay...I'll stop. I know your list is as long as mine. But these word pictures really spoke to my heart in all the busyness. I pray it talks to your heart as well. “Let’s Dance” – Three Pictures
Picture…while worshipping the Lord with my eyes closed I heard the Lord say, “Let’s Dance.” He then showed me a series of pictures involving people dancing. This first picture was of a young man on a crowded dance floor, who was obviously dancing alone. There was a four-foot buffer zone around him because everyone was giving him wide berth to keep from being hit in his “enthusiastic” dance style. His arms were flailing around with no particular rhythm or movement. He was spinning, stomping, kicking and jumping around like he had “ants in his pants,” like my mother used to say. Just watching him for a moment was exhausting.
Hear…the Lord say, “That is not what I had in mind. I want you to take my hand that is extending to you and allow ME to lead. I want to teach you the steps to the dance I choreographed just for you. But I also want to you to get accustomed to following my lead. I want you to partner with me in prayer and ministry. I don’t want you going off on your own and expending all your energy in such an ineffective manner. I never asked you to do it on your own. I want you to take my hand and follow my lead in a dance that will cause you to be effective in my kingdom and in life.”
***
Picture…the next picture was of elegantly clad couple dancing a waltz a candle lit ballroom. There were other dancers but I could not take my eyes off this pair. It wasn’t just the dashing tuxedo of the gentleman or shimmering gown and dazzling jewels of the lady that drew my attention. It was the look on their faces. There was such a look of rapture on their faces that I was almost embarrassed to watch. It felt like I was intruding on a very private moment, not that they would have noticed for they only had eyes for each other. Their love was radiating so strong and pure that it was almost a tangible thing.
Hear…the Lord say, “There are those who are aching and hurting today. Your pain is real, but my love will wipe the tears from your eyes and the dull pain throbbing in your chest. Step into my arms and allow me to hold you close. Allow me to embrace you and drive all thoughts of hopelessness from your mind. I love you. I ache with the love that I bear for you. Don’t stay huddled alone in your pain. Step into my arms and let me sweep you away to a place where I can show you my love without disruption. There is too much hurt all around. Step away with me. Dance with me. Let me love you.”
***
Picture…The last picture was of a couple swing dancing. It was just as full of energy as the first guy, but their movements were perfectly timed. Every movement was well executed from the woman jumping into the man’s arms to her slide on the floor between his legs. My first thought was, “Wow, these guys are in good shape.” I couldn’t imagine such sustained physical exertion. Then I thought, “Dancing is definitely not for sissies.” It was so cool.
Hear…the Lord say, “They didn’t just get on the floor yesterday. They have been practicing and practicing. They have practiced so hard and for so long that they have begun anticipating each other’s moves and can improvise. There are those who have been following my lead in the dance of life for a while now. They have been learning to follow my lead from a simple hand gesture to a complex move. They have no thoughts about what they want or what they are going to do. They know strictly to follow my lead. It has been a long and difficult journey. Learning the steps has been difficult. But it is time now for their reward. It is ‘SHOW TIME.’ Because of their faithfulness, because they have followed me every step, I am now going to release the miraculous into their lives. Doors previously shut will be opened. Weariness will dissipate. Prayers prayed for years will be answered. They have danced with me consistently and I trust them. Yes, I know that they trust me, but I also trust them. I know that they will obey me in all ways. Do you think that I was surprised by Abraham’s obedience in bringing his son to me for sacrifice? No, I knew that it was time. I knew that he would pass the test. He faltered some along the way, but he learned his lessons. So have you. Look forward to the dawn of a new season of fruitfulness and prosperity as you continue to follow my lead.”
Consider: The Lord has said it all, and said it quite clearly. There is nothing for me to explain or add. I would just encourage you to meditate on the word that applies to you.
Pray: “Oh sweet Lord, Lover of my soul. My heart is so full I can barely speak let alone pray. I love you so much, and I am beginning to understand your great love for me. You love me when I’ve ‘blown it’ and you love me when I am hurting. You love me when I’ve kept in step with you and you love me when I’ve missed my cue. I’ve been rather disturbed today about a number of things, but your love has made all those things seem so unimportant now. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for comforting me. Thank you for your promise of victory. You are my heart. You are my joy. You are my victory. I want to follow you so closely that I anticipate your direction and meet you there. I want to be obedient in every little thing. I want to please you above anything else in this world. Help me to do that. Help me to please you. Help me to follow your every lead. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
I've come to believe that some people are facebook, blogger, twitter, e-mail kind of people and some are not. And I think maybe I'm not. I want to be. I recognize the tremendous value of networking, sharing and encouraging each other, even when it's not face to face. After all, I've written books haven't I? I see the value, I recognize the need. All I can say is that I'm sorry I've allowed the cares and concerns of family and church overwhelm me to the point I've totally forsaken my friends in "syber space". You can catch my articles on my Heart to Heart website,
http://www.h2hworldwide.com/. or some sermons on our church website,
http://www.clctoday.org/. You can order the book I've written, "Out of the Septic Tank" from my website,
http://www.chrismcquay.com/. But I promise to do better on this blog, I promise. Really I do. I don't want to make excuses, but there has been a lot going on, some good, some stressful and some painful. There's even been some fun stuff, like preparing for my daughter's wedding. My daughter Jen is getting married to a minister in Uganda this fall, and will living in Uganda as a missionary. I'll share more about her ministry in future blogs, but today I'm thinking about wedding plans, and wedding dresses in particular. Your
dress...
“Glorious Garment”
Picture…I saw God in all of his glory. I can’t describe how beautiful his garments were, because He shown with such brilliance I couldn’t make out the details. I wish I could have taken you there because I can’t describe it. But what I can tell you is that it looked like he was holding some kind of material in his arms. I was in such awe that it took a couple of moments to speak. When I found my voice the first thing I said was, “Lord what’s that?” (Indicating the material in his arms.)
Hear…the Lord say, “It’s your garment.” As he held it up by the shoulders away from His glory so that I could get a better look at it, I gasped in amazement. I couldn’t believe it; it was so beautiful. The material seemed to flow like it was water, and it shimmered and shined with every movement. I recognized God’s glory in the glow of the garment. There was exquisite embroidery work nearly on inch of the garment and in the embroidery were worked precious stones of every description. There was more delicate detail work sewn in it than on any material or gown I had ever seen. I cried, “Lord it’s just so beautiful. Beautiful doesn’t even describe it. It’s beautiful beyond description.” Then the Lord told me that it was not yet finished, but that He had wanted to show it to me. “When it is done, you will wear it at our wedding feast.” Then the Lord brought Isaiah 61:10 to my remembrance.
I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. (NLT)
I asked in wonder, “Lord, you’re making this for me?” He surprised me when He said, “No, it’s a joint process. It is my righteousness but you are the one who is adding the detail work.” Then he reminded me of Isaiah 54:11-13.
O you afflicted one, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the LORD, And great shall be the peace of your
children. (NKJV)
The Lord continued to speak, “Every time you are afflicted; every time you experience hurt, disappointment, and/or frustration, your proper response to me is what allows me to put more stones and precious gems in your garment and in your crown. Every time you react to negative circumstances by turning them over to me, I add more gems. Every time you surrender your pain and distress over to me you are laying precious handiwork on that garment. So you see we are making this together. Someday you will stand by my side as my bride.”
Consider: The glory of the Lord will be so great in that we finally get to see him face to face, I just can’t describe it. John tried to describe it in Rev. 19:11-16.
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (NIV)
His gown will be so white, so luminous. But what we might not have considered is that the gowns that he is preparing for his bride, no, the gowns we are preparing together, will be no less incandescent. They are going to be white as snow. The garment will not fade. And that day we will reflect his glory. When someone sees us, they will be seeing HIM. Our glorious Lord loves you. He has a garment that He is preparing with your help. Every time you respond to adversity with His words, mindset, and attitude, the more you are being made into His likeness and the more you reflect His glory. But I’m not just referencing the robes that we shall wear one day when we are able to sit with Him in the Heavenlies, but also here on earth. The more you respond to the ugly with the beautiful the more people will see Jesus shining through you.
Pray: “Lord, I am so looking forward to that day when I get to spend forever with you in Heaven. But to be honest, I’m really looking forward to the “no tears” policy more than the beautiful garment that we are making. I guess that is why I sometimes forget how important my response is to things that are painful and difficult. It’s not just about me. It is about you. It is about all those who will cross my path. I do want them to see your light shining through me. I want it to be said that when they see me, that they can see you too. It was in Antioch that believers so reflected your glory that they started calling them Christians. I want to be called a Christian for more than my church affiliation. I want to be called a Christian because people see you in me. Help me to respond to everything that happens to me today the way that you would, so that your glory can shine through me. I love you and I want to make a difference for you in this world. But I need to remember that it is more about who we are, than what we do. Thank you for reminding me. I needed that. And, oh, yes, thank you for showing me the garment. It reminds me that there is more at stake here than the 70 years we walk on this earth. I can’t wait to try it on. I love you. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
