Waters reflection is the image shining upon it! Let that sink deep!
In 2010 while on a mission trip to Kenya, the LORD began revealing His plan for my part of our ministry. I remember the very day. That moment is still so vivid: the sounds, the smells, the climate, everything about it is so very real. There, secluded unto His Presence, I found such peace. In that stillness He awakened me to His thoughts, His desires, place deep within that soul place where only He speaks. That trip, that very moment, changed my life. I returned to the states different, but that was only the beginning of many changes. I knew there was more to His plan for me, and I WANTED it! Although it would take time to see His plan come to fruition, everyday choices and steps to get there were my responsibility. For what He had given, I was held accountable. In this moment today, I am accountable.
SELF-Check to Choices
Upon doing a ‘self-check’ of where I am and where I want to be, reflection always brings questions. Lately I have really been meditating on this specific one, “what do I really want?” I cannot be quick to answer with my reply. I know of certain details in my life that I would like to see take place, but what would the outcome be? I cannot see down the road and know the consequences of my choice. But I do know this, I have the power to change lives and that alone grips me to the core. (John 14:12-14)
Every day I am faced with choices that will change my testimony. Good? Bad? Positive? Negative? From the moment I awake until sleep returns, those times are mine to live well. I can build up or I can tear down. I can lead forward or I can lead astray. I can invest in lives or I can destroy them. All of this because in any given opportunity, I have a choice to make. My testimony, like my choices, will affect EVERYONE around me! What will be the outcome? The end result? I can make the choice that will strengthen my testimony or I can destroy it. Within my day-to-day life, I have to be conscious of the choices that I make. I want to evaluate the possible outcome ahead even though I cannot see the complete ‘Big Picture’. I need to choose well. With that being said, I must purpose and surrender to this choice, and this one alone, every single day:
Trust in the LORD with ALL thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In ALL thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5, 6
The answer to my question? I want His B-E-S-T! I want to be His reflection everywhere and always. I CANNOT DO LIFE WITHOUT JESUS!!! The testimony that I have, He has given me. I cannot be trusted to guard or protect any of it on my own. I can choose Him daily and leave all the choices up to Him. He will lead and open the way before me. He will take me to where He wants me to be. He will place His words in my mouth and they will be life unto others. I just want to GLORIFY Jesus with this life that He has given me.
I pray this post speaks deep! The ‘self-check’ questions that need to be asked of you cannot come from me. My hearts desire is that you listen and obey. To Him be Glory in your life.
I want to drink deep! Father, pour in that I may be poured out!
Loved this so much!!
This is beautifully written and hit me right at home!!! Instead of waking up and making my choices before thinking, I should start thinking of the outcome or thinking how it will affect my testimony and how it will affect others. This was awesome. Helped me GREATLY to get back on track trying to be ALL that I can be for HIM!
Thankful that you are encouraged! He wants all of you…today and everyday! I love you.