The LORD brings us to crucial crossroads throughout our life. He desires for us to be the reflection of His image. If you are like me, this is going to a take a lot of work and be a long journey. Soul work is precious, but it will be a painful experience. Two of the most prominent truths that I have found during these times are:
- God is faithful… ALWAYS!
- God desires Holiness in His children.
Through the workings in my soul, He is always there. Through every emotion I express, He is there! He is with me every moment. His Presence never leaves me. He can’t! Why? Because He promised and He cannot lie. Those moments when all is silent and I want to hear from Heaven, He is right with me…watching me. The times that I cannot feel Him and I am grasping in the dark for substance, He is right with me. Does He make Himself known at my call? Not always, but He is right with me. He never changes, never will! I change! All too easy I change. Some for my good, others ummm, not so good. These changes need to be reworked. Yes, that makes me cry, “Ouch!” Many of my changes are temporary and need to be repeated. Holiness is not accomplished in one transformation. We are being transformed daily as we submit to His will. Our journey to Holiness is His constant working in our soul. Our transforming is dependent upon our being pliable, teachable, obedient, surrendered, submissive and consistent. He knows the way and the work needed for a Holiness transformation which benefits His Kingdom. Sorry to say this, but He doesn’t always give us the details. There will be “unknowns” before us.
Coming to Raging Waters: His Way Is in the Sea! UNKNOWN
But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea … speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward. ~ Exodus 13:18; 14:15
We are given this one life to live well, to make a difference. While we are here, we will come to many crossroads before us. Our crossroads will be “choice-points” along the journey. All will be important, but some will prove critical in our life. The children of Israel came to what seemed a great impossibility. No matter what their belief, God proved FAITHFUL. He did not waver. He was taking them to the Promise and He knew the B-E-S-T way, the only way! Taking that first step, they ventured forward on that dry ocean bed. I am sure they were curious and astonished at the sight around them. Going forward was unknown to them, but going was critical. Had they stood still or gone back, they would have died. Choice! I want to choose well, even if it presents ‘unknowns’ in my life. As Psalm 77:19 calls to my heart, “Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.” I trust Him. He has proven Himself faithful every day. Past crossroads have come offering “choice-points” before me, which allowed Him to present ‘unknowns’ that have increased my faith. He has conquered fears and failures daily. God revealed ‘me.’ My ‘list making’ and need for control was an exaggerated use of the gifts that God had placed inside of me. Those gifts that are designed for His purpose, to bring Him Glory through my life. I am not to abuse them or take them to the extreme for personal gain or self-fulfillment. In truth, they are His and I am to use them well.
Do I still make lists? Occasionally, but mostly as a reminder. Do those ‘old traits’ like to come calling? Yes, but I am aware of their destructive behavior. I have learned to surrender them unto Jesus. Does everything still have a place? Yes, but I am not obsessive about it. Balance, structure and spontaneity can coexist! And they do in my life and my home. I have come to like spontaneous moments. I try to practice them more often. I am not geared that way naturally, but I am learning to be ‘full of surprises’. Last weekend, while our grandchildren came for a sleepover, the living room was filled with their pop-up tent, blankets, pillows, toys and laughter. Breakfast and lunch were served picnic style on the dining room floor. We made memories and took advantage of our play time, pool time and even travel time. (They love ‘animal snores’. You had to be there!) I want them to see Jesus in me! I want them to relate my love for them to His love as they grow up. I want my life to Glorify my Savior and that calls for obedience in all areas. Changes? Let Him accomplish them. I am embracing the ‘unknowns’ in my life, wherever and everywhere that He is leading. Some days, He will bring hard changes and spontaneity and I am okay with that. Through my steps of obedience into the ‘unknown’, He will entrust me with specific details when I can handle them. Control is His, not mine. I will not travel alone. He goes before me, with me and brings others alongside of me. I rest in His control, not mine.
There is ‘life more abundantly’ that calls unto my heart. As in Deuteronomy 30:19 my hearts cry is “I choose life.” I want the abundant life that Jesus has designed for me. That life will require daily work toward Holiness in me. I want to please Him. I want to know HOLY and all that He is! I want that life. Life that holds many ‘unknowns’, but only for me. He knows the way and I can trust Him with every step … ALWAYS!
What “unknowns” are you facing today? Can you rest in Jesus? Can you embrace the way that He is calling and take that first step. The next step will be easier for He has promised to go with you. Is He beckoning unto your soul for change? Don’t fight Him. Allow Him to work over your soul for His Glory and your good. You will be amazed at what He can do! We are His workmanship, made to reflect His image. Embrace His Holiness and let Him work in your soul today… everyday.
I want to drink deep! Father, pour in that I may be poured out!
