now & later August 18, 2011

Ever feel like it’s just one thing after another?

This morning I was feeling sorry for myself, and the Lord reminded me that what I am going through is NOT just about the moment. It’s more about my future. It’s transforming me now, and preparing me for later.

Now and later.

The circumstances He’s allowing, the inner stirring that forces us to deal with wounds and junk in our hearts, the conflicts of life, the disappointments… it’s all for good reason.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

You’ve probably heard this verse a million times. I looked up some of the words today. Did you know that the word “all” means everything individually, as well as collectively? Interesting. Sometimes we don’t know the value of something alone… but when God combines it with other things, collectively, He performs a wonderfully detailed work in our lives.

The phrase “work together” translates as the word “synergeo” in Greek. As you might have guessed, it’s the root of our word “synergy”. It means to partner in labor and to put forth power together. The circumstances and hardships of our lives work together with the blessings and God-provisions in order to transform us. The Holy Spirit puts forth power in all things to draw us closer to Him and to make us more like Jesus.

Romans 8:28 promises that all these things will work together for good. It’s the same word that James uses here:

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17

As well as the same word that Jesus uses here:

Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things;

I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!  Matthew 25:21

He wants to give us good, and call us good. This is His goal. Whatever you face today… it’s for now and later. Chew on it, savor the sweetness (or bitter-sweetness) and rejoice!

40 years August 11, 2011

We are in relationship with a loving God. Though I cannot see Him with my eyes, He has become so tangible to me and to my heart.

This morning, I was emotional and grateful for a certain friendship He has provided in my life. I was thinking, “Lord, why are you so good to me? I don’t deserve it…”

Before I could really finish that pitiful thought, He spoke to my heart, “I do it because I LOVE you. I have walked with you and carried you for 40 years.”

Thanks for rounding up, God. My 40th birthday is not until next March! (These are the kinds of super-spiritual thoughts I have in the morning.)

Then, He pointed out to me that this summer marks the 40 yr anniversary of when my mom discovered she was pregnant with me. He HAS walked with me for 40 years! He has been present, guiding, loving, and providing for 40 years. What a milestone. What an amazing God. I am His, and He is mine.

Yet You are He Who took me out of the womb; You made me hope and trust when I was on my mother’s breasts.

I was cast upon You from my very birth; from my mother’s womb You have been my God.

Psalm 22:9-10

How long has He walked with you? Celebrate the milestone!