a little morning Joy

I decided today to crack open the devotional that my mom got for Christmas. It is such a hard discipline for me to force myself down and be still. I am such a mover, and often feel restless, so sitting down to read at times causes me great pains (literally, pain). But today was a different morning.

I was so blown away with what the devotional said, that I just was compelled to share.

"You can achieve the victorious life through living in deep dependence on Me. People usually associate victory with success:not falling or stumbling, not making mistakes. But those who are successful in their own strength tend to go their own way, forgetting about Me. It is through problems and failure , weakness and neediness that you learn to rely on Me....

.....True dependence is not simply asking Me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to Me with an open mind and heart , inviting Me to plant My desires in you. (here's, like, my life:) I may infuse you with a dream that seems far beyond your reach. You know that in yourself you cannot achieve such a goal. Thus begins the journey of profound reliance on Me.... 

...It is a faith walk. One step at a time. Leaning on Me as much as you need. This is not a path of continual success but of multiple failures. However, each failure is followed by a growth spurt, nourished by increased reliance on Me. Enjoy the blessedness of a victorious life, through deepening your dependence on Me."
(inspired by Psalm 34:7, 2nd Corth 5:7.)


I met with a dear friend of mine just the other day where I was discussing with her the anguish I was feeling in trying to have it all figured out right now regarding a career & life plans and so forth. The truth found in this mornings reading was the very same truth that she spoke to me, just the other day. That every single situation and place and time are all part of a master tapestry being sown together, that is my beautiful life. I can't see my entire life laid out the way God can. And through making a wrong choice, or potentially a different choice is not necessarily a bad thing. It will all allow for growth and ultimately wisdom in order to be equipped for what God has in store next. She also told me that the huge dreams that have been placed in my heart are not just silly ideals or human wants. That God has blessed me with those visions in order to serve a greater purpose. I just need to be open and willing to whatever that purpose may look like. 


"The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less." 2nd Corinthians 5:5


I hope this leaves you as encouraged as I am this morning by the Great God that we love & who, more amazingly enough, loves us.