-Worth It All-
"Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf." //Hebrews 6:16-20
This isn't wishful thinking. This is a solemn promise of a certain, bright, wonderful future filled with promise. Jesus has promised He will come through on this; and this is wonder: that we can build our lives on Jesus without a fear of Him not coming through or questioning His will. The hope of His love is real- it's living. And it will never fade.
Corrie Ten Boom, one of my childhood heroines, returned to the hands that helped to cause her pain. Through this her hope and joy through that season of pain... was realized. I'm seeing right before me... that life really "begins" when we understand the G-d holds our entire existence safe in His hands, and who we truly are to Him.
Adoniram Judson said something profound... "The future is as bright as the promises of G-d." Are we thoroughly trusting in His promises? I'm guilty of worry over the future, concern over how "life" will happen. But what He's shown me... what I've heard and seen and cling to... is that one of the greatest, greatest blessings of affliction is that it's a season- temporary- where we can truly fix our eyes on the eternal. I love the stories of the missionaries who miss the atmosphere of a jail cell... because they truly felt G-d's peace, His presence so near.
And if G-d is for us...none of it matters.
But in those times where I know (because I still work on and pray for this surrender of every moment every day) I'm completely and wholly surrendered to my Savior- this is where hope and joy burst within our soul and spill over into our lives. This is the point where we want to share this with everyone.
This is the anchor of our soul... sure and steadfast. By His grace alone we have confidence that He will never leave us nor forsake us. As He calls us into this great unknown.. He will not unravel or fade. When we truly follow Jesus..we put our very lives and desires at His feet. And.. oh, it is scary to think about.
But He is worth it all.
Oh, my friends... all we have without Jesus... is nothing. Nothing.
He has a love both deep and wide. "G-d did not create us... to abandon us."
So let us live with abandon for love of Him.
--
Abba... i might not know or see the future.
i look at my own "abilities" or "talents."
i know i fall short.
thank You that You're the only One who is more than enough.
in my ups and downs and all the times in between, be my Confidence.
be the One who puts a laugh in my mouth as i look to the future with an open heart... with joy-filled eyes.
wherever You would call me... You are worth it.