So, lately I've really been struggling. Again... I know, I know. I'm sure you're all wondering when I will finaly get over this never-ending (or so it seems struggle.) I think it's all working out though, and in God's timing. I'm learning patience and I'm trying to bloom where I'm currently planted. Even though I feel like I'm just a little dead weed who can barely hold her stem up.
Here's a great quote that I can't stop thinking about:
"Unless we change the direction we are heading, we might end up where we are
going." ~ Chinese Proverb
I know. Pretty profound. :) But really, things need to change, and I needs God's guidance and wisdom and I need to obey His timing.
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2 comments:
When you mentioned that you were trying to learn patients it made me think of something our beloved Beth spoke on a couple of weeks ago in our study of "A Women's Heart: God's Dwelling Place".
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patients......"
Beth responded to this scripture by saying:
"The fruit of the spirit represents Christ's personality. When we allow the Holy Spirit to flow freely through our purified vessels, His personality takes over and we display love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. How often do we wear ourselves out praying for more patience, faith, joy, or peace? All of these fruits are the supernatural response of a Spirit-filled believer! A more appropriate prayer is 'Lord, purify me and make me a fit vessel for Your presence, then fill me to overflowing with your precious Holy Spirit.' The fruit will supernaturally and automatically be produced."
Wow, what a relief this little tidbit in her lesson gave me! I am always comparing how well I express love, joy, peace, patients.... to the fruits we are expected to express in the bible and you guessed it, I was always falling short. When I realized that the fruits of The Spirit is just that "His Fruits", not mine. They are called the Fruits of The Spirit, not the Fruits of Jennifer's hard work and determination to love better, be happy, to gain peace, to be more patient..... They are a result of His Holy Presence in us. They are His fruit to produce and we are just the vessel He uses to display them. Our job is to ask God to purify our hearts and fill us to capacity with His Holy Presence, then because we are filled with Him instead of ourselves the fruit will be His and now our own.
I love you my sweet Shanen! I just wanted to share one of the things that has given me rest in the midst of my struggling.
BTW - You would love "A WOMEN'S HEART:GOD'S DWELLING PLACE" Two of Beth's studies have changed my life so far, this one and "Believing God". This one is marvelous!!!!!!
Love You
jen, thank you so much! I have NEVER thought of it that way... they are not the "Fruits of Shanen", but the "Fruits of the Spirit"! How profound! I have a few friends who are doing that same BM study, and I totally need to check it ou! Love you! Thanks for the beautiful encouragement.
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