~I do it for Love~
I have been struggling lately because I see too much at times, and the seeing leads to a longing for more of heaven on earth. Sometimes, I find myself grumbling and complaining like an Israelite in the sands between Egypt and the land of promise. I have forgotten that I've crossed over. I'm on the other side of the Jordan now, both literally and figuratively. My promised land is full of giants, fortified cities, and impossible odds. Good thing my God is bigger than all of it. Yet He still asks me to fight. (Please see the book of Joshua, or this post is going to make no sense to you...also, the book of Exodus for references to the desert.)
So what am I fighting for? And is it worth the battle, or is it someone else's dream? Has God ordained this task, or is it a far reaching cry from an overly idealistic heart? What of the road signs along the way? What of the places we have gone together and the lessons learned? What of the betrothal in the wilderness? Do I dare to step off of the pathway now that the manna isn't falling on the ground every day, now that I'm having to find my own food in the land He's provided for me? Do I call this something other than the land of promise because existence is a battle and He's taken the bottle from my lips?
Maybe the best part of God is that He reasons together with me. He is ok with the fact that my mind is logical and emotional. He's not intimidated by my questions, He doesn't condemn me, and He corrects me in a way that I can feel His love. This isn't another pointless meeting. This is a living breathing relationship, where the first is last and the last is first. This is a banqueting table where the goodness of God is in not only the food, but every person present. This is the seat of honor, where His banner over me is love displayed by impossible circumstances setting God up for miracle after miracle and the poor in spirit inheriting the earth. This is the dynamic Kingdom of God coming to invade earth, not without obstacles, trials, or battles. But it's worth it. Somehow, I know the trials are worth it because they bring me closer to His throne, closer to staring Him in the eyes and seeing Him face to face.
And how do I know I am where I am supposed to be? Because I did not seek this position, because He promised this place to me before He even brought me here. Because this was His idea, not mine. I know that I am where I belong because when I get discouraged, He sends someone or something to remind me that this was His design all along. He's not intimidated by my questions, my heart does not scare Him. He knows I am His own, no matter what the cost. So here we go. Time to renew lost commitments, time to step fully into the promise. Time to take out the giants once and for all, time to make no covenant with any uncircumcised Philistine. Because God alone is worthy of praise. So we will fight, and we will win, but not as the world fights. We come with love, servant hood, peace, joy, holiness, and above all the Spirit of the Living God.
So take heart little army. The Commander of the Hosts of Heaven's armies came and died for you to lead you in His triumph. He holds the keys of death and hades in His hands, and He's not letting go of you, not by a long shot. You're perfectly safe in Him.
Ask me why I work as an Intercessory Missionary, and I'll tell you. I do it for love. I'm in love with Jesus, and I'm in love with His bride, and I'm in love with the city of Salem, Oregon. So, I'm captivated, and I cannot let go because this is what He laid hold of me for. To love Him, His bride, and you, oh Salem. And if I had it to do again, I would. Love has laid hold of me, and He's not letting go so neither shall I. This then is my hope and stay, Jesus always, Jesus ever.
So what am I fighting for? And is it worth the battle, or is it someone else's dream? Has God ordained this task, or is it a far reaching cry from an overly idealistic heart? What of the road signs along the way? What of the places we have gone together and the lessons learned? What of the betrothal in the wilderness? Do I dare to step off of the pathway now that the manna isn't falling on the ground every day, now that I'm having to find my own food in the land He's provided for me? Do I call this something other than the land of promise because existence is a battle and He's taken the bottle from my lips?
Maybe the best part of God is that He reasons together with me. He is ok with the fact that my mind is logical and emotional. He's not intimidated by my questions, He doesn't condemn me, and He corrects me in a way that I can feel His love. This isn't another pointless meeting. This is a living breathing relationship, where the first is last and the last is first. This is a banqueting table where the goodness of God is in not only the food, but every person present. This is the seat of honor, where His banner over me is love displayed by impossible circumstances setting God up for miracle after miracle and the poor in spirit inheriting the earth. This is the dynamic Kingdom of God coming to invade earth, not without obstacles, trials, or battles. But it's worth it. Somehow, I know the trials are worth it because they bring me closer to His throne, closer to staring Him in the eyes and seeing Him face to face.
And how do I know I am where I am supposed to be? Because I did not seek this position, because He promised this place to me before He even brought me here. Because this was His idea, not mine. I know that I am where I belong because when I get discouraged, He sends someone or something to remind me that this was His design all along. He's not intimidated by my questions, my heart does not scare Him. He knows I am His own, no matter what the cost. So here we go. Time to renew lost commitments, time to step fully into the promise. Time to take out the giants once and for all, time to make no covenant with any uncircumcised Philistine. Because God alone is worthy of praise. So we will fight, and we will win, but not as the world fights. We come with love, servant hood, peace, joy, holiness, and above all the Spirit of the Living God.
So take heart little army. The Commander of the Hosts of Heaven's armies came and died for you to lead you in His triumph. He holds the keys of death and hades in His hands, and He's not letting go of you, not by a long shot. You're perfectly safe in Him.
Ask me why I work as an Intercessory Missionary, and I'll tell you. I do it for love. I'm in love with Jesus, and I'm in love with His bride, and I'm in love with the city of Salem, Oregon. So, I'm captivated, and I cannot let go because this is what He laid hold of me for. To love Him, His bride, and you, oh Salem. And if I had it to do again, I would. Love has laid hold of me, and He's not letting go so neither shall I. This then is my hope and stay, Jesus always, Jesus ever.
so well said
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