August 27th, 2018

Lord, Refine Me

In different seasons, God chooses to bring us in - to refine us - to chisel away at our "human-ness." I think at times - this work can be done through situations we are placed in - or other times, we can ask the Lord - what He has for us ? To reveal to us where work needs to be done - or even better- is when other people point it out to us, first, then after hearing it (more than once for some us who are a little more resistant AKA stubborn) we choose to ask the Lord for help --- 
I believe for purpose in this crazy life - God desires to reveal our purest - most Christ-like self - down to the most faceted and purest diamond we can be. 
So to be real - my newest refinement came from two ways -a forced slow down from the "busy-ness" of life from a physical injury - and asking the Lord what He has for me in this time.  He has revealed to me that the "area" that needs work  - or even more so needs Him - is DISCIPLINE - SELF-CONTROL - SELF_DISCIPLINE - 
How did I know this answer is Divine ? 
3 main reasons
1.  This is one of my husbands top 5 Strengths - and it is the one that can feel like fingernails on a chalkboard to me so i would not necessarily wish it upon myself.
2. It is NOT my natural way to live - so it WILL take growth and reliance on the Lord.
3. I have come to be able to decipher the call of the Lord amidst all the other traffic in my mind.

"For the Spirit of God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

I realize I am human - but even more specific to me - I am quick (not like athletic) - impulsive - I ADORE immediate results - in work, at home, with my kiddos, with my physical body - you get the idea.  At times, this ACTIVATOR -
RESULT - driven, fast-paced mode can be a strength - but I am learning - 
- I can skip necessary steps due to being in a hurry.
-I can be impatient with those people who analyze and are strategic.
-I can push for results when God only asks me to BE STILL & KNOW.

So - Self control vs Self-discipline. Self control is the immediate- like when I don't have emotional reaction to my husband when I feel as if he is questioning or advising me.
Self -Discipline is acquired over a period of time- a honed skill - I believe to be evidence of an ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit - or like the life of an elite athlete - who has gotten to their pinnacle with days upon days of repeated efforts and strategic behaviors.

Currently, I feel like God is using this to teach me to be aware of HIs direction- in the BIG & small - 
the small ...
-my response to a perceived (I emphasize perceived) verbal criticism/negativity
-my response to the resist the "itch" to be a gossip or to hold my tongue in a variety of situations (this is hard for me as my friends can attest to)
-my daily choice to make wise money decisions in light of future goals
-my willingness to resist the need for immediate gratification with material things 


the BIG ...
GIVE MORE AWAY - LOVE, THINGS, & MY TIME
SHOW HUMILITY in relationships
LOVE WELL - LOVE DAILY
ENGAGE in the LORD DAILY
HOLD captive my thoughts 

The ability to be more controlled/intentional in the little things- the daily things - establishes relationship and ongoing communication with my Teacher.  I don't know if you can relate but there is a "Spiritual HIGH " (for lack of better term) that comes with going against the flesh and making the right decision - when you know the Lord intervened  - because otherwise the human-ness or the flesh would have won.  These moments are the evidence of Christ in our lives - of His constant refining to be more like Him if we only allow it - if we only ask for Him to show us where we need work. 

So - for me - here's to being more disciplined and the work has only just begun - and for YOU --- Here's to whatever God has for YOU - and it may be the very thing someone pointed out to you today - or the very thing that drives you insane about others -  but whatever it may be - I encourage you to lean in - to allow yourself to be transformed by the love and guidance of our Good Father -

God - Chisel Away to make me more like YOU - to better serve you and love you - I don't want to ever stop growing and changing towards You -