Lord, Refine MeIn 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 -
1 Comment
9/30/2019 05:09:51 am
Ever single day may seem like an eternity for you. If you ask me, an eternity can mean a lot of things. Personally, I think an eternity can be a single memory. If you have a memory that you will never forget for your entire life, then that is good enough. I want to have a memory that can last for my entire lifetime. It is impossible for that to happen, but that is what I want, at least for now.
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Me?
a mid-thirties mom and wife seeking truth, peace and joy in my daily life. mom to two wild, snuggly, and fierce boys - and wife to my best friend and bearded man of my dreams. My joys are giving and receiving gifts (its my love language- not materialistic) - pushing my limits and extinguishing my stress in the workout room- serving others in the medical profession and in my community of friends . i love doing life with others - the phone calls on way to work, the couch discussions, the annual camping trips - My community of friends would tell you I am as authentic and outspoken as you can get - sometimes you can find my husband hiding behind a pillow! My parents thought I would always be a lawyer- I have a strong passion to get the last word - I just cant walk away. Marriage, Motherhood, and my walk with the Lord continue to push me, shape me, and change me. I pray this blog will bless just ONE - and the point to the ONE- Archives
November 2018
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