"...it's true, I think I'm due some appreciation. So comes a storm of trouble and lightning strikes joy. But when Christ is at the center, when dishes, laundry, work, is my song of thanks to Him, joy rains." (pg 194)
I am facilitating a class at the House of Hope in Cedar Rapids this fall, and so much of this book carries over into that study. It (whatever "it" is in this moment) is not about me. Every situation I face, Christ faces with me and has covered. All I have to do is allow Him to bless...and He always has enough! It is not dependent on my strength or my grace, He is sufficient.
But the "Deceiver" (Satan, the Devil) seeks to destroy grace and joy. He reminds me of just how weak and helpless, flawed and defective I am. He attempts to blind me with half truths so that I miss out on true joy and service. You see, I am all those things...I am horribly weak, impossibly helpless, hopelessly flawed, and severely defective. He is right about who I am and that often keeps me from seeing the lies. The other half of the truth, is that I am created in God's image, I am His daughter, He has forgiven my sins, and covers my weakness, helplessness, flaws and defects. He stands ready to love me and use me...if I'll let Him.
How 'bout today? I am tired and it is raining, I would love to go back to bed. But I have a house to keep clean, little ones to keep up with, and phone calls to make. Will I choose to thank Him today? Will I choose to receive His grace and joy and blessings? Will I choose to allow them to flow through me and bless others?
"It is by the very function of our being, not our doing, that we are the beloved of God. And so we become the love of God, blessing those He loves." (pg 199)
What do you believe about yourself? Do you listen to the lies of the Deceiver?
How has blessing cost you?
Will you read Romans 7 with me this week?
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