7/10/97 Challenged
(If it is welcome and a blessing, send it on to others,Lee)
Challenged.
Does that sound like a word you have been experiencing? I have never entered into such a challenging or exciting time in my life. Every message I have heard over the last few weeks has exposed areas in my life that need God's fine tuning.
Yesterday I called a brother, and asked him if he saw any areas I needed to correct. Why? Because everywhere I turned I was feeling the challenge. I had things scheduled and because I had other things building up, these got set aside. Not even catch up, everyone called who needed these things!!! The last few days, many who have made commitments, have had things come up, causing a move to plug the dam. So after going through my checklist of possibles, I called him, and after resolving it to this was just one of those times, I felt a little more settled.
And then last night, I heard a song about going in the fire. I realized as this singer/evangelist/preacher shared that God was allowing me these times of testing. He referred to Hebrews 12 and the correction of the Lord. This time is more than likely one of those times in the fire.
Bingo. Lights went on. I know that because of my nature, my full speed ahead mentality, that repentance comes easy because of the multitude of times I have opportunity to express it in a day. I realized that I was encountering similar problems each and every time, (though thankfully there are less!!!)and what was God trying to show me.
Like many of us, I am often blind to the real issues that could use work, even desiring to hold on to a few (just to maintain human status!)and yet the Lord is doing a real work in me the last few days. Many who know me, will concur that the areas of my life that need work usually fall under the pride category. So God is allowing me times where humility is the way through. Is it fun? Let's say I am moving into the place of praising Him. Another area of repair is that of rejection. And he allows me plenty of opportunity for that to be worked on. I want all that God has. I realize that this vessel called Lee has a few quirks that needs the hand of the Father. I am looking forward to the day when this test is over, and yet I am learning some cool stuff about me. How about this? If I deal with rejection, how many others do? It's giving me a greater compassion, and a feeling that I need to take more time with certain people. The pride issue. Suffice it to say, that becoming reliant on the provision of the Lord through other people removes a lot of it. Though like an onion, every time I think its finished, I see a little brown. I remember this little story: they took away my award for humility because I wore the award.
Two things have come out of the last few days for me though. Spend more time with Him and TRUST Him. Both are difficult for me right now, and yet His peace is entering the time in the fire. The time issue is because things are so busy. The trust issue is one that gets better with time.
So if you have been going through the fire, praise Him. Rejoice in the fact that He loves you so much He will bring correction. Fire. It purifies, bringing forth the pure gold. I was a jeweler and not that you want to hear this, but gold is heated 8 times, each time removing the dross (impurities) until the finished product is PURE gold. So if the fire is turned up in your life, what is God looking to change. The man last night brought forth the scriptures from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Who are you going to comfort as the result of your purification? Have you experienced a trial and had victory over that area? Share it with someone going through it.
Our church has many who have been damaged in other churches, hurt by other people. I understand that. I went through that. God allowed that time in my life to be able to comfort others through this trial. Pride (well, I probably am the only one!!!) and rejection (I don't know-no one talks to me!!!) those I am sure will play a part in the upcoming days. (And please do not think I am making light of these two issues-I recognize them as something to overcome, and yet during this time God's joy is starting to flow as they are being removed.)
As we come into the weekend and there are areas that may be being exposed, know that I am praying for you to press in closer to God. And when we throw our hands up and say, "God!", He says, "now I can help you." Why, because as we depend upon Him, He is glorified.
Have a great weekend. May you come out of it as pure gold. It is only for a season. The result is a stronger, steadier Christian, who is more like Jesus.
Selah.
Shalom.
We pray for you, each and every day. If this is an encouragement to you. Please tell us, and please email it to someone else. If you have a prayer request, please mail it to us. We want to stand with you, battling spiritual wickedness, seeing people made free. We want to serve our brother and sister.
In the Service of Christ for His Glory,
Lee Johndrow
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Springfield, Vermont 05156
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Thank you,
Lee & Tina Johndrow
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