It's nearly the end of January. The year is still young.
Yet...
In many aspects of my life, I feel I've experienced a full year's worth of living already. And, I have a feeling that God is not finished with me yet. (Not that I expect to reach the "finished" stage here on this earth.) I'm still pondering how to put this experience, this learning, this awareness into words.
I heard a quote last week that really struck a chord with me:
"God's love is not a pampering love - it is a perfecting love." (James MacDonald)
Hmmm...
Am I guilty of associating a comfortable life (pampering?) with being loved by God?
Do I recognize God's perfecting in my life? Even when it means discomfort?
(Ouch.) If I'm honest, I know the answers to those questions.
I'll be pondering this awhile longer.
So, what about you? What are you pondering these days???
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. (I John 4:16-18, NLT)
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6 comments:
I have been pondering things too. I have a family member who is going through a hard time right now. For some reason, I think that I can see what God is trying to do through this person's life (causing him to rely on the Lord and not on good works... definitely perfecting him through these trials). And then I think - No! I don't know the mind of God. How can I believe that I know what is happening?
It's all sort of confusing to me until I simply say GOD'S will be done. It all boils down to that.
I'm sorry you are having a trying time but SO thankful that you rely on the Lord and trust in Him.
Hugs Dawn!
I'm pondering changes in my life that are to come. And also pondering when I will be ready to make them. Those questions are all going to be answered when God ordains it...and I'll rest until then.
I ponder a lot about if I'm really serving God the way I ought to. I like to think I don't live too closed off. God is a relational God and it's really hard to serve him without creating relationships and reaching out to people. I think sometimes I'm just too hard on myself and I question my motives too much.
Such wonderful thoughts. So many times we do think only of what God can give to us. How beautiful He still loves us as selfish as we are. It can hurt being polished... I know! ;)
Patricia
mmmm... good stuff! I haven't been pondering too much lately, just puttering :) got your email and hope to find a quiet moment to call you one of these days. Don't hold your breath, but we may both be happily surprised one of these days *wink*
I am so glad I read this Dawn! Thank you
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