In reading chapters 2 and 3, I found myself feeling like I was on the ocean - at one point, I'm at the crest of the wave, and then a few pages later, I'm in the trough. Let me explain...
I love the part about praying back the names of God! His name - so many meanings - so very powerful. "El Roi" - the God who sees; "El Rophe" - the God who heals; "El Shaddai" - the mighty God - gives me hope that He sees, knows, feels these tough times with us, that He will heal my husband, the He is almighty, able to handle what we've been given. The "crest of the wave."
Then in chapter 3, praying for His kingdom to rule in me..."King Jesus, illuminate every corner of my life with your healing light. Father, break through any resistance in my soul;...break the bondage that enslaves me; ...give me courage to follow You come what may" (pg. 51-52). The "trough of the wave." Of course I can honestly and eagerly pray for His kingdom to come - be unveiled - in the world today, in my non-believing friends' and family's lives...But to really pray that His kingdom rules in my life so that I am willing to go where He sends me, do what He asks me - am I willing to truly hand over the reins I so jealously guard? Yes, I am completely His and He is mine - yet still I cling to my selfish ways, wanting what I want, not absolutely giving Him total control. This is something I must be willing to pray - even if my prayer is that He makes me willing to be willing...! This is the taking up of my cross daily...this is praying that His kingdom comes in my own life. I'm working on it.
Kathy - I can so relate to what you are saying. I want God to rule in my world...the way I want Him to rule...as if I know better than God! Each day (sometimes each minute) I must surrender to God's rule in my LIFE.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy, as I read your post I left like I was reading the journal of a young soldier preparing for battle. Using the ocean metaphor -- I feel God through your post reminding me to abandon my yacht, titled "Steve's Comfort and Control" and to swim to your battleship, titled "Sacrificial Service." I want to be in your "coalition of the willing" and do battle in Christ's name and for His glory by dying for my enemies. Thanks for your challenging post.
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