A Modern Woman's Perspective On The Kingdom of God on Earth
May 23, 2014
Personal Reflection
Every once in awhile I take a step back and look at where I am today, compared to just a few years ago. Today, I am overwhelmed at the changes that I have made. Just six years ago, I felt that PLW and I were about to embark on a new stage of "success" in our journey as self-employed artisans.
Since deciding to take our leap of faith 12 years earlier, we had endured our nascent business years of struggle and persistence. We felt that we had been faithful to God's calling and now, in His infinite mercy, He was about to display His boundless faithfulness in the little piece of property and new home we had built with our own hands.
I can look back at that brief time of optimism and see that this property; this exact spot, is where God knowingly placed us for the times He had ordained. That immeasurable success, by the world's standards, did not come. We are "maintaining" like millions of our fellow Americans. But I am SO grateful to my Lord for every day that we have food on the table and for every bill that I am able to pay. There is no "abundance"; but there is "sufficient grace" to cover our needs. We are doing OK and I am content.
I am also surprised at where I am in my state of mind. Six years ago, the thought of "preparing" was the furthest thing from any conscious thought. Prepare for what? Prepare ... How? Why should I prepare? These are all questions that I had to come to terms with, and decide if they were relevant. I can only say that the Holy Spirit enlightened me. He guided my thoughts and my actions. I am truly amazed that panic never set in. I simply proceeded with a calmness and a purpose; it was as if I saw clearly a new reality and a new path to walk.
That doesn't mean there weren't dark days. I will honestly admit that I gave in to irrational fears more than once. But I would not let go of what I knew was God's promise -- that He brought us to this place as a shelter from the coming storm. More times than I can count, I found myself standing and reciting Scripture at a spot in my home where I had written God's Word on the foundational studs and beams. They might now be covered by sheetrock, paint, and trim, but I knew that underneath that exterior were sacred words that would inspire me to overcome Satan's attacks.
And speaking of Scripture, I cannot believe how much passion I have these days to study and know what the Bible has to reveal to me. Six years ago, I was a member of a 5,000 member mega-church, and today I am involved with a small group of 11 or so people who exhibit more longing to know the Lord than that entire large congregation. Together, we are seeking God's presence and to hear His instructions to us for these times. And we are not relying on other men to reveal God's Word to us -- we are spending personal time with Him; hours in the Bible discerning the meaning of words that we have taken for granted for far too long. We desire to know Him as those who walked with Him did. And we are following His commands as to how He wishes to be worshipped. It has been the most rewarding part of my life to this day.
So, I guess I would say that our lives have grown simpler, less worldly, more practical, more authentic, and closer to God. People are more important to me than things, and I am strengthening my faith and my courage to battle those in the spiritual realm who want to defeat me. Yes, I think this world is a much scarier place than it was six years ago; and it's going to get even more frightening in all kinds of ways. What is my plan? To just "maintain" this new awareness and stay alert ... aware of how quickly things may deteriorate, and alert and watching for signs of my Savior's return. It may not be the life I envisioned just a few short years ago, but it's the life I am meant to live and I am embracing it with joy.
Psalm 16:11 "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Labels:
Encouragement,
Faith
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Your analysis of your life today vs what you anticipated some years ago reminds me of a very recent conversation with my father in law. We both agreed whole heartedly that we neither one ever envisioned our life as it is today. We both envisioned we would live as our forefathers did, having children, watching them have grandchildren, maintaining the same, or nearly same morals, goals, lifestyles and dreams. We neither one could have anticipated the fundamental changes that have became "normal" in our country today. God has chosen us to live in a "time that has never been before, nor will never be again". He told us it was coming, but like you it has taken me quite a bit of effort to get my head around it and accept it as the new reality. God revealed it to me back at Y2K, when I understood what Daniel was told, that knowledge shall be increased.Until then, like you, I had been a typical Christian, going through the motions, following the popular crowd,one hour a week, obtaining my salvation by the words of a preacher, without questioning. I really got serious studying Gods word then. I now have a very deep, personal, daily relationship with my God. Seems God has chosen his remnant for these terrible days, looking forward to his quick return. God bless you and PLW.
ReplyDeleteAnd what comfort we can gain from knowing that by seeking Him in ever deeper and more meaningful ways, He is revealing His truths to us in these last days. As scary as the future is, I have a calmness in my soul, knowing that He has purposed for me to be here at this time, and that He will guard and guide my steps. Thank you for sharing your testimony. So many of us can identify with you. God Bless You!
DeleteAsk, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
ReplyDeleteHe knows what we are asking for even when we don't