Sunday afternoon, I enjoyed the companionship of some amazing women. We enjoyed a delicious meal, shared what God’s doing in our lives, and took time to pray and listen to Him. This time spent together is time set apart. The Spirit in me thirsts for this life rhythm. We retreat from our lives in this chaotic world, to rest in His presence. Our faith gets refreshed and our hope restored.The rhythm of these occasions has recently slowed and we seemed to slurp up every precious drop.
We’ve been on a journey this past year as the disciples of an amazing woman who has been chasing after Jesus for a long time. It hasn’t been about learning how to be a good Christian, but more about learning how to respond to the calling on our lives – to be in relationship with Him and how to pass that along to others.
Matthew 28
“16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
She’s taught us by modelling it. And I’m trying to do the same.
Our rhythm slowed from weekly to monthly in order to make room, to create a new rhythm that sometimes feels like a new life. It’s our turn now.
Luke 10
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”
Our mouths spoke His word aloud, our hearts overflowed with joy, and our eyes teared from the power of the anointed moment…
The moment seems to be present to me ever since, frequently causing my throat to thicken with emotion. A day existed when I would not only dismiss this, but attempt to flee. Now I recognize this as Him speaking to me, saying more than what letters can spell out. I lean in, posturing myself to hear Him better… it seems the more time I spend with Him, the more I hear Him.
Though it doesn’t always work this way, today I heard Him, that voice in my head that’s obviously not my own.
Are you living as someone who is chosen?
Chosen by your God?
By your husband?
By your family and friends?
By your disciples?
I confess, I am not.
For the record, this isn’t about sin and shame, but about His love, His faithfulness, and His creativity. Am I walking confidently in who He’s created me to be? Walking in His holy confidence? Are you?
Father, Thank you for who you’ve created me to be. For your glory, let my steps be faithful. Because you are who you say you are, and I am who you say I am, let me stand with your holy confidence. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Making Me New 