"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

2.23.2009

Our Journey's Path

How I wish that sometimes my journey with God began as Paul's did. His encounter with God caused an immediate transformation, and a life lived with one goal, one passion, that did not change with life's circumstances, trials, culture, the daily living of life. My journey has not been so. Mine has been a gradual transformation, changing from my old self to the new self, which is the real me. I am sad to admit that life, circumstances, trials, culture, the daily living of life does interfere with my transformation. Sometimes my heart grows cold, the passion subsides. Is this my desire?? No!!! My desire is to be focused on God more than myself and what I want. But I am week, and I can stray from my deepest desire. Sometimes I can get caught up in my own little world, that I forget the bigger picture. God's picture. But, the length of time between these times is becoming shorter, I am learning to listen as God gently draws me back. God is gracious, patient, loving, and the pursuer of our hearts and souls.

I pulled out a book titled Devotional Classics put together by Richard Foster and James Smith.I read it many years ago. I love reading books I have read before and seeing how God uses them in a different way, because I am different. How truths are better received in my heart and not just my head because it has grown enough to receive them.

The introduction speaks on discipleship, on surrender, on commitment. It goes on to say: "these sober us and remind us that grace, while free, is not cheap, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer taught. Our discipleship to Jesus Christ costs nothing less than everything. But as Dallas Willard writes, the cost of non-discipleship is far greater. Non-discipleship costs abiding peace, a life penetrated throughout by love, faith that sees everything in the light of God's overriding governance for good, hopefulness that stands firm in the most discouraging of circumstances, power to do what is right and withstand the forces of evil. In short, it costs exactly that abundance of life Jesus said he came to bring. With one voice these authors witness to us that the cost of discipleship is a far better bargain than the cost of non-discipleship."

I want the abundant life Jesus came to bring. Even if in moments it seems like it is NOT the easiest path to take.

Blessings to you all!!!

4 comments:

Brandi said...

I think my comments are working again!!!! Oh Mary .. I am so there with you ... I wish I was one of those people that when they made the choice to live for Jesus they went in all the way both feet first and hardly came back up for air ... My heart gets so cold sometimes .. and that is not what I want, I want to be in Fire for the Lord all the time!!! I am facing many struggles in my life right now and Im afraid instead of pushing forward they push me backward. thank you for posting .. it is comforting to know that there are others out there who feel the same. ((hugs))

** by the way, I took that test until I felt it got it right! LOL!!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Mary reading this has caused the tears to fall yet again...your heart is becoming so pure...I see God's transformation in your life dear sister...remember the story of the little ugly duckling??? It's kinda like that seeing your spirit sore with the Love you have for our Lord...(Now you know you are the pretties in the family), it's your heart that touches my heart and others...your beautiful spirit shines in your awesome smile and in your eyes!!!
your sister!!!

Teri Leigh said...

I think Paul would agree with you. He did say that what he didn't want to do he did and what he wanted to do he didn't do. Even though he was focused he still struggled. It is in us to wander and it is only in our intentionality and by God's grace that we find our way back to God. You are not alone, we are in this together and we need to encourage one another to stay the course. You encourage me Mary in your vulnerability and realness. Thanks for being you!