When I was little, my Gramma was always “encouraging” me to try new foods. Luckily, I had two older sisters to try it first, so I could ask them, “What’s it taste like?” (Not like their facial expressions and gag reflexes wouldn’t give it away…), but most times, I ended up really liking it. Older now, I appreciate my Gramma’s encouragement to try new things…hence my reason for an overflowing plate of EVERYTHING at our life group social the other night! How will I know if I like something or not, if I don’t try it?
But recently, I discovered something very new to me, and
very refreshing. REAL relationships with
real people. I have mentioned before how
God is persuading me to trust HIM and love people, and folks, I gotta tell you,
this is the best thing I’ve tasted so far!
Through trusting Jesus, I have found a freedom I’ve never known. And while I thought my problem was in
trusting others, my real issue was trusting myself.
For those that have known me, it was probably easy to see
through my façade. I often hid behind a
plastic smile and cautioned eyes. I was
hesitant to allow anyone too close, because I was afraid if they knew who I
was, they wouldn’t like me. So, I kept
everyone at arm’s length.
But last year, I reached a point where I just couldn’t do it
anymore. And I fell…hard. Not physically, but emotionally and
spiritually. I had reached the point
where I didn’t want to be this “fake” person anymore. I wanted to know what real was. And I wanted to feel it. And I wanted to be it.
So, I did what most of us do when we are feeling “out of
sorts”…I isolated myself. I disengaged
from most of my “church” activities and friends and acquaintances…and
family. But, I walked down this road
because I knew that’s where God was leading me.
You see, I had put all of these distractions around me, to keep me from
coming too close to the one I was really
afraid of…God. I mean, I knew I was this
broken mess, but how could anyone – even God – put me back together and use me
for His kingdom?
I knew in my heart it was time to talk to God…about
everything. And not only was it time for
me to talk with Him, but most important it was time for me to listen.
I realized I couldn’t hear
God, because the noise around me was too loud.
I needed to take some time to just sit in His lap and hear what He
wanted to whisper into my heart. The Bible
tells us that, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16);
I knew this was one of those times when God was asking me to do the same.
Over the last ten months, although it has been challenging
at times, God has transformed my mind…and my heart. As I began to trust God with small things, He
would often reciprocate in the form of love.
He opened my eyes to see people as He sees them – fleshy human beings
designed with a hole in their hearts that only He can fill – people longing and
looking to be accepted and loved…people just like me.
As I began to really taste what God wanted me to try, I
realized what I had been missing out on…a whole smorgasbord of life! Through the work He is doing in my heart, God
is revealing to me how truly treasured I am to Him. He has surrounded me with an amazing life
group – which really feels more to me like a family. And He’s opened my eyes to see that what I
was looking for all along, was right in front of me – a wonderful church
community that will love me and support me in my calling.
As I rest in His assurance, I see now that God offers us a “taste”, because He knows we will be back for more.
Oh yes, God is
that good! Taste and see for yourself! For blessed is the man who takes refuge in
Him.
Hi Daddy,
Thank you for
encouraging me to “taste” Your goodness!
You always have the stuff kids like me enjoy, but even better – what we
need. Please continue the work You have
started in me, so others will look at me and only see You. I love You.Amen
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