Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 24, 2020
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19
In 2003, I began writing and speaking as a direct response to God’s call on my life. I was certain Christ wanted to use me to encourage others and partner with Him to bind up their wounds with the words He would give me.
When I started down the ministry path, I was excited, hopeful, and all in. Then, years later I unknowingly began to believe that I had to perform for God. As a result, I didn’t believe He loved me wholly which created emotional exhaustion.
There were times I was confused about who God was and who I was to Him. The tender intimacy and reliance I had experienced with Him earlier in my walk waned. And, I knew these troubles were a direct result of the pressure of making a career out of ministry. I felt as if ministry was like a third person in my relationship with Jesus and it was intruding on my closeness with Him. So, I stepped back from writing and speaking to get some time alone with Christ and seek emotional healing.
As the months pass, I sense the Lord has been saying that this is a time of “stripping away.” Stripping away old perspectives and beliefs that kept me bound. Stripping away the need to perform. Stripping away so I can remember the simple truth that I am loved because He is love, not because I am good.
This stripping away hasn’t been simple. I’ve had many questions about my life, faith, and relationship with Christ and I’ve had to reevaluate and reaffirm what I believe. If you can relate, I’d like to encourage you with what I’ve been learning.
When God strips something away, it’s because He wants to do a new work or bring healing. He never removes one thing without making room for something freshly glorious.
Without stripping away, His new gifts cannot come. If the foundation you have been standing on is cracked, corrupted, or not based on truth, He wants to remove or repair it for your liberation. When this happens, you might feel that the ground you are standing on is unsteady. You may feel unsure, disoriented, or fearful. But stripping away the old has to happen so He can make room for a solid foundation rooted in His love.
As He strips away your old foundation, rest assured that He is driving His love deeper into your heart and giving you a stronger knowledge of His truth. His love for you will never change. You can never lose His affection.
So, do not fear being disoriented or confused. It’s only a stage between where you are now to where He wants you to be. It’s only a transition between the now and not yet of a deeper relationship with Christ.
Do not fear. He has not changed. He is the same from age to age. He will not abandon or reject you, and you cannot lose Him. He is holding you close. You belong to Him. He will never leave you and He will never forsake you. He has you firmly in His hand.
“If we are faithless, he remains faithful — for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).
Prayer
Lord, thank you that I do not need to fear when you strip away old perspectives and beliefs to make room for your truth. You will never leave me. You will never forsake me and you are holding me firmly in your hand. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Application
Tell someone about what you learned today.
Related Reading
2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Lamentations 3:22-23
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God never removes one thing without making room for something fresh and glorious. #restored #WisdomHunters #truth #Jesus
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