As we have ended 2013 and begun 2014, where do you find yourself? There is a point in one's life where you've tried it all on your own and you realize 'you' are not enough. That is the crossroad God wants you to get to, so that you see your need for Him as your Savior.
Matthew 10; 38-39 ''Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.''
Life is a journey towards humility. Where we don't think less of ourselves but think of ourselves less. God was the first to do that when He sent His Son for us.
We've all been subject to the feelings of discouragement, but that is when we see our need for God best. ''The great British preacher C.H. Spurgeon led multitudes to Christ through his powerful sermons. But he suffered awful bouts with melancholy. He often felt as if he'd accomplished nothing in his life. He once lamented, I've got the blackest heart in Britain. Frequently he would go into his garden, raise his hands to God and cry, Lord, I've never desired you more, yet my spirit has never been so low. Why is this happening?''
As in Psalm 38, God wants us to reach the same point as David.....''Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.'' What you may consider as your lowest point, may just be your greatest saving point. When we give up our pride, arrogance, and self reliance, then God can truly begin a new work in your heart.
I've been memorizing Luke 9:23 about taking up our cross daily. My Bible study made the point that you can't be a disciple without doing this. I realized I'd been thinking of it as an option or as something you work towards, not where the journey begins. And as you've pointedout, you have to lay down self before you can pick up the cross. Frankly, I struggle with this and appreciate the reminder. Great blog for the first day of a new year, Angie.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to know that someone like one of my favorite people, Spurgeon, and another of my favorites, King David, had the same melancholy bouts that I often do, thinking that my life has accomplished little. The thing is--they have accomplished much! Oh, may I do the same, to the glory of the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteWell Miss Angie, your started my new year off really good. This was excellent and just what I needed.
ReplyDeleteLove you and God bless you for being such a wonderful servant to our Lord.
Marie
It is impossible to praise or thank Him too much....whether for the many pleasures He provides, or when adversity strikes and we thank Him anyway. His joy is our strength, His promises are our hope, His Presence is our comfort....in all times....good and bad. That is from my Abundance Life and Jesus Calling devotionals. Oh, how I long to praise Him always! Love you, Twylia
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