An Expected End

"I held something so precious in my hands. Many times I would offer it up on the altar for God, only to snatch it back soon afterwards. ...He gazed into my eyes and looked into the depths of my heart. 'My daughter, please give this to Me entirely. I want to give you that which is far above what you would expect. It may not happen how you want it to happen and it may not be that which you thought it would be, but I promise, My child, to give you nothing but My best for your life, so that you may in return glorify Me more fully. I am God alone. I can and will do that which is exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ever ask or think. This may cost you pain, but are you willing to endure even extreme pain for My sake and for My glory?" With tear stained eyes, I finally released and surrendered what I thought was so wonderful; and I got ALL of HIM in exchange."—Leah Cross

My dear friend posted that the other day, and it really struck a chord with me. Our lives seem to be strikingly parallel recently, and I am so encouraged by her sweet responses to what the Lord is bringing her through! I am so thankful for her support and inspiration as we walk this journey together. And yet, we never are alone. For even when our paths diverge... Jesus walks them both.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
And ye shall seek me, and find me,
when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11,13

Kindred Spirits

My thanks to Christina for passing on this award. (Consider yourself "awarded" back!)

I would like to recognize a few other ladies for the special encouragement they are to me:

Andrea
Chantel
Leah
Sarah
Katrina
Bethany

(Here are the guidelines for passing on the award.)

If you have some time and are searching for encouragement, I urge you to check out any/each of these blogs, and enjoy the other ones on my blogroll as well! Prepare to be blessed!

On Letting Go

Elisabeth Elliot wrote in a book of hers, "When the will of God crosses the will of man, one of them must die." Is it our way that is wiser, higher, kinder than our Creator's? It never can be so.
So many times I think something would bring me joy and delight, and yet, the Lord very firmly closes that door. I don't pretend to know the reasons, or understand His ways, but I do know that whatever the Lord does is right... and can only be in faithfulness, in goodness, in kindness.

Reading this week, I came across this short poem. There's so much meaning packed into that simple line: "You never did let go."

As children bring their broken toys,
With tears, for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
Because He is my Friend.
But then, instead of leaving Him
In peace, to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
With ways that were my own.
At last, I snatched them back and cried,
"How can You be so slow?"
"My child," He said, "What could I do?
You never did let go."

—Author Unknown

And run not before Him...

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

—William D. Longstaff

"It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD."

(Lamentations 3:26)

His Way is Perfect

When my way seems dark and drear, and the future I don't know
My heart feels so empty as the tears unending flow
When my heart breaks with sorrow and a tempest fills my soul
This one thing I know for sure: My God is in control.

His way is perfect; His way is perfect
Though I don't understand His wise and loving plan
His way is perfect; His way is perfect
Take my life and make a vessel purified
God makes no mistakes— His way is best.

When the toils of life are come and my heart is worn with care,
I faint 'neath the burden of a cross I cannot bear.
When the joy has departed from my sorrow-stricken soul,
This one thing I know for sure: my God is in control.

His way is perfect; His way is perfect
Though I don't understand His wise and loving plan
His way is perfect; His way is perfect
Take my life and make a vessel purified
God makes no mistakes— His way is best.

—Betsy Kistler

To love Thee with all of my heart...

Set my heart, O dear Father, On Thee, and Thee only,
Give me a thirst for Thy presence divine.
Lord, keep my focus on loving Thee wholly,
Purge me from earth; Turn my heart after Thine.

A passion for Thee; O Lord,
Set a fire in my soul and a thirst for my God.
Hear Thou my prayer, Lord Thy power impart.
Not just to serve, but to love Thee with all of my heart.

Father fill with Thy Spirit, and fit me for service,
Let love for Christ ev'ry motive inspire,
Teach me to follow in selfless submission,
Be Thou my joy and my soul's one desire.

—Joe Zichterman