Metamorphosis 201


"God is love! Those who are living in love are living in God, and God lives through them....Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated in us" (1 John 4: 16a; 19, tPt) 

The first, second, and third Books of John blew my burgeoning spiritual growing pains into an uncharted region. The two above-referenced verses absolutely clarified that there's "Somebody bigger than you and I."  And that He has created all and everything.  Hmm. Amazingly, this knowledge initiated freedom I hadn't imagined.  I learned that He is the Author and Finisher of my faith.  That He alone bestows the measure of faith I need when I need it.  And when I ask Him for it! "Well now," as the deacons in my childhood church would intone.

Matthew 7:7, 8; Mark 11:24; and Luke 11:9,10 opened my eyes wider, while so many of the Psalms soothed my aching heart. 

"In my life, there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
Can't stop now, I've traveled so far
To change this lonely life."

Truthfully, it took me quite some time to diagnose my condition. Finally, and with a ton of prayer and help from believers,  I could name it: Love deprivation.  How could I have known? The Master Rabbi knew (He knows all things).  He gently led me to a practice I continue to this day.

I asked God. "...but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). I asked the Great I Am That I Am to teach me how to love!  He did and continues to guide me in Truth.  I don't want to sound like I waved a magic wand or that my lessons were easy to manage.  NOT.  First and foremost, God doesn't deal in "magic."  He's the Miracle Maker. As importantly, He loves me and stretches me; doesn't let me slide because I'm having a bad hair day. He expects the best from me because He gave His Best:  Jesus, His only Begotten Son.

Let me tell you!  One of the hardest things to do is to love a person Who. Is. Not. Lovable.  I'm sure you know at least one.  Take it from me: IT'S A TEST, JUST A TEST. My goodness, what if the "quality" that turns me off from the unlovable worm (just kidding) matches a trait that lurks inside me? "Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye" (Luke 6:41 ESV). Hmm.

I'm realizing that God's Love is unfathomable.  "If I go up to the heavens you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there" (Psalms 139:8). What a blessed assurance! God. Is. Love.  Simply knowing just that assures me that I can rest.  "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and will give you res: (Matthew 11:28, ESV).  Thank You, Lord.  Amen.




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