Most Loving God, as Your child, I feel special and loved. When I am close to You, my soul takes flight like a bird soaring through the air feeling strong and free. As my life ebbs and flows through highs and lows … peace and turmoil … sadness and joy … I am being formed into the person I am today. Like a caterpillar, I must be willing to give up my life so I can be changed into something new and beautiful … just like the scripture says “old things pass away and all things become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17) In walking out my new life with You, I don’t merely “believe” that You are real … I know You are. As I undertake living for You, I will try my best to follow Your lead and stay in step with You because I know that Your ways are profitable and produce good for my life. As I take up my cross to follow You, my eternity is secure and I am filled with peace, joy and abundance.
It is You who shines light into my darkness and fills me with hope when mine has faded. You gave me life when mine was lost … You give me strength when I feel weak … and, You build up my faith when mine has been exhausted. In my weakness You are my strength … in my flaws You show me perfection … in my sadness You become my source of joy. Where can I go but to You for my answers. All wisdom resides with You and by it I am guided and counseled in the ways of overcoming. Your desire is to show me paths of righteousness and take me to a land flowing with milk and honey. Why is it then that I linger back and do not respond to You when You call? I guess it’s because I become conflicted between spending time with You and doing other things … correctly choosing You over the other enticements of the world … and, becoming confused by my doubts and questions about what You are teaching me.
How then will I respond to Your loving kindness? First, I must show sincere appreciation and gratitude. Offering You thanks for all You’ve done for me … large and small … while in the valley or on the mountaintop … when lacking or in times of plenty … and for Your salvation, mercy and grace. I must also be willing. Willing to respond to Your call whenever or wherever it might come. Willing to do what You ask and accepting Your guidance. Most of all I must be obedient to Your commands, those You’ve given to watch over me and those whose wisdom and counsel I need. And I must respond with my time. Balance is critical in my life. I must devote time to prayer and contemplation of Your Word. And, I must make time to love and care for those over which You’ve given me responsibility. I believe that as I respond to You in these ways … my outcomes will get better. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Isiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am. Send me!”