A Few Truths That Have Sunk In

I’ve been on earth a long time and in ministry a long time.  After graduation,  I was single for 9 years and married without children for 5 years.  I have been a mom for 30 years, and now all 3 of my children are married and I have 4 grandchildren. Hopefully I’ve learned a few things in those years and through those experiences.  So let me share a few of the truths that have sunk in fairly well, in no particular order: 1. God is crazy in love with me.Amazing, I know!  I never get over it.  He pursues me, desires to be with me, pours extravagant love all over me.  This is wonderful to remember at so many different times—when I don’t feel loved, when I haven’t loved someone well, or have not obeyed…. 2. God remembers that I am dust.He knows how weak and sinful I am.  He is not surprised when I blow it.  He loves to extend mercy.  He even says He gets more glory because I am so dusty. 3. God’s plan is always better than mine. Always.  This has been one of the hardest things for me to absorb—I always seem to think my plan is best.  I advise God regularly.  He listens patiently, then reminds me again that He has a better way.  We can try my way first, then always have to return to His way.  Or we can do it His way first—a much better option.  4. God has made me the way I am so I can do what He created me to do.He has invited me to be on His Kingdom building team—ME!  I can’t build anything, make anything, draw anything.  But He gave me words to use for my part in His grand endeavor. 5. One of God’s favorite words is “wait.” Not my favorite at all.  I want it now.  I want it my way.  So God often has me in “the waiting room.”   You see, it’s there that I learn more of what God is like—and what I am like.  I discover what it means to persevere.  It was in the waiting room that Isaiah 60:22 came alive:  “I am the Lord.  In its time I will do this swiftly.” 6. Two more favorite words of God’s, these for me to say:  “Thank You.”He was serious when He told us to give thanks in everything.  When I choose to say thank you, about things I hate, or am hurt by, or confused by, I express to God that I believe that He is really God—in control, all powerful—and that He is good—He always is looking for ways to do good to me.  Those two words begin to change my perspective, and they seem almost magic as they open the door for God to work in the situation. 7. On my own I can do NOTHING!!!When I walk in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit, NOTHING is impossible for me. 8. God has made me a fire starter—seeking to be kindling to start fires in hearts and minds.  It is so easy for me to settle for warm little blazes.  But His plans are so much bigger.  He says I can’t even imagine what He wants to do in and through me. He says repeatedly, ”Don’t settle.  Fan the flames.  Let the wind of My Spirit blow through you to spread the wildfires of my love and forgiveness everywhere.” What about you?  What are some life truths that have sunk in for you? c2011 Judy Douglass