Saturday, September 7, 2013

Why do we strive for what is freely given?

I was talking to a friend this morning. Her plate is full, but her heart is, too. Her heart is chunked full of gratitude.
She was greeted this morning with the persistent pecking of a woodpecker. As she inhaled the fragrant mug of coffee, she secretly hoped no bear coveted her warm drink.
It was a brisk 62 degrees and air was clean and invigorating.
As we caught up on the phone, she shared her "aha" moments that she has enjoyed this past week in their getaway cabin. She has seen things she has waited four decades to see.
Why do we not wait?
How many times have we quit before the finish line? I know I am particularly guilty of that one. I give my power of decision to self-sabotage.

As we talked about the future, a verse came to mind.

Fear not, little flock, for its your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

Why do we strive for what He delights in giving us?
I think the beginning of the verse holds the key. He says, "Fear not."
We often don't call it fear, but stress, worry, conflicted and other gentler descriptions.

Fear not is found 365 times in the Bible, but we still fear.
If "perfect love casts out fear", why do not receive that perfect love, the Father's love?
Even if we fail, we can begin again and even again. His love for is longsuffering.
I am ever so grateful that He judges the "intents of our heart." He doesn't count against us all the goofy stuff our unrefined heart sometimes takes us. When we fall down, we repent and begin again.
Too often we beat ourselves up for wasted time, even wasted years, but He holds each day as a gift, a present. Live it as my friend grateful for the very air you breathe. Listen to the quiet and hear the small wonders whether a cricket or a storm. Appreciate it all and know it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
When you seek His face, not His hands, you will see what the kingdom really is and where it is.
Purpose in your heart today not to waste another moment on fear. Instead choose to live life fully and in the knowledge that you are loved.


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