Stripped and Naked
The fun thing about how God works is that it is a gradual process that when you look back upon all of the things put together to make it happen, you know there is no alternative but to believe in an all powerful God.
I love how the dream for this has developed, and I love how I made this blog, so that I can keep track of what God is up to. Truly I haven’t used it as much as I should have.
The house idea is evolving. It is becoming something more than a “halfway home” and more of a way of living. It will encompass multi-families as well as individuals.
The thing about God is that he will reign no matter what you do. If God calls you to do something, he will ensure that it does, no matter what the cost to you. Now I speak from experience, because I know the cost I have payed is not something I will or can ever regret losing. You see I have lost my home. That 2 bedroom condo from the last post, lost it.
I had taken on an idol, a few idols if you will. Success, status, nice home, good neighborhood, etc. I had placed my heart in my treasure on earth, where it will rust and be eaten by moths. I had thought that because I had money I was better than someone else. In reality, I didn’t have money. I had the use of resources. I used up my resources. Did I always make the right choice? Nope. And I depended on those things to get me through life.
I needed to look fully to God to give life. He is truly the giver of life, the creator of all things. How often does it say in the Bible not to worry about finances when God has it taken care of? Too often for me not to notice, not to run to God repenting shamelessly about my sins. Jesus I am sorry.
Thank you for taking away my idols. My job, my home. I know this sounds crazy, but its not. I am truly free now. I can see now. My heart is light now. Yes, there are things I have to do, but once I stopped caring about how the world sees me, and truly handed my life to God, I got the gift of peace that goes beyond all reason.
What I do have is my family: my husband, my son, my pets. My sister, my father, my aunt, my cousins, and my dear friends. No matter what happens to me, I will always have these people. I will always have love. I value that more than some 250 dollar purse.
God my prayer is this: now you have opened my eyes, guide my heart and my hands to the right way of life. Help me to be a good steward of all your resources and shine the light of your kingdom brightly so that I may be salty and full of light, your light. That I may be a vessel that brings your message to the world. Help me to stay on the narrow path and grow ever more close to you AMEN.
Maureen Caballero said,
April 12, 2010 at 10:07 am
Shelley. After reading your latest post, o was nudged to go back and read that first post of yours that you shared with me re:rahab. I think back to all that has happened since then… connecting with Jen Hatmaker, Jeramy coming to live with you and Dave , Steve’s new ‘job’, my new job, your ‘lost’ job…words don’t convey the emotional upheaval we ‘ve been through (and are still in
.
As I scanned the subject tags on all your posts I noticed two that keep recurring: listening to God, and obedience. No coincidence, eh, that your revelations as recorded in your blog seem to stem from those two practices.
I am convicted. For the past year I have filled my days with just about every mindless and mindful time-filler, in order to AVOID those two things. Although I don’t expect to completely change overnight, I recognize the self-destructveness that is fueling my daily choices and am inspired by your sharing how listening and obeying God has resulted in your joy in the midst of your current ‘challenging’ circumstances.
I so long for those days when I felt like God and I were walking on the same path. I know that it is not God who has strayed in a different direction…Lord, please guide me back (or would it be forward?) to the place you want me, point me in the right direction, give me energy to continue, and joy for the journey. And, along the way, use me to help others do the same.
Shelley, my dear girlfriend, you are becoming more beautiful daily as you cling to our Jesus and let His light shine through you!
Love and hugs for the day (and the week, and the month…)
md
Maureen
EndureHouse said,
April 12, 2010 at 11:07 am
Maureen,
you are one of those whom I count as dear. I love you and your husband and thank God for the effect you both have had in my life.
I would love to see you soon. Shoot the breeze, share the spirit.
Love to you.