Why didn't God give me some permission slip, lining it all out, warning me of all the side effects to the coming storms? I think He knew my prayers for “Being more like Him” and my heart did not match back then. He knew Anna, would teach me HOPE, but my small little heart could not contain all He had to give. Stretching was needed. Capacity was necessary.
He knew I would not have signed, if I knew all then...and 30 years later I'm glad He did not ask my permission. This was His Grace and Mercy to me.
We really do not want a shallow peace or hope, but one filled to all the measure He has for us. Are we willing for Him to do what it takes to “expand” our hearts?
"Faith's most severe tests come not when we see nothing, but when we see a stunning array of evidence that seems to prove our faith vain." — Elisabeth Elliot (These Strange Ashes)
"But the question to precede all others, which finally determines the course of our lives is What do I really want? Was it to love what God commands, in the words of the collect, and to desire what He promises? Did I want what I wanted, or did I want what He wanted, no matter what it might cost?" — Elisabeth Elliot (Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ's Control)
Happy Birthday Anna! My assigned angel, to teach me HOPE.
Her sisters thoughts on this, several years ago...
http://lessonsthroughthelens.blogspot.com/2011/07/expectations.html
This picture of her reminds me of Whitney for some reason...:)
ReplyDelete- Michelle
You have no idea the beauty and perfection behind this statement right now. The Spirit is such a good Teacher! You have said what I know He knew I would not have signed, if I knew all then...and 22 years later I'm glad He did not ask my permission. This was His Grace and Mercy to me.
ReplyDeleteBut the rest of your blog is what made it so personal and so sweet and so good. It makes my heart swell with love for Jesus, for our God and Father. Your perception was very much needed Dina. Thank you for sending me a boat to the island I have been on! But guess what?
ReplyDeleteThis island is looking pretty good after reading this blog. I start to think that because I wouldn't have necessarily picked things to be just like they are, that He wouldn't have either, so therefore I must have made a mistake or wrong
DeleteDecision in the past somewhere for things to get here. BUT in the past I did this...this was my motive, so THIS is where I am suppose to be on purpose! Yay!"But the question to precede all others, which finally determines the course of our lives is What do I really want? Was it to love what God commands, in the words of the collect, and to desire what He promises? Did I want what I wanted, or did I want what He wanted, no matter what it might cost?" — Elisabeth Elliot (Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ's Control)
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