Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over.
So it was, after three days, that the officers went through the camp; and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it.
Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.”
- Joshua 3:1-4
Obedient One and I arrived from Thailand on Sunday night.
That was only one week ago, but already that lovely Chiang Mai experience seems like a beautiful dream of a faraway land. The hundreds of pictures stored in my photo file, as well as in my own memory, will serve as reminders of this part of my journey as the new year continues to unfold before my eyes.
It will not be easy to forget the love and the kindness that was poured into our lives by our Thai friends. It was God's way of feeding our spirits - the care and the thoughtfulness, the warmth of the friendship, the beauty of the places we went to, the delicious food... all these and more gave us the message that we were special. Our spirits were truly refreshed.
But now, I am back to the business of living life and facing what lies ahead of me.
The very next morning after I got back, my friend Trudi and I left the house early to attend the first day of the Elijah House School of Prayer Ministry, Level Two.
Determined to get some Chiang Mai pictures posted on this blog before the Elijah House school started the following morning, I had no choice but to stay up past midnight last Sunday.
I wanted to do that because this school marks a new chapter in my life, and the Chiang Mai experience was a kind of marker in my journey.
Just twelve hours after my flight from Bangkok arrived in Manila, a new chapter began.
I...me...my...
Those pronouns make it seem like it's all about me, but actually... no, it isn't.
It is all about God, and the story that He is writing.
As I left the house on Monday morning, I had a clear sense that I was on the pathway of my destiny.
Things do not just happen. There is a time, a purpose, a reason, a season for everything that happens in our lives. There are no random events. Life is not a matter of mere chance. That I truly believe.
It blows my mind to realize that I am not a mere pawn in this great big universe, tossed and thrown about. I am an active participant in my life story.
I am not a victim of circumstances. Each one of us is created with freedom to choose how we are to respond to what comes our way.
I can choose to obey, or to disobey.... to forgive or nurture the wound... to yield, or harden my heart.... erect boundaries to shield my heart from hurt, keeping love out as well...or give myself permission to be vulnerable.
Sadly though, any wrong response hinders God from working, and delays the new sub-plots from full development... leading to a dead end that could take years to untangle before we can move on again.
It's not that God is not able. He is able, and willing... however, He also respects the freedom we have to decide what road we want to travel on.
But God always desires to bring us to a spacious place, a place of freedom. And we can go there, if we really want to...
The choice is mine to make.
And now the two week Elijah House Basic School 2 is already halfway through.
In just one week of going through the teaching and receiving prayer ministry, God has sifted through my heart, given me deeper understanding of what has happened in my life, helped me sort through some of my unresolved issues, and has drawn me closer to His heart of love.
I am looking forward to the second week of the school.
This is the way...walk in it.
This is the Inner Voice... that still, small voice in my heart showing me the way to go.
I am always grateful for the guidance.
Stay close...look for the signposts along the way. It is easy to be distracted... to be weighed down... to lose track... to be short sighted.
I need to stay close to Him.
He is not only Creator.
He is Sustainer... Healer... Redeemer.
He is Light, and He is Truth.
He leads and shows the way.
Yes, the plans of God for this new year are unfolding... He is giving instructions, and I want to listen... above all, to obey.
#solid60
5 weeks ago
10 comments:
Dear Lidj,
How can it be, that every time I come over to pay you a visit, I get more than
mere happiness, I get the food I need for my soul.
Your report from the trip to Thailand with all the beautiful pictures of people, places and scenery sure means sharing joy in abundance. I smile and I feel happy for you and blessed being allowed to tag along.
Your writing of today was directed right into my heart.
"I am an active participant in my life story.
I am not a victim of circumstances. Each one of us is created with freedom to choose how we are to respond to what comes our way."
I had to examine myself and my own motifs for feeling hurt, offended and angry yesterday and today.
I must learn not to pray for more than I can handle, "thy will be done", not mine.
Finally I must admit; I am the cause of my reactions; other people should not be allowed to influence me in a bad way.
Thanks for sharing your words of wisdom, dear Lidj.
Please pray for me, that I may come to the humble and genuine conclusion you have come to.
From Felisol
I have to agree with Felisol. I too always leave with food for my soul after reading your blog. I am excited to see what the Lord is going to be doing in your next chapter of life. Circumstances happen but we get to choose our response to those circumstances. I am longing to listen to His still small voice.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Hi Lidj, As I travel this dark season in my life . . I realized that this is my story and yes God is writing it. When I'm challenged with trial I feel frustrated and confused but then I'm reminded of God's love and interest for me . . they say we should welcome trial as a compliment and know that there is a purpose in it. Sometimes it's hard not to grumble and to hang in there and endure. Love the beautiful pic . . looks so fresh. Love, Sandy:O)
What a beautiful post, Lidj.
God allows us to be part of our life stories - that is a wonderful thing. But what truly amazes me is that He allows us to be part of HIS story. That He uses us as threads in the great tapestry He is weaving of human history. THAT is just humbling to me.
Following Him - that is my desire, too...
GOD BLESS!
What an awesome blessing that God has given you by attending the school...what a wonderful way to begin the next leg of your new journey.
I loved the words "no random events"...so true and that needs to go deep into my heart.
Your hands are on the plow and I look forward to the harvest God is producing in your life...each time you harvest and share we are all encouraged in our own journeys.
Here is my 'broken record' again: I agree with Felisol...who doesn't? grn
She writes (When I come here to your blog) "...I get the food I need for my soul."
And then I absolutely L O V E this line of yours Lidj:
"...God has sifted through my heart, given me deeper understanding of what has happened in my life..."
Seems like all I do here is quote other Peeps, but who EVER could add to some of these inspired/inspiring lines. I am just SO grateful to be here, reading these gem-words. All I can say is...Thank You!
May we all obey the Lord for He is our Light. God bless.
Lidj, so wise as always, and yes, food for the soul!! Thank you for your words and giving heart to share with others what you're learning. I pray for more-more-more Lord for Lidj.
Thank you for your comment on my blog, I'm doing well and funnily enough was thinking of you a few days ago! How strange in bloggyland to think of people you've never 'really' met, but these are God connections I believe! I will update my blog soon, I actually have quite a lot to say but just haven't said it ;)
Thank you again for your faithfulness to share your life and journey with us all here, I know every time I come here I am edified! Bless you!
Lidj,
You have often written we both seem to be on similar journeys, and I have to concur with that after reading this post. Obeying is the key, and while so simple, it often seems so hard...but the more we see a glimpse of Him, the more desirable His ways become than our ways.
Blessings to you as you begin this new journey, this new path. I can't wait to see where He will take you, and I am encouraged by you to remain on the path of obedience, too!
Blessings!
Brenda
Hi Lidj -
Thank you
This is a heart-moving piece indeed.
I especially loved, "This is the way...walk in it.
"This is the Inner Voice... that still, small voice in my heart showing me the way to go."
Oh, so precious, Lidj, are those words.
Hebrews 11:16 - KJV
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Note: Please read my two most recent posts, "FINE DINING WITH JESUS" and "ESTIMATION MATTERS."
Thank you, Lidj, for your consideration.
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