Thursday, November 13, 2008

What Christ Offers

"Assuredly, like the coming of the dawn the Father's love song goes on, drowning out my bitter songs, breaking through walls and barriers. Christ swoops in, removes sin, picks up His bride and carries her. So I can sing, in agreement with the King this thing. There's only one thing that pleases the Father, the God-man on the tree in midst of the scoffers - now I finally see that CHRIST IS what Christ offers. And I'm finally free, in the love of the Father."
 - Jimmy Needham

My mind's been reeling for days about the future.  Understandably so, with graduation creeping upon me.  This is the thing: most of us feel our lives are going to mean something, that God will shower us with His abundant blessings and pave the way to a safe and purposeful existence.... and we believe it will just HAPPEN, because we are His. 

So many times in my faith journey I offer up petitions asking the Almighty God for big movement in my life, big opportunities to come my way and big meaning to be found in my cross. 

Then one word comes, and truth begins flooding my fragile and wearied soul.  Suddenly, my mind and heart unite under the power of a sovereign God.  And there, in a little bedroom tucked away in North Texas, the Lord of the heavens not only meets with me, but brings deep understanding of what it means to be His. 

Maybe God isn't looking to make all of my pie in the sky dreams come true, maybe He's looking to make me come TO truth, He is my Reward. 

My reward is not a Masters degree, nor a television segment. My reward is not a host of friendships or a nice vehicle.  My reward is not a great job or a husband..... in all of life and all it has to offer.... Christ swoops in, removes sin, picks up His bride and carries her.... now I finally see that CHRIST is, what Christ offers...

I took Habakuk 3:17-19 last night and replaced some statements within it to describe my own desires. Habakuk communicates that his reward was not the fruit of his labor... but His God. I pray we be like Habakuk and realize our reward is Christ... not the "blessings" of a well-lived life. 

Though my love life may not blossom, nor friends be on the vines. Though the labor of my studies may fail and the work yields no job. Though the dreams may be cut off from the path and there be no promise in the sky... 

YET, I will rejoice in the Lord. I will take joy in the God of my Salvation. The Lord is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet & He will make me walk on my high hills. 

2 comments:

Joe in Camarillo said...

Good Morning. What a nice message of revelation and inspiration to wake up to. Thanks Holly. Keep it up. Congrats on the upcoming graduation. Graduation is just the beginning. Hello to everyone in Texas from Southern California.

JAYEGIRL said...

Love you Holly!