Surrender to Shine
3/9/2016
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 The Message (MSG)
My spark was created from the one who is the brightest light Himself. I dwelled in Him from the beginning as He had already created everything about me and then He sent me forth to be here for such a time as this. He is the same one who created you in His image to come and bear light in the midst of a sea of darkness. He has great things to be done in us! We cannot let our circumstances, the opinion of others and our own faulty assessments prevent us from being the image bearer He called us to be. Through the years, we have taught our children that they are not here to please us but please God. Acts 5:29 tells us that “we must obey God rather than men.” Quite often we convey the message to our kids that they are here to please us and we put our expectations on them and their lives and have a propensity to forget that God’s plans supersedes ours. It sends a mixed message to our kids and can cause frustration and resentment. I do not know what and how God will choose to use each of my children but I know He knows what is best and will work it out according to His will. He knows the places, people and purposes He has for each one of them. I have never wanted to interfere with His work in their lives but have had faulty thinking, wrong expectations and selfish desires that I needed to take to the Lord throughout the years in surrendering with my spirit “not my will but yours Lord.”
In the earlier years, when my children were young, I had a controlling spirit wanting results from all that I was doing to teach and train them daily. I could feel my spark becoming a dying ember being snuffed out by the behaviors and circumstances that surrounded me. My spirit was overwhelmed and physically I could feel the battered and bruised places from the battle that ensued me. I went to my room and went face down crying out in heart wrenching pain over the constant defiance and hatred that spewed from 2 of our children. I remember clearly the Lord meeting me in that moment. I shared my angst with Him over the character that continued to seek dominion in my home. Lord, I am doing all the things You have asked and this is the result?” And the Lord said right back to me, “ And that is exactly why I have allowed this to be as you need to know what it looks like with me in control. You are not in control and never will be, it is a figment of your imagination.” It is what the enemy uses to keep you deceived and lacking trust in me. I responded, But Lord I thought if I raised my children in the wisdom and knowledge of You, praying for them and setting the example there would be fruitful results.” The Lord said, “ Are you greater than my son? Jesus walked this earth and ministered to the multitudes and many walked away in disbelief. Even among the 12 disciples, Judas betrayed him.Yet you think you can have better results? I have called you to be faithful in teaching your children, loving them unconditionally and leaving the results with me. I have never promised that all your children will follow me. And if this life never looks the way you want will you still trust me, believe in me and follow me?”
I was so humbled in that moment to my haughty, prideful and arrogant attitude. I wept for forgiveness as the Lord continued, “don’t let the circumstances you face snuff out the spark from me- continue to let me use you as a light and look to me for all things.” That moment was life changing for me as I realized that just because I do what I am called it does not mean I will get the end result I want but that I can trust God. Obedience is about our relationship with the Lord not the outcome we are seeking.That spark when seen and experienced by others gives a glimpse of the life and light of Christ. I prayed that God would put a fire in my spirit to keep that spark burning bright. Because God is who He says He is, I continue to trust Him with my children, all my circumstances and the finale of every situation. Even though the picture has looked different than I could have ever imagined, God has used my children and circumstances to draw me closer to Him infusing me with a deeper abiding love for Him, His Word and the the Hope that He offers in every situation.
Are there areas in your life where you are you trying to control the outcome? Are you letting the circumstances in your life define you and your walk? Will you trust Him no matter what happens? Are you seeking Him, His Word and His empowerment or are you living in your own strength? Is your ember dying or is your spark illuminating above your circumstances so that others can see and taste the glorious grace and goodness of God?
Abba Father, You love me so specifically and have already handled every situation that comes my way. May I daily surrender my heart and my circumstances to you knowing that obedience yields a deeper abiding relationship with you. Let me continue to entrust my children and their lives to you knowing that you are the author and perfecter of their journey in this life. Thank you for the tools in your Word to direct and teach them your ways. Lord hear our hearts desires as we parent through your lens. And may my spark resonate wherever I go and touch the lives of those around me.
Let's continue to be the light bearers for His kingdom. FLAME ON!!
Love to you sweet one!