The Bubble Just Keeps Getting Bigger!

I continue to be in awe of God's amazing grace in my life. He has given me so much joy; I can not even describe it. Although it has only been three short weeks since my world was rocked, it feels as though so much more time has passed. What do I mean by that? Well, we have many struggles in life, especially as believers. Some are big and some are small. Some hurt in huge ways, and others, though not as painful are still difficult to walk through. Usually, the bigger the struggle, the more painful it is. This, much of the time, can mean a long, hard road ahead.

My current struggle is one I have been acquainted with in the past. So, when I was blind-sided with this again, I was very aware of what I might encounter on the road ahead. Knowing myself, my sin, and how I have reacted in the past, I was afraid. I thought that this would be another long, hard journey. The amazing thing is that since my last experience of this kind, God has grown me so much more than I was ever aware. There was no need for me to fear myslef. Though I still struggle with pride and self-sufficiency, I see now, where over the years, he has taught me humility, self-denial for his sake, obedience to him, to be weak so that he can show himself strong in me, more of the glories of the cross. All of this, I now see being displayed in my life and in my worship of him.

Please don't hear pride in this. This is COMPLETELY the work of the Holy Spirit in me. In my flesh, I could never even begin to imagine truly living this out. Psalm 84:5-7 says, "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca (tears) they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion." This is astounding to me! I can not believe how much God loves me. I can not believe that he would call me to be his child when I am so undeserving of this, and that he would also choose to bless me with such grace, joy, peace, strenth, and protection. Listen to what Paul says in Romans 8:16-17, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." Do I deserve this kind of love? No way! But, this is the extravagent love that he lavishes upon his beloved.