Recently I had an unexpected job offer to work in a mission school -- an opportunity I had been praying for, looking for, longing for. Given my unique circumstances my soul longed to get away and there was much appeal to an assignment away from home. I thought it was an answer to prayer. But upon further reflection, much prayer, and consultation with my confidant/counselor, I concluded the answer was "No." It was sealed by my devotional the following day after I got the offer, from My Utmost for His Highest:
The true test of our spirituality occurs when we come up against injustice, degradation, ingratitude, and turmoil, all of which have the tendency to make us spiritually lazy. While being tested, we want to use prayer and Bible reading for the purpose of finding a quiet retreat. We use God only for the sake of getting peace and joy. We seek only our enjoyment of Jesus Christ, not a true realization of Him.
I was cut to the quick. Was this what I wanted to do??? Use God to get peace and joy? To my shame, I must admit it was. I was seeking to enjoy Christ for my own benefit, not His.
So I confessed and repented. Sometimes grass may be greener on the other side, or may just look so. But when Jesus says to sit, I will sit and obey. Grass is greenest where He is.
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20 comments:
Interesting thoughts! Sometimes we just need to sit down on the green grass and listen to where He is leading us.
Thanks for that thought provoking post, Dear. A great WFW ~
Love the insight, "Grass is greenest where He is." I've not heard this saying! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, openness in life and WFW with us all!
I had an opportunity a couple of years ago, to speak at a woman's conference in Fiji. It was what I really believed a 'God-ordained' opportunity. I had the money, and the permission of my husband, to go. I believed it was the fulfillment of many prophetic words spoken over my life. However, when it came time to pay for the airline tickets, I had no peace. Just like that. None!
I sought the Lord, and He asked me if I was willing to lay down my desires, my hopes, my ambitions, and follow Him instead. Of course, I thought I WAS doing that! It was not His timing and He was testing me to see if I would run with it anyway. We can do that you know. Push past that still small voice, and do what we want to, talking ourselves into the idea that it is His purpose etc. I would rather His peace any day. I am glad you heeded His leading. He has better things in stall, I am sure. By better, I mean things He wants and purposes. First we must die to all the flesh yearns for. Well done! You passed the test!
Happy WFW! Enjoy sitting on the grass at His feet...
Beautifully written and thought-provoking as Cathy stated. Sometimes I do believe we have the false belief that life with Christ equals peace all the time. We can be in the right place and there be turmoil all around us yet have the Prince of Peace with us.
Amen, beautiful truth spoken here my friend.
As Cathy and Wanda said, this is a thought provoking post. There was a time in my life when my husband and I thought we were making a right decision about a new church home, but I didn't have peace. God directed us to sit still (almost five years) before He lead us to our present church.
You are right, being still before Him is the best place to be.
Thank you for sharing an example of having to sit and rest -- wait. It is hard for us to sit sometimes.
A great, thought provoking post! I want to be sitting where Jesus says. A great reminder that "Grass is greenest where He is." Thanks for sharing!
Blessings to you today!
Great testimony of how God used a situation in your life to teach you the meaning of His Word!
There is so much peace and contentment in being in His green pastures.
Your transparency is so inspiring! My husband always says that "the grass MAY be greener over on the other side of the fence, but that is still needs MOWING!" We often look to see what WE want and your listening to God and stopping short of what was not His will is obedience...
Thank you for sharing this with us...it's truly inspired me to always look at whether it's God or me...
peace,
lori
amazing post;) beautiful:)be blessed
Wow...thanks for your honesty...and the challenge. I needed to hear it!! Smiles and love.
Incredible!! Awesome word for us all~
Thanks for sharing....this is something to think about...the grass is definitely greenest where He is...maybe even gold!!! Love it!!!
The grass is greenest where He is...i like that!
A very provoking and inspiring post, thanks for sharing.
Hi..BFF... Blessed with your post! When can we gather again ? the CGs?
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