Have you ever noticed how all your past journal entries are filled with the same problem?
Or how your past crises have all centered around the same issue?
That annoying raspberry seed is important to God.
Often, in my own life, I hear God’s conviction about something I consider minor, then move on to tweak something else. I want to pick and choose where I will make the adjustments. And the characteristics that I select usually aren’t that important to me anyway.
But, read the words of 18th Century author Francois Fenelon:
“Often what you offer God is not what He wants. He usually wants that which you dread giving Him. It is Isaac, the well-beloved, that He wants you to give up. What He is after is what comes between you and Him. He will not rest, and neither will you, I might add, until you have given Him everything. If you want to prosper and enjoy God’s blessing, don’t hold anything back from Him. What comfort, freedom, and strength there is when nothing stands between you and God.”
What is your “well-beloved”?
What does the Father always convict, shine light, and remind you of?
That thing, dear child, is your Isaac. And that is what He wants.
Only in abandonment of your own purpose, your own desire, and your own idiosyncrasy can He greatly bless you (Genesis 22:17).
Do we desire a godly change within our country? Then that renewal must take place first within our own hearts.
“Have you not done this to yourself, by your forsaking (or just plain neglecting to deal with) the Lord your God when He led you in the way?” (Jeremiah 2:17).
He has spoken to us clearly. To me — about my ability to be easily distracted away from Him. And to you, about your own Isaac.
The Word which goes forth from His mouth will not return to Him empty (Isaiah 55:11). He watches over His Word to accomplish it completely (Jeremiah 1:12). May we allow His heavenly purpose to be perfectly completed within our submitted heart.
He is awaiting us to take the first step. And when we do, He will be released to hear from heaven, forgive us our sin, and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
“The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Will you be one of those?
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