"He gives us more than we request by going deeper than we ask. He wants not only your whole heart; He wants your heart whole." (Max Lucado, You'll Get Through This)
When I read those words the first time, I literally gasped. They touched my life that deeply. It's not a concept we hear often, unfortunately. Let's read them again.
"He gives us more than we request by going deeper than we ask."
Honestly, I had to think about that for awhile. Yes, God gives us many more blessings than we deserve. But what about those secret burdens we carry inside? You know...the ones we hide so we aren't considered weak...without faith...too messy...too human...or even...unspiritual. God loves us even when we aren't "up to par." Interesting, isn't it? While others criticize or shun us because we don't measure up, God sees every burden, pain and secret and helps us confront them. He doesn't love us less. He loves me enough to want more of me...all of me...even the secret me! I am amazed.
"He wants not only your whole heart; He wants your heart whole."
Sure, it is essential to surrender everything to Him. But He wants us healed in Him! He knows that unless we face it, we fear it. If we fear it, we try to forget it. If we try to forget it, we bury it. If we bury it...it never heals. That means we aren't enjoying all He desires for us. God is not threatened by our brokenness. He desires we surrender it so He can restore us...and renew us. He is amazing!
Our children lived normal childhoods. There were splinters, bike wrecks, colds, bee stings and bug bites. We wanted and expected them to come to us when they were hurting. We immediately took them into our arms and assured them that we loved them. They trusted us enough to place their lives in our hands. Yet it didn't end there. We took care of their skinned knees, aching tummys and bloody noses. We made sure wounds were cleansed, needs were met and tears were wiped away. Abundant hugs, kisses and even giggles were shared for assurance. Trust and treatment were always in supply...because we loved them...completely. Isn't that what God wants?
May I trust Him enough to go deeper so that I may follow Him more completely. May I give Him my whole heart...so He can make my heart whole. May I realize He loves me...that much.♥~thl
*Romans 12: 2*
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