PURPOSEFUL LOVE

Photo by Brigitte Tohm: https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-section-of-woman-247076/

At this Christmastime, my 81st, I am overwhelmed anew by God’s purposeful love for each of us, as He descended in human form.  A love that will never let us go. 

Several months ago, God released my husband and me from a church we had helped start and grow over the past five years.  Our hearts were in pieces, yet at peace.  We had no idea where to go.  Six weeks later, God led us into a church body we never dreamed existed. Good teaching, preaching, discipleship/mentoring programs, and over 100 university students attending every Sunday. Oh! the love of God that never leaves us.

Reflecting over life, I recognize that every joy, sorrow, rebuff, rebuke, rejection, encouragement, goodness, suffering, has been God’s specifically-designed way to transform me more into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ.  What could possibly do this other than the holy love of my Maker? What could bring humility, forgiveness, eternal joy into my life?  Only the steadfast love of a holy God. And so these words:

I come away to hear again

The Love from which I came;

Formed within my mother’s womb,

God called me by my name.

It takes the still — away from task -

The hours fanned out slow,

For me to quiet all within,

Then hear the Voice I know.

O, Love, that will not let me go,

From You, retreat I’ll not;

For here with tears of gratitude,

Into Your arms I drop.

Anxieties of the unknown,

Squelching peace of Dove —

All placed before Your throne of grace,

I hear Your sigh of love

          Calling my name…

Shalom.

Ephesians 3.17-19, TPT. “…by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of His love will become the very source and root of your life. Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences - the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is His love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding - this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!”

— How are you encouraged by God’s Word? Write it down; Pray over it; Receive God’s love.