Just like you, I live in the real world of fixing dinner, doing laundry, housework, and needing to be productive in daily life. Sometimes I haven't felt very "productive" in the real world, so when I get a fresh breath of energy and momentum I try and "run with it". But in doing so, I don't want to neglect this special place that God has given me to communicate with you all out there. (If I haven't checked in with you lately it's not because I haven't thought of you all.)
I'd be misrepresenting myself to say that I'm praying 24/7, reading the Bible for hours a day, or going to church 7 days a week. I've been there, and yes, there are "seasons" for that. For extended periods of time I've been in relentless pursuit of God, but just as in normal earthly relationships, there are also times of "comfort" and constancy, and contentment. That's not the same as backsliding, or losing touch, or lack of commitment.
Just saying that today, after knowing it was time to do another post, God sort of corralled me from my projects. He sat me down and gave me a scripture to look up. Sometimes He speaks a scripture verse to me, book, chapter, and verse. Most of the time I'm not familiar with it off the top of my head. Today He said to me "Mark, third chapter, 10th verse."
Version: NAS
Mark 3:10
"...for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had afflictions pressed about Him in order to touch Him."
Seems as though I've not been "pressing in about Him" as much lately. I've been trying to adjust myself to the fact that I have some health issues and that I'm still on meds and it all restricts me. Even though from reading my other blog, you might think I was a whirlwind of energy, truth is I'm not. Some days are good, others not so much.
I'm trusting God for my life and health, but some days I just try to put it aside and keep doing "life". Positive thinking is not an effort for me. It's always been preferable to the alternative, and besides God isn't into "woe is me". That's not faith, nor is it a godly testimony.
I guess my thought that I'm getting today is to not lose the "pressing in" anointing that God bestows upon us. He puts it there for a purpose. It's to accomplish His purpose for us. Right now I don't want to lose track of the momentum that God has for me, here at this Bible Study, or for life in general. I don't want to be complacent, or lackluster in whatever it is God is calling me to do.
And you know something really funny (as in strange)? When I opened my Bible to Mark 3:10, not only was it underlined, but dated "5/19/04"; a year after my heart surgery. And exactly 6 years ago today. Who says God isn't "timely" and aware of our exact need?
It's been a long seven years, but I'm still here and I'm still Pursuing Him. Most of the times that Jesus healed it was when someone "pursued" Him. The blind man, the leper, the woman with the issue of blood, the centurion, the synagogue leader with the sick daughter; many many more, God saw their dedication and drive for Him; their faith and action, their desire to stay in the race. I want to be one of those people of faith. Not complacent, but in pursuit.
If you have never read "The God Chasers" by Tommy Tenney, I highly recommend it. It will get you out of your rut and make you put on your shoes.
love in Jesus,
Debra
wow. praise the Lord for heart surgeons!
ReplyDeletei like tommy tenney, too.
Debra,
ReplyDeleteI did not even notice you had this other blog.
Glad i saw it, and read today's post.
I am definitely pursuing God, which does not mean I am in the word all day, but my heart yearns for Him.
And i do see Him working in me and through me.
I'll be looking forward to reading more another time.
Blessings
barbara jean
Powerful words Debra.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Debra...I have not read the book. But, I definitely will check it out.
ReplyDeleteI like that...pursued Him, and they were healed. That is quite profound.
Isn't that how He brought us to Him as well? He pursued us until we could no longer ignore Him. He indeed is the great pursuer =)
I REALLY like that.
Great post Debra....Kinda been there lately myself.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Ella
Hello Debra and to this sweet blog. So glad I opened it on this Sunday morning. I will gladly follow it as I need the encouragement from your bible study.
ReplyDeletepeace and blessings,
♦Olive♦
Hi Debra, it was lovely of you to visit with me and leave such a sweet comment, thank you! Your post is wonderful and your desire for God is inspiring. I haven't read "The God Chasers" but I will try and find it and give it a read, I need all the help I can get in my relationship with God.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day, Debra!
Take care!
Hugs
Melly:)
You are on my mind...what a sweet thought you are...you always bring a smile to my heart and I must say... I bet you bring HIM a smile too. I am enjoying my freedom and painting again...HE is FREEDOM! Yes HE Is! You are blessed by Him...may He bestow on you abundant favor from his hands!!!
ReplyDeleteLove you soooo much...Lee
I have been "sick" for the last 9-10 years. Like you some days are better than others and some are not. I have read some of your posts, and know that all who have health problems that stop them from doing what they want when they want or have constant pain, want healing. But sometimes, its not His plan. It is in our time of trial that we cling the most, it slows us down, to really see and hear what He is trying to tell us. It's not a punishment. It may not even be for us at all. It may be for someone close to us or someone we don't even know. The key is to look for at least 5 things each day that you can be thankful for. Look for the good in all things, even disease. It has taken you somewhere that you need to be right now. For you, for someone else. You may be the only encouragemant that someone else might have. Their link to the light. No matter where He places us, we cannot stop working. And remember- this life is not forever, but the next one is. Nothing hurts there.
ReplyDeleteIn Christ- Tete