I made it! This fall was one of the busiest times in my life. Between homeschooling and writing, I was a co-leader of a bible study, was the Spiritual Director for the Christ Renews His Parish team at my church, and have attended a weekly study on Esther by Beth Moore. I thought I would be exhausted, and physically I am, but spiritually, I'm on the biggest caffiene rush!
Without a doubt, God intended to overload my schedule this fall with Him. I've read the bible daily, I've studied His Word, I've prayed with friends, over friends and because of friends. I have dissected verses with Beth Moore and uncovered a greater understanding of what my life is intended for. (yes, I know I ended that sentence in a preposition...)
But God isn't finished with me yet. Tonight is the last night of my Surrender the Secret bible study. Eight weeks to a free-er me! [sigh] Feels great!
In the last section of the bible study, there is a excerpt from Isaiah that I want to share with you. Perhaps it will mean something to you, maybe you will find the answer to a nagging question. All I know is that it spoke directly to me and I knew immediately that I needed to share it with you.
Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
Now read it again, but this time put your name in where is reads, "me".
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
Is God speaking to you?
That is a powerful scripture! It is like God is clarifying the tasks he has for me. Aren't those tasks what we all are called to do as Christians? Good reminder.
ReplyDeleteBless you,
Cindi
Oh my goodness... I have a difficult time with the first part of that scripture passage.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with a very strong Catholic support network. In grad school, though, I am far more likely to be sneered at for my beliefs -- particularly as a Catholic -- than I am to be supported... The result is that I've only just started expressing my beliefs again. Slowly, slowly, I'm beginning to proclaim again...
Thanks, Jess!