Don’t Hold Back

There’s just something about this little guy that makes me smile. He’s super happy and seems super content. Despite being off his leash, he isn’t trying to abuse his freedom by chasing after some new interest. He is simply enjoying and savoring the gifts he has now–the present.

He didn’t refuse when it was time to get back on the leash.

When I was in my 20’s, God blessed me with an abundance of achievements, material things, and property. While I thought I was being thankful, I didn’t want to settle for what God had already given me. Each time I got something, I was after the next best thing (or project) soon enough. I never really got the chance to truly enjoy each of those blessings since I kept on working so hard in my own power to achieve more. God slowly took them away, one by one. It was painful. It was life-changing. I’m very grateful He only took away the material things, the properties – things that He can easily replace, if He wanted.

It’s been about 5 years since the purging began. It hasn’t been easy and the pain points are still there. When something picks at the wound, I run to God and ask for His help, rather than trying to figure things out on my own. I finally learned that trusting in my own understanding is futile.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

I pray that, with God’s help, I don’t set out to make new wounds to teach me that I need to run to Him first. Such wounds have taught me to shun the pain and beg God to hold my hand and carry me through. Yes, this stubborn self needs wounds in order to learn. Wouldn’t it be a whole lot easier to just seek and follow Him without the need for any wounds? Mind you the wounds aren’t even His doing. They’re all mine. My doing. My fault. And–guess what? He has brought healing to my wounds.

In the last 5 years, God has brought about a healing process like you wouldn’t believe. He has replaced what He has taken away–albeit in different ways. In better ways. More meaningful ways. Isn’t He great? After all, He truly is my Heavenly Father. He knows way better than I do, and He knows what’s best for me. Sometimes, He may ask for what may seem like treasure to me, only to replace it with His gifts, His way, His time.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV

So, what am I saying here?

Enjoy the gifts you have now, while you have them. Don’t go crazy after each new pursuit, whatever that may be. And, when God asks for something back, give it back. Tears may flow, so don’t be shy about asking for His hand. Come boldly unto His throne!

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16 KJV

Only after you come boldly unto His throne and seek His face, will He give you a peace that “passeth all understanding”, and you will find joy despite your situation. His answer may or may not come right away, but it will come. Just wait patiently, and be faithful.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

Application

Let’s be grateful for the gifts we have today, and let’s not hold back or refuse when God asks to take them away, for His grace is sufficient for us.

Take action: To learn more about how we can live more Christ-like in word and deed, how about reading Colossians 3 KJV? If you would like to get to know Christ as your personal Savior, this page shows you how.