Taking Hold of God
“…whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
“…one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14)
There is so much to do, so many things to take care of in the living out of everyday life. These all mixed together with the dreams, hopes, desires held in my heart that I want to see fleshed out. And, it seems there’s just not enough hours in the day; not to mention, a constant running into obstacles of various kinds that seem to slow everything to a crawl, or even a complete standstill. What I want to do, I just can’t seem to get done. Ever feel that way, or is it just me?
No, I don’t think I’m unique. I mean, just look into the eyes of just about any person around you at the end of a work week, and see the fatigue and frustration.
I am saying all this because I woke up early yesterday morning with a single word ringing out in my heart: “Strive”. The dictionary defines it as: “to struggle in opposition, contend, devote serious effort or energy.” Life by its nature is one of ‘striving’, or struggle. The question is, what is the focus of my struggle?
And, that is what I am hearing the Lord speaking about.
The Lord says, “Beloved, do not work as others work, or labor as those who have no hope. I have created you to be ACTIVE, to be ALIVE; but, I did not create you, and breathe the breath of life into you, so that you would squander this precious gift in vain pursuit of your dreams through the strength of your flesh.”
“My servant cries out, “what does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?” And, I answer–NOTHING, NOTHING! For, it is not by your strength, or your might; but, by My Spirit that you find your meaning. How weary you become until you learn this.”
“I ask you this. Consider it well: What have you gathered into your own barns by the works of your flesh that have brought you peace and security? What have you achieved by your own efforts that you claim is ‘success’ or ‘fame’ that has brought you satisfaction? Tell Me. Why, after all your work and work, do and do, is there no fulfillment of your dreams; just more disappointment and heaviness of heart?”
“I call you to one thing only. Seek Me. Pursue Me with all your heart, mind, and strength. This is your striving. This is your work, your labor of love. My Kingdom is taken by FORCE; taken hold of by those who will cast everything behind them that is of this world, and who pursue, contend, strain toward, and press INTO ME.”
“Beloved, this is what I meant when I said to you, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” In Me is REST, and out of My Rest comes the power and authority for the releasing of all your hopes, dreams, and desires. Make every effort, therefore, to enter My Rest.”
The Lord says, “There must be a change in your heart. And, it is not too late! Come to Me. Forget the past, for it is old, tired, and worn out. Turn to Me, and watch what we will do together in the days ahead. You will begin to swiftly see how the wearisome burdens you have been carrying will fall away. And, how swiftly your hopes, desires, and dreams will move from your heart to your hands.”
“You will begin to experience true CREATIVE FLOW. For, you will be partnering with Me, your Creator. Not only will the ideas and desires you carry deep inside come forth with fresh vision and enthusiasm; but, every provision will be there immediately for those ideas and desires to be fulfilled. I AM more than enough to make you more than enough.”
“Cast everything that is not of Me away from you, and EMBRACE ME. You will find that your WORK will become PLAY. And, you will finally begin to experience what your inheritance is all about: ABUNDANCE. Abundant Joy, abundant peace, abundant healing, abundant financial and material provision, abundant LIFE in every way is truly yours. Come, all is well.”