Joys of Transition

Aaarrrggghhh - can you just feel it - our bodies groaning as He stretches and molds us into His new creation? Does that sound familiar? Feel like you're stretched tight enough to snap? Ah, the joys of transition. Last week we discussed our choices during transition - do we choose to avoid the tough spots or do we choose to pursue God at all costs? This week I've made some tough decisions as the LORD showed me aspects of myself that are not very pleasant. It seems that no matter how much I work on my character, how much I submit to the process of sanctification there is still much work to be done.
As I was sitting before the LORD this morning He brought two scriptures to mind: Genesis 18:14 and Isaiah 12:2. I spend quite a bit of time with Sarah and Abe and this verse in particular seems to keep cropping up. Genesis 18:14 say, "Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life and Sarah shall bear a son." The Lord is reminding me that He will do what He says He will do. That lurking fear of doubt seems to hover as we wait on His promises and wonder if we have been forgotten. But, He wants us stay focused on Him and on what He has done. He is no respecter of persons, what He has done for me or for others He will do for you. His greatest concern is our welfare and our relationship with Him.
This verse reassures me that God will come at His appointed time and there will be a birthing. A birthing of a new life in Him as we recognize that His way is the only way. Historically, the church grew exponentially under the threat of persecution. Our culture is doing it's best to make those who follow Christ as the bad guys, who are 'intolerant' of immoral and antisocial behavior. Like we're supposed to be tolerant of infanticide and the destruction of the family? The media bias against Christians is glaringly apparent and there are more stories each week of injustices against religious organizations and individuals. We can use pornography to sell blue jeans and it's no big deal but put up a sign that says "Jesus saves" and we're intolerant! Fortunately, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction (another one of those cool things God created but man takes credit for 'discovering") so the more our flesh laden culture screams against the 'intolerance' the more the church will grow!
Thank God He is birthing something new! A new cry of holiness, a new cry of integrity, a new cry of Help us O God lest we perish! This is a year of release, response and restoration. God is releasing His Spirit, how will we respond? If we respond in the right way, He will bring restoration - restoration of the family, of the home and of the church!
Until then, He gives us scriptures like Isaiah 12:2, "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my song, He has also become my salvation." Salvation is mentioned twice so we will understand that He is unchanging. He is my salvation now and He is my salvation in the future. I won't be afraid because I will trust in Him. Thank you LORD that you are saving me from a life of mediocrity in my flesh and teaching me to reach for the higher things. I will wait on You, LORD. I will make myself an instrument of Your praise.