Wednesday, February 27, 2013

The Cost of Disobedience

I have had the privilege for the last month to participate in a Ladies' Bible Study with my mom and some really lovely women.  My mom had been talking for a long time about how she would love to participate in a study but that it was "for the younger women."  I made an "executive decision" that WE would participate.  I have hungered for the company of other women in Bible Study for many years but my own inadequacies have kept me from finding and attending one.  The study we have been engaged in, "He Speaks to Me" is by Priscilla Shirer, daughter of Rev. Tony Evans. Ms. Shirer is part of the Beth Moore "team" and she is a lovely, inspired teacher.  God indeed has been speaking to me. 

Because of my recent hospitalization and "other" "things" I was unable to finish this study with the ladies but am resolved to finish it on my own before our next session starts.  As I started today's lesson "Hungry for His Direction" I just knew this, if nothing else, was the reason the Almighty had brought me to this study.

I recently mentioned to a dear friend how I had observed that most people (in my opinion) have peaceful lives with moments or seasons of disruption.  In contrast, my life it (to me) has been a very stressful, difficult existence with short seasons of peace.  I know, I know, I'm slow to get it.  Thanks be to God, however, that when the light goes on, it's like a "CFL" bulb and it burns brightly.  God has revealed to me that the moments of peace we have had - that I have had - have come when I have completely surrendered and "sold out" to HIS direction. 

The scripture for today's lesson was from Isaiah 55:8-9.  The verses directly above it, however, are the verses that speak to me today.  Beginning in verse six: "Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near; Let the wicked forsake His way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord  and He WILL have mercy on him; and to our God for HE WILL abundantly pardon."  [Emphasis added].

God forgive my disobedience.  Pardon me abundantly.  Show me the way back to you, to your peace, to your will.  Heal me.  Thank you for what I know You WILL do as I hunger for You, for Your word, Your presence, Your peace and Your power.  Love me - love us, as only YOU can.