Encouragement for the Heart's Desires

It is a very western sentiment to root for the underdog, and perhaps it is something that is inspired from the Bible. After all, the followers of Christ will be renewed and restored beyond the imagination (Philippians 3:20-21, Acts 3:19-21, 1 Peter 5:10), the foolish will shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27), and the last will be first (Matthew 20:16). Yet, sometimes when the sentiment regards us, then we begin to not encourage ourselves in the Lord, because of our past. We may decide that we must accept less-than of what God has for us, even though He gave us the free, best, and imaginable gift of eternal life, as we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. (John 5:24 New King James Version)

Now, we may accept the free gift of eternal life more easily than other blessings, because it regards our eternal standing. However, when it comes to our earthly future, we might set the standard lower or higher due to our old, dead past, or due to our purity. We might also, due to our weak flesh, sin and use our freedom to cover up for evilness, such as self-righteousness or pride, because of our pure walks.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13 English Standard Version)

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16 English Standard Version)

We might stray away from God’s instruction because of a shameful past, having believed a lie, that we cannot accept our heart’s desires from the Lord, as we are undeserving.

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 English Standard Version)

Partially true of the latter, as we are all undeserving of anything except punishment – yet, we are to follow God’s instruction, having accepted His free gift, and we are to not punish ourselves or render less than what is of Him, because we love Him.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 English Standard Version)

So, as Christian women, may we not grow weary in searching and accepting what God instructed us to accept, as we seek Him.

Encouragement

May the pure remain pure, and not settle due to being a ‘rarity’ in a wicked time. Moreover, may it be reminded that the value of having continued in such, when growing older, will be greatly rewarded, as suffering and endurance serves as an opportunity to store up eternal treasures. Likewise, it is a testament.

May the ones of a shameful past not settle for anything below God’s standard, as sometimes it is hard to make logic of receiving goodness after a dark time; yet thankfully, our Lord’s ways are above our own (Isaiah 55:8). Likewise, may the good instruction be accepted as it is, instead of it being understood as something less-than, by what we think we deserve, so that we may avoid unnecessary hardships. The shameful past is not too shameful to become a powerful testimony, or a way to reach and empathize.

Continuing to those in between, may God be chosen completely so that growth in contentment may take place, rather than a tossing between two sides (Matthew 6:24). As well, may confirmation, peace, and strength from the Lord be given to walk in such.

Conclusion

So, may we seek God in our lives, without worry of our backgrounds, pasts, and preferences. He will renew and raise us up, and we must accept it, because He tells us so. What God has for us according to His will and Word may vary in inconsequential details due to our differences; yet praise be to Him as such does stop His instruction from working, but rather glorify His Word as our different walks show that He can work and prevail through all.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 New King James Version)

Seek Him always, ask for confirmation when walking in Him, and test everything to His Word!

Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. (Proverbs 4:26 New King James Version)

With love,

Claire Belle