O Lord, you mete out peace to us, for it is you who have accomplished all we have done. Is 26: 12
I had to stop and ponder this word from Isaiah recently. Ruminate like the cow rechews the cud. In my mind I went back over the things I have accomplished in my life. Now I am seeing them more in the light of Him having done them through me and I have rediscovered them with a new beauty.
It is God who is active within us, giving us both the will and the achievement, in accordance with his good purpose. St. Basil
Well, not only the achievement but even the will is his doing, not mine. A greater sense of awe has dawned.
St. Paul said, "I have toiled harder than all the others, but it is not I but the grace of God, which is with me." 1 Cor 15: 10
So the will, the grace, the accomplishments are all received as gift. Obviously, i am nothing without the Giver.
Really insightful--
ReplyDeleteand you know what--my husband reminds me of this when I remember too much--
You know when Paul said, "Forgetting the things which are behind," most people think of that as failures but my husband reminds me that it means our successes also.
We cannot live on yesterday's experiences with Christ as sweet as they are to think about at times.
Yes, we receive as Gift because we truly are nothing without Him.
Thank you for this timely reminder.
Love you sweet friend,
D.
Good point, Dianne, about the successes. No holding on to the mountain top experiences, huh? Go forth! And don't look back. It's wonderful to share with you, precious sister in the Lord!
ReplyDeleteSheila, I just discovered you today and I am very touched by your writing and insight. I hope you don't mind having a brother of peace come along for the ride. I promise to sit quietly and not eat too much...
ReplyDeleteTony Biasell
Tony,
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to hear from you, dear brother of peace,
and please eat all you want--no promises necessary! :-)
Sheila