If I look back over the last 6 months or so, to the start of the Godly Man Project in October, I can see the project of my life and godliness beginning to take shape. Thanks to God's patience, and His faithfulness, I've noticed a shift in my focus, from saying I live for God to a concerted effort to live that out, from reading the Bible almost haphazardly to a disciplined, tactical, persistent reading and connecting and writing down what I've learned. As expected, God has been working on me, and that doesn't mean I'm perfect, I have a ways to go yet, but He knows how the work needs to be done, and I'm willing to lend Him a hand in that work.
I've noticed a few things on this journey so far. First, the lies of the world, the flesh and the devil are much easier to see as lies when I can back up and get a broader perspective on things - God's perspective. Second, there are no accidents in my walk with God. He shows many things in a short period of time which all connect, if I'm paying attention. He uses things I learn in Scripture to provide context on the past, to prepare me for the future, and to speak into my life now, even encouraging others in what they're going through. Third, prayer is far more powerful than I had ever noticed. Connecting with the all-knowing, loving, God of the universe tends to do that I guess. Sometimes I've had to laugh at the timing of His answers, the way events coincide, down to the moment.
My final note for now is that it's amazing just how much getting to know God is affecting my love for Him, and the relationship I always knew I needed. I still remember that moment last year, sitting at church, when I cried out in my mind to God, "I want to get to know You!" and the thought came back immediately in reply, "Alright, get to know Me then!" Knowing God is not something that just happens, like turning on a light switch and then all is revealed. It's like (and in fact, it is) getting to know another person. You spend time with them, see how they respond to things, learn what they like and what they don't, and over the course of time, it's hard to say exactly when, the relationship grows. I'm happy to say that my relationship with God has grown over the last 6 months. How do I know? Well, more than ever, I like being around Him. I enjoy His presence, and spending time with Him. I trust Him with things I always wanted control over. More than ever, I want to please Him. I can't take credit for these things, it's His doing - a result of His character. With time and relationship, I pray that character will rub off on me more and more. Let the project continue!
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