real life

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:3-4

My child,

When Christ is your life, you enjoy freedom from the tyranny of your circumstances. If your heart and mind are set on his glory, then your life becomes a beautiful stage for my show-stopping miracles.

Don’t set your heart on what is vulnerable to moths, rust, or thieves.   Pour your heart, mind and soul into that which lasts forever. You have died to this life. Live like it.

Transcending your circumstances will come when you fix your gaze on me. I am with you in the hurricane of your pain. What you first perceive as a prison can be a platform for praise.

You have the privilege of experiencing my love, and then showing others how I am working in and through you. You can choose real life - to thrive by the power of my Spirit as a conduit of my love, grace and truth. Or, you can try to subsist apart from me with your sparse resources.

You have experienced both paths. The choice is yours.

Which path will you walk today? I can empower you to choose well. Just ask.

I love you,

Abba

My Abba,

Yes, I have experienced both paths. When I take my eyes off you, the slightest hiccup can throw me into the ditch. It doesn’t really take much at all. Without your glorious presence, past pain alone would be enough to snuff out my joy for a lifetime.

Thank you that I don’t have to face my past, present or future without you! With you, there is no downside. No dark side. No hidden agenda. No weakness that will come to light under closer inspection.

When I draw near to you, I get to experience the Only One in the universe who is flawless. Why would I ever choose to run from you?

The running seems to happen when I entertain the company of two lies. The first is when I believe the lie that something, or someone, who is imperfect is going to meet my needs better than someone who is perfect. Illogical, I know.

And the second lie is equally illogical. I somehow believe the lie that I can’t, or shouldn’t, come to you because I don’t meet your standards.

Please lift the smog of this half-truth our enemy attempts to breathe into my mind. I know the whole truth is this: I don’t meet your standards. I am imperfect. But you made a perfect way for me to be a part of your forever family through Jesus Christ.  

Thank you that beloved children don’t have to beg for a spot at their father’s table.  Thank you that I can bring all the blemished, bruised parts of me and still receive your gracious welcome. Remind me (again and again) that I have a relationship with you because of what you, not I, bring to the table.  

I love you,

Mollie

photo: kevin carden