Don’t Mess With Daddy's Girl
By Paris Renae
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. Romans 5:5 NIV
This life can be downright draining. Even the good things can leave us weary. But the hard things, not only are they draining, they sometimes cloud our hope.
Recently, I’ve had to endure back pain that has a long-term healing picture. I’ve not been a happy camper. I’m busy, my husband is super busy and needs me, friends are going through trials and need me, adult children have issues I can’t solve but they need me.
I have commitments. I don’t have time for ‘down time’.
Yet, it was at the lowest point of this trial, when I couldn’t find any physical rest from the pain, that I could truly hear my Father. I thought I was in tune before, but there is something about not ‘being in control’ that He can use to truly speak into our hearts.
My quiet times, accompanied with ice packs, were sweeter. I could see more clearly that although I was doing all the ‘right things’ before, time with Him had gotten a little stale.
When I surrendered because I no longer could go on my own steam, truths in the Word sank deeper.
How I wish I were wired differently. That truly surrendering all concerns and resting in Him were just natural. His Holy Spirit is with us from the moment we say ‘Yes’ to the sweet gift of salvation – and He has promised to bring to completion the good work He has begun in us.
But the flesh self of us has a long learning curve ahead. Until we see Him face to face, we will never arrive.
My head knows it, my heart believes it, but this girl He’s made is a do-er. And waiting is like torture.
So though I never want to go through this ordeal again, as it slowly works its way towards recovery, I have learned the valuable lesson: slow down, listen, don’t get ahead.
Remember always: He has filled us to overflowing with His love by the everlasting gift of His Holy Spirit. Our gift to lead us in all we do, to refresh us in our drained times, and to refresh others as we become more like our Savior.
I am my Daddy’s girl and He doesn’t want anyone or anything messing with His work in me – that includes my tendencies to ‘do it myself’.
Are you drained, overwhelmed? Is some physical ailment part of your reality right now? Do things seem out of control? Right there with you, sister.
But He has the refreshment we need and it’s ours for the asking: the Spirit of Wisdom. He gives generously to all who ask – our ever present help.
Oh, Father, nothing in our lives is a surprise to You. You know our arising and our laying down. You know our very thoughts. Help us in the good times and the trying times to not get ahead of You and then find ourselves drained. Help us not despair in the difficult times that do accompany this life, but let You use them to refresh our spirits. Then not only will we know You even better, we will ourselves be a source of refreshment to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
© 2017 by Paris Renae. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Wednesday, 26 July 2017.
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