Choices can be confusing, so I like it when they are simplified for me. I want to choose without being overwhelmed. God’s lessons this week have been crystal clear. He offers two choices, and I can have one or the other. I can have the life He wants for me or not. It’s completely up to me. Love and fear will not abide in the same place. Anger and peace cannot coexist. Unforgiveness and grace do not mix. Insecurity hates trust, and comparisons kill gratitude. I cannot have control and surrender at the same time. Living in the flesh prevents me from living in His Spirit. The choices are simple, but I have the tendency to hesitate and complicate things. When I stop and think, I get into trouble. When I trust and love, the right decision is much easier.
My small group is reading “She’s Got Issues” by Nicole Eunice. God is using the book to help me see clearly that my issues are, as Nicole says, “joy stealing and love sucking.” I love that phrase because it creates a vivid image of what fear, anger, unforgiveness, insecurity, comparison, and control do to my ability to love as God desires.
Letting go of control allows me to surrender.
Gratitude puts comparison in its place.
Insecurity falls away when I remember God is trustworthy.
God’s infinite grace reminds me of His forgiveness and opens the door for my own.
The peace that passes understanding comes when I let go of my death grip on anger.
Fear doesn’t stand a chance in the face of love.
Spirit reminds flesh of its temporary nature, and resurrection living becomes possible.
Life or death? God leaves the choice up to me.