It’s been on my mind a lot lately, measuring success–as if so many external factors were the true gauge–when God stopped me with a whisper look at your own heart. If I didn’t take what I learned in my quiet time and try to apply it to life, I would be disappointed if I otherwise didn’t measure up: by charts, graphs, dollars or things. Maybe it’s not the stuff I can show, but the stuff I can’t show.
20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,[g] 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
22 And you must show mercy to[h] those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others,[i] but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 1:20-23 (NLT)
I honestly don’t think I can do justice to this paring of success and God’s call to go out and love. So I’m just going to stop here. But this is the verse that stood out to me today.
Father, this year you’ve taught me so many things. In this quiet time with you, you’ve prepared me for trials I didn’t see coming. Your Word says you equip people for the job, and while I’m still such a novice at many things, I would have failed completely if I didn’t have your tools to help me stand. I am so very grateful for this time with you, and the safety of your love when things don’t feel safe.
Courtney (66books365)
Sixty-six books in a year 