Isaiah 54:2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes."
When I moved to Arizona four years ago, this was a crucial promise for me. The Lord spoke through this verse as I struggled with the difficulties of moving, getting married, adjusting to a new church and family, and, ultimately, the growth process. It was a stripping process. It was painful at times. But ultimately it was about making room. Instead of accepting the status quo and the comfort of what I already knew, God was enlarging my heart and my life.
At times when we feel crowded by life's responsibilities, it can be easy to hold back in our lives. We are afraid, we are uncomfortable and we would rather have our security. God is not about fear. He is not uncomfortable with His purposes. And he promises that "The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer" vs 5.
As you look at this Christmas season, how are you making room in your life for Christ? As you look at the new year filled with anticipation-- or are you filled with fear? God wants us to prepare our hearts for his plan-- which usually involves stretching growth. Make room for Him!
I know God is preparing my heart for the stretching (literally) of adding another child. And instead of getting caught up in the "How am I going to's??!", I want to prepare my heart to make room first for Christ, who is a good Maker! I would love to continue to remember that God has always been faithful--
my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. 54: 10
He brought me through that inital season and he will be faithful again, no matter how crowded I feel by my life's responsibilities and difficulties.
1 comment:
Hi Nora! This is Alycia (Groveman)...just wanted to thank you for posting these "Christmas Thoughts" but specifically, posting what you posted today. Will and I recently decided to re-locate to Connecticut (because of a job opportunity Will got) and I've often thought of you, and other girls, who moved far from home after they got married. The Lord is already teaching me a lot about finding my comfort and hope in Him and I know He will continue to do so as we move. Anyways, just wanted to thank you for the encouragement. =)
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