52 Lists: Week 14

Transform. Presence. Patience. Communication. Connection.

This week entailed quite a few lessons for me. The one that has resonated in my heart throughout the week is this:

I am a work in progress who can be extremely intense. But I have an intense and passionate God. At the same time, he is patient and gentle as well as strong and persistent. And he has called me to the same character. And a work in progress, I am.

As Spring is upon us, the earth is springing forth newness all around. Trees are in bloom. Rain is coming down. The natural is being transformed. And so it is with my heart. And my mind. And my character. As the weather effects the growth of the earth, so the Presence of Jesus affects my heart, mind, and character.

I need to be aware of his presence in order for my entire being to be transformed.

Oftentimes, I find myself impatient--wanting things to happen more quickly. I desire for relationships with God and people to move rapidly. But this isn't how it works. Relationships are a process. Sometimes, I have seen how I've rapidly grown in my relationship with Jesus and others, but it's always a process. And it requires patience. Love is patient. It waits.

This week, I've tried to push down walls into hearts in my own strength. I've been intense, but not patient. I've tried to do things on my own strength and it's left me exhausted and frustrated.

But how thankful I am for Jesus and for his never-ending presence and patience. He's communicated to me right where I am--asking me to die to myself and to live in him. He has proven himself true by doing above and beyond all I could ask. He has asked me to surrender trying to handle situations on my own.

My heart hears him whispering:

Come. Let me transform you. You were made to live in my Presence. You were created for patience. You were designed to communicate and to teach others about communication with me. I have given you the connection to myself because of who I AM. Lean upon me. My yoke is easy and my burden is light. My ways are continually good. My timing is perfect. Wait upon me. I am making everything beautiful in my time. 

And as I move into week 15 of this journey of "word lists," may I cling to the words of Jesus above all else. He is where I want to remain always. I encourage you to do the same!

Rest in the sweetness of his voice! He is speaking through everything!!

Until next week...

Hellen