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Starting Fresh – With A New Point of View
By Sheila Martinez
Was there ever a time that you can remember
being lifted to see something out of normal range? Maybe a parent
or relative lifting you up so you could see farther? Giving you a
new point of reference – higher and broader than before?
While I can remember a few times help was given
in the natural, it is the gift of being able to see my life from a
different viewpoint that I am still in wonder about - being lifted
up so I could see some of the reasons for the seasons in my life.
This happened one day when I was very upset – I mean upset!
The pressure of the circumstances made me so out of balance that everything
was part of the problem. As this torrent went around and around in
my head, wearing out the pressure (which, by the way, is part of the
process) I began to tell the Lord that EVERYTHING in my life was wrong
– everything was terrible. My whole life was tainted and there
was always a problem and there always would be! It was hopeless!
As I began to list these items to the Lord, I finally ran out of that
breath, I paused to sniff (I was really being pitiful!) and to take
another breath.
It was then I heard Him say, "And?"
I pause for a mere second or two and then continued on. With my list
getting longer, I added everything I could possibly dredge up from
every pit I had ever visited, the evidence as to why things were as
they were.
The list missed no one and no thing – my family, my husband,
my kids, my mom, my stepdad, my birthfather, the circumstances of
my birth, the turmoil between members of my family – I mean
EVERYTHING I could think of!
After another bit of time went by, another pause was needed (as this
wearing out of the frustration of years is hard work!), I once again
heard Him say, “And?”
So once again I continued on - until finally I wore myself out. Key
word here is MYSELF! I wore the self out -- and now the lifting up
began.
I heard the Lord say to me, “My child, do you care about people?”.
“Yes, Lord - Most of the time.” Since it was the Lord
asking and since I had been such a pill I figured I had better be
real here and admit I often missed the mark!
"Do you feel the pain of others?" He asked.
"Most of the time, Lord." I answered.
"Does it bother you when you see those in lack suffering?" He asked.
"Yes, Lord."
"Do you not have a heart of compassion?"
He asked.
"Yes, Lord, much of the time."
"Then what is the problem?"
He asked. "Have I not known every step you have taken?"
"Did I not know the
framework within you and what was necessary to bring out all of the life - the fragrance,
the sweetness, the song? Have I not had a plan and a purpose working since the foundation
of the earth for those I call my own?"
"Is not all well for those that are mine?
Do I not say that you often call the things that are really good bad? What if every step
you have taken was necessary to bring the reality of My love and life into this life you
are living?"
"My ways are not yours - and my thoughts are not your thoughts.
I watched as you walked through every step -- and patiently waited to bring forth the
right care at the right time - the right time to promote my purpose and plan. One step
denied would have limited your ability to live and move within the life I am giving."
As I listened to this Voice of Love pouring out the truth of His gentle,
patient care - this care that allows time for healing, restoration and growth - allows
time for the glow of life and hope to fill the colorless void of death and destruction
that we are all attached to through the fall, I realized that all of my life was in His
care and under His watch. He knows when a sparrow falls to the earth and He is the best
Father ever, so how can we not know He has our care uppermost on His mind? He sent His
Son because of this very reason.The word tells us we will not have to endure
more than we can handle, but He will make a way of escape. He tells us He is perfecting
that which concerns us. He says that His timing is perfect - and His arm is not short
that it cannot save.
The Word says that we are to rejoice in all things, and
again I SAY REJOICE! The word says that we are to be content in knowing these things - that
His love is everlasting and He will never leave us or forsake us. So how could I any longer
look upon my life with such disdain? How can I love myself so I can love others if I do not
accept the life I have had and have now today?
Lord, thank you for this new
viewpoint - this new sight I have been given! I am loved as I never knew before - even more
than I imagined! How limited was my sight! I am overwhelmed at the new vista I now see, as
you lift me up on your shoulders and say to me, "Look far and wide, my child, and see more
than ever before - for I AM ever increasing and all loving - and will reveal more and more
as you rejoice in Me!"
The wonder is that He means this for you too! Will you embrace a new viewpoint for
2007? Just imagine what wonders await those who are willing to be lifted up so they can
see and receive the new thing!
If you would like to comment on this article, please send an email
to:sheila@vine3.org
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