Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Story for a Song - 3



Just For This Moment





A few years ago I read a book by Andrew Murray entitled "Abide in Christ". It really touched my heart because it fit in with what God was teaching me and then went a step beyond.





God had been teaching me about sanctification and what it really means. We tend to look at our lives in Christ and see His justification as something He does in and through us. We recognize that we have no ability in ourselves to come to Him or believe in Him. But when it comes to sanctification - the growing up in the Lord - we tend to see it as something *we* have to do.





We strive and try to be better people, berate ourselves for our failings, and beg God to lift us up again, only to run off and try to try harder in our own strength! Crazy, isn't it?





When we come to realize that sanctification is just like justification - it is something that *God* does, not that *we* do - there is a peace that comes and a freedom that abounds. It is not a do nothing kind of faith. It does not mean that we live just as we want and think God will change us into something better, although it can sound almost that way. His yoke is easy and His burden light! What it is, is a faith that finds it's focus in knowing and loving God. That's all. That's it. Not trying to be perfect parents/siblings/spouses/church members/people. Not *having* to wear dresses only or cover our heads or avoid television and rock music. Not finding a formula to live by.





Just loving God


Just delighting in Him


Just enjoying Him


Just abiding in Him





And when we do those things, *HE* works in us, changes us, makes us more and more like Him. We may wear dresses only because we *want* to. We might feel it's the best way to fulfil His command to be modest and feminine. We do it because He causes our heart to *want* to do it. And the same with any other kind of lifestyle change that can *look* like some kind of requirement to be godly. But it's NOT because it's some rule we have to follow. Not any of those things - just something that flows out of our relationship with Him.





But then comes the question of how do we stay there in that place? How do we keep our eyes on Him? How do we grow beyond the inconsistencies of a fledgling faith that keeps picking up the pieces of our lives and trying to fix them ourselves?





That's where the book helped me so much. Mr. Murry wrote about living in the *moment*. Just for THIS moment. Right now. I put my eyes on Christ. I trust in Him. I love Him. I abide in Him. I am not worried about how many moments are left in my life and how many times I'll fall. All that matters is the now. And right now He is here, within me, changing me and loving me, and growing me into all that He wants me to be. And I can trust that He will stretch those moments, from one into another, into another, until I am living my whole life IN HIM!





Here's the link for the song:


http://www.daddys-little-princess.com/JustForThisMoment.mp3





and here are the words:





Just for this moment, I abide in Thee.
My roots grow deep within the Vine and let Your life flow through me.
Just for this moment, I will cease to strive
To live my life in my own strength,
Oh, let all that is of me die!





Lord, I praise You that You're able
To work even in me!
Your strength is made perfect in my weakness
And Your grace is sufficient for me!
There is freedom in admitting
That there's nothing good in me.
For when I rest and let You do Your work,
You will change my heart indeed!




Just for this moment, I abide in Thee
My roots grow deep within the Vine
And let Your life flow through me.
Just for this moment - and when this moment's through,
May Your grace stretch this moment within Your embrace
Into a lifetime of moments in You!!

28 comments:

  1. Just read Jewel's blog and thought I'd pop by and tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Something like this is a thing we never expect, and it's difficult to imagine what you and your family must be going through. Best wishes...

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  2. Dearest Heidi, I am lifing you, and your family, up in my prayers. I am so sorry!

    ~Kathy

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  3. Hi Heidi - My family and our church family are lifting all of you up in our prayers. With love in Christ, Q

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  4. Heidi~
    Please know that you and your family are in my prayers...
    I am so sorry for your loss.

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  5. Dear Heidi, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Lifting you & your family in prayer. {{hugs}}

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  6. Here visiting via Jewels'.
    You and your family are in my prayers.

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  7. My heart,prayers and thoughts are with you.

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  8. Dear Heidi and beautiful family--
    Jewel's post about your loss struck me so very deeply. I lost my 4th precious son at 38 weeks, too. Benjamin was born on November 3, 2007 and we buried him 3 days later. The 15 months since then have been the most painful and yet the sweetest in my life. To be mother to an angel is an awe-inspiring privilege, but so heartwrenching at the same time. My heart is full of shared grief for you and also prayers that you will have joy as you hold this precious baby for the short time you will have. Prayers that you will have strength in the days ahead.
    Heart to heart,
    Michelle B.

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  9. I found out about your loss over at Jewel's blog and just stopped by to say I prayed for you and am so sorry for the loss of your little one. May the Lord bless you with peace and comfort during this time.

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  10. Dear Heidi and family--
    I just stopped by via Jewel's blog to let you all know that I am keeping you in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Gail

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  11. I read about what you are going through at Jewel's blog. I feel so sad for what you are going through and am lifting you and your family up in prayer to our Father.

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  12. Heidi,
    I am lifting you up in prayer right now. I'm so sorry for all you are going through--
    Tracy

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  13. I've just read at the Jewel's blog about you..
    I weep with you, I am very sorry about your loss..
    I give you a big hug, I will pray for your family:(

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  14. I have just arrived from Jewel's blog. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today.
    With All My Love, from Jane xxx

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  15. Heidi, I just read Jewel's blog. You don't know me, but my deepest prayers are being said for you and your family during this time and the days to follow. This touched my heart deeply, as my daughter just had he second child at the end of December. May God's grace continually cover you and your family through this very difficult time.

    Much Love and Blessings,
    Alleluiabelle

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  16. Dear Heidi,

    I do not know you and yet my heart aches so much for you and your family. I hope that there is comfort with Christ and knowing he is holding your little one. Please know you are thought of and prayed for. May the Lord be with you all in this time and may he bring understanding and love.
    By His grace,
    Megan
    www.reedsoftn.blogspot.com
    rprmsr@gmail.com

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  17. I know I do not have the words to express how sorry I am for your loss. May your faith and family help you through this difficult time.

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  18. Dearest Heidi...

    Though I don't know you personally, my sister in Christ, I'm praying for you. May God grant you every grace, every bit of peace and comfort to sooth your aching heart. May you and your family know His sweet love, His precious care as you mourn your little one.

    Kimberly

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  19. Heidi and family,
    I came over from Jewels' blog too-I just want to say how very sorry I am for your loss. I pray that God will bless you with sweet peace over the next days and weeks and that you will know His comfort during this time.
    You are not alone-

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  20. Dearest Heidi,

    You and your family have been in the prayers of my family these past couple of days. I have walked into your blog-world from Jewels and found it delightful and inviting. I shall stay and wander as I pray. SO much to read and savor as I meet a new friend who walks in the light of the Lord with joy . . . despite the tears.

    I pray you are safely tucked under the wing of the Almighty as you endure this sorrowful time. Blessings to all in your cozy home.

    May God bless you and keep you. XO

    p.s.
    I shall bookmark your spot and return to enjoy more of your writings and poetry.

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  21. I have walked through this valley myself, and I will be praying for the God of all comfort to wrap you, to envelope you, and to strengthen you *in everything* during the days to come, EVERY DAY. The morning WILL come, but it will take longer, as you so aptly spoke to Jewels.


    'for we do not look at the things that are seen, but at those which are not seen, for the things that are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.'

    'He will gently lead those who are with young.'

    'He himself has carried our griefs, he has borne our sorrows.'

    'I will never leave you, or forsake you.'

    'Behold, I make all things new.'

    'I am coming quickly.'

    He has loved you with an everlasting love, and underneath are the everlasting arms ~ Elisabeth Elliot

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  22. May God bless you and yours in this great loss. We do have the assurance that we shall behold Him and that your little child is there with Him now....a most peaceful place full of love.
    We do not know the why, but Jesus does, so we trust.
    God be with you now, more than ever.

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  23. Dear Heidi, I am here by way of Jewel's blog. She has shared your heartache, and my heart aches for you. May you be held ever so close to the Father. I will be praying for you and your precious family.

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  24. Heidi I heard about you from a friend on MOMYS - I don't know you but my heart is breaking for you. I will be holding you in my prayers.

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  25. Dearest one...
    Yes, in *this* moment, to abandon all angst and abide in Him, Father God who cups us close.

    He will give grace for the next moment.

    My heart weeps with yours... and too, leans back into the love of Jesus, a love that holds.

    Know my prayers tonight join Jesus' in whispering your name to Father, join Jesus' who ever lives to intercede for us...

    May He rock you close tonight...
    All's grace,
    Ann

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  26. Dearest Heidi and family,

    Our precious Jesus is with you in your sorry. I look back at all the lovely comments and realize people are really caring for you just as I am even though I am across the other side of the world. It's so hard to know what to say to you. I wish I could do something to ease your grief. Then I remember that the thing that our Lord would have me do is just keep bringing you before Him. So as I move through my day, as you come into my thoughts be assured that I will pray for His peace to cover you.

    Blessings Gail

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  27. Dear Heidi and family,

    I found you through Jewel's blog. My condolences and prayers for you. May God comfort and heal your grief. I pray that your faith will grow in the Lord during this time, and that you will continue to feel His love and presence through your other children.

    I hope you can feel the love from the authors of these many comments. May they be a blessing to you.

    Thank you for sharing as you have on your blog. I am new here, and grateful to have found another godly sourse of encouragement on the net.

    In His love and service,
    Shari

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