August 28, 2009

“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 The Message

What is God up to in your life …?

He’s in the Everything-parts of your life … He’s in the Everywhere-you-go-parts of your life .. He’s in the Everyone-who-crosses-your-path today life. He’s on the job .. the job of loving and shaping your life in the image of the Son .. through and through .. inside and out. He won’t “doze off”. (Ps. 121) You will face difficult moments. This is a broken world and God uses all these broken parts in his refining process. His love for you is perfect .. even though at times it will feel so imperfect. You’ll feel abandoned but you aren’t. You’ll feel forgotten but you aren’t. You’ll feel unneeded but you aren’t. You may even feel that nothing has changed in your life but it has. There is a holy embrace inside of you that is the very presence of Jesus in the world you live in today. You may not feel holy but you are. Every life birthed .. surrendered .. and trusting in Jesus is holy. Your life has that much blessing power today because God is on the job in your life. Christ lives in you and His peace .. His shalom ..  and His wholeness fills your life today. And you are free .. Cross-refined .. to walk in His ways today. It only takes a moment …

“Give holy embraces all around! Peace to you – to all who walk in Christ’s ways.” 1 Peter 5:14 The Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to Holy Friends following Jesus and friends of Priority One (ken@priorityone.org)