“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone.” Galatians 1:15-16 ESV
Most of us are aware of the legacy and life the Apostle Paul lived. To some degree, the scripture also sheds light into his religious background. He was born into the Pharisee sect, which meant he not only walked in legalism but was extremely knowledgeable of the entire Old Testament which was at the time, divided in sections: Torah (Law), Prophets and Poetry. He was highly intelligent, had utmost fear and respect not only among his peers, but by all who knew him (or of him), and had such influence even in the death of Stephen. (Philippians 3:3-6, Acts 7:57).
Upon his conversion to The Way (Acts 9:2,18) or what we now call Christianity (Acts 11:26), the Lord became Paul’s teacher. Jesus began revealing Himself to Paul in a deeply intimate way.
As Paul’s story unfolded in the scripture, we get to realize that the Lord was not just concerned about Paul’s salvation. Sure, that was good but that was not the end all. Christ was concerned about the saving of the Gentiles (outcasts) as well, and by extension, the entire world. In His omniscience, He knew he was able to use Paul as a vessel to accomplish this purpose. Sure, there had been the disciples and apostles who had walked, talked and ate with Jesus, but the mission of Paul was exceedingly great, and the Lord knew He could count on Paul to obey.
A cursory glance of New Testament will show that nearly two-thirds of the books there were written by the Apostle Paul (whether directly by hand or through dictation). In each of these writings flow the common theme – He wants Jesus to be revealed. His desire is that the reader and those whom He encounter would come to know Jesus as Lord.
As I pondered on this I was convicted. Paul an elite in his thinking considered himself nothing, dung even (Philippians 3:8 and 1 Corinthians 4:13). He was cognizant of his background, his accolades and accomplishments. He embraced his nationality and had keen awareness of his social standings. When he summed it all up though, he viewed them as nothing.
Just now as I write this Holy Spirit has brought to mind a verse that has resonated with the depths of my being for a long time.
“That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Philippians 3:10 ESV
How convicting again, yet consoling this is for me all at the same time.
As I think of all Paul experiences post conversion, He expressed to us one of his deepest desire, to share in the suffering of Christ.
Who wants to suffer much less suffer like Christ? Who wants to become like Him in His death? Go ahead, raise your hand if that’s you. I know I did when I felt holy and righteous; when I felt I was walking under His banner of invincibility.
I remember praying to Him this specific prayer over and over, during different stages of my life. “Lord, I want to know You intimately. I want to share in Your sufferings. I want to have deep fellowship with You.”
Well, He’s answered and I guarantee you, it is not how I envisioned.
As I shared in a recent post, my work environment has become incredibly stressful. It has become so difficult and filled with daily frustrations that many mornings I get up with dread. I have found myself crying about going to work and crying after I’ve left work. Today marks 12 years since I’ve been employed with this organization. The thought of this for me has been sadly more bitter than sweet.
“Why Lord?” I groan.
“How long?”
I want to leave this place of employment. I want to tell them to take their job and well, you know. But more than anything, I want Jesus to be glorified and I want Him to tell me just what to do.
So, through His prompting I set out to seek Him and won’t stop until He delivers me through another employer or tell me it’s time to look elsewhere or, give me daily grace to hang in there indefinitely.
In this seeking for answers, He led me to Paul and this is what He downloaded to my heart this morning.
My trials are to cause Jesus to be revealed in me. You see, Jesus entered my life when I invited Him in my heart at the time of salvation but because my life had been so marred by the grease and grime of sin, He continues to use sanctification to clean and polish the glass of my heart so that eventually, others can see Jesus.
Sanctification for me occurs not just in happy times of seeing His hands, but through experiencing life’s challenges and difficulties; it occurs through hardships and here we go, suffering. It is during these times that I really get to see (or should see) His heart revealed and others gets to see His love being revealed in me.
Christ’s chief end is to reveal Himself in me. For me to completely die so that He alone remains living.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism states that “man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The question therefore is, how can we glorify God if we are not in the position where His Son is being revealed? How can we enjoy Him if we don’t fellowship with Him through suffering or the denial of ourselves?
We enjoy our friends, spouses, children when we are of the same mindset. We reflect a truly happy family unit when we can bond without hindrances despite our differences. I’d like to think of bonding with our Father in a similar vein. We enjoy Jesus when we are walking in harmony with Him. He is revealed only when we surrender everything to Him. When we say, nevertheless not my will but thy will be done.
So for today, I will rejoice that in this period of hardship, His faithfulness and compassion is being revealed. He gets to prune me of my defiant will some more. He gets to remind me that I can do nothing, go nowhere unless He gives the order. I am forced to continue looking to Him, for only He is my rock and stay.
Lord, do what You will so Jesus can be revealed.
Until next time, I love you, I am praying for you and ask that you pray for me too.🌺
Remember, His Promises are our Guarantee…🙌🏽
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV
🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
👌🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I’m praying for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you dear brother. Your sister appreciates it more than you know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m here for you! You can talk to me anytime and about anything. And I’m usually very underutilized lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Giggles.
You certainly got a laugh out of me today with that underutilized statement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I’m very thankful for that!
😝😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
prayer sent up for you!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Wendi 🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
It it truly my pleaure to pray for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
God bless you, Deandra. I hear you. I don’t WANT to “share in the fellowship of His sufferings,” but it”s good to know that when suffering inevitably comes, He’ll be there with me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Such a comfort dear, Ann. A wonderful comfort ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Profound!!
I love this too btw, “Just now as I write this Holy Spirit has brought to mind a verse that has resonated with the depths of my being for a long time…. There’s nothing like being in this zone or realm where the Holy Spirit speaks so powerfully and makes an even more timely interjection, that you recognize and know that it’s Him!
Keep sitting at Daddy’s feet, because there’s a never-ending supply of this goodness, there…
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ah, oh how true that is. He has a way of interrupting and interjecting that leaves indelible marks all over the fabrics of our hearts.
At ABBA’s feet we will never cease to sit for there, resides an abundance of joy. ☺️
LikeLiked by 2 people
truth.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re embarking upon The Reveal……
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God…Romans 8:19
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hallelujah!! 🙌🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this. I am encouraged by your conviction and Paul’s utter humility. How often we try to elevate ourselves when He is the only one worthy! It’s a hard and painful place to be in when we realize our nothingness and total dependence on Him. Yet it always becomes beautiful. How courageous of you to embrace that for His Names sake❤️
LikeLiked by 3 people
Blessed be the Mighty name of the Lord, beloved. He alone is worthy. Many times I lose sight of that when I focus on either myself or my issues, but Yahweh alone is worthy of honor, power and praise. Thank you for leaving your heart print❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi ! The situation you describe is so familiar, as God is constantly pruning us to become more like his Son.
I identify with what you are saying, and I am praying for you. We have a huge family of brothers and sisters in the Lord to encourage us. 🤗
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hmmm, thank you for the prayers Sally. I truly appreciate them.
Yes, we are constantly being pruned so that when anyone sees us, they see Jesus. It’s painful, but oh so needed. ☺️
My love to you always 🤗🌺
LikeLike
Yes, I agree, Deandra. Stay confident, the Lord will work through this. You are indeed his Precious One, his Beloved. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awwwwww…My heart is touched 🤗❤️🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
God wants us to know him and be in relationship with him. That requires faith on our part and trusting him. He reveals himself to us in many ways, but going through difficult times teaches us things about God that we may not understand otherwise. Prayed for you little sister
LikeLiked by 3 people
So true big brother.
Soooooooo true.
I always am grateful for your love and prayers ❤️🙏🏽❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great topic–God wants to be revealed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
He certainly does. Thank you for stopping by, Stephen 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
As followers of Christ we have the immense privilege of revealing God to the world. But to do so we need to be more like Him which requires pruning and refining.
Praying for your work situation Dee. May the Lord give you the grace you need everyday to reflect Him there and may you be strengthened in your faith and character and draw closer to Him as you walk through this valley 💙.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Oh yes, the pruning and the refining process are not readily welcomed. Whew!
Thank you, Manu. I truly appreciate the prayers and love 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this!! Your open honesty and abiding love for our Savior! May the LORD wrap you in His loving arms, and give you PEACE as you go through these troubled waters to reach the shores of the intimacy of His presence in your life.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hmmmm, my friend is ever the poet. Hallelujah! Reading this has left me feeling wrapped up snuggly in Daddy’s arms. Wow! ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
As we go through the fire we do come out looking more like God’s Son. He is with you in the fire little sis! Praying for you. ❤️
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ah! That’s a wonderful way to look at it big sis. He’s with us in the fire, He’s the other Man there. Hallelujah 🙌🏽
Thank you for your faithfulness in praying ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure! What a privilege to be able to pray for one another. 🙏🏿❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! It absolutely is ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
This I relate with. Truly He uses those trying times to test our contents. Would we still stay with Him or would we chicken out…
God wants us to reflect Him and He won’t take chances until we get there – refined indeed! So He takes us through the processes.
Thanks for sharing sis.🤗
And I pray that the direction you need for what to do next will come to be. ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh that’s a nice way to look at it. Content tester. Food for thought here, sis.
He is certainly the refiner’s fire. Whew! He knows just how hot the temperature needs to be for purification and He will not turn it down simply because we feel discomfort. He knows what product He expecting and will accomplish that which He has begun.
I thank you truly for your prayers, Mercy. They mean so much to me. 🤗❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Smiles. 🙈
Yes sis. 💯
Like ehen! He just knows us perfectly!.
That.. 😪
Absolutely. Not going to take any chances!
You are welcome dear sis. ❤❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
♥️♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dee, this really resonated within my soul! God bless you girl for sharing the meat of His Word! I know how it feels to pray that prayer wanting to be so close to God but never realizing that to be close to Him, we must fellowship in His sufferings….I didn’t realize that’s what I signed up for! And I definitely wouldn’t be the one a raising my hand for that one! Oh the part of asking, “How long Lord?” 🤦♀️ I confess I asked this very question just this Sunday night. Wow, how He spoke to my heart from the preached Word and now from you! 😘🤗💜
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hmmm mmmm mmmm. Oh yes girlfriend! Our Daddy has to make sure we are tried and tried and tried Lol. I certainly for one didn’t realize this was the mandate until….but I’m so glad that even in the trying and the fires, He is there. Can you imagine if He tried us and left us to figure it out all alone? Thank You Lord for Holy Spirit 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Ah, Psalm 11 comes to mind. How long o Lord? One of the beautiful things about David is He brought it all to the Lord. The nitty gritty. The ugly. The grimy and dirty. He didn’t hide it from His Daddy. He lay it all out. He really dug into lamenting. And at the end, there always comes a yet or a but where He said, “yet even then…but still…I’m gonna trust you.”
We have to keep trusting sister! We have to keep hoping and believing!
We have to keep pressing on the upward way!
I’m so glad He uses us to minister to each other. Hallelujah 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love and prayers, sister!
I remember when I was a youth praying the first two parts of that verse and not really being sure what to do with that last part. Turns out I would not have truly known Him without the fellowship of His sufferings. It is during the times of suffering that He reveals Himself, and often we don’t even look for Him in the times that we’re NOT suffering.
We often complain about the proverbial climbing of the mountain, but getting a chance to catch a proverbial glimpse of the view from higher up brings joy we could not have known any other way!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Ruth. I love your love and prayers. My heart is so knitted to yours.
It is quite so. During our suffering, we really get to see who our Daddy is and just what He’s made of. Strong yet gentle. Mighty yet meek. Awesome in power. Full of truth. Faithful. Sovereign. Altogether lovely. Worthy of our trust and praise. Whew! He’s God all by Himself. Filled with splendor and majesty. Worthy is the Lamb 🙌🏽
LikeLike
You’re welcome!
❤❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! He’s the best Daddy in the world! Wow! We get to be daughters of the King!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yesssss!! Abba we looove you 🙌🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for these words. Your words have the ability to create a little nest inside of my soul somewhere, where they are safe and warm and flutter about when necessary. Am grateful for writers who capture some of that which I am feeling and graciously share it. Thank you my sister.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hmmm, wow! Your words are so moving and proof that God is able to restore and use anyone He so chooses. I’m touched by His grace and love to me through you, Fay Ann. Let us keep praying for each other always ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once again, your beautiful words have profoundly impacted my life. Thank you my sister. My prayer is guaranteed
LikeLiked by 1 person
🌺
LikeLike
Lovely. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗🙏🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love to my PreciousOne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love to my Gram ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Twelve years is a long time to be in a hard job. I will pray along with you that you keep seeking God until He delivers you from the situation or releases you to look elsewhere. I praise Him for answering the prayer to give you daily grace. God bless you, sweet friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Ms. Deb. Don’t quit praying.
I’m thankful for His grace and provision. For His faithfulness and in the most difficult of times, His Sovereignty. As He cultivates in us long suffering, may we keep our eyes fixed on Him. My love to you always ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really like your new profile picture! It’s so cute and it makes me smile 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awwwww! Thank you, Ms. Deb 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥰
LikeLike
May our Lord and Savior continue to bless you, my child. It’s good to see you re-focused on your god-given talent to enlighten the masses. The Holy Spirit truly speaks to you in marvelous ways…giving you insight to the meaning of the Scriptures.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Mother Fowler. I’m thankful that He is so faithful to cultivate and water that which He has created ♥️
LikeLike
This is profound and instructive. Thanks for sharing this. You are in my prayers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for praying. It means so much to me.
Thanks for leaving your heart print too, Ayansola ☺️
LikeLike
It’s my pleasure, Precious. You’ve been (are) a blessing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awwww. Abba be praised 🙌🏽😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I had a similar work situation and every January I would ask GOD: LORD how much longer? It was a physically demanding job and I was getting older. Every year HE would send me more and more clients. Finally HE starting moving them and closing doors. But it was years and what did HE teach me?? Patience and perseverance, big time. I also learned to take one day at a time……one day of HIS blessings for me and I looked not at the problem, but I started to look at HIS word for me! Live is so hard…….BUT GOD!!!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it like our Daddy to use circumstances to produce in us what is needed for our development? Thank you for reminding me that life should be lived one day at a time with Jesus. Moment by moment which helps us to be anxious for nothing, and to not walk in worry or fear. His will, will be done. Blessings beloved 🙏🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES! BUT GOD! HE is always there and knows exactly what we need even when we don’t know! Blessings to you today as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
But God!!!
Whew!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES! Those two words keep coming up for sure for me this week…….convicting for sure! Immeasurable……for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmmmm, reminds me of Psalm 46:10 😇
LikeLike
I am so, so proud of you my sis. I know Daddy God is too, way beyond what you have imagined. Sending a big hug and a prayer for grace to abound to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗🤗 Thank you big sis ❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
As always, your words immediately put the biggest smile on my face. I love you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awwwww!!!
I love love love you too ♥️♥️♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
And the very big smile continues… ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
🌺❤️☺️❤️☺️❤️☺️☺️🌺🙏🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my, Deandra. I am SO sorry you must endure such a frustrating work environment! At the same time I applaud you for the way you’re turning difficulty into the diamonds of perseverance, reliance on God, inner strength and more. God IS revealing Himself through you, my friend, and I have a feeling greater opportunities are on the horizon for you. Press on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Nancy, your words today have been a balm to my weary soul. It has been another crazy day at work with the priorities constantly shifting. Whew!
Thank you for leaving His reminder of hope and faithfulness. Our Daddy will deliver! 🙌🏽 Love always to you ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am nominating you for the Sunshine Blogger Award in my post friday Feb 28
LikeLike
I’ve nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award for faithfulness, Deandra. I hope you will accept.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awwwwww!!! I will certainly pray and see where Abba leads. Thank you my dear friend 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have certainly earned it my good friend! 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗🤗
LikeLike
I related to you very much when you said that you prayed for it. My prayer was that I want to be used by Him. He even gave me a song to go with my prayer. I once wrote that we pray for so much, not just for our selves, but also others, so it’s easy to not recognize those prayers being answered when the Lord is working things out. Answered prayers definitely do stretch us, and sometimes grieve us. I still want to be used by Him. I wasn’t in a good place, but I think He’s working on getting me to a place where I delight in hardships ect. Paul had to learn this too, and He did. This is what I keep reminding myself when I’m not feeling it. The Lord is amazing. He’s an amazing teacher and he works miracles. We’ll be fine. We’ll be better than fine. Hang in there, keep leaning into Him and know how much you are loved. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ll be better than fine – for real real. Thanks for reminding me of this sister friend. And for reminding me of His love.
You’re so right, answered prayers do stretch and sometimes grieve us. Whew! Have mercy, Lord! May we definitely remain submitted for it we don’t, we will end up a wreck, aimlessly drifting along the ocean floor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May we remain submitted indeed!
LikeLike
Greetings, I am nominating you for the Mystery Blogger Award; details forthcoming in my next blog
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Tangie, thank you!!
I will check it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person