Monday, April 11, 2016

A Fork In The Road?

The birthing process is made up of stirrings, contractions, discomfort, pain and effort.  And at the end of the process emerges the gift of a life, created by God with the help of mom and dad, of course.  A beautiful gift that has made the waiting and the journey worthwhile.

We go through a similar process when God works in and through His people, pruning us, stretching our beliefs and renewing our spirit. This birthing, this being reborn, and renewed in Christ to be more like His image, is a process that we take part in.  We open and surrender ourselves to Holy Spirit, so that we can be all He has created us to be.  Our unique selves, made for His purpose.

Joel and I have been in transformation the past 4 years, but especially the last 7 months. Our journey began with Joel's overnight microwave healing and continued on with my own healing journey.  We developed a deep passion for healing through prayer and could not learn enough about it. In the past 7 months the journey has involved healing through surgeries and radiation, and more recovery time than I want to admit.  But this is not the whole story.  This season has also been about way more than healing, it has been about having a closer relationship with Papa God and about being open to His continued purpose for our lives. It has been and still is about removing God from a place of our own understanding and saying with our whole being............We want more of you God........at. any. cost.


I recently saw a picture in my mind of a road and ahead were two forks.  I identified one fork as our Lutheran heritage, where we have been rooted our whole lives.  The other fork in the road was all that we have learned beyond our Lutheran beliefs, a place of more of Holy Spirit manifestations, more of the prophetic and a different understanding of healing.


As I looked at this picture it became a person with arms raised to God in praise. The fork in the road was really not a place of decision....do we go to the left or to the right......it was a blending of who we were and who we are now and finding peace with how both are molding and shaping us into who God desires.  In this process involving effort, discomfort and even pain, our focus needs to remain on God.....who in His infinite wisdom is creating something new~ someone new.

I don't think this process is unique or a one time event, but is an ongoing part of everyone's lives. We are transformed and renewed by a loving God who does not want to leave us where we are, but encourages us to grow and be shaped into the image of Christ for His purpose as long as we take breath into our bodies.  This birthing process is not always easy or comfortable, but it is an adventure we don't want to miss out on, that's for sure.  So we continue to ask with expectation and even some anxiety for something more...........at. any. cost.

3 comments:

Lisa notes... said...

I so understand that fork in the road, Renee. I've had to learn how to blend my more conservative Christian heritage with a much more freeing Spirit-led faith. I want no resentment of the past, but to be appreciate of where it's brought me because God has been faithful ALL along the way. It's a journey. Praying for complete and total healing for you and Joel, through and through!

Anita Johnson said...

I am someone new too...

Sharon said...

Really lovely post, Renee. Yes, the birthing process is never easy. I remember hearing someone once say to be careful when you pray for more faith. Undoubtedly, you'll get more trials. Following Jesus costs us our lives, as we learn to die to self. It's a difficult journey, but so well worth it.

Prayers for you and Joel as you venture forward.

GOD BLESS!