In 2008, I was fortunate to be invited to a Freedom Conference with Dennis Jernigan and what I heard was used by the Spirit to help me get back in my race. His song Sit With You For A While has been one of my favorites to reflect and rest in God. There have been lots of times since then I have felt the Spirit drawing me to surrender and to be hidden in Christ. I’ve always been the kind of sheep who has to take life moment by moment. I have never been a one and done kind of person. So surrender for me is progressive. I take it day by day and sometimes hour by hour.
That’s the great thing about being exposed by our GOD who allows us bold access to Him. He is patient, faithful and kind enough to give us glimpses of what we need to surrender to him. His kindness and goodness always lead me to repentance. We don’t have to tackle the whole mountain all at once, just take one step. That step takes as long as it takes.
Some things help me in this race. Being grateful and waiting are probably my best weapons. It takes the glory from humanity, the Devil, and me. Wating places it on God who owns everything, paid for my sins and who provides the road I am traveling. When I am ungrateful it is like driving without sight.
Waiting on God has been an amazing learning experience. I used to wait like a brat, with tears and expectation that God would answer my whims. I distracted myself with impatience. Now intimacy with God means that he is the only answer and waiting for his timing is worth everything in the world because he has better imagination for me and plans for me. All of my prayers get answered because I am waiting on him to issue guidance and trust him to keep His word.
Now that doesn’t mean my prayers are answered according to my hope or human desires. You have to remember God deals with us according to what is best for us. He always gives his best to those who leave the choice to him. So being the precious Father he is there’s a timetable that is best for me and in due time he will answer. Here or in heaven.
Oh, the peace that comes with releasing something to your Father! Learning I control very little outside of my own thoughts and Spiritual race is true freedom. Dying to self is not for the faint of heart. Sometimes it is hard and hurts. Being able to just sit with him for a while is comforting. I tell him everything because he can take it. He wants me to be real and be who he planned for me to be.
Dear Ones, I could tell you all day about how GOD loves you and how much it can mean to your life. I could expound on the grace and peace and the intimate times when you realize GOD is enough and all that you need. If this is something you desire to have, I can promise you I don’t know everything but I am happy to tell you how I got here and walk toward Jesus with you.
These verses are the basis for all I have said.
Duet 33:12 And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.
Eph 3:20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Heb 4:16Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
PS. Pray for our brother Dennis, God knows his need.