faith unfaded

I love coming across things I’ve written that I’d forgotten about. They almost always line up, the words proven to be true.

Words spoken in the spirit have eternal life and truth just hits different anyway.

Such was the case today as we had our final Ladies Bible Study for the year at Calvary. We’d started in September, using the Jen Wilkin book ‘In His Image’ and held ourselves up to the mirror throughout each chapter.

I noticed at the beginning of the year I was still struggling with a need for revenge against those who’s wronged me. If they come against me, they are coming against You, God was my thought and I justified my wrath.

Only the verses were poking holes in my theory. There’s no room for darkness. He won’t accept vindictiveness. Revenge is a tool of Satan’s. As the months went on and a genuine desire to be in His image took center stage, that need for revenge abated and the notes stopped.

What’s more, I began to hope my enemies would find this same peace. Because while there are admittedly times that I’d like to see a foe suffer, it’s not my desire to see anyone perish and be cast into the lake of fire.

My lesson notes started changing by the beginning of 2025. They were more peaceful. They were prophetic. They were retrospective.

A note on the lesson God Most Patient: A farmer is at the mercy of weather and the harvest. God is the Farmer. I am at the mercy of God’s harvest.

A note on the lesson God Most Wise: It doesn’t matter how anyone else sees you (bad OR good), it only matters how God sees you. Don’t let their negativity change who you are in Christ. By the same token, don’t let man’s praise alter your truth. What if a man gain the whole world but lose his soul?

Another lesson from the same chapter: Deep wisdom is most often the product of years of learning and experience. But it’s not automatic. You must desire to learn from the past and apply it to the present. Otherwise you’re sitting in a car with the keys in your hand wondering why it won’t start.

What caught my attention the most were the words I wrote in December 2024. I’d forgotten all about this. I’d been struggling with the need to explain myself.

I’d written…

2023 was the year to find myself.
2024 was my year to start over.
2025 will be my year to just BE.

No more doing. I am a human being, not a human doing. I’m learning to be content. I’ve learned that I’m enough and I don’t have to prove myself to the Lord or anyone else. I just need to be faithful to Him. Enjoy this journey- His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

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While I’d forgotten the words, my soul hadn’t lost the memo. I have found contentment. I no longer feel the need to explain myself to anyone. I know who I am in Christ and I know that I am living a life IN HIS IMAGE. While I still DO a lot because I’m a Martha sometimes, I no longer tie it into worthiness or identity in Christ. I am also a Mary, resting in His presence because He has shown me how to just BE as well.