Change Me, God

Have you ever had flashes of higher-level spiritual thinking that you struggled to wrap your mind around; that you tried to hang on to before it slipped away? I literally had a day full of that kind of revelation, and part of the purpose of today's post is to ensure I don't forget it!

The first revelation happened this morning as I was leaving for work. The sun was shining, and there was a perfect shadow on the brick exterior of my home. It was an exact replica of the bush that sits at the corner of the house, complete with a bird's silhouette in the middle of the bush. I sat quietly in my car, appreciating the sight, then decided to try to capture the scene in a picture. Below is the picture, but alas...the bird flew away before I could photograph it. That moment caused me to meditate on God's great power -- that He could command the birds to do his bidding, that He could summon the sun to shine. We all know the Bible stories of Jesus calming the sea, but this was real life, here and now. I saw God's hand right in my own yard, and I remembered how relevant, timeless, and unchangeable He is. It's been a while since I thought about that.

Second revelation:  today, I caught myself asking God to do something unimportant. I tried to justify my request, and finally just said, "God, would you do it just because you love me?" And immediately I realized I was asking for something I wasn't willing to give. What have I done lately just because I love Jesus? I can't tell you one single thing I've done to express my love for God of late. That makes me ashamed. It makes me acutely more aware of my shortcomings. If I loved Him better, I would show it more.

The third revelation came while I was listening to Christian radio today, and heard a new song by Colton Dixon called "Limitless." I was reminded, not only how limitless God's power is, but also that we have inside us the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. What am I doing with that power? Or have I forgotten it's even there? 

The culmination of all of these revelations hit me as I pulled into the driveway this evening:  I have every reason to live a victorious life. And yet, I don't. Why not?

I don't have an answer. Or maybe I just don't like the answer I'm getting. I do know for sure that God has called me to live victoriously, but I think lately I've been living as a victim. 

How many times do I have to learn this lesson? No wonder I'm tired all the time.

That's it -- that's all I've got! 

Lord, help me be changed by the truths You showed me today.