Moving On…
I’ve let so much time go between any post of substance that I don’t even know where to begin in catching you up.
There’s so much to tell you but I really feel compelled to revisit our vacation to share what God revealed to me about our whole house fiasco. One quiet morning He absolutely floored me with the concept of dwelling. So many times when things get a little screwy in my life I begin to ask myself, “What have I done to bring this on?” It’s a by-product of my childhood church experience I suppose – the feeling God is on the edge of His seat waiting to whack me when I get out of line. That His favor dangles on the end of the string and just when I think I’m about to take hold, He jerks it a farther out of reach so I’ll have to work a little harder to get it.
My issues? They know no bounds.
After we’d finally settled in our new place, I sat on our balcony in awe of what God had in store for us all along. In our vacation planning, we had been deceived by what appeared lovely only to find the reality pitifully lacking. And yet, instead of leaving us in a circumstance we more than deserved, God gave us something that was far more than we could have ever asked for or imagined.
Here’s the huge thing God said to me in my spirit: Not only does He refuse to dwell on my mistakes and the consequences they deserve but He does not force me to dwell ON them or IN them either. Am I saying there is no suffering for sin? Absolutely not. But, even when facing the difficulties that accompany bad decisions, the severity of the punishment is light and momentary compared to what it should be. I am continuously thrilled by a God who is willing to move on from all my quirks and blunders instead of dwelling there. And when He goes, He grabs me up and takes me with Him leaving all the calamity behind.
Oh, how I praise The God of New Places. Of Beautiful Places. Of Places we could never have dreamed up if we’d tried. I hope you are dwelling in one of those today instead of soaking in a funky bay that a Very Evil Someone has fooled you into believing is the only beach you deserve. There’s something more out there, but you’ve got to be willing relocate.
Today’s the day.
Move on, Girlfriends. Move on.
“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! “
~Ephesians 3:20-21 The Message
Lisa,
Just beautiful! You are so right, sister. We can be the biggest whiners/complainers. I have said myself….”Oh this must be what I deserve!”. When that’s not how our God treats us. Even when we deserve blahk he wishes us gloriousness.
I am glad your vacation was fabulous! You deserved it!
I love your writing and I can’t wait for your book!
Wow. Thank you for sharing this today. I really needed it. That’s my view of God too – from years of religious training and trying to live in a black and white world. . . . .
Seems like this week has been nothing short of hell on earth for me. . . dealing with people who want to point out my bad in the midst of good and all I can think is “God, why is this happening?”
But like you said, he doesn’t dwell on my past or my mistakes and takes me along with him so I don’t have to stay there either.
Now if I can just figure out how to get up . . . .lol
Thanks again
Mary
Oh Lisa! You are so right! We serve and love a God who does NOT count our sins against us and loves us with a longsuffering love! I recently read the following in a Puritan prayer:
“O Lord, I am astonished at the difference between my recievings and my deservings, between the state I am now in and my past gracelessness, between the heaven I am bound for and the hell I merit. Who made me to differ, but thee?”
Loved this post! Can’t wait to see you in San Antonio!!!
Oh yes, I love it! MOVE ON! That’s like really empowering. lol And so simple! Why is it so complicated? lol
I’m definitely remembering those two words!
Oh I have too soaked in the funky bay. Total yuck.
Then I had a friend tell me, “Lysa, you are doing better than you think child. Get up and move on.”
So, with a little repentance on my part and some comforting friendship cheers on her part, I moved.
Upward and onward and to deeper places of joy with Christ.
Great post!
Oh, Lisa. Are you in my head?
We are in the middle of waiting for some things and I feel just like you described. I so understand that feeling of God waiting for me to screw up. And offering me something that I can’t quite reach. I KNOW that goes against everything He is. But I still get stuck there.
Thank you for this beautiful post. It is just the refreshment I needed.
Hi Lisa
Just stopped by to say hi. What you wrote is so incredibly true. I will have to remember that when the temptation comes to do otherwise. Have a blessed day!
Jenn
I’ve been studying who God REALLY is. Although, it’s actually been more of who God is NOT! We put so many of the worldly views into our perception of God. Then His essence becomes warped in our eyes. I’m with ya sister! I’d love to get your insights on this same dialogue at my blog if you get a chance. God Bless!
How did you know that that IS my FAVORITE verse ever. And, how did you know that this is EXACTLY what I needed to hear today after throwing a little pitty party for myself. Like seriously.
I HAVE to believe and remember that HE CAN do MORE than I can ever imagine and HE wants to give me more than a stinky little beach!
I love you, Lisa and can’t wait to hug your neck so soon!
Lindsee
Lisa,
Been here done this, and got the T-shirt. Then I wore that T-shirt with such pride, until God spoke one day and ask “why are you wearing that stinking old rag”? I have been at this mountain long enough. As the Jeffersons use to say…I’m movin on up to the eastside to a delux apartment in the sky. That MY Bridegroom has prepared just for me with his very loving hands.
Sallye
Lisa
Welcome home that was a great post. I remeber someone saying one time they were bringing their sin up to God and saying they were sorry for the thousanth time and God said to them “I want to see you righteous and pure quit trying to make me see you any other way”
He just wants to bless us isn’t that great.
Sallye I like your comment Too.
Blessings,
Lynn
Great words of wisdom! I don’t want to waste my life in a funky bay when the beautiful ocean is just beyond my view. Thanks for the comments. Love reading your blog. This is my first time to comment, though! Take care, Julie
Thank God he is Greater & Better than we could EVER imagine. Sometimes we are just taken back by His goodness to us…..so undeserving! Great reminder:)
Preach it, sister! :-) I love when you get on your teeny-weeny pink soapbox. (Not a pulpit, mind you. Soapbox.)
Amen and Amen!!! I tell people that I can “waller” around in that pit for awhile bc it feels good and I want too. I just don’t want to stay long. I don’t know if thats good or bad. Probably need to go to the new place instead.
Can’t wait to see ya!
Hugs,
Fran
Funny, we just discussed this very thing at Bible study last night, I, too, struggle with thinking the LORD is gong to wehack me for all the things I do and that I deserve to have something less.
I am so glad that He is not like that! Thank you, Lisa for sharing this. It blesses me today–something I will chew on and praise Him for!
Much love,
Holly
I love your phrase “soaking in a funky bay”, and the truth that the Lord spoke to you.
Years ago, I was riding down a tight, curvy road and noticed a small puddle on the side – very close to the road. It was full of ducks. They were fighting for a position in that dangerous puddle, when just behind them was a big, beautiful, and empty lake. The Lord used that picture to show me that I (we) fight to stay in the puddle, thinking that is all He must have for us, when in reality, He has a safe and beautiful lake waiting for us to enjoy. The pathway to the lake is found as we trust Him completly and give ourselves unreservedly to Him.
How good He is to us! And how I don’t want to miss the lake for fear of leaving the puddle!
Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
You have no idea how much I needed to read this post today. Wow. Thank you.
Let me say this speaks!! I am so guilty of rehashing the mistakes I have made over and over in my mind and I am thankful that God doesn’t want me to and that HE doesn’t do that. I love that, MOVE ON!!! Oh yes, fresh starts. Thank you God!
Love You,
Patty
Amen and Amen! Now if I can only get this deep down in my heart, mind and understanding. So many times I read and hear something and know I have heard truth and yet not apply that truth. Thank you for speaking life into my spirit.
Be Blessed,
In His Love,
Debrah
Great post Lisa. I know HE has something better for me. I tend to settle for less sometimes because I think I am not good enough, I don’t deserve more. But hey! HE has so much more for me, way more than I deserve but HE still has it for me because HE loves me!~ Thanks for a wonderful reminder. I needed this today girlfriend. BTW love the pic of boy #3!! I almost felt sorry for him. She slapped that kiss on him before he even knew what was going on. He is so cute. Your kids were great on the trip. Real troopers! Hard workers!! Love you all!
I was just thinking how much I tend to wait for the “big whack” or the “shoe to drop” in my faith. I mean it’s easy to wallow in the muck and mire, isn’t it? Yet, He wants so much more for each of us. Thank you for this post…and I’m celebrating your “big house” with you! What a fantastic lesson.
:-) susan
hello! I just found your blog today…what a great day to get acquainted! Your topic is very timely for me, and very well written.
I tend to “dwell” because I don’t think I deserve better. I struggle against it continually. I use Phil 4:8 to remind myself what thoughts and attitudes are true, and which ones are worldly and from Satan.
I can’t wait to get to know you better! Feel free to dink around my blog as well!
Shannon
Hello Lisa,
Nice to meet you! I’m glad you wrote what you did yesterday, I got to read it and of course benefit from it too! Thanks for your comment today!
Blessings to you,
Tabby
SO thankful for a God who loves me for who I am – and that He doesn’t dwell on mistakes like I tend to do. Thanks for sharing and reminding me of that truth! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog – got it from a friend “tales from a eurovan”…
thanks for reminding us of who God really is and what He really wants for us.
dani
What a wonderful lesson Lisa! God is so good to us! I am amazed at some of the things we have placed on him that have nothing to do with who he is! I too saw him as someone who was ready to smack me good for my mistakes! He has blessed me beyond measure and I so do not deserve it, but he thinks I’m worth it! I LOVE HIM SO!!!!
That’s the preachers wife I like to read. Great post.