This afternoon, I’m finally finding time to meet with God and read his word! Sitting in this amazing coffee shop, with this even more amazing coffee, lovely hymns playing on my ear buds, and amazinger {made-up word, don’t worry 🙂 } blueberry plum crumble cake, I’m feeling pretty close to Heaven!
The past several weeks my heart has been overwhelmed with the demands of life. As a mother, wife, friend, studier of a tough exam, and counselor, my plate is over flowing. One struggle I’ve been working through, which is sadly all to familiar in my life, is the pain I feel watching people rebel against a loving and saving God. Seeing the present day hell people are living in {unnecessarily} and being unable to save them from their bondage, this truly breaks my heart! Throughout my life, I’ve learned that you can beg, plead, and cry for someone to see the truth and until they are ready, they will reject your best intentions. I must remember in these moments, as God has been teaching and reteaching me over the years is this one vital concept…
“If people reject God, the creator of the universe, their Savior… They will certainly reject my pleading and guidance! My job is to simply to trust and obey, to be a vessel of love, and to speak truth into a darkened and heart-broken world.”
I am not responsible for the finished product! Not in my husband’s life, my children’s lives, my friend’s lives, or my client’s lives! This is each and every individual’s responsibility and placing this pressure upon myself is an unbearable weight! Sadly, I too often I find myself doing this very thing! As a result, I find myself tired, exhausted, overwhelmed, unable to handle the everyday demands placed before me, and as a result I find myself sinning more! Hmmm??? Ouch! Perhaps, God simply wants me to do my best, follow His will, and leave the final product up to Him?
Wow! My shoulders suddenly feel 5,000 pounds lighter! 😊
Today, I am reading Isaiah Chapter 1, as I follow my daily (not-so-daily) Bible reading plan.
In this passage you see the Lord trying desperately to get people to see the truth and to recognize their sin and desperate need for a Savior. Sadly, you see the people of this nation actively refuting God’s perfect will for their lives. You also get a pretty vivid picture of the pain they’re enduring as a result. God used this passage to reiterate a common lesson he’s been teaching me for what seems like 100 years… “If the God of the universe is unable to get their attention and they continue living the consequences of their rebellion, I in my human flesh am certainly incapable of saving their souls!” Again, I can pray for, love, and share the good news of the saving grace of the Gospel… but I am NOT their savior! Not sure where you’re at today or what your struggle is along the journey. It is my hope that this reminder helps you in your struggle or encourages you along the journey is some way!
“Have a great day!
Love, Crystal
The Flame Within 
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