There are many patterns in Scripture. There are many patterns in nature (ie: vertebrates have at the end of their appendages five-boned digits as a hand, a paw, even a flipper). There are also patterns in the way God approaches us. For example the following verses all have a similar pattern:
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
John 4: parts of:16,17,18,26 (KJV)
16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither...you have had five and the one you live with ... I AM He.
John 8:10-12
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
In each case, the Lord has positioned Himself in a place of authority. He instructs and directs the conversation to address the particular issue at hand. The particular issue is the same in every case - sin. God is not afraid or shocked at our sin. He is the cure and He knows it. He is not afraid to reason with us - though the first point of reason is our sin. He wants us to "Come..." In every case, before He gives deeper revelation of Who He is - he dictates that we must face our sin. In John 4, Jesus eventually reveals Himself as the Messiah, but only after the Samaritan woman acknowledges her sinful living arrangement (and the fact that she tried to deceive). The adulteress woman was thrown at his feet - her sin for all to see. Her sin is addressed, she is given instruction, and then Jesus again reveals that He is the light of the world.
This pattern is the same for me (and you). The Word of God will always bring you to a place where you are required to face yourself. Being free to confess your sin IS freeing. It's like dumping out all your garbage; once emptied of self, you are now open to His replacement of right thinking which leads to right acting. Both processes (emptying - ie: confessing; and refilling - ie: renewing your mind) are accomplished through the Word of God. The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God because:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2Timothy 3:16
I was where I did not want to be. God had given me a job as a pre-school teacher and I was resisting His will. I wanted to be an at home Mom. But I also wanted my children to attend Christian school. God graciously provided a way for that to happen - I just did not like the way He had provided. It was draining, tiring work. I had no idea HOW I was going to survive the demands. Resisting God's will is very exhausting...
Then I was faced Isaiah 54:2 "Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes."
I had a small heart. I always thought otherwise, but the Truth split me open and I saw my sinful self-focused, self-centered, ungrateful spirit. Ouch. Heart surgery is always painful...but God knew what I wanted more than I knew what I wanted. Furthermore, He knew HOW to get me where He knew I really wanted to be. I agreed with God (confessed) that He was right and I was wrong. And then I received His instruction to ENLARGE my dwelling place (my heart) - to give to the children the same protective coverings (thine curtains) that I would give my own; to be generous in word and deed - giving MORE of myself (lengthen my cords), and to be sure they received the security they needed (strengthen my stakes - stakes are what keep the tent from blowing away).
It was a tall order. It was God's gentle rebuke and His profitable instruction in righteousness for my life as His child.
When (note I said "when" not "if") you find yourself resisting God, even in the smallest way - do yourself a favor and just give it up. He truly knows what is best for you. If you are not reading His Love Letter to you - feel guilty and go do it. If you cannot seem to get to church - feel guilty and go do it - period. Even if you have to go by yourself - just purpose in your heart and do it. Ask Him to help you. Pray. Admit you are not holy like He is. It's all so freeing and beautiful. God sees you all the time. He likes you. He wants you. He cherishes you. He delights in you. You are the most precious child he's ever seen...
Because of His Love,
Patti
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