Realization of the Master’s Ways
October 19th, 2006 by Patricia Bishop
Well, it’s been nearly two months since my last post; I hope all of our visitor’s are doing well. As usual I have been learning much and would like to share it with you in hopes that it will help and bless you in some way. I will title this post “Realization of the Master’s Ways.”
At this time, I think that my name should be “Putty” instead of “Patty” because that is exactly what I feel like. I’m actually aware of the potter molding me and making me new. My thoughts and behaviors are changing. I consider things now that at one time I would never had given thought too. I find myself caring about others more than I care about myself.
I have been spending time in prayer asking God to reveal Himself to me. I am sincere in wanting to know Him. I really have moved past being concerned with what people think I should or shouldn’t do. I am not interested in man-made doctrines and religious practices.
I have become engrossed with overwhelming desire to know who my heavenly Father is and be placed by Him right in the center of His will and not my own. I have been praying for a revelation of the Cross-and to really know what Jesus has done for me. I want to know the love of God, not just read about it, sing about it or hear others opinions but have a deep experience for myself.
Some of you may be way past this and can take large strides but for me growing has been in taking little baby steps but nevertheless thank God I am in motion moving forward and not backward. Yes, I want to rush and get to what I think is the really deep good stuff but God has slowed me down to where I am gleaming every precious step of the way and not missing out on anything that He wants me to stop and take note of.
Let me share one example at this time so you will understand what I mean. I recently had the experience that I was going to have company for an extended stay. The days prior to their arrival, it seemed that everything that could go wrong, did. The “old me” would have fell apart, the visit would have been a nightmare and I would find myself before God weeping “O’ woe is me.”
This time as everything around me seemed to be spinning out of control and I didn’t know how I would financially support this many guests for an extended visit. I didn’t know how I would meet all of the need for appropriate accommodations. I didn’t physically feel well in my body and would have to end up sleeping on the floor. My husband is currently required to work from September 25th, to November 4th before receiving a day off and still mending from a bad fall, which produced broken ribs, and he too would have to join me in sleeping on the floor. This would have been enough to push all of my buttons.
But guess what happened? I went to God and prayed, “Father, where are you in all of this? I really need you. I want to show forth your love and treat people as you would.” The next thing I know a check came in the mail for the amount of money I needed that I was not expecting. God granted me everything I needed to purchase, prepare and enjoy good meals with my guests. Our guests were given our room that had a brand new bed and private bath for their use. My husband and I slept like babies on a mattress on the floor. Last but not least, my guests purchased me a nice gift before leaving!
What have I learned? If I will consider the need of others before my own and be willing to give my very best to them, God will meet all of my need, one way or the other. In doing this, I realized that as I gave my best to them I was giving my best to God. It is more than just praying for people and hoping good things for them. I must be a doer and put into action the things God desires and has placed within me. It is not enough to know the will of God but I must do the will of God. God loves people and so I must also love people. This is the way they see Him in me, desire Him for themselves and what brings glory to His name.
The bible, Gods Holy Word tells us;
(Jam 1:22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(Mat 5:16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
And so I continue my journey with Him.
I love you and pray God Bless You,
Patty Bishop