Restored!!!!

Over the last week I have been battling a great force, an evil within me.  I praise God and His Spirit for helping me come to realization and the opening of my eyes...process of sanctification.  Learning to love as Christ loves is very hard, and that's an understatement!  Just when we think we did something right, God says uh, uh, uh, and puts us right back under His mighty wing for another beautiful journey into the depths of His Love.  I love it there. 

Confession time...I was having trouble loving my own church family.  That was hard to type. But it is very true.  I did not extend a heart of grace and forgiveness. They were suppose to know better, love better, and  act better.  And instead of loving them right where they were, like Christ loves, I made judgments in my heart.  Right or wrong judgements I will never know,  but as I heard stories of some I began to believe that my thoughts of them were right.  And that is WRONG.   My heart was flooding over with sorrow as I thought of what my church was going through;  people feeling unaccepted, unloved, uncared for.  Satan is real and attacking our hearts even now.  My own feelings are at stake;  he was trying to destroy relationships and my views of  God's bride, His church.  Oh, that saddens my soul because it was happening and I wasn't aware that it was my heart, my sin. 

BUT GOD came as He always does.  He is my help and deliverer!  And He restored my joy with him!  "He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon the rock, making my steps secure.  He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD." Psalm 40:2,3  "But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the LORD"! As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me.  You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God."  Psalm 40:16,17  Through repentance, trust, and obedience to God....He restored me. 

He wants more of me.  He will allow Satan to attack, but as a Child of God, Satan does not defeat me.  God chose me and is drawing me closer with each battle as He turns my face to look and stay focused on Him.  He conquers!!!

Thank you Lord, for your hand on my life and how you are pursuing me, and changing my heart.  I am poor and unable to do any good at all apart from you.