This past week in my Women's Bible Study, we discussed holiness. Not the, "holier than thou" holiness, but the one that is apparent in a person who loves God and wants to be attractive for Him. We learned that we are set apart by God for His purpose, and to be holy. Holiness means being near God, like God, and pleasing to God. It sounds like really hard work, but there is great freedom when guilt and shame are diminished by holiness. God wants to have an intimate relationship with us and give us His radical love and holiness.
An example of this was Moses, who as a baby was adopted into Pharaoh's household and raised with great wealth. However, when he discovered that he was a Jew, he refused to live with the comfort of wealth and chose to follow God. Moses set himself apart and identified with God's people. He became their leader out of exile and to the promised land. Moses displayed God's holiness and love for the people of Israel.
Most of the time, we want God to rescue us from whatever hardship we are in, but we don't want to listen to what God is trying to tell us during that time. Listening and following are very difficult for us comfort creatures. During these times we need to be asking ourselves what we can do to draw closer to God's holiness and purpose for us, and what do you want to reveal through this trial?
To be perfectly honest, I have had a hard time with this question lately. After almost seven years of battling cancer, it has become increasingly harder. The radiation, and now weekly chemo, has taken a toll and makes me less energetic and kind of scared sometimes. I really want God to rescue me right now!
This Bible Study lesson really reminded me that this trial is all about what God is revealing to others, and I am really grateful and humbled to be a part of this message. I see God's power and strength in my trial, and I want others to see it too. My heart is full when someone tells me that my written words have penetrated their heart and led them to a closer relationship with God. I feel set apart for a purpose, and I work each day to remember that looking like Jesus is hard, but worth it.
I know that life is difficult, and for so many reasons other than cancer. My prayer is that in whatever you are facing at the moment, that you will ask yourself what God is trying to reveal to you, and what you can pass on to others in this revelation. The greatest part of being a child of God is that He has your best interest in mind. So, like a good father on earth, our heavenly father wants us to grow up, be strong, learn lessons, and shine for him in all situations.
Love to all,
Sandy
