There are days it seems I have made progress. Then there are the days, I realize … not so much.
It is the “not so much” days which can cause me to get hard on myself. At this point in life, I thought I would be so much further along.
Now I am not sure where I thought I would be, but somehow I did not think I would be here. Lately I have been pondering if this is not a lie the enemy can use to discourage us in our lives. We must come to the place where our focus is on the truth of who we are …
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! (1 John 3:1, NLT)
We are already His children. God loves us as such. He calls us His children. This is who I am today, right now. The day I gave birth to each of my babies, they became my children for the rest of my days. They will always be my children.
But here’s the thing ….
While they were born babies, they became toddlers, then adolescents, then teens and now adults. While they changed, they remained – – – my children.
Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. (1 John 3:2a, NLT)
And there we have it … the big “but” which links us to the “yet”….
We are already His children but we are yet becoming.
He has already made us something and He is yet making us something even more. We are ever changing. Becoming more like the very One Who created us.
So on those days when we get discouraged, may we remember …
We are A process and we are IN process.
For all of our days.
But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.
(1 John 3:2b, NLT)
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“Now I am not sure where I thought I would be, but somehow I did not think I would be here.” I can so relate. Where I am now is not where I thought I would be in the physical realm of this world. It’s made it hard to be where I know I should be in the spiritual realm too. But I think you are right that it’s a lie of the enemy who wants us to think we are where we are because God doesn’t care about us and isn’t working for our good. Love that we already are God’s children and grateful that He is working to make us who we should be. Then I believe He will take us where He wants us to go. Great post, Joanne. Appreciate the encouragement in your words so much. Much love!
Am glad you found encouragement in this post, Holly. I am finding I need to be more on my toes to the lies of the enemy & remind myself more of God’s truths of who I am in Him. May we hold firmly onto Him.
Hi Joanne! I had to smile because I so relate to this. I often think I am a ‘slow grower’ in the spiritual life. Like you said, not sure where I’m supposed to be…just not here!!
But in this season of Mother’s Day, it’s good to remind myself that my children give me such joy. Even as adults, they are always ‘my kids’ to me. And that’s how God sees me too. His adorable little child, no matter how old I get.
Happy Mothers (belated) day to you!
Ceil
May we rest confidently in the truth that we will remain His! We are blessed to have children who bring joy! Have a great week, Ceil!
My pastor shared three points in his message yesterday on being God’s kind of mom. He used Mary as an example: 1) Completely submit to Him. 2) Does not have to be perfect 3) Never give up the title of being a mother. Your post made me think of this…especially in terms of how we never give up the title of being a mom. But also the 2nd point in terms of how we don’t need to be perfect. I’m always grateful for how I’ve grown since accepting Christ. I also find comfort in knowing He isn’t finished with me yet.
I really enjoyed this post, Joanne. ALWAYS enjoy what you share.
Blessings to you. XOXO
I am glad the post reinforced your pastor’s message. Perfection … hmmm… I know this is something I will never achieve this side of glory. I am so grateful for our God, Who truly does cover my imperfections. Like you, I take comfort He finishes what He begins 🙂 Beth, thank you for sharing with me and encouraging me. You are so appreciated. Much love to you today!
“So on those days when we get discouraged, may we remember …We are A process and we are IN process.” I love that God is not finished with. He is constantly pruning and growing me up in Him, giving me a heart that anticipates being in His presence, complete! Thank you for sharing this at Monday’s Musings. Good stuff!!!
I truly enjoy Monday’s Musings. I am most grateful that our God leaves none of us incomplete. And I am grateful you shared with me!
“Never finished yet always enough.” Those are the words I have on my wall to remind me of exactly what you say here. Oh, what a balm.
Thanks for linking with Unforced Rhythms this week.
Yes, Kelli, letting those words fill my mind before I start this morning. Thank you!
A process in process…I love that. I just LOVE that. Thank you…hopped over from Unforced Rhythms, and also so you at Inspire Me Mondays.
Mary, I am glad those words spoke to you as they do me. Now to submit to the process, each & every day so I will be a completed process! Have a wonderful Wed.
“He has already made us something and He is yet making us something even more. We are ever changing. Becoming more like the very One Who created us.”
As I spend my days with 4 kids under 7 I need this. I am and yet…such great words today. ~Rachael
Rachel, May God give you all that you need each day in raising your children! I know, so often in my own life, children were the avenue by which God shaped me. So grateful you stopped & shared with me!