i dont think it's really hit me yet- and probably won't for a while. it's been a lot of joy and sadness though- lots of goodbye's and lots of "lasts." it's a strange time when you know that you won't see people again, or for a long time, and they are people who have walked with you for the past four years. it's an exciting time ahead.. because although we've graduated college, there is hopefully lots of life and adventures ahead of us- we still have a lot to learn and see.
it's a time of reflection too. i met with lisa, the woman who disciples me for the last time this morning. it was a time of reflection and seeing what God has done in the past year- and it's been tons. so much growth, freedom, and life has come from getting to know Him and the things he has brought into my life. it's awesome. the process of sanctification- and it's a process for sure- comes with so many things. it comes with knowledge, pursuit, pain, joy, freedom, trust- and all of these things come from Him so we can be transformed by Him into his likeness.
there have been a couple quotes this week by JI Packer that have really been encouraging and made me think a lot.. so i'll share. They are from his book "Knowing God"
“God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our lives. Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away. To live with your ‘thorn’ uncomplainingly — that is, sweet, patient, and free in heart to love and help others, even though every day you feel weak — is true sanctification. It is true healing for the spirit. It is a supreme victory of grace.” - JI Packer
“Wait on the Lord" is a constant refrain in the Psalms, and it is a necessary word, for God often keeps us waiting. He is not in such a hurry as we are, and it is not his way to give more light on the future than we need for action in the present, or to guide us more than one step at a time. When in doubt, do nothing, but continue to wait on God. When action is needed, light will come.” - JI Packer
"There is tremendous relief in knowing that His love to me is utterly realistic, based at every point on prior knowledge of the worst about me, so that no discovery now can disillusion Him about me, in the way that I am so often disillusioned about myself, and quench His determination to bless me." - JI Packer
I have so many thoughts about these quotes- I could write about it for a while. but they bring us back to His grace, His love, His plan. they bring us back to the core of who we are and why we are here- for Him. that is so easily forgotten, especailly during this time of figuring out what the heck we are going to do with our lives. it's about a process of sanctification- and He uses everything. everything.
I hope that you can trust in the truth that is behind these quotes, and take some time to understand them- because Packer uncovers a lot of the beauty about our God.
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