One of the women decorating for VBS this week has quite a gift for balloon decorating. As she was creating these elaborate masterpieces, I observed her use of an item I’d never seen before.
Commenting on it, she explained that it was a balloon sizer. Who knew? I had no idea such a contraption existed. It’s quite a clever invention, actually. She would inflate a balloon then place it in one of the holes, depending on the size needed. The sizer would apply gentle, yet firm, pressure and she would release the excess air. This process allowed for all the balloons to be the same size.
I’ve got to say this struck a familiar chord with me, as I have been sensing the firm Hand of God upon me of late. A gentle, steady pressure. An indication to me of a work He was attempting to do in me.
I believe that God’s main goal in a believer is sanctification. As He continually forms Christ in me, there are times when I get off track, requiring Him to recapture my attention. When I am not doing as I should and He tries to bring me back into alignment. This is such a time.
Obviously He wasn’t getting my attention or my full cooperation. (Must be all this busy-ness!) Thankfully He persisted in His pursuit, applying a new approach sure to get my notice.
Still lacking full understanding, however, I began searching His heart. Questions needed to be asked – and answered. Is it a particular sin? Either by commission or omission? A habit? Lack of discipline? Something was not as it should be, no doubt.
I trust His judgment and His lead. I know that whatever He is trying to accomplish it is for my good.
Now that He has my attention, I humbly pray; “Draw me closer; higher. Give me a pliable heart with eyes wide-open and ears fine-tuned.”
I wait for direction. At first I sense withdrawal, distance. I continue to seek direction – waiting in prayer.
I am entirely dependent upon Him for the answers, the resources, and the ability. Only He can accomplish in me what is lacking. Only He can realign to His perfect will.
He has been faithful to show me my sin and the errors of my ways. I confess, in undeniable agreement, as my faults loom larger than life. “Yes, Lord. I see now.”
He’s absolutely right – as always! Pressure lifted. Squeeze eased. Like that balloon, I’ve been resized. Filled with His Spirit then squeezing out what doesn’t belong. Expelling the excess that is unnecessary to form His creative masterpiece. A work still in progress.
Father God; I want to be cooperative, agreeable, willing, obedient to conform. Possess me. Seize hold of me that I might not miss what You have to teach me. Mold me and make me and forgive me when you don’t have my full attention and I’m not doing as I should. In Christ name I pray. Amen.
Commenting on it, she explained that it was a balloon sizer. Who knew? I had no idea such a contraption existed. It’s quite a clever invention, actually. She would inflate a balloon then place it in one of the holes, depending on the size needed. The sizer would apply gentle, yet firm, pressure and she would release the excess air. This process allowed for all the balloons to be the same size.
I’ve got to say this struck a familiar chord with me, as I have been sensing the firm Hand of God upon me of late. A gentle, steady pressure. An indication to me of a work He was attempting to do in me.
I believe that God’s main goal in a believer is sanctification. As He continually forms Christ in me, there are times when I get off track, requiring Him to recapture my attention. When I am not doing as I should and He tries to bring me back into alignment. This is such a time.
Obviously He wasn’t getting my attention or my full cooperation. (Must be all this busy-ness!) Thankfully He persisted in His pursuit, applying a new approach sure to get my notice.
Still lacking full understanding, however, I began searching His heart. Questions needed to be asked – and answered. Is it a particular sin? Either by commission or omission? A habit? Lack of discipline? Something was not as it should be, no doubt.
I trust His judgment and His lead. I know that whatever He is trying to accomplish it is for my good.
Now that He has my attention, I humbly pray; “Draw me closer; higher. Give me a pliable heart with eyes wide-open and ears fine-tuned.”
I wait for direction. At first I sense withdrawal, distance. I continue to seek direction – waiting in prayer.
I am entirely dependent upon Him for the answers, the resources, and the ability. Only He can accomplish in me what is lacking. Only He can realign to His perfect will.
He has been faithful to show me my sin and the errors of my ways. I confess, in undeniable agreement, as my faults loom larger than life. “Yes, Lord. I see now.”
He’s absolutely right – as always! Pressure lifted. Squeeze eased. Like that balloon, I’ve been resized. Filled with His Spirit then squeezing out what doesn’t belong. Expelling the excess that is unnecessary to form His creative masterpiece. A work still in progress.
Father God; I want to be cooperative, agreeable, willing, obedient to conform. Possess me. Seize hold of me that I might not miss what You have to teach me. Mold me and make me and forgive me when you don’t have my full attention and I’m not doing as I should. In Christ name I pray. Amen.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to
test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.[Rm 12:2]
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Thank you for sharing your heart.