December 6, 2014
When people criticize us, it hurts. It happened to me recently, and my first reaction was to want to defend myself, and prove them wrong. But God had a different solution.
I am the Vine and you are the branches. Whoever abides in me, and I in her, she it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing… As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things have I spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:5, 9-11). Abiding is not striving. It is resting in what I have done, and what I am going to do. It is leaving the outcome in My competent hands. Every effort you make moves you away from the answer I have for you. Wait patiently on the Lord. You will not have to wait forever. I will move at just the right time. Don’t let pride move you, and realize that your pride has been wounded as well as your heart. I am near the brokenhearted to bind up their wounds, but I will not nurse your pride. That is part of the reason I have allowed this to occur in your life, because the most powerful and effective vessel is one that has been fully emptied. Yes, your past has removed many impurities, but these trying fires are designed to help you see what else you can surrender to me. I want a heart fully devoted and emptied. In that state, you will be used more mightily that you have ever imagined. Let it go, and walk in humility before Me. Be grateful for another opportunity to become more useful for my kingdom. I will use it my daughter. Let me mold you into a vessel of even greater beauty. Remain malleable and willing to surrender each impurity that rises to the surface in the Refiner’s fire. Let me remove them all so that my reflection will shine clearly in your life.