Layers...

Layers...1-10-26

I completed one year of blogs in December. My husband asked if I had quit blogging. No, I am, as before, being intentional about the spirit leading my hands and thoughts. I may not blog every day now, but at long as He leads, I will find my voice.

My life has had layers. As I get older, I see how I've grown and I see needed areas of growth. I cringe at moments when I know I was a stumbling block for others. Peeling back layers in reflection is an important process in understanding relationships and change. When we look at our life as a Christian, we should see those areas of growth. Has my life always been growth? Absolutely, and ashamedly, no! There have been times where I have been closer to God, and times where I have moved away.

You see, God doesn't move. He is the same, always. Hebrews 13:8. At the beginning of our relationship with God, we see His sacrifice. As we begin an intimate relationship with Him, we begin to see love, grace, mercy, and even justice. Yes, He is a just God and expects our time, attention, and obedience. Revelations 16:15, "And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, 'Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments'".

As I strive to be obedient, I see the layers peeled back. I see the one who built the layers in the sky (Amos 9:6), working to expose my weaknesses, areas of disobedience, and vulnerabilities. There are times this scares me as I keep those layers for protection. Protection against exposure of what lays beneath. But, oh my soul, it is for my benefit that these layers are removed, and I am bare before Him. In this, I am learning to be His obedient child in all I do.

Thank you, Father, for your careful hands of love removing every layer and obstacle with grace and mercy. Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you, for never changing and always being the "I am", yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Once again, I say thank you for new mercies.