She said it. It's not about results. The only results are the ones that last because they happen when we rely on the person of Jesus. Christ in ME the hope of glory. Only what's done by faith will last. Romans talks about anything not done in faith is sin and that is so true. That statement leaves me at the end of myself, throwing up my hands in surrender saying "I CANT DO IT!" I cannot live the Christian life but He can. His yoke is easy and his burden(which is exchanged for the old heavy burden of the law) is light! That lightness often comes from the confidence that whether i feel it or not, whether my circumstances are positive or negative, Christ is in control and He lives through me by faith.
GOD does not see the same way people see. People look at the OUTSIDE (physical, or their performance or achievements) of a person, but the Lord looks at the HEART. (1 sam 16:7)
God searches us and knows us and sees right through us. HE is not concerned about the outside He wants our heart. HE wants our everything. It's not about what I can do but whether I am trusting that HE is living through me, in this moment, in His power. The results are not mine but His and he will use all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose. Yep. ALL. There's freedom again in this grace of God. I do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and so the outcomes are HIS. They dont define me but HE defines me. People may label me failure, stupid, wrong, etc but if I am trusting Christ then God sees it as success! That's all He asks is faith in Him. The reality of it all? Mother Teresa would probably say along with God that real faith produces love. How can I love? By first receiving His love and knowing my identity and how Christ sees me. Then that frees ME up to see others when I understand who God says I am. I am no different in the amount of love God has for me compared to them, and if Christ is in me, I have the power to see them through His eyes (we have the mind of Christ as well) and love them by faith in the ONE who IS love!
walk in love! walk IN Christ!
wanna know if you truly know grace? here's your test:
Do you/ CAN you love people?! (especially the 'stupid' the 'annoying' the 'ignorant' the 'legalists' the 'perfect ones' your family the 'drug dealers' the 'rude' ones the 'horrible service at __ restaurants' the 'one' who hurt you... )
Can you allow Christ in you to love them? If you're free to love, it's possible that you are free in Christ...
precious lord, make this a reality to me. search me and know any twisted thoughts in me that keep me from loving others or forgiving others and you have done for me. help me to understand the fullness of your love and forgiveness!!