Greetings,

I've been meditating recently on the love of God. The word love is tossed around so casually, with so many inadequate meanings. But the love of God is a completely unique love. Words fail. Explanations sound cheap and superficial. But may I never get over the love of God.

It doesn't mean we won't be lonely. Ministry life can be so fulfilling, and I am incredibly blessed by so many wonderful people who love God and love me. But it can sometimes be a very lonely place, as God knocks out foundations over and over and calls you to walk a solitary path. So many times God has whispered to me, "For this season, it's just you and me, kid. Am I enough?" And time and time again, I say, sometimes in shouts of joy and sometimes through tears, "Yes. You are more than enough." And He is. Far more than enough. And I am so privileged to know that.

It doesn't mean we won't suffer. "For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." (Philippians 1:29) Yeehah. I have never understood people who teach that being a Christian should mean a non-stop flow of health, wealth and blessing. Have they read the Bible? Have they studies the lives of those who serve God?

It doesn't mean I will get what I want. God doesn't work all things together so I will be a happy camper. He works all things together so that I will be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). And there are still so very many parts of me that don't look like His Son.

But it does mean I am never alone. I don't say that lightly. Again, words fail. I can't imagine what it would be like to feel completely alone, as millions of people do. I am so grateful that He will never leave me, never desert me, even on those days when I don't even want to be around myself!

Nothing is wasted. He reassembles the pieces--wonderful experiences, great blessings, heartbreaks, hilarious events and searing pain--to create a mosaic that hopefully helps people see Him. My prayer is that He will use everything in my life to somehow enable me to put someone's hand in the hand of Jesus.

I walk in grace. Always, but especially in the weakness and inability of my illness, I have so needed His tenderness, His patience, His comfort. And it has been there in spades. I would not give that up for anything.

His love has nothing to do with me. It is who He is. It is in spite of who I am, not because of who I am. And I must cling to the constant character of God no matter what my emotions and circumstances tell me.

His love is lavish. There are times when I can't see it, don't feel it, can't experience it. Then He suddenly pours out a blessing so huge and so overwhelming on me that my spirit cannot comprehend it.

What the love of God means is that I live and walk in grace in the steady, unchanging commitment of someone who forgives my many shortcomings, who is always as close as my next breath, who holds me through the good times and bad, whether I feel it or acknowledge it or appropriate it. And that is staggering.

May I always be grateful to be beloved.

Upcoming...

June 2-4, we will be setting aside time for a (Semi-) Silent Retreat up near Dayton. Could you use some extended time in quiet at His feet? Come along!

June 24 is our next Day of Refreshing. I love these mini-retreats because I see God use the same day to meet us each right where we are. Sometimes we get the shot of encouragement and reassurance we need. Sometimes we get a good swift kick to the head--which we need. And sometimes we just enjoy life-giving time in His presence. For some it is an "Ahhhh" experience and for some it is an "Aha!" revelation. But it is always a special time. If you can get to Oregonia, please join us.

In the Tuesday and Wednesday Bible Studies we are starting a practical series on "Renewing the Mind--Replacing Destructive Thing with Biblical Truth". Do you want to respond to situations and stressors in a Spirit-led, Biblically sound way instead of reacting in the flesh? The reason I teach this course is because I NEED it so much. Do you? Then join us!

Please be praying for us as we seek to be Rooted in Christ, Growing in His Word, Celebrating His Grace!

In His love,

Linda