DRAW NEAR

He wants your heart. He wants your response to be "yes." Your "yes" is a mirror of the contents of your heart. He wants your "yes" without hesitation, negotiating, suggestion, or rebellion. But, we’re human. We still have that response on this side of eternity, but the question is what will you do with your response? It is not uncommon to get that reluctant feeling followed by your attempt to exchange God’s plan for yours. But can I tell you some good news? God has never asked any one of His children to say “yes” with the sole purpose of causing them pain and suffering. I can promise you that what is waiting on the other side of that “yes” is worth every bit of fleshly discomfort you feel during the process. Every time God has asked me for my “yes,” there has been a beneficial outcome on the other side. (Even if you can’t recognize it at first, it will reveal itself in time.) Saying “yes” will always sharpen your ability to discern the voice of Holy Spirit, whether it seems like a big “yes”, or a small “yes”. But when your feelings haven’t recognized the good from giving your “yes” just yet, take heart. The promise of peace is being fulfilled the moment you step out into that “yes.”

It can be extremely painful in the here and now, but continually saying "yes" will bring you closer to the heart of God every time. You will unlock a new layer of that relationship with each and every "yes." I have lost the fear of caring what that "yes" looks like to others. It's a domino effect -- The more you say "yes", the more Holy Spirit will radiate from you. Those who are hungry for more of God will be inspired by your "yes" to give their own "yes." It is a beautiful circle that embodies the love of God for His children. He goes after the one because he loves them, but He also knows: the one will draw to Him the many who are lost and hungry.

Now, I want to give Him my whole heart, no matter the cost. I want to hear Holy Spirit's voice. I want to hear the next step and obey. I want God to search my heart and find what I can give Him in order to make room for His goodness. I want to make room for more and more of Him.

"17 Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life. 18-19 Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!"

-Ephesians 3:17-19