Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The Edge of Destiny

“Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you]." 1 Thessalonians 5:24



Standing on the edge of the cliff I close my eyes. I want to remember this place, this time, this moment. A season of transition has led me here, and suddenly I find myself at a place of destiny. I know in the depths of my spirit that once I take that step there is no turning back to the familiarity, the comfort, the normalcy of what I have always known as my life. I also know that in front of me is what I was born for – my completion, my fulfillment, my destiny. The call of the Lord beckons me forward, and I step closer to the edge. However, unlike times past, I do not look down, for I no longer have a fear of falling. I look forward - to the beauty of promise in front of me. Glistening like a diamond in the noonday sun, my future calls to me out of the breadth of the uncharted. I hesitate – not from fear of the unknown (as in times past), but from fear of leaving the comfort of the known.



The words of Jesus in Mark 8:34 begin to take on a deeper, more personal meaning as I deliberate my next step, “"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” Live for me or live for Christ? - the lifetime battle between flesh and spirit continues to rage when suddenly I am reminded of His promise in the next verse, and the Word again divides soul and spirit. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me and for the gospel will save it.”



I recall standing in this very place several times in years past, and I ponder the difference this moment holds. Why am I now so compelled to make this leap, when before the very thought sent me fleeing in the opposite direction gripped by fear? Slowly realization begins to dawn – the difference is me. I have come to understand with every stumble, fall and temptation, the faithfulness of the Lord. I have experienced the loving touch of His mercy and grace in ways I never could have imagined, and finally, after gut-wrenching internal (and external) battles I have learned that I can irrefutably trust His heart and confidently surrender mine to His hand and His will.



I turn my head and look back once again down the path which led me here. It is my choice to make, and the gravity of this knowledge grips my heart. Trading known for unknown, seen for unseen, comfort for faith, I am called to transfer my weaknesses for His strengths. I am called to trust Him with my life……and I do – finally, without reservation – I trust Him!



The assurance of this is the confidence of my being and the anchor of my soul.



So I jump!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Manth, you have such a talent for writing. Enjoyed the post today..very touching and inspiring. Keep moving forward.

Unknown said...

Manthie! Your posts, and your book, are both so inspiring to me. Thank you!