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Note: The planned subject of this writing in the series, as given in the last writing, will come later. I wish to share a writing based on an immediate experience of my on-going search for God's Will in my own life. I hope the personal nature of this will speak to your heart and bless you in your seeking to follow God's Will in your life, family, career, health, and religious devotion.
7God had the power to save Jesus from death. And while Jesus was on earth, he begged God with loud crying and tears to save him. He truly worshiped God, and God listened to his prayers. 8Jesus is God's own Son, but still he had to suffer before he could learn what it really means to obey God. 9Suffering made Jesus perfect, and now he can save forever all who obey him.
*Hebrews 5.7-9, CEV
Recently, when praying, I prayed interiorly a prayer phrase like follows: Holy Jesus, I am yours." This was repeated over several minutes. I felt unusual relaxation and quiet interiorly.
Then, an interior Word, like to this: Humble yourself at the feet of Jesus. And I saw interiorly the legs of Jesus from just above the ankle downward. I could not see anything higher. The vision remained for several minutes and led to more prayer and interior and exterior acts of connection and surrender to God. Not only did I see this. I felt through the body the wedding of feeling with sight.
This humiliation of Jesus, with shows His humility and surrender to His Father, is the summons to us to wed vision with feeling in the same posture. The cross of Christ summons us to find Life in the same Way of Discovery.
What we discover in this unfolding of the meaning of the life of Christ is renewed for us, at different times of life. We are pulled deeper, by Grace, to see into its meaning for others and ourselves.
Jesus learned obedience by the things he suffered, though he was never disobedient. We, even in ways we are not disobedient, yet grow to learn more about obedience. We may discover this often occurs when we are pulled by distress to the cross, for we have no resources left to fight our fight or no more sight to discern the way.
Lastly, even during this writing some difficult news arrived in my search for the Divine Will. This time, not a visual Word but internal Word arose: Be faithful where you are. Now, is that Word not true of all times of transition or seeking ~ at times we are to be faithful to the place and duty given us. We may be lead onward at another time to another phase of God's Will, but our loyalty to God's Will in the moment is the ground of blessing, love, and preparation.
Remember, Jesus speaks:
19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’"
*Matthew 25.19-21, NLT
In what ways might God be teaching you a deeper level of obedience to His Will?
Spiritual Exercise
Find a quiet place where you can without disturbance prostrate yourself on the floor. Pray with all your heart and mind, and love, this Prayer of Jesus: "Not my will be done, but yours be done."
If you are struggling with any matter of suffering or deep concern, you may choose to select this matter and hold it in heart as you spend some minutes repeating the prayer. Afterward, you may choose to spend time listening for any interior Guidance.
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*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in the continuance of his work of ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of spiritual love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers, or through the Cokesbury on-line store, at www.cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox lives in Punta Gorda, FL, and Clearwater, FL, with his wife, step-son, and two beloved dogs. Brian has an independent writing, workshop, and retreat ministry focused on Christians living as spiritual disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life. He serves the Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL. Brian is vowed at Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a vowed, contemplative life and inspires others to experience a more intimate relationship with God-in-Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused, experiential Christianity and renewal of the focus of the Church on addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons.
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