August 26, 2004

The Desires of My Heart

Photo the back 40 Hale Pu'u Honua

Another great thought by Elisabeth Elliot Gren, on a subject that we have all struggled with, wanting something that wasnt ment to be. I have a number of such things that rattle about in my life and learning to give them over to God is a constant task but ultimately a rewarding one.
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"The Desires of My Heart"
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"Do you honestly want to know Me?" He asks. I answer yes. "Then do what I say," He replies. "Do it when you understand it; do it when you don't understand it. Take what I give you; be willing not to have what I do not give you. The very relinquishment of this thing that you so urgently desire is a true demonstration of the sincerity of your lifelong prayer: Thy will be done.

So instead of hammering on heaven's door for something which it is now quite clear God does not want me to have, I make my desire an offering. The longed-for thing is material for sacrifice. Here, Lord, it's yours.

He will, I believe, accept the offering. He will transform it into something redemptive. He may perhaps give it back as He did Isaac to Abraham, but He will know that I fully intend to obey Him.

cc Elisabeth Elliot Gren