Habakkuk 3:2 (NLT)
"I have heard all about you, Lord.
I am filled with awe by your amazing works.
In this time of our deep need,
help us again as you did in years gone by.
And in your anger,
remember your mercy."
There is a distinct process toward progress in this powerful, prayerful cry! If one foot is to make it in front of another, if there is to be any real progress toward "the mark of the prize in Christ Jesus?" Are there yet "ifs" in your life? "If" can be either a wrenching, soul searching question or a personal challenge to resolve and finish well!
What, according to this prayer facilitates growth or a forward movement, no matter how small? Life is nourished as we listen to the moment by moment narrative that he is weaving into our shared story. Listen to the amazing works of God. Works that he alone can and willingly does. Our daily progress is charted by them. When these become an authentic part of our story and our faith journey; we grow and move forward! They are:
• a daily searching to hear everything you can about Him, a passionate chasing after the hearing and knowing of His continuous presence...
• an authentic, humble awe and reverence of His incredibly amazing works...
• a childlike, innocent heart cry for help and Divine intervention...
• always, always arriving at the door-post of mercy (remembering and celebrating the essence of mercy) ...which is; in Christ's mercy we never get what we deserve...trusting that mercy will always fling the door of Grace wide open (Grace is getting the serendipitous gifts of what we do not deserve)
"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wonderfully reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong; by no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward--to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." Phil. 3:12-14 (The Message)
"So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us." Phil. 3:15 (The Message) Following is another heart-cry that charts and celebrates the incremental process toward progress and a maturing wholeness in Christ...
The Pilgrims Prayer of Progress
O the shame and bitter sorrow that a time could
ever be when I let my Savior’s mercy
plead in vain, and proudly answered,
“All of self and none of Thee.”
Yet He found me. I beheld Him dying on the
cursed tree. I heard Him pray, forgive him Father.
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self and some of Thee.”
Day by day His tender mercy, healing,
helping, guiding me; sweet and strong, and O so patient,
brought me lower till I whispered,
“Less of self and more of Thee.”
Now, higher than the highest heavens, deeper
than the deepest sea. Lord, at last Thy love has conquered.
Grant me now my soul’s desire:
“None of self and all of Thee!” (an anonymous prayer)
With 'baby steps', stumbling toward the awe of merciful progress! Ron Ross
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