Stories do more than entertain, they can speak a message of a deeper truth or reveal a mystery. God is a great storyteller and he invites us into his story. His narratives remind us of who we are and show us where we are going. His poetry and prose invite us to come and sit with him, steep in deep truths, and fully live with discerning hearts.
As the potter shapes the clay, so God shapes us to reflect his creative glory. On the potter’s wheel he shapes a discerning heart, but we must be willing. It is a demanding sacrifice on our part.
Next week starts Lent with Ash Wednesday, a season of rending our hearts to God’s. It is a perfect time to consider Christ’s discernment on the way to the cross and the importance of prayer.
“He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” (John 8:47, NIV) Abiding establishes our relationship with God; our belonging. It is the total surrender of our heart to God’s control and leading, a dying of selfish me so that I can be transformed into genuine God- intended me. When we know who our shepherd is, his deep love and tender…
“We do not give up control to God easily.” But we must if we desire true discernment.
