Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Are we there yet?

“Are we there yet?”

Do you remember asking that question as a little kid?

Or maybe now you have been on the receiving end of that question as a parent or grandparent. I have answered that question a few times in my journey of motherhood. I am blessed to be able to say now to my little guys…

“Boys only two more Backyardigans and we will be at Nana’s house.”

**Backyardigans are little cartoons and are usually 20 minutes in length.

Most of you here reading today did not have the privilege and blessing of such a distraction on a road trip. We toughed it out…right?

Lately I have been asking God this question,

“Are we there yet?”

When I ask this question it truly is loaded with a whole lot, I am a woman and wired completely so that truly shouldn’t shock you, well maybe the shocking part is that I am bold enough to ask God a loaded question!

Anyway I have been asking Him this question and its meaning is packed with,

“Have I arrived at the point where I will not struggle with pride?”

“Haven’t I made it to the destination of not trying to tap dance for You and get Your stamp of approval?”

“Did I miss the stop points on how to do this whole relationship thing? Because I still don’t have all these earthly relationships mastered, nor the one with You?”

“I must have missed a turn off or exit somewhere, I feel like I am going the hard way.”

“Is the road closed that is leading to the ministry You have called me to, why are we going a different way?”

This morning as I read 2 Corinthians 3 I am reminded of the major distances between the Old and New Testament. In the Old Testament people traveled on roads focused on rules, rituals, ceremonies and sacrifices. While the people of the New Testament had some new paved roads to travel on. The signs along these new roads shined with grace, love, relationship, and freedom.

God whispered to me this morning in 2 Corinthians 3. As I am reading of the difference between the Old Testament and New Testament. I hear Him say…

Nichole you are performing, trying, doing and going all in the old ways. You are back there driving on those roads. You are caught up in the old way of doing it, there is a new way. A new way in which I have made for you, a way that is surrounded with freedom, grace and love. A new way that focuses on being in relationship with Me.

Friends I have found myself with a veil of pride wrapped so tightly around my eyes that I can’t even see where we are going.
I have removed the veil for you Nichole, that’s what Jesus did for you. You don’t have to do anything! Just be with me, enjoy the ride and know that when we get there, it will be on time.


“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

7 comments:

Fliterary said...

Oh Nichole, I'm right there with you on the journey! God is working on renewing my focus, passion, and relationship with Him. Oh how I desire to be in His presence and please Him!

Praying we both keep our eyes on Him and enjoy each moment.

Blessings and BIG hugs,
Lisa

achildoftheking said...

Been there done that Nichole! I get it. Praise God! Just sit back and let the Lord lead.

From the Heart said...

My youngest daughter use to ask the question, Are we there yet?, about every 5 to 10 minutes and her children do the same but we survived.

Right now I feel like I'm treading water and don't know which way to go. So much has happened this past two weeks starting with my computer crashing, then loosing two very dear friends and their granddaughter in a horrible plane crash, and then our grandson wrecked their car. Praise God he is okay. He ran off the road and tried to ride it out and cut slowly back on the road but the car flipped and rolled about 450 ft. He ended up in the backseat and just rolled himself into a ball and prayed. When the car stopped somehow he got out of the car by the time the paramedics got to him. My daughter said if we could see the car we would wonder how he got out alive, but I know exactly how. God had His hands on him. After the nurses got him cleaned up, x-rayed him and got as much glass out of his face, neck and head he walked out of the hospital. He's really sore but he's alive and we owe it all to our Heavenly Father.

I love reading your post. They are so real.
God bless you, AE

Kimberly said...

I need to go check FB and see when your birthday is. Are you sure we aren't sisters? Could we have been separated at birth? What on earth is He gonna do with TWO of us asking Him big ol' questions and then tap dancin' away?

Oh, wait...He's gonna love on us, probably chuckle at us from time to time, and praise Him, He's gonna let these long lost sisters meet! :)

Love you! Learning to relax right along with you!
K :)

Sue J. said...

Questions are often a middle point (after consequences!) for seeing the way to righteousness. You're not truly questioning God, but you're questioning yourself and your obedience and your willfulness. You are primed to stepping out in that new direction, one small step at a time--and not without one small step back, occasionally.

He is always faithful, Nichole, even when you question. The more you see Him, have faith that it truly IS HIM, the more you will be able to let go of those things that have you bound. Keep moving forward, girl!!

Karen Hossink said...

Oh, my friend. I have asked the SAME question of our God.
Many times.
So glad His grace is big enough to get me past myself and my impatience.

How were the egg salad sandwiches today? *grin*

Runner Mom said...

I just love you and your honesty!! Sending you big hugs!! You and Kimberly are going to have a ball at She Speaks next week! Would love to be there with you!
Hugs!
Susan