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by Tonja Taylor
7/08/2022 / Christian Living

For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].--I Corinthians 13:12, AMPC

As Believers in Christ, we "see in part and know in part," so none of us have the whole picture. However, we do have the all-knowing Holy Spirit, Who reveals to us the better; what He has for us instead of what we'd planned for ourselves.

I am living proof that the LORD has changed many of my plans for His--instead. I am so thrilled and thankful that He has been so patient and loving in persuading me to let go of the lesser and choose the higher life instead!

Hallelujah!

The LORD gave me a word this morning: Instead. He conveyed to me many things; (1) that He became the sacrifice instead of us; (2) that He protects us from harm instead of us being hurt; (3) that His Plan--although it may be very different from the one we had for ourselves--gives us better and more of every good thing instead of the lesser we would have chosen for ourselves, etc

For the Law never made anything perfect—but instead a better hope is introduced through which we [now] come close to God.--Hebrews 7:19, AMPC

He reminded me that, when Billy Graham could have chosen a very promising career as a pro baseball player, he obeyed the LORD instead, and became Dr. Billy Graham, the great evangelist that has helped shaped my life for God--along with millions of others.

He helped me know that, while I could have continued in self-destructive behaviors, He helped me by His Spirit and Word and the prayers and examples of others to choose instead the "narrow/lonielier road," even with loved ones mocking me--but thank God I did. I would never trade the Zoe life I have now for the old one; instead, God keeps pouring out His Grace and goodness in every area, and I truly have Heaven on earth (Deut. 11)!

Think of the times you are so glad you chose one thing or action, even one relationship instead of another; or when you chose to end a certain action and/or relationship that you knew was wrong, instead of continuing the wrong way.

It was God's Spirit (and perhaps His angels as well, who always work in perfect unity with the Spirit of God!) helping you do that!

Every day, we have to choose to follow Christ instead of the world/the devil/our flesh. Ask the LORD now to help you draw close to Him, and to choose His way instead (of the lesser, and even easier) way.

He will help you! Jesus, our Good Shepherd, forever leads us in right Paths for His Name's sake (and our best! He loves us!), as it is written in Psalm 23:3: He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.

Another Scripture you can stand on about the LORD's help (and there are so many! is Isaiah 50:7, one of my favorites, which I have proclaimed over myself and loved ones for years:

For the Lord God helps Me; therefore have I not been ashames or confounded. Therefore have I set My face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.--Isaiah 50:7, AMPC

With every step you take in God, you'll look back and see how the path you left is darker and darker--and His Path, which you chose instead, grows brighter, as The Day (of Christ's return) grows near!

But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day [to be prepared].--Proverbs 4:18, AMPC

Now, ,go forth and conquer, and rejoice and rest in Him! Your life may not always make sense, but know that God is for you and with you, and helping you live the higher life--the Zoe Life (John 10:10)--instead!

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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