Originally I was going to go a different direction for this “week-end-round-up” post. But instead, I’ve decided to show you how Jesus is invading my dailiness. Because that was one hope I had when I wrote then came Jesus for Advent. I prayed that God would graciously use it to reveal Himself to us in fresh ways. And that He would use it as a doorway to invade our everyday lives, leaving a wake of soul-sanctification.

So welcome to my personal therapy session. I will now process some stuff that’s been stirring in me this first week of Advent.

 

 

I’ve mentioned (in pity-party-ish tone) how I can struggle with parenting in general and homeschooling in particular. It’s all very challenging to me — understatement. But someone a little older and much wiser said something yesterday that I can’t shake. However, instead of giving you the details — because your life situation is possibly way different from my current life situation — I’ll give you the general overview.

In short, everything — every relationship, every challenge, every trial — in the life of God’s child is marked by His grace. Everything. You may want to pause here and determine whether or not you believe that radical thought.

 

Everything is marked by His grace.

 

It comes back to God’s definition of good and holy versus my definition of good and holy. His definition has eterity and sanctification and transformation in mind — like sending a baby, born of a virgin, to die for the sins of man. My definition of good has present comfort in mind (and coffee).

But if God is who He has revealed Himself to be in Scripture — which I completely believe that He is — then everything in my life as His child is a mark of His matchless, pursuing, endless grace. Because everything goes through His hands of love before it can touch me.

I don’t always like His allowances. I don’t always feel the good. But victory over circumstance comes by faith. Victory comes when, by the power of His Spirit, we wrestle our hearts back to places of truth in the midst of challenges. Like Mary, receiving God’s radical, unexpected plan for her life with praise on her lips.

Instead of fear, we turn our hearts to faith, “God, you have me here with purpose.” Instead of pity-parties, we declare His faithfulness in our lives, “Lord, You faithfully and purposefully brought me here and You will faithfully carry me through.” Instead of a critical spirit, we ask Him to love the unloveable through us, “Father, she is just like me — thirsty for a drink of Your living water. Love her through me.”

Instead of blaming Satan, we remind our souls of God’s eternal sovereign movement in His children’s lives, “Lord God, the enemy may mean this for evil, but You work all things together for the good of those who love You. I love You Lord. Have Your good way.”

Everything in the life of God’s child is marked by His immeasurable grace. And reminding my heart of that truth shifts something in me. It stirs up praise.

 

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

 

Whatever life circumstance you find yourself in this Advent season, Jesus is present. If we are His then He has called us to this place with purpose. He has good here. He has transformation here. He has grace, even in this. May I be found praising Him in the midst.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN. Either directly from the then came Jesus study or life in general,

• How is Jesus invading your dailiness?
• What has He taught you about Himself this week?
• Which was your favorite/most challenging day of the study?