In His Likeness w/ AntTBri

“For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Life and love presents us with possibilities, opportunities, assignments that change the trajectory of our thoughts, desires and even will. When pondering this 17th year and (the stages of a developing yes) my heart is elated, energized and encouraged by the progression of growth, hope and love. This year in particular there’s a certainty that I am graced for this.

For many years I didn’t understand the intensity of my person, why I saw, felt, and pondered things so differently and deeply. I couldn’t understand why I COULD NOT be and go about life like everybody else (boy did my humanity want to at times), accept status quo and just let it be/go (in comfort) without internal disturbance/unrest.

Why did I have to live and love with this “knowing”…this God factor, Spirit lead ebb and flow within my being summoning my attention… to LOOK, LISTEN, FOCUS,HEAR and then pray forth the purpose of God. Why was the pull so strong, the mandate so urgent, the knowing ever present coaching, chastising and even challenging me to believe God? Why hadn’t my heart fainted, my will waned and my humanity faltered in justifiable alternatives? Undeniably because God kept me and allowed me the time to accept the fact that I am graced for this. Granting me the necessary time to settle into His desire, direction and my own distinction.

If this grace gift, ability to see, understand and perceive the heart of God on highlighted persons, situations and coming events fuel the intensity of how we live and love, what we do, say and give in His stead. Then it is advantageous to learn (pay attention, pray, ponder, prepare and pray some more) as to how we’re to administer love in a manner that honors God. You’re given the ability to accept who and how you are, what’s in your heart to do and give and you begin to trust God to reveal and bring it about in HIS time. You surrender to the intensity, respect the process of becoming and keep your eyes and heart open to the will of God for your life and love. You choose to surrender in the struggle, resist opinions and judgement opposite God’s heart and resolve God if this is where you are, this is where I choose to be.

This knowing has taught me so much about the heart of God, it has helped me vision life, love, myself and others through a not so jilted lens. I’ve learned how to confidently stand on God’s Word and appropriate the grace given me, extend my heart beyond my personal comfort and norm. It has been and continues to be my safe place, an illumination of God’s heart towards me while serving as a mirrored reflection of who I am and never was meant to be. That’s healing, that a testimony worth sharing that adds to the dimension of our understanding of being helpers one to the other, iron sharpening iron, building each other up doesn’t it? It strengthens, stretches and stabilizes our faith walk, keeps us inquiring, invested, and intrigued by the workings of our all sufficient God. This knowing is such a treasure, such a blessing, such motivation and hope. It energizes, excites and fuels my expectation. This knowing makes me keep going, growing but most all helped me come to accept the intensity that accompanies my humanity.

Has God ever allowed you to vision His heart towards another? Have you ever been so moved, touched or felt such synchrony? Trust me, it’s nothing like it. It’s been a progression of developments, dreams, dialogue that helped me forgo the aggravation of inexperience, naivety and insecurity. I’m now able to grasp the reward of Spirit led restraint, resolve and recollection. This knowing have kept me engaged in the process, expectant and energized for the way it’s coming about. It’s been some time now but I am still so amazed, awed and astonished that God would trust His gift in my care. It (was) and is so weighty, incredible and challenging. I have yet to hear or discovery anything that pales or parallels in comparison (talking about growing to appreciate intensity). It has infused my passion with purpose. I guess it could be said God’s presentation changes the trajectory of your life and love. It works within us the WILL to do what will please and honor HIM.

Maybe you too are Graced to love, encourage, strengthen, support, build up, cover, reinforce the very heart of God towards another. Graced to understand, pray in the Spirit, pull down strongholds, display, demonstrate and detail there’s more…deeper connection, authentic intention, collaboration, oneness, solidarity. You too are Graced with patience, long suffering, gentleness, kindness, forgiveness and the ability to never side with weakness, mock or detest the anointing. Possibly your grace gift will welcome, help heal and carry the weight of what’s on them…introducing them to a new reality. Imagine that, God uses you, your gift, effort to unveil His heart and usher them into newness.

In doing so, you will be blessed (favored) with wonderful instances that render the experience of life and love in & with HIM beautiful and so worth it. Embrace and enjoy the process. And remember if you’re humanity ever suggests you’re crazy, incapable, not able, worthy, wanted, can’t do this you can rest assured this is the Lord’s doing and “You’re Graced for This”~AntTBri