I was recently talking to the Lord and I heard Him say the word, “Release”. As I sat with it, I was impressed with the sense that He was urging His devoted children to permit themselves to move forward with the desires of their hearts.
Fulfilling the Will of God
There have been things that we have wanted to do but were hindered because we weren’t sure if it was “of the flesh” or holy enough or “God’s will”.
Many of us were brought up thinking that there is God’s “Plan A will” and His “permissive will”. The sense is that His “permissive will” is something that God really doesn’t approve of, but will begrudgingly allow us to do.
With that, there is a fear that we will miss out on God’s best for our lives.
I used to be plagued with fear of missing the purposes that I was called to. I was so frustrated that I didn’t hear God well enough and felt so FAR BEHIND.
I was so aware of my failings and lack of performance that I just couldn’t shake the sense that, not only was I behind, but that I was accelerating in my “behind-ness”.
It was fear central and fear brings torment. But there is no fear in Love. Perfected or mature love casts out fear (1 John 4:17-18).
The Lord began a process of teaching me to look at Him and His performance on my behalf. He trained me in the art of resting and trusting.
This is not a passive couch potato existence, but joy-filled leaning on Him because we know Him.
Empowered by God
He is the Author and Finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:2).
He is the Alpha and Omega and every letter in between (Revelation 22:13).
He’s the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13).
He is the One Who created us as His workmanship to do good works that He made ready for us before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 2:10).
He is the One Who is Love and Who calls us and enables us to abide in Him and bear much fruit (John 15:5-7).
He is the One Who empowers us to do His good and perfect will (Philippians 2:13).
He is the One Who chose and commissioned us to bear lasting fruit (John 15:16).
You see, the more we look at Him, the more the pressure is off of us.
OF COURSE, He wants you to fulfill the purposes He has for you. He is the One Who designed you for those purposes (Ephesians 2:10)! And He is the One to get you there. He is amazing at His job!
He has planted dreams and desires in our hearts and wants to help us to mine them out.
Intimacy with God
How do we do that?
Intimacy with Him releases the plans He has for you.
Daniel 11:32 says that the people that do know their God shall be strong and do His exploits.
Psalm 37:4-5 (AMPC) says:
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.
God’s will is not a straight line that you have to stringently adhere to.
God’s will is a playground of choices that you partner with God to enjoy.
Maybe you want to try out the slide – great!
Maybe you want to ride the merry-go-round. Yes!
As you allow yourself the freedom to dream and test some things out, like a well-loved child looking to an adoring Father, God is able to direct you through those desires.
You can risk because failure is not fatal, but a learning curve.
Fulfilling the Desires of Your Heart
I feel there are some things – good things – that you have been desiring for a long time, but that you haven’t felt permission to pursue.
It is time to release your heart to run with the God Who adores you!
You can take baby steps, but by all means, step forth.
I hear Him say, “It is OK!”
If you tend to run ahead of God, let Him grab your hand and steady you – enjoy His embrace.
But this message is more for the ones who have been second-guessing themselves.
Give yourself permission to enjoy His wind at your back as you step out!
You are adored and it is safe to release those desires of your heart!
XO,
Catherine
