God’s Ways
Firstly, I refer to the recent post by Nate Johnston at “Nate & Christy” — as it so resonated with me. Perhaps it will witness to you also!
It helps me to perceive God’s Ways a little more clearly.
Below are my reflections the article piqued in me.
♥ How often I’ve felt like a square peg — trying to squeeze my spirit into a round hole!
I bet dollars to donuts, you’ve gone through this too! We don’t often say it (fear of being misunderstood or judged), we may even confess/ repent (just in case these emotions/feelings are sinful), but mostly, we’ve pushed these feelings down, lest we think we may have failed God, others, ourselves.
We want so much not to “miss God’s Will” in our lives, and yet we forget it is He who is holding our lives in His hand, not the other way around. He is perfectly self-sustaining.
♥ The process of sanctification is like the tearing of an old threadbare garment.
So being fitted to be a glory-carrier feels odd. Suck in your stomach, zip up your pants; you’re going to have to walk around the dressing room of life for a while — until the future feels right. It takes time.
These are not stretchy-glory pants with an elastic fit. These are a designer (creator), tailor-made fine fit.
Has to be a perfect fit. One of a kind. Unique. Just like each one of us. Takes time!
As if God isn’t ‘big enough, smart enough, prescient or omnipotent enough’ to factor in our humanity, into the plans He has for our lives).
The genius of God’s ways — are so, so beyond us.
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” Romans 11:33
♥ This “holy discontent” the author speaks of, has marked much of my Christian walk.
Every new door, every new thing, involves some tearing of the flesh. Leaving comfortable, torn, raggedy old nightgowns is necessary — but I still pull ’em back out of the rag bag once or twice — ’cause I’m not ready to part with it — though I know I have to.
It’s familiar! The familiar (even when it’s not always in our best interest) is what keeps us from seeing God’s new.
But I knew in my heart I had to let it (them, that place, that season) — let it go. It day of useful purpose was over. Just let it go. Nothing fits the same.
♥ Not that there weren’t/ aren’t exciting, joyful, wonderful experiences.
But losses, changes, choices, people comin’, and people goin’, have changed the landscape of my life from naiveté to wisdom, silliness to mindfulness, nonsense to purposeful.
The last 4 decades have marked me for ‘something’ — I just don’t know what “it” is yet. All I know for certain is what “no longer fits”.
As 2024 began, God gave me Isaiah 43:18-19 one day. The former things are left behind- the new is up ahead. I think He is preparing us for changes we can’t imagine.
““Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19
♥ This last year I’ve finally gone through my clothes closet and given away so many things I bought and never wore, held onto but no longer need, and still am purging past remnants to make room for the new.
My internal closet — my life in The Holy Spirit — is getting the same makeover.
I just don’t know how to process it all. What to keep, what to pitch, what to re-purpose.
Much like our lives, get three boxes — mark one “trash”, mark one “give-a-way”, mark one “not sure — will pray on it”. Hmm?
♥ When I read the Prophet’s post referenced above — it made sense.
When God calls us out of the ‘Ur of the Chaldees” to walk in the direction He will show us — when we stand — and open the door — the destiny is in the “Go!”
The unknown place of our final journey is slowly unraveling itself.
♥ A favorite Hebrew phrase/ word of mine is “HaMakom” מָקוֹם.
Basically it means “where destiny intersects with provision!” I love that. It’s like “a man’s gift makes room for him”.
Coincidence, is not a concept in the Jewish language/ culture. They believe providence preceded everything created — all good and bad was known, and accounted for, before it ever was.
♥ So, by that thinking, even our mistakes, failures, losses and sorrows will add up to perfection, bringing eternal glory, for God weighs out all events in time, and rewards every person and event, justly.
HaMakom. God perfects all.
♥ Now I know that I know – what it means to be “His handiwork”.
Okay LORD — chisel away! I don’t have to know where I’m going if you are holding my hand. Just don’t let go!
I can’t see in the dark. I’ll keep the Faith-switch — ON!
~ Elizabeth Cassutto
Rev. Elizabeth Cassutto
Lightbeacon Ministries, Millsboro, Delaware.
Thanks Elizabeth!
Ah but I already knew most of your Jewish connection above, having looked you up. So it was very basic seeming to me, the word that I gave you. Like: you are going to breathe today. Haha. I shall pray a bit more into it.
Ok so more: “I will bless your ministry further”, says God, “and the older you get the more blessed you will be”, says God. Amen.
Wow cool. PRAISE GOD!!!
Thank you Adrian. These are exciting times we are living in. His ‘Church’ is on the roller coaster ride of her life. Let’s all hold on….wheee..here we go
WOW!
Hahaha I’m supposed to give you a prophetic word. So here goes: “Elizabeth your future ministry definitely involves Israel”.
So this may seem like the lamest most basic prophetic word ever, but a word is a word.
God used to get me to say “God loves you”, to women mainly, usually in a church conference setting. Basic word. But they would often burst into tears because it was what they needed to hear.
Thank you Adrian. You are correct – I’ve been a part of ministering to Israel for a long time. My late spouse (a Messianic Jewish believer, and son of (believing) Jewish holocaust survivor’s- had a prophetic ministry to Israel (and the Church). So your discernment is on targe:) Blessings
Never apologize for what seems a ‘simple word’ for sometimes – that’s what we really need. It’s profound. I never tire of hearing God loves me. In this crazy world – we need to drink that in. Thank you kind soul :)
Just like the other commenters I can say your insights are so right on for me as well. I used to think that when I/we got to this point in time of God’s kingdom process that things would have become clearer and clearer so that by now there wouldn’t be so many questions so many unknowns. But here we all are, just where God wants us, but so undefined from our perspective.
He has told me more than once that if He tells me all of His plans for me then the enemy would know as well and He wants it to be a surprise attack.
Blessings in the journey!
Thank you Robert for your thoughts. Interesting point the Lord told you- that if He tells you too much (ahead of time), then, ‘the thief’ – the devil knows it too. Our great God is an amazing strategist, is He not. Always steps ahead of everything!
Hi Elizabeth. This so expresses how we feel. Others have spoken and said it well. I am happy to see the 70s club is alive and well. I will be 75 this July and I’m still learning and still letting go..The song let go and let God have his wonderful way came to mind. His ways are higher than our ways, and better than our ways. The familiar is a place of security, and in letting go, we must surrender and trust that the Lord has us in the palm of His hand. Daily we surrender more fully. I have discovered the only secure place is holding tight, onto to Jesus. thank you, Elizabeth.❤️
Yes Patricia – no matter how old we are – we are all still ‘kids’ in the spectrum of eternity. We never stop learning – I guess because there is no limit to the wisdom and glory that is God.
Bravo Elizabeth..so well said! Everyone already said it all! Love and blessings, sweet friend, I think I am the oldest! But still holding tightly to HIS hand. LOL! Sandi
Dear Sweet Sandi –
Your posts are refreshing to me- like cold water on a hot day. You carry a gentle peace about you – and it is so needed in the harshness of this world. Blessings to you.
So beautifully expressed Elizabeth!
Much love & blessings!
Thank you Priscilla. I hope 2024 is a wonderful year for you in Jesus.
AMEN
Thank you -and blessings.
Like Wow, Elizabeth and now Dorothea!
At 70 years of age and 71 just being 5 days off now on the 28th.. so much of this resonates with my spirit.
My heart is to be faithful until death and run over the finish line with victory in our belts! Sure it is yours also.
The Lord has never failed us yet, and is surely not going to now. Those of us that don’t meet on this side will for sure meet on the other. May we continue to fight the good fight of faith together. ❤️
Hi, Elizabeth,
I can so much relate to your thoughts here!
„ The last 4 decades have marked me for ‘something’ — I just don’t know what “it” is yet. All I know for certain is what “no longer fits”.
We though know about our calling since decades but have not been functioning in it in its full meaning, but have been waiting, praying, crying ou for the fulfillment for so long. As we are now in our 70 ties and strength has been waning,
sight and hearing diminished, we need faith like Abraham to see all to come true!
Since my youth I have been in the „business of the Lord“ in some kind, but the longing to see and experience what the Bible describes left a longing in me/us that has npt been met so far.
Yet we know for sure, that the former and latter rain will be outpoured and that we are at an „appointed time“ in God‘s calender! (Matth. 25 and Matth. 24:24)
Rich blessings
Dorothea
Blessings to both of you wonderful ladies (Joyce, Dorothea). Yes for sure, we can meet at heavens Cafe, enjoy a latte & a Danish, and laugh at how quickly this life has passed – if we dont meet here. Your comments are treasured – let’s me know others feel the same.