Released + Renewed

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"It's simple really, " concluded the sermon notes. "God made us. He loves us. He has provided for our redemption. He wants our love and devotion. He knows just what can be accomplished with the little that we have to offer Him. It all depends on whether we are willing to give Him free rein. Whether we are willing to say, 'Here is my little, Lord. Cast it down, break it up, hurl it out, as you see fit.' Only then will we be of use to the Master. Only then will we find fulfillment and contentment in life. Only then will we be given freedom--released to serve."

Anna's eyes were so filled with tears that she could scarcely read the script. "Released to serve." That was what she wanted. That was the freedom she wanted in her own life. She was tired of feeling weak and inadequate. She was weary of struggling on in her own strength-always falling short and feeling guilty. God had made her. He knew her shortcomings-her frailties. He was the only one who could take her 'little bit' and make it of any worth to anyone. Why did she continue to struggle to be more than she was? She knew that she needed His strength, His wisdom, His power.

But for the first time, Anna realized that all she had to do was to release who she was--and what she was--into the loving, trustworthy hand of God and accept what He had in mind for her. It was so easy. She didn't know why she hadn't realized it sooner.

-Janette Oke, The Measure of a Heart

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Oh, but isn't it so comforting to know He already KNOWS those parts of our lives we feel are failures, worthless? Maybe you've found yourself trying hard to measure up or perform, but please find rest in this: God made you and knows you like nobody else could...and loves you all the same.

Only He can "take what is, and...make it beautiful." -Lauren Daigle, Power to Redeem

Sincerely,

Georgie Grace