This is from Me

 by Macy Johnson

“Then He said to His disciples,

‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’”

(Matthew 9:37 NIV)

 

As I wrote a love letter to God one morning, I struggled with thoughts of recent happenings. I tried to make sense of what had transpired the day before, and I heard Jesus speak in my heart, “This is from me.”

 

Matthew 9:37 popped into my email inbox as the Verse of the Day. “What does this verse have to do with what I am going through, Lord?” I asked. I sensed the Holy Spirit reveal I must be trained to work in His harvest. To be more effectively used in His kingdom, I need to go through pain and hardship. 

 

The fear of the future and all changes ahead, the additional pressures and decisions I might face, started to roll away. My shoulders relaxed and I took several deep breaths.

 

I did not know what was coming, but God did. I did not know His plans for me, but He did. I knew in my heart what happened was for my good. It was a blessing in disguise. As tears filled my eyes, I knew I was secure in Jesus’ arms. I could feel his warmth surround me and press in on my heart. He was exactly what I needed.

 

I looked up and thanked my heavenly Father for all He brings my way, including the struggles to refine and purify me. All disappointments are orchestrated to humble and remind me who I am and who I belong to.

 

Peter Sumner wrote, “One has to develop a certain detachment to joys of all kinds in order to escape the insidious poisons of bitterness and despair.”

 

I will trust the Holy Spirit to lead me through the valleys so I will be more like Jesus. I hope you will, too!