Love Challenge

by Macy Johnson

“A discerning man keeps wisdom in view,

but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.”

(Proverbs 17:24 NIV)

 

On the morning of March 25, 2020, God told me to stop playing around with struggles I have faced all my life. He said it was time to let go and give Him complete control. Bit by bit He unfolded a Love Challenge specifically tailored for me.

 

I had to be liberated from the scuffles with indulgences and addictions, and stop playing with my faith. This was not about weight loss, but about less of myself in order to be filled with more of the pure love of Jesus.

 

After many days into the challenge I became a minimalist, or so I thought, and announced it to my husband. A minimalist is described as a person who wants to keep things simple and learn to live with less. Jeff’s first comment was, “Have you seen the pantry lately?” That remark caused me to pause and recognize my heart’s true obsessions. I stockpile kitchen rations like a hoarding manager of a secret mini-warehouse. 

 

To say I have undergone major change during the pandemic is an understatement. I trust we all have. Not only have I lost weight by avoiding unnecessary food and drink, I have also purged my preferences for particular brands of paper and soap.

 

Permanent change is slow and deliberate, like scooting feet through the squeaky,  sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach - sometimes hot, sometimes wet, always smoothing rough edges of calloused soles. Each day builds on yesterday and prepares for tomorrow.

 

What Love Challenge has God led you to or through recently?

 

I will thank God for guiding me to accept His love challenge and for transforming me into the daughter He designed me to be. I hope you will, too!