"It takes the omnipotence of God— His complete and effective divinity— to live the life of the Son of God in human flesh. The Holy Spirit cannot be accepted as a guest in merely one room of the house— He invades all of it." My Utmost For His Highest

God is an expert at indwelling the flesh. He has been doing "dress rehearsals" since the beginning of time, and did the ultimate performance tour for 33 years in Jesus. After Pentecost He started sweeping the nations, spreading His Spirit and multiplying His "venues". He has been at this particular task of abiding now for about 2,000 years - first taking up residence, and then claiming property as the host invites Him to tour step by step each inch of the house. What makes me think that I can live the Christian life apart from Him? What makes me think that any part of me is mine alone? What makes me think that God can't do it far better than I ever dreamed of doing it myself? Why is it hard for me to surrender my all to such a trustworthy God? Why is it hard for me to remember to acknowledge the One who is IN ME throughout the day?

I'm not sure, but it's strange. And easy to become impatient with myself and with God for not finishing the work quicker. I want Him to come in COMPLETELY, do the tour himself, claim all of the territory all at once, and finish a thorough remodeling job in a couple days. Why won't You do that, Lord?!?

But now I remember it's not all about me. My maturity maybe has less to do with me than with God's plan for all of His People. We are unified by the Spirit into one Body and all are to do the work to accomplish God's purposes. Some of the purposes are to save the lost, some are to edify believers, some are to become Christlike in character. None of these can happen in a box. Difficult circumstances and people enter my life (and me in theirs) to help in our completion - conflict exposes our weaknesses that (if we allow Him) He can then purify and perfect. I cannot become mature without other humans in close relationships. As I work with the Spirit in His sanctification of me, I become aware of my needs, those needs get met by God, and I can share my testimony with others. I agree with Beth Moore that I have gotten to the wonderful place where the Body of Christ is WORTH IT to me. It's worth the struggle, pain, rejection, heartache, etc. Because I know that at the other side of whatever ails is a meaningful work of God that is an encouragement to at least one other soul He loves. Likewise, someone else might suffer just so that I can be comforted. And even if it IS just ONE other soul, He will do it because His love is unfailing, boundless, and holy. Isn't it wonderful to know that God loves me THAT much?

Other lessons from today - some sound bites/concepts:

- Test a relationship by the sense of God's presence in it. If God is not present, if something seems wrong, if you feel heavy oppression, it is probably not a relationship in His will. I have come to the conclusion that a few past relationships and one I currently am hanging onto in confusion is just such a one.

- The question I had yesterday for God about Jesus being impatient was answered again today when we learned that the Greek word for "bear" (as in these) means to "put up with." So there you go, Laura! Jesus was bearing with them in great patience!

- From above, these things happen in relationships so that we might become mature:
* Another person brings out the worst in us (so that when brought to the surface, God can work it out of us)
* They keep us from thinking too highly of ourselves (so that we remain aware of our humble position before Christ and others)
* They keep our pretenses from working (because we can't pretend to have a perfect life - we need to stay grounded in truth)

- In a relationship demanding patience, God can be at work doing two different ministries - death (to self) in one, and life in the other. This is helpful to remember when I am faced with someone I'm "ministering to" who just doesn't seem to "get it". It could be that the Lord is ministering something to me through that relationship that I'M just not getting.

- Convenience never produces character. Our relationships with others are not always convenient and if they are, chances are our character is suffering.

- Conflict plus commitment prompts change. We need to be committed to see it through so that God can finish His work!

Father God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit. You are magnificent. How could I ever forget You? Your work is so perfect that it has a ripple effect among Your own. Thank You for creating such a diverse community of people that reflect the broadness of Your love. Yes, You love them, and You love even me. Help me to live at peace and in unity with those You have ordained for me. Help me learn to let You do Your work and not try to do it for You or hasten Your perfect timing. I do trust You - help me trust You, Lord. Give Your mercy to those who I have hurt and help them forgive me. Make me merciful and forgive those who've hurt me. Inspire hope, beat down a judgmental spirit, and make me wait patiently for You as You wait patiently for the lost.