While I know that God's Word tells us to rely only His opinion of us, not the opinion of others, it is much easier said than done. And despite how much effort I have put into relying on God to fill me with His love, acknowledgement, and acceptance each day, I have to be honest and admit that I still find it rewarding (as everyone else does) when others acknowledge my effort and intentions.
So I was very excited to call my uncle yesterday and share a story with him that I finally felt a sense of gratification from a personal and important acknowledgement I received. He was very glad to hear the news and to hear that I was feeling so encouraged from that long awaited acknowledgement. And then he humbled me with a thought provoking question. "Don't you think that God often feels the same way when we don't acknowledge Him?" Wow. He went on to relate the feelings we express as humans of feeling hurt or upset when we are not acknowledged or praised for the work we do, when God is the ultimate provider and deserves the ultimate praise in a very persistent and personal way. And despite how much I believe that I acknowledge God for all He has done in my life, I couldn't help but be humbled by the reminder that it's not about me, it's all about Him.
And as God would have it, this message was delivered once more by way of Pastor Will's sermon this morning, titled "Your Longing for Approval". It was the third part in a great series called "What's Holding You Back", which you can find on www.brazosfellowship.com (this particular message is not posted yet), and hit close to home. It was just what a lot of us needed to hear. I am so thankful for the conversations with my uncle and the truth that he revealed to me, as well as for the truth proclaimed today at Brazos Fellowship. Sometimes we just need ot
"For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts." -1 Thessalonians 2:4.