Wednesday
Aug062008
Nothing and Everything...
Posted on 
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 7:49AM
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 7:49AM 
Greetings, Dear Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul and challenge your faith along the way.
Before I get into my topic, I have a little business to take care of. As most of you know, I give away a $10.00 Caribou gift card each month to someone who posts on my blog. It's time to announce July's winner...
Anna J! ~ Please email me to claim your prize and tell me where I should mail your gift card (info@susielarson.com) Congratulations!
In celebration of my new release, 'The Uncommon Woman', this month I'm giving away a $50.00 VISA gift card to someone who posts on this blog.
Each week I'll post on what it means to be uncommon, and I want to hear from you! Share with us your own divine insights and perspectives. Lots of people visit this blog each week and even if they don't post, they're reading what you have to say.
Now, on to my topic...
At the opening of my book - the first section in fact - I make this statement, "The Uncommon Woman understands that paradox that she is nothing and everything."
In order for us to rise above the petty fray and to live up to our privilege as ones who belong to the Creator of Heaven and Earth, we must see ourselves in the proper light.
We are nothing without God.
We can do nothing of substance - nothing of lasting value - apart from Him. We need His influence and His life-giving power operating in us and through us every moment of the day.
If left to ourselves, we quickly become self-aware. We become strivers instead of 'resters.' We become 'grabbers' instead of 'releasers.' We become motivated by fear instead of by faith. Even on our good days, our good deeds amount to a pile of grimy rags (because that's what the Word says).
To live up to the high calling that's ours in Christ Jesus, we must have a clear and sober view of ourselves. We love people, we love ourselves, but we put our hope in God. He stoops down to make us great (See Psalm 18:35).
But here's some really GREAT news: We may be nothing without Him, but we're everything to Him.
He's written our name on His hand. He thinks about us every day. And though the enemy accuses us day and night, Jesus intercedes for us every minute of every day.
He's pulling for us, cheering for us, rejoicing over us, singing songs of love for us, He's leading us, guiding us, providing for us, and correcting us when we need it. He forgives, restores, and replenishes us because we need it. He sends new mercies our way every morning and declares His faithfulness during the dark nights of the soul. He is strong and mighty. He is faithful and true.
He has His eye on you and me and He delights in using us for His grand purposes.
With God at our side, nothing will be impossible for us. In our weakness He is strong. When we have faith - even mustard seed sized faith - He will move mountains on our behalf.
What a privilege and honor it is to belong to the One who knows each star by name.
How is it that we stray from His majesty and dare to think we are more than we are? Even so, He knows us intimately and loves us deeply. He knows we are dust and yet He cherishes us just the same.
Amazing love.
Read this great quote from Brennan Manning:
"Uncontaminated trust in the revelation of Jesus allows us to breathe more freely, to dance more joyfully, and to sing more gratefully about the gift of salvation."
Isn't that just grand?
And the following is a quote from my own book (PS ~ the term 'accepts acceptance' is borrowed from Brennan Manning and referenced in my book):
"Accepting acceptance means having the courage to face your foibles without it diminishing your value. Accepting acceptance means refusing to let others define you, because God already has. Accepting acceptance means cherishing the fact that you've been bought with a price, and thus embracing the call to become more and more like Christ every day." P.23
The idea that we are 'nothing and everything' to me, makes the narrow road a bit more narrow. It's the place of humility and power, of holy confidence and humble dependence. It's the place where miracles happen.
May we embrace this beautiful truth today.
Blessings to you all~
Reader Comments (18)
I didn't intend to complete the order online; I thought I'd maybe go to the store and get a copy. I should have known that wasn't going to happen. Thankfully, God did, and He let me complete the order without realizing I had.
It was like a surprise Christmas present to see the mailman put it in the slot, just two days later!
I just wanted to say thank you for your God-inspired book "The Uncommon Woman". I was loaned the book this week from a dear friend just this past week who told me I just needed to read one chapter because she thought it applied to my situation. Needless to say, I'm halfway through the book. I've related so much to a lot of your story as far as being gossipped about, betrayed, having my character defamed, my integrity questioned and good friends that litterally walked away from me. It has been two years since that has happened and I am healing. I pray everyday for the Lord to help me forgive them for the awful ways they betrayed me. Your book has helped me see why I took the high road even when I didn't feel like it and even asked God why am I always the one to take the high road. I understand better now. Thank you again! Just a side note, I live in Minnesota too!Your sister in Christ,Toni
~Andrea
Have you read it?
I wanted to tell you that I borrowed your book "Mercy in the Wilderness" to a struggling friend, and she has been totally lifted and encouraged. Something in there spoke to her and set her free from some darkness that had been hovering.
Isn't God amazing? I think I bought the book a few years ago just for her now!!Love, Kathy
James 4:8 (amplified version)Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].
Bless you! ~Rebecca
Oh, and thanks for sharing the story about your friend. Those kinds of stories always encourage me.Bless you~
I heard your interview tonight on the Joy FM about your book. It really inspired me and was exactly what I needed to hear. I plan to buy your book asap. Thanks.
How nice to meet you! I hope your soul is nourished and your faith is challenged as you read. Let me know your thoughts.
God bless you, sister!