From Measure to Fullness
We all experience difficulties in life, times in our journey that seem surprising, even confusing. But God wants us to view these difficulties as occasions to move more fully into the vastness of His love for us.
This past year, I received a card from a dear friend, encouraging me through such a time in my journey. The
card read,
Beloved, what would it take for you to believe that My heart is overwhelmingly full towards you?
God was speaking through my friend’s card that this was an opportune time for me to be captured afresh by the boundless love He was sending in my direction. It was love without measure!
What “measure” means
The very word “measure” speaks of an allotted amount, a marked proportion. It speaks of cautious restraint. As humans we often give ourselves in measured ways. We are careful, guarded and self protective, as we try to keep ourselves from hurt or harm.
God is just the opposite. He gives Himself fully and freely without measure or restraint. His love is not lacking in any way. His love for us knows no bounds.
…I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore, with loving-kindness have I drawn you (Jeremiah 31:3).
It is His great love for you that encourages you to draw near to Him with a heart full of assurance of faith.
See every situation as a new place to experience God in a new way; to come into a greater revelation of who He is and who He will be for you. He longs to touch your life each day with His majesty.
Take the opportunity to move away from measure into fullness. Enjoy His extravagant love!
I lost my dad on August 17th. I finally have lifted my head to find I am somewhat displaced. My Aglow sisters held my family and me up during Dad’s illness. Now I’m home and so want God to reflood my soul with life. Quitting is not an option and a little bit of God won’t do. I wait for His Presence, His fullness.
It is so true Jane. His love is always beyond measure. No matter what He is for us. My Father went home to be with the King in January 2009. My Dad and I were so very close. I thought how will I live without my Dad? My heavenly Dad has proven to be faithful and has shown his love to my stepmom and my siblings beyond measure. We are all closer than we have ever been because our season of grieving brought us closer to our heavenly Father and each other. My Dad knew he was leaving and he knew we were all ready to fulfill our God given destiny. Gods love for us is indeed without measure.
A wonderful word, Jane. He is a God of the “above and beyond.” I just had cataract surgery this week and, even the doctor, was surprised at the sight I now have in my right eye…”it is fulness.” I feel like my eye has been “born again!!!” We just have to place our faith and trust in Him and He “never fails” no matter what the circumstance. God Bless you and see you in San Jose!!
Thank you for the depth of understanding of God’s ways. His ways and His thoughts are not ours. For the first time since 1976 I will be unable to attend conference. My husbands Parkinsons Dis has worsened. The Lord has given me a peace in being home and knowing that He will speak to us here and minister to us in ways we could not have imagined. He does have this surprising way of changing our plans and only in hindsight do we sometimes see the bigger picture. Whether we see it or not, what a privilege to trust in Jesus.
We will be praying as you meet in San Jose.
In Him and through Him,
Jane
Once again Jane, God has used you to comfort me in a “shaky” moment. I have been looking for a job since my layoff in July. God has been abundant and overwhelmingly gracious in His provision and in ways that give me joy, ie. helping my neighbor by taking her on errands till she recovers from cateract surgery. Like your blog said we measure ourselves and today as I was searching online for jobs to apply for, I got “shaky”. God told me I could wait and find my dream job but I have worked since I was 16 and I don’t think I ever had a dream job just jobs that paid the bills. And I felt restricted measured thinking when God has given me permission in love without measure to do what I would want to do and enjoy. Thanks for reminding me the God’s love without measure is priceless and I have to let go of the self restraints and fall trustingly into His arms knowing as He has these last few months He is right there to catch me and carry me through.
Love and prayers,
Sara