Sometimes a book just falls into your lap in the most perfect timing. I started reading Beth Moore’s Breaking Free a few weeks back, and I am overwhelmed at how perfect a fit it’s been for me with every turn of the page. I’ve taken to reading it in the morning over breakfast, when my mind is still fresh and my day can benefit from a healthy dose of inspiration, and I’m loving it so much I felt the need to share. So where to begin?…

From the start, Beth speaks from an amazingly humble heart. I imagine she is absolutely incredible in person, and probably the kind of woman I aspire to become. She is articulate and grace-filled, wise and well-versed in her command of Scripture and how it applies to our everyday lives. She is dynamic, honest, unafraid to speak truth. I love her vulnerability.

The book itself is one that requires a sharpened pencil (or highlighter or pen:) at the ready. My copy is now marked up with brackets, stars and exclamation marks galore. I pray I can absorb its contents the way I used to remember facts before a big test, or lines in the school musical. Here are some of the nuggets of wisdom most boldly speaking to my heart at the moment:

-Highlight # 1: “We glorify God to the degree that we externalize the internal existence of the living Christ. A life that glorifies God is not something we suddenly attain. As we spend time in the presence of God, His glory both transforms us and radiates from us.”

Wow. On multiple levels. First, the reality that the living Christ resides within us is a powerful and mighty thought that I never want to lose sight of–not for a minute. Second, we have to work diligently to live a life that glorifies God. It’s hard work sometimes. It’s not something that completely comes naturally. And everything within our humanity will fight against it, err on the side of selfishness or pride or distraction, and cause us to be intentional about pursuing God’s glory or otherwise, forsake it. So far, amazing, right? But then comes my favorite part. “As we spend time in the presence of God, His glory both transforms us and radiates from us.” What an unbelievably impacting idea! I have known this, but so often need to be reminded anyway. And I do, so desperately, desire to be transformed in God’s presence. I want to radiate the light and truth that only He can offer–and He permits us to do so! I am blown away by this fact.

-Highlight # 2: “Peace comes in situations that are completely surrendered to the sovereign authority of Christ. Sometimes when we finally give up trying to discover all the answers to the whys in our lives and decide to trust a sovereign God, unexpected peace washes over us like a summer rain.”

Hello. The above needs to be written on my bathroom mirror, all over my windshield, and potentially in tattoo form on my forehead. I’m reminded here of a little saying we used to cling to in high school after senior retreat. Let go, and let God. Plain and simple. Only not so simple for a girl like me who wants to figure everything out, to solve every problem, and to do so impatiently and with exhaustive determination. IT JUST DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THAT COMPLICATED. I love this: “unexpected peace washes over us like a summer rain.” I was out for a long run this morning and it rained nearly the entire way. My clothes, hair and shoes were literally saturated with summer rain. Can I just say this? It felt amazing. I put my running shoes on this morning knowing that I’d get wet the second I stepped outside, but I didn’t have a single reservation. And with every mile, I felt more relaxed, more revived and more free. I was soaked with rain. I pray that I could be so bold in my daily life, to let go, and let God, without reservation. To be saturated with peace–every last inch of me. And to trust in what I know. God is sovereign. Under His authority, all of the details are covered.

-Highlight #3 for today: “He [God] is holy. As Lord, He will never ask anything of us that is not right, good and open to the light.”

I don’t think about this enough. When God prompts my heart, it is out of pure, unreserved love for me as His daughter. He will never ask anything of me that is not for my benefit. I can think of very few circumstances where we, as humans, can trust another human being to have as much care and good intention as this–especially every second of every day for the duration of our lives. But God is this way. From the moment we came into existence, He had our best interest at heart. He sees us, knows us, nurtures us, and desires the very best He can offer for us. This humbles me on a level I will never fully be able to articulate.

And finally, a thought that leaves me grateful, peaceful, and reflective today–and a verse that I will tuck in my proverbial back pocket to recall daily from now on:

“I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” 2 Timothy 1.12

As Beth reminds in Breaking Free, “the more we know Him, the more we will believe Him.” Not just IN Him, but Him. His character, His faithfulness, and His ability to guide and direct our paths, all the while lending us peace.

Praying and believing that He will guard all that you have entrusted to Him for today.

Grace and Peace,

mm

P.S. Many thanks to Becca, who suggested the book. A divinely inspired choice–and I do mean divinely 🙂