Time to Proclaim His Grace Again

It was only a few months ago that I answered the Matthew 6:33 directive from the Lord to seek first His kingdom by laying down Extravagant Grace, as well as all my other internet-based ministries. What I didn't know at the time was how the Lord's instructions to me were out of His love and protection for me. That has become so clear over the past few months.

In His sovereignty, the Lord knew what I was to experience this fall. As my Maker and Creator, He was fully aware that I would be tempted to write about it publicly, which would have been a mistake. With the absence of Extravagant Grace, I found myself turning to the Lord, and a prayerful group of friends to intercede for me, throughout this unexpected storm. God covered me with His merciful love and used the storm to refresh my soul, as He birthed a new understanding of what it means to heal spiritually. As I learned to feel the pain, I also learned how to forgive...ultimately setting me free to move forward.

On this side of the storm, I am stronger in my faith. I recognize that life is a journey on a roadway covered with bumps, humps, and crater-size holes. While we try to avoid the worst part of the road ahead, the reality is that as believers we can move forward without fear of the journey, held together by His strength and protection. It is because of God's extravagant grace that the journey is even possible in the first place. Our call is to go for the ride with all our heart, soul, and mind, allowing a very precious Savior's blood to mark the road ahead and cover the road behind.

I can see looking back through the storm, that the Enemy had victory over me for a long time leading up to this fall, hoping to completely destroy me. Because of my circumstances, I doubted whether I had anything worthwhile to share. Foolishness! That is not how God works. He marks our hearts with His grace, and that is what we have to share with others! It is not because we have arrived or accomplished a thing. It is because of who He is that there is anything to be told!

I have no idea what will become of Extravagant Grace in this new year. It may be the unblog blog, where I just pop in from time to time to share thoughts about the Lord and His amazing work. All I know for right now is that this message of God's extravagant grace partnered with the work He has done on my heart is meant to be shared with others. This new design is a reflection of His work. I hope you will join me in awaiting what more the Lord has on this unexpected, bumpy, yet refined and focused journey ahead. Seek the Lord with me and let Him mark our hearts with His extravagant grace!

Romans 5:1-3
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us

Is this still Elisa? Yes, read this post.