Purposeful Faith

Deeply Root Yourself in God’s Love

Deeply Rooted in God's love

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“Love.” What happens when underneath it all – we don’t feel God’s love in our deepest being? When we know Jesus, but we have a hard time believing he loves us?  Perhaps, the world has jaded us, people have hurt us or we have done the unthinkable.

We think God’s love is nice, but we know it as “distant”.

We know love in our mind, but don’t feel it in our heart.
We know love accepts us, but still, our past defines us.
We know love is the answer to freedom, but the chains remain.

What happens here?
How do we move from knowing in our minds – to believing in our hearts?
From knowing about love – to knowing love?

Sometimes, I feel like I live partially loved by God.
Like a daughter who is visited by her step dad a couple times a week.
Like a girl who is not always seen.
Like one who needs constant affirmation.
Like one who wonders if she is forgotten.
Like one who needs to earn approval.
Like one who feels unworthy.
Like one who is forgotten.
Like one who doubts.
Like one who falters.

Is this a picture of a loved daughter of the most high King?

Can I truly love others – and God, when I haven’t embraced depths of his love?
His unceasing, unbelievable and unending love?

Perhaps my earthly experiences have shaped my capacity to perceive God’s love.
Can I only know love to the depths that I have been loved?

In my search to answer these questions, God is teaching me that to walk in love is to walk by faith.

Because none of us have been loved the way he loves.
None of us can understand the depths of his actions for us.
None of us can perceive the immensity of his presence before us.
None of us can comprehend the lengths he goes to fight for us.

His love is unbelievable in a sense.

Because of this,
we have allowed our perceptions and our tribulations
to create realities of God’s love for us.

Yet, his power extends beyond these created idols of love.

Like the many miracles of Jesus; true power is found by faith.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Heb. 11:1)

Faith is where the love of Christ is found. It is found when we receive what he gives, even though the gift is so immense we can hardly receive it – or believe it.

He gives:

– His own son – for us. He gave the ultimate (Jo. 3:16)
– His life for us – for people who can’t stop sinning. (Ro. 5:8)
– A life that is alive with Christ. He goes with us. (Eph. 2:4-5)
– A saved life. His presence. His rejoicing spirit. A presence that quiets our active soul. (Zeph. 3:17)
– Steadfast, never-ending love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)
– Mercy & graciousness. (Psalm 86:15)
– His own Spirit – a constant companion and help – to live within us. (2 Tim. 1:7)
– A position as a child of God (1 John 3:1)
– An owned status, which nothing – no way, no how – can ever separate his love from us. (Ro. 8:31-39, Ps. 24:1)
– A secure position which – no one, no way – can pluck away. (Jo. 10:28)
– No condemnation even though we deserve it all. (Ro. 8:1)
– Gifts that he delights in giving because we are his children. (Gal 3:26)
– An acceptance and approval of who we are. (Ro. 14:18)
– A powerful care about our daily doings. (Ps. 139:2)
– An ever-flowing rhythm of grace that can never be obstructed. (Jo. 1:16)
– An eternal home that has been prepared just for us. (Jo. 14:2)
– An earthly plan and purpose for our lives. (Prov. 16:9)
– A promise to make us more and more like him. (2 Cor. 3:18)
– A nearness, a shelter and a hope that is beyond compare. (Ps. 46:1-6)
– An advocate who fights on our behalf. (1 Jo. 2:1)
– One who is ALWAYS for us. (Ro. 8:31)
– One whose compassions never fail. (Lam. 3:22)

God is so good that, in a small way, it doesn’t really matter how much we grasp his love because his love will still remain for us. His love is so unconditional that it is not contingent on understanding. He loves us despite us.

Freedom is found in this place. Because, even when our world, our past and our choices have proven that we are unworthy of love, we still remain, as believers, in Him. Then, in faith – we can step out to grab the power of God’s love. This is the way.

We can grab hold of love by faith by:

1. Praying. Lord, let us be deeply rooted in you.
2. Seeking. Lord, let your words of truth shoot as arrows of love to our deepest needs.
3. Meditating. Lord, let us see your love pour over us as we close our eyes.
4. Receiving. Lord, let creation testify to the power of your love.
5. Communing. Lord, let us relish in the daily gifts you pour out on us.
6. Abiding. Lord, let us remain in you – and you in us. Help us to see this give and take.

I am done living fatherless from the most high king, distanced from the one who cares for me the most and duped into believing I am alone. I am done with the fear.

Because isn’t fear just a deep knowledge that no one is near?

But, God is. He was. And, he always will be. The Alpha and Omega never changes.

He is even when I don’t think he is. This is the ultimate love. His love is so all consuming that my eyes cannot begin to absorb his immensity. His love is so great that I can’t even fathom it. I can’t even take it.

I will set my mind, by faith, on the power of his love and trust that it will accomplish all it is set forth to do.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. (Ps. 138:8)

My life is secure, never to be forgotten, in the palm of his love.

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purposefulfaith

Kelly, a fun-loving, active and spunky mom of two rambunctious toddlers, spends her days pushing swings, changing diapers and pursuing the Lord with all her heart. Called a "Cheerleader of Faith", Kelly's greatest desire is to help women live passionately, purposefully and unencumbered for the Lord.

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17 CommentsLeave a comment

  • “to walk in love is to walk by faith”. That is so true. I’ve never thought of it in that way, however. While the love of God envelopes us, it is often unseen, so we must accept it by faith. Our world can surely make it seem that no one loves us, but we must remember that God loved us so much He sent Jesus to die for us. Lovely post, Kelly.

    • You are so right Leah. Our world can make us feel so alone. It can make us feel invaluable too. Thank you for your comment. I was delighted when I saw your name pop up. You bring me so much joy!

  • How wonderful Kelly to be able to read and listen at the same time – And such a beautiful message. I have decided this month to concentrate on writing about and accepting the fullness of God’s love and sharing it with others – what a great encouragement this has been. Bless you xx

    • Tania, what a great idea – to write on the fullness of God’s love which is so sufficient to give us all we need. I can’t wait to read it. I am glad you feel encouraged – this is completely my goal.

  • Kelly, that was amazing hearing you read this post! I read it first, and then saw in the comments that there was a recording so I had to go back and listen. As I was reading, I kept thinking of this time of prayer I had a few weeks ago. I was talking to God, (I don’t even remember what about) and I suddenly realized that I was assuming how God would react to my prayers, based on my frame of reference — my human understanding. And the reaction I was imagining wasn’t at all loving. When I allowed myself to believe God was looking at me through eyes of unimaginable love, it was an intense moment of freedom and relief. Thank you for your post. To be honest, I’d forgotten about that moment with God until I read your words. You’ve given me a gift today.

    • Yes, it is so freeing Jenni to grab hold of that love. I am so glad that the Lord used my post to remind you of the most foundational element of our faith – love. I am praying this over you right now too!

  • God loves us despite us. I LOVE THAT! His love for us never ends. Not when we fail. Not when we falter. Not when we doubt. His love never ceases. Thank you for the reminder. I don’t often act like a daughter of a king. I’m usually acting like a servant in the castle, trying to earn my way to being adopted, but usually feeling like an invisible nothing. God is greater than me, thank goodness! I needed this reminder today.
    Thanks.

  • I think we all have had times where we’ve felt that GOD simply wasn’t near or even with us at all, but what an incredible reminder that HE’S with us and always will be. How beautiful it is to know that HIS love is unconditional and everlasting! I’m always amazed by HIS grace and HIS mercy and thankful that HIS love never wavers. Amazing post, Kelly! I am always so encouraged by you. Love you, my friend! 🙂

    • Thank you for your words Tai. He goes on and on and on…and we will live in his love forever. I am delighted that this is the future for us! Thank you for being an amazing friend Tai.

  • This was really helpful thankyou I’m studying about gods love it’s just head knowledge at the moment just need it to sink into my heart

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