By Laura Kahle
“His Divine Power has granted to us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness…” 2 Peter 1:3-4
This past week I had to say goodbye to a friend and pastor whose time to meet the Lord had come. Woody Church had lived a life truly reflective of the love-driven heart of Christ. In my heartache of missing his sincere encouragements, sincere smiles, and sincere hugs that would not be mine to enjoy anymore, his example of this “sincere love” has me reflecting back upon my own heart. I’m reflective of the areas I still struggle to express Christ’s Love as freely as Woody did to literally ALL around him. I am inspired by this and have much to learn from his example.
In his time of pastoral biblical counseling, the verse he always pointed people to was 2 Peter 1:3-4. He would remind people that God has already given us ALL we need to live this life from a place of victory, in godliness; the fruit of this leads to Sincere Love. We can’t deny or dismiss the hardships of life here in the world. Woody never did, but he always pointed people to the One who promised He’s ALREADY given us the power. I felt the Lord remind me that I too ALREADY possess all I need inside my heart to live in victory, and to live a life of sincere love toward everyone just like Woody did.
My job is learning how to discover more of these treasures God placed in my heart the moment I gave it to Jesus. I pictured it as if the Holy Spirit hands me a toolbox full of intriguing tools and instruments, each for different purposes. With this toolbox in my possession now, I could choose to either 1. stash it in my closet, never putting the different tools to the use they were designed for, or I could 2.begin pulling one thing out at a time, asking my Teacher how they work, trying them and discovering exactly what each of their intended uses was for me.
1 Corinthians 12:4 says, “Now there are varieties of gifts (aka tools), but the same Spirit…the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” We also know the outcome of using these tools is, number one, LOVE, then joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and God-lead self control (Galatians 5:22).
I’m reminded that God so much enjoys when we ask, seek, and find Him to discover these tools (Matt 7:7). It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to teach us how to use them and He loves His job. Jesus told us this in Luke 12:32, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Thank you, Woody, for reminding me I already have all I need, it’s just waiting to be discovered through the hands of the Master! Join me today in pulling out a new tool!