Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Life Out of Death

At Faithgroup (our small group from our church) back in early February, we waited on the Lord and asked Him to speak to us about what He's going to do and how He wants to begin to change our hearts at World Mandate (annual missions conference) that coming weekend. Sometimes I hear a little from the Lord...small words of affirmation and comfort like, "I love you"...and sometimes I hear more. That night, I heard a lot and in light of our recent PREGNANCY, I thought this was pretty significant...especially since I was only about a week pregnant at that point and had no idea...here's what He said to me:

"I am birthing something NEW in you - new life, new depth. Life will come out of death and through it, I will bring you to a new level with Me. New levels of obedience, higher callings - this is what I'm inviting you to. You will depend on Me in the coming months for they will be very difficult - life out of death - but I will be with you and very near to you. Do not be afraid, but embrace this new time, this new season, this new level of abandonment. Jump, my child, and I will catch you. Abandonment. No fear. I am WITH YOU."

WHOA was about all I could say afterwards. Life out of DEATH - what the heck does that mean for me? I started getting scared! But then I remembered the numerous reminders of how God always brings life out of death - leaves falling off of trees during winter and new ones emerging in the spring; a caterpillar goes into a cocoon (extended darkness) to become a butterfly; a wife who lovingly serves her husband brings life to her marriage; a woman giving up her body to birth a child; a father working long hours to support his family; and the most important: Christ dying on the cross and being raised again so that we might have True Life. And notice that these are all willing deaths...these are not decisions made selfishly or fearfully, but decisions made because something better waits on the other side.

Life out of death - this is what the Lord is doing in me during this season. Pregnancy is not only happening to me physically, but it is a picture of what is happening to me spiritually...a willing death. As this baby grows in the night of my womb, so new life is forming in the dark places of my soul. As I give my body to this baby, reject my ideals of always being skinny and my fears of what I'll look like afterwards, so I am relinquishing my old ways of thinking, my old fears of abandonment that have too long stood firm.

Watch...and Wait...and See...New life is emerging...

P.S. Read my friend Christine's blog for more on this subject!

5 comments:

Christine said...

This is so beautiful, friend. It's amazing all the things the Lord reveals to you along the journey, and I'm so glad to be a part of it! I can't wait to hear about what He teaches you during this time of waiting.

Matt, Andrea, Luke and Halle said...

Glad to see your update, friend! It makes my heart smile that you are enjoying this time ... it is indescribable, huh? Miss you and think of you often.

Kristin Flanery said...

YAY! A NEW update! I love reading the latest from my talented sister in' law! You really have a way with words, I can't wait to read the next writings from Lori Goode! Again I am so happy for you and I knkkow you will make an amazing Christ-like Mother. This will be the one of the most amazing journeys that you will ever walk in life!

LOVE YOU!:)

kelly said...

YYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYY! congrats to the goodes!!! another goode in this world is a great thing :)

we love you guys!

the harps

Christy said...

what a beautiful word. that is what i felt that the Lord was speaking to us last year prior to our pregnancy. Lord heal my inside that is causing all of this death and bring about life to my body, to me personally, and to our local body. God is faithful to all of his promises and loving towards all He has made. I bless you my sweet friend in this season of death - may your find much life in Jesus!