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He Makes Me Lie Down In Green Pastures...

He restores my soul...

When I recognized the parallels between this painting and the actual picture, I was humbly amazed. Upon further reflection, I am aware of Gods intimate love for me. Let me explain:

Last year, I faced a very challenging season in life. Doubt plagued my mind, fear gripped my heart, and I felt paralyzed in a sea of ambiguity. I often lamented to the Lord to guide me, failing to recognize His continual guidance. I pleaded with Him to reveal a glimpse of a future path. Many of these prayers were offered on my bed, staring at the painting on my wall. As I cried, I imagined myself in the painting. I pictured escaping into the brush strokes of the nature scene, enjoying the freedom of creation and the security of a path clearly laid before me. After much praying, healing, and surrender. I learned more of what it meant to walk by faith. I gained a new understanding of God's continual presence and pruning in my life. I discovered the gift of sharing the Lord the desires of my heart, although He already knew them. I dropped the guilt of having aspirations and dreams. I invited God into the space of my heart's hopes and allowed Him to shape them into His plans. My prayers became bolder and more grateful. I lifted my eyes above my circumstances to praise God for His faithfulness and lived with deeper faith.
As the Lord worked in my heart, He also opened the doors of opportunity. I accepted a job offer which relocated me to Texas. God answered the desires of my heart by granting me an opportunity to work and further my education; to be outside in nature, serving in ministry. Having worked in Texas for six months, I often reflect on my Father's power and great care for me, but it was not until last week I recognized the painting come to life. I walk by the tree laden creek often and finally established the connection. The same painting I looked at when I prayed is the very pasture before my eyes! I am walking by the exact scene that hung on my wall! Just thinking about this truth leaves me astounded.
God loves me so profoundly! His word says He hears my prayers and knows the desires of my heart (1 John 5:15, Psalms 145:18-19). He heard me and answered my prayer in a way which demonstrates His deep devotion to detail.

My prayer is that you may know His immeasurable love. May your eyes be opened to the work of God all around you. In both the big and small ways. Sometimes, the most minor works of God are the most prominent reminders of His love for me. May you know more of this love.

All my love,
Gennavieve

Psalm 23 (ESV)
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

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