From the desk of Steve Shultz:
This is an excellent word for this hour by Paige Norfleet. I know many of you will relate to her word here and it will greatly minister to you...I'm counting on it!
"Make the exchange" as you'll read below.
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Paige Norfleet:
God Said, "Give Me the Paper"
Vision of a Hot Air Balloon
Recently, while in prayer, the Lord showed me a huge hot air balloon. Rather than joy and lightness, I immediately sensed heaviness associated with this magnificent balloon. I watched as the man inside struggled to go to the higher place that he desired. I could feel deep disappointment and sadness in his struggle. It was as if the deepest desire of his heart was to ascend but something kept him from going beyond his current elevation.
Rather than stay in this place of despair, the man painstakingly went to the edge of the heavily woven basket that carried him, where he, one by one, released the weighted bags that held him back. What had resisted him was not the wind or turbulence but what the man had brought along with him on his journey.
As each bag was cut loose the balloon was freed and rose higher. I watched as the most peaceful sweet smile spread across his face. The man had finally managed to find the key to ascending.
There are many who are struggling with feelings of hopelessness and despair. I am not speaking of those who do not know the Lord nor His goodness, but rather those who know Him well. They have touched the hem of His garment and felt the sweetness of His presence, but recently feel as though they have entered a "dark night of the soul season."
Like the man in the balloon, they find themselves in a battle to ascend above the things of this world and into the presence of God. I too have felt the pressure of descending darkness all around. I have felt the effects of this battle to remain in the peace and rest of God. At times it has been nearly impossible to quiet my heart and turn my eyes toward Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
The Lord is asking us to make an exchange for the heavy burdens that we are carrying. In return He will give us the peace and rest that we long for even in the midst of turmoil and darkness. It should not be a struggle to feel the presence of God, for His is continually with us. In fact, He wants to be found and to be known. He longs to be with us and to bring us comfort.
"Give Me the Paper..."
As I inquired of the Lord as to what must be done to break free of the yoke of sadness, He pointed to a piece of paper that I held tightly in my fist and spoke, "Give Me the paper, and in exchange I will give you what you desire."
Before this moment, I had been completely unaware of my tightly-clenched fist or the paper that it held. I immediately knew what was written on it. This list contained a memoir of disappointments, failures, and pain. In essence, it was a record of account; a statement of reasons, causes, or motives. I had held it for safekeeping in guarding myself from future mistakes, and I wasn't sure that I was ready to release it to the Savior. What if I needed it to keep my heart safe? What if I was about to repeat an awful mistake again?
But again Jesus asked for the paper. Slowly I opened my fist and placed the paper along with my past failures into His loving hand. The exchange was immediate and my burden was replaced with peace. I could now enter into His rest. There would be no need to labor to steer clear of wrong situations or dangerous places. I was free to merely follow and learn from Jesus.
Is it really that simple? Yes, it is.
In John 14:27, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Jesus Walked in Perfect Peace
What was the peace of Jesus? Was it not complete surrender to the Father? The word peace actually means a state of tranquility and exemption from the rage and havoc of war. I believe Jesus is speaking of the inner war and wrestlings of man. There is a peace that leads to salvation. We simply know that we need Jesus, and without any outward signs at all, we trust in the Word of God and make our way to the Cross for forgiveness.
Although we cannot see our spirit man, we can feel the stirring of inner transformation. It is the first step in our journey of believing in things that we simply know but cannot see. Jesus walked in perfect peace because He trusted Himself to the Father. This trust enabled Him to walk in complete obedience knowing that whatever the outcome, the Father would never leave Him nor forsake Him. Jesus never allowed His heart to wonder and reason, and because of this, fear could never hold Him back.
There is no need to figure out an elaborate plan for survival and escape for the one who trusts the Lord.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
Make the Exchange
Sometimes the Lord instructs us to have a plan, but I rarely find that to be the case in my own life. In fact, He rarely gives me anything beyond what I need for today. It is the unknown that causes my heart to labor and lose peace. In my quest for understanding, the only thing that I obtain are more unanswered questions that keep me from ascending above earthly trials and circumstances.
We must transfer our dependence upon earthly knowledge and trust that, as we have fellowship with Him, He will release the wisdom and revelation that we need. Apart from Him we can do nothing. He wants us to lean on Him every step of the way. Our safety is not found in a plan but in nearness to the Father.
I invite you to make the exchange with me today. The Lord truly can be trusted with the heart that is wounded and weary. I assure you the answer to entering deeper into His presence is found in releasing those things you may be holding onto in a futile attempt to keep yourself safe.
Father, I pray for those who have become heavy laden with disappointment and failures yet long to be in Your presence. Reveal to them those things that have been holding them back from the deepest desire of their hearts. Teach us, God, to fully trust You in order to enter into Your rest.
Blessings,
Paige Norfleet
Email: paigenorfleet@gmail.com
Paige Norfleet and her husband Marty reside in Oregon with her family and attend Jesus Pursuit Church in Albany. Paige currently works with youth and young adults and has a passion to see them arise as a generation awakened to the love of Christ and fully equipped to pursue the desires of their hearts.
