Have you ever searched, and searched, and SEARCHED for something? Weeks, months, even years?
I did recently. My search lasted 7 years. And get this – it was for a simple bed comforter.
Several proved perfect – until the contents came to light. Others offered pleasing designs, but the colors rubbed me wrong. And so the story went. Nothing on the market completely filled my husband’s and my wish list or needs.
Seven years and four states later, the perfect bedspread appeared – a quilt, not a comforter.
Not exactly what we thought we were looking for, exactly what we needed.
It cost less than $50.
Jackpot!
I’m on the search again and am inviting you to search with me. This time it’s a quilt-like search with a Bible verse – Luke 10:27.
“He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27WEB)
I read it last week. A simple, three-letter word is causing an uproar in my spirit.
All
It’s there – four times.
What does it mean to love with all – all our heart, all our soul, all our strength, all our mind?
What does it mean to love with all - all our heart, all our soul, all our strength, all our mind? Click To Tweet
Surely God has a deeper meaning to this shallow-lettered word than the one I grasp at first glance.
Do you know it?
Dare we search?
I placed this prayer at His throne last week:
“Lord, what does all mean? How does the life of this word and the verse intertwine with mine? Show me the depth and meaning.”
Scripture’s definition hides at times. As we search, God takes us closer to the words, His Spirit untangles their meaning, thread by thread. He offers more than we ever ask for.
And we are changed by those syllables.
Forever.
But we must search and wait first.
And like a good quilt, the wait is worth it.
When He swoops in with understanding the Holy Spirit untangles our understanding, reweaving it with His own. A life-long imprint remains because of our Father’s words on pages.
When He swoops in with understanding, the Holy Spirit untangles our understanding, reweaving it with His own. Click To Tweet
The Word comes to life.
So if you dare, search with me. Come, let’s find its meaning. Let’s seek understanding – and be changed. I’m convinced God awaits our prayer, ready to give “all”.
A Prayer to Set at His Throne ~
Lord,
You are a good God. You are a loving Father. You love me. You love to see me grow in Your ways. You love to see truth revealed. Reveal it now, Lord. Reveal the meaning of Luke 10:27. Help me understand all. Show me the way to apply it in my life, to bring You glory. Thank you, Lord, for being so good, so loving, so fatihful. I love you. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
Linking up with: Intentionally Pursuing, Purposeful Faith, Holly Barrett, Jennifer Dukes Lee, and Suzie Eller.
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Funny, I just had a similar experience with the word “all” when I was learning II Cor. 9:8 — God bends over backwards to communicate to us His sufficiency. And we still go through life with a “lack” mentality.
It was great to read your story!
He does bend over backwards to communicate sufficiency, doesn’t He? We serve a faithful God, Michele.
Kristi – I love your heart for so many reasons. One, because I totally have gone on endless searches for just the right bedding, or table, or dish, etc. And two, and the most important is your love for God’s word and your tender way of inviting us to share in it with you. There are so many things that crowd out giving God our “all,” aren’t there. It’s such a worthy pursuit to dig deeper in. Hugs today, sweet friend.
Worthy pursuit for sure, Tiffany. He’s worthy. So appreciate your kinds words, friend.
Love your story here! Although at first I thought it was going to be about losing something. (That would be me.)
And no, I don’t know what “all” means. But I want to do some verse mapping on Luke 10:27!
Verse mapping on it sounds “just” right. Might have to follow your trail, Betsy.
First of all, I’m so happy that you finally found the comforter of your dreams. 🙂 I love it when a long search for something ends so beautifully (and economically). I’ve thought about what “all” means as it relates to God’s sovereignty and find it to be very comforting. I hadn’t considered “all” in this context before and I think you’re right … it goes much deeper (and is far more convicting) than it appears on the surface. You’ve given me much to ponder …
Far more convicting for certain, Lois. This morning my son used this definition: “Access to everything.” Made me breath deeply and ponder right along with you.
Amen, Kristi! Let us be “forever” changed by your words that lead to His as we seek to love Him with our all. Sweet blessings to you, friend. : )
Forever changed ~ love it, Crystal.
I am so glad to find out I’m not the only one who looks and looks for things like the perfect bedspread, flower arrangement, black leather boots (2 seasons). God surely wants every single piece of us. That’s worthy of sinking into for a good while!
Ha! There must be several of us, Lisa. Tiffany’s words rang similiarly. Prayers for all of us as we allow Him access to “all” of us.
All! What a great word. So short, yet so full of hope and inspiration! Thank you for bringing this to life for me today, Kristi.
Yes, short word full of large potential, Kristine. 🙂
All. Wow…. love this post… what a beautiful shaking! #livefreeThursday
“Beautiful shaking” ~ love it, Crystal.
He wants us to love Him with our all the way He loved us with His all. 🙂
Uplifting.