NACR Daily Meditation for Wednesday, Mar 12, 2003

12 Mar 2003 08:00:00 -0000

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NACR Daily Meditation for Wednesday, Mar 12, 2003

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Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face
to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully
known.

1 Corinthians 13:12

As we open ourselves to see and know God in new ways, we will need to guard
against using our relationship with God as a new arena for expressing our
perfectionism. We cannot now see God except in a 'poor reflection'. We cannot
perfectly know God. We are not yet face to face with God. We see partially.
We know partially. There is much that remains a mystery to us. 

It is not easy for us to live with partial vision. It is difficult to tolerate
the ambiguities and unknowns. Sometimes the imperfections in our understanding
of God make us anxious. We feel that God expects more of us than that. We
feel that we should have answers to every conceivable question, that we
should never experience doubts, that we should have clarity at all times.

But this text makes it clear that 20:20 vision is not a realistic expectation
in our relationship with God. Perfection is not an option for us. Accepting
limits in our capacity to see and know God is part of getting to know God
better.

The list of things I don't understand goes on and on, Lord.
What I don't know makes me anxious.
I am afraid of my doubts.
I want to see and know you so well that I no longer experience doubt.
I want to understand things so thoroughly, that I no longer experience anxiety.
But I cannot see you face to face. I only see and know in part.
Help me, Lord, 
to find a way to live with uncertainty, 
with doubts, 
with anxiety.
Help me to embrace what you have revealed of your love and goodness.
And to live in anticipation of one day knowing you more fully.
Amen.

Copyright 1991 Dale and Juanita Ryan 

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ROOTED IN GOD'S LOVE (the book from which these meditations are taken, is back in print! To order call our office at 714-529-6227 ext 111 or order online at

http://www.nacronline.com/dox/store/dox/nacrbooks.htm

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Meditations from previous days can be viewed at:  

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Plan now to join us at STEPS 2003, a national conference for Christians in recovery jointly sponsored by the NACR and Overcomers Outreach. It will be held June 26-28, 2003 in Southern California. Plenary speakers are Steve Arterburn, David Stoop, Rich Buhler, Sandra Wilson, Mark Laaser and Ann Kiemel Anderson. Over 45 workshops. Support groups. Specialized gatherings. And lots of fellowship and support for your recovery. Details as they become available and online registration will be at:

 http://www.nacronline.com/dox/steps2003.htm

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