Clothed in Him

In my devotional this morning, the author challenged us to write down what we hoped God would do in our lives. I thought this was a really cool exercise and I am embraced the challenge. I journaled it, but I thought I would receive more accountability on my hopes for transformation if I posted my thoughts. So here are my ambitions for being clothed in God:

I want to be clothed in love, a love for others that compels people to draw near to God. A love that looks past flaws and sees beauty. A love that endures even when it's not easy to. A love that looks beyond myself and sees the hearts of others.

I long to be clothed in patience, with a heart that waits on Your timing. I long to be content with what I have, hopeful for what's to come and thankful for the process that will get me there. I want to embrace the journey, not looking to arrive but appreciating each step.

I hope to have great hope, hope found only in knowing Christ. Hope that He wants more for me, hope that He will do anything to give me more and hope that He won't leave me on the way. I want hope that inspires me to pray, hope that brings me to the foot of the cross and relinquishes all cares and worries then and there. Hope that walks away knowing the Lord has it all in His hands.

I wish for a mouth of purity. Words that encourage and do not tear down. Words that inspire and do not discourage. Words of truth, even when they're hard to say (and right motives in my heart as I do speak the truth). I long for words of kindness and hope, words that reflect a heart for God. Words that sing praise even when a song can't be found.

I long to learn from who I was, to be daily transformed into who I hope to be, beyond what I hope to be and instead to what God sees I can be. I hope to change, to be changed and allow God to change me. May I never be who I am now, but may I constantly be growing into an image of who He wants me to be.

May I be strengthened by faith to do beyond all I can ask or think with Your guidance. I long for faith that can move mountains and move me. May I have faith that challenges me to be a risk taker; may I not stay stagnant where I'm comfortable. I want to step out in faith to do great things for You.

And finally may I be a woman of humility and grace. May I offer forgiveness to those who hurt me and may I constantly reflect the forgiveness I received that fateful day on the cross. May I realize my flaws before seeking to point out the flaws in others. And may that humble me to know I don't deserve the grace I've been given. May God's grace and forgiveness inspire me to always forgive, no matter the cost to myself. After all the highest cost was paid for my forgiveness.

Lord, help me to be clothed in you more every day of my life. You are beauty and I long to be beautiful.