These Gethsemane seasons of “further still with God” are places where it’s just you and Him as He beckons you to step into deeper levels of intimacy and trust. As you pray and search His scriptures, you listen for and hear His still, small voice. During these “further still” seasons with God, He matures your faith, broadens your trust, and reveals intimate treasures from His heart to yours. It’s a beautiful time when you crave less of the world and more of Him.
Extended time in prayer with our Heavenly Father brings clarity and comfort during these seasons. Just as Jesus was called further still with God, He labored in prayer. “The betrayal and arrest of Jesus was preceded by an extended time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He stepped out of the garden to present Himself to His enemies, Jesus had been alone praying and agonizing for hours.” Anne Graham Lotz
I have been in those “further still” seasons with God. He calls me out of my comfort zone into unfamiliar, but prepared and safe places. Whether it is presenting myself to my “enemies” or charting new ground with the Lord, He calls me to bravely trust Him and His perfect plan.
During those seasons, He tenderly lifts my head so I fix my gaze upon Him alone. My husband lovingly gives his counsel to me, and my sisters in the Lord pray on my behalf. I am so thankful for my husband and friends, yet I know that as God calls me “further still,” I am the one who has to continue stepping forward with confidence and trust in Him. No one can do that for me. He reminds me to look to Him alone, to seek to please Him and not people.
It is a time of His refreshing and necessary cleansing. In his book Reflecting His Image, KP Yohannan writes, “You see, when it is only God and you, you are more apt to face your pride and your sins. With everyone else we argue these things away and look wonderful and smile. But when we are all alone before God, we face ourselves, and the cleansing and purification will take place. We become less phony the more we are with the Lord.”
Is God calling you further still today? Our Heavenly Father is completely faithful and entirely trustworthy. He stands with His strong and loving arms opened wide beckoning you to take steps of faith in your walk with Him. Though the place you step may be unfamiliar, remember He has gone before you. He wants you to see more of Him – His flawless character and His amazing love. He has a heart full of treasures to unearth for you.
© 2011 by Sharon Sloan. All rights reserved.
Danielle says
Girl, God has gifted you with writing! Your words reach off the screen and grip my heart every single time.
"Further still"… We leave for a get together with my mother-in-law this weekend, but I am setting time out for myself and the Father while we're away. I cannot wait!
Fields of gold says
Precious truths you've shared! I find in the 'further still' places that i see Jesus so much more clearly and my heart is empty of things that don't belong there and more full of Him and His presence.
Love you friend!
Heather says
I feel like this has been the year of further still and I am waaaayyy okay with that. I am thankful when he quiets me to that place where I KNOW it is only Him and I stop all my foolish doubt.
So beautifully presented Sharon…may I continue further still with Him, deeper than I can even imagine. Thank you for encouraging us!
Love,
Heather