You’re right, our orphan is ever seeking recognition and affirmation. That’s one of the primary identifiers of a victims heart. It afflicted me for years. The Heavenly Father had to hold me in obscurity for extended seasons to save and heal me from it. There’s nothing more freeing when you finally break free and begin to build and find your identity in Jesus. Those of us us who are plagued in varying degrees by an orphan heart our Father has had to place us in situations where we must faithfully work in the dark to purify our motives and take us through the healing process so that all we are motivated to do is to bring glory to God through Jesus. We no longer see ourselves doing anything, but only Christ through us. We’re just the conduit- the vessel.
“Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:17 AMP
We grow into such love for Jesus our primary motivation is no longer our recognition, but to bring glory and honor to God, our Father, through Jesus. Our Orphan heart is healed by being made complete in Jesus- we no longer live, but Christ in and through us.
We have to be careful seeing ourselves as that draft horse so as not to transition from an orphan to a martyr heart. We should be practicing yoking ourselves with Jesus- because his yoke is easy when we’re drafting heavy loads with him. Then, all that matters is that Jesus receives the recognition.
Recommitting to writing for the audience of One this year—whether or not my words see the light of day through publishing. 2025: Back to the basics, trusting the goodness of God. Thanks for this encouragement. What a powerful picture to help you (and now us) keep the focus where it needs to be.
Amen. I have always felt the only audience that should matter is God. I always have the sense that God is right there with me in everything I do and that keeps my focus centered on pleasing Him. What you think, say, and do when nobody is around or noticing is the true test of your character. We all have some insecurity and feel a fleshly need to be approved or validated but as we know the depth of His love we can become secure in who He made us to be. I try to let the security I enjoy from Jesus keep my focus on pleasing Him and just focus on loving others regardless of their approval or disapproval.
With the time of year approaching that many faith communities participate in a community prayer & fasting, this article reminds me of Matthew chapter 6.
It is such a privilege to think that the Almighty Father God of all the universe HEARS our prayers, and ACTS on our behalf. That even when we do not feel important, we are to Him. We can change our world by being in our secret prayer closet, even if no one else notices!!!
The Holy Spirit was showing me recently that there are people in my life that deeply want to be closer in relationship with others but, for various reasons, some have relational skill struggles of their own and do not have the abilities at this season of their lives to communicate that. I am leaning into the Holy Spirit to guide me in helping others even though they do not have the capability, yet, to express their needs outwardly.
You’re right, our orphan is ever seeking recognition and affirmation. That’s one of the primary identifiers of a victims heart. It afflicted me for years. The Heavenly Father had to hold me in obscurity for extended seasons to save and heal me from it. There’s nothing more freeing when you finally break free and begin to build and find your identity in Jesus. Those of us us who are plagued in varying degrees by an orphan heart our Father has had to place us in situations where we must faithfully work in the dark to purify our motives and take us through the healing process so that all we are motivated to do is to bring glory to God through Jesus. We no longer see ourselves doing anything, but only Christ through us. We’re just the conduit- the vessel.
“Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:17 AMP
We grow into such love for Jesus our primary motivation is no longer our recognition, but to bring glory and honor to God, our Father, through Jesus. Our Orphan heart is healed by being made complete in Jesus- we no longer live, but Christ in and through us.
We have to be careful seeing ourselves as that draft horse so as not to transition from an orphan to a martyr heart. We should be practicing yoking ourselves with Jesus- because his yoke is easy when we’re drafting heavy loads with him. Then, all that matters is that Jesus receives the recognition.
Recommitting to writing for the audience of One this year—whether or not my words see the light of day through publishing. 2025: Back to the basics, trusting the goodness of God. Thanks for this encouragement. What a powerful picture to help you (and now us) keep the focus where it needs to be.
Amen. I have always felt the only audience that should matter is God. I always have the sense that God is right there with me in everything I do and that keeps my focus centered on pleasing Him. What you think, say, and do when nobody is around or noticing is the true test of your character. We all have some insecurity and feel a fleshly need to be approved or validated but as we know the depth of His love we can become secure in who He made us to be. I try to let the security I enjoy from Jesus keep my focus on pleasing Him and just focus on loving others regardless of their approval or disapproval.
Inspiring, thank you my friend!
Love you brother! It’s gonna be a great year in New Zealand. 👊🏼👊🏼
John….whoo buddy that hits home! That’s really good insight and introspection. I need a picture like that in my home and office.
You can order then online. Just google “Pull it one more mile” and it should pop up. I love mine
With the time of year approaching that many faith communities participate in a community prayer & fasting, this article reminds me of Matthew chapter 6.
It is such a privilege to think that the Almighty Father God of all the universe HEARS our prayers, and ACTS on our behalf. That even when we do not feel important, we are to Him. We can change our world by being in our secret prayer closet, even if no one else notices!!!
The Holy Spirit was showing me recently that there are people in my life that deeply want to be closer in relationship with others but, for various reasons, some have relational skill struggles of their own and do not have the abilities at this season of their lives to communicate that. I am leaning into the Holy Spirit to guide me in helping others even though they do not have the capability, yet, to express their needs outwardly.