Do you ever struggle to understand why God does what He does? Ever wrestle to relinquish control? Ever struggle to rest in God's timing and trust in His provisions?
Recently, I made time to evaluate my life...
I panned back to get better perspective...
I released my ideas of how I thought God should show up and committed to an extensive time of fasting and prayer...
WHEW! Is all I can say!!!
Friend, I don't pretend to have all the answers...but I am confident of this truth:
Numbers 23:19 says--"God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?"
As my season of fasting came to an end, I didn't experience any great changes of my circumstance; instead, I experienced a great change in my soul and found a peace far greater!
Through the fast, I felt a powerful relinquishing to "QUIT TRYING TO PLAY GOD."
Don't worry. I don't actually confuse my abilities with God's. I know He is INFINITE and I am definitely finite. I know He is ALL Powerful and I can only do what He empowers me to do...
But...truth be told...sometimes I carried the weight of my circumstances. Sometimes doubt consumed my thinking. I would think to myself How can I make this happen. What am I NOT doing right? I became frustrated when things didn't happen in the time frame I expected or hoped for. I became confused when God's promises seemed delayed...
Does anyone out there know what I'm talking about?
Anyone else struggle with SELF-SUFFICIENCY?
This year, I am resolved to quit trying to be God. Oh, of course, I'm still going to show up. Of course, I'm still going to be faithful. Of course, I'm still going to pray and ask God to move my mountains...
BUT...regardless of my circumstances...I have found a blessed peace that GOD IS FAITHFUL. HE LOVES ME VERY MUCH. AND HIS PLANS ARE ALWAYS GOOD.
How about you? Anything you need to relinquish? Tired of living frustrated? Tired of cowering to doubt and fear?
I'd love for you to find this blessed peace too, let me know how I can pray for you!
I can't begin to tell you how much of a blessing this article is, and I just want to let you know that this is exactly what I needed to hear today! Our Father is so faithful... even when we are faithless. And today I was feeling very faithless. Thank you for your words of encouragement that so often minister to my weary heart! DLewis
ReplyDeleteWow, what an awesome article, Julie. You truly have such a powerful gift when it comes to writing in such a way that your words (inspired by God) just really touch my heart and I am a grandma. So, some old dogs are never too old to learn new tricks. I hope the Lord blesses you as much as your writings bless me. Thank you for keeping an open ear to what He has to say, Julie.
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