I believe we have more in common than not.
It doesn’t always seem that way at first or at the surface, but in my experience, when I get to know someone more deeply, we find our common ground. And when we build our friendship on that foundation, it’s resilient and edifying.
#memoryverse
“The heart of man plans his way,
but the LORD establishes his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
When I ask Him to allow me to serve Him more, when I ask Him to “send me” I have to trust that
sometimes, He sends me and doesn’t let me in on the reason why.
sometimes, I get exactly what I’ve prayed for – He allows me to serve Him more – and I don’t even realize it.
sometimes, He allows me to be a part of His story while not allowing me to read that part of the book.
My obedience doesn’t need to follow my understanding and it doesn’t need a promise that understanding will follow my obedience.
The only prerequisite is prayer.
And prayer needs to be the FIRST thing I do, not the last resort after I’ve tried everything else.
#memoryverse
“The heart of man plans his way,
but the LORD establishes his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
I can pray and ask God for what I want and/or think I need to achieve my goals, but in the end, He is all-knowing and all-powerful. I either trust His sovereignty in EVERY situation or I don’t.
No middle ground.
He knows what is best and He has the power to make ANYthing happen.
When I live grounded in that awareness, disappointment doesn’t form a pit in my stomach like it does when my mind is relentlessly plagued with multiple scenarios of “what ifs.” I know my current situation is a result of God’s providence.
Sometimes, my disappointments are actually His protection, preparation or redirection.
When I COMMIT my will to Him and GENUINELY trust Him to lead me in His way,
He will.
He does.
He has.
#memoryverse
“The heart of man plans his way,
but the LORD establishes his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
I can do everything I know to plan and prepare,
but in the end, the result is not up to me.
I need to pray and seek wisdom and be a diligent steward of the gifts and talents God has blessed me with,
but in the end, GOD is all powerful and nothing happens to me that He doesn’t will or allow.
Sometimes He allows stuff I don’t particularly like.
Sometimes He works a miracle in the middle of an impossible situation.
Remember. God is Sovereign.
When you live grounded in that truth, the pressure to force circumstances is lifted. When you are confident that God is in control, you can experience peace in the middle of trial.
Ask God to help you practice His presence in your moments and your days. Ask Him to help you make wise decisions as you strive to be a good steward of your relationships, your time, your body, your money and your stuff. Love God and Love others.
Don’t stay still, waiting for Him to say GO.
Take the first step and stop if He says “no.”
Be open to His course corrections and detours.
Remember. His ways are not our ways.
and His timing is perfect.