There are situations in my life that frustrate me, perplex me and I simply can’t conceive the why of them. With my best efforts and well laid plans, I attempt to manipulate my life to make it work. It leaves me feeling like a failure. I’m convinced that’s exactly what the enemy wants me to feel like. The world’s philosophy is to keep trying, never give up and don’t give in. Which has some validity; but the Bible truth is to remain humble, giving up isn’t necessarily giving in, it simply means submitting to God’s will and way and not mine. I find at the basis of my frustration is self will. I want what I want because my want makes sense. I know that my life will be better if only I could get what my desire is. It’s at that point that I either keep fighting for something that God apparently doesn’t have for me, and I remain frustrated. Or, I can submit my will to God’s will and accept that what I want is not what He has for me. It reads easier, than it is to actually do it. It’s hard to embrace disappointment of your flesh and desire, so often I continue to plead my case before God telling Him why He should do what I want and that He should provide me with my plan. Only through prayer, can I submit my agenda to His. Only as I render to Him, my idolatrous desires, can I receive His plan. Only in faith, can I believe that better is ahead as I get out of the way. After, all God knows more than me, so I must begin the painful process of letting go…letting go of my expected outcomes. I then, ask God to show me that His ways are better than mine, He knows my future, He knows my hopes and dreams. And after I let go, I ask Him to help me to accept and embrace His plan because His plan is always better. Julie
2 Comments
Nancy
7/4/2016 09:38:24 am
My dear, beloved Julie. I refer to you as Julie as I want to speak to you as a person, not a pastor; a friend, not my spiritual leader. I hope and pray that you can find some sort of "map" in your life that takes a direct route to your mission. No side trips, no roads more traveled, but a straight and unfettered plan for your true calling. You know how often Joe and I have told you what your messages have conveyed to us and all the parish. You are our leader and you guide us by not only the scripture but by example! Your discouragement is from within so only you can sort it out but you have so many people who love you and are willing to help you achieve your mission. Not only have Joe and I found our church family but now Susie and Lee are joining and Lyn is soon to follow us to your church. Please let us know how we can help carry your burdens, allow you to see in you what the rest of us see. I ask that you consider visiting me so I can witness to you what my beginnings were; my illegitimacy, the rejections of my family members, my adoption to a bi-polar mother and an abusive, alcoholic father, my redemption after 60 years of a disfunctional, addictive life and a reunion of a father and daughter after 26 years!
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