Saturday, November 16, 2013

The Fog





November 16, 2013
Jesus Calling

Today's reading was talking about the God-created-fog.  I had to read the last part a few times to really let it sink in that He creates this fog that settles a few steps in front of you as walk through this journey called life.  So that you seek Him and stay close to Him. Why would You create a fog?  "Why are You so controlling?"  is the first thought that came to my mind as I was pondering the fog. 

Why did He provide manna for the Israelites daily and not let them have a week's or month's supply?  Why does He allow suffering and pain? I had struggled with that thought much a few years ago as I attempted to make a case for God.  It was the suffering that really didn't make much sense to me. He is God and does as He pleases.  So if He answers my prayers, wonderful!  If He chooses not to, then it is His will.  I had a very hard time accepting that!  It was much easier on my heart to believe that there was no God.  Things happened naturally, without much rhyme or reason.  Good and bad things happened to all people, without discrimination.  That was life!  Yes, it sucks sometimes, but that was just the way it was. 

My heart felt a bit more guarded with that perspective.  There is a saying in India. It says that even if you give someone an elephant (emphasis on its enormity and value) do not give someone hope without resolve.  That is exactly how I felt about the God.  

I had high hopes in God coming through on a few requests.  One being my father, who battles schizophrenia.  Another one being a very close relative battling alcoholism and therefore destroying his family.  I watched both of those individuals fall apart and go to the pits of despair without any kind of healing.  I had been praying for over 15 years!  I had given my heart to Christ at the age of 13.  I was sold out for Christ!  He was my everything.  And I firmly believed that He would come through for me.  He didn't.  At least not in the way I expected Him to.

He is doing something else.  He is showing me Himself through my brokenness. I have realized that I would much rather have Him than have all the answers in the world.  A life without faith is dull at best. Faith is a gift.  No matter how much you wish it, it doesn't come that easily.  At least, that was my experience.  He woos us.  And if you seek after Him with all your heart, you will be found of Him.

That was a long tangent, back to today's reading.  The reading ends by saying that someday the fog will no longer be necessary, for we will have learned to keep our focus on Him and on the path just ahead.  Looking forward to that day!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

God's Promises

I came across this blog today and what I read was very encouraging and challenging.

It was from mvbernard.com:

"There is nothing that God cannot do in your life if you are willing to submit to his will.  All the pain and struggles you face are simply the elements God uses to mold you into greatness.  He has not forgotten you.  Your trial is set for a time and soon your tears will turn to joy.   There are no losers in the body of Christ. We are all on a path designed by him long before we were born.  He has the plan and it cannot fail.  Are you ready to give up your control to get God’s divine blessings?   Don’t worry over your circumstance for the outcome has been decided in advance.  For believers, the war is won and we are the victors.  The devil himself knows that.  You now need to know that too."

Lord, thank you for  your promises!  I hold on to he hope that this momentary struggle is but for a minute time in light of infinity.  I want to so badly to learn what you are trying to teach me...I don't want to miss this lesson, this growth-opportunity.  I don't want to revisit this lesson again =)  Please make it crystal clear and help my heart to be obedient and follow after you.  Help me to submit to your will.  I choose with everything in me to submit...whatever part I am not, give me grace to learn and submit as well.   

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Seek to Please Me

Jesus Calling - November 6, 2013

Today's reading was about pleasing God in all areas of live, especially in decision making.  Seek Him in every detail of your life, both small and big.  This can a bit difficult as I can't seem to remember to seek Him in all the little decisions.  I guess that comes with time.

I like how the Message expresses Proverbs 3

5-12:

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this.

Love that!  

I am praying today for strength and clear head as I go and homeschool my kindergartner.  I feel exhausted although I slept 8 hours and went for a short run this morning.  I pray for strength to make it today without a nap.
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