endurance and faith

So, I've been learning a lot about perseverance lately. . .
Did you ever have something that you were really excited about but when it actually happened, it wasn't at all like you thought it would be?

That's kind of where I'm at right now. I was so excited about this new change in my life and I thought it was going to be so great, because of many reasons. Problem is, things changed and I'm left feeling extremely disappointed. :/

I ask God, 'why do you have me here?' (Because I do believe that I am where he wants me to be) His answer . . . 'trust me'.

So, here I am waiting and trusting.

I have learned a valuable lesson in my Bible reading time. God has asked that I not only endure these things, but also embrace them. Grow. Live in a way that will glorify him! Uh, that changes EVERYTHING!!
It's not just about getting through it or 'grinning and bearing' it. He wants me to do so much more than that.
I am challenged in this. I want to do God's will and I know that he sees what I cannot. I have to move forward in faith and be obedient to his request.

Jeremiah 29:7
Work for the good of the cities where I have made you go as prisoners. Pray to me on their behalf, because if they are prosperous, you will be prosperous too.

Prayer:
God I know you have a plan and I trust you. Please help me to do your will and to live in a way that glorifies you.
Amen

growing up

I've been having some growing pains lately. Some spiritual growing pains.

I have been feeling weary with the daily grind of work and all. Sometimes I wish I could just run away and go live on an island or someplace far away.

In my imagination, it's somehow easier that way. Though, I'm not sure how starting over would be. I guess it all sounds easier in theory, right?

It usually takes me a while to realize that the things I want to run away from are things that would be present anywhere I would go. Things like getting through the day and taking care of what needs to be taken care of. You know . . . life. :)

Don't get me wrong, I am definitely blessed and have a wonderful life. I'm just talking about the general weariness of moving forward each day and learning along the way.

I am grateful for everything that God has given me. He is so faithful.

The topic of Spiritual growth and maturity has come up a couple of times this past week. It was Godly timing as I was starting to grumble about work and life.

The Spiritual growth topic discussed how critical it is for me to have a daily quiet time with God. Time to read, reflect, pray and meditate. To converse with God and to seek his will.

The Spiritual maturity topic reminded me that I will go through difficult times and will be refined. And that these times will be a time of growth and, if I am obedient, will lead to blessings.

I know that God knows better and is capable of more than I am. So, I'm thinking, I'll just do things his way. Even though it may not be easy and there may be times of weariness. It's still the better way.

I want to grow and I want to be closer to God each day.

Prayer for the day:
God, thank you for knowing better than I. Thank you for the opportunity to grow closer to you. Thank you for listening to me complain. I know that you love me anyway. You are faithful and true. I love you.
Amen

it's not about me

I recently walked beside a friend through some difficult decisions.

It was really hard to balance being supportive and encouraging while not influencing her decisions. I prayed a lot. She was receiving sound advice from others and was able to set boundaries and move forward toward change.

The part that was difficult for me, was that I didn't realize that I was building my own expectations for the outcome. I wanted celebration but the sadness of the change was overwhelming to her.

I confess to you now that I was disappointed because the end result didn't go as I thought it would. I didn't get my immediate gratification. :)

Here's my reality check and my chance to choose . . . .

I can choose to be worried and upset at the way things ended up. Or I can choose to believe that if God was in control in the beginning of this journey then there's no reason to think he's not in control now.

Aside from my obedience to God, none of this is about me. This is God's plan. Not mine.

I have to remind myself that obedience isn't always going to produce 'warm fuzzies'.
Sometimes it's rewarding outwardly with 'thank yous' and hugs. Sometimes the reward is just in knowing that you were obedient to God.

I am making a conscious choice to follow God's will, be obedient and trust that he will take care of the rest.

Sometimes we don't see the blessings of obedience right away, but we know that God blesses us in our obedience.

I realize that even though I feel pretty yucky right now - I still know that God is in control. I can rejoice in knowing that I did as he asked. This is my reward.

Prayer for the day;
Dear God, you are faithful, all knowing and generous in your wisdom and mercy. I praise you God and I thank you for all of the blessings that surround me. I know that you are in control, Lord. I know that I can obey you with trust. I give you my life and I seek just your will for me.
I love you.
Amen.