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.