Uber-talented Christy from Critty Joy, one of our Soli Deo Gloria sisters, created this. She has many others. Click here to see…
I had been wrestling again.
Like Jacob, I had some issues I needed to trestle through with God and I longed for time alone so we could do this. Get it over with. Put it to rest.
The opportunity unexpectedly presented itself on an evening in which three little people were asleep and my mate had some work to do that would keep us from time together.
“What?!!!!” I said. I stared into the fire. I was upset. Angry. Just plain annoyed, really.
“WHAT!!!???? What am I not getting that you need to keep dragging me through this same issue but dressed in different clothes now for THREE LONG MONTHS?” I demanded.
“WHAT EXACTLY IS IT???” I not so kindly asked because you know, I’d like to get this nailed down, thank you very much.
Then stillness. A gentle nudge. A softness.
“Show me what you got, girl, ” He said.
“What?” I replied again for about the tenth time in three minutes.
“Well, now. You wax poetic about all of this stuff about me and how I work. That’s easy to do. Now show me that you can apply it, dear one.”
Just like that – a lightening bolt to the heart, a message as clear as the water I was sipping. I absolutely believe the thoughts I write. I’m not a fraud or a phony. I value God’s truth and like to share it with others.
Which is, of course, easy to do when things are going on along just swimmingly.
However, I so often share Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28 as an encouraging pair – we know His plan for us is good. I know He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
I know He is sovereign – He’s all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving, all-everything.
I know His ways are not my own.
I know that He is my refuge, my strength. An ever-present help in need.
“If you know all of this about me, why aren’t you trusting me? Trust me, ” I hear.
“Place this in my hands – release control. Just trust me – with all of it, ” He reiterates.
Psalm 9 invades my thoughts. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you (v.10).
I’m drawn to Brother Lawrence’s Practicing God’s Presence. I pick it up and begin to read.
“Our job is to serve God in holy freedom, which means working faithfully and keeping to our job descriptions without whining or complaining. It also means gently steering our thoughts and minds back to the Lord if we ever get off track. I have to say, thought, that we need to invest 100 percent of our trust in God. Nothing less will do. This means we lay aside all of our cares and worries. It might also mean we lay aside some devotions if they get to be just a routine – something we do over and over or for the wrong reasons” (p.47-48).
I pray. I seek forgiveness for my frustration, for my anger. For wanting resolution in my time and not thinking about His.
I feel at peace. As my husband greets me in our bathroom and we prepare to end this day, he finds a woman possessing a completely different perspective than the one he left just an hour prior.
I sleep restfully for the first time in several nights.
The next morning, I open my Jesus Calling devotional. It is January 4.
I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying “I trust you, Jesus” in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I AM in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you. This simple practice will help you to see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over this universe. When you view events from this perspective – through the Light of My universal Presence – fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hands of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.
OK. I’m listening.
I’m joining the sweet sisterhood with Jen at Finding Heaven – please join us there…
I love His messages that come like a lightning bolt to the heart… something that was so completely unclear comes into stark focus, love that about God. So glad that you hear Him and that He filled you with His peace and gave you rest. He is so good all of the time. Great, honest post, thank you!
.-= Heidi´s last blog ..Dealing With Unmet Expectations =-.
Wow. I love those moments when His truth strikes our heart in such a way that He challenges us to grow deeper in our relationship with Him and to trust. Always trust. Why is it so hard though?! :o) When I went through Jesus Calling two years ago I was in constant awe of how many times the devotional would touch on exactly what He was trying to teach me. It was a powerful journey to go through that devotional…I hope it is for you too.
<3
Thank you for your kind words dear one….you bless my heart!! That image is one of my favorites!
.-= Christy´s last blog ..Anticipation of Beauty =-.
so much in this post that touched my heart. and struck close to home. thank you for that.
.-= alison´s last blog ..can i just say =-.
Good thoughts and reminders. Oh for the quiet alone time…
.-= Tiffani´s last blog ..Thinking =-.
Thank you for speaking these words over us all. They were actually an answer to prayer to me. I was just asking God about my “middleman” and the plan He has for him and the “lack” of help we have for him (we are currently waiting for an assessment to determine whether he is developmentally delayed or autistic). I spent yesterday on the phone being given the run around and told that without the report we couldn’t get help and to just put register him in kindergarten. He’d get help there. In my mother’s mind this was not good enough. However, you’re words have reminded me to Trust Him. He will work everything out.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Thank you Yada Yada Sisterhood! =-.
I know that can be frustrating! I was a special ed teacher and now work at a private school for students who learn differently…paperwork in the public schools can be rough! I will be praying…He does have the perfect place for your son…and knows exactly what He needs!
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..This Year =-.
Amen, Danielle! Michelle, I prayed for all of you this morning – for answers, for compassion for all involved, and that everyone keeps their eyes focused on doing the best for your son. I also was a special ed teacher for a bit and yes, the paperwork…Praying for your peace – thank you, Danielle, for offering Michelle some encouragement here!
Wow, some lightening bolt, indeed! Wow!
Is that what you were going to tell me about last week? I love it!
And I know we’ve talked about it, but I’ll say it again, I love the pairing of Jer. 29:11 and Romans 8:28. Love it!!
Thanks so much for sharing…the cycle of Hearing…trusting…obeying…watching God work….greater faith…greater hearing…and so on…is amazing! I am just now learning what that is about!
.-= Danielle ´s last blog ..This Year =-.
I think I need to be getting one of these Jesus Calling devotionals.
I just love it when God can completely transform our hearts in an hour. I had a similar experience regarding my motherhood just in the span from Sunday night into Monday morning. It felt like a gentle rain.
Loved the power of His voice speaking through your words, dear.
.-= Jen Ferguson´s last blog ..30 Day Challenge =-.
Yes you do Jen! I just did after hearing about it through a friend in ministry…just cuts right in there every day:)
.-= Abby´s last blog ..Our Story God’s Story- Part 4 =-.
beautiful
hmmmmmmmmmmm. good stuff there. keep trusting, waiting, listening, praying. keep on keepin’ on.
.-= Eryn {mamahall}´s last blog ..unending gifts- unending joy =-.
Christy is amazing. . .wow! I love that quote.
I’m a special ed teacher too. Look at all of us!
Natalie, I love this-
“Well, now. You wax poetic about all of this stuff about me and how I work. That’s easy to do. Now show me that you can apply it, dear one.”
I feel God calling me to do the same. Apply it!
.-= Amy Sullivan´s last blog ..Help- Help I’m Trapped! =-.
There is always something to be said on the trust issue. I feel like it’s something God teaches me over and over again (okay, maybe I can be a little thick skulled at times…okay, a lot of the time.) As a kid my dad always taught me to say when I was sick “Jesus, You’re my healer. I trust in You.” That has definitely become a habit for me and in how I parent my kids in times of illness.
I am going to take on the “Jesus, I trust You.” for my life too. I want it to be a moment by moment habit not just a sickness habit for me too!
Thanks ~Jessica
.-= thesavingmom´s last blog ..Needing rest =-.
Natalie –
God is speaking RIGHT to my heart through you! How I am ever struggling with this He knows my circumstances but UGH!
thank you for your transparency!
xo
.-= Tiffini´s last blog ..This year get a runway body come on! =-.
We are SISTERS! Between Brother Lawrence and ‘trust’ and then I was going to blog that very same ‘Jesus Calling’ quote about the habit of ‘trust’ I am putting on this year…
So thankful for how He works and that He knows and loves us through our fiesty;)
hugs friend:)
.-= Abby´s last blog ..Our Story God’s Story- Part 4 =-.