Surrender

Surrendering is so difficult for us in so many different ways. Surrendering to God's will, God's timing...and the toughest one, surrendering ourselves to God, especially not knowing how He is going to move and work with it. We have things we want to hang on to. Thing we believe can give us happiness, pleasure and love. In the Old Testament, it was their idols...today we have our own idols. Money, media, drugs, alcohol, relationships, careers....and we hold them tightly, believing our life is better with these things. We think we know best.

We constantly want to keep our hands in feet in. We want that control. Not just of our own lives...but the lives of those we love as well. It is so hard to let go, to put our hands in the air, and just surrender. We have the fight within us, we won't allow that feeling of release, feeling as if it is a sign of weakness. We hang tightly to these things, and we are fooled by deceit and momentary pleasure.

And yet, when we do, when we let go, release and surrender, that is freedom. It is amazing, empowering, and comforting...if we are surrendering to God. And it doesn't matter what the struggle is...no matter how big, or how small. We need to let go of everything, and allow God to have that control. If He is asking for our time, our talents, our money, careers and habits...our idols, we need to let go, hand it over, and watch the blessing that comes in return.

What are you trying to control? What are you trying to handle? What is it that you are hanging on to? Are you ready....lift your hands, turn it over, allow Him to take control? Experience your freedom. Watch what happens, watch it enfold. In His perfect timing and His perfect way, allow Him to be first in your life. He who is truth, justice and righteousness.

Let us learn from those who came before;
"O people of Judah and Jerusalem, surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the Lord...." Jeremiah 4: 4

May my words always be salt and light to you.

God's View

A year ago my youngest left for bootcamp. His wife and I were thinking back, back to that day and days before. Recently I found a church bulletin from 2001, his wife's name was in there. She had been baptized that day. We were there. I didn't know her, but God knew one day she would be my daughter in law, one day she would be the mother of my grandson. We do not know the days ahead, where we will be, or what we will be doing. I think He gives us glimpses.

My husband had played for a local symphony. Years ago they came to play on my school's campus. We brought the students over to see. We didn't know each other. And we wouldn't meet for many years after. But I think He gives us glimpses.

It makes me think of the view God has. How he connects the dots and can see behind the scenes. He has such a different view. He sees before, He sees within, and then He looks beyond. To think He even knew my days before I was in my mother's womb!

So, it make me wonder, who did I walk beside today who may be an impact in my life? Who has he placed beside me, brought me to, and aligned with with? How is he working in my life today that will impact a future? I think He is giving me glimpses.

The hard part continues to be, not knowing. But the part I can place confidence is, He does. There are ideas, hopes and dreams that filter through, I stop and wonder and pray. Are they from God? 

Seeking His will is my goal. Discerning what is coming from His plan is not always easy. Sometime I recognize immediately that this was not HIS plan, it was mine. I have to back away. I did that with this blog. I wanted to go a different direction...and He let me know quickly, that what I am doing here, these random thoughts and sharing my questions, my wanderings, my reactions...that is all He needs from me here. He is working the scenes. If I am not followed or commented on, I need to let that go. His plan is for me to write (Pride is a terrible thing). He gave me a place to settle and create, move around my words and try to share my message. He will do with it what He wants. He will do with it when He wants.

So, I am thankful for a God with a view of it all. I am thankful that He is control. And I love how he shows me that He gave me glimpses...and that it all works together, for His good!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called  according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

May you always find salt and light in my words!