Friday, April 30, 2010

WHO IS IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE?

If you are anything like me, you may find it very hard to relinquish control at times. I must admit, I am a perfectionist. In my mind, to make sure everything is done right, means I must do things on my own or in my own power. Well, this is not a good thing in most cases. At many times in our lives, we must learn to place our trust in others. Trusting someone is not always an easy thing to do. It is a lack of trust that causes many people to hold on or hold back on things. A lack of trust also keeps one from totally surrendering to God.

It can be hard to let go of control over your life. When you are in control, you can make decisions based on how or what you feel. When you give your life over to God and totally surrender to Him, you are letting Him become your Guide. What I mean by this is that your decisions are not your own. If you have surrendered to God and allow Him to guide you in life, you want to please Him and live according to His word. For example, you may want go right, but He may say, "Go left." You might want to speak, but He may say, "Stay quiet." He will often lead you to unknown places and to unfamiliar people. To follow God, takes trust in Him. I know all about having to have or see proof before moving. Getting to a place of trusting God did not happen overnight for me. Little by little I used small steps of faith and learned to trust Him in the small things. Now I trust Him in all things.

God wants to mold you into the person He has called you to be. In order to do this, you have to relinquish control. Let Him be in control of your life. We are all works in progress and at some time or another, may find ourselves trying to do things in our power. Many times we are taking on assignments we are not to meant to handle, simply because we are control freaks. Why not seek guidance from the One who knows all things? Why not trust Him with your life? After all, He has the best for you and will never guide you in the wrong direction

"Father,
Things are not going the way I want them to in my life. I have gone through each day trying to do things in my own power and in my own way. I have failed to let go and give you complete control of my life. I want to do the things you want me to do. I want those things you desire for me to have in my life. I trust You and I do know You want what is best for me. Forgive me for not letting you guide my steps.

Father, help me to be who You want me to be. Help me to do what You want me to do. I am letting go now and I am giving You complete control.
Amen."

Be blessed.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

REMOVED SO YOU CAN MOVE

In the past, I found myself trying to figure out reasons to explain why certain people I was once close to, were removed from my life. We had no arguments, no harsh words were spoken between us, and no obvious reason exists for the lack of communication that caused the relationships to dwindle away. Now that I have grown spiritually, I have come to learn the role each person plays in my life. Each of us plays a role in the life of someone else. Once you come to recognize the purpose a person plays in your life, you will understand and know exactly what to do when this happens. It makes the exit of a friend, or someone that once played an important role in your life, easier.

Speaking from personal experience, I know God has removed some people from my life because they would be a distraction or hindrance to my spiritual growth. I am not saying these people were bad, but they did not add to my spiritual growth. Let us look at past romantic-type relationships as an example. I can look back at each one (and there has only been three in my lifetime) and the fact that they ended without no real cause. At the time, I wondered how something that seemed so right quickly could go so wrong. But now, I recognize God had a hand in all of it and these men, although good men, were not the type of people who would influence me to go to a higher level in the Lord. I know God has given us the freedom to make our own choices, but I like to believe He removed them from my life for my good and His glory.

Many people are being ushered in and out of my life right now, but I trust God. My constant prayer to Him is to remove anyone or anything which could be a hindrance in my life. Those who go, I do not question their exit. Those who remain, I know their time with me is for a season, reason, or a lifetime. I trust they remain in my life because each has a role to play in my work for the kingdom of God. I know they are not necessarily present in my life to help me in the literal sense of the word, but I may have an assignment from my Father and I must do what He has told me to do. If and when they exit my life, I can rest knowing my assignment and season with them is completed.

The next time you find yourself questioning the exit of a friend or loved one, seek our Father for instructions and answers. You may find those people were removed so that you can move.......higher in your calling for the kingdom of God and your spiritual journey.

Be blessed.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

THERE ARE REWARDS IN WAITING ON GOD

Our society has been labeled "a microwave society" for good reason. We do not like to wait for anything. We can get a hot meal in less than five minutes. We can send a message across the country, or the world, at the push of a few buttons. We can deposit cash into an ATM and the funds are instantly available in our checking accounts for immediate withdrawal. These are just a few examples of how the world has changed to accommodate the attitudes of the people. People want what they want and they want it now. In other words, there is a lack of patience among the people. Although we may not have to wait long at a drive thru window for a meal, at the ATM for cash, or to send a message, when waiting on God to answer prayers or give us righteous desires of our hearts, a wait is often involved.

God moves in any way, through anyone, and at anytime. If He chooses to bring a thing to pass instantly, so it shall be. Many times when we pray to Him for the desires of our hearts, a waiting process is involved. I cannot give you a specific answer for your wait, but through personal experience, I have found rewards in my waiting. Preparation is one reward of waiting on God to answer prayers. Yes, it may be hard to wait for answers to our prayers, but being prepared to receive the answer is important. I am sure you can think back on a time when you asked God for something, but did not receive it when you wanted it, but later, you were thankful for the delay. Many times we are not ready for the very things we ask of Him. I am thankful God did not give me everything I wanted when I wanted it.

Waiting caused an increase in my faith and dependence on God. In some cases, I waited for years. I felt like giving up many times, but my strength grew and I pressed on. I am presently waiting on Him to bring desires of my heart to pass, but I trust Him and His timing. I constantly reflect on how He has delivered on other promises made to me. Because He was faithful to me then, there is no reason for me to doubt His faithfulness now. If you take a moment to reflect on your life, I am sure you can recall when He did the same for you.

"But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

Be blessed.