God is really molding me right now. And just like I am sure it isn't comfortable for a piece of clay to be molded into a beautiful piece of art - it is not usually comfortable when God molds us.
There is this major theme that has been playing out in my life over the past few months.
Surrender.
I don't know about you - but I have a tough time with this theme. I like control. I like being self-sufficient. I like being able to solve problems on my own. I like to drive myself to the store at noon if I need milk. I like to be able to call my sister on the phone to chat for half an hour...(Just a few examples) And God is pulling a lot of that out from under me.
Most of my life, I have questioned: "Why in the world are these things happening to me?" I think that I have experienced a good amount of trials and struggles. For one of the first times in my life - I have been truly seeking God's plan for me in all of this. I have been in scripture and praying often - asking God what His plan is with all of this. And He is answering me. I love that!
He wants me to let go.
Stop trying to fix my own problems the way that I think will be best. My ways aren't best. They are actually kind of crappy sometimes. His ways are best.
Trust that God is in control. Don't just say that I believe it...because it is what I have always heard to be true - but really, really KNOW it. Then let go of some things. If God is in control - I don't have to be all the time!
Let people help me. This one is tough for me. I like to take care of my own issues, cry it out in a dark room when I am sad about something, sell everything before I borrow money - things like that. But God does not call us to be self-sufficient in everything. He commands us to confess to one another and pray for each other. (James 5:16)
I love knowing that there is a purpose in trials. James 1:2-5 says this:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. "
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16 comments:
Well said! I need to practice more of letting go as well. YOur in my thoughts and prayers!
Muah,
Mel
Awesome! I needed that dose of reality! My life struggle has always been money and I am in the middle of a HUGE money trial right now. I quit my job to go to school full time (to get a big girl job) and oops, I am pregnant. Little did I know (but God did) that I was pregnant before I ever quit my job in the first place! Perserverance is not a word that usually describes me but as you pointed out, that is the purpose of our trials! I am not giving up! I'll be graduating when I am 9 months pregnant, with no job, less than no money but a happy heart knowing that I didn't give up! I know your season of testing will pass too! God Bless!
I have a couple of similar posts on my blog, good to know we aren't the only ones that go through these things isn't it? Not that it makes it any easier, but still...
~Tiff
Great post Shauna...I'm a control freak myself, and God's been telling me that's not gonna fly anymore...and it HURTS!
I think it irritates God when we act like we are in control and that's hard to swallow sometimes.
AMEN! Very well said...
Just wanted to let you know how much I needed this today. Not being pregnant month after month has taken a toll on me. I, too and trying to surrender. I will be praying for you Sister in Christ!
thanks for sharing your heart and the lessons God is teaching you!
Just perfect.
Perfect timing.
Perfect examples.
Perfect wording.
Just Perfect.
pay your tithing
Thank you. I stumbled upon your blog, and this was just what I needed to hear. When life isn't bringing you exactly what you want, it's refreshing to hear these words.
Would I be able to link your post to my blog? Let me know, rkturgeon@sasktel.net
Rhonda
www.rkturgeon.blogspot.com
Hey girl! what a great post. It is so great to put our struggles into print and then be able to look on them in the future and realize His hand in our lives. thank you.
PS can you resend the email?? i hope I am not part of your struggles haha:)
Hey girl! what a great post. It is so great to put our struggles into print and then be able to look on them in the future and realize His hand in our lives. thank you.
PS can you resend the email?? i hope I am not part of your struggles haha:)
Shauna,
Hang in there! God is so much wiser than we are. I have issues with being pretty controlling. I've had to learn so many times (the hard way) to let go and let God work.
I know that His ways are always better than mine (I'm way too flawed to know what's really best). He is refining us like gold when we are walking through the fire. Remember that!
Also, many people will miss out on heaven due to pride. Thinking they've got it handled, when the reality....is they don't. Each of us must surrender.....it all!
It's the only way!
Great post!
This is exactly how I've been feeling lately. I'm a newbie blogger and I just wrote a similar post myself. It has been a redefining year for me. And yes, just like a peice of clay on a potter's wheel, what doesn't crumple us will make us more beautiful in the end. Hand in there! I tagged you with some silliness for a distraction!
http://meandmom.wordpress.com/2008/10/01/me-me-me-me/
Great post..... I wrote on my blog about self-reliance and God's allure to the desert to transform me. I sorta went kicking and screaming... but He waited patiently for me to stop flailing and surrender.
It has been a true transformation. He has rocked my world and ruined me for the ordinary.
Thanks for sharing this.
I found you from Becoming Me's blog.
Blessings,
Julie
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