Tuesday, May 08, 2007

I received this devotional this morning and it really spoke to me. This verse Isaiah 55:8 has been showing up in my life over the last year. I like this verse. Two years ago I had no idea what God was up to in my life when he moved us here. But now I see why we were moved here. It is all clear to me now. He had plans for us here. Which that verse Jeremiah 29:11 is also a verse that I have been constantly reminded of over the last year. I just feel God working in my life and he is going to work everything out.
Anyway, I thought I would share this devotional. This is from the NLT website from a Women's Devotional.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.



Deliberate Trust

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,”says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.Isaiah 55:8

It’s not always easy to trust God. When I see where God seems to be leading me, I can usually figure out a way to get there. But it’s seldom the path that God has chosen. My path is quick and easy. God’s path is full of unknowns. It’s difficult to “set down my map” and follow God. I like my path. Sure, there might be some struggles along the way, but it will get me from point A to point B in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, I won’t be happy, and I won’t have become all that God desires for me to be. I think I know the way to go, but only God really knows. I have to trust him.

I can only begin to imagine what God has in store for my life. I can’t tell where he is sending me, but I travel in faith. I’m at a point in my life where God has called me to take a step of faith. I am learning to trust him day by day. It is definitely an adventure! There are days I start to fill with anxiety because I can’t see where he is leading me. I know in my head that his ways are not my ways, but it is hard to believe him. I pray for peace and faith each day.

Perhaps you are in a dating relationship right now and can’t see where God is leading you. Is this the right man for you? Should you be spending time with him? Pray to God for wisdom, and take it one day at a time. Perhaps your husband just lost his job, and you’re anxious about how your financial needs will be met. Trust that God has a purpose and is working in your life. It’s a humbling experience, but God can also teach you about true riches.

Now is the time to come to Jesus and trust him. Let go of the need to know the way. He is the Way. Allow him to lead you, even if you can only see a step at a time. For his thoughts are not our thoughts and his ways aren’t our ways—they are better than we can ever imagine.

4 comments:

Becky Wolfe said...

Great devotion Janice. So much of what I've been struggling with also. I'm trying to barrel on ahead & figure out what I should be doing (job-wise) and unwilling to 'drop my map' and see where God is taking me. I have to slow down & let Him lead, even in my impatience!
Thanks for sharing this one friend!

Susan Skitt said...

"Let go of the need to know the way". Powerful. Sometimes it's so hard, isn't it? I like to be in charge, but I'm discovering God knows way better than me what needs to be done and where I need to go, not only for me, but for my loved ones too. And yes, like shared in this devotion, "He is the Way!" Thanks for sharing... I love Isaiah 55:8 too!

Susanne said...

Great devotion! I love the title on it. "Deliberate Trust".

"Let go of the need to know the way. He is the way." Wow that is so profound especially in a society that totally teaches you to take control of your life and direct it where you want it to go. I think that is where the title comes in and really strikes me. In order to let go of the need to know the way I have to make a deliberate decision to trust Him.

GCU said...

Profound reflection.... God Bless You!