Happy September everyone!
Last night, during my Bible study time, I came to a revelation. Or possibly, God sent me a revelation. My Bible study group just started “Experiencing God” by Henry and Richard Blackaby. In the first week, they touch on a few basics for having a relationship with God and knowing God’s will. Day 3 discussed what it means to be God’s servant—and that’s when I got my revelation.
“…you do not have the ability to carry out the Lord’s command except to be where He wants you to be.” (pg 18)
Let that settle for a moment as I continue.
As you know, I am a stay-at-home mom to three kids, all four and under. I’m also a wife to an Army soldier who travels quite a bit. On top of that, I’m a fiction writer who hopes to get published sometime in the near future. Add in church and sports and homeschooling…life gets pretty hectic.
I spend a lot of time planning out my week to help smooth out my days. I make lists…lots of lists. I try to structure my days to ease my stress level. However, more often than not, the schedule falls through the cracks. Something always comes up.
Then my stress level goes through the roof. I feel like I’m not getting anything done. I get overwhelmed—sometimes to the point that I just don’t do anything—which of course is probably the worst thing to do.
But maybe there’s a reason my plans don’t work out.
“…you do not have the ability to carry out the Lord’s command except to be where He wants you to be.” (pg 18)
Maybe I am too busy planning out my life to allow for the flexibility for God to work through me. Maybe I get too focused on my own business that I miss opportunities God places in front of me.
That is definitely an important lesson for me. I need to let God lead my life day-by-day and trust in what He has in store for me.
Do you allow enough flexibility in your life to let God work through you?
I can totally relate to this post. I used to have a very detailed schedule and follow up on my goals monthly, keeping track of whether I was on top of it or not. My life has taken so many twists and turns in the last year or so that I almost stopped planning altogether. I have goals, but I'm nowhere near where I should be, according to my own standard. At the same time, I feel closer to God than I've ever been.
ReplyDeleteI still think it's important to make personal goals and plan a schedule, but it's also important to remain flexible and open to changes, or whatever God throws our way.
I've really been struggling with this lately. The move, then my shoulder getting hurt, we delayed home schooling, now my in-laws are coming to visit. I would prefer for them to come later ~ you know, when all the boxes are actually unpacked and life is settled down. Maybe there is a reason they need to come now and I just need to let go of the stress and relax about it. {I can't change it anyway. lol}
ReplyDeleteGod is in control, even when I feel I'm not. I think a lot of my "stress" comes down to that. I feel like things are out of control. I need to remember that I'm not the one who is supposed to be in control in the first place.
This is a wonderful post, Ralene! And one I can totally relate to right now.
ReplyDelete"Maybe I am too busy planning out my life to allow for the flexibility for God to work through me."
Love this!!
I added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit mine and become a follower if you want to.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You ~Ron
Sounds like a great Bible study. It always is when you get that kind of revelation early on in the study. I've always been of the believe that my mission field is wherever I am. Somehow the Lord orchestrates things where I am sharing the Gospel or encouraging a fellow Christian. I've had to learn the lesson of being too busy and missing opportunities though. God bless you for sharing. Feel free to visit me at one of my blogs. Dr. Bobbi
ReplyDeleteAnnie, than you for sharing! You are absolutely right about goals. We need to keep ourselves motivated, even when we aren't hearing directly from God.
ReplyDeleteLee, how profound was your last paragraph there. We def need to remember who is in control and leave our "stress" to Him.
Heather, I'm glad this post was timely for you. We ladies gotta stick together. lol...
Welcome to the new followers. I appreciate your support and look forward to getting to know you better. :) Hmmm, a Bible study...I may have to dabble with that idea for awhile. Thank you both for stopping by!
Because I am a baby christian .. I am still learning .. I try to stay busy . But my question is .. no matter how busy you are or how crazy your schedual is If God needs you doesnt he inturrupt what your doing ? or are we just to focused to hear what he has to say . But I will say this : it is very easy to get side tracked with business so its still important for us to make time for ourselfs and for God .
ReplyDelete