Thursday, October 27, 2011

Control Struggle


Let me just be honest, and say that this time yesterday, I dreaded the thoughts of writing a Thankful Thursday post!  So I just decided NOT to write one! I was wallowing in self-pity of some of my circumstances, and I could see nothing on the horizon of which to be thankful!

I knew my heart was in the wrong place, yet I didn’t have the courage to ask God to search my heart at the moment, because I didn’t even want to see the mess in there!

After a couple hours of a self-justified pity party, I finally relinquished “my control” of my situations, and cast all of my anxieties on Him(1 Peter 5:7), knowing that He cared for me and what I was going through, no matter how big or small!

He lovingly reminded me that He is in control (Isaiah 45:5-7) of everything, and I just needed to focus my attention on Him, because after all, He is the source of the help that I needed at that moment (Psalm 121).

I meditated on 1 Peter 5:7 for a few moments longer, in awe that He really did care for me and my circumstances!

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

 He was gentle with my emotions, just like a loving Father, but then came time for the lesson from the ordeal! He reminded me once more of how selfish I tend to be, even when I am dwelling on my present circumstances. If it is something that I ultimately have no control over, then I cannot allow it to become so much of my constant thoughts. It’s becoming somewhat of an idol! Do I not trust Him to take care of me? YIKES Not the kind of exposition I was looking for, but I DID ask for Him to search me and show me, so He did just that!

1 Peter 5:7 WAS a great verse, but I had to then look at the surrounding verses, (1 Peter 4 – 5).  Though it talked of how to live for God, and suffer for the name of Christ, it all came together and struck a chord with 5:9, “Resist him, standing firm in faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.”

That was just it…it seemed the best way I could trust God most, and also be able to resist the enemy most, was to stand firm in my faith, and look to the needs of those around me; they are going through similar things! God spoke directly to my heart at that moment: No matter how big or small I thought MY circumstances were, He had it all under control. I needed to focus my efforts on pleasing Him through meeting the needs of others according to my gifts that I have been blessed with (1 Peter 4:10). LIGHT BULB

I love it when His Word leaps within my spirit! It all clicked at that moment, and it furthered my contentment in “Knowing HIM” “and the fellowship of his sufferings” (Phil. 3:10). For some reason I had it in my mind that fellowship with his sufferings had way more to do with persecution, when in actuality it rang true for my present circumstances! WOW, GOD!

Whatever circumstances you may find yourself in today, I encourage you to relinquish control of them, and acknowledge His sovereignty over ever single situation! 
Have faith! 
Have trust!
Cast all of that anxiety on Him! 

He DOES care for YOU! 

Then, stand firm in that faith and help those in need around you! Use those gifts He gave you to serve others, and administer His grace! He’ll take care of you in the process and give you the wisdom you need to work through your circumstances(sufferings)!




So, put it lightly, I was reminded of all my blessings to be thankful for once more! Here are just a few that I have been reminded of this week:

71.       A roof over my head
72.       Food to eat
73.       Clothes for my growing kids
74.       His Word being so powerful in my life
75.       Gifts I’ve been given to bless others
76.       He has control (instead of me)!
77.       The wisdom of my husband
78.       Fellowship of friends
79.       My crockpot
80.   My son’s humor
81.   My church family
82.   Tide STAIN RELEASE
83.   Kari Jobe
84.   The lessons my kids teach me daily
85.   FAMILY :)



What are you thankful for today? 
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
~ Psalm 100:4 (ESV)!



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6 comments:

  1. This is wonderful encouragement today, Lindsay! I love how God used these verses to speak a new revelation to you. I just used some of your words to encourage a friend who is going through some tough times. Thank you, sweet friend ~ many blessings!

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  2. What an AWESOME Post! I really love this!
    I'm trying to catch up on all my stalking. I am so bummed I've missed out on so much goodness. Now I must go stalk your news feed, lol! :)

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  3. Oh Lindsay, this touched my heart so much today. Thank you. Yesterday I was in the same boat. I was upset, angry, hurt and bitter about some of my circumstances. My husband and sweet sister encouraged me and prayer for me. My circumstances are not any better, but I know that I can turn to God in them. He has not left me. As my husband and friend said, if I lose everything, I still have God, my husband and my children and that is all that matters. Great post!

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  4. Amen Lindsay! It seems like you and I have had a similar week, but came to a similar conclusion. I LOVE it when God does that! :-)

    Have a Blessed Day!

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  5. Wow Lindsay, Wow God! Love your honesty and transparency. And your thankful list was pretty amazing. I love what my pastor assures us of, "that even if you can't see the hand of God, you can trust His heart." He does love us and care for us. I will be praying for you!

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  6. Thank you for sharing and for being so honest with us! I appreciate you linking up with us. :)

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