1. Surrender of Control
If I got bonus points for attempting to control all that life throws at me, I would be acing this test called life. Anyone else struggle with letting go (cue Elsa and you’re welcome for now having that song stuck in your head)?
(Photo credit: Gabriel Benois on Unsplash)
Because life often throws curve balls our way, I think we hold on to anything and everything that we can control. But let’s address this lie of control. It’s a bit like trying to hold a fistful of sand. Your fist starts off full of sand, but all the while the grains are just slipping away…until you are left holding nothing. Have you ever felt defeated or hopeless? Are you too busy grasping at the worldly things around you? So. Much. Energy.
You know that saying…God will never give you more than you can handle? I beg to differ, and maybe you will, too. But whatever you do, please do NOT use this phrase as a source of encouragement for someone in the depths of despair.
You see, I feel like the WORLD gives us more than we can handle. Sin is a part of this life journey, so that means we will at times find ourselves in the face of darkness. I believe God allows these moments because He understands we can’t handle them on our own, but HE certainly can. He uses the darkness to pull us toward the Light. He so desires for us to trust in Him and acknowledge that we are not enough and certainly are not in control.
Will you join me in laying down the need for control at His feet? (This will be a daily re-commitment for me.)
2. Faith in His Word
Have you experienced God’s Word being challenged by the world? My heart has been heavy recently over the liberties being taken with Scripture. Let me be forthcoming in saying that I believe the Bible to be fully inspired by God, a living and breathing Word of God, and just as relevant today as it was when it was written.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” ~Mathew 6:14-17.
We are consuming so much of the world that it can become daunting to filter through it all. What is truth? Does being socially acceptable matter? What is important?
(Photo credit: Nicate Lee on Unsplash)
When life has me going in exhausting circles, I need to remind myself to hop off the dizzy disc and dive into Scripture to recalibrate. But why even get on the dizzying ride to begin with? You see, I think God is continually calling our names, longing to be in a constant, daily relationship with Him. This keeps us grounded. His Word helps steady us in a dizzy world.
Am I willing to put down my phone, turn off the TV, find a quiet place (or just a place), and open His Word? Each time I do, He fills my soul. ❤️
3. All of Me
God can’t use little ole me, right? I mean, who am I? I certainly am not a Biblical scholar and my weaknesses often consume me. What could He possibly need me for?
We must STOP focusing on US and instead turn to Him. We have to open ourselves up to Him. He needs YOU for His Kingdom. You and I may not be changing the world in arenas or on a stage…but we must start changing the world one person at a time…right here in our own communities. It starts with saying YES to God and allowing Him to transform our lives. We can’t sell ourselves short because that means we don’t have enough faith in Him to do ALL things in our life through Him.
(Photo credit: Nathan McBride on Unsplash)
If I’m honest, I’m wrestling with where God is leading our family in community with Him. How is he calling me to serve Him? Am I willing to be uncomfortable? To change the projected course? How do I best honor Him in the mundane? What I do know is that He wants ALL of me and not just my leftovers.
I’m going to end with a prayer. You see, I’m learning to be okay with the wrestling because it is through the pulls and tugs that my spiritual life is growing.
Dear God,
You have asked me to take off my dirty, stained clothing in order to put on Your beautiful and perfect garments. Who doesn’t love new clothing? So why do I cling to these old rags? Once I start to identify these stains for what they are, I can begin to recognize that they are no longer a part of who I am. Lord, help me to ditch these stained garments for the pure linens you are offering me in Your Name. Thank you for continually reminding me that I am worthy of this transformation.
In Your Name I pray,
Amen
Ashley
”This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!” ~Psalm 118:24
Come To the Table Ministry 