April 13, 2012

Well, yesterday, I started out the day writing my blog and promising to surrender to the kingdom of God.   And of course, I was tested.  I woke up in the morning and my son was sick.  I left for work in plenty of time to get to my first office and for some reason, I thought I took the wrong turn and was 20 minutes late to my appointment.  As I approached the office, I lost the magnetic clip to my name badge along with my gas card, and if that wasn't enough, poured gas all over my foot.

There was a point when I wanted to throw my hands up and surrender.  So you know what I did, I took a moment to laugh with God.  I have always been aware that God has a sense of humor but honestly, today, I experienced pure and utter humiliation, with humor.  I hate being late and I don't like to make mistakes or look foolish.  Both of which I accomplished today.  And yet, I'm completely at peace.  Why? Because I surrendered everything to Him and went on with my day.

God doesn't call us to be perfect.  He calls us to obedience.  In all the chaos today, I found myself remembering Matthew 6:33 from the morning.  Obviously, it was there for a reason.  Seek first His kingdom.  Oh, did I need it yesterday.  So what is the lesson in my chaotic little day, it's to rely on Christ for all things big and small.  And when everything seems to be in chaos, stop and remember that Christ is in control, not me.  I could have thrown my arms up and said, "I give up."  But instead, I chose to go to my Savior.  I made it in time to see my customers.  Then, I called and notified the office that I lost my gas card.  I will find a new magnetic piece for my name badge and my shoes will be washed before I leave.  All in all, a productive day, I think.

If we build our lives on the events that occur, we will never have peace.  Peace can be rocked in a moment.  You can wake up and be happy, forward three hours ahead and you're a jumble of nerves and life has gone in fifty different directions.    So the question I asked myself today is, am I in control of my life or is God?

Obviously, God.  It seems obvious as long as everything is going right.  It's always easy for us to remember who's in control, when everything is in control.  But as we all know, life changes from moment to moment and rarely do we have control.  The goal for our lives is to seek Him always, no matter how large the tribulation and if perhaps, you have had a great day, thank Him in all things.  I didn't lose anyone yesterday and if you look at it realistically, it was a bunch of small stuff adding up to a lot.  But in the end, I laughed and realized that God was in control and I was humbled.  I would rather be in that position, with God, than without Him!


Romans 5:1-5 NKJV:

     Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has given it to us.

By grace I live, by hope, I have a future.  I pray that all of us today look for Christ in the small stuff of our lives and praise Him for His greatness!  Be affirmed that Christ is with You and that He knows all things. And if you should have a day like I did yesterday, laugh with God.  We all need to laugh because joy helps us persevere!

My prayer today:

Lord, we come before you, women in different nations and on different time zones.  We ask that You would be ever present in our lives and in all our circumstances.  We ask that when we are being tested, that You would help us respond in faith, character and hope.  We need You today in every detail and in every fabric of who we are and where we live.  Help to protect the innocent and watch over all the nations, as we pray.  We come before You, women with servant hearts.  Hear our cries, OH LORD!  Be with us today as we go out into the world and help us always to seek You first.  We love You so much and are honored to be one with You.  AMEN

Until tomorrow....