Come Into The Deep End... with ImHisServant (3)

[Maharg]

Hi folks.
Haven't been here for ages...
Christianna, thank you for your faithfulnes in keeping it going.
I'll try to catch up now I'm home...
God bless you all.

Good to see you

 

[cristianna]

Hi Cristianna

You too!

It's good to be back. I've been well, thank you. As it's my summer holiday (vacation) from school at the moment, I've been spending every possible moment visiting friends and family. Once school term starts again I find it hard to visit people. I'm hoping this year will be easier though as it's my second year of teaching.

Have you had a good summer?

maharg

Maharg I have often wondered how you were doing, especially with the teaching. Will you be with the same group of teachers as you were last year?

It's wonderful you were able to spend so much time with family over the break. And I do pray this year is much easier for you.

Our summer has been a bit hectic, but terrific. I'm in awe as to how much my children are growing up. For the oldest, this summer really opened my eyes to the quickness and speed of which it happens.

Reflections:
Study your Bible on the topic of being alone with God.

Write your own prayer to God praising Him for His willingness to comfort and provide for us in our times of desperation.

If you are facing a desperate time in your life right now, what can you do in order to hear from God more clearly?

If the Lord asks you to be quiet in order to work in the life of a loved one, how quickly will you obey?

I desperately do need to study the bible about being alone. When I immediately read this devo certain areas were remembered such as Moses, and then of course a few scriptures like the one about pray in the closet in, in the dark-- something to that effect. So I definitely need to do some refreshing.

Ha! What can I do to hear from Him in times of need and desperation? Wouldn't that be to be still and quiet? lol Depeding on the circumstances I can be known to be impatient wanting the answers 1/2 second earlier and not a 1/4 of a second later, so yes, that's something I will challenge myself with-- being quiet and still.

I think I obey pretty quickly once I know who the force is behind it. Many times I do go in with reservations and fears, but I've certainly come to realize they are my reservations and fears, not God's. Praise Him for empowering me to do His will despite my belief of achieving it or not.

Hi folks.
Haven't been here for ages...
Christianna, thank you for your faithfulnes in keeping it going.
I'll try to catch up now I'm home...
God bless you all.

Hi Criada! It's lovely to see you!

 

[cristianna]

Exit, Please?
By Wendy Pope


“Years passed, and the king of Egypt died. But the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God." Exodus 2: 23-24 (NLT)



Devotion:
Years passed. The Scriptures say close to forty years went by. The Israelites must have thought after all those years that their crying had fallen on deaf ears. Was the Lord listening? Were they crying in vain?

Do you ever feel that way? You have asked God to deliver you from something, and it seems as though God has not heard your cries of deliverance. Let me encourage you dear one, He does not ignore the cries of His people. He has not ignored your cries. Just as God had a sovereign plan designed to free His people from slavery, He has a sovereign plan to free you from that which holds you captive.

The cries of the Israelites were heard and answered in Exodus chapter 13. Finally, they were going to be free from the bondage of slavery to the Egyptians. Don't you know they were thrilled beyond words? Life in total freedom was just over the horizon! However, the plan for deliverance from Pharaoh led them straight from Egypt to the desert. Funny how God works, isn't it? The desert was God's idea of freedom.

Isaiah the prophet tells us in chapter 55 that God's ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts. I do not know about you, but that gives me great comfort. Exodus 13:17 demonstrates this concept, "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt’” (NIV). I really like short cuts, but God thought the short cut out of Egypt was not the best route. He was even gracious enough to explain His reasoning.

God wants to deliver us from our bondage, but many times we want the easy way out... a short cut: "Get me out of this mess Lord, but please don't let the way out cause me any pain or inconvenience." God knows our weaknesses. He knows how easily we would slip back into bondage if we faced adversity in the easy way out. In His great wisdom and sovereignty His plan for the exodus of our bondage is not the quick, easy way. He will lead us out through a path that will create a dependency on Him. This path will also strengthen our relationship with Him, give us a renewed assurance of our faith, and equip us for a possible slip back into the pit. Read in Exodus verses 18-19, "So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle." Did you catch that last part about being armed for battle?

The way out of bondage is sure but not always swift. In some situations God shows His great mercy and the exit is quick – we’re left in awe by His power. In other situations, God chooses to take us by the desert road to strengthen us. Two things are certain no matter the route: victory for us and glory for our God.



Dear Lord, thank You for not ignoring the cries of Your people. I realize through Your Spirit in me that I can wait on Your perfect deliverance from my current Egypt. I can't wait to celebrate the victory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.



Reflections:
Read aloud the power verses listed below. Record them on index cards and place them in various rooms of your house. Read aloud Miriam's victory song in Exodus 15

Ask the Lord what He wants you learn from your current situation.

How have you seen yourself being "armed for battle?"



Power Verses:
Isaiah 42:6-7, "’I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.’” (NIV)

Isaiah 43:18-19, "’Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.’” (NIV)

Isaiah 61:1, "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." (NIV)

 

[.faith.]

To me, the devotion today goes along with yesterday's.

My daughter is being rebellious and at times (more than at times, alot of the time) I think that she will never change.
I am in a worry state for her. It is like a bondage because of the lack of trust/saddness with this. When I dwell on it, the joy in me leaves.

I had learned along time ago to trust God even when things took years. But with physical things like health/money.
But not something like what I am going through with my daughter because I never had to go through something like this.
No matter how long it takes I will trust God with my daughter.

 

[cristianna]

To me, the devotion today goes along with yesterday's.

My daughter is being rebellious and at times (more than at times, alot of the time) I think that she will never change.
I am in a worry state for her. It is like a bondage because of the lack of trust/saddness with this. When I dwell on it, the joy in me leaves.

I had learned along time ago to trust God even when things took years. But with physical things like health/money.
But not something like what I am going through with my daughter because I never had to go through something like this.
No matter how long it takes I will trust God with my daughter.

Annah I'll keep your family in my prayers. Children are tough to raise, and daughters during pre-teen and teen years can feel overwhelming.

"Give all your worries to Him, because He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

 

[cristianna]

Ask, Seek, Knock

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you". Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

The other day I stood in our kitchen removing those pesky soda tabs from the collection to be tossed into recycling. I was amazed primarily at the amount of Diet Cokes I drink, but also just as amazed at the growing collection my youngest child is growing in her attempts to donate them for charity.

My daughter behind me said, “You know, I collect those too.” Well I’ll be; I never knew that. When I told her I was not aware, she told informed me she had a container in her room collecting tabs. I was disappointed she never told me of this endeavor she was pursuing. And even more saddened by the amount I knew her sibling had—hundreds as we’ve been collecting for some time (and thanks to the love I have of calorie free Diet Coke).

As I was offering up half of the collection I began telling her, “All you have to do is ask, and we’ll support you however we can. Sometimes it’s not always easy or best to try taking on something all by yourself without any support from others.”

And that’s when it happened… again. God was speaking to me with the words I spoke to my daughter. As a wife, mother and the spiritual leader of the home many things pile onto my plate. Matthew 11:28 tells us “Come to me all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” But instead I instinctively go into “autopilot” to get things accomplished.

How many times have I gone to God asking Him to get me out of the jam or telling Him I don’t know what to do next—I’ve done it how I think it should be done so far? More than I probably care to publicly share.


Dear God thank you for always having an open ear eager to hear my praise and petitions to You. Although I know You are always a call away I falter in calling upon You, and I try to take things into my control. I’m sorry Father. Help me to always remember all I have to do is ask You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Reflections:
Think back on prayers you brought to God. Take a moment to live in those times of need, desire, and patience.

When did you ask Him to step in? Was it before or after you had already started fighting the battle? What will help you remember to come to Him first?

Do you know and understand no request is too silly or unworthy of asking for?

What are your “power verses”? Write them down and keep them in easy reach.

Is there anything we as a group can pray for you? Please feel free to share as much or as little as you'd like.


Power Verses:
“Depend on the Lord; trust Him, and He will take care of you.” Psalms 37:5

“Pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.” Philippians 4:6

“Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace.” Hebrews 4:16

 

[Maharg]

Maharg I have often wondered how you were doing, especially with the teaching. Will you be with the same group of teachers as you were last year?

It's wonderful you were able to spend so much time with family over the break. And I do pray this year is much easier for you.

Our summer has been a bit hectic, but terrific. I'm in awe as to how much my children are growing up. For the oldest, this summer really opened my eyes to the quickness and speed of which it happens.

Thanks Cristianna for thinking of me.

I'm starting at a new school next week and I'm really looking forward to it. The staff team seem lovely and my mentor has already been really helpful. I've just started reading up on Philosophy ready to teach A-level (this is for students aged 16+) and feel I am understanding it pretty well and am ready to get stuck in to teaching it.

I have my own classroom in my new schol which will be wonderful. I have decorated it with three different coloured fabrics hung from the walls, and some white net fabric hung over another wall. I am going tp hang students' work to it with clothes pegs!

I'm glad you had a good summer. It sounds like you had a wonderful summer with your children. It must be wonderful to see this. God has made my pear tree produce fruit this year, which is a miracle as it isn't supposed to be able to do so without another pear tree nearby, so maybe that is a sign that he will produce fruit in our marriage too, and we will have some little ones.

Bless you for your contributions to this thread.

Just realised that my post addresses the devotion, which I hadn't read when I first posted it! So I have rewritten part of my post below!

Think back on prayers you brought to God. Take a moment to live in those times of need, desire, and patience.

When did you ask Him to step in? Was it before or after you had already started fighting the battle? What will help you remember to come to Him first?

Do you know and understand no request is too silly or unworthy of asking for?

Yesterday was a difficult day. I couldn't concentrate well enough to plan lessons and got myself in a pickle trying to plan GCSE lessons, but today has been different. Yesterday, I unwillingly pushed myself to do a bit orf Bible study in the morning and to pray briefly. Things went pretty badly. Despite that, God gave me his wopnderful peace at the end of the day. Today I took the time to dedicate the day to God, to remember how much he has given me, and to ask him for help with those areas I was finding difficult. The result has been a much more pleasant day with quite a lot achieved already. He really helps us when we remember to ask him doesn't he? And even someimes when we don't ask.

I am learning to remember that each time I feel tempted to worry about something I should pray instead. For example: Not 'What if I don't understand this?', but 'Lord, help me to understand this', and not 'what if I don't get this done', but 'Lord, help me to do this to your standard'. I don't remember this all the time tp ask him and sometimes I struggle along without asking for the right help because I just want to 'get on with it'. I've learnt over the last two days, just by the contrast between today and yesterday, that taking time to ask for God's help can make a major difference. God took the burden of worry away from me and this has made today completely different.

The fruit on my pear tree came as a result of prayer. It is not supposed to grow fruit withouit another pear tree nearby, but I prayed for fruit, and it came. My mum initially doubted the miracle of its growing fruit . She had said topmy dad something to the effect of it not being something particularly important to warrant a miracle, but she said to me that my father, who isn't actually a Chriatian, had said to her 'It's important to [Maharg]!' and she had realised that God knows what is important to us and that no issue is too small for him.

Is there anything we as a group can pray for you? Please feel free to share as much or as little as you'd like.

It would be lovely to have prayer that I will manage well with my new job with God's help; that I will work productively and without jeapordising my health or relationships with others.

Blessings to you all,

Maharg

 

[cristianna]

Thanks Cristianna for thinking of me.

I'm starting at a new school next week and I'm really looking forward to it. The staff team seem lovely and my mentor has already been really helpful. I've just started reading up on Philosophy ready to teach A-level (this is for students aged 16+) and feel I am understanding it pretty well and am ready to get stuck in to teaching it.

I have my own classroom in my new schol which will be wonderful. I have decorated it with three different coloured fabrics hung from the walls, and some white net fabric hung over another wall. I am going tp hang students' work to it with clothes pegs!

I'm glad you had a good summer. It sounds like you had a wonderful summer with your children. It must be wonderful to see this. God has made my pear tree produce fruit this year, which is a miracle as it isn't supposed to be able to do so without another pear tree nearby, so maybe that is a sign that he will produce fruit in our marriage too, and we will have some little ones.

Bless you for your contributions to this thread.

PTL! I am DELIGHTED for you! I remember the stress and trials you had last year, and you've really been on my mind alot as a result.

And yes, I too see a Godly hand in the symbolism of your pear tree! But I am intrigued as to just how He will bring them to you. Will it be miraculous? I absolutely believe so! Oh please keep me posted on this!

 

[cristianna]

Just realised that my post addresses the devotion, which I hadn't read when I first posted it! So I have rewritten part of my post below!



Yesterday was a difficult day. I couldn't concentrate well enough to plan lessons and got myself in a pickle trying to plan GCSE lessons, but today has been different. Yesterday, I unwillingly pushed myself to do a bit orf Bible study in the morning and to pray briefly. Things went pretty badly. Despite that, God gave me his wopnderful peace at the end of the day. Today I took the time to dedicate the day to God, to remember how much he has given me, and to ask him for help with those areas I was finding difficult. The result has been a much more pleasant day with quite a lot achieved already. He really helps us when we remember to ask him doesn't he? And even someimes when we don't ask.

I am learning to remember that each time I feel tempted to worry about something I should pray instead. For example: Not 'What if I don't understand this?', but 'Lord, help me to understand this', and not 'what if I don't get this done', but 'Lord, help me to do this to your standard'. I don't remember this all the time tp ask him and sometimes I struggle along without asking for the right help because I just want to 'get on with it'. I've learnt over the last two days, just by the contrast between today and yesterday, that taking time to ask for God's help can make a major difference. God took the burden of worry away from me and this has made today completely different.

The fruit on my pear tree came as a result of prayer. It is not supposed to grow fruit withouit another pear tree nearby, but I prayed for fruit, and it came. My mum initially doubted the miracle of its growing fruit . She had said topmy dad something to the effect of it not being something particularly important to warrant a miracle, but she said to me that my father, who isn't actually a Chriatian, had said to her 'It's important to [Maharg]!' and she had realised that God knows what is important to us and that no issue is too small for him.




It would be lovely to have prayer that I will manage well with my new job with God's help; that I will work productively and without jeapordising my health or relationships with others.

Blessings to you all,

Maharg

I will most definitely be praying for you Maharg. But I have a lovely feeling there's no need, that He has already answered your prayers. Sending them anyway!



I really don't like to openly state which devos I write. But this one I did. And it was such an epiphany moment for me. My oldest daughter collecting something meaningful to her that she really thought she didn't need help with or to state she was doing. How many times do all of us do something we really feel we don't need help on? That's the key to this devo.

Of course I go to God with prayers of the wavering spouse, fear of failing as the spiritual leader of the home, safe travels, monumental drama and the alike. But how often do I ask for help getting through the day of pre-teen hormones, daddy's crazy work schedule, the never-ending piles of laundry, dog hair that accumulates faster than dust? NEVER! I just take it in stride and turn on my autopilot never seeking His hand to be in it. Doh! That will be changing!

Right now I'd just like to ask for prayers for my ears to be opened even more and the megaphone to be pulled out if I'm just not listening. I've been asking for His help in areas, and I know no prayers goes unanswered. Unfortunately I'm not getting clear signals.

Blessings to all who participate, and even you lurkers out there!

 

[jenrenee]

I haven't been in here for so long - thank you, Christianna, for keeping up on this!

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you". Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

This is one of my favorite verses!!

Dear God thank you for always having an open ear eager to hear my praise and petitions to You. Although I know You are always a call away I falter in calling upon You, and I try to take things into my control. I’m sorry Father. Help me to always remember all I have to do is ask You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflections:
Think back on prayers you brought to God. Take a moment to live in those times of need, desire, and patience.

When did you ask Him to step in? Was it before or after you had already started fighting the battle? What will help you remember to come to Him first?

In the past, I've done pretty good with asking Him for help - but I do wait too long. When I felt that there was nothing I could do anymore to fix the situation or to get through it, that's when I would remember - God is there for me - I just need to ask! What will help me remember?? I'm not sure - but placing my bible beside my bed so that I see it every night does tend to help - and gives me a visual reminder that He is near me.

Do you know and understand no request is too silly or unworthy of asking for?

I have trouble with this one. Sometimes I think, He has much more important things to worry about than this one little thing - but I need to take it all to God. My problem right now is - what to do about unanswered prayer?? I have a prayer I have been asking for two years - and it has not been answered. I believe it will be, but in His time, not mine - and I struggle with having the patience the wait.

What are your “power verses”? Write them down and keep them in easy reach.

This is one of mine - as well as Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which I have posted by my desk and Jeremiah 29:11 - also posted by my desk and as my email siggy.


Is there anything we as a group can pray for you? Please feel free to share as much or as little as you'd like.

Yes. My same prayer request that I have had for the past two years. That me and my husband are able to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. I am on second round of fertility pills this month - and have an appointment with a specialist (finally!) in a month. Thank you!

 

[cristianna]

I haven't been in here for so long - thank you, Christianna, for keeping up on this!

I'm so glad to see you too! I was really missing our group. I learned so much from everyone and was always so encouraged. And to know how safe this place was-- a haven we could pour our hearts out, be lifted in prayer, never fear judgement or pointing of faults or fingers is truly a blessing!

Reflections:

Think back on prayers you brought to God. Take a moment to live in those times of need, desire, and patience.

When did you ask Him to step in? Was it before or after you had already started fighting the battle? What will help you remember to come to Him first?

In the past, I've done pretty good with asking Him for help - but I do wait too long. When I felt that there was nothing I could do anymore to fix the situation or to get through it, that's when I would remember - God is there for me - I just need to ask! What will help me remember?? I'm not sure - but placing my bible beside my bed so that I see it every night does tend to help - and gives me a visual reminder that He is near me.

Do you know and understand no request is too silly or unworthy of asking for?

I have trouble with this one. Sometimes I think, He has much more important things to worry about than this one little thing - but I need to take it all to God. My problem right now is - what to do about unanswered prayer?? I have a prayer I have been asking for two years - and it has not been answered. I believe it will be, but in His time, not mine - and I struggle with having the patience the wait.

What are your “power verses”? Write them down and keep them in easy reach.

This is one of mine - as well as Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which I have posted by my desk and Jeremiah 29:11 - also posted by my desk and as my email siggy.


Is there anything we as a group can pray for you? Please feel free to share as much or as little as you'd like.

Yes. My same prayer request that I have had for the past two years. That me and my husband are able to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. I am on second round of fertility pills this month - and have an appointment with a specialist (finally!) in a month. Thank you!

I will pray you always remember how important you are to God. If He knows the number of hairs on your head, and has declared that number for His special reasons, Sister... YOU ARE IMPORTANT AS ARE YOUR DELIGHTS, TROUBLES, PRAISES, WORRIES, BLESSINGS AND HEARTACHES!

In regards to finding the patience to wait for His will to be done... that's tough. I'd offer up one of my blog entries, but I've deleted them all out. (That's another story in itself.)

I can offer you this. Go back to a time when you repeatedly asked and thought your prayers were unanswered. And look at how He had His hand in all of it. Out of the blue I did that one day and it was such an eye opener. I'll look around on my pc and see if I can find that post.

Regardless I know how impossible patience can be found when we desire something so badly we can taste it. I pray He shows you His control and eases your heart in order to fulfill you with patience.

 

[jenrenee]

Thank you for your prayers! And, wow, it didn't take me long at all to come up with not one but two instances in which my prayers were answered - God answered them both, but it was well over two years later. You are right, this really is an eye-opener! When I was 12, my parents separated and planned on divorcing. Needless to say, I was devastated and prayed that they would get back together. Now everyone knows that rarely happens after a couple separates, but wouldn't you know it - over two years later, they decided to work things out and celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary this past year. The second one would be recently - and maybe you remember my prayers that my husband would start going to church, get baptized, etc. I started praying for this a long time ago. At this point, he doesn't attend church regularly, but he did go to classes and will go to more when they start up again to get baptized and confirmed so that he can be a member of the church.

Such great examples I've had all along and didn't really pay any attention. This does make me feel a lot better! Having patience for something like this is difficult, and it always will be for me - but if I really believe my prayers will be answered, which I do, patience really isn't asking all that much - so I think I can make it!

So glad to be back here!

 

[cristianna]

Thank you for your prayers! And, wow, it didn't take me long at all to come up with not one but two instances in which my prayers were answered - God answered them both, but it was well over two years later. You are right, this really is an eye-opener! When I was 12, my parents separated and planned on divorcing. Needless to say, I was devastated and prayed that they would get back together. Now everyone knows that rarely happens after a couple separates, but wouldn't you know it - over two years later, they decided to work things out and celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary this past year. The second one would be recently - and maybe you remember my prayers that my husband would start going to church, get baptized, etc. I started praying for this a long time ago. At this point, he doesn't attend church regularly, but he did go to classes and will go to more when they start up again to get baptized and confirmed so that he can be a member of the church.

Such great examples I've had all along and didn't really pay any attention. This does make me feel a lot better! Having patience for something like this is difficult, and it always will be for me - but if I really believe my prayers will be answered, which I do, patience really isn't asking all that much - so I think I can make it!

So glad to be back here!

See... isn't that encouraging!?!?! Sometimes we just need to step back and reflect. It's hard to remember just how much God is in control, but when we reflect we see how His hand is guiding everything. And we see how nothing goes unanswered, just according to His time and His plans.

 

[Maharg]

I just remembered another example of how I forgot to ask God for help. I was on a small rowing boat with my mum and we somehow became stuck on something while I was rowing. I was getting quite panicky because, try as hard as I could, I could not break us free. My mum said 'Just pray, love', and do you know, the very instant it dawned on me that IO could ask God for help, he set me free without my even having time to form the question in my head. I think he responded simply to the faith my mum reminded me that I already had. It taught me that he is always waiting to help us and wants us to turn to him.



Maharg

 

[Maharg]

jenrenee - praying for a healthy pregnancy and baby for you.

God bless you.

 

[jenrenee]

jenrenee - praying for a healthy pregnancy and baby for you.

God bless you.

Thank you so much!
I am keeping you in prayers as well!

 

[cristianna]

I just remembered another example of how I forgot to ask God for help. I was on a small rowing boat with my mum and we somehow became stuck on something while I was rowing. I was getting quite panicky because, try as hard as I could, I could not break us free. My mum said 'Just pray, love', and do you know, the very instant it dawned on me that IO could ask God for help, he set me free without my even having time to form the question in my head. I think he responded simply to the faith my mum reminded me that I already had. It taught me that he is always waiting to help us and wants us to turn to him.



Maharg

 

[cristianna]

August 23, 2007

The Perfect Fit
By Janet Perez Eckles,


"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways." Psalm 139:1-3 (NIV)

Devotion: So why wouldn’t I jump at the chance to head to the mall when a great sale is calling my name? I imagine most folks would resist a shopping trip when blindness sets in, but not me.

A while back, my dear friend Laura called. "I’ll pick you up early." Excitement splashed through her words. "There’s a great sale going on and we don’t want to miss it."

Although we both love a bargain, Laura knows unique adventure is in store when shopping with a blind friend. Some incidents make our cheeks burn with embarrassment; others spark roars of laughter. Either way, nothing prevents us from joining the army of bargain shoppers.

Anticipating great deals sure to make my budget smile, I clutched my friend’s arm and we squeezed through isles to begin our hunt. The word "sale" added to the excitement and ignited our itch to conquer.

Laura tugged at my arm. "Look…the perfect outfit for you."

"What color is it?"

"Black and red, your colors." She placed it in my hands. "And it’s on sale!"

I felt the fabric, shape, and style. Then with a clear image in my head, I smiled and added the item to the "try on" pile.

Once in the dressing room, Laura reassured me, "It has to fit you. The price is unbelievable."

I slipped it on half way and something unexpected happened. It got stuck. "Hmm… a little tight," my muffled voice begged from inside this garment. With raised arms, I struggled to squeeze my torso through.

"Keep trying. It will look great on you." Laura pulled at the sides.

My attempts to remain calm threatened to vanish with my arms locked up in the air, unable to move one inch further. "Now what do I do?"

"It’s got to fit…it’s your size!" Laura insisted. "Let me help you." She tugged as I wiggled and strained.

"I really think I need a bigger size," I pleaded, feeling worn out by the struggle. I longed to be double-jointed.

"Remember…no pain, no gain," Laura announced. And with all her might, she gave one last yank. "There…it fits perfectly!"

I stared blankly, arms limp to my sides. They stung from the fabric that scraped my skin raw. I stood motionless from fatigue. Her comments of praise eluded me. My concentration drifted and I coveted Houdini’s ability to get back out of this garment.

"It looks great, Janet. Turn around."

I felt her hand on the back. "Oh, there’s a zipper. I didn’t see it before. You have to really look for it."

"A zipper? A zipper?" I thought. What a relief!

The same painful struggle invaded my world when I faced my blindness. Feeling lost and destroyed by its horrifying grip, I had crafted my own solutions and answers, thinking they’d be a good fit.

The struggle began. I tugged, yanked and pulled to find a fitting answer for my anguish. I grew out of breath as the battle continued and anxiety squeezed at my heart and frustration left it raw. Then, when ready to give up, I stepped into the closet of my soul only to find the second hand rags of despair and frustration. But when I opened the zipper of my heart, I invited Christ into my life, and right away breathed relief from my pain.

His shining faithfulness, compassion and guidance offered a perfect garment for my soul. This gift, garnished with the accessories of His trustworthy promises, completed the wardrobe of a new life; one rich with newfound freedom. This garment with the reassurance that He created me and thus knew what will fit me. He knew the size of my pain, the color of my frustration, the fabric of my fears, and the fashion of my insecurities.

Once I opened the zipper of my heart to Him, the size of my problems and His sovereign provision were a perfect fit. No more struggling to force my own solutions. Instead, when facing difficulties, I dash to the sale rack of His faithfulness, forgiveness and provision. And to my delight, the price tag always reads "already paid for."

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your love that covers all my pain. Thank you for knowing the intensity of my struggles and for having the perfect response. May I seek Your ways rather than my own. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Reflections:
Read and consider God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10.

Consider the times you tried to bring about your own solutions. How did that work for you?

Why does He instruct us to come to Him when we’re weary and overburdened? See Matthew 11:28.

In what ways do we stand in the way of God solving our problems?

Power Verses:
Mark 10:27, "Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Isaiah 5:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

 

[cristianna]

I had a nice laugh this morning when I read today's emailed devo. I realize it's somewhat identical to the one I wrote yesterday, but I don't have time to write another this morning.

We'll just resonate in it.

 

[hannahfievel]

I'm so sorry I don't read in here often! But, everytime I remember too...I am blessed! Thank you all for encouraging words, prayers and the love that expounds from this thread! Love to all, hannah