Worrying about the how
Melanie - March 13, 2009
I spend a lot of time trying to figure things out. I develop plans in my head and write lists of things I need to accomplish. And then I worry about my lists and my plans and how they're all going to work out.
I have a little bit of control freak tendencies.
So I loved what Beth said in this week's session about Esther. Esther was called to be obedient, not to figure the situation out. We are responsible for "the what" in our lives, but God will take care of "the how".
When I think of all the hours I've spent worrying about "the how"...well, it's a lot of hours. What a relief to realize that God has it all in his hands and all I need to do is listen.
I'd love to hear what you learned from Esther this week.
Also, on a totally different note. Please pray for the ministers' wives conference this weekend in Nashville and, if you're anywhere nearby and the wife of a minister, it's not too late to be a part of it.
Melanie
Melanie
Sophie
Sophie
Paige
Paige
Kris
Kris
Comments (4)
Melanie, I’m a planner and list maker also! And, yes, a bit of a control freak!
Esther has been beyond description for me! I have had lots of medical tests run this week and I can’t get something Beth said out of my mind. She said “If _____, then ” She instructed us to fill in the first blank with whatever our very, very worst fear would be. And then to realize that if that ever came to pass THEN_??? Then….God would be there! No matter what. I do covet your prayers about my tests. They could be nothing OR it could be very serious. I just want to be able to rest in the knowledge that God IS!
Thank you! Marilyn
Posted on March 14, 2009 10:15 PM
Marilyn, I will be praying for you. I am a breast cancer survivor. I am healed through our Lord Jesus. Yes, I went on the journey but I knew God would be there for me. I finished my treatments in September of last year. God will be with you no matter what. I have grown in His word and Trusting Him so much more! KEEP YOU EYES ON HIM AND NOT ON THE SITUATION! He is our healer and comforter! Praying for you out in California! I also was a planner and a bit of control freak too!
Posted on March 15, 2009 5:17 PM
I about fell out of my seat that night at Bible study. A dear friend and I have been praying about a ministry opportunity for quite some time. We were confident of the call but stuck on the HOW. So deep breath in we’re doing the WHAT. Just wait until the turn it around lessons!!! Gina
Posted on March 16, 2009 4:07 PM
I am so thankful for the reminder that when I feel “responsible for the ‘how’” I need to fire myself! There are countless situations in my life that somehow must be dealt with, and Praise the Lord, He is more than able to do so.
The situation that immediately comes to mind is the question of how I was to ever forgive myself for the sin I had allowed to engulf me. As a long-time believer, it was particularly crushing to wake up and discover myself surrounded by what I had considered to be an “unforgiveable” sin when I’d seen it in another person’s life. Now here I was face to face with that same ugliness in my own.
After praying for Godly sorrow that leads to repentance, and feeling the full weight of my desperate need for a Savior, there was still no relief for my dusty, parched soul. The breakthrough came when I “fired myself” from wondering how to feel forgiven, and just prayed God’s words back to Him, taking it as fact, believing that His love for me far outweighs the guilt of my sin. Hallelujah, God knows how to forgive so much better than I do! I’m so thankful He’s shown me that unforgiveness in my life so He can make me more like Him.
Thank you for the beautiful Bible study in Esther and for the perennially helpful “Praying God’s Word.”
Posted on March 17, 2009 4:21 PM