Crumpled Up
For me, 2007-2008 in general, was a time of testing, trial and disappointment in which I struggled with the silence of God and the fickleness of humankind. I have named that period of my life “The Nationwide Period” (referring to the “Life Comes At You Fast” commercials).
I’m still discovering all that God meant for me to learn through my experiences the last couple years. At the same time, I’m so eager to move on with my life, knowing that God still offers me a future and a hope.
The promise of Isaiah 43:19 is leading me into 2009: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands” (The Message).
I get so caught up with planning my life, writing my to-do lists, making resolutions, dreaming, and setting goals; but I struggle with surrendering it all to God and allowing Him—waiting on him—to direct my life. Most of my plans and daily decisions are common sense-led rather than Spirit-led and somehow I muddle through. But, I realize, muddling through is settling for second best. God’s ways are not our ways—they are so much better—and I should desire what He desires.
My life is characterized with a steady faith and peace when I am in constant communication with God. It might seem crazy that we be at peace with stressors, inconveniences, and disappointments such as losing a job, having the side of our car dented in, or moving to the other side of town. But it may be the way God leads us on to the next step in His plan for our lives.
God and I both can’t be in charge at the same time. Trust me, I’ve tried to negotiate this.
Oswald Chambers once said, “When I stop telling God what I want, He can catch me up for what He wants without let or hindrance. He can crumple me up or exalt me, He can do anything He chooses. He simply asks me to have implicit faith in Himself and in His goodness. Self pity is of the devil, if I go off on that line I cannot be used by God for His purpose in the world.”
At many different times within the last couple years, I’ve felt crumpled up and tossed aside. My dreams have crumpled up. Even some of my relationships have crumpled up. I still don’t know what God’s purpose is in it. I don’t know how it will all come together in the end—I’d have to be God to understand.
My place is to never look back and doubt His goodness. Instead, I’m to be present and alert, knowing that the best is yet to come!
I’m still discovering all that God meant for me to learn through my experiences the last couple years. At the same time, I’m so eager to move on with my life, knowing that God still offers me a future and a hope.
The promise of Isaiah 43:19 is leading me into 2009: “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands” (The Message).
I get so caught up with planning my life, writing my to-do lists, making resolutions, dreaming, and setting goals; but I struggle with surrendering it all to God and allowing Him—waiting on him—to direct my life. Most of my plans and daily decisions are common sense-led rather than Spirit-led and somehow I muddle through. But, I realize, muddling through is settling for second best. God’s ways are not our ways—they are so much better—and I should desire what He desires.
My life is characterized with a steady faith and peace when I am in constant communication with God. It might seem crazy that we be at peace with stressors, inconveniences, and disappointments such as losing a job, having the side of our car dented in, or moving to the other side of town. But it may be the way God leads us on to the next step in His plan for our lives.
God and I both can’t be in charge at the same time. Trust me, I’ve tried to negotiate this.
Oswald Chambers once said, “When I stop telling God what I want, He can catch me up for what He wants without let or hindrance. He can crumple me up or exalt me, He can do anything He chooses. He simply asks me to have implicit faith in Himself and in His goodness. Self pity is of the devil, if I go off on that line I cannot be used by God for His purpose in the world.”
At many different times within the last couple years, I’ve felt crumpled up and tossed aside. My dreams have crumpled up. Even some of my relationships have crumpled up. I still don’t know what God’s purpose is in it. I don’t know how it will all come together in the end—I’d have to be God to understand.
My place is to never look back and doubt His goodness. Instead, I’m to be present and alert, knowing that the best is yet to come!
posted by Rachel | 12:37 AM
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