Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Change of Circumstance

Well, I finally got out of Isaiah (but I'm sure I will go back) :-)

I was reading in Esther last night and was reminded about how God changed the circumstance that Mordecai was about to face (Esther 6:1-11). I was first introduced to this thought a year or so ago when I was doing Beth Moore's study on Esther, but had forgotten about this passage.

Haman was plotting against Mordecai and was going to have him hanged. But God had other plans. Who but God could have caused King Ahasuerus to not be able to sleep? Who but God could have caused him to want to read (or have read to him) the "book of records..."? It was not a coincidence that the king was reminded of Mordecai, nor that it was that particular time that the king would choose to honor Mordecai for his good deed toward him. And isn't it just like God to use the very one that is plotting against us to bring blessing into our lives?

When you are facing a trial, don't give up. You never know who God is waking up to come to your rescue. Every circumstance can be changed. Just because we don't see what is happening, doesn't mean that God is not calling out the things that can change what we are going through.

Trust Him today, believe Him today. There is a King who does not sleep and works everything for good to those that love him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Father we thank You because You are the King who does not sleep. You always have our best interest at heart and will work to bless us even when others want to curse us. You are holy and You are Lord of all. We rest in Your presence today and give every circumstance and situation to You. Help us to trust You and believe that Your word is true and alive in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

My Ways

I just can't seem to get out of the book of Isaiah lately. Especially chapters 54 and 55. Today my heart is on Isaiah 55:8-11.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts higher than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth and it shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

I have so many plans. Plans for my career, plans for my kids, plans for my personal life (that I hope includes at least a boyfriend in the near future), plans for everything! I am very much a planner and do not deal well with the plan falling apart.

But through some circumstances lately (and me looking a little foolish), God has reminded me that my plans are NOT His. I have always felt a call of God on my life. I haven't always known what that call is (was) but I have spent a lot of time trying to figure it out. "It could be working in this area or doing this thing or how about I try this for a little while".....are all things that I do/think rather than sitting still, asking God where He wants me and then listening for His answer.

Lately I have been listening and while I still don't know exactly which direction to take, this is what I do know, God is calling me to teach. I'm not sure what capacity or who He wants me to teach (other than my boys and that is my first priority), but I know that, that is my calling. In order to do that I have to know His word and spend more time with Him. That is the season I am in right now, and I feel filled up with Jesus and can't wait to see what is next.


I also know that somewhere there is a godly man that is made just for me, and that he and I will minister (maybe even teach) together. I'm not saying I'm called to be a Pastor's wife, just that there will be some sort of ministry we are supposed to be involved in.


So while I wait for more direction (and Prince Charming) I will praise Him and serve Him and remember that His plans are not my plans, but unlike my plans, His plans won't bring hurt and disappointment or void in my life but will bear much fruit and return to Him the purpose that He created me for.

Father thank you for every opportunity that Your plans give to me. Help me make the most of them and to give you glory in all things. You know the plans that you have for me and for whoever may be reading this blog. They are plans to prosper us, to give us a future and a hope, not to harm us. We know that You are greater than any thing or circumstance that we face, and if we trust You, You will not only see us through those things but You will bring forth many blessings in our lives and Your will, will be carried out. In Jesus Name, Amen.