Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Trust

My quiet time readings this morning were so appropriate and so encouraging!

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
“I am taking care of you. Trust Me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter these four words: “I trust You, Jesus.” By doing so, you release matters into My control, and you fall back into the security of My everlasting arms. Before you arise from your bed in the morning, I have already arranged the events of your day. Every day provides many opportunities for you to learn My ways and grow closer to Me. Signs of My Presence brighten even the dullest day when you have eyes that really see. Search for Me as for hidden treasure. I will be found by you.” Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Deuteronomy 33:27a "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Jeremiah 29:13-14a "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD."

This is just what I needed to read this morning! I’m still tired and sick and struggling with physical weakness. It often does seems as if everything is going wrong. Yet, I know God has a plan, has all under His control, and gives strength as it is needed. I must trust Him!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Today

I realize I have not written in over a month. A lot of it has to do with being sick the entire time as well as trying to move forward with everything that needs to be accomplished in a few short months in order for me to graduate as planned. What I read this morning was very encouraging and as the day wore on, proved to be very appropriate.

From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young for March 7:
"Let Me help you through this day. The challenges you face are far too great for you to handle alone. You are keenly aware of your helplessness in the scheme of events you face. This awareness opens up a choice: to doggedly go it alone or to walk with Me in humble steps of dependence. Actually, this choice is continually before you, but difficulties highlight the decision-making process. So, consider it all joy whenever you are enveloped in various trials. These are gifts from Me, reminding you to rely on Me alone."
Psalm 63:7-8; James 1:2-3 (AMP)

Ps. 63:7-8 "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me." (KJV)

Jam. 1:2-3 "Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience." (AMP)

My comments after reading this:
Just what I needed! I don't know how today will go...

I had known I had a busy day planned and a busy week ahead of me and was not well yet. My uncertainty at the time of writing was more as to how I would make it through the day according to plan. Only hours later, I discovered that the day looked much different than I had anticipated. It did not go as planned. I ended up having to cancel out of everything planned and instead ended up resting this morning and going to an unplanned doctor appointment this afternoon. Looking back, I can see that God's plan was certainly more in line with what I needed than my plan had been. His plan included rest for my sick, tired body. Rest I knew I needed, but was not sure how to fit into the day. God took care of that! This is particularly relevant for me to keep in mind while working toward meeting graduation deadlines. My time line may very likely not be God's. While there are some very real challenges to face if I do not graduate at the time originally planned, God can work things out. I have no cause to worry, doubt, or fear. God has all under control. I must simply trust and rest in His perfect plan.