Where have you seen the LORD work in your story? Bringing help. Our kids. Prayers. Community. Family. You know how undeserved the grace is for you. You know your own thoughts and actions. You know what you bring to the table with God. Yet, God invites us to be a part of the grand story. However, similar to so many people of the Bible, God poses the question. Will you join me? There is a story that can be told with you and it requires your trust as you step out in faith to his question. It’s the out of our control next steps that are hard for us.
For instance, I can’t get out of my head the calling of Nineveh. Jonah was asked by God to go to the brutal, ruthless Ninevites. Jonah hopped on the next boat going the complete OPPOSITE direction. Hard pass. No thank you. Yet, God pursued him. With Jonah’s final, fishy smelling, reluctant yes, Nineveh was saved. It meant letting go of Jonah’s plans. It meant humbling himself to go where he did not want to go. In doing so, Nineveh, from the king to the infant, was saved. It began with a yes.
These questions from the study from Dwell hit me the other day and I haven’t processed it yet. Am i being called into a season of Nineveh? How can I process and name my emotions before my loving father, who wants to give me all that I need? How can I deepen in trust that as you march to this Nineveh, you will be provided for and take care of?
Nineveh. That step isn’t what I want. I see Nineveh as an obedience, a hard choice, but one of trust. Some personal examples. When our landlord said that they were not renewing our lease, I freaked out. I was sure we could not get a mortgage. We did. I was sure we could not find a house. We did. I was sure something would fall through and yet five years later, I sit in this house typing away. On our door frame is Scripture left by the previous owner. Or now, the place I have worked for the last eight years is closing, my boss is retiring. I have to find a new job and I don’t WANT a new job. Yet, it is out of my control.
I had a plan in both cases. Yet God had/has better things in store for me. This requires me to take steps forward in obedience and trust God. I don’t have the answers, but I know the One who does and in this I can be confident. Why does my heart still quiver and fear? Why do I try on my own strength to figure and plan and scheme to make things work? I’m human. I think it would be an interesting exercise for me to write out the worries of things that have not happened yet and see what transpires because here’s the thing, most of the time they do not happen.
My brain can think of the times when his answers were no or a door closed. Medical issues, job loss, house stuff.. however, if I could go back and tell myself anything it would be to spend less time in the fretting and fruitless planning, and rest. He was and is on the other side of the wall and fear I am facing today.
So how can I deepen my trust in the only One worthy of my trust? Walking towards the next step with his word on my mind. Reminding my weary heart that I can trust him. Pain, weariness, fear all can create a storm that quiets the very voice that brings you the peace. Keeping his word close by writing it out, memorizing, listening, worshipping quiets this storm. Maybe that seems simple, but it really is the only way I know to walk through the storms I’m facing today.
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and deliver them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalm 34:4-8 ESV
4 Comments
Cara,
Thank you for your testimony and insight. A great reminder and encouragement to look to God trust him. He has the perfect plan for us. I like the suggestions to worship, memorize, meditate. Because it gets my mind off the situation I am in and focuses on God and rest knowing he is in control and through him it will work out for his glory.
Blessings!
Lori
Thank you for reading my friend. I appreciate your insights as well.
I love this! Another Daily Devotional that I follow is Greg Laurie’s, from Harvest Ministries. He too, mentions the trials of Jonah. Running away from the Lord. Till finally crying out to the Lord. And then feeling the strength to go to Nineveh.
Your insights are always so well written and inspiring. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you, friend! We fill our minds with the truth!