3/20/06
Encouragement for Today
“But God…”
By Marie Ogram, Graduate of She Speaks Conference (http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/ss_intro_2006.htm)
Key Verse:
James 4:7, “Submit yourselves, then, to God.” (NIV)
Scott was always a child who loved to be in complete control in any and all situations. Perhaps being the middle child had something to do with his desire. When Scott was in kindergarten, his teacher read the class a book about a kite that helped wishes come true. Just as in the book, children were to make kites and then put their three wishes on the tail of the kite. As the hearty breeze in the book caused the tail of each kite to flutter high in the sky, the children’s wishes would come true. Now Scott, barely 5 years old at the time, wrote out his three wishes to fly on the tail of his kite in an earnest effort to have them come true.
- Scott wished that everything in the world was free (pretty ambitious for such a young age).
- Scott wished for a pet (typical for a five year old).
- Scott wished he could be the boss of his family (hmmmm).
Scott was in fifth grade when he found his dream teacher, Ms. Kleckner. She felt that each of her students, regardless of whether right or wrong should have the ability to argue his/her point without any detrimental effects. Scott, loving to be one up on his parents, had convinced himself that he should be able to debate any and all issues, even while at home. You might imagine how well that went over with us as parents—like a lead balloon. There were times when we would allow Scott to voice his feelings and opinions and other times when what we said went, regardless of how he felt. We knew what was best for Scott.
Although God is much more patient than we are as parents, He, too, must tire of our many conscious and subconscious efforts to put ourselves in charge. We think we know what is best in certain situations and we think we know what we need and want for our lives. To God we must look like five year olds who want to be the bosses of our families. But just as my husband and I knew far better than Scott what was best for him at his age, so does God know far better than we what is best for us in every aspect of our lives. God loves us as little children more deeply than we can imagine. Yet we must recognize that He is in charge and He knows what is best. God desires for us to come to Him for guidance rather than us telling Him what we will do.
Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, I truly want to do Your will with my life. I am very sorry for the many times I argue with You and I try to get my own way. I know You want what is best for me. Please help me to set aside my agenda and be more willing to listen to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Journal your feelings about giving up control.
Think of a time when you desperately wanted something that God did NOT give you and in looking back you see that it is a blessing that He said “No”.
Ask God to take control of ALL areas of your life that you have not completely surrendered to Him.
Refection Points:
What areas of your life do you still think you are the boss of?
Why won’t you surrender those areas?
What have you got to lose by surrendering those areas?
Power Verses:
Jeremiah 29:11-14, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity.” (NIV)
Psalm 37:5a, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him.” (NIV)
1Samuel 3:18b, “He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes.” (NIV)
Additional Resources:
Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God, by Sharon Jaynes
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_becomingAWoman.htm
A Woman’s Secret to a Balanced Life, by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_secretBalanced.htm
P31 Woman Magazine
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/subscription.htm
Originally published Monday, 20 March 2006.
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