Going Deeper with God

I love the way God works knitting all the pieces of life together!

Currently I am participating in an online bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries, Yes to God. One of the questions posed this week is "What is holding you back from going deeper with God?" Is it just chance that my personal readings with God had me in James chapter one this week as well?

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." (James 1:5, 6 ESV)

Let me throw a little of my perspective on this. I am currently in a season of life where our family is facing a lot of trials. These are situations over which I have no control. I didn't cause them. I cannot cure them. My heart is heavy with the pain and suffering those close to me are suffering. I feel... I really don't have a word to describe.

In my heart, I am a Yes Lord Girl. I want to follow Him. I want to be a living example of Jesus. I want to be the hands and feet of love to others. Yet in this season I find myself internalizing and withdrawing. I feel helpless. What am I to do? What is the right thing?

Today's Proverbs 31 devotional by Lysa Terkeurst was a beacon of light. Lysa spoke of Daniel who continued to pray prayers of THANKSGIVING when commanded not to pray. This spoke volumes to me connecting the James passage with my current situation. 

When life brings its trials, and it will, I am simply to continue to pray...prayers of thanksgiving in the knowledge that God has not changed. HE is still moving. HE has everything under control working HIS mighty plan.

Too often I let fear of the unknown keep me from going deeper and being more of what HE intended. HE has a purpose for everything HE allows in my life. If I will hold on to the truth and knowledge of HIM, I will come out on the other side more blessed. HE is the victory. HE is in control whether I feel it or not.

What keeps me from going deeper? Self doubt, past failures, feelings of unworthiness. I know my past. I know when I have said yes and the going got rough so I quit, gave up, lost out. Then, I remember...it is not by my might nor strength. It is not because I am worthy. I am not responsible for the outcome. I am only responsible for the obedience. Whatever YOU want me to do, I simply say YES and trust YOU to make whatever YOU want happen. I simply open my hands, palms up and say "Not my will but thine be done!"

Trusting..... "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6 NASB)

Knowing..."And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose," (Romans 8:28 NET)

Believing...."I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13 ESV)

When I lay it at HIS feet, I leave it there. I give my life an offering, a daily sacrifice to HIM because it is all about HIM any way.

Yes Lord Yes...to your will and your way!

Awed by His mercy and grace,

Arla