It’s always fascinated me how intricate God’s plans are for each and everyone of us. The way He weaves lives together at just the right time, how He speaks through His word, pastors, teachers and friends with the same exact message to be sure we don’t miss it. How He gently removes our blinders to see how deep our sin and disobedience has been, not in a hurtful way but in a loving way that brings us to the point of confession and repentance. A million tiny details for millions and millions of people, all of it, masterfully woven together in a way that only God can. What’s even better is when we are quiet and still long enough and seek God earnestly enough that He gives us just a glimpse of what He has been doing in our lives. It brings me to my knees with tears in my eyes when the God of all creation meets us in these special moments. Moments that are so very hard to explain to anyone else, but moments where you are 100% certain you’ve just meant with the King of Kings! 

This is where I find myself this morning. Broken by my disobedience and unfaithfulness to my Savior. But at the same time filled with a renewed passion to share what He has given me to share. Oh how I wish I had the time to share every intimate detail, scripture passage, devotional readings that led to the scripture as well as a book “You Are The Girl For The Job”, by Jess Connolly that came at just the right time. How He used the tail end of Christmas break and an unwanted snow storm to keep me home and unhurried for many more days than I would have chosen. But perhaps I can share just a snapshot that will lead you to your own meeting with Jesus!

One of the things God has kindly been revealing to me is that I have been avoiding using this gift of writing that He no doubt put inside of me. I knew I had been avoiding writing, but I didn’t care enough to figure out why. The reasons range from hurt, disappointment, fear and laziness. The one thing that never occurred to me before God gently pulled back the curtain on my sin was that I was being unfaithful to Him by not using the gift He graciously gave. As I’ve shared before, this writing thing is not something I chose for myself but that God chose for me. And me deciding I wasn’t good enough or can never be the best so why bother is just, well it’s just plain and simply sinful. It’s me not trusting God. Choosing disobedience and making excuses. 

A couple of weeks ago, I was talking with a friend who asked about New Year’s resolutions. To which I replied I never make them because I don’t need yet another thing to be disappointed about when I undoubtedly fail. What I did say was that I needed to figure out a way to move forward and get unstuck from the place I’ve been in for far too long. That one conversation, in the hands of a mighty and loving God propelled me to earnestly seek His help and direction. I’ve been walking with Jesus a lot of years, sometimes really closely and others not so much. But one thing I’ve learned is that God will in fact use whatever is necessary to get your attention. And we need to be aware of what’s happening around us and in us when He does. 

John 15, John 21, Colossians 3:12-17, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 are just a few of the scriptures God has used to convict me and once again bring me to the place of willingly submitting to His plan in every single area of my life. So let me ask you a question – are there things you have been carrying or holding onto that you need to lay at your Father’s feet? What burdens do you carry that are so very heavy you’re not sure you can even continue to move? 

Perhaps you’ve been deeply hurt, give it to Jesus. Maybe that hurt has led to bitterness, anger and jealousy, give it to Jesus. Maybe it’s disappointment with God. Your life isn’t all that you thought or hoped it would be, give it to Jesus and ask Him to show you what He wants for you instead. Or what about shame, have you seen and done things that you can’t believe you can ever be forgiven for or move past? Jesus can do it, give it to Him today! Have you unintentionally built walls of protection that you hope will keep you from getting hurt again, but also have caused you to pull away from people or things that you love to the point you feel utterly alone? God is right there, give it all to Him. Pride, grief, confusion, greed, etc. the list is unending and only you and God know what it is that you are holding on to that is keeping you stuck. Will you let it go today and lay it at the feet of your more than able and capable Savior? Jesus is waiting for you to free up your hands and grab ahold of His, so that He can walk you into the life He planned for you. Is it always going to be easy- doubtful. Will He always be right there with you- absolutely! Will it be worth it – without a doubt! So, let’s move!

Let me leave you with this quote from “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers – “When we ignore God’s nudge He will at times bring us a crisis that in a way puts our faith to the test. It brings us to the place where we will vote in a way with our choices and actions if we are going to be for or against God.” Philippians 1:12-21 supports this same idea. Which way will you choose?