Yesterday I wrote about embracing discomfort. I wasn’t having a comfortable day. It seems, awhile ago, I have been asked by God to traipse new territory. Along the way He has asked me to step up and do something I know I must do, but have been avoiding. It seemed yesterday was the day.
Needless to say, my mood was a little low, but, I’m kind of proud to say, not as bad as I imagined it would be when I had to stand in front of God and “give it over”. I’m like a little kid who took something and is standing there hiding it behind her back, while the father is standing there with his hand out. Just as I was thinking about having to do this thing “for God”, an email dinged my phone. It was from my dear friend Shirley – who had no idea I was having this kind of day. In it it said:
Linda,I went back to a part of my journal, Not a Fan, that I missed when we were away, and although it was early in the day, the evening reflection went as follows:
“Anyone who looks at themselves honestly knows they have nothing to offer God. It’s what God offers us that changes things.”
Complete this sentence as if Jesus were speaking to you:
“Shirley (your name), I am offering you…
Write your response.
(At this point I couldn’t write fast enough as God fed me the words that I think I’m supposed to
share with you)
…strength for every day to serve Me with all your heart – regardless of what I ask you to do –
where…when…how… Just do it!My response was: Ok God – Jesus walks in and with me – exciting to see where you lead/take me!!! I’ll do my best…
There was nothing profound, but spoken from the depths of my heart and I’m trying to trust and obey…
My friend felt compelled to share her own private thoughts of the day with me. (Shirley is a Christian writer who shares her faith through two wonderful books – info below.)
I was struck by two parts of the message: “It’s what God offers us that changes things” and “regardless of what I ask you to do – where…when…how – just do it!” How funny of me to think that if I offer God things, He’ll love me more or be more pleased with me. This is God we’re talking about. What could I possibly have that He needs? The second part of the message answered that. It’s my heart and my faith that God wants. Not the actual thing I’m hiding behind my back to “give over”. It’s what the thing means to me that God is pressing me to hand to Him.
I did it. Slowly, but I did it. I opened my heart and “gave it over”. I shed a few tears and went on with my day. Yes, my heart was a little heavy, but my exercise and yoga have conditioned me to embrace the discomfort.
Upon awaking this morning, I’m good. My treasure is gone, but I’m good. I’m still learning to gracefully let go of things never meant for me.
And so, as another day goes by, I love my friend Shirley, who is always watching out for me and praying for me, and…I have written.
Here is Shirley’s info. Be sure to check out her beautiful books.
Shirley Pieters Vogel
Author of award winning wHispers (when He is so precious even rocks sing) is a story about God’s marvelous love and faithfulness – especially in tough times.
Her new book Faith, Favorites, and Fotos of Cape Cod is now available.
Both books available in soft cover and e-book at Winepress , Amazon and bookstores.
Personalized copies from Shirley at whispers@shirleyvogel.com
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