I have Proverbs 31 Ministries daily devotional delivered via email every day. Today’s really hit home with me.
You can check it out here: Proverbs 31 Ministries Devotional – When the End Goal Seems to Hard by Lysa TerKeurst
I need to celebrate the small successes more like Lysa’s friend did with resisting the bag of M&M’s. I have a hard time with that. At the time, I never see how resisting once can start a pattern, so what the heck why not eat the M&M’s! I want to see pounds drop away quickly, not a pound or two a week. I want to finish a quilt in a day not months. I want to get my house cleaned in a few hours not all day. I want it and I want it fast. Not always in God’s timing though is it?
This morning is a good example…I was scheduled to have a nucleoplasty procedure on my lower back today but I had the unfortunate circumstance of coming down with the flu yesterday, so today was a no-go. While I was feeling better this morning, I hadn’t been fever free for long enough. My timing was to have the surgery done now while on Christmas break from work, on this years insurance deductible and be ready to head back to work on Tuesday. 4 – 6 weeks recovery brings me to a week or two before we lead another mission trip to Hackleburg, Alabama. Good plan, eh?
However, God’s timing & plans can be different than ours can’t they? I am rescheduled for January 13th which bumps me right up against our Alabama departure date of Feb. 18th. So, I’m praying for a cancellation and a problem free recovery so I’m ready to roll for the week we are gone. And maybe, just maybe this hitch in my plan is so I rely on God just a little more and get my strength from him instead of my own will. Could be?
And maybe YOU want to make the Alabama trip but HE doesn't want you to. I know you don't want to hear that! Three years ago I was all set to go to Mexico on a mission trip. My husband and I had been several times but this trip my sister was going to join us for the first time so I was thrilled. A week before the trip I had a TIA and the doctors wouldn't let me go. I was so disappointed and that's an understatement. But later on, when I looked back, I could see that it just wasn't in the Lord's plans - He had other things for me to do. Now I try to be a little more open to His timing but I confess, I often am not successful. :) I have lifted you up this afternoon Lori - praying that God will open your eyes to His plans for you (and hoping that Alabama is in there!) and for wisdom for your doctors, rapid healing for you, and strength for your recovery. blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the flu is better. You are in my prayers. I hope the pain is bearable. Take care! - Jeanne
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, and praying that God will reveal to you His plans for you, and make this an easy decision for you. Feel better quickly, my friend!
ReplyDeleteLori
ReplyDeleteI can see where this rescheduling would be upsetting for you. I'll pray for a cancellation for you. But, as you say, the Lord knows all the details of your plans.
Happy 2012!
Oh my goodness!!!! Why didn't you say something yesterday?!? Do you need anything? ok, you are getting an email tomorrow ;)
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling better-the flu is not a fun way to begin a new year!
ReplyDeleteThat sucks! Hope everything works out for the best!
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you for health and ministry in God's timing. Blessings from the Big Sky Country..........Denise
ReplyDeleteBoy, did this speak to me!!! Hope everything works out. Our prayers are with you. I just love your devotions!!!
ReplyDelete